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    WindWalker

    Well-Known Member
    Julius couldn't sleep. Partly, because Alice was snoring beside him, and the way she'd left so much earlier than everyone else had him worried she might be catching something. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, he was worried about Alice and Cilla. He knew Alice could take care of herself, but from what he'd heard, this journey was going to be a lot more dangerous. Eventually, he gave up on trying to sleep. He got up, careful not wake Alice, went down the stairs. Elizabeth was downstairs, sleeping on couch, and he remembered she'd come over and put Cilla to bed. He set up in the guest bedroom, and tried to get some rest.

    The morning came a little earlier than he liked. Julius could hear the others moving around and talking. He got up, dressed, and stepped tothe door to the room. He heard Cilla mentioning something about Alice being sick. He sighed. He knew how much she had been looking forwards the trip. He heard Elizabeth going upstairs, and followed a little while after. Both girls were talking, and he knocked before coming into the room. "Hey, beautiful. How're you feeling?" He asked.
     

    Blackwhite1223

    Well-Known Member
    "Of course. What route did you have in mind?" Lythare asked, and Torin brought up a mental map of the Rift. While it wasn't especially close to Windhelm, the ranger was still concerned. Riften had sided with the Stormcloaks during the last war, and there was no guarantee they wouldn't do so again. If they did, the group would be in just as much danger as if they would have rushed at Windhelm. There were numerous game trails, used by hunters, and even better, was the option of staying in the wild. At least until they could determine whose side, exactly, Riften was on. "We're headed to Riften, but we have yet to determine their allegiance. I think we should try to remain stealthy until we reach the city." He said. "There are plenty of routes to the city. But I think we should remain stealthy until we find out what their intentions are."
     

    TheShadedOne

    The Angry One
    Shadari approached the group, twitching as the snow landed on them. The cold didn't bother her as much as it bothered most humans and elves. The benefits of having fur. Even if most of her kind despised the northern reaches of Tamriel, years of hunting in Skyrim had immunized her to the freezing cold. For the most part. She lifted her hand and wiped the last of sleepiness from her eyes. The sun was up, but it was quickly being obscured by snow clouds. 'It feels like every time we're about to go somewhere, there's some type of bad weather'. She thought, reaching the group, where Salthar and Carlotta were arguing about something, and the others were talking in their own, smaller groups.

    She spotted Averaine standing off on his own, and felt a pang of guilt. She had been a little harsh with him last night. On the other hand, she didn't want anyone else getting killed because of her hunt. If she had to hurt some people, to do that, so be it. She approached the others, and growled something that resembled a greeting. She might have gotten used to the snow and cold, but that didn't mean she liked it. "So, is everyone ready to leave, or what?"
     

    willowwisp

    Well-Known Member
    Elizabeth smiled when Alice mentioned her pyjamas. "Yeah, I used to, back home, before- well, before I left to be a healer." She shrugged. "Last time I wore them was when we went off on our last adventure." She explained. "I like them too, they're very cute." She agreed, running her hand across the fabric. It brought back pleasant memories. Both from her home in the empire, and her past journey with the others.

    Then Alice thanked her and the young healer felt her cheeks warm. It was her duty to help people. Even if she hadn't had the chance to practice her medicinal skills in a while. Plus, Alice was her friend. She had to stay with her. The sooner she was fit to travel, the better."Mara's mercy...how am I going to explain this to Salthar? Who's going to take care of Cilla? She has to go! She'll be heartbroken if she doesn't! But I have to know that someone's going to take care of her! Gods I feel terrible. I'm hot, I'm clammy and I'm too dizzy to stand up let along walk. What am I gonna do Elizabeth?!"

    She understood her friends concern. She'd spent enough time to know Salthar could be harsh at times. He was demanding, to say the least, but Elizabeth was confident she could convince him to be lenient. Letting her stay with Alice might be a bit more of a challenge. "You, are going to stay here,and get better. And I am going to take care of you." She glanced up as Julius came into the room. "I'll give you two a minute alone. And I'll get you something for your dizziness" she said, heading back down the stairs.
     

    Simus

    An Excellent Site Member
    Carlotta didn't like this situation. She was powerless to protect her children and she knew it. Worse still, they didn't really need her protection. Cilla had done this before. She had been taught by Simus, Alice and the others well and she had put that knowledge to good use on their last adventure. She had proven quick, clever and cunning and as soon as her body could catch up she'd be fighting like her sister. She was still a child and she still needed love and protection but people like Aliah and Julius really could give her that while on the road. Carlotta knew she had lost this argument by logic but the protective mother in her wouldn't give up. These were here children they were talking about and Salthar, a childless vampire, couldn't possibly understand that.

    "I want to talk to Cilla about this." She said, folding her arms across her chest and digging her heels into the snow. "I need to know that this is really her choice and not you coercing her in some way. If my Cilla can stand with you all, look me in the eye and say with a straight face that this is what she wants then I'll believe her. Now come inside, all of you. It's freezing out here."

    She opened the door and let the warm air of the house out. The smell of burning wood and sizzling bacon greeted everyone at the threshold along with the warm puff of air. "I still can't believe you all are traveling in this. There's at least a foot of snow on the ground outside the city and when night falls it's gonna..."

    She stopped mid-sentence as she saw Cilla on a brown leather chair against one of the front windows. The window was open and Cilla was looking out of it, leaning over the chair high on her knees with her stomach against the back and hands holding the windowsill. She had wrapped a warm quilt around her shoulders like a cloak to ward off the cold. All it took was a moment of Carlotta clearing her throat for the little girl to turn from her perch and look like a fox in a hen coup. Her cheeks turned as pink as her footy pajamas.

    "Francilla Elizabeth?" Carlotta asked in a stern motherly tone. "What are you doing?"

    "I..." Cilla started, drawing a complete blank. "I was just...uhhh...."

    "Listening in on a conversation you weren't involved in?"

    Cilla got down from the chair and walked in front of her stepmother, leaving her blanket behind. She looked down at her feet shamefully. She folded her hands behind her back and started tracing circles with the big toe of her covered right foot. She did that when she was nervous or guilty. "I'm sorry for eavesdropping mama but I was worried I wouldn't be able to go today because of Alice being sick. I thought you were going to talk to Salthar and I needed to know what you were talking about. I know Salthar's scary mama, I really do. But he's never hurt Alice or me. He's never even tried to hurt Alice or me. And everybody else is really nice. I love Julius and Elizabeth, and Donath and Aliah. And even though Shadari and Lytharre and Torin don't like me and even though I don't know why I still love them too. Even if they're sometime mean and I don't understand why. These are my friends mama. And they can take care of me. And I promise I can stay out of trouble and help. I've proven it before. I promise I'm telling you the truth mama. Don't you believe me?"

    Carlotta was overcome with pity. Her baby was telling the truth. She pulled off her coat and boots, once again only in her long white nightgown, and walked over to Cilla. She knelt down and took her stepdaughter into a big hug, holding her close and stroking her long brown hair that looked just like hers. Cilla returned the hug eagerly and clung to Carlotta. "Of course I believe you sweetheart. And it's okay, I'm not mad at you. I promise. It's just that...well...mamas have very strong feelings when their children are faced with something dangerous or scary and sometimes they don't always think because of that. That's what happened here. You're right, you have proven yourself."

    "So does that mean I can go?" Cilla asked from her stepmother's chest. "Even without Alice?"

    "Yes. You can go without Alice, but you have to promise me something. That you behave yourself and follow all the rules Aliah gives you. She'll be taking care of you so she's the boss. Anything she wants she gets. Just like when you travel with me or papa or Alice or Julius. Understand?"

    "Yes ma'am."

    "Promise?"

    "I promise."

    Carlotta gave a heavy sigh and hugged Cilla a little closer. Then she shifted both of them so they could face the group but still hold each other. "Well you all heard it here. Cilla can go, provided my conditions are met. Now, who's hungry?"

    Meanwhile, upstairs Alice listened to Elizabeth and smiled at her compassion, and at being right in that she was a lover of footy pajamas before they met. She just knew it. Julius came into the room to check on her and Elizabeth said that she'd give them some time alone. Alice didn't want her to leave but she was too weak to protest. She looked up to Julius with a pouty expression. "i wish she didn't leave. Salthar might not let her back up. I don't feel good Jules. I can't go with you guys today. And my jammies are all sweaty. I need to get out of them and wash myself down to get this sweat off, then change into a fresh pair. I...might need some help with that. If you're willing."
     

    T. Rakinson

    A Brute among Beasts
    "But if ye make yerself useful, and ye don't need to worry about me botherin' ye" Said the Nord, before looking over to Salthar & the woman, who had just about wrapped up the conversation. Apparently Alice's younger sister was allowed to go on the trip. Shork frowned for a moment. Undoubtably the others would take care of the girl, but Shork decided to look out for her all the same. For some reason he felt like he owed the childs family a favour. Then he realised that he had not replied to the Nord, who he had yet to learn the name of.

    Not that he was too bothered about affiliating with his aquainnces. "I 'aint gonna be a trouble". He gestured at Salthar. "The Elf paid too well". With that the Orc made his way over to the house, with the smell of good food drawing him. Before he entered however, Shork turned to look at his host. She was much shorter than him, but he thanked her all the less before entering her home, before helping himself a a rather juicy-looking slice of salted ham.
     
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    willowwisp

    Well-Known Member
    Elizabeth went back down to the kitchen to prepare something to ease Alices' dizziness. She had some pieces of ginger, that had proven useful for curing nausea before. She sliced the pieces and peeled them. She'd seen the root served both cooked and raw. Sometimes served with tea. Anyway, it would help. She was about to return to Alice when she saw the dark robed form of Salthar enter the house. 'I suppose now is as good a time as ever to speak with him.'

    "Salthar, can I talk to you for a minute?" Once the elven vampire had joined her, she said "you probably already know, but Alice is sick. I'm going to stay with her. Help her recover faster. Then we'll meet you when she's fit to travel" she eyed him nerously, resolute, but not looking forwards to his response. She didn't think he was going to accept her decision with a smile and a nod.
     

    Madrar

    The Shadow in the Dark.
    He entered the house with the others, and noticed Elizabeth approaching. "you probably already know, but Alice is sick. I'm going to stay with her. Help her recover faster. Then we'll meet you when she's fit to travel" the Altmer vampire frowned.

    "Elizabeth, your place is with the others. More importantly, I'd rather you concentrate on your spells. It's important you know how to defend yourself properly." He said sternly. "It's possible the others won't always be able to help you." The young woman had potential, but if she refused to move beyond healing others, she may end up dead.
     

    WindWalker

    Well-Known Member
    "i wish she didn't leave. Salthar might not let her back up. I don't feel good Jules. I can't go with you guys today. And my jammies are all sweaty. I need to get out of them and wash myself down to get this sweat off, then change into a fresh pair. I...might need some help with that. If you're willing." Julius heard the door open downstairs and the others started coming inside.

    It was probably breakfast, which meant Alice and him had a little more time. "Salthar'll let her up again. I don't think he's cruel enough to make you suffer just because he wants everyone to follow him" or maybe he would. Julius really didn't know the vampire that well. He remembered his their first adventure together. Mostly, he had spent his time staring at Alice like a moonstruck idiot, and being scared witless. And not always of the blight.

    Julius had been convinced Salthar would happily kill all of them if they didn't work with him. Just because he had helped them, he was still a monster. Literally. But he didn't want to frighten Alice. He was a soldier now, and he couldn't afford to be like he had in the past. "I'm sure it'll be fine. And Elizabeth will get you back on your feet in no time" he stood. "Right now, though, let's get you out of those old pyjamas. I think we still have a little time."
     

    Stormmaiden

    Active Member
    Torin confided that he was uneasy entering Riften without knowing where the 'city of thieves' allegiances lied. Lythare didn't disagree.The cities' reputation was well earned. Riften was hardly a place to go for relaxation, and on their journey, she doubted they could afford to relax. Or accidentally reveal their intentions to their enemy. "I agree. Riften normally isn't the most pleasant place. If they've thrown in with this brotherhood, it would be foolish of us to just walk in." She considered for a moment. "There are a few forest paths the guards don't know about. A small group of us could sneak to the city, and learn what we may."

    Just then, Carlotta and Salthars' argument came to an end. The others began filing inside, eager for breakfast, and she had to admit, she was pretty hungry herself. She joined the others in time to hear the young Psyrakon girl, Cilla, stating her reasons why she should go. Lythare didn't really mind the girl tagging along, so long as someone could look after her. The breakfast table was certainly impressive. She helped herself to some eggs and biscuits, placing them on a plate, and pouring herself a cup of tea, before taking her own seat.
     

    Baneloth

    Well-Known Member
    The word 'breakfast' echoed in Donaths ears, and the Orcish mercenary was instantly forgotten. He set his axe down against the wall outside. Then he went in and took his seat at the table beside the elf ranger.A plate of meat with a tantalizing aroma drew his immediate attentions. "Is that...salted pork?" He wondered out loud, and using his knife, skewered a couple of pieces. As soon as he bit into the meat, the rich flavour flooded his mouth. Breakfast was surely not a disappointment.
     

    TheShadedOne

    The Angry One
    Shadari watched the others head inside, and sighed to herself. She hadn't expected to be so eager to head out, but she was. Even if they had to go by Riften first, doing things right were more important than doing it quickly. She took a few moments to check over her knives and falchion. They were all sharp, in good condition, like she'd expected. She decided to head inside, drawn by the smell of food. She took a chair across from Donath and Lythare, and seized a few pieces of meat. She glanced out the window, noticing that the sky was still grey and snow still drifted to the ground. It would be a cold start to their journey.
     

    willowwisp

    Well-Known Member
    "Elizabeth, your place is with the others. More importantly, I'd rather you concentrate on your spells. It's important you know how to defend yourself properly." The vampire said sternly. "It's possible the others won't always be able to help you." Elizabeth felt her cheeks heat up. Salthar was right in some aspects, no matter how little she liked admitting it.

    Her healing magics were impressive, but as far as everything else went...she was far from awe-inspiring. But she'd made up her mind "No. My place is here. Alice needs my help. Besides, Whiterun is far enough south that we won't be in any real danger." She stated "I'll get Alice back on her feet as soon as possible. I promise" she assured the vampiric sorcerer.
     

    Simus

    An Excellent Site Member
    Julius helped Alice out of her pajamas and into the warm bath Carlotta had run for her. After about fifteen minutes of a little bathing with a lot of tickling Alice was dry, clean and in a fresh pair, feeling a little better for it. Sky blue like the ones Elizabeth was wearing but with yellow ducks. She was going back to bed so she didn't bother with her hair or makeup but before she crawled back into bed she wanted to hobble downstairs and face everyone. Let them know she was really sick and see that Cilla was taken care of. She was hot and dizzy but with Julius' help she managed to get down to the kitchen where everyone was eating. Everyone but Elizabeth and Salthar, who looked like they were having a disagreement of some sort. Cilla was surprised to see Alice up and about but was too busy stuffing her belly with bacon and biscuits to care much. Carlotta wasted no time however.

    "Alice, honey, what are you doing up? You need to stay in bed, is everything all right?"

    Alice could barely stand she was so busy and was leaning heavily on Julius for support. "I figured Salthar would want to see me so I had Julius help me down here. And I need to make sure Cilla's being looked after before I can rest."

    "I'm fine Alice. Aliah's gonna take care of me. Right Aliah?" Cilla said through a mouthful of biscuit and jam.

    "Chew your food Cilla. Don't worry Alice, Cilla's being taken care of. And she'll behave herself for the entire trip. Won't she?" Cilla nodded in response. Alice accepted the answer and turned to Salthar with an apologetic look. With her being even paler than usual, her black hair a mess and the bags under her eyes the young Imperial looked even more dead than the Altmer vampire.

    "I'm sorry about this Salthar, I really am. But there's no way I can travel today. I can't stand up on my own, much less trek across snow. Elizabeth staying with me will only shorten my recovery time and we'll set out as soon as we can. And we can bring friends. I can have 100 light infantry anywhere in Skyrim in 2 to 3 days. Dad can have an army at Windhelm's gates in less than a week. Orders and stupid Council be hanged!"

    She was getting herself worked up and had an extra bout of dizziness, gripping Julius tighter to stay upright.
     

    Madrar

    The Shadow in the Dark.
    Salthar glared at the young healer. Obviously, she wouldn't let herself be coerced into leaving Alice, even if it was the better choice. He opened his mouth to try once more convincing the stubborn girl when he heard footsteps on the stairs. Turning, he saw Julius guiding a sick and shaky Alice down the stairs. It was apparent she was sick, and looked almost corpse like.

    She apologized, explained that Elizabeths staying in Whiterun would only shorten her recovery, and then promptly laid out a plan to have a hundred light infantry, and have her father send an army to Windhelms gates. Salthar frowned. Elizabeth staying did make a certain amount of sense. And despite being fairly young, Alice was useful. Especially any visions she might have that would reveal a weakness, or their enemies plans.

    "While I agree that an army would bring a somewhat quicker end to the crisis at hand, it's out of the question." He replied. "The council carries the authority of the emperor. Disobeying their orders is nearly as bad as disobeying an order from the emperor himself." He paused, letting that fact sink in.

    "More importantly," he continued, "an army at Windhelm would be received poorly by the northern holds. At best, relations between the north and south would be worsened. At worst, it would start a second civil war."

    "Now. I believe we may be able to spare Elizabeth long enough for you to recover. Find us on the road to Riften. And be cautious" he instructed. Then he turned to the others. "Ensure you have what you need. We leave in five minutes."
     

    Baneloth

    Well-Known Member
    Donath finished his breakfast and leaned back with a satisfied groan. "That was one o' the best meals I ever ate." He declared. "Much appreciated, mrs. Psyrakon" he glanced up as Alice made her way shakily down the stairs. 'That girl should not be up and about' Julius was supporting her, and the pair of them went and started talking to Salthar. He waited until they'd finished, and Salthar announced they would be leaving in the next five minutes.

    He approached the couple, and clapped Julius on the shoulder. "Get yerself ready to head out, lad. It's gonna be a lot o' hard walkin'." Then he turned to Alice, and gave her a softer, almost fatherly pat on the shoulder. "And ye get yerself better, ye hear? Don't let no cold get the better of ye, and we'll be seein' ye soon, eh?" With that, he gave her another pat on the shoulder, and headed outside to retrieve his axe, whistling an old marching song.
     

    willowwisp

    Well-Known Member
    Elizabeth had expected Salthar to continue trying to get her to go along with the others. To her surprise, after speaking with Alice for a little while, he agreed to let her stay behind. A glance at Alice told the young healer a lot. She wasn't looking good at all, and seemed to be using Julius as a support. The soldier wasn't complaining, but it was obvious her friend wasn't going anywhere any time soon. Salthar turned away, announcing that the group would be leaving in five minutes. The healer grabbed Alices' free arm. "Come on." She said softly to her friend. " Say goodbye and then come upstairs with me. You need more rest."
     

    Madrar

    The Shadow in the Dark.
    The group assembled outside the gates, all of them garbed for along trek in the cold. Some of them shot wistful glances back at the city, but none of them had any chance of going back. They knew what the priority was. The northern powers had to be stopped, quietly, and quickly, before anything could return to normal. The snow continued to fall, and he was well aware some of the mortals might be cold. They would be colder come nightfall. "Come. We'd best be off." With that he turned and began to lead the company away from the city.
     

    Simus

    An Excellent Site Member
    Salthar was clearly in a hurry, asking everyone to leave in 5 minutes when Cilla wasn't even dressed yet. They knew it was to get them moving rather than actually intending to leave them behind. He wanted, or at least was able to use all of their company. Even Cilla's. After thanking Donath for the compliment Carlotta hurried Cilla upstairs to change and get ready. Alice wanted to spend more time with everyone but she was getting weaker every second she stood and knew they had to be off. All she could get out was a weak "Bye guys." before Elizabeth herded her up to bed. Cilla and Carlotta were close behind.

    It took fifteen minutes for Cilla to get ready, mostly because of several key items she had forgotten about and her stepmother had to pack for her. Carlotta bundled her up in several layers including a pair of long underwear, a tough pair of cloth pants and green tunic that covered her rear, a pair of tall leather boots over her pants and a long heavy pink coat with a soft, cute purple hood to cover her hair and head. With a pair of matching fur gloves dyed purple. Simus walked her to the gate wit the others, leading her by the hand to guide her away from ice and deep snow. He stopped her outside the gates and did one last check of everything before she let her go. Carlotta was with them to see her off.

    "Let's go over this one more time. Do you know the rules of this trip?" Simus asked.

    "Yes papa." Cilla said, her cheeks already turning red from the cold.

    "What are they?"

    "One: Don't wander off alone. Ever. Two: Do whatever Miss Aliah tells me to do. Three: If I get lost, stay put. Someone will find me."

    "And four?"

    "Four is..."

    "C'mon, you know this."

    "Stay out of fighting?"

    "Very good. Stay out of fighting. If you try to take on an orc warrior by yourself and die, it will be my fault and Carlotta will kill me. Then your mother's ghost will haunt me forever in the afterlife."

    "I really don't think that's gonna happen papa. Carlotta would have a hard time killing you."

    "You know what I mean you noodle!" Simus jested, rubbing Cilla's hooded head. "Now, show me your dagger."

    Cilla unsheathed her steel dagger. Simus pointed to it. "Now, what is this?"

    "A weapon."

    "What is it not?"

    "A toy."

    "What are weapons used for?"

    "Killing."

    "And how often do you clean this weapon?"

    "Once a day, every day."

    "Except..."

    "Except when I have to use it and then I clean it as soon as I can in addition to the nightly cleaning."

    "Very good." Simus was satisfied and turned to Carlotta. It was time for her checklist now. "Allright Cilla, who's in charge of you while you're on this trip?"

    "Miss Aliah."

    "Who do you talk to when you need something?"

    "Miss Aliah."

    "Who's going to check on you to make sure you're doing everything we're asking of you and to remind you if you forget to do something?"

    "Miss Aliah."

    "Who do you go to if you're scared or sad about something?"

    "Miss Aliah?"

    "Who do you not bug with anything not important or something Miss Aliah can handle?"

    "Salthar?"

    "Very good." Carlotta took Cilla's shoulders and looked down at her. "You warm enough?"

    "Yes ma'am."

    "And everything fits okay? Your boots fit clean over your jeans and underwear? They don't bother the back of your knees when you walk? And your jeans and underwear are down to your ankles like they're supposed to be?"

    "Yes ma'am."


    "And you're sure you're okay going now? You can go with Elizabeth when Alice gets better."

    "I'm sure mama."

    "Allright then." Carlotta gave a sad smile and pulled her stepdaughter into a big hug, holding it for a full 30 seconds. "I love you baby."

    "I love you too mama." Cilla said, returning her stepmother's hug. "I'm gonna be okay."

    "I know sweetheart. I'm just being a mama is all. Try to have fun okay?"

    "Okay." Cilla broke the hug and walked over to her dad, having trouble walking through the deep snow. "Bye papa. I wish you and Alice could come."

    "I know sweetheart but you're gonna be just fine with Aliah and the others and Alice and Elizabeth will be along in a few days. Don't you worry." Cilla let herself look sad and Simus knelt down and put his large hands on her small shoulders. "Hey. It's gonna be okay Cilla. You're gonna be just fine." He put two fingers under her chin and pointed her face up so they were at eye level. "Who's my big girl?"

    "I am." Cilla said, with as brave a face as she could muster.

    "That's right you are." Simus said. Then he pulled Cilla into another big hug, she clinging to his rugged warm body. "I love you papa."

    "I love you too baby. Now go stop the Brotherhood."

    "Yes sir." Again, Cilla broke the hug. She walked over to the group, again with difficulty, and turned to Salthar.

    "I'm ready to go Salthar. Is Riften left or right?"
     

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