> "Nay lass, we'll be better off tegether fer the time bein'" Elfiran's eyes > got cold and hard, and his jaw clenched. "So the Brotherhood has nay given > up yet eh? Well, we'll take Alduin and K'tarin with us. Any assassins > foolish enough te try te tackle our force will end up with their heads > joinin' yer collection. Ah'll get the kitchen te russle us up some > travelin grub. The rest of ye better get yer stuff tegether. I mean te > travel within the hour. Balefire, could ye set up some type of ward with a > portal perhaps, around me tavern, since we're leavin it almost defenseless? > Ah'd hate te finish our quest, only te arrive back here te cinders." > Saying that, Elfiran went through the double swinging ironwood doors into > the kitchen and shortly the sounds of harried activity could be heard > within........ > Balefire reached into his pouch and drew forth a glowing emerald, strode over to the fireplace and set it against the mantlepiece. it sank into the wood and increased its glow as he muttered a cantrip over it. > ***************************** > > After a short while, the kitchen doors swing open and in walks Elfiran with > 10 packs stuffed with foodstuffs. He sets them on the common room table, > and goes behind the bar, reappearing mere seconds later with 4, yes 4, > casks of ale. "These'l be mine. Balefire kin get 'is if'n he wants." > Elfiran murmurs. He places them on the table, then goes upstairs, again > reappearing a minute later with a satchel and his Long Sword strapped to > his back. He then, draws a large tankard of ale from the keg at the bar, > and sits down, awaiting his fellow adventurers.... The Dark Elf warmage gestured at the gem set into the mantlepiece. "You should like the effect of that ensorcelled emerald over there, Elfiran. Some time back, I had some trouble with a mage who got around the standard wards I had set around my house in Wayrest. After dealing with him, I did some research in defensive spells -- not usually my specialty -- and came up with a truly effective ward by combining several potent detection and destruction spells and setting them in that jewel with a trio of ancient vampire souls. If anyone inimical approaches within a long bowshot of the Porcupine, they will get a Wrathbolt *and* a blast of Skyfire for their trouble. It is triggered by a very sensitive Detect Enemies spell, so it will have no effect on your honest customers, but and Dark Brotherhood scum who come close are not going to leave enough of a corpse to merit burial. You won't ever have trouble with thieves again, either. I would have used it earlier, but while someone was around the premises I thought it better to leave things a little less impersonal. Please accept it as a gift, a small token of my appreciation for your excellent hospitality. Speaking of which, a few kegs of ale to take along seem like an excelent idea."