From: 698cunliffecj@deanery.wigan.sch.uk (Christopher John Cunliffe)
Subject: [PORC] Onward and Downward

The two women stalked into the cavern. Kriella was surprised that there was
another with the same mission as her. Of course, their partnership would
probably end as soon as they left the cave – Nyxalinth's interests were
probably far from her own as far as her husband was concerned. What had
surprised her the most was that their had been a glimmer of recognition in
the Shadowalker's eyes when they had first met – few had heard or would
recognise one of the Dreadarmies. She was either very well educated or had
been offered membership at some time. If time allowed she would inquire
into this.

Nyxalinth's glowstone lit the way well and they could see much on the
floors of the cavern. Not that there was much to see – mostly bones of some
half-eaten creature and a few that looked decidedly too human for Kriella's
tastes. This beast must indeed have had many meals here. Behind her she
heard a faint sound and turned. There was nothing there and she was about
to put it down to her overactive imagination (she had not been in Tamriel
for years – not since first entering the Labyrinth) but then she saw that
Nyx had also turned. There had been something there.

Steeling themselves they walked on. They did not speak to each other as
even though it was clear that their quarry knew that they were here, it was
likely that it was not the only thing inside this place. The few skittering
sounds she heard from the distance did nothing to lessen her suspicions.
She would have thought that the Daedra would have eaten all of its
neighbours by now.

Kriella suddenly noticed that the cave was getting hotter and realised that
they must be heading down. As they walked on she removed her helmet and
held it under one arm while she wiped her sweating brow with the other
hand. Feeling no need for the helmet anymore, she quickly placed her hand
within her cloak and opened a small Window back to her rooms in her
Master's city. Placing her helmet on the bed, she reached out and her hand
grabbed two round objects. Smiling, she withdrew her hand and closed the
Window. Handing one of the two apples to Nyx, she crunched hard on the
other.

They were still going downwards. Ever downwards. And the heat was still
increasing. She knew only little about Spider Daedra, but it would be hard
to fight in this heat. Perhaps the Daedra liked it, but she knew that it
was this way. From the moment they had first set off after hearing the
creature's boasts and threats there had been no turnings. Not a single one.
This cavern seemed very unnatural, but she couldn't quite put her finger on
why.

Suddenly the noises all stopped. There was no change to the feeling of the
place, just the sudden silence. She silently cast a spell to detect any
creatures in the vicinity, and found nothing. Feeling this a good time to
begin to get to know her new companion better she voiced a question.

"So, Nyxalinth. Tell me a little about yourself. Judging by the atmosphere
of this cave, we could be together for a while."