Lunamaria Hawke

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna settled into her seat at the table, her eyes taking in the unusual gathering before her. The contrast between the Reachfolk's attempts at "civilized" dress and their traditional decorations caught her attention - as a Dunmer who understood cultural adaptation, she appreciated the subtle defiance in those sewn-in feathers and beads.

She positioned herself where she could observe both the delegates and the rest of the inn's patrons, her midnight blue robes arranged carefully to show the scholarly runes while concealing any signs of recent combat. The growing tension in the room was palpable, like the air before a storm.

While Captain Owen's wind spell provided cover for their conversation, Sylruna took the opportunity to study the reactions of the local patrons. Her years of diplomatic training had taught her to read the subtle signs of brewing trouble - the way the Nords' eyes kept drifting to their table, the tension in their shoulders, the way they gripped their tankards just a bit too tightly.

The talk of increased Saber Cat activity, particularly this 'Old One Eye,' caught her attention. She leaned slightly closer to the conversation, wondering if these "accidents" with dangerous predators might be more than coincidence. In her experience, such timing was rarely arbitrary.

She reached for her own tankard, using the motion to mask a whispered warming spell that brought the drink to a more pleasant temperature - a small comfort she'd learned during her time in Bruma's chill. As she sipped, she kept her attention split between the delegates and the increasingly restless locals, ready to provide whatever support might be needed for their nocturnal departure.

The presence of the aged Reachwoman who seemed to know Sindri intrigued her. Perhaps, she thought, there might be an opportunity to learn more about the complex politics they were navigating - assuming they survived the growing hostility in the room.

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna listened carefully to each objection, her crimson eyes thoughtful as she considered their words. The black soul gem in her hand caught the sunlight, and she looked at it with new consideration.

"Perhaps I've spent too much time in academic circles," she said softly, tucking the soul gem back into her component pouch. "Where we debate the ethics of magic in theory, but rarely face its practical implications." She offered a respectful nod to Auron and Meen-La. "You both make excellent points about the precedent this would set."

Turning to Meen-La specifically, she added, "And you're right about the practical concerns. I've carried this since my days studying enchanting at the College of Winterhold. Sometimes we forget how others might view such items." A slight smile crossed her face. "Though I admit, being called an 'incompetent, short-sighted hatchling' is a new experience."

She glanced at Arnvidr, her expression becoming more professional. "While your academic analysis of necromancy's legal status is correct, I believe Auron has the right of it. We're not just individual practitioners anymore - we're a unit, and our actions reflect on all of us." Her silver-white braids shifted as she turned to Sindri. "And thank you for the offer of hunting souls, but perhaps we should focus on more conventional methods of enhancing our capabilities."

Looking back at their captive, she added with dry humor, "Besides, given the quality of her conjuration, I doubt her soul would produce particularly powerful enchantments anyway." She stepped back, giving Arnvidr clear space to carry out his original sentence. "Shall we proceed with the more traditional Nordic approach to justice?"

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

As Arnvidr raised his spectral battleaxe over Brigit, Sylruna stepped forward, the runes on her robes still glowing faintly from her recent spellcasting. Her crimson eyes held a scholarly interest as she watched the paralyzed mage.

"Before you send her to Aetherius," she said, reaching into her component pouch and withdrawing a black soul gem, its faceted surface gleaming in the summer sunlight, "perhaps we could ensure her... contribution to magical research doesn't go entirely to waste?"

She held up the soul gem, examining it thoughtfully. "Her transformation of the Frost Atronachs was crude but innovative. Such magical knowledge shouldn't be lost entirely." Her silver-white braids caught the light as she turned to address Arnvidr directly. "With your permission, of course. The soul could be put to good use - perhaps enchanting protective items for our future endeavors, or even studying the principles behind her conjuration techniques."

She glanced at the other members of their group, particularly those who had been touched by the frost magic. "At the very least, we could use the energy to enhance our defensive equipment. Something tells me this won't be our last encounter with hostile mages."

Her tone remained professional and academic, though there was an underlying edge to her words as she looked at Brigit. "Consider it a final peer review of your research methods," she said to the paralyzed mage. "Though I doubt the College of Winterhold would approve of your... experimental methodology."

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna watched with professional interest as Brigit's Frost Atronachs transformed into replicas of her companions. As a mage herself, she had to admire the technical achievement - though the application left much to be desired. The crystalline copies might share their companions' forms, but they lacked the warmth of life that made them who they were.

"An interesting technique," she called out, her crimson eyes gleaming as she gathered her magic. "But ice has one fundamental weakness..."

Fire erupted from her hands in a concentrated stream, the flames so hot they appeared almost white at their core. She directed the inferno at the ice-Arnvidr's legs, aiming to destabilize its base while avoiding any risk to her actual companions. The magical flames caught the sunlight, creating prismatic reflections off the melting ice construct.

As Auron engaged the construct from the front, Sylruna circled to maintain her angle of attack, her midnight blue robes swirling around her. The runes on her clothing pulsed with power as she drew more magicka into her next spell. "And unlike real scholars," she added with grim humor, "these copies won't learn from their mistakes!"

She pivoted as Brigit attempted to flee, preparing another spell. This time she launched a series of precise fireballs, not at Brigit directly, but at the ground ahead of her, creating a barrier of flames to help cut off her escape route. The heat from her spells caused the summer air to shimmer and distort, adding to the chaos of the battlefield.

"Your research methodology could use some peer review!" she called out, her silver-white braids gleaming in the reflected firelight as she prepared another destructive spell. "Perhaps we should start by testing your theories about ice against my expertise in fire!"

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The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna's crimson eyes narrowed as the birdsong abruptly ceased. Years of traveling through hostile territory had taught her to recognize nature's warning signs. Her hands were already moving into defensive positions when the arrows burst from the trees.

Without hesitation, she summoned her magic, flames dancing between her fingers as she also cast a protective spell. The familiar warmth of her fire magic contrasted sharply with the cool mountain air of the Orange Road. "Bandits!" she called out, her voice clear and controlled despite the chaos. "And it seems they have magical support!"

The sight of the College of Winterhold robes caught her attention, though the missing insignia spoke volumes. As a fellow mage, Sylruna quickly assessed the potential threat - a rival scholar turned bandit leader was dangerous precisely because they might know exactly what they were doing with their magic.

She positioned herself where she could best support the group, her midnight blue robes swirling as she moved. The runes on her clothing began to glow more intensely as she channeled her magic. While Kiffar and the other close-combat fighters could handle the charging bandits, she would need to be careful with her fire magic - the narrow road and surrounding trees made area spells risky.

"Perhaps we could discuss academic attribution in a more civilized manner?" she called out to Brigit, though her hands remained wreathed in flames. She didn't expect the suggestion to work, but any delay that allowed her to better position herself was worthwhile. Besides, she thought with grim amusement, it wasn't every day one witnessed scholarly disputes being settled with battleaxes.

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna watched as the group began to fracture, with Alexios departing first, followed by Kiffar's declaration of self-appointed leadership before his own exit. Her crimson eyes reflected concern as she observed the growing tension. The warm candlelight of the chapel seemed to dim slightly, matching the cooling atmosphere.

"Perhaps," she said softly, but with clear purpose, "we're approaching this from the wrong direction." She stepped forward, her midnight blue robes rustling against the stone floor. "We're debating leadership and cover stories separately, when they're inherently connected. The role we choose will naturally suggest who should take point."

She gestured thoughtfully toward Arnvidr. "Your suggestion about investigating Ayleid ruins actually provides an elegant solution to both issues. As a known scholar, you would naturally lead such an expedition. The rest of us could have clear, simple roles that match our abilities without requiring elaborate deception." Her silvery-white braids caught the light as she turned to address the others.

"For instance," she continued, a subtle glow emanating from the runes on her robes, "my background in magical studies would make me a natural research assistant, while still allowing me to serve as protection. Meen-La's... reputation... could actually work in our favor here - what better credentials for a guard than someone known for surviving in dangerous territory?"

She paused, considering their options carefully. "The ruins near Bruma - Rielle and Ninendava - are known to be dangerous. No one would question a well-armed group investigating them. And unlike a merchant caravan, we wouldn't need to maintain a facade of commerce." Her expression softened with a hint of humor. "Though I do hope no one will be disappointed about missing out on Khaliya's sword-dancing demonstrations."

Turning back to the Confessor, she added more seriously, "Whatever we decide, we need to act quickly. Dawn isn't far off, and we still need rest before departure." She absently adjusted one of her braids, a habit when deep in thought. "Though I wonder... given the hour, perhaps we should continue this discussion over breakfast? I believe Sindri mentioned something about venison, and I know some excellent Dunmeri spice blends that might make it more interesting."

The Elder Scrolls VI: Sentinel

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The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna had been quietly observing the various introductions and suggestions, her crimson eyes reflecting the candlelight as she absorbed each perspective. She stepped forward now, her midnight blue robes rustling softly against the chapel floor.

"I suppose I should properly introduce myself as well," she said with a gentle smile. "I am Sylruna Velaryn. And while I appreciate Khaliya's vote of confidence in my diplomatic abilities, I believe she makes an excellent point about the need for unified leadership." She gestured respectfully toward the Confessor, then looked around at their gathered group.

"As for my own skills," she continued, absently adjusting one of her silvery-white braids, "I specialize in destruction magic, particularly fire-based spells, though I'm also versed in protective magic and archery. And yes," she added with a hint of amusement, glancing at Khaliya, "I suppose I could contribute some magical displays if we decide to pose as entertainers. Though perhaps we should avoid any fire performances in Bruma - the Nords there might not appreciate the reminder of the Oblivion Crisis."

Her expression grew more thoughtful as she considered their options. "Arnvidr's suggestion about researching Ayleid ruins has merit - there are several notable sites near Bruma, including Rielle and Ninendava. And given the city's proximity to Cloud Ruler Temple, scholarly interest in the area's history wouldn't seem unusual." She paused, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Though Kiffar makes a valid point about keeping things simple. Perhaps we're overthinking this?"

She turned toward the chapel doors where Sindri had departed. "I believe I'll join our Reach friend for that meal tomorrow. Breaking bread together might help us work more cohesively as a unit." Her crimson eyes sparkled with subtle humor as she glanced at Kiffar. "Though perhaps we should ensure enough venison for our larger companions?"

Looking back at the group, she added, "Whatever role we choose, we should use these next few hours wisely. I'd be happy to share what I know of Bruma's layout with anyone interested - I spent some time there studying the Great Chapel of Talos's unique architectural features. The city has changed since the Oblivion Crisis, but some things remain the same."

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna listened intently to the various suggestions, her crimson eyes thoughtful as she considered each perspective. The Legion officer's suggestion about using the Mythic Dawn as a cover brought a slight smile to her face - it was clever, playing on old fears that still lingered in Bruma's collective memory.

She turned toward Sindri, nodding in agreement. "You make an excellent point about our... distinctive appearance," she said, her tone carrying a hint of gentle amusement as she glanced at their diverse gathering. "Perhaps instead of trying to hide what we are, we could use it to our advantage." She paused, her silver-white braids catching the candlelight as she turned back to Alexios.

"What if we combined both approaches?" she suggested, her diplomatic training showing in how she tried to weave together the different ideas. "The Legion presence could be investigating the Mythic Dawn rumors, as you suggested, while we..." she gestured to their unusual group, "...could present ourselves as something that would naturally draw attention away from the real delegation."

Her eyes sparkled with sudden inspiration. "A merchant caravan, perhaps? It would explain our diverse backgrounds - after all, who would question a Dunmer mage providing protective services, or..." she glanced respectfully toward Kiffar, "...a powerful Khajiit guard protecting valuable goods? Trade caravans often employ all manner of protection, and Bruma sees plenty of merchant traffic."

She noticed Khaliya's assessment of their group and appreciated the woman's careful observations. It reminded her that they needed to consider not just their cover story, but how they would work together. "And speaking of protection," she added, her voice softening, "we should perhaps discuss how to coordinate our various... talents. Some of us are more suited to direct approaches," she nodded toward the more martial members of their group, "while others might be better positioned to handle things more... discreetly."

She absently adjusted one of the runes on her robes, her expression becoming more serious. "Whatever we decide, we'll need to trust each other. Bruma's people are observant - they'll notice if we're not convincing in our roles."