Falkreath: The Stone Orc Settlement

Thorok let the Siren, such a beautiful form of life, comfort herself atop him, making him delve further into the moment of ecstasy. He closed his eyes after glancing to her face, such a beautiful face, and listened to the song. Such a beautiful song..

It wasn't long before his arms dropped to his sides, fatigued and finally losing the battle to stay awake. The song.. the song from so long ago. The song that deemed his quest to win Mal'Zeeth's heart over worthy. One that lead to a thousand emeralds in one simple strike, in the emptiest of caves. Such a luck could never be found anywhere else, not for eternity. At least, that's how Thorok was comfortable with thinking of it. The Chieftan's limbs went limp, and his head hung to the side as he rested against the throne, hands felt on her hand as well upon her thigh for comfort, before dozing off to a relaxing rest...

Daris is nearly the exact same spot as he was the day before. In fact if it wasn't for his change in clothes, it would seem like he hadn't move all night. He is lotus position, and is steadily worrying at his block. He has been at it since before the sun rose. His concentration is absolute, and his dedication has been awarded. He can feel the crack Dura made widening ever so slowly. So focused is he that he doesn't even notice her arrival.

Daris jerked a little when Dura spoke. He really needed to learn how to pay better attention. It was a careless warrior, who got so immersed he did not pay attention to his surroundings. A slow easy smile spreads across his face, as he looks at the shamaness. She looked much improved from the last time he saw her. The burden on her shoulders was still present, but she no longer seemed crushed by it. He was glad she had found strength somewhere. Sounding perhaps a bit too eager, he responds to her question.

"Of course, I would be please to have you sit with me. My heart soars to see you looking so improved."

Daris listens to her words, she had spoken to Thorok then. His cousin was a wise leader. He was not surprised that their chief had found the words, where he had failed. He nods his understanding at her feelings. He had similar feelings, though for different reasons. For him it was that burdens were being thrust upon him. Though he would never shirk his duty, he often felt overwhelmed. It would be nice to be free to do as he wished. His smile broadens and he takes her hand, and shakes it.

"It would be my honor to call you friend. I also grant you my forgiveness, though truly you do not need it. What was said in the throes of grief, will not be held against you."

Daris gives an awkward laugh, as Dura pulls away her hand. He also hadn't realized he had held on. As he usually does when he is embarrassed, he scratches the back of his head.

"I have not. Do you think it will help?"

Daris gets to his feet sheathing his sword. He had just worried away at the wall, as tenacious as dog worrying a bone. Why would casting a spell help? He begins puzzling through the logic.

"Like attacking an opponents weakness."

Daris nods his head in understanding. It was a good tactic find where someone is weak, then focus all your effort on it. Eventually you would break through. He reaches out for the magic, and stops. He had instinctively reached out to the sword. When he should be reaching to the trickle coming through the crack.

"OH!"

Suddenly it clicks in his mind, why he has the block. He had been granted the sword, when he was made a shaman warrior. It was connected to him, and though it was mighty it was limited. He had until yesterday, never actually tried to pull mana from the world around him. He unseaths the sword, and sets it aside. Without the contact, he could not draw on it.

"Perhaps that will help."

Daris muses before once again trying to cast. He goes for the spell he mastered first. Concentrating the earths power in his fist. He casts his mind out to the crack, and draws. Power slowly begins to build in his fist, first a trickle then suddenly a stream. It had worked! He grins over at Zar'Dura.

"It is working!"

Daris frowns, in consideration. The blockage wasn't completely gone. It would be days before the wall was cracked wide open. Still the mana was flowing freely now, which was excellent progress. This is not what makes him frown. He is considering what he can do with this power. It is a great, and he has the feeling that combined with the sword it will be greater still. He could do much good with this strength, but one should be careful. With power came temptation, the fall of Thrash'Nald told him this.

"Great things, and terrible things. Though I hope only to do the great ones."

Once again his face splits into an easy going smile. Daris is not one to dwell too long on dark things. He continues to draw mana into his fist. Practice made perfect after all.

Daris sits down cross legged. He had a few more hours before training, and intended to spend them... training. He holds his fists in his lap, and continues to channel. Progress is so much quicker now. Before he had been chipping away at stone. Now it was more like washing away dirt. He looks up to Dura and smiles.

"Do as you will Zar'Dura. I enjoy your company, and would be glad if you stayed. But I doubt you will enjoy mine while I train. Watching me meditate doesn't sound enjoyable. I would not be offended if you found something else to do."

It took Daris some time to get into his meditations. Though he knew it was his imagination, his arm still seemed to tingle where she had touched it. He was also thrilled she had decided to remain. Still he was diligent, and he manages to put his excitement aside. A few hours pass in silent meditation. Just before noon a young warrior, comes to fetch him.

"It is time to eat Daris!"

Daris had made excellent progress, and had been more aware of the world because of it. He did not flinch when the warrior spoke, though it did break his concentration. He gets to his feet with a groan, and stretches out his stiff muscles.

"Thank you for fetching me. Would you like to join me for lunch Zar'Dura?"