[IC] Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

[Leon5431]

Kayal, Nalla and Zana listened as Sharee ordered those that could fight to group together and then those that could not to group together, then they listened silently as she warned them of the punishment for lying, Pride is the downfall of man. Kayal thought to himself as he listened to her speech. The trio then dispersed into the appropriate groups as Sharee commanded, they were all fighters so they did not separate which was not the same story for some of the other groups that formed. Sharee then informed them that they would have a three day break before the mission fell into play, something Kayal was a little thankful for, but did not require. After Sharee dismissed the gathered crowd Kayal Nalla and Zana lingered a while longer. Nalla and Zana chatted quietly but Kayal was mostly silent deep in thought, his eyes watched Sharee as she climbed down from the rock.

He watched as she made her way through the crowd. He couldn't help but notice the Dunmer Sarel who was sitting off on the on the edge of the rock Sharee had been standing on. He pulled a bottle of wine from his knapsack and smile at Sharee. This tiny act, something that, if Kayal didn't know Sharee, he would merely have labeled as nothing but, Kayal at least knew Sharee's reputation and if Sarel knew of it as well then this gesture was loud and clear. But still Kayal payed no mind to it, what they did was no matter to him. Instead his eyes continued to follow Sharee as she made her way through the crowd, towards the trees, she paused there and stared off into the trees. Kayal raised an eyebrow as she did, he waited for her to do something or say something but she didn't. Then just before Kayal was going to look away he saw someone step out from the trees, an Argonian with a large book in his hands. Sharee seemed to recognize the Argonian and the two began talking. Kayal had no chance at understanding what the two were saying at their current distance and giving the fact the crowd had all but dispersed Kayal made no attempt to get closer.

"Kayal? You about ready to leave?" Nalla asked. Kayal slightly turned his head in her direction his eyes still watching Sharee and the Argonian. What are they talking about? Kayal asked himself before he answered Nalla, "Yeah, sorry just, got lost in my own thoughts." Kayal said as he fully looked to Nalla. Nalla nodded in response. "Alright, now that daydreamer here is back to reality we should get moving." Zana teased bumping Kayal with her elbow as she smiled softly. Kayal just chuckled and smiled in response. "yeah, yeah, lets get going." Kayal said rolling his eyes in mock annoyance. The trio then made there way away from the meeting place, for the most part they were some of the last people, though Kayal coulnd't help but notice Sarel was still there.

The group returned to the city, they were given little trouble by the gate guard and made there way to the inn by the docks. "So, what should we do about rooming?" Zana asked both Kayal and Nalla as they walked. "I am sure we can figure something out." Nalla answered. "You could room with one of us." Kayal offered. "Spare yourself the expenses of a room." He added. Zana nodded in agreement. "Alright, lets see who's room has the most space." Nalla answered jokingly. By this point the trio stepped into the bar and were greeted with the smell of ale, meats and other foods, the sound of laughter and obnoxiously loud voices and lastly the sight of a full tavern. Even after the events of the day the tavern was still full, if not more so then usual, perhaps this tavern being so far away from the noble district had become a area of preference to some casual tavern goers but Kayal had no way of telling.

"You know what? How about we celebrate a little? I think it calls for it, we just got ourselves a new job that should pay more then well, we deserve to celebrate a little." Kayal said hinting towards the bar. "You can count me in." Nalla said happily. Both Kayal and Nalla looked to Zana who was eyeing a mug of ale a tavern girl was carrying by regrettably. She looked back to Kayal and Zana with that same look of regret before she spoke, "I don't know, after last night, I don't think drinking is a brilliant idea for me." She said chuckling slightly. "Drink a few for me will ya guys? I think I am just going to go to bed. I will leave the door unlocked if you want." Zana said adding the last part directed toward Nalla. "We will and don't worry about it I will room with Kayal tonight." Nalla said bumping Kayal slightly. Zana chuckled lightly, "Alright you two, have fun, try not to get too drunk." She said as she turned to walk away. "No promises." Kayal said after her.

After Zana left Kayal and Nalla went up to the counter and ordered four bottles of Cyrodiil wine. Once they got the bottles the two made their way to Kayal's room after deeming the main part of the tavern too loud and over crowded. Once inside Kayal shut and locked the door before removing his arms and armor placing them in their respectful leaning and sitting on a dresser across from the bed. He turned to Nalla who was already laying on her side on the bed, she had already removed her armor and weapons setting them next to the bed on a nightstand. "Care to share?" Nalla asked holding up the first bottle as Kayal made his way over. He dropped down on his back laying along the foot of the bed before turning to his side so he would be facing Nalla who was laying along the opposite side of the bed. "Of course, but you get the first sip, after all ladies first." Kayal said smiling at her. Nalla smiled back, "Don't mind if I do." She said as she opened the bottle and took a long swig. Once she was done she handed the bottle to Kayal. Kayal took the bottle and gifted himself his own long swig of the content.

After long enough the two managed to down three of the four bottles and were beginning to get themselves rather inebriated. They had been chatting, laughing and joking through the entire time their laughs getting louder and more obnoxious with every sip of the wine. As Kayal opened the fourth bottle Nalla's eyes took on a devilish look as she laid back on the bed and stretched her arms out, her tail slowly rubbing along Kayal's leg. The two had slowly been working their way closer towards each other and were now laying with a mere few inches between them. Kayal took a sip from the bottle before he spoke, "You getting tired already Nalla? You want to head to bed?" Kayal asked managing to still sound mostly sober despite his inebriated state. "Sleep? No...but I did have something else in mind that sometimes involves a bed." Nalla said in a sly tone her eyes shindig devilishly. "Besides, I have to thank you for letting me room with you somehow. And I don't see why it can't be a thank you we both will enjoy." She added. Kayal smiled back at her and his eyes seemed to take on the same devilish light. "Oh really? And what kind of thank you did you have in mind." Kayal said as his eyes drifted over her admiring her form, she was in remarkable shape her form was intoxicating and riling. She was inspiring every emotion she wanted to in kayal. She finally had the pleasure of turning the tables on him in this fact.

As Kayal finished speaking, Nalla, who had been putting on a bit of a show when she caught Kayal's eyes wandering, sat up and leaned in close to Kayal and spoke in a smooth whisper, "Why don't you set the bottle down and let me show you." Nalla whispered before pulling her head back smiling slyly. Kayal smiled in kind back at her and reached over his head as he set the bottle on the floor, as he did, he felt Nalla climb on top of him, by the time he turned his head back towards her she was already leaning in for a kiss.

The morning light illuminated to a dim point, at points the sun would peek through the blinds and create slivers of bright sunlight along the floor and walls. Only when one of these rays shined onto Kayal's eyes was he roused from his sleep. He turned his head slightly as his eyes slowly creaked open. Slowly Kayal lifted his head, as he did he felt a sharp pain in his skull as a headache fought his movement. He ignored the pain as he took in the room. The first thing he noticed was Nalla who had her head and arm laying on his chest. One of her legs and her tail was wrapped about his left leg as she cuddled up towards him. The second thing was the articles of clothing scattered on the bed and as he noticed around the bed. The rest of the room was more or less intact. He let his head drop back to the pillow and groaned softly as the nausea and headache made their appearance. He closed his eyes again, completely content to stay in this spot and if the gods were willing fall back to sleep.

This hope was contested as Kayal felt Nalla stir on his chest then go to stretch before groaning and moving her hand to her head. "....Oh my head..." She groaned through gritted teeth. "Morning Nalla." Kayal said quietly, still unwilling to open his eyes. "Why must the sun be so bright?" Nalla complained before burying her head into Kayals chest and pulling the covers over her head. "Looks like we are on the same page." Kayal mumbled before falling silent. The two remained as still as possible perfectly content to just remain in this spot and avoid the day.

Alas this hope crumbled to dust around them as there was a knock on the door. "Kayal, Nalla, it's time to wake up." Zana said from the other side of the door. The two groaned in annoyance at almost the same time.

The rest of the morning went by excruciatingly slow for both Nalla and Kayal. But as the afternoon rolled around their hangovers subsided and the two were able to enjoy their day. The trio spent the day preparing for their coming mission and for the hoped for journey after, there was not much to prepare for, seeing as they had most everything they needed on them. Their preparations were done rather early and the trio spent the night and the coming day relaxing about the inn and the town. The guards had been on edge after everything and they were still prosecuting Khajiits all over town, but they had managed to avoid the guards ire.

As the third day rolled by and it came time for the meeting the three prepared themselves gathering their weapons and armor along with the rest of their supplies. "I must admit, though I was here for barely more then four days, I can't say I am sad to be leaving. Leyawiin is nice and all but, it can get rather dull after long enough." Nalla said as she closed her pack. "I have to agree with you there, I have been itching to get back on the road." Zana said as she slung her pack over her shoulders. "Well if all things go as planned then we should be avoiding Leyawiin for a while. Though I don't think there are many roads where we are going," Kayal joked as he grabbed his coat from the bed and put it on. The day before him and Zana had gotten Allaina a few pairs of trousers for to wear instead of the Argonian trousers she had been wearing. Both Zana and Nalla waited by the door as Kayal got his pack and looked over the room, making sure they hadn't forgotten anything. "Are we all ready to go?" Zana asked directing the question mostly to Kayal then Nalla. "Seems like it." Kayal answered as he joined them at the door. "Good, lets get moving then, don't want to keep the others waiting." Zana said as she opened the door.

The trio made their way out of the city, the gate guard gave them a little trouble but Kayal managed to convince the guards that they were adventurers who had been staying in the city and how they had taken the recent attack as the gods way of saying, "time to move along". The guard did not protest after that. Once out of the city the trio then began making their way to the meeting place. As they arrived Kayal looked over the already present faces, it seemed aside from Sharee and Allaina, only Tagorn and the Breton Cynric had been yet to arrive.

They arrived just in time to hear Sharee's response to something Tagorn must have said giving the fact she was looking at him. "Seems our captain has already taking precautions to see our success. Best we see our part through and not let her down." Kayal said as he nodded his head in greeting to both Cynric and Tagorn before looking towards Sharee and saluting casually saying, "Morning Captain." as he did. "It's good to see we aren't the only ones that wanted to arrive a little early." Kayal said mostly talking to Cynric and Tagorn. Kayal unslung his pack and set it down next to a nearby rock, both Nalla and Zana followed in kind.

[EliteCommander]

Thankfully for Sharee, it seemed like all of the crew she was expecting had arrived on time. The sun was yet to rise over the horizon, which would help to mask their approach. According to Kilith, there had been one potential recruit, a Breton sailor with a skooma problem, who had been spotted making his way over to the guards' headquarters, likely to rat them out in hopes of a reward. Kilith's people dealt with him before he could talk, however, so it seemed that Sharee had nothing more to worry about other than the attack itself.

Once everyone had arrived, Sharee took a position on the same rock as she had during the meeting a few days prior, which captured everyone's attention much more quickly than last time. "Good to see everyone knows to listen when I speak now. Alright, this is it. I hope you've all finished your preparations, because we're doing this now. Across that harbor is our quarry, just waiting to be taken. I've spent the past few days preparing my plan. It's a simple one, but it can still go wrong if you mess up, so pay attention. We will be splitting up into two teams. One team will contain all of our noncombatants. You will go to the docks and make yourself inconspicuous until it is time for you to board the ship. Also in this team will be anyone who cannot swim, or is wearing armor too heavy to float. Once the fighting starts, you all will hold by the entry ramp to the ship and prevent any guards from getting on or East Empire Company sailors from getting off the ship. You'll also protect the non-combatants while they board. The other group will be made up of everyone else, including myself. We will be boarding the ship from the water on the other side. If you all look on the ground in front of me, you will see a sizable bag. Inside are enough waterbreathing potions for all the non-Argonians in the boarding team. I would like everyone who needs one to come get one potion now." Sharee ordered, keeping an eye on the bag to make sure no one grabbed more than their fair share.

[Inuyasha]

Alvar groaned as he listened. His Dwarven armor was way too heavy to swim. That meant he was going to be out of the initial action. Nonetheless, he figured his job was important. Probably slews of guards would be attempting to help the sailors. Also, the sailors were the ones who could actually steer the damn thing, so if they were dead, the operation flopped. But something struck him as odd.... Keeping the East Empire Company's sailors on the ship? He wondered if this meant if they tried to get off he was supposed to kill them. Alvar fished out his Dragon plated helmet from his pack, and donned it. He approached Sharee as people around him were scrambling to get potions and ready themselves for the attack.

"Captain, or Sharee whatever you wished to be called," he began, "When these sailors are attempting to leave the ship if necessary would it be best to terminate them? Or simply detain or restrain them?"

He had no idea how ruthless these people were. In his line of work, one could go either way.

He had no idea how this group operated, so he was wondering.

[EliteCommander]

Sharee waited and watched as each crew member came up and collected a potion from the bag. They all seemed to be following directions, which was nice. She saw one Nord in heavy armor stroll up and was about to reprimand him for not listening when he spoke up, indicating he was not approaching for a potion.

"Most of these East Empire sailors are soldiers as well. They'll be armed, and probably fighting us. If any of them are trying to get off the boat, it will probably be to retreat and regroup. Armed or not, you should kill them; we don't need to take any chances on this one." Sharee explained, her voice displaying no sympathy. Normally, she wouldn't care if the regular sailors got away, but the fact that there would be so many soldiers on board meant that it could be hard to tell which of them were dangerous or not, so the only logical choice, in her mind, was to simply kill them all. It wasn't as if she would lose any sleep over it.

[EliteCommander]

Once the crowd settled and everyone who needed one had their potions, Sharee grabbed everyone's attention once more. "Alright, it looks like everyone is ready, so just a few more things before we start this. Anyone who is not going with me is going to be on the docks. Remember, don't group closely together to avoid arousing suspicion, and for Sithis' sake, don't all arrive at the docks at the exact same time. Just act inconspicuous until you see the signal. For all the combatants on the docks, that signal is when fighting breaks out on the ship. You go to the loading ramp and guard it. For all the noncombatants, you will wait until you see us lower the sails, then you will board as well. Just stand by and act surprised until then. Once all the non-combatants are on board, the rest of you can get on, then we set sail. Got it? Good. Now, everyone who is going to the docks, get a move on. You have thirty minutes before we jump into the water." She ordered motioning for the second group to hurry and get in their positions.

[Ryonara]

Noelle was in position. She was looking as inconspicuous as possible, with her feathered pen and paper checking off various crates and boxes from a list she made up on the spot. This wouldn't be her first job like this, but she's never worked with this "Sharee" character before. Her idea was really out there too; this might be how they operated back at the Black Marsh, but this was crazy. But Noelle figured that's why it'll work. Still, she had a invisibility potion in the event the whole plan went down the gutter.

Noelle looked over towards the boat occasionally, just checking for the signal. She had a close call with a guard who asked her what she was doing, but she was able to turn him away with a simple spell and word. "Inventory." Guard didn't bother her too much, but not so far away she did see a few more start to gather. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe they were just shifting the look out, but she didn't like the idea that there were more guards coming. Still, Noelle stayed calmed and continued keeping inventory of the crates, marking them off on her list while occasionally peeking into them. As long as she looked like she knew what she was doing, no one should come and stop her.

[Nytefall]

Cynric was slightly upset at the thought of getting his robes wet, however thinking about it slightly he did realise he was a mage. Waterproofing his belongings was not something that was difficult. He chuckled too himself, such a novice mistake to make. Performing the necessary incantations his clothes let off a small amount of steam that quickly dissipated.He smiled he enjoyed the mystery and discovery that magic and in fact cooking had to it. Though as he thought he did realise that all of this took time. One thing that as a mortal man, he did not posses. Cynric knew though that sometime in the future he would beat even death at his own game.

As Sharee relayed the plan to everyone Cynric listened intently quietly smoking his pipe as she talked. Once her speech was finished he de-summoned his pipe and headed to the docks. He noticed a couple of people in positions around the dock and also saw how many people were around who weren't part of the plan. Frowning he found a deserted area and casted a short invisibility spell. Reaching the edge of the water closest to the boat they would be board he took a long drink from the flask of waterbreathing and slipped into the water. As he had expected the invisibility instantly deactivated. Luckily he had been as silently as he could have been on entering the water. Meeting up with the rest of the crew who were all getting into positions.

[Leon5431]

Kayal listened intently as Sharee gave her instructions. But he couldn't help it as his gaze shifted down to the water breathing potion in his hand. She has definitely put a lot of thought into this plan. Seems when she isn't drunk off her ass she is actually able to think up some very intricate plans. He thought to himself as he rolled the bottle between his hands careful not to drop it, he preferred to not have to deal with walking up to get a new one.

As Sharee came to the conclusion of her speech Kayal took the chance to look over the gathered crowd. Some of them seemed competent, others less so, while many were simply sailors who had come for the freedom and promises of gold.

"Quite the interesting crowd" Commented Zana, as she caught Kayal looking over the dispersing group. "That it is." Kayal commented as his gaze shifted over a cloaked Breton, an armored Nord and a female cloaked Breton before turning back to Zana. "This is going to be an...interesting...endeavor we have gotten ourselves into Zana." He said failing to think a a better word then interesting. "But it will be worth it." He commented again, this time his eyes were turned out towards the open waters before them. "To be out on the high seas again. To be out there, in the world of opportunity where our only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. There, were we could go anywhere, do anything we please. We can live our lives as we see fit not how other see fit for us. For all the trouble, the danger and the rush that it brings...it will be worth it." Kayal said hopefully, his eyes gleaming like the sunlight reflecting off the water as he spoke.

Besides him Zana listened following his gaze and starring out at the water before them, her eyes were filled with wonder and excitement but, they seemed to be hiding something underneath something that even she had not fully realized. Both he and she knew it would not be so easy and things would not be so smooth, but for now they had the chance to dream and to hope for the best of their future.

Then something caught Kayal's eye, a certain Argonian, who stood just at the edge of his vision. Kayal's eyes slowly settled on Sharee once more, his eyes losing the gleam they had once held. "If you'll excuse me Zana. I would like to go have a word with our Captain." Kayal said as his gaze shifted back towards the Bosmer. She looked towards Sharee and nodded, "Alright, we'll meet up before we dive, I'll be with Nalla if you should need me." Zana said gesturing her head to the Khajiit who was sharpening her blade on a nearby rock.

Kayal nodded in response before he stepped away, making his way through the now crowd of combatants towards Sharee. "Well, may I be the first to say congratulations Captain." Kayal said as he neared her, walking with one hand in the other behind his back. "You have thought up quite the plan for taking this ship and have also displayed some unique ingenuity" He said respectfully, gesturing with his head towards the now depleted bag of water breathing potions. "I hope you don't mind if we chat while we pass the time before the attack, aye Captain?" He said bringing his arms out from behind his back and taking a more relaxed stance, at least, more relaxed then before.

[EliteCommander]

As the second group left to get in their positions, Sharee stood by the shore, staring across the water at her prize. There seemed to be enough fighters in her group for the plan to work, she just hoped they were good at what they did. As much as she hated to admit it, she probably couldn't take the ship alone. The others would need to perform at least semi-decently for this to work.

After a few minutes, the Breton Kayal walked up behind her and proceeded to compliment her. She did not turn around, but instead kept her eyes on the ship, the ship that was soon to be hers. "How about you wait until we actually have the ship before you start kissing my tail. No sense celebrating on something that is right now just an idea. I'm pretty certain this plan will work, as long as enough of the crew stays alive to actually operate the thing afterwards. Still, it's always best to expect the worst. Now, we end up getting that thing out to sea, away from the harbor, then I'll show you how to have a real celebration. I don't care how tired I end up being, if you know my reputation, then you know that having a good time is a specialty of mine."

[Leon5431]

Kayal chuckled as Sharee spoke up, "My my, Captain, I believe you have misunderstood my intent." Kayal said with a playful smile. "I was merely giving my congratulations. If i was trying to "kiss your tail" I would have said some much more flattering things then that." He said with a sly smile. "But you have a point. We haven't accomplished our goal just yet but, sometimes it's good to be hopeful. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst." He said, repeating an age old saying. As Sharee continued speaking he listened intently as his eyes admired the beauty of the vessel before them. As Sharee finished a smile crept across his lips and he chuckled softly, "I know of your reputation ma'am, it will be quite the celebration, of that I have no doubt." He said, looking towards Sharee on the edge of his vision. "But," He continued, "As you said, let us take this ship and get it out to sea before we get caught up with thoughts of celebration.

As he finished their was a boisterous laugh from somewhere behind them. Kayal turned his head to the side for a second and looked towards the source of the laughter, eyeing them from the corner of his vision. It had come from a bearded Imperial who had gathered a group of three other crew members, he seemed to be telling them something that had them entirely enthralled in him. Slowly Kayal shifted his eyes back towards the vessel. "So, honestly speaking, how confident are you in this gathered crew?" Kayal asked, finally turning to face Sharee as he leaned on a nearby rock.

[EliteCommander]

"Yes, well, don't try to kiss my tail in the future, unless you're being literal. I might be okay with that." Sharee said with a chuckle, glancing to him to look him over. "As for confidence, I haven't gotten this far in life being 'confident' in others' performance. The only thing I am confident in is myself, and what I can do. I am confident that my plan is something that a moderately skilled crew should be able to pull off. I am confident in my ability to fight, to kill, and to lead. Anything else I fully expect can fail. If I were to give an estimate, I would say they are probably skilled enough, but confidence? That is another matter entirely. You want me to be confident in you? Prove that you're worth it. If you show that you are valuable, someone I can count on to fulfill their duties, I promise you that your pay will reflect that, among other benefits. I take care of those close to me, and when I give my word on something, I always follow through. I may lie, cheat, kill, and steal at all other times, but when I give my word, it is as good as law."

[EliteCommander]

.

[Leon5431]

Kayal chuckled lightly at Sharee's comment, she certainly lived up to her venereal reputation. As she continued Kayal settled in to just listening as she spoke her response. He certainly understood where she came from in not feeling confident in this rabble. In truth, he wasn't even confident in them, he wasn't even sure if he could be confident in her. He had heard of her skill, but he was yet to see this skill first hand, this would be the first time he saw her fight. She had managed to handle the two slavers the night before but, they were slavers. They likely didn't even deal in the actual capturing. Normally they just had to look scary and other wise have a mean bark, normally the slave's will would be broken or breaking by the time they were sold. Kayal was not just thinking in speculation, he had more experience then most living beings ever would or should have with slavers.

"Well, it is good to hear you stay true to your word. Even in the world of thieves and murders or I guess more so pirates, there should be some honor." He said respectfully. "And I would expect no such confidence from you unless I display worthy reason for it." He said respectfully.

As he finished his gaze shifted out towards the waters again. "I must say, should this all go through smoothly and we do get our hands on that ship. I am looking forward to taking to the seas. It's been far too long." He said his, tone almost sounding reminiscent.

[EliteCommander]

Sharee looked out over the water, then up to how much the sun had shifted in the sky over the horizon. It had been roughly half an hour since the second group left, so it was about time for them to begin. "Speaking of the ship..." She began, turning around to face the rest of her group. "Alright everyone, this is it. We've given the others enough time to get into position. Now, it is time for us to strike. We're going to be coming up at the ship from below, so I hope you're ready to climb. Drink your potions and follow me. I'll go slow so you can keep up."

After waiting a moments for everyone to finish the potions, Sharee waded out into the water, then dove underneath its surface. One by one, each of her crew followed, with varying degrees of grace. Some of them were obviously not strong swimmers, so Sharee had to keep an annoyingly slow pace for her, but her potions would last more than long enough to account for their slow speed. They moved along the bottom of the harbor among the kelp which grew from underneath them. Such concealment was likely unnecessary, but Sharee reasoned that it could not hurt. As they moved along, she could see that the anchors she had sabotaged before, or at least the ones she could see, were still tied securely in place. Any ships which tried to pursue them would be in for a surprise if they tried to raise anchor.

Sharee led the group to the far side of the ship, away from the dock, in order to delay detection for a bit longer. She grabbed on to the closest piece of loose wood to the water and pulled herself up to the next solid spot. There were a few nets hanging on the side of the ship which would make it easier to climb, but Sharee avoided them so that she wouldn't get in the way of others who needed them more, as she was more than agile enough to climb up a more difficult path. Just as she was nearing the railing to the deck, she stopped, drew her cutlass, and held it in her teeth for a moment as she reached into her satchel for a vial of stamina poison. She popped off the cork and poured it over the blade before replacing the vial in her satchel and once again taking the blade in her hand. The poison would almost immediately begin to fatigue anyone she cut as long as some of it still remained on the blade, which would hopefully give her an advantage.

Most of the others were now on the side of the ship, waiting for her go, so Sharee took a deep breath, pulled herself up over the railing, and ran at the nearest sailor to her. It was an East Empire company guard, fully equipped in their usual light armor. He started to turn as soon as he heard Sharee's feet hit the deck, but did not recognize what was happening before it was too late. She thrust her cutlass forward and stabbed him through the chest with enough force to rip through his leather armor, ending him quickly. Withdrawing her blade from his body, she let him drop to the ground as she drew one of her curved daggers in her left hand, ready to move to the next target. Once the group on the docks noticed the fighting, they would hopefully rush to the loading ramp and guard it against any city guards who tried to make their way on board to help the sailors, and do prevent any sailors from escaping.

[Leon5431]

Kayal looked at Sharee oddly at first before she spun around and addressed the others of the crew. As she spoke he pushed himself off the rock he was leaning on and stood their listening as Sharee gave the word that it was time for them to start moving. Once she finished Kayal nodded to her and spoke, "It was a pleasure, see you when this is over." He said confidently. With that said he jogged off and met Zana and Nalla half way to the water. He felt oddly calm given what they were about to do. This wasn't his first fight and he felt confident that it would not be his last.

As Kayal reached Nalla and Zana he spoke up again, "You guys ready?" He asked while removing the water breathing potion from a pouch on his belt. Zana and Nalla both nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be." Nalla said as she looked past them towards the ship. "How many do you think will be on board?" Nalla asked. Kayal looked to her then behind him towards the ship, he took a few moments to think before looking back towards her, their time quickly running out. "Not as much as there could be. Part of the crew is off on shore enjoying their stay here at the city. We will likely only encounter some crewmen but primarily it will be guards. I wouldn't imagine the guard duty being too large, but its enough that you should stay on your toes. But this is just speculation, we will know for sure when we are on the decks." Kayal said giving it his best educated guess.

"Wouldn't that kinda be too late?" Zana asked her tone a little cynical. Kayal looked at her and shrugged his shoulders while nodding in agreement, "Yeah kinda, so that's why you should hope were lucky." Kayal said smiling reassuringly. "Oh that helps, thanks, I feel so much more confident in this mission now." Zana said sarcastically. "That's the spirit! Now turn that confidence on the enemy and we will be done in no time." Kayal said in a like tone. She glared at him for a moment before silently saying "I hate you." He only smiled in response before changing the subject, "Now come on, we need to go." He said turning and gesturing for them to follow. Once he reached the shore he pulled the cork off the bottle and downed the potion in one long swig.

Once the potion was gone he lowered it he coughed and shook his head, "Gods, at it could have been fruit flavored." He said jokingly. "Quit your whining." said Zana after she downed her potion. "It is pretty gross." Agreed Nalla. But Zana ignored her, for before them the group began to submerge themselves into the water. The Argonians were some of the first ones into the water, then came all the others. Kayal, Zana and Nalla were quick to follow after the Argonians. Slowly the wadded out into the cool ocean waters. Quickly the water went from their feet, to their knees to their chest until they were unable to stand. At that point Kayal dunked his head under the water and tried breathing in.

He was met with what he would describe as the oddest breath of his life, as the feeling of water rushing into his lungs and him not drowning was indescribably weird. He tried his best to ignore the odd feeling as he swam forward. Having spent most of his childhood on the seas swimming was something of a natural talent to him, though he still couldn't compare to most Argonians, he was very good for a human. As he followed after Sharee he couldn't help but let his eyes wander. The sight was not all too shocking close to the shore but as they got further and further out into the water that quickly changed. The vibrant see life of the bay quickly came to life around them in a underwater world. He suddenly found himself looking over every fish making sure their were no slaughter fish even with the knowledge that they preferred the running inland rivers instead of the open ocean.

Not only beautiful on the surface but beautiful under as well.He thought in amazement. For all his years out on the open sea he had never once thought to get himself a water breathing potion and enjoy it from a whole new level. He suddenly felt as though he was cheated out of a much funner childhood. But with that thought came darker memories and he tried his best to push them out, instead focusing on the mission at hand.

After long enough they began to near the anchored ship. It took him a few moments after the first people surfaced for he himself to surface. He was met again with an odd sensation as he breathed the water out of his lungs. How can anyone ever get used to that? He thought to himself as he grabbed a hold of part of the ship and hoisted himself up. Nalla and Zana followed quickly after they climbed up the side of the boat trying to the best of their ability to be as silent as possible. Eventually they neared the top and Sharee stopped. Waiting for everyone to get into position before she began. She slowly drew her blade and began to coat it in something he guess it was probably poison.

As Sharee did this Kayal reached down and drew out his longsword and awaited her move to leap over the rail and into battle.

Then finally after everyone had settled she grabbed a hold of the rail and pulled herself up and over. As soon as she did the others followed and soon even Kayal was over with his sword drawn in one hand and a fireball in the other.

[The New Yorker]

The night before was drowned in an aeriform mess of passion and wine. Sarel wasn’t even entirely sure if he’d preformed, and for that he was rather solemn as he rose the next morning, the flush of the grass drawing him into the world. He laid on a rough-hewn bedroll settled under a slanted leather tent. The cool sea-breeze rushed in on a parcel of air over the small cliff where Sarel had made his camp. The air rustled the nearby trees and blew black and white ash from a fire-pit near Sarel’s tent. The Elf tumbled from the tent, head fuzzed with a nightlong of wine, and armored himself. The sun was not yet risen but was beginning to cast a bright purple and slices of orange into the dark blue sky. Sarel collected this things, packed his tent, and set off down to the water, where he was to meet the crew.

Everyone seemed to have made it, as Sarel counted the same number of people there had been before. And, there was the primary crew, the one’s who’d risked their lives to rescue Sarel from a prison. The Dark Elf remained to the side as Sharee began to speak. He felt a welling of warmness from his stomach but pushed it down, he allowed himself peace for now. He thought about the upcoming event, he thought of his training.

Sarel was a child when his training began, about twelve; he was lanky and tall for his age, but not particularly strong. That changed quickly enough—just as Beilin had said, “Your arms are like straw, boy. But that will change, ha, that will change quickly enough!”
The two would spar under a vast gazebo somewhere in the wilds of Solstheim, Sarel couldn’t remember now. However, if he were taken there, if he were there now, he could find it easily enough. The ancient stone pillars were etched into his memory as clearly as the stances he learned under their endearing support. *Crash, crash crash* went their blades in the cool dry air. krumph, krumph, krumph went their chitin armor as they paced themselves around each other. Years passed by quickly as they trained in the wilds in the gazebo, soon Sarel was practically a man, and he found himself a warrior. But he was not bloodied, and he was not battle-scared, but he knew the workings of a fight like, almost, no other of his age.

Sharee mentioned that those who wore heavy armor would go to the docks to provide reinforcement and defense. Sarel was used to controlling enemies on the battlefield, he was a blitzer, which fit the dock position quite well. Besides, his chitin armor was a little too heavy to be worth swimming in—now that Sarel thought about it, he’d need to get a good pair of plain leather armor. So, with that in mind, and seeing that Sharee had started speaking to one of the Bretons at her command, a pirate in his own right—Sarel could tell—, The Dark Elf walked down the road, with his right hand dancing over the hilt of his katana.

In no time Sarel was on a small bluff overlooking the docks. He peered to his right just in time to see Sharee and the rest of the crew submerge. Sarel was quick then, he jumped from the bluff to the ground below him and dashed to the docks, he held his armor in all the right places to keep it from making any noise. Just as Sarel reached one of the many entrances to the dock area he saw Sharee climb over the ships bannister and take down a guard. Several of the other crew members on the docks came to life and drew their weapons, keeping the loading dock safe from any guards who thought to interfere. Sarel came to a jog as he unsheathed his sword, in front of him was a small junction where several guards had communed for a moment, perhaps it was a shift change. Sarel saw this as a perfect opportunity to strike.

Sarel still felt the deep regret for needing to kill Imperial soldiers in order to complete this task. He wished he could pay Sharee back some other way, he wished they could steal a ship from some other damned pirate. But this was the way Sharee needed it to be, and if that was the case, so be it.

Sarel was quick, he knew he had to be since he was about to bust up a close-knit four man party. His katana sliced through the first guards neck like butter, skin and bone and sinew eviscerated by the ebony tempered steel. The sword was as razor sharp as when Sarel sharpened it last, ten years ago. The guards head, and helmet, flew into the air, and ultimately plopped into the water. He crumpled to his knees and collapsed at the feet of his peer. The guard to the right of Sarel went to grab his sword, his hand was freed from his arm in a bloody instant, the next moment Sarel drew his wakazashi from behind his back and stuck it into the guard at his left; “hold that for me, won’t you?” Sarel thought but did not say. The one across from Sarel was quick enough to have his sword out, and ready to strike. It came down on Sarel with unexpected strength, to which the Dark Elf responded with his own strength. The swords collided between the men, the guard to Sarel’s left collapsed to the floor in agony with the wakizashi plunged into his rips. The gentleman on the right screamed in terror as his stump bled profusely, he tried to grab his sword with his left hand, he was having trouble. Sarel and the guard who was still intact traded a few sword blows, and then Sarel jumped back and spun in midair, his katana extended to his side. The intact guard was so no more. His guts hung from his side as a precise slice was able to pin point the most lethal course of action. Sarel stood from his crouched position, which he landed in after his spin, and stabbed the guard in his throat. There was only one capable guard left, and he fumbled with his bloody sword in his left hand. Sarel saw no use in killing this man. He kicked the guard in the chest and sent him into the water, to float next to his friends decapitated head. Sarel then turned his attention on the man writhing in pain on the floor. He removed his wakazashi and hit the man in the head with the handle of it, knocking him unconscious, and likely killing him if he didn't receive attention soon. The Dark Elf sheathed his weapons as he walked down the dock, toward the loading ramp, which was currently being defended by four crewmen, and being attacked by three guardsmen. The fight on the ship had turned messy, and people were falling left and right, Sarel couldn’t tell who was winning. He could see, however, that the loading ramp was indeed being defended, no matter how sloppily. The crew members were little more than bandit rabble-rousers, they were brutish and vile. They screamed as they fought, they had bloodshot eyes and their hearts were beating faster than they were.

Sarel drew his katana once more as he approached the loading ramp, only two guards remained facing off against the remaining two crew members. Sarel cut one man’s leg, allowing him to be felled by a mace blow, and the other man was stabbed from behind, just under his armor. The two crewmen smiled at the Dark Elf and nodded their appreciation. Then their faces turned to stone, they were pallid and nervous and they looked a little like fools. Sarel turned to see an onslaught of soldiers pouring from the barracks located on the docks and running down the lane. Sarel sheathed his sword and faced the oncoming mass, he spread his hands out like waves and fire flowed from them like a fountain. The fire curled from his fingers and into his hands, Sarel smelled like the sweet-bitter aroma of magika, he was exuding the stuff. Soon giant balls of fire were settled in Sarel’s palms, he moaned loudly as he tried to remain composure with the vast amount of power welled in his hands. Tears dropped from the Dunmer’s crimson eyes as the strain bore on him. He eventually felt like the orbs of power were big enough, and unleashed them forth, just as a few guards passed by a stall jetting from the shore. One of the orbs exploded on the dock lane and blew it to bits. It’s wooden shrapnel flying into all directions. The other landed in the side of the stall, blowing a chunk out of the wall and setting it ablaze. Sarel drew his blade in preparation of the few guards who made it through, the dimwits next to him did the same. Before the fray began again Sarel looked over to the boat, Sharee was atop it, in her violent majesty. The Dunmer merely smiled and winked, hoping the Shadowscale would be able to see it. This was a signal of his confidence, because, as far as Sarel could tell, they would be able to pull it off.

[Nytefall]

Cynric climbed aboard the ship when Sharee had given the signal, he wasn't really one for being quiet. No Cynric was more of a person to ask if you wanted to get rid of a body or make someone disappear. It seemed though as if the East Empire just wanted anyone to climb aboard, nets easily placed something that Cynric was quite grateful for. He didn't fancy pulling himself up the anchor. Lifting himself up and onto the deck he saw Sharee claim the first casualty of that day. Grinning to himself he pointed his hand at the dead body. It slowly rose up off the deck the the lifeless eyes becoming black. Cynric was not much of a swordsmen so bringing back the dead and using their skills to his advantage was something he would be more than happy to do.

One of the guards ran at Cynric, the recently revived body was quick to defend it's master moving in the way of the guards thrusting sword. Cynric smiled darkly his hand glowing a with green energy. The zombie had now grabbed the unfortunate soldier who was trying his best to avoid the snapping jaws of his revived comrade. "Quiet now take some solace in the knowledge that I will put your body to good use."

The guards eye's were wide with fear as Cynric approached him. Quickly creating a shield he watched the guards friend fire an arrow that bounced off the shield that had just appeared. Using his free hand he pointed it at the archer who's face burst into demonic flames conjured straight from oblivion itself. Now at the guard whom the zombie had captured he brought his glowing right hand to the man's face and drained the life out of him. Once his body fell he instantly resurrected it the flaming man was now consumed by the flames that had previously engulfed him. Casting his hand over the flaming corpse the flames dissipated.

Cynric sent his zombies to work as he continued to bring those who Sharee's men killed back to life to serve him. They would serve as a useful distraction for when they wanted to hold of the guard on land.

[Leon5431]

Sharee slew the first guard with ease and grace, soon after another guard was felled by another crew member, shouts began to erupt from all over the ship, many of them were in warning or anger but, just as many were in confusion. The initial surprise gave them a chance to take multiple lives before the enemy were fully prepared. Kayal himself rushed towards a nearby guard slashing the guards throat as he jumped past him. A grotesque sound came from the mans throat as he tried to breath but was met with nothing but blood. The man fell to his knees grabbing his throat as crimson leaked between his fingers. He was soon ended completely as another crew member drove his axe into the back of the guards head.

Quickly Kayal rushed onward, he closed the distance on a guard that was fumbling for the cutlass at his side. He managed to draw the blade just as Kayal reached him. In the same motion he slashed out towards Kayal but met nothing but air as Kayal hopped backwards and balanced on one foot letting the blade rip through the air before him. As the blade passed by Kayal launched forward slashing the guard across his chest. Continuing with the momentum from his strike Kayal spun around and slashed his blade across the guards throat. The guard collapsed back bleeding and soon to be dead.

Then out of the edge of his vision he noticed a pair of guards rushing towards him with their weapons drawn. Kayal turned to face them, disbanding his spell as he did and removing his knife from his sheath. He twirled the knife before bringing it to a stop where the blade was angled downward. As the first guard neared him Kayal quickly paired his attack and slashed him across the chest with his knife as he stepped past the him. With how he attacked he came to a stop with his back facing the approaching guard and the wounded guard standing to his right while his sword was raised over his right shoulder. Looking over his right shoulder Kayal saw that the approaching guard was aiming to bring his sword straight down on Kayal and slash him down his back, to guard himself from this attack Kayal quickly moved his blade till it was resting across the back of both his shoulders.

He got the blade just into position before the enemies strike came down, instead of hitting his body it collided with his blade producing a loud ringing sound but leaving him unaffected. Just then Kayal thrusted his knife backwards stabbing the guard in his stomach then he pulled his blade out and stabbed it into the guard again then again then again before spinning around and slashing the guard with his longsword finishing the guard off. As the guard fell backwards the first one managed to recover and turned to face Kayal.

Kayal spun around to face him and slashed at him but was met by the guards blade as the guard parried his strike. Kayal then slashed with his knife cutting deeply into the guards arm. Then he slashed again, but once more the guard managed to parry the strike. As he parried the strike Kayal stabbed him through his arm with his knife. The guard hollered in pain before Kayal knocked his sword to the side easily and stabbed the guard through the stomach.

As Kayal pulled his weapons from the guard and let him fall to the ground he noticed another guard approaching from his right. As he turned to face the guard he heard someone cry out in rage from his left, his head shot around towards the source only to see another guard charging at him. He was caught in a tricky situation once more there was two enemies but this time they were coming from different directions. He needed to do something.

Running off instinct and quick thinking Deven spun his dagger till it was facing upwards where he then raised it and threw it towards the approaching guard on his left. The knife flew through the air and hit its target stabbing into the guards shoulder. The guard cried out in pain and stumbled losing his momentum and buying Kayal sometime. Then came the second guard whose strike Kayal parried and held as he kicked out the guards knee forcing the guard to fall back. The guard grunted in pain and fell back to the ground. With time running out Kayal quickly slashed the fallen guard ending him before turning just in time to see the first guard nearing him.

The guard slashed vertically at Kayal, but he was able to dodge it just in time. With the guard's wounded shoulder slowing his reaction time Kayal took the opportunity and slashed at the guard cutting deep into the guard's side as he stepped around him turning as to keep facing the guard. As the guard stumbled from the slash Kayal reached around and tore his knife from the guards wound and kicked out the back of his knee forcing the guard to his knees. Before he could react and slash at Kayal or do anything of the sort Kayal dragged his dagger across the guards throat, slicing his throat open as he did.

The guard collapsed forward in a gurgling mess as he slowly began to wither away. So far things were going well for him, these East Empire guards were not all too skilled being little more then hired mercenaries given the title of guardsman.

A little ways behind him closer to where they had boarded from, Kayal saw Zana finishing off a guard she was fighting delivering a deadly blow to his stomach region and stabbing her second sword through his chest. Close by stood Nalla was was caught in a fight with a guard, the two exchanged blows parrying each others strike until Nalla managed to fake the guard out and land a blow to his waist area. With a wound having been sustained and a bad one at that the guard easily fell after two more strikes.

They all seemed to be fairing rather well, but that could easily change, nothing is certain while in the heat of battle..

[EliteCommander]

The moment Sharee finished off her first opponent, she was on to the next. To her left, near the bow, there were two East Empire guards, a Redguard man and a Nord woman, who had managed to draw their blades and ready themselves. She rushed up the short staircase leading to the very front part of the bow and rushed at them, swinging her sword at the Redguard on the right. He, of course, blocked, while the other swung towards her neck. Almost without effort, Sharee parried the Nord's blade with her dagger, then quickly slashed her cutlass across her abdomen while the Redguard was recoiled from her strike. The armor put up enough resistance to prevent her blade from sinking too deep, but it definitely found its mark.

The Redguard slashed diagonally towards Sharee's torso, but in a move that obviously surprised her attacker, she managed to immediately duck low and to the right at an angle that looked like it would throw her to the ground, but with her tail as a counterbalance, she remained on her feet. While she was evading, she slashed her blade across his knee, then stabbed it through his throat when he started to fall. Predicting that the Nord woman would be attacking by now, she looked to the left and readied her dagger as she brought herself back up to a standing position. The Nord had indeed gone for a thrusting attack, but Sharee once again managed to parry the attack. The woman went for another strike, but it was considerably weaker than before and easily blocked.

"I...what did you..." The Nord began with a mixture of exhaustion and confusion. Sharee's fast acting poison had already started to sap her energy. The effect would end shortly, bringing her back to normal, but Sharee did not need that long. A strong swing was all it took to cause the woman to lose her grip on her blade, and a stab through the chest was all it took to finish her.

With a quick glance across the deck of the ship, Sharee surveyed the situation. Some of her recruits were dead or wounded, but for the most part, it was the East Empire guards who had fallen. The surprise from their attack had taken out a good portion of their number immediately, and the rest were disorganized. On the far side of the ship, however, she saw one who was a definite threat. Near the stern of the ship, the captain had emerged out of the door from his cabin. He had already slain one of her recruits, and was facing down two more. He blocked a strike from one of the recruits at the same time that he delivered a strong left hook to his face, then immediately lashed out against the other recruit as the first stumbled back. He clashed blades with the recruit, twisted his blade with practiced precision, then nearly cut off the recruit's hand before slashing his throat. This was someone Sharee needed to deal with.

Sharee could have ran across the ship to face down the captain in open combat, to duel him to the death, but as she looked up at the ship's masts, a different idea came to mind. She sheathed her dagger to free up a hand, then ran and jumped, grabbing on to one of the wooden beams and pulling herself up. With their current arrangement she could run across to the other side, ending up nearly right above the captain. With the sails not currently raised, she would be more easily visible, but with all the chaos below her, it was reasonable to expect that she could get across without him noticing. She ran across the narrow beam with skill and speed, as if balance was a non-issue for her. When it came time to jump to the next beam, she landed it perfectly, not even slowing down. Even so, the captain had managed to slay the other recruit and was now fighting another who approached. This one, an Argonian male, wielded a shortsword and a small, wooden buckler. He managed to block a few of the captain's strikes, but when he decided on a thrusting attack, the blade pierced straight through the wood and into the Argonian's arm. He screamed out in pain, both as the blade entered his arm, and when the captain removed it. However, before he could finish him off, Sharee reached the point where she could strike.

Leaping from the mast, Sharee fell onto the captain and sunk her blade into his spine in a single attack. It was over in an instant; if the captain was not dead, he was paralyzed and would be dead soon enough. The fight so far had been short, but bloody. All of the ship's crew on the deck were either dead or dying, but there were certainly still more below, but he turned and ran back down immediately as soon as he saw how outnumbered he was. From the splashing she could hear in the water below, some of the crew were already abandoning ship through the portholes, but the guards would probably remain to recapture the ship, especially since they did not know exactly how numerous their attackers were. They would need to move quickly to clear them before they decided it was a lost cause and decided on any kind of sabotage. As a result, Sharee rushed over to the open hatch, then grabbed the attention of the two closest recruits to her, a pair of Khajiit.

"You two, get the sails raised. Once the rest of the crew gets on board, tell them to go ahead and get us out of the harbor. Everyone esle, on me. We're going to clear the pests from the lower decks." Sharee ordered. Once the sails were raised, that would be the cue for the non-combatant recruits to make their way on board, followed by the recruits that were holding off the guards on the docks. They didn't have time to wait on the lower decks to be cleared, so they would need to get started preparing their departure immediately.