Thals Andus
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"Good to be back to the ol' Wobbly, eh Nally?" The Hlaalu Dunmer patted the head of his Pack Guar, they were nearly within sight of the stables. The festival was well in it's way to celebrating Harvest's End, and he no longer regretted skipping that last Inn along the way to make it here in good time.
He brought his traveling friend to the Stables. True enough that Horses could not survive the harsh climate of Morrowind or it's vegetation, that was adapted to the local ash from the volcano, Red Mountain. Guars' on the other hand could survive it and could easily overeat on the oats and hay of Cyrodiil, which meant that they needed a little bit extra care from most stablehands.
Fortunately, Lowren; the energetic Bosmer lad knew Nally well enough and didn't need to be reminded of her proper care. In fact, he seemed to look forward to taking care of an animal quite alien to his normal charges.
"Good Mornin' Thals!" came Lowren's call, as he put his pitchfork into the pile of hay and waved and came running over.
"And good morning to you, Nally!" He rubbed the spot on her massive head she seemed to like. In response she gave a contented purr for lack of a better term. Not quite a growl and not quite a purr, the Guar made a sound very similar to the common household cat.
In response she gave Lowren a lick with her massive tongue, much to his chagrin. It turns out he didn't remember everything about the her, and now he would smell like guar halitosis for the rest of the day.
"All right, I'll start unloading my stuff in an hour or so. First I think I'm going to make use of that free beer they've got going on here!" Thals grinned at Lowren, and loosened his travel scarf just a bit.
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Sethyas, Free Beer Stand
The tankard of beer wasn't too bad. Clearly not their best brew, but what was to be expected? It was free, and went well with his breakfast. The griddle-cakes absorbed most of the alcohol unfortunately so he refilled his tankard.
It was Harvest's End, so he could celebrate he told himself.
Bringing his tankard down, he saw another Dunmer in travel clothes making a beeline for the table.
"Hail!" the other ashborn greeted him. "Thals Andus, House Hlaalu." he offered a hand.
"Sethyas Velas, House Redoran...did you have an ancestor that ran a Tradehouse in Maar Gan?" He asked, finding the name familiar.
"Aye! That'd be my Nan' Manse Andus! Fancy meeting someone who knew her!" He said excitedly. "Oh, I'm sorry is she.." he trailed off.
"Aye. About twenty years ago. She lived to two hundred forty though, not bad for my family! She was spritely and as vicious as they came until her last breath." He said with a smile and then slowly started to frown.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean.." Seth attempted to comfort.
"Oh, don't be...it was more the thought that she got taken out by the last Cliff Racer, or so the story goes." He shook his head. "Old Saint Jiub took out nest after nest, decade after decade, driving the abominable critters to extinction, so the story goes." He said, pausing for a sip of beer.
"She's as reverent as ever, heads on over to the Magic Rock of Vivec, not three steps from the door, and suddenly there's a shadow overhead. Now she's one of the few left that remembers those days when you had to keep an eye out for those infernal buzzards. So she starts panicking and telling everyone to get inside."
"Sure enough, the terrible squawk of the skylamp is heard and she's pushin' kids under tables, and in general running around. Right at that moment, Saint Jiub comes flyin' across the sky! He's got that Blessed Spear the Temple gave him for his efforts, wearing an ash-stained white robe, his levitation amulet shiney and new!"
"They battle for several minutes across the sky, and everyone's watching astonished, cheering on the new hero....suddenly the racer gets it's thorned tail right into the amulets cord, tearing it from his neck! But Saint Jiub's right above him! And comes flying down onto the beast, his spear penetrating his heart!" He smacked the back of one hand onto the other for effect.
"They come flying down, landing with a terrible thud! Jiub stands proudly, raising his spear in triumph! The crowd cheers him on, and they make their way to the Andus Tradehouse to drink in his honor! Only,...the Proprietor; my Nans', is nowhere to be found. They look and they search..." He took another sip of his beer only to shake his head.
"And wouldn't you guess it? Jiub landed on her...took her out in one fell swoop." He nodded sadly.
Sethyas blinked. "B'vek! That's horrible! Is that a true story?" He asked.
Thals grinned as he said. "Maybe, maybe not. Nans' always said: 'A story doesn't have to be true...it just has to be good.' So I'm told." He looked off to the side recalling the event in his mind.
"Plus, ya didn't even notice the swill of the beer as you drank it, huh?" Thals said, refilling his tankard.
Sethyas raised his brow. "No....I did not." filling his as well.
Full Version: The Wobbly Goblet Playground
*
Eyja and Maxical:
Eyja tiptoed into Maxical's room and hung the mourning clothes back in the schrank, removing the neck ribbon as an afterthought when she felt its tickle against her now bare chest.
Maxical stirred and rolled over. "Where've you been?" She sat up quickly when she saw the marks of ash on Eyja's face.
"Did you...was it Seth's sister?" When Eyja nodded she added, "I kind of thought he would ask you to attend her with him...some things he said made me think he would."
Eyja shook her head. "It was Cytherea too. We released their ashes together."
"Oh Eyja, oh dear. Come on then, come." She slid over in the bed, wrapping her arms around Eyja and holding her tightly.
"It will be okay, Eyja. I can feel it. It will be a good thing for you both...it was time, you know? Do you want me to purr you to sleep?"
Eyja nodded.
Maxical nestled closely against her back, her purring a rhythmic lulling against the tension until it slowly eased and Eyja's breathing fell into a deep and regular pattern.
*
Abiene
Outside the crowd kept Kayla’s long legs walking at a Breton’s pace, to Abiene’s relief.
“Beer first, and then tattoos?” she asked Kayla, smiling up at her. “Or perhaps the other way around might be better advised. I do a fair amount of tattoo removal to fund my side projects.” She shook her head. “Folk in that line of work should learn how to spell.”
The lively music made her feet want to skip. Kayla led them toward the merchants’ tents. For a time Abiene couldn’t see much more than shoulders, but then the three were able to walk side-by-side again.
She paused to look at a display of Kvatch-made damask, brocade, and Nibenean lace. Three Imperial women about her age had their heads together in front of the stand, debating the merits of gold or silver thread.
Abiene glanced at her companions, uncertain if they would be interested. She had no need for draperies or cloth for tables, but she knew that Aravi had a home of her own. She wondered about Kayla’s situation.
Outside the crowd kept Kayla’s long legs walking at a Breton’s pace, to Abiene’s relief.
“Beer first, and then tattoos?” she asked Kayla, smiling up at her. “Or perhaps the other way around might be better advised. I do a fair amount of tattoo removal to fund my side projects.” She shook her head. “Folk in that line of work should learn how to spell.”
The lively music made her feet want to skip. Kayla led them toward the merchants’ tents. For a time Abiene couldn’t see much more than shoulders, but then the three were able to walk side-by-side again.
She paused to look at a display of Kvatch-made damask, brocade, and Nibenean lace. Three Imperial women about her age had their heads together in front of the stand, debating the merits of gold or silver thread.
Abiene glanced at her companions, uncertain if they would be interested. She had no need for draperies or cloth for tables, but she knew that Aravi had a home of her own. She wondered about Kayla’s situation.
Kayla's eyes wandered over the home accessories out of boredom. She wanted to look at weapons, and more importantly, new armor. She saw a booth for both up ahead, but she didn't want to bore the two smaller women doing what she wanted. Instead, she felt the cloth between her fingers absently, enjoying the feel between her fingers.
She took another look around and saw a slightly familiar face at the beer booth. The Dunmer with the tattooed face spoke to another Dunmer, and the laughed and grinned for a moment before she turned back around. A jewelry stand caught her eye, and she tugged at abiene's shirt sleeve.
"Look at that necklace!" she gushed, walking over to the booth. The pale green of the Dragon's Eye lid complimented the light azure of the iris. The pupil slightly glowed.
"Is that enchanted?" Kayla asked the booth owner.
She nodded. "All jewelry is hand-blown and enchanted by myself. That particular one wards off harmful magickal spells. It suits Altmer well." The short woman said with a hinting grin.
Kayla smiled. "It's gorgeous, but I'm not one for spoiling myself. I might buy it for a friend, though."
She bent over and looked at more of the jewelry.
She took another look around and saw a slightly familiar face at the beer booth. The Dunmer with the tattooed face spoke to another Dunmer, and the laughed and grinned for a moment before she turned back around. A jewelry stand caught her eye, and she tugged at abiene's shirt sleeve.
"Look at that necklace!" she gushed, walking over to the booth. The pale green of the Dragon's Eye lid complimented the light azure of the iris. The pupil slightly glowed.
"Is that enchanted?" Kayla asked the booth owner.
She nodded. "All jewelry is hand-blown and enchanted by myself. That particular one wards off harmful magickal spells. It suits Altmer well." The short woman said with a hinting grin.
Kayla smiled. "It's gorgeous, but I'm not one for spoiling myself. I might buy it for a friend, though."
She bent over and looked at more of the jewelry.
Abiene marveled at the blown-glass jewelry. She picked up a pair of earrings to examine them more closely. “Astonishing,” she said. “I would have thought these patterns painted on, but they’re a part of the glass!”
Kayla spoke of buying the dragon’s eye pendant for a friend.
“Did you have someone special in mind who would like that?” Abiene asked, curious but not wanting to pry. “That’s a good idea. Saturalia is in a few months. This might be a good time for me to find something for my sister.”
Sidette preferred the cold glitter of jewels to any amount of artistry, but Abiene liked to think of the hands that made beautiful things. She lingered over the teardrop-shaped pendants. One held a glass rose inside. A tiny glass butterfly perched on it.
“I don’t see hoop earrings, Aravi, but I’m sure there will be a goldsmith somewhere here,” Abiene said. “This is practically a city fair, being so close to Chorrol.”
Kayla spoke of buying the dragon’s eye pendant for a friend.
“Did you have someone special in mind who would like that?” Abiene asked, curious but not wanting to pry. “That’s a good idea. Saturalia is in a few months. This might be a good time for me to find something for my sister.”
Sidette preferred the cold glitter of jewels to any amount of artistry, but Abiene liked to think of the hands that made beautiful things. She lingered over the teardrop-shaped pendants. One held a glass rose inside. A tiny glass butterfly perched on it.
“I don’t see hoop earrings, Aravi, but I’m sure there will be a goldsmith somewhere here,” Abiene said. “This is practically a city fair, being so close to Chorrol.”
Kayla shook her head. "No one in mind, and the only one who would benefit from the charm would be myself." She laughed, then let out a light sigh. "If only I had a sweetheart to buy me things like this. My birthday is tomorrow, and..." she trailed off. "Nevermind." she laughed. "I'm being silly."
No need to feel depressed about getting older. She reminded herself. You've got a high-risk job.
No need to feel depressed about getting older. She reminded herself. You've got a high-risk job.
Abiene caught the jeweler’s eye, lifting her brows. The woman’s slight nod told her that she got the message. She was about to turn back to Kayla when someone knocked her off balance.
“Whoa, there,” said a male voice. Abiene found herself placed back on her feet. “Sorry,” the man called back over his shoulder, already two strides away.
“I know you two will want to look at swords and such,” Abiene said to Aravi and Kayla, squeezing the man’s spilled beer out of her sleeve. “Perhaps we should look at all of the sharp things before folks get too inebriated and start waving them around.”
She sniffed her sleeve. “I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I’m sure they’ll sell me some wine.”
“Whoa, there,” said a male voice. Abiene found herself placed back on her feet. “Sorry,” the man called back over his shoulder, already two strides away.
“I know you two will want to look at swords and such,” Abiene said to Aravi and Kayla, squeezing the man’s spilled beer out of her sleeve. “Perhaps we should look at all of the sharp things before folks get too inebriated and start waving them around.”
She sniffed her sleeve. “I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I’m sure they’ll sell me some wine.”
Kayla frowned at the man. "Check your pockets, make sure he didn't take anything. Unless you keep your money in your bra, then you're fine. I didn't see him grope you." she laughed, then looked back at the sword and armor booth and nodded.
"Alright, I'll go check the booths. I think I see some armor from over here." She briefly touched Abiene's arm before heading to the booth with Aravi.
"Alright, I'll go check the booths. I think I see some armor from over here." She briefly touched Abiene's arm before heading to the booth with Aravi.
Lycus Desselius saw the great festival take place. People representing every race, from every province, crowded the tavern from outside and from within. It was a scene of most robust merriment. Banners hung from around. Tents were set and merchants announced their wares while potential buyers gawked at them. Troubadours performed, the sprightly music of their lutes and harps competing with the high-spirited laughter and chatter of the gossiping and conversating people.
The tables and benches had been set up to accommodate the many courtiers, artisans, soldiers, explorers and all manners of new people. The aroma of meat, roasting in the fire, filled his nostrils. Free beer was being served, which resulted in a heavy group of inbibed men and women attempting to mimick the khajiiti acrobats, dance around in circles, or gaze with awe at the snake-charmer.
Lycus would enjoy to take the time and drink wine and eat. But now was not the time. He would save his mind and his energy for the hunt to come, for it deserved his fullest attention. He was positive one of the men would take at least a bow with them for the journey. That was fine. He would use his spear, and his hunting knife. That was more than enough.
He would travel light. His steel plate armor, and lupine-styled helmet, would be too much of a hinderance rather than a benefit. It would only hold him back. A simple shirt and pants would allow him more movement.
The silver spear he carried on his shoulder had daedric inscriptions along the edge, and some etched along the body. His dagger was also made of silver as well.
This will work fine.
He searched the grounds for his soon-to-be hunting companions, and found them speaking to each other, standing near a crate full of gear.
"Morning." Lycus said to both of them, and stepped in close to eye the weapons and shields before raising a brow to Khan. "You have come quite prepared."
"Our eyes are set for the Great Forest?"
The tables and benches had been set up to accommodate the many courtiers, artisans, soldiers, explorers and all manners of new people. The aroma of meat, roasting in the fire, filled his nostrils. Free beer was being served, which resulted in a heavy group of inbibed men and women attempting to mimick the khajiiti acrobats, dance around in circles, or gaze with awe at the snake-charmer.
Lycus would enjoy to take the time and drink wine and eat. But now was not the time. He would save his mind and his energy for the hunt to come, for it deserved his fullest attention. He was positive one of the men would take at least a bow with them for the journey. That was fine. He would use his spear, and his hunting knife. That was more than enough.
He would travel light. His steel plate armor, and lupine-styled helmet, would be too much of a hinderance rather than a benefit. It would only hold him back. A simple shirt and pants would allow him more movement.
The silver spear he carried on his shoulder had daedric inscriptions along the edge, and some etched along the body. His dagger was also made of silver as well.
This will work fine.
He searched the grounds for his soon-to-be hunting companions, and found them speaking to each other, standing near a crate full of gear.
"Morning." Lycus said to both of them, and stepped in close to eye the weapons and shields before raising a brow to Khan. "You have come quite prepared."
"Our eyes are set for the Great Forest?"
Aravi’s eyes wandered over the glass jewelry. It was beautiful, but Aravi was interested in something a little less fragile. If she bought one of these, it would likely break in the first fight she got into. I could get something without any enchantments though… Then she would only wear it in towns. Kayla selected an amulet that resembled the eye of a dragon.
Kayla mentioned that it was her birthday tomorrow. I should get her that amulet. I’ll get it when she walks away to the armor stands.
Only she didn’t have the chance. The elf beckoned her along. She caught Abiene's eye before leaving and flicked her ear towards the jewelry stall. She hoped that was enough of a message.
Aravi walked with Kayla towards the armor stands. It occurred to Aravi she had no idea how old Kayla was. Altmer lived a long time compared to other races. She could be a hundred years old for all I know. Or even just in her twenties.
They arrived at the armor stands first. The heavy armors were displayed more prominently here, as they drew more attention and looked the most impressive. There was still a good selection of lighter armors however. Leathers, mails, and more exotic materials were featured. Each one had its merits and weaknesses.“Do you have a preference for a certain material?” Aravi asked Kayla.
Kayla mentioned that it was her birthday tomorrow. I should get her that amulet. I’ll get it when she walks away to the armor stands.
Only she didn’t have the chance. The elf beckoned her along. She caught Abiene's eye before leaving and flicked her ear towards the jewelry stall. She hoped that was enough of a message.
Aravi walked with Kayla towards the armor stands. It occurred to Aravi she had no idea how old Kayla was. Altmer lived a long time compared to other races. She could be a hundred years old for all I know. Or even just in her twenties.
They arrived at the armor stands first. The heavy armors were displayed more prominently here, as they drew more attention and looked the most impressive. There was still a good selection of lighter armors however. Leathers, mails, and more exotic materials were featured. Each one had its merits and weaknesses.“Do you have a preference for a certain material?” Aravi asked Kayla.
"I do, actually." Kayla said. "I prefer leather to metals. Once it breaks in, it's very flexible. and if you wear metal armbands, you can block oncoming teeth that want to bite you." She grinned and mimicked fangs at her neck with two fingers.
"I kind of want a darker leather this time around, though. Mine got stolen in Hackdirt, and by the time I would have put it on, I would have been dead. So I left it." she sighed. Ma'Dat gave me that armor. She knew the old Khajiit would rather his armor be left behind than her dead in a cave, so she wouldn't dwell on it.
"What about you, Aravi?" Kayla felt along the seams of a particularly supple leather cuirass, the dark brown leather stained with intricate and needless designs. Pretty, but useless.
"I kind of want a darker leather this time around, though. Mine got stolen in Hackdirt, and by the time I would have put it on, I would have been dead. So I left it." she sighed. Ma'Dat gave me that armor. She knew the old Khajiit would rather his armor be left behind than her dead in a cave, so she wouldn't dwell on it.
"What about you, Aravi?" Kayla felt along the seams of a particularly supple leather cuirass, the dark brown leather stained with intricate and needless designs. Pretty, but useless.
“I’ve made use of several different kinds of Armor. My favorite is my Elven set actually. It isn’t as flexible as leathers, but it is very strong. Glass is stronger yet, but it’s bulky, on me anyways, and less flexible. It’s also rare and difficult to find.”
She fingered a set of steel mail. “I tried mail once. The ringlets pull my fur.” That was painful.
“So you want leather? Something like what I’m wearing?” She gestured at herself. “It’s comfortable, but there are more protective sets. I usually only wear this to hunt or travel.”
She fingered a set of steel mail. “I tried mail once. The ringlets pull my fur.” That was painful.
“So you want leather? Something like what I’m wearing?” She gestured at herself. “It’s comfortable, but there are more protective sets. I usually only wear this to hunt or travel.”
Abiene touched her purse at Kayla’s advice. It was still in her pocket. Probably too light to consider worth the risk. She wasn’t in the habit of carrying much coin, but she did have letters of credit from the Bank of Cyrodiil and the Temple of Zenithar.
Aravi caught her eye as she and Kayla turned toward the armorer. A flick of an ear relayed the Khajiit’s message. She has the same idea about that pendant. Kayla may not have a sweetheart, but her friends love her. Abiene gave a quick wink in reply. As soon as Kayla and Aravi walked away she made the transaction.
“There’s a ten percent discount for cash, today only,” the vendor informed her. “And if you use credit I have to charge you tax.”
Abiene made the notation in the jeweler’s ledger. “That’s too bad for me. I don’t have the gold on me. In fact I could use some extra pocket money today. I forgot it was Harvest’s End.”
The woman pointed to a column on the page. “Write it there if you want cash back.”
Abiene wrote in a figure.
“There’s a fee of course.” The woman added. “And I charge a percentage for the convenience.” She put the sum on Abiene’s receipt.
“That’s highway robbery!” Abiene exclaimed. “Add another leather thong to the box, and tie it with a bit of ribbon. That way she’ll have a choice between black or brown when she wears it.” Probably too late to try the Illusionist’s discount, Abiene thought. Besides, she’s surely wearing enchantments against Charm spells.
Once their transaction was complete Abiene gave the vendor a smile. “Would you happen to have a bag for this? Oh, perhaps a larger one? I might do some more shopping.”
Her progress was cautious on the way to the beer table. Everyone had some kind of mug, tankard, or flagon in hand, and most did not pause their guzzling to watch out for skinny Bretons.
She spied Lycus striding away from the inn, a spear over one unarmored shoulder. He joined a big Khajiit and a Nord who must be part giant. Hunting, she thought. To each their own form of revelry.
Abiene picked up two tankards at the beer stand. She knew Kayla would want one, and if Aravi didn’t want hers it wouldn’t be difficult to find a home for the second one.
Two Dunmeri men stood by the beer barrels. Abiene smiled with recognition, then felt her spirits lift further when she identified her reaction. Recent events might continue to haunt her nights, but upon seeing Sethyas Velas her heart had smiled at meeting a friend.
“Good morning,” she said as the two filled their tankards. “How does the day greet you?”
Aravi caught her eye as she and Kayla turned toward the armorer. A flick of an ear relayed the Khajiit’s message. She has the same idea about that pendant. Kayla may not have a sweetheart, but her friends love her. Abiene gave a quick wink in reply. As soon as Kayla and Aravi walked away she made the transaction.
“There’s a ten percent discount for cash, today only,” the vendor informed her. “And if you use credit I have to charge you tax.”
Abiene made the notation in the jeweler’s ledger. “That’s too bad for me. I don’t have the gold on me. In fact I could use some extra pocket money today. I forgot it was Harvest’s End.”
The woman pointed to a column on the page. “Write it there if you want cash back.”
Abiene wrote in a figure.
“There’s a fee of course.” The woman added. “And I charge a percentage for the convenience.” She put the sum on Abiene’s receipt.
“That’s highway robbery!” Abiene exclaimed. “Add another leather thong to the box, and tie it with a bit of ribbon. That way she’ll have a choice between black or brown when she wears it.” Probably too late to try the Illusionist’s discount, Abiene thought. Besides, she’s surely wearing enchantments against Charm spells.
Once their transaction was complete Abiene gave the vendor a smile. “Would you happen to have a bag for this? Oh, perhaps a larger one? I might do some more shopping.”
Her progress was cautious on the way to the beer table. Everyone had some kind of mug, tankard, or flagon in hand, and most did not pause their guzzling to watch out for skinny Bretons.
She spied Lycus striding away from the inn, a spear over one unarmored shoulder. He joined a big Khajiit and a Nord who must be part giant. Hunting, she thought. To each their own form of revelry.
Abiene picked up two tankards at the beer stand. She knew Kayla would want one, and if Aravi didn’t want hers it wouldn’t be difficult to find a home for the second one.
Two Dunmeri men stood by the beer barrels. Abiene smiled with recognition, then felt her spirits lift further when she identified her reaction. Recent events might continue to haunt her nights, but upon seeing Sethyas Velas her heart had smiled at meeting a friend.
“Good morning,” she said as the two filled their tankards. “How does the day greet you?”
"Hmmmm. Something like that," Kayla remarked. "But different bottoms. More pants-like. And shoulder pads. Form fitting. It's difficult to explain," She laughed. "But anyways!" she leaned in, moreso to hide her next remark from the vendor than to have Aravi hear it. She knew she could, Khajiit's ears were more sensitive than other races. "I'm sure they'll charge too much for armor here. I could go inside the city and get what I need for half the price." She laughed again.
"Anything else you want to do?" She asked, glancing at the beer booth. "I might grab a drink."
"Anything else you want to do?" She asked, glancing at the beer booth. "I might grab a drink."
Seth looked over to his side as the mousey Abiene bade them good morning. Recent events had made their acquaintance a much closer one then one would expect after two days. As he had read an Author write once: "When you're with a perfect stranger, and you both know you're going to die, a lot of window dressing gets tossed out of the door."
He returned her smile and 'Good Morning'.
"So far, so good." He said, opting not too mention Eyja and his little sojourn. "Had a fantastic breakfast and now some free beer. No complaints on my end."
He nodded to her. "How's by you? Feeling better?"
He returned her smile and 'Good Morning'.
"So far, so good." He said, opting not too mention Eyja and his little sojourn. "Had a fantastic breakfast and now some free beer. No complaints on my end."
He nodded to her. "How's by you? Feeling better?"
Aravi looked over towards the drink booth, standing on her toes. Even then it was difficult to see through the crowd. She didn't like crowds very much. It was difficult to see being as short as she was, and she always had to be careful to keep her tail out of the way.
"Let's see what they have. I think Abiene is over there. Looks like she's talking to a Dunmer."
"Let's see what they have. I think Abiene is over there. Looks like she's talking to a Dunmer."
Abiene at the Beer Stand
“Mmm hmm, much better, thank you. Though I’ll choose my meals carefully for some time yet.” She chuckled at the memory of her digestive disaster. Now that the embarrassment had faded she could see the humor in that situation.
“Yetta’s dinners are as good as her breakfasts,” she continued, “though it seems the inn is cooking outdoors today. Are you staying in County Chorrol for a while?”
Sethyas looked splendid in an impeccably stitched red vest. The other Dunmer was clearly a merchant. Abiene wondered if that was his pack guar over by the stable. Perhaps he will have some hackle-lo for sale.
“Mmm hmm, much better, thank you. Though I’ll choose my meals carefully for some time yet.” She chuckled at the memory of her digestive disaster. Now that the embarrassment had faded she could see the humor in that situation.
“Yetta’s dinners are as good as her breakfasts,” she continued, “though it seems the inn is cooking outdoors today. Are you staying in County Chorrol for a while?”
Sethyas looked splendid in an impeccably stitched red vest. The other Dunmer was clearly a merchant. Abiene wondered if that was his pack guar over by the stable. Perhaps he will have some hackle-lo for sale.
Kayla nodded and held Aravi's hand, using her height and muscle to pave a way for the much smaller Khajiit through the crowds. She grinned at Abiene as she took a full mug.
"Who's your friends?" She asked, looking at the Dunmer."
"Who's your friends?" She asked, looking at the Dunmer."
Aravi was glad when the taller woman guided her through the crowd. At the booth she helped herself to a mug of beer and sipped on it carefully. The mug was sized appropriately for a Nord, but was a little much for a woman like herself. Yetta’s doing? She would have to be careful.
While Kayla was looking towards the Dunmer, Aravi shot Abiene a questioning look. Did you get it?
While Kayla was looking towards the Dunmer, Aravi shot Abiene a questioning look. Did you get it?
Sethyas almost started.
While Altmer were rare to an extent, this was the third he'd met in as many days. A friend of Abiene's as well. He nearly prayed that they were done and over with the pattern that seemed to develop among her acquaintances.
He kept his polite expression on nonetheless and introduced himself.
"Sethyas Velas, Alchemist." His eye flitted over to Abiene momentarily.
"This is Thals Andus, apparently. I've just met him myself. What is your trade, sera?" He asked.
Thals gave a much larger and friendlier grin than most and nodded as he introduced himself. "Trader actually! I'll be in one of the stalls shortly enough. Me and Nally just got here no more than a few minutes ago, and wanted to to parch my thirst before getting to work."
"I specialize in all sorts of exotic Morrowind and Dunmer goods if you're interested. Come by after and I'll give you a nice discount." He offered.
Definitely a Hlaalu. Sethyas thought taking another sip.
While Altmer were rare to an extent, this was the third he'd met in as many days. A friend of Abiene's as well. He nearly prayed that they were done and over with the pattern that seemed to develop among her acquaintances.
He kept his polite expression on nonetheless and introduced himself.
"Sethyas Velas, Alchemist." His eye flitted over to Abiene momentarily.
"This is Thals Andus, apparently. I've just met him myself. What is your trade, sera?" He asked.
Thals gave a much larger and friendlier grin than most and nodded as he introduced himself. "Trader actually! I'll be in one of the stalls shortly enough. Me and Nally just got here no more than a few minutes ago, and wanted to to parch my thirst before getting to work."
"I specialize in all sorts of exotic Morrowind and Dunmer goods if you're interested. Come by after and I'll give you a nice discount." He offered.
Definitely a Hlaalu. Sethyas thought taking another sip.
“May I present my friends Kayla and Aravi?” Abiene made the appropriate gestures. “Kayla is also an alchemist,” she told Seth.
She gave Aravi a tiny tilt of her chin toward the bag. Got it.
“I’m Abiene Metonne,” she said to Thals, shaking his hand in the Cyrodiil manner. “I’ll certainly come looking for you later. Chorrol lacks an eastern trader.” She stopped herself before asking if Nally was the guar. For all she knew he could be referring to his wife.
She gave Aravi a tiny tilt of her chin toward the bag. Got it.
“I’m Abiene Metonne,” she said to Thals, shaking his hand in the Cyrodiil manner. “I’ll certainly come looking for you later. Chorrol lacks an eastern trader.” She stopped herself before asking if Nally was the guar. For all she knew he could be referring to his wife.
Aravi gave a tiny nod to Abiene and smiled. She turned her attention to the pair of Dunmer as they introduced themselves. Sethyas and Thals. Sethyas’s face was either painted or tattooed with a black hand. She squashed her natural nervousness when she was around Dunmer, a reminder of her years as a slave.
When Abiene introduced her she smiled. “Good to meet you both. I’m Aravi.”
When Abiene introduced her she smiled. “Good to meet you both. I’m Aravi.”
Kayla grinned at both Dunmer and shook both of their hands, gripping them tightly, but not too tight. "It's nice to meet a fellow alchemist! I'm not quite a master yet, but I'm working on it." she said to Sethyas. She tapped her own face where Sethyas' tattoo was. "I like your tattoo." She gave him another friendly smile and turned to Thals.
"Exotic goods, huh? Wait til I get more drink in me, and I'll come and check out what you've got. One of my...mentors is from Morrowind. She'd had all sorts of trinkets with her. Told me a few stories, too. Who's Nelly?"
Kayla was excited to meet more elves, though the only other Altmer she had seen was Laegon, and he was busy with a buxom blonde over at a table. She imagined if he got shot down by her, he might come over, but she wouldn't push it. She might find her own, fresh company tonight, but she doubted it.
Though with all the drink...
"Exotic goods, huh? Wait til I get more drink in me, and I'll come and check out what you've got. One of my...mentors is from Morrowind. She'd had all sorts of trinkets with her. Told me a few stories, too. Who's Nelly?"
Kayla was excited to meet more elves, though the only other Altmer she had seen was Laegon, and he was busy with a buxom blonde over at a table. She imagined if he got shot down by her, he might come over, but she wouldn't push it. She might find her own, fresh company tonight, but she doubted it.
Though with all the drink...
Sethyas gave as warm a smile and geniality as he could to Aravi. Being a Dunmer living in Morrowind likely gave him a reputation he most certainly did not like to be associated with. "A pleasure Sera Aravi. Sethyas Velas. Originally from County Cheydinhal, lately where ever I find myself." He jested slightly.
Thals seemed to be completely indifferent to anyone's race in any way, shape, or form. As a true Hlaalu, any potential paying customer was equally worth his investment of time.
"Also a pleasure on my part, Saer Aravi!" Thals grinned, and Sethyas shot him a weird look.
That's an Argonian form of address, not Khajiiti! He thought.
"I like your tattoo." Kayla complimented.
Sethyas raised an eyebrow and replied good-naturedly. "My thanks, but it wasn't my choice. I certainly would never choose to apply a tattoo to my face at the very least. Some Dunmer tradition for a few weeks after birth..." he trailed off and into his beer.
"I've dabbled in Alchemy nearly my entire life, so I suppose I'm more self-taught than not." He shrugged.
...who's Nelly?" Kayla asked Thals, to which he choked into his drink. "NAlly is my companion on the road." He said with a slight shock to his tone. "She's a very loyal and hard-working guar, whom I've entrusted to the care of Lowren for the time being."
Sethyas swallowed his laughter into his drink.
Just a Guar, Serjo. He rolled his eyes out of sight.
Thals seemed to be completely indifferent to anyone's race in any way, shape, or form. As a true Hlaalu, any potential paying customer was equally worth his investment of time.
"Also a pleasure on my part, Saer Aravi!" Thals grinned, and Sethyas shot him a weird look.
That's an Argonian form of address, not Khajiiti! He thought.
"I like your tattoo." Kayla complimented.
Sethyas raised an eyebrow and replied good-naturedly. "My thanks, but it wasn't my choice. I certainly would never choose to apply a tattoo to my face at the very least. Some Dunmer tradition for a few weeks after birth..." he trailed off and into his beer.
"I've dabbled in Alchemy nearly my entire life, so I suppose I'm more self-taught than not." He shrugged.
...who's Nelly?" Kayla asked Thals, to which he choked into his drink. "NAlly is my companion on the road." He said with a slight shock to his tone. "She's a very loyal and hard-working guar, whom I've entrusted to the care of Lowren for the time being."
Sethyas swallowed his laughter into his drink.
Just a Guar, Serjo. He rolled his eyes out of sight.
Kayla's blush traveled from her face down her neck.
"I am so, SO sorry!" She said, covering her mouth. "My Cyrodiilic isn't as great as I'd like it to be. Excuse me wile I spit my boot out and drink some more." She held her tankard to her lips and took a long drink, keeping her eyes averted.
"I am so, SO sorry!" She said, covering her mouth. "My Cyrodiilic isn't as great as I'd like it to be. Excuse me wile I spit my boot out and drink some more." She held her tankard to her lips and took a long drink, keeping her eyes averted.
"Indeed, as have you. We were just on our way to recruit some volunteers to join our little adventure. Select whatever gear you want from the chest, it's all battle-tested, so you needn't worry about breaking it. As for our destination, we'll go through the forest, winding up on the shores of Lake Rumare. There's a temple to Dibella there that's been overrun by Minotaurs. So, yes, get yourself fed and ready, we depart at noon. Come on Hjalbir, the sooner we get the word out, the more people we have to take on those monsters." Khan turned, his cloak flowing behind him as he walked toward the inn, parchment and hammer in hand.
Sethyas started to chuckle out loud, and Thals shot him an indignant glance, but than started to laugh himself.
"Ahhh! Forgive me dear Kayla! I just spend so much time on the road with her, I suppose she's become like a family member to me." He shook his head. "I can get a little defensive. My sincere apologies." He said rubbing the back of his neck.
"Plus I literally just got here. Give me an hour to unwind and some more drink in me, maybe I'll get that rock out of my shoe, huh?" he grinned.
Sethyas took a swig and glanced at Kayla.
"You've known him as long as I have, so I can't say he's always like this." He glanced back at him, and turned to refill his tankard.
"Ahhh! Forgive me dear Kayla! I just spend so much time on the road with her, I suppose she's become like a family member to me." He shook his head. "I can get a little defensive. My sincere apologies." He said rubbing the back of his neck.
"Plus I literally just got here. Give me an hour to unwind and some more drink in me, maybe I'll get that rock out of my shoe, huh?" he grinned.
Sethyas took a swig and glanced at Kayla.
"You've known him as long as I have, so I can't say he's always like this." He glanced back at him, and turned to refill his tankard.
Kayla covered her mouth and let out a short laugh. "You had me going there!" She lightly slapped Thals' arm, grinning. "I understand. I had a dog back in Skyrim. Best companion a Nor- uh, Elf, could ask for. He was a good dog. Good for hunting, and listening. It gets lonely out on the roads." She finished her drink and crossed her arms, letting the tankard hang loosely from one finger.
Thals reached out to take her tankard.
"May I?" offering to refill.
"Yes, pets can become quite the prized companions. Asking nothing more than our own companionship and well,...food." Thals joked.
"You have any pets, Sethyas?" He asked while refilling Kayla's flagon.
Seth looked up in thought. "Hmmm. No, not really. The only one that qualified as such would flay me alive if I called her that." He recalled his former daedric cohort.
Thals returned the drink to Kayla.
"Yes, it can be lonesome out on the roads..." Thals continued, and Seth slowly sauntered into the background, sensing a change in the priority of conversation.
"May I?" offering to refill.
"Yes, pets can become quite the prized companions. Asking nothing more than our own companionship and well,...food." Thals joked.
"You have any pets, Sethyas?" He asked while refilling Kayla's flagon.
Seth looked up in thought. "Hmmm. No, not really. The only one that qualified as such would flay me alive if I called her that." He recalled his former daedric cohort.
Thals returned the drink to Kayla.
"Yes, it can be lonesome out on the roads..." Thals continued, and Seth slowly sauntered into the background, sensing a change in the priority of conversation.
Saer Aravi? What sort of title is that? She smiled politely at the trader until his attention was diverted to Kayla.
Aravi was somewhat relieved when Sethyas said he was from Cheydinhal. Not every Dunmer owned slaves, she told herself again.
While Kayla talked with Thals, Aravi talked to Sethyas. She decided to leave out her origins; that would only be awkward. If I say I’m from Morrowind it would be clear I was a slave. “I’m here from Skyrim. I know a little alchemy, are you here to sell ingredients?”
Aravi recalled Abiene said he was an alchemist. He doesn't look much like a merchant. The light armor and pair of swords at her side marked Aravi as a fighter of some type. She'd just arrived at the inn, and hasn't changed out of her armor yet.
Aravi was somewhat relieved when Sethyas said he was from Cheydinhal. Not every Dunmer owned slaves, she told herself again.
While Kayla talked with Thals, Aravi talked to Sethyas. She decided to leave out her origins; that would only be awkward. If I say I’m from Morrowind it would be clear I was a slave. “I’m here from Skyrim. I know a little alchemy, are you here to sell ingredients?”
Aravi recalled Abiene said he was an alchemist. He doesn't look much like a merchant. The light armor and pair of swords at her side marked Aravi as a fighter of some type. She'd just arrived at the inn, and hasn't changed out of her armor yet.
Kayla gratefully took the refilled mug from the Dunmer with a smile. "You're sweet, thank you." She took another sip. "I've never seen a Guar in person before. Just drawings. I'll be she's huge!"
She looked around momentarily before resuming the conversation. "Yes, the roads can get lonely. Such is the life of an adventurer." She shrugged. "People at inns like this make it worthwhile, though. Show me your wares when you're ready."
She looked around momentarily before resuming the conversation. "Yes, the roads can get lonely. Such is the life of an adventurer." She shrugged. "People at inns like this make it worthwhile, though. Show me your wares when you're ready."
*
Maxical:
Maxical heated the coffee and sipped a cup while watching the crowd through the suite window. To her surprise she saw Kayla, back from her vampire kiilling mission. She hadn't seen her since the first morning here, when Abiene was poisoned.
Maxical watched her fingering a necklace, the desire for it clear on her face; but for some reason she walked away from it. Maxical tapped on the window, but over the noise Kayla hadn't heard. She cranked the window open, but Kayla had already moved away from the booth; and too far to be heard.
Lleris was scooting by under the window. Maxical called to him and signaled him to come in. A minute later a knock came on the back door of the suite.
"Eyja and I will be leaving here today, but I wanted to leave a present for my friend before I go. Her birthday is tomorrow. Hurry to that jewelry booth, and ask the woman what the tall Altmer girl with the scar was interested in. Make sure you find out the price of it, and ask her to hold it back so no one purchases it before I send you back with the gold."
She watched through the window while he hurried to the jewelry booth. Lleris loped back and quoted a price.
"Can you count gold?"
At Lleris's nod she handed him her sack of gold. "Well, here is my purse, make sure you count it out to her. Get that necklace, and be careful no one robs that purse from you."
When he left Maxical scribbled down a quick note and waited for his return. When Lleris returned she wrapped the necklace in tissue paper and folded the note into it; then gave Lleris instructions on how to deliver it.
"This five Septims is for you, Lleris, for all your help." She handed him the gold and slid a box of sweet candy in front of him.
"Eyja and I are leaving within the hour, if you have time will you play one last game of 'Capture the Ogre' with me?"
*
Eyja:
The noise of the crowds is what woke Eyja. She sat up with a scowl and called loudly. "What's going on?" Voices were coming from downstairs.
Maxical hurried up carrying a cup of hot coffee and handed it to Eyja. "Some beer festival. It's drawn people from all over, I saw what must be a Guar riding into the stables."
Eyja went to the window and looked out. "This is too dangerous. A crowd like that could have fifty assassins, we'd never be able to keep track of them all."
Maxical pointed to their overly stuffed travel packs sitting side by side, and the fact that she was armored up for travel already.
"I knew you'd say that, readied everything while you were sleeping. Better dress before you come downstairs, Lleris is here. I've been spoiling him with sweet candies and playing 'Capture the Ogre' with him before we leave; I promised him I would."
Eyja conjured her armor. "We're leaving right now, give Lleris a draft from my banque account to bring to Bograk."
She came down to find Maxical hugging Lleris goodbye. "I'll come back and see you first chance I get Lleris." Maxical promised the boy, loading him up with the rest of the chocolate candies, three more Septims, and Eyja's banque draft, before tucking Kayla's gift in his pocket.
"Make sure you deliver that to Kayla." Maxical kissed him on the cheek.
Maxical turned back to Eyja. "I instructed Lleris to have Bograk add an appropriate tip to the draft."
Eyja nodded. "Let's go." She cast chameleon, Maxical did the same. They both hefted their packs and slid out the back door.
*
Lleris:
Lleris tugged at the tall Altmer woman's arm. She turned around too quickly, and with what looked to him as a fierce look. He took a step back, then realized it was a trick of the scar. Her eyes were friendly enough, at least after she saw who had interrupted her.
"Are you Miss Kayla? I was given this to deliver to you, and told to say 'best Birthday wishes to you' when I handed it over."
He reached in his pocket and withdrew the tissue wrapped necklace and folded note. "Here you are, Miss."
Dearest Kayla,
I was tied up in an emergency and missed your return. I've not forgotten your Birthday falls tomorrow, I hope you'll like this small token from a friend who loves and misses you.
M.
Necklace:
http://images-cdn.ecwid.com/images/1086090/137781694.jpg
*
Maxical:
Maxical heated the coffee and sipped a cup while watching the crowd through the suite window. To her surprise she saw Kayla, back from her vampire kiilling mission. She hadn't seen her since the first morning here, when Abiene was poisoned.
Maxical watched her fingering a necklace, the desire for it clear on her face; but for some reason she walked away from it. Maxical tapped on the window, but over the noise Kayla hadn't heard. She cranked the window open, but Kayla had already moved away from the booth; and too far to be heard.
Lleris was scooting by under the window. Maxical called to him and signaled him to come in. A minute later a knock came on the back door of the suite.
"Eyja and I will be leaving here today, but I wanted to leave a present for my friend before I go. Her birthday is tomorrow. Hurry to that jewelry booth, and ask the woman what the tall Altmer girl with the scar was interested in. Make sure you find out the price of it, and ask her to hold it back so no one purchases it before I send you back with the gold."
She watched through the window while he hurried to the jewelry booth. Lleris loped back and quoted a price.
"Can you count gold?"
At Lleris's nod she handed him her sack of gold. "Well, here is my purse, make sure you count it out to her. Get that necklace, and be careful no one robs that purse from you."
When he left Maxical scribbled down a quick note and waited for his return. When Lleris returned she wrapped the necklace in tissue paper and folded the note into it; then gave Lleris instructions on how to deliver it.
"This five Septims is for you, Lleris, for all your help." She handed him the gold and slid a box of sweet candy in front of him.
"Eyja and I are leaving within the hour, if you have time will you play one last game of 'Capture the Ogre' with me?"
*
Eyja:
The noise of the crowds is what woke Eyja. She sat up with a scowl and called loudly. "What's going on?" Voices were coming from downstairs.
Maxical hurried up carrying a cup of hot coffee and handed it to Eyja. "Some beer festival. It's drawn people from all over, I saw what must be a Guar riding into the stables."
Eyja went to the window and looked out. "This is too dangerous. A crowd like that could have fifty assassins, we'd never be able to keep track of them all."
Maxical pointed to their overly stuffed travel packs sitting side by side, and the fact that she was armored up for travel already.
"I knew you'd say that, readied everything while you were sleeping. Better dress before you come downstairs, Lleris is here. I've been spoiling him with sweet candies and playing 'Capture the Ogre' with him before we leave; I promised him I would."
Eyja conjured her armor. "We're leaving right now, give Lleris a draft from my banque account to bring to Bograk."
She came down to find Maxical hugging Lleris goodbye. "I'll come back and see you first chance I get Lleris." Maxical promised the boy, loading him up with the rest of the chocolate candies, three more Septims, and Eyja's banque draft, before tucking Kayla's gift in his pocket.
"Make sure you deliver that to Kayla." Maxical kissed him on the cheek.
Maxical turned back to Eyja. "I instructed Lleris to have Bograk add an appropriate tip to the draft."
Eyja nodded. "Let's go." She cast chameleon, Maxical did the same. They both hefted their packs and slid out the back door.
*
Lleris:
Lleris tugged at the tall Altmer woman's arm. She turned around too quickly, and with what looked to him as a fierce look. He took a step back, then realized it was a trick of the scar. Her eyes were friendly enough, at least after she saw who had interrupted her.
"Are you Miss Kayla? I was given this to deliver to you, and told to say 'best Birthday wishes to you' when I handed it over."
He reached in his pocket and withdrew the tissue wrapped necklace and folded note. "Here you are, Miss."
Dearest Kayla,
I was tied up in an emergency and missed your return. I've not forgotten your Birthday falls tomorrow, I hope you'll like this small token from a friend who loves and misses you.
M.
Necklace:
http://images-cdn.ecwid.com/images/1086090/137781694.jpg
*
"No. I'm here for...personal reasons." Sethyas replied. "Recently completed in spite of,...rather odd occurrences." He shot a rather bemused glance at Abiene. "While my profession came in handy for others' personal matters, I'm happy to say those matters seem resolved and I am merely here to enjoy Harvest's End." He took a large swig of beer as though too exemplify the point.
"That being said, if you have need of any particular ingredients I may be willing to part with some. Though I suspect Thals will have quite the haul of Eastern ingredients. I may even replenish my stock from his." He said, realizing the opportunity at the same time he said it, looking upwards in thought for a moment.
"Anyways, what brings you here to the Wobby Goblet? You mentioned you were coming down from Skyrim?" He glanced at her swords, but any good traveller had a weapon at the ready.
____________________________________________________________
"Oh yes! Nally was definitely not the runt of her litter!" Thals laughed in confirmation to Kayla's comment upon the guar. "Most guar's are probably the same volume as your average horse, maybe a little bigger in the head, but that's just because guars are twice as smart, twice as strong and twice as hardy! Horses can't survive long in the Morrowind area, unfortunately. The vegetation is to harsh to digest, and their respiratory systems get worse and worse with all the ash." He shook his head.
"But, I'd be more than happy to show you whatever your heart's desire is." He said with a friendly nod.
Suddenly, the little Dunmer kid came running up and handed Kayla a wrapped present.
Thals raised an eyebrow as her face seemed to melt into an outpouring of emotion reading the note.
Whats' all this then? He thought.
"That being said, if you have need of any particular ingredients I may be willing to part with some. Though I suspect Thals will have quite the haul of Eastern ingredients. I may even replenish my stock from his." He said, realizing the opportunity at the same time he said it, looking upwards in thought for a moment.
"Anyways, what brings you here to the Wobby Goblet? You mentioned you were coming down from Skyrim?" He glanced at her swords, but any good traveller had a weapon at the ready.
____________________________________________________________
"Oh yes! Nally was definitely not the runt of her litter!" Thals laughed in confirmation to Kayla's comment upon the guar. "Most guar's are probably the same volume as your average horse, maybe a little bigger in the head, but that's just because guars are twice as smart, twice as strong and twice as hardy! Horses can't survive long in the Morrowind area, unfortunately. The vegetation is to harsh to digest, and their respiratory systems get worse and worse with all the ash." He shook his head.
"But, I'd be more than happy to show you whatever your heart's desire is." He said with a friendly nod.
Suddenly, the little Dunmer kid came running up and handed Kayla a wrapped present.
Thals raised an eyebrow as her face seemed to melt into an outpouring of emotion reading the note.
Whats' all this then? He thought.
Kayla was confused for a moment.
M? Who's M?
It dawned on her. Maxical! Her eyes briefly filled up with tears before she blinked them away. She pulled the necklace out and blinked in surprise.
"How did she know I wanted this necklace?!" She cradled the glass eye in her palms for a moment before slipping it over her head. She carefully folded the note and put it in one of her many pockets. She saw Thals' odd look of slight confusion as she tucked the necklace into her bosom.
"A friend of mine was here, but had to leave. She just gave me my birthday present a day early, since she knew she wouldn't be here to give it to me tomorrow."
M? Who's M?
It dawned on her. Maxical! Her eyes briefly filled up with tears before she blinked them away. She pulled the necklace out and blinked in surprise.
"How did she know I wanted this necklace?!" She cradled the glass eye in her palms for a moment before slipping it over her head. She carefully folded the note and put it in one of her many pockets. She saw Thals' odd look of slight confusion as she tucked the necklace into her bosom.
"A friend of mine was here, but had to leave. She just gave me my birthday present a day early, since she knew she wouldn't be here to give it to me tomorrow."
Thals nearly groaned. "Ohhhhh. Your Birthday?! Why didn't you say so? Come by my stand later! There'll be no charge for you! I won't take no for an answer!" He smiled.
"I mean...within reason...Happy Birthday and all that, but a Mer's gotta eat all the same." He said with a grin.
Sethyas looked over with a slight interest. He motioned to Thals that he'd cover whatever the cost was.
One of those 'Live for the day' types. Sethyas thought. Doesn't mention it, until it arrives. Not sure if they'll live to celebrate it. Not always a bad mode of thinking.
For the first time, he actually noticed the scars on her face. Not as an object of pity, or awe. He certainly was used to carrying an odd looking thing upon his face as well. No, he saw them as he did everything. A clue. A page to be read in someone's book.
Perhaps they were gotten in battle. She had mentioned her Cyrodiilic was rough, the slip of the tongue that she did not consider herself an Altmer, and the fact that she had Skyrim deeply within her accent. A Nordic Altmer. Interesting to say the least...then again, he was a Cyrod born and raised. It was merely circumstance that had him end up in his ancestral lands. But Cyrodiil would always be home.
"I mean...within reason...Happy Birthday and all that, but a Mer's gotta eat all the same." He said with a grin.
Sethyas looked over with a slight interest. He motioned to Thals that he'd cover whatever the cost was.
One of those 'Live for the day' types. Sethyas thought. Doesn't mention it, until it arrives. Not sure if they'll live to celebrate it. Not always a bad mode of thinking.
For the first time, he actually noticed the scars on her face. Not as an object of pity, or awe. He certainly was used to carrying an odd looking thing upon his face as well. No, he saw them as he did everything. A clue. A page to be read in someone's book.
Perhaps they were gotten in battle. She had mentioned her Cyrodiilic was rough, the slip of the tongue that she did not consider herself an Altmer, and the fact that she had Skyrim deeply within her accent. A Nordic Altmer. Interesting to say the least...then again, he was a Cyrod born and raised. It was merely circumstance that had him end up in his ancestral lands. But Cyrodiil would always be home.
Lycus arrived, clad in an outfit of a hunter, a spear poking over one shoulder. With his arrival, Khan spoke a brief outline of their path. Cut through the Great Forest, probably hunting small game along the way, and wind themselves up to a Temple of Dibella near the shores of Lake Rumare. Thinking about it, perhaps they could even catch themselves a mudcrab or ten. The Highlands of which Chorrol, and by extension the Wobbly Goblet Inn, were situated in were bereft of any large lakes or bodies of water that could nest large mudcrabs, and the ones near Lake Rumare were known for their unusual size and sweet, succulent meat.
It would certainly be a treat and a respectable addition to this feast, the gigantic Nord thought.
Hjalbir broke up from his revelry and looked up at Khan heading towards the Inn with hammer and notice in hand.
"Perhaps we'll have a good hunt today," he rumbled to Lycus. "Its been a while since I've last been in one."
He then trailed after the Khajiit.
It would certainly be a treat and a respectable addition to this feast, the gigantic Nord thought.
Hjalbir broke up from his revelry and looked up at Khan heading towards the Inn with hammer and notice in hand.
"Perhaps we'll have a good hunt today," he rumbled to Lycus. "Its been a while since I've last been in one."
He then trailed after the Khajiit.
"Thals, that's not necessary...unless you're selling some nice armor?" Kayla grinned to show she was teasing. She shifted her weight to her left leg, making one hip pop out. A nervous habit, but this time she wasn't nervous. She was at ease. For the first time in days, she was at ease. She then took another long drink of her beer and let out a sound of satisfaction.
She caught the Dunmer named Sethyas looking at her. She gave him a genuine smile before turning back to Thals.
"If you sell alchemy ingredients, I'll be extremely happy."
She caught the Dunmer named Sethyas looking at her. She gave him a genuine smile before turning back to Thals.
"If you sell alchemy ingredients, I'll be extremely happy."
Thals rose an eyebrow in thought, and his head cocked to the side a bit.
"I do a have a shipment of Chitin Armor...if you're the type that uses lighter armors." He stroked his chin in thought.
"But, you can take a look for yourself. I do have plenty of foodstuffs, however...plenty of use in alchemical ingredients out here. Scrib Jelly, Scrib Jerky, Kwama Cuttle, Ash Yams, and of course Saltrice!" He chuckled, pressing down each finger as he counted out a mental inventory.
___________________________________________________
Kayla returned his look and smiled. Sethyas analyzed everything. It was just his way. Ninety nine percent of his judgements, he kept to himself. Most of them were likely the results of an overactive, paranoid mind.
What was the closest entrance and exit?
Who was most likely to be a blade in the crowd?
The beer helped to keep those types of thoughts from overwhelming his head however, and he helped himself to some more.
"I do a have a shipment of Chitin Armor...if you're the type that uses lighter armors." He stroked his chin in thought.
"But, you can take a look for yourself. I do have plenty of foodstuffs, however...plenty of use in alchemical ingredients out here. Scrib Jelly, Scrib Jerky, Kwama Cuttle, Ash Yams, and of course Saltrice!" He chuckled, pressing down each finger as he counted out a mental inventory.
___________________________________________________
Kayla returned his look and smiled. Sethyas analyzed everything. It was just his way. Ninety nine percent of his judgements, he kept to himself. Most of them were likely the results of an overactive, paranoid mind.
What was the closest entrance and exit?
Who was most likely to be a blade in the crowd?
The beer helped to keep those types of thoughts from overwhelming his head however, and he helped himself to some more.
Lycus nodded at Khan as his eyes analyzed the various weapons, most of which he could tell were enchanted by the magic flowing from them and the certain glow that some of them had. He wasn't a fan of magic-altered weapons. Though potent as they could be, he always relied on his own strength and speed and his mundane array of weapons. There had been many times where he imagined he would die at the end of an enchanted blade, but in the end it was the flaw of the man wielding it, not the blade.
All a man needs is a bow, an arrow, or a spear, a sword or a shield, Lycus told himself. Or in most desperate cases, his own hands or a stone.
"I'll settle with my spear and my dagger," Lycus said. "I must thank you for the offer."
Khan told him to get something to eat, and he might as well put something light in his stomach. He was hungry, but sating hunger gave way to exhaustion and he would need all the energy(even supernatural energy) that he needs.
The path was set, and the trek through the Great Forest would be a long one. The land was large, and offered a beautiful list of game; boar, deer, fox, hare and many more.
"If the prey dies, it'll be a good hunt. If the prey escapes, it'll still be a good hunt," Lycus managed a faint smile. "Sport is still sport."
"I've been hunting all my life," Lycus confessed to the large Nord. This didn't fall only to hunting game, but everything else in life. He wouldn't know if the Nord would understand it.
"What do you do for a living?" The Imperial finally asked the human as he walked behind the feline tribune, spear still upon his shoulder.
All a man needs is a bow, an arrow, or a spear, a sword or a shield, Lycus told himself. Or in most desperate cases, his own hands or a stone.
"I'll settle with my spear and my dagger," Lycus said. "I must thank you for the offer."
Khan told him to get something to eat, and he might as well put something light in his stomach. He was hungry, but sating hunger gave way to exhaustion and he would need all the energy(even supernatural energy) that he needs.
The path was set, and the trek through the Great Forest would be a long one. The land was large, and offered a beautiful list of game; boar, deer, fox, hare and many more.
"If the prey dies, it'll be a good hunt. If the prey escapes, it'll still be a good hunt," Lycus managed a faint smile. "Sport is still sport."
"I've been hunting all my life," Lycus confessed to the large Nord. This didn't fall only to hunting game, but everything else in life. He wouldn't know if the Nord would understand it.
"What do you do for a living?" The Imperial finally asked the human as he walked behind the feline tribune, spear still upon his shoulder.
Abiene blinked in surprise when Kayla put on her new necklace. Didn’t we buy one just like that for her a few moments ago? She checked to make sure no one had taken it from her bag.
A glance at Aravi revealed she was equally confused. She gave a little shrug. Maybe Kayla can wear them as earrings.
The talk turned to armor. Abiene burped into her hand as delicately as she could manage, realizing she had finished the beer. That wasn’t half bad, she tried to tell herself, but a shudder betrayed the lie.
She refilled her tankard just the same.
A glance at Aravi revealed she was equally confused. She gave a little shrug. Maybe Kayla can wear them as earrings.
The talk turned to armor. Abiene burped into her hand as delicately as she could manage, realizing she had finished the beer. That wasn’t half bad, she tried to tell herself, but a shudder betrayed the lie.
She refilled her tankard just the same.
Hjalbir confessed to himself that he wasn't really surprised to know that Lycus hunted all of his life. He went to Nature to support himself, and Nature embedded a part of itself to him. But there was something dark about Lycus, something that fell outside the jurisdiction of Kyne. Hjalbir shrugged; people were people, to each their own.
"I am a wandering mercenary," Hjalbir rumbled with that soft star-metal voice of his. "Been travelling far and wide for a while now, just coming down from Bruma. There's no shortage of contracts for men such as myself, so competition's cutthroat tough."
Circumventing the massed crowd wasn't that hard; people would naturally make way for three of the biggest looking men in the festival, and those that were too slow to get out of the gangway were gently smashed aside.
"You could say the mercenary world's a poisonous pit of vipers; a pack of dogs all vying for the barest scraps of meat. So yes, I'm a sellsword."
"I am a wandering mercenary," Hjalbir rumbled with that soft star-metal voice of his. "Been travelling far and wide for a while now, just coming down from Bruma. There's no shortage of contracts for men such as myself, so competition's cutthroat tough."
Circumventing the massed crowd wasn't that hard; people would naturally make way for three of the biggest looking men in the festival, and those that were too slow to get out of the gangway were gently smashed aside.
"You could say the mercenary world's a poisonous pit of vipers; a pack of dogs all vying for the barest scraps of meat. So yes, I'm a sellsword."
Aravi listened to Sethyas’… unusual response.
“I’ll see what Thal’s has brought then, though I doubt I’ll recognize anything useful. I’m only familiar with the plants that grow in Skyrim and Cyrodiil. I came here on a personal matter; it’s just a coincidence that I got here in time for the festival.” She took a sip from her over-large mug and watched him. Sethyas’ eyes seemed to dart through the crowd constantly. Maybe he had something to do with the attempt on Abiene’s life? Probably not, she mused.
Aravi’s thoughts were interrupted when Kayla received a gift, the very same necklace that she and Abiene got. She traded a confused look with the healer. Now what? I suppose she will have two.
Thals and Kayla started discussing a type of armor that Aravi never heard of. I would like to see this as well.
She spoke up. “I would like to see this armor too. And do you have any jewelry? I lost an earring in a recent fight.” One ear had a pair of golden hoops in it, the other only had one.
“I’ll see what Thal’s has brought then, though I doubt I’ll recognize anything useful. I’m only familiar with the plants that grow in Skyrim and Cyrodiil. I came here on a personal matter; it’s just a coincidence that I got here in time for the festival.” She took a sip from her over-large mug and watched him. Sethyas’ eyes seemed to dart through the crowd constantly. Maybe he had something to do with the attempt on Abiene’s life? Probably not, she mused.
Aravi’s thoughts were interrupted when Kayla received a gift, the very same necklace that she and Abiene got. She traded a confused look with the healer. Now what? I suppose she will have two.
Thals and Kayla started discussing a type of armor that Aravi never heard of. I would like to see this as well.
She spoke up. “I would like to see this armor too. And do you have any jewelry? I lost an earring in a recent fight.” One ear had a pair of golden hoops in it, the other only had one.
Kayla suddenly paled and looked at the beer. "I'm not sure I feel so good. Must have a grain I'm allergic to. I'll be in my room." She departed quickly and went to her room.
Kayla expressed sudden illness and left. Aravi watched after her, trying to decide if she should follow or stay. I'll check on her later, deciding to give her some privacy. The last thing she would want is people hovering around her if she were truly ill.
Abiene restrained her urge to trot after Kayla asking about her health. She knows you’re a healer, don’t push yourself on her. She’ll ask if she wants your help. She almost stifled another burp. Besides, your head is swimming. No casting while intoxicated. Not even an easy little spell.
Thals had mentioned a number of ingredients that Sethyas had used in her potion. The least I can do is replenish his supply.
When she smiled at him the Dunmer trader looked briefly taken aback. Abiene clapped a hand over her mouth, guessing at the cause. Chewing charcoal in a vain attempt to alleviate her symptoms had left her mouth blackened. Her Debride spell had removed the stain from her lips, but her teeth remained a fright.
“My teeth,” she said to Thals. “I’ve had a… mishap. Do you have any ectoplasm?” She bared her grey teeth in a grimace, pointing at them. “See? I won’t say it’s an emergency, but I would have mercy on anyone who has to look at me today.”
Thals had mentioned a number of ingredients that Sethyas had used in her potion. The least I can do is replenish his supply.
When she smiled at him the Dunmer trader looked briefly taken aback. Abiene clapped a hand over her mouth, guessing at the cause. Chewing charcoal in a vain attempt to alleviate her symptoms had left her mouth blackened. Her Debride spell had removed the stain from her lips, but her teeth remained a fright.
“My teeth,” she said to Thals. “I’ve had a… mishap. Do you have any ectoplasm?” She bared her grey teeth in a grimace, pointing at them. “See? I won’t say it’s an emergency, but I would have mercy on anyone who has to look at me today.”
Lycus figured the man for a mercenary. He had the size, and the demaneour. There was something different from him, however. Most Nords were loud and boisterous, and frequently brute-minded. From the brief moment of knowing him he seemed quite detached and aloof. Grim.
He has seen many men like him in his years, and came to understand that they were shaped by the cards given to them in life. Being a bounty hunter and mercenary for the Companions, Lycus knows all too well.
Mercenary work was far from an easy job, but it paid well. His woman, hardened beyond her years by tragedy, sought to surround herself in that manner of lifestyle.
Years after his slavery and his very brief gladiatorial career in Cyrodiil, he'd sought to continue wielding the sword for profit in just that area of freelancing. Competition were everywhere, for Tamriel is a violent arena. To make a decent or well-enough living, many took to thieving, killing or otherwise. Violence always seemed to be in the picture.
"Blood for coin," Lycus murmured. "For most men out there, a man who fights for septims is only loyal to his purse."
It was true for the lot of them, including Lycus himself. Coin speaks to a man, just as their sword. Lycus nodded his head in agreement.
"Aye. The world is a wilderness of horror, built by killers," he gently shouldered a man out of his way as he walked in the crowd. "Yet is is the only place of opportunity that men such as ourselves can hope for."
Lycus stepped out of the crowd and into the roads that would lead to the forest. The morning was still young, and they had the entire day to go hunting. Plenty of things could happen until then. Lycus was curious to see how these men would fare in hunting. Vera and him hunted everytime; it became a routine and he knew his woman's skills and habits intimately that they're partnership became second nature. Everything in the hunt was the same.
Now with these men things could be different. He looked at Khan.
"Khan. Anything you'd care to inform us about the chapel of Dibella. Have any of the priestess' survived?"
He has seen many men like him in his years, and came to understand that they were shaped by the cards given to them in life. Being a bounty hunter and mercenary for the Companions, Lycus knows all too well.
Mercenary work was far from an easy job, but it paid well. His woman, hardened beyond her years by tragedy, sought to surround herself in that manner of lifestyle.
Years after his slavery and his very brief gladiatorial career in Cyrodiil, he'd sought to continue wielding the sword for profit in just that area of freelancing. Competition were everywhere, for Tamriel is a violent arena. To make a decent or well-enough living, many took to thieving, killing or otherwise. Violence always seemed to be in the picture.
"Blood for coin," Lycus murmured. "For most men out there, a man who fights for septims is only loyal to his purse."
It was true for the lot of them, including Lycus himself. Coin speaks to a man, just as their sword. Lycus nodded his head in agreement.
"Aye. The world is a wilderness of horror, built by killers," he gently shouldered a man out of his way as he walked in the crowd. "Yet is is the only place of opportunity that men such as ourselves can hope for."
Lycus stepped out of the crowd and into the roads that would lead to the forest. The morning was still young, and they had the entire day to go hunting. Plenty of things could happen until then. Lycus was curious to see how these men would fare in hunting. Vera and him hunted everytime; it became a routine and he knew his woman's skills and habits intimately that they're partnership became second nature. Everything in the hunt was the same.
Now with these men things could be different. He looked at Khan.
"Khan. Anything you'd care to inform us about the chapel of Dibella. Have any of the priestess' survived?"
Serene Catraso-Velas - Markarth, Skyrim
..............and we are sorry to inform you that she has not been seen since.
Yours faithfully
Hannibal Traven
Guild Master, The Synod
Arcane university,
Serene took a deep breath...
This really was disturbing news, Rianne obviously had disappeared from the University, a thing she wouldn't do volunteerly, something must have happened to her. She was so happy when she got the opportunity to study at the Arcane University and be a novice at the Synod, it was a long way from home but if you want to become a mage, that was the place to be!
So why should she leave? there was absolutely no reason for it, so Serene decided she had to investigate it deeper.
She packed a few shirts, an extra pair of trousers and wrapped her grey wollen robe around her shoulders and went out to get her horse, Shadowstep, saddled.
Before she left she paid a visit to the neighbor, Sigrid Fafnesbane, asking her to keep an eye on the house and lands. Sigrid was a tall Nordic woman of few words, but was reliable as a rock.
"Aye Mistress Velas, you go, I watch out here"
"Sethyas....where are you now when I need you?"
..............and we are sorry to inform you that she has not been seen since.
Yours faithfully
Hannibal Traven
Guild Master, The Synod
Arcane university,
Serene took a deep breath...
This really was disturbing news, Rianne obviously had disappeared from the University, a thing she wouldn't do volunteerly, something must have happened to her. She was so happy when she got the opportunity to study at the Arcane University and be a novice at the Synod, it was a long way from home but if you want to become a mage, that was the place to be!
So why should she leave? there was absolutely no reason for it, so Serene decided she had to investigate it deeper.
She packed a few shirts, an extra pair of trousers and wrapped her grey wollen robe around her shoulders and went out to get her horse, Shadowstep, saddled.
Before she left she paid a visit to the neighbor, Sigrid Fafnesbane, asking her to keep an eye on the house and lands. Sigrid was a tall Nordic woman of few words, but was reliable as a rock.
"Aye Mistress Velas, you go, I watch out here"
"Sethyas....where are you now when I need you?"
Marcus Inventius
“Hey, watch this!”
By the Nine, thought Marcus, is that idiot really going to jump?
“You’ll never make it!” shouted a Redguard man.
“I’ll take that wager,” came another voice from the crowd.
The Nord on the stable roof pointed at Marcus. “Are you getting this?”
Perhaps I shall finish it with your blood, thought the painter. He raised his brush at the Nord. “I am ready!”
Marcus’ brush was a blur as the Nord hurtled through the air. A resounding squelch announced his landing in the grape vat.
What fool thought this was a good way to sell wine? Marcus wondered, putting the final touches on his work.
“How are you able to paint so fast?” asked a lovely young Breton at his elbow.
Marcus paused to cast his spell with a special flourish. “Like so,” he declared.
“Oh my, a spell to dry the paint! What’s it called?”
He struck a pose. “It is called ‘Dry Paint.’” Marcus set the canvas aside and replaced it on the easel with another. The background had already been filled in. “Now, who’s next?”
The Artist At Work
“Hey, watch this!”
By the Nine, thought Marcus, is that idiot really going to jump?
“You’ll never make it!” shouted a Redguard man.
“I’ll take that wager,” came another voice from the crowd.
The Nord on the stable roof pointed at Marcus. “Are you getting this?”
Perhaps I shall finish it with your blood, thought the painter. He raised his brush at the Nord. “I am ready!”
Marcus’ brush was a blur as the Nord hurtled through the air. A resounding squelch announced his landing in the grape vat.
What fool thought this was a good way to sell wine? Marcus wondered, putting the final touches on his work.
“How are you able to paint so fast?” asked a lovely young Breton at his elbow.
Marcus paused to cast his spell with a special flourish. “Like so,” he declared.
“Oh my, a spell to dry the paint! What’s it called?”
He struck a pose. “It is called ‘Dry Paint.’” Marcus set the canvas aside and replaced it on the easel with another. The background had already been filled in. “Now, who’s next?”
The Artist At Work.
Khan looked at Lycus as he hammered the notice to the door, resulting in more than one tankard being thrown down from the rooms of hungover patrons. He spoke to Lycus as he did so, saying: "There's no way to no for sure, though it seems very likely. The Minotaurs moved in very recently, and the temple featured a secured inner sanctum where a few priestesses could still be. I'm sure they'd reward their saviors with a...religious enlightenment. " Khan stepped back from the door, surveying his handiwork. The notice read:
To Be Held During the Harvest's End Festival at High Noon:
A Great Hunt, encompassing the Great Forest and Lake Rumare, Led by Tribune Khan of the First Legion. Equipment Will Be Supplied If Need Be.
To Be Held During the Harvest's End Festival at High Noon:
A Great Hunt, encompassing the Great Forest and Lake Rumare, Led by Tribune Khan of the First Legion. Equipment Will Be Supplied If Need Be.
Kayla had rushed up the stairs in a hurry, weaving through the patrons and dodging trays of food and drink. She slammed her door to her room and rushed to her urn.
Moments later, she felt better. She'd have to steer clear of the beer. Something in it had made her ill. Probably the way it had fermented, probably the brew. It could have been any number of things, but she vowed to not take another drink of the beer.
She wiped and rinsed out her mouth, brushing her teeth and splashing water on her face. She rested on her bed momentarily, then stretched and went back downstairs. She sauntered outside in time to see a great splash into the wine vats and covered her mouth, stifling the laughter.
the deep purple liquid spewed out in a wave, splashing anyone nearby. She spotted Abiene and Aravi and jogged over to them.
"Sorry," she apologized. "I think there's something in the beer that made me ill. Must be an allergy I didn't know I had." She shrugged. "I feel better noooooo..." She saw Abiene's gray teeth.
"Now....I feel...better now." She gave a great big grin at Abiene, then covered her own teeth with her sucked-in lips.
Don't show your teeth! Don't make her think you're making fun of her!
She pressed her lips together and raised her brows, a tight-lipped smile on her face.
"So. That guy jumped into the gray vat. GRAPE VAT!" She turned red and covered her mouth with one hand, her eyes wide.
Moments later, she felt better. She'd have to steer clear of the beer. Something in it had made her ill. Probably the way it had fermented, probably the brew. It could have been any number of things, but she vowed to not take another drink of the beer.
She wiped and rinsed out her mouth, brushing her teeth and splashing water on her face. She rested on her bed momentarily, then stretched and went back downstairs. She sauntered outside in time to see a great splash into the wine vats and covered her mouth, stifling the laughter.
the deep purple liquid spewed out in a wave, splashing anyone nearby. She spotted Abiene and Aravi and jogged over to them.
"Sorry," she apologized. "I think there's something in the beer that made me ill. Must be an allergy I didn't know I had." She shrugged. "I feel better noooooo..." She saw Abiene's gray teeth.
"Now....I feel...better now." She gave a great big grin at Abiene, then covered her own teeth with her sucked-in lips.
Don't show your teeth! Don't make her think you're making fun of her!
She pressed her lips together and raised her brows, a tight-lipped smile on her face.
"So. That guy jumped into the gray vat. GRAPE VAT!" She turned red and covered her mouth with one hand, her eyes wide.
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