The Battle for the East: A New War for Morrowind

[Crepe the Ashlander]

Spoiler:

Oh, I thought we would be taking roadcone prisoner when we attacked the camp, my bad

[Deandra]

"Whatever fortifications this town might offer didn't serve Riverbridge well in the previous attack. I'd rather camp somewhere less obvious," Elyna said.

[Gideon Dragontongue]

"For Azura's sake!" cried Llavyn. "This is absurd!"

[Roadcone]

"A reward of your choosing?" Jaster said as he reached back to draw his sword. "If it's something you've [&@%!] on i'm not going to be happy."

Jaster turned to the Altmer. "Apparently Tralas doesn't have what it takes to fight me himself. Let's see if you do... Draw your sword!"

[Gandalf]

Seeing the Argonian duped in front of Duruza, Simon swore and drew his sword. "There might be more in the area. I'll do a sweep." He walked off and started looking for anymore potential spies in the bushes.

[Pilaf The Defiler]

Seras spoke"We should find a secluded spot farther up the road. The Argonians might try to return and finish the job, or convert this place into a base for themselves later. They certainly know the location, and it isn't safe from them. I say let's continue to march a ways up the road and seek shelter off the path a ways."

[Free]

"A reward of your choosing?" Jaster said as he reached back to draw his sword. "If it's something you've [&@%!] on i'm not going to be happy."

Jaster turned to the Altmer. "Apparently Tralas doesn't have what it takes to fight me himself. Let's see if you do... Draw your sword!"

''No, no I wouldn't dare to do such a rude thing.'' Tralas stated putting his hands in the air exaggerated to show he means no harm.

''And...I'll ask questions to each of you during your fight.''
''The answers you give also determine the winner. A extra weigh on your focus.''

[AddictedtoMorrowind]

'What sword," Moryenarn replied, staying still. "You expect bulky armor and a heavy sword from a mage?"

[Roadcone]

"You have no weapon?" Jaster said, genuinely surprised. "But if your spells should fail you would be left completely defenseless." Jaster stood thinking over the ramifications of travelling Tamriel without a weapon with which to protect yourself. He couldn't fathom it.

"Well, I suppose it matters not, Tralas pass him your sword."

[AddictedtoMorrowind]

"I do have a dagger," Moryenarn replies. "I fight more with my fists as a melee weapon, however."

[Free]

Tralas threw his sword to the Altmer.
A mage...

''Here. Use mine, and remember defence up.'' he said grinning.

He sat more straight, ready to judge.
''Don't forget seras, answer the questions or no reward.''

[Believe]

Korzeth nodded as Simon left to sweep the area, then walked over to where Moryenarn and Jaster were preparing to duel.

"You two are actually going to do this? Because he told you to? Tralas... if they need to practice their skills, then let them. Don't ask them silly questions whilst they are dueling. We don't need any accidental injuries because of your foolishness."

He then sat down to watch Jaster and Moryenarn fight, but also made sure he could keep and eye on the Argonian captive until Duruza was ready to deal with him.

[AddictedtoMorrowind]

"I've never dueled with a long blade before, well, not practiced a lot, but I bet I'm not that bad," Moryenarn muttered to himself, crazily. He motioned to the Dunmer facing him, asking silently if he was ready.

[Crepe the Ashlander]

Drathen finally spoke up, "I think we should stay here in Riverbridge for the night", he paused, "If there is anything that my brother has taught me well, it is the ability to remain hidden; let me explain", Drathen walked to the front of the group, "If we were to say, remain hidden in the buildings that aren't destroyed, maybe in groups of two or three, if the argonians were to return, we would be hidden, and if we wanted, we could take them completely by surprise, I am no military tactician like my brother though, I have no idea who should go in what buildings, if we were to follow this plan.

[OblivionDuruza]

"There is a place not far from here," Ralvas announced, "We shall depart at once, and I advise you do the same," he said, turning back to the survivors, "I cannot afford to spare many of my men, but I shall send two to guide you to Kragenmoor. The rest, it's time to move out."

Ralvas' men moved out of Riverbridge promptly, and after marching for a further hour through the dusk they came to the spot and made camp. Ralvas did not permit a fire, and so they huddled in relative silence the night through.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Duruza returned to the fireside and observed the preparations for the duel. His attention then fell to Korzeth and the Argonian prisoner, "Korzeth, what is the meaning of this?" he exclaimed, "Is our position really this insecure?" He chose half a dozen of his personal troops and directed them to increase the sentry and the patrol, his concern piqued by these two latest intruders. "We shall move out without delay," he declared, "within the half hour, we strike for Morrowind. Make ready."

[Believe]

Korzeth leapt to his feet when Duruza returned.

"My apologies Master, I will personally patrol the camp from now on. We will have to be even more careful the closer we get."

He then bowed and left to pack his things, ready to leave as soon as possible.

[Crepe the Ashlander]

Belvyn strode over to where his fighters had set up a temporary camp, "Alright, Duruza has given the order for everyone to ready up, as we are moving out in half an hour", he patted Kraveth on the shoulder, "Go round the camp and make sure everyone's armour is as comfortable as possible and their weapons as dangerous as they can be".

--

Drathen seemed disappointed that no one had listened to him, he made for Ralvas, crouching the whole time, he whispered, "Why didn't we stay in Riverbridge, what if the argonians came back, those survivors could be massacred".

[JVElEven]

Alavesa sat down, confused.

"I don't even know what's going on anymore..." she mumbled, to which Thalurea nodded and laconically added: "Well, you did space out, master."

[OblivionDuruza]

"It cannot be helped," Ralvas said gravely, "My primary concern now is reaching Almalexia without unnecessary delay and we do not have the time to ensure that the survivors make it safely to Kragenmoor. The situation is not ideal, but I have grave fears that the Argonian attack on Riverbridge heralds an attack on Ebonheart without delay. I can only hope that word reaches the Hlaalu in time for them to act."

[Gandalf]

Simon returned from his sweep of the area. "Nothing else nearby, far as I can tell." He sat down on the floor and started strapping on his armour.

[OblivionDuruza]

Spoiler:

I have half a mind to stop the fight from going ahead

"I am glad to hear it," Duruza said, thanking the Nord, "But I do not wish to risk it any longer. Too much hangs in the balance upon the success of this attack."

[Crepe the Ashlander]

"I understand", Drathen paused, "This doesn't mean I agree with you, I hope you understand that".

[OblivionDuruza]

"As long as you follow me, all I ask is that you abide by my command," Ralvas said sternly, "This war will bring out the worst in us all, and we shall all see many an injustice before this war is out. When we reach Almalexia, you must be ready for the mass devastation that you shall face there, and the difficult decisions we will all be forced to make."

[Crepe the Ashlander]

"That is where I agree with you, good night councilor", Drathen lay on the floor, "I hope you sleep well".

[Roadcone]

"Half an hour.." Jaster said, "Well we'd better get this over with then." He aimed a blow at Moryenarn, sweeping down his sword at the Altmer's shoulder. It wasn't a particularly devasting blow, Jaster wanted to see how fast the Altmers reactions were and this was the best way to test them.