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[witherandrockjoint]

“Walking… There is nothing else and so I walk,” Lucretius answered. “The point,” he sighed, as though weary of this recitation. “The point, is that I suffer, though they sometimes carry me.” He forgot, at times, that not everyone recalled that which he recalled. Namely that he did not always walk on his unshod feet, instead permitting Dremora Lords to bear him where they would. Even into harm’s way, at times, for they disdained him for his weak body, and the unjustness of his strong magic. “You ought not stay where it is cold,” he said, suddenly. The old tongue of the Summerset Isles leapt from his tongue as though he had been born speaking it. Then he smiled, comforted, for Aldmeris tasted of the warm breath of summer even when used to speak of the cold, and turned on his bare heels. It would not do to stay so close to a spark like that one, lest it be put out…

| Sontaire started following you |

[witherandrockjoint]

The carrion bird shows me to a black Tower in the forest.

A white bird screams Dead, Dead, Dead... And still I go.

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Hmm... Alive?

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Darkness in the hearts of old things, and blades, blades, blades...

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Lucretius smiled, though her promise did not soothe him, entirely. He had heard other vows in the long centuries of his torment, broken by such good natures as Diana, herself, possessed. “I am glad,” he said, with a nod. “You cannot be taking pleasure in it, either.” He held her hands in his own for a moment, before releasing them. “You have already done a great deal for me, and yet we know so little about one another. I scarce know where you come from, what things please you, what you aspire to…” He studied her, then, curiously, trying to remember what his lesser self, his addled self, had spoken of, with her. The memories were fragmented, as there was no hope for clarity through that sickly haze that weighed so heavily upon his shoulders that he could barely stand. He touched his cheek where she had touched, and felt compelled to itch. “It is all right,” he said suddenly, eyeing the pendant, “if you should lose that old thing.” Better, he thought. What was he doing, here? Come for succour, when there was none? Spurring this woman to place herself in harm’s way to mend what was irreparably broken. Her heart was too good, to do battle with Daedra, who preyed upon such kindness without mercy. He gave a slight shudder, and tried not to think about it.

An Unlikely Couple

[witherandrockjoint]

"You are, in a sense," Lucretius replied. "It comes from before m - the Snow Elves were driven underground." That had very nearly been a mistake. Though perhaps she might work it out on her own, he did not wish to expose his heritage. She did not need another reason to pity him, and he did not wish to give her one. He had the niggling suspicion that Diana was keeping something from him, but he did not wish to squander this rare clarity with strife. He turned his attention back to the necklace for a moment. "I did not thank you for asking me here." Better not to discuss it, either. He knew perfectly well where it came from... Lucretius caught his reflection, distorted in the jewelry, and averted his eyes. The subjects loomed, both of which were troubling, and both of which he could not speak of. "I would repay your kindness, if I could... But do not ask that I allow you to attempt to intervene. It may be dangerous, Diana. I could not be happy if I was again made well at your expense."

An Unlikely Couple

[witherandrockjoint]

Lucretius took a seat beside her, looking up into the branches of the Gildergreen. At the mention of another bid at treating him, the sickly 'mer began to frown, pale lips pressing together into a hard line. "You should not interfere," he said, albeit gently. "It worries me." He disliked thinking what might become of her, should Peryite notice her interference. What if that wretched Daedra afflicted her, too? Anger flickered across his white face at the thought. "I would not see you place yourself in harm's way. I can endure. I have endured." He took her hand in his gloved ones. "Diana, please." He did not wish to discuss this matter, sensing already that it could take an unpleasant turn. Diana was bent upon curing him, but it had been centuries... And he could not even control his symptoms. It was abhorrent enough that he should live under the yoke of a Daedra's whims. "Do not put yourself at risk for me."

An Unlikely Couple

[witherandrockjoint]

[I'VE GOT A CLOSE-UP.]

((Weeping quietly over Sexy!Lucrazy))

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[Happy Heart's Day~!]

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Lucretius nodded. "I would be glad to," he said, and then, perhaps spurred on by the same impulse that would have had him touch the silver pendant that hung about her neck, he offered his arm. It was a rare thing, that he should feel that he could dare a little contact. Indeed, most feared his proximity, though his ills were not catching. But this day, there was even less need for such hesitance.  There was a flicker of movement overhead, and his gaze snapped up, as though it might be the carrion bird which so often mocked him, and haunted his steps, but no such apparition was in sight.  "Have you been well, also?" He frowned at the thought that the priestess might become afflicted. In her work, she was so often near the ill... For her goodness to be punished with disease would be an awful slight. He disliked even considering such a possibility. She was always so bright... But Lucretius knew that a light like hers sometimes drew darkness to it, and though perhaps it was irrational, he feared for her.

An Unlikely Couple

[witherandrockjoint]

Looking back was always foggy when Lucretius emerged from the haze of madness that more often than not afflicted him. It was like waking to pain from a long, troubled sleep... But this time, he recalled a letter. Come to Whiterun. And so he had turned his palanquin, for even when he saw with clarity, it took time for the strength to return to his body. He would look well, when he arrived in the city, and paid his visit to the priestess, who had treated him so kindly. He smiled, when he saw her, ignoring the fact that his appearance was attracting a great deal of attention from the city's residents. What is he? Some kind of elf? He's so pale! "I feel well," Lucretius answered Diana's inquiry about his health, rubbing the back of his head almost in surprise at being able to say so. He did, in fact, feel well. Alert, awake... He drew his breath easily, and stood tall without leaning on his crutch. Even the scaling on his skin was less, today, though his, he knew, meant that it would return in force when the madness did. "You are wearing the necklace I sent," Lucretius noticed, almost reaching as though to touch the pendant, but recalling just where it rested, and withdrawing. "The enchantments are holding well? I placed them, myself..."

An Unlikely Couple

Diana wasn’t used to having company on Heart’s Day.  It was a holiday she had been used to spending alone, and she’d never minded the solitude.  Sometimes, when the dancing began in the evening, she’d go outside to watch the festivities.  There had even been a few times when she’d been swept into a dance or two herself, but other than that, she’d never participated.  She was content enough to watch, and be apart.

True, there were times when she got… lonely.  She’d imagined once or twice what it would be like to be one of those lovely women with flowers in their hair and men at their sides.  She wasn’t jealous, persay, but she was curious.

This was to be the first time she’d have company, though it wasn’t the conventional sort.  Diana doubted she’d get up to much dancing with Lucretius, but that was alright.  She had two left feet.

She’d been waiting for him all through the later morning and early afternoon.  She’d opted for a dress to wear on this day out of the temple:  Simple and light brown with a high waist.  She liked dresses:  They were lighter than her robes, and she liked the way the fabric swirled around her ankles.  She only hoped she’d be recognizable.  She ought to be:  She was wearing her necklace, and the pendent rested gently against her breastbone.

It wasn’t hard to spot him, and once he was, at last, in her sights, Diana hurried forward, her smile broad and genuinely pleased.  ”You came!  I was beginning to worry— Was the trip alright?  Are you not too tired?”

[witherandrockjoint]

That I see clearly on this day, of all days, I am uncertain is a pleasure, or misfortune...

[witherandrockjoint]

[ A letter arrives for Lucretius: Dear Lucreitus; I've done some thinking and I have a salve that I think might help with the itching of your scales. I sent it along with this letter. Even if it doesn't help, it won't aggravate: I tested it on myself. I hope you're alright, wherever you are. Kynareth guide you. -- Diana ]

Salve, too? Lucretius examined the small container, afraid to open it. The point is that you suffer. He remembered. Still, he tucked it away into the pocket of his robes. He'd keep it, even if he was afraid of what it might do, should he attempt to make any use of it.

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A letter arrives for Lucretius, born to him by a white bird.  It circles his head once, and upon deciding there's no better place to leave it, simply drops it onto the 'mer's head and flutters off.

Dear Lucretius,

I know you don't like Pell, and I'm sorry for sending him to you.  But he's good at carrying my letters, and he always seems to know how to find people.  I hope that he managed to find you.

Are you very far from Whiterun?

I was thinking that, maybe, you might like to come visit me.  It gets very lonely here, especially around Heart's Day.  Not that I'm asking you for a romantic visit, of course!  Purely friendly.  I don't like the thought of you being so alone all the time, either.  I'd love to see you again, if you'll come.  I can even cook supper, if that's what you'd like!

There's no need to send a reply.  You can just come by, I'll be at the temple.  I hope you've been alright.  I keep you in my prayers.

All the best,

Diana

Acolyte of Kynareth

It takes a long while, before Lucretius managed to read the letter, but despite all that has been taken from him, his facility with language yet remained. The bright lady... The sickly 'mer was uncertain of what turned his feet toward Whiterun again, or, rather... What made him peep his head out of the heavy curtains of his litter to bid his conjured Dremora to pay heed. "Whiterun," he said, and the palanquin resumed its bobbling way back towards Whiterun Hold.

[witherandrockjoint]

"Milord, milord, milord..." Lucretius murmured, then let out an airy chuckle, though it ended in a fit of coughing that shook him like a leaf in a windstorm. He drew near to the fire in fits and starts, more like a malfunctioning Dwemer construct, than a creature of flesh and blood. But flesh, he was, and frailty. "No Auri-El, no Prince of Snow, no Prince at all... but so long ago... I am not a lord," he said, looking up at the sky instead of at Ulag. He edged dangerously near to the fire, sighing at its warmth. Then, painstakingly, he eased himself down by it, across from the sword he'd hired. For a sword, it did a lot of talking, Lucretius decided. He canted his head, again, to one side, as it lolled on his neck. Too heavy, and his muscles all too weak to carry him. He might have sent his Dremora in to do the sword's job, but he was tired... So tired... And his magicka was spent. He licked his dry, cracked lips. And the sword wished him to venture in? It would stain his silks.

Lost and Found [Ulag | Lucretius]

Ulag found the old elf a tad off putting… Perhaps it was the hollow eyes or the aloof nature in which he spoke. Frankly Ulag was not overly sure himself but nevertheless he shook it off, there was work to be done. “Found me indeed Milord, I have been waiting for quite some time and began to grow worried. It would not have been the first time someone fell to the crags of the reach. Nonetheless I am glad my suspicions were nothing more than just that.”

The orc offered the old Mer a spot beside him on the edge of the camp that overlooked the thieves den, preparing the plan of action he had already ran trough his head several times while waiting for the Mer’s arrival. ”Now Milord, I believe our first order of business should be to wait for nightfall. Ideally we should wait until after they have eaten. While they are quite lethargic from their meals and preparing for bed, this is when we shall make our entrance and hope for a safe and quick return of your stolen goods.”

“This is the ideal plan keep in mind, if things go south I am prepared to defend you with my life if necessary.” He explained, walking back to the small fire pit he had constructed in the center of his camp, offering for the old Mer a seat across from him “Now if you would not mind Milord, perhaps we could get better acquainted over some rabbit I have prepared.”

[witherandrockjoint]

It took another few hours before Ulag’s employer hobbled into sight. A tall mer, as tall as the sellsword, himself, leaning on a carved mammoth-tusk crutch. It did not seem to occur to him that he was, in fact, quite late. Indeed, caution itself appeared to be foreign to the mer, who wore thin, flowing silks despite the weather, and had no shoes to speak of. Though his gait was uneven and unsteady, his unshod feet made very little sound against the earth; white as the ivory of his crutch, and blemished with the same scaly disfigurements that marred his face and neck. “Found you,” he murmured, empty eyes still finding their way to Ulag, despite the fact that the pupil and iris had long since been consumed with white. He staggered down the hill towards the Orc, stopping just short of him, and canting his head to one side. Then he fell silent, and simply stared.

Lost and Found [Ulag | Lucretius]

The scraggly rock formations of the Reach provided excellent cover for Ulag’s camp. Set up in what he found to be the ideal place to observe both the thieve’s den and the approach leading up to it. Initially he has assumed that really only the thieves den would be of any concern but his employed had been so tardy that he found himself checking the approach regularly out of sheer boredom. Perhaps his employer died on the way here? A most unfortunate possibility that has happened on several occasions, a waste of good gold and good time. Then of course some employers get cold feet when the prospect of getting their hands dirty arises. Unfortunately for these individuals though it was Ulag’s policy to invite the employer along when it comes to the recovery of stolen items.One too many times has Ulag had to clear out a whole den of thieves just to return with the wrong damn circlet.