Open Blood in the Arena (18+)

It was finally time, Do’ Janqu was called to the arena. The Khajiit breathed in deeply and took in all the scents: Blood, Alcohol, and Fear. It was time to bring forth the warrior hidden within the hunter, the rage among the calm. They didn’t tell him about his opponent outside it was likely to be a wood elf. Probably for the best, lest the racial rivalry be taken to the streets before the arena. He could hear the drums of his people, and he bared his teeth in excitement. A match of the highest spectacle, He thought. Time to humiliate the Wood Elves. He hefted his net onto his shoulder, the weights on the tips clanging against each other and brushing against his bare midriff. It was a makeshift cap when it was hung from a misshapen piece of elven armor that if you looked closely you would realize it was once a helmet. Do’ Janqu was taken out of that memory as a pair of young Khajiit children approached him.

“Grandfather sent us, he says he finally finished that special sword.”

“Did he now? This one thanks you. May I see it?”

“Why do you speak like you are from Elswyr? Aren’t you from Skingrad?”

“Just a persona, this one apologizes.”

The boy just kept glancing at Do’Janqu, seemingly too nervous to speak. A quick elbow from the girl led him to hastily open up the swath of cloth surrounding the item they carried. Do’ Janqu, The Great Hunter, was shocked. It was perfect. A full bladed kopesh, one foot straight out of the hilt into a two foot crescent curve. It was about five inches wide, a heavy blade that wouldn’t be as fragile as its ritual cousins. By the great cats, He thought as he ran a hand across the inscribed edge.

“I will name this blade Secunda’s Sacrifice,” Do’ Janqu announced as he picked up his axe, a crude thing compared to the beautiful new sword. “Now Masser’s Massacre has a companion worthy of the name.”

He tossed the kids a sack of gold, and patted both on the head. Ignoring their protests, smirking as they began to struggle over who would get more coins. He stood and tied the blade to the back of his belt horizontally. He looked at his axe, an old thing that was by his side since he left Elswyr. Even though he could have replaced it by now, he didn’t see any reason to get rid of his old companion. Do’ Janqu began to put an extra bounce in his step, for he was going to put on a show. As he approached his gate, the drums began to beat more intensely and the Announcer began to make his speech.

“Hailing from Skingrad! The Killer Kitty! The Elswyr Eviserator! THE GREAT HUNTER!!!”

The gates dropped and Do’ Janqu took to the center of the Arena. Taking a deep breath he roared. Every Khajiit in the stage returned his boisterous call. Shaking the arena to the foundations. Taking the net off his shoulder Do’ Janqu began his dance, spinning and swinging his net around his body. Moving with the drums into their crescendo, picking up enough speed, to kick himself into a backflip while not going backwards. He landed as the music stopped. And the Announcer hit his mark perfectly, and began introducing his opponent.

“Hailing from here in the Imperial City! The Hammerfallen! The Bloodguard! Orven!!!”

Do’ Janqu watched in silence as the stringed instruments of Hammerfall began to shriek, and his opponent emerged. It was a man dressed up in full legion affair, sword and shield and even a crested helmet, good protection but heavy and slowed you down. Do’ Janqu had to laugh, as his fighting style was designed around hunting such armored prey. Both combatants faced each other and the Redguard charged, and Do’Janqu spun his net around him hiding his location. With a hearty but ultimately harmless slap the weights of the net hit the Legionary in the back. The Khajiits cheered and those that bet against Do’ Janqu groaned. With a great roar, Do’ Janqu struck at his foes’ exposed back and was pleasantly surprised when Masser was met by the man’s shield and not his neck. The larger Khajiit was even more excited when he had to jump away from the Redguard’s spinning backhand slash.

Do’ Janqu set the net into another spin, this time making sure to kick up as much dirt as he could towards his opponent’s eyes. With a roar Do’ Janqu threw the net low and jumped to attack the Redguard from above. As he thought, his opponent would brace for the large cat jumping him he wouldn’t realize that his legs were entwined. Crashing into his opponent, Do’ Janqu roared as he hooked his opponent’s shield with his axe and threw the barrier away. The man began frantically swinging his sword, but Do’ Janqu’s entire left arm was covered in armor. The arena was silent as Do’ Janqu used his greater bulk to hold the struggling Redguard in place. The man began to yell in defiance, but that turned into screams as the Khajiit swung the brutal axe into his sword arm. It was surprisingly easy to tear the arm off, and that was it. Holding the dismembered member, Do’ Janqu let out another powerful roar and the returning cheers and roars was deafening. It was a good show, and it was a good victory. Do’ Janqu left the arena, blood still boiling. He wanted more…

... How did he get here?...

He was trapped. Trapped in a steel cage with specially made bars made of reinforced silver laced steel bars. He wouldn't, couldn't get out. He tried so very hard, only to get nasty burns on his shoulders as he tried to bash his way out of the cage that held him.

The beast of a man eventually stopped trying and sat down on the floor of the cage. That was some time ago. Bits and pieces of memories flashed across his mind.

... How did he get here?...

He heard of the Arena, heard of the rush it felt. The glory one could obtain.

They didn't say for whom. They didn't say one would become a slave, a slave for someone to use for riches while the other cheered and showered themselves in coin.. For pitiful bets and wages.

He was in trouble. He was the slave. And the man on the other side of the cage was his master. His coin collector. His keeper.

"So... Do we have a deal...?" The demon grinned like a feral monster. The slave was no monster. The people here thought he was a mindless beast, something to be killed... Put down. No, this man that held him. HE was the real monster.

The new slave looked up. He looked haggard, worn. Beaten. But he was not broken. Not yet. His eyes shown a thirst for vengeance. The silver colored irises were bright with anger and hatred for the demon of a man opposite of him. His hair was in mats, his body covered in grime. His teeth yellow from lack of care. The poor slave's nails were trimmed back by his captors in a cruel manner to prevent clawing at them. Lashes and angry red marks lined his back. He was wearing nothing but rags, like a real slave.

Although he was a Nord from the look of it, he did not have the accent. It was deep and guttural. The accent was odd, sounding elvish and yet not. It still served to scare his enemies when he came.

It was silent for a while. The man-demon waited patiently, knowing he had won. He bore the sickening grin to prove his confidence. Finally, the slave spoke.

"... When I get out of here... When I make you rich... When I make you choke with all your pointless coin that flows all the way to your lips, I will find you. And you can count on this.. When I find you, you had better run. Because I will rip you apart, inside and out. I will rip out your spine and beat you to death with it. I will rip off your head and spit down your neck... You and all your disgusting lackeys...." He coughed harshly, speaking had taken its toll. He hadn't had food or water for three days. One of the few methods that was used recently to 'break him', as they eloquently put it.

His new master chuckled darkly, "Promises, promises." His accent was definitely of Colovian background. But he was clearly a Nord too. His frame showed it. "So, I will ask this again. Unless you want another beating of... Persuasion?" He only receive a deep huff in response. "Do. We. Have. A. Deal?"

Silence. A few moments passed before he heard a quiet yet deep response. "Yes."

"Excellent!" The grin returned on the captor's face. It was sickening... "Boys?" The rich young man turned to his personal guards, "Make sure he is ready for today's match. I want my earnings made as soon as possible."

"Yes m'lord."

"Of course Loki."

Silver eyes watched the finely garbed man walk away, his hatred flowing deep in his veins. Loki Goldenblood. Rich snob of a bastard. "You 'eard the man, get up!" Sluggishly he stood up in his cage. Holding out his hands, he winced in pain as silver cuffs connected to chains were placed around his wrists through the bars.

The cage gate opened. And out stepped the slave that would hopefully find his freedom in the Arena.

Fenrir the Fearless.

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"You shouldn't be up here you know, guards will catch you."

Isabella sat on the highest point on the top of the Arena on top of the spectator stands. So far everyone was preoccupied with the games to even look up on the roof to see a free watching spectator.

"Let me guess, you were sent to babysit me, Gabe?" Looking over she saw her fellow thief climb up and sit next to her on the roof.

"Me? Nah. Just worried about you is all. After what happened..."

"... I don't need a reminder."

The both became quiet and turned to look at the fight down below. It was a while before her brother turned up.

"I can take it from here, Gabriel. Go down and get some sleep. Been up since... Two days now?" Erebus flashed his friend a smirk.

"I hate sleeping. I mean, you miss out on all the action!" Gabriel waved down toward the Arena. "Now who wants to miss that?"

The three of them looked down and saw the victor ending their opponent's life. What appeared to be a Dunmer had their head crushed by what looked like a mace. Erebus grimaced, "Yeah, I'm willing to miss that."

Isabella wore a shocked look on her face. That had to be one of the most painful ways to go.

"Alright, I'll see you duo later." Gabriel winked at Isabella before climbing down. Shaking her head, Isabella turned her attention to her brother, ignoring the Arena. "So, what did father have to say?"

"It's what he didn't say. He was... Quiet, calm. By the time I finished explaining he was completely silent. Didn't even so much as move a muscle..." His sister looked down. That wasn't good...

"He then told me to leave. That was it." That definitely wasn't good. Their adoptive father was the kind of man that was rare in showing anger. To be silent and still a statue meant he was seething.

After a while they started to talk about something else. Anything else, than what happened earlier that day. "What happened with Rosie?" Roselina was a nice girl. Hopefully she understood what happened... Right?

Erebus shook his head, "I had to come clean with her. After what happened... Back at the Inn... I couldn't hide it. Yeah she knows what kind of stuff we do but.." he paused.

"She didn't want to be part of such 'dangerous foolery,'" he finished, air quoting the last two words.

"So she...?"

"... Left me. Yeah." Erebus laid his arms on his knees, his head bowed.

Isabella put a hand on his back, rubbing it gently. "I'm sorry it didn't turn out for the better. I thought she would understand--"

"--Well she didn't." He said firmly. "Maybe I should leave the guild. make an honest living, maybe bounty hunting, I don't know! Maybe if I had a good job and maybe had an honest living she wouldn't have left me." He shook his head in defeat. He was lost and 'grasping at straws' as the saying went. Every idea he had he would toss it aside, or try and use and have it turn out and fail before his eyes. Isabella felt sorry for her brother. She wished she could do something. To make him happy. He would work tirelessly to see her happy. That was what family did for each other, to work hard to see each other happy.

"You don't know that, Erebus. No one does. Maybe she wasn't 'the one' you always keep going on about. Besides, we're 21 summers. We have our whole lives ahead!" She smiled at him, trying to cheer him up. "Plenty of time to find the 'other one' later."

He smiled, "Yeah, I suppose you're right."

"Of course I'm right. I'm always right." His sister grinned.

Erebus scoffed, "Right, like you were right about the time where sneaking into that abandoned house would bring in riches?" Isabella rolled her eyes, "And turned out it was full of 'golden' skeever turds?"

"That was one mistake! One." Despite her defense, her brother laughed.

Turning to look back at the Arena they watched a few matches. Finally a Khajiit turned up.

The drums began to beat as the announcer spoke up.

“Hailing from Skingrad! The Killer Kitty! The Elswyr Eviserator! THE GREAT HUNTER!!!”

"Oooh, the 'Great Hunter'. Sounds sexy." Isabella smirked. Her brother gaped at her, though he wasn't surprised at using that kind of language. The gates dropped and Erebus found himself looking at a quite large Khajiit. The fighter let out a roar and the Khajiit's kinsmen let out a unified answering call. 'The Great Hunter' soon started a dance, doing back flips and other moves. "Impressive..." Erebus muttered.

"I wouldn't mind getting with that."

"Uuuugh...." Erebus made a sick face while his sister laughed, "I didn't know you liked getting rough with fluff. Agh!" He was shoved for his remark and almost fell down to the spectator stands below. "Easy! Don't want to end up down there.."

"Keep your mouth shut then and quit being such a prude." She smirked at the insult she threw him.

"... Not a prude.." He muttered. "Right."

The Announcer spoke again, “Hailing from here in the Imperial City! The Hammerfallen! The Bloodguard! Orven!!!”

"Bloodguard? Interesting."

"I find the name 'Orven' more interesting." Isabella rested her chin on her fist, supported by her propped up legs. "What's so interesting about it? It's a Redguard name, it fits."

She shook her head and watched the fight, falling silent. The Redguard was decked out in Legion heavy gear. Good armor, but very heavy and cumbersome. Still, the Redguard put up a good fight. The two danced for a while before the poor man was tangled by the Khajiit's net and had his sword arm severed, permanently crippling him.

"Isn't that cheating?" Erebus pointed down to the net wrapped around the loser.

"In the Arena, there is no such thing as fighting honorably or cheating. If you spill blood, you're playing by the rules." Gabriel came up beside them and sat down. "Why people enjoy it, I have no clue."

"I thought you were heading back?"

"I was, but I thought I should get to see what all the fuss is about."

Isabella was in between the two of them like usual. She was always between the two of them. Like they were protecting her from the world.

They watched a few more matches before they heard a guttural war-cry...

"... What was that?" the female thief did not like the sound of it. It sound human... And yet not.

"I think we're about to find out..." Gabriel looked to the Announcer and as if on cue, he began to introduce the new fighters.

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"You'll be fighting multiple combatants, beast. So don't disappoint."

"What?" Fenrir snarled. "How is that fair? Everyone got one opponent only!"

"Yes, but those were people. Who said anything about you fighting other people? Now get out there and raise some hell! And coin!" Fenrir was shoved forward and out into the chaos.

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"We have a special fight planned for you all! Introducing a new fighter to the Arena! He's a beast, a monster, a real brute of a man! Hailing from the Hold of Eastmarch of Skyrim.... FENRIR THE FEARLESS!"

The three thieves watched as a lumbering figure walked out the lowered gates.

"Oh..."

"My..."

"Sweet Mother of Nocturnal."

The fighter wasn't too huge height wise, but his frame definitely was. He carried a double bladed ebony battle-axe on his right shoulder with only leather armor to protect him.

"Starter equipment no doubt."

"An ebony weapon is not a starter weapon, Erebus." Isabella pointed out.

"It's most likely his personal weapon. The armor isn't though. If he owns an ebony weapon, imagine what armor he owns." Gabriel offered up an explanation.

"Makes sense..."

The crowd was mixed with cheers and boos. The booing people no doubt wanted someone they knew to fight and give them entertainment. Not a new rookie. Gabriel got out his 'looking glass'.

"The man is hairy alright, he's a mountain of muscle, too. I didn't think Nords could get that big!"

"What?" Isbella grabbed the looking tool. "Let me see!" Looking through it and at 'Fenrir the Fearless' her mouth twisted into a scowl. "Ugh... I bet from the look of it he doesn't smell too good either."

Grabbing the tool from his sister he fired back, "You have a nice comment for everyone don't you?"

"Yup."

Scoffing, Erebus took a look himself. "Damn, large man. Whoever is facing that man is a goner."

"I'm pretty sure that man is a beast. Just look at him!"

Isabella hit Gabriel in the arm. "Hey! He's a person too!" Erebus laughed. "Oh, yeah. Sure! Now you're being nice."

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"And now, we bring you his opponents! Three large and very hungry Sabrecats!!" The crowd cheered as the large cats leaped past the lowered gates.

Fenrir walked toward the animals. He almost felt sorry for them. Almost. Any heart he had left for life died in his prison cage. Letting out a loud battle cry, he charged. Two of the cats leaped aside and went in opposite directions, while the last one ran straight at him. Still running and yelling, he heaved his axe high into the air and leaped, slamming his axe down head on.

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Isabella almost threw up and covered her mouth with her hand. Even at this distance, a cat split in half with guts spewing everywhere was still gruesome. "Oh my.."

"Wow. And you wanted to fight in the Arena." Erebus shook his head at the sight. "If you get queasy at something as simple as that, you wouldn't last long in there, Bella."

"Shut up.."

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Fenrir ripped his axe free from the fresh corpse. Growling he turned around and face the other two. They were slightly larger than his first kill, but that didn't bother him in the slightest. Both of them were on opposite sides, one of the left, and one on the right. Walking forward he shouldered his axe, waiting. He soon came to a stop. He didn't have to wait long before the cats charged.

Right before they both barreled into him Fenrir stepped forward, spun around while raising his axe and then slamming it down on the next of the left cat in one fluid motion. Raising his axe again he let out another war-cry. The last cat leaped away from him, backing away. Fenrir charged and swung in precise and controlled swings. Not even tiring in the slightest, he was in a blood lusting rage. It wasn't long before he was the victor, slicing the cat's stomach open and ripping out the cats insides by hand, crying out in victory.

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"Wasn't that big of an accomplishment. He didn't even get hurt."

Erebus narrowed his eyes down at the arena. Gabriel was right.. Unless they had something else in mind.

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"Looks like our fighter handled that with ease! Now for the real fight!" The announcer exclaimed to the crowd. The crowd lit up at this and cheered.

Fenrir let out a howl, "COME ON THEN! GIVE ME WHAT YOU GOT!" He yelled at the announcer, shouldering his axe again once more.

What they really had in mind... Was not what Fenrir was expecting. Not at all.

The gates lowered...

"Ah damn..." Fenrir huffed.

"Of course Ardin. It's nice to see you again so soon."

Ardin sat down across from Natesse and leaned in closer than he needed to. She didn't mind and listened as he talked about how he disliked drinking alone and how that was unusual amonst his Nord kin. It was interesting enough to listen to as she ate but then things became very interesting. Ardin put his hand on her leather-sheathed leg and gently stroked it. It definately aroused her but it made Natesse wary. Her almost-one-piece leather armor was tight and sexy, that was the idea, but she had work to do. She had to look after and protect Alice. She needed to focus. She allowed Ardin to continue but gave him a wary stare. There was a sheathed slipknife inbetween her clevage, perfectly concealed behind her armor top which was zipped up to her throat. Having her goods fully contained was uncharactaristic but practical and they were easily emphasized by her armor. But the knife stayed hidden. It had kept more than one unwanted man away when good manners failed. If Ardin's hand moved up her leg any further Natesse could it at his throat before he could say "Talos." She almost wanted him to.

"So what, may I ask, brings you here? I would have figured a handsome and mighty warrior such as yourself would be out in the arena proving your worth."

She leaned in as she talked, and flirted, with him. She had taken her long leather gloves off to eat and put her soft right hand on top of his, guiding it along her leg. She never let Alice out of the corner of her eye though, the little angel eating her breakfast contentedly but no doubt uncomfortalbe by what she was seeing. Alice simply stayed quiet and watched.

"So what, may I ask, brings you here? I would have figured a handsome and mighty warrior such as yourself would be out in the arena proving your worth."

"Aye, I did. I just wanted to catch up with you and talk amongst you two. My fight wasn't much. Steel in the throat tends to stop a man. Well in my case it stopped an Orc. I imagine a beautiful woman such as you to be in the very arena. Maybe it's what happens in the shadows? My earnings had to be away in safe keeping, so I returned here before going back to see a close friend of mine perform in her fight If you want to watch, then you can join me. Plus I couldn't pass you up a second time," she took off her leather gloves to reveal her soft hands; one was used to eat while the other was on top of his guiding it on her leg. He was gambling getting stabbed by her. He merely assumed that she was armed, but didn't want to get killed, so he let her hand do the work, for now at least. Natesse seemed very interesting, and she intrigued him. In case this was going to turn south, he used his free hand to loosely sheath the knife in his boot.

A game of cloak and dagger could commence. Although she had one of his hands, and he was armor less while she wasn't. Either way he was willing to try if he had to. The two locked eyes for a moment, both thinking the same things; they wanted to really get to know each other, and who would kill who and if poor Alice would be scarred for life. Maybe that's why they're both hesitating.

Now Natesse knew she wanted this man. This mysterious, beautiful and definitely dangerous Nord. Electricity ran through her blood as his hand moved with hers. They were both wary of each other, waiting to see who would strike first with their undoubtedly concealed weapons. It was a deadly staring contest and it could turn this fateful day into a night to remember. Every hair of her labia crackled with anticipation but she remained strong. She would not break, for Alice's sake.

"The arena?" Alice asked quietly, trying to break the palpable tension. She couldn't hide the desperation in her voice as she realized that this man might have seen her father. "You've really been there? D-did you happen to see an older man there? Long silver hair, blind in his left eye with scars on the same side of his face? About your height? Please tell me if you have!"

"Alice." Natesse said, keeping calm but inside sighing with relief as the tension broke. She removed Ardin's hand from her leg and set it back down on the table, picking at her eggs. She'd hardly eaten a thing since Ardin showed up but even without him she was too distracted. So much rode on this day and it had to go through. Simus had to be saved. She took Alice's hands into her own and looked her in the eyes. "We're going to find him and we're going to bring him back. I promise you that, but you need to keep calm and stay focused in order to do that. You'll have a job to do and you won't be able to do it if you're frazzled to Oblivion. Can you do that for me?"

"Yeah. Yeah I can. Okay."

"Good girl." Natesse said smiling. She turned back to Ardin. "We'd love to go back with you Ardin but if you're willing I'd like to ask for your help in a rather dangerous matter. I realized you and I just met but some of my...associates have dropped out of a...job that needs doing and has created...opportunities for men such as yourself. Opportunities with great reward. Would you be interested?"

"Aye, I'm interested. I can spare a moment or two. Then I'll be off. Alice, I'll see if I spot your father. Where would we discuss this matter, Natesse?" He sheathed his knife and relaxed for the time being. He hadn't forgotten about Lu'ah or his promise. He's interested in what Natesse has for him. Not to mention he already told Alice that he'll keep an eye out for her father. For now, he'll stay for just a little while longer, surely that's fair?

He had wondered how the other fights went, and who was fighting next. For some reason he wanted to find out what Natesse had in store. If it was for coin, then he would take it. If it was for something else then he would not turn it down either. Leave it to him to find two very beautiful and very dangerous women in the same city. Oh how blood,greed, and lust brings people together.

Lu'ah took a break from the Arena, the noise of the crowd washing over her as she descended the stairs of the waiting area. She eyed the master but he shook his head yet again.

"Maybe after this fight or the next, depends..." he said to her noncommittally. Lu'ah left the stink and noise behind and left the Arena, keen to quench her thirst. She wandered the streets until she found herself in a square. All sorts of market stalls had been set up and merchants were peddling their wares. Lu'ah browsed the stalls until she came upon one that was owned by on old Redguard man. She looked over the wares that reminded her of a home long forgotten. A bracelet with a bright blue jewel caught her eye and she piked it up to examine it more closely.

"Ah, you have fine taste young one" the man nodded, his head wobbling on a wrinkled scrawny neck. Lu'ah turned the jewel in her hands and the light reflected off it. "A beautiful jewel" he continued "Almost as blue as your eyes. Very unusual. I remember there was a story of a blue eyed Redguard......" his voice faded and he suddenly looked confused and frightened. Lu'ah's eyes narrowed and she put the bracelet back down.

"What of it?" The silence between the two was tense as the old man swallowed, not daring to move an inch from his seat, his eyes fixed on Lu'ah's piercing blue ones. Yes, he knew of Lu the Blue, the ruthless Pirate Queen who would slit your throat for a single gold coin. But surely this was not the same woman? He frowned as she kept staring at him and his hands began to shake. He picked up the jeweled bracelet and handed it to her.

"Nothing, that's what. Here. Take it. I..I didn't see anything" He stammered. Lu'ah looked at the bracelet angrily. She had tried to put her pirating past behind her but still, even now it had followed her here. Her hand also shook as her fist closed over the bracelet. She fished a handful of gold coins out from her purse and slammed them on to the counter, making the whole display shake. It was more than the old man would make in a month.

"Here, take this and pack up early today old man. Next time I see you I will run a knife through your throat" She strode off, still fuming and headed back to the Arena. She loosed her fury upon the Master and by the time she had finished yelling at him he merely blinked and said,

"Well look at that, I have a spot opened up, just for you" He smiled at her maliciously and Lu'ah strode towards the gate, waiting for it to finally open. She tucked the bracelet down the front of her armour and flexed her fingers. She could hear the murmurings of her fellow fighters behind her. It was blatantly obvious that she did not carry any visible weapon. Most warriors who wielded a solid weapon looked upon people like her with scorn. But Lu'ah did not care. She had duel wielded a pair of scimitar's during her time as a pirate, her conjured swords were just the same, well except for the little bit of 'tweaking' she had done to the spell. It was time to show these doubters that her way was just as effective and the end result was the same.

Lu'ah's heart skipped a beat as the gate raised and she glanced over to the fighter's viewing box quickly but Arden was not to be seen. She was annoyed that she was a little disappointed. What did she really expect though? She squared her shoulders and entered the arena. It stank of death, the sand now a light coppery colour, the blood too plenty for the stewards to remove all of it. Lu'ah walked out into the middle as her opponent did the same. A man, large with a mismatch of armour and a shaved head but for a small tuft of hair that stood straight up like a horn. His skin was heavily tattoo'd. He looked like one of the feral mountain men, the Forsworn. His sword was certainly of that make, a crude thing with savage rows of teeth sticking out from either sides of the blade. He even snarled at her, which Lu'ah just found amusing.

His sword she did not find amusing though, as he suddenly rushed at her before she had even drawn her own weapons. She felt the air whip past as his sword barely missed her. Lu'ah kicked out at the man, catching him off guard and sending him sprawling into the sand. As he lay there she took the opportunity to quickly conjure her weapons. Her palms raised, she said the spell under her breath. Lu'ah did not even notice the crowd hushed as her hands began to glow and then finally two bright blue glowing swords filled her palms. Her fingers curled lovingly around their grips. They were like old friends to her she knew them so well.

Meanwhile the man had recovered and he eyed Lu'ah's glowing swords.

"Bah!" He spat on the ground in front of him "Fu**ing mages! I hate mages!" He roared and charged her again, but this time Lu'ah was ready. She blocked his sword with one hand and swiped at him with the other. The man gave a yelp and staggered back, grasping at his back were Lu'ah's sword had not only sliced him, but had burned him as well.

"Fu**ing bitch!" he shrieked as he looked at his hand, now covered in blood and bits of charred skin. Lu'ah flashed her white teeth at him, swinging her swords dangerously.

"What's the matter pig? Too much woman for you?" she taunted him. They fought back and forth, primitive sword against magical. Lu'ah dealt her opponent many scorching blows, but received a few in return. The teeth bit into her skin painfully whenever her armour failed to protect her. Soon they were both dripping with blood, adding more to the copper sand. The man was almost red with rage now and he ran at Lu'ah with a speed that surprised her. She had to step back as he swung his sword in a wide sweeping arc. She raised her own and deflected most of the blow but not before one of the larger teeth bit into the side of her armour. And there it stuck. The man, realizing what had happened, jerked it back with all his strength, sending Lu'ah sprawling.

She lay in the sand on her back, her swords faded from her hands and then the man was upon her. He too had cast his sword aside and was now intent on wringing her neck with his bare hands. Lu'ah's feet kicked as she struggled to released his death grip from her neck. Vaguely she could hear the crowd begin to cheer, their excitement at seeing another death, her death, made her angry.

She let go of the man's hands and while she almost blacked out from lack of oxygen and his hands crushing her windpipe, she mumbled her spell quickly. A bright blue glow emanated from in between the two of them and then suddenly the man was thrown backwards as Lu'ah, now with her two swords in her hands, thrust them both through his stomach, only to have them protrude out the other side. The crowd went deathly silent as Lu'ah struggled to her feet, the body sliding off her swords, making little sizzling sounds as it fell to the sand. A surprised look was forever imprinted on her fallen foe's face.

Lu'ah was then suddenly aware of the cacophony of cheers and applause that erupted from the crowd. She had done it. Survived her first fight. One down and how many more to go. She looked up to the crowd and flashed them a grin, bowing gracefully and taking up a few flowers that had been thrown down to her, then left the Arena. Bruised, bleeding, but happy. She eyed the men down in the pits, waiting for any word from them.

"Nice" the master said. It was all she needed. She nodded, collected her winnings and headed back to the Inn. She was in desperate need of some healing salves and a bath, and...a drink or two.

It was a great party, the Khajiit of the Imperial city were all within their tent circle in the waterfront district. Drums, flutes, and a large bonfire made it feel just like home. To those who weren’t khajiit the party probably looked like a savage affair. The traditional dances were violent and acrobatic, just like his arena dance. Call and response roars and cries rang out amid the high tempo music. Do’ Janqu watched it and was clapping along, amazed at the slight imperial influences he could see. The movements were less acrobatic, he realized the longer he watched. Their bodies never truly left the ground, always a hand or foot making contact. Do’ Janqu just drank his water and he was far too tired to really partake in the party. It was always like this, since Janqu fought off rage, he was always far more exhausted than he probably should be after a fight.

“You should probably try something stronger,” Do’ Janqu looks up and sees a young Khajiit woman smiling at him.

“This one thanks you, maybe just one drink.”

“For someone from Skingrad you are quite fond of speaking like you are from Elsywr.”

“Quite…” Do’ Janqu just smiles and takes the drink. Mead… Now that is a sweet drink, Do’ Janqu looks up to give her a smile, only to find the woman gone. On reflex his hand goes down to his coin purse, and he just laughs. She managed to lift about a hundred septims off of him. “Hunt you another day then.”

Lu'ah strode down the street, receiving appreciative nods as she headed for the Inn. She felt the weight of the purse that contained her winnings and hummed a light, traditional tune to herself. She was still humming when she pushed through the doors of the Inn and let her eyes adjust to the darkness. She threaded her way through the crowd, not taking much notice of the goings on around her.

"M'Lady" the Bar tender nodded to her as she approached. She flashed a smile and jiggled her coin purse.

"I'm feeling like a long hot bath good sir. I'd appreciate you getting someone to draw it for me"

"Aye I can do that for you" the man nodded again and called for one of the working girls. A young, blonde woman approached, eyeing Lu'ah in her tight armour and bloodied limbs. Lu'ah winked at the young whore who giggled inanely then simmered away when she received her orders.

"Thanks" Lu'ah said as she turned and scoured the darkened room. "I don't suppose you've seen a large dark-haired Nord here?" she asked suddenly, not even sure why she asked in the first place.

"Seen lots of Nords 'ere" the Bar tender grunted. "There's one over there with those two women" he nodded in their direction. Lu'ah's smile quickly disappeared when she saw Ardin sitting with two attractive women, deep in conversation. One in particular caught her eye, her tight white cat suit causing her to raise an impressed eyebrow, despite herself.

Lu'ah's hackles raised instinctively until she shook herself. What in oblivion was she upset about? She hardly knew this man. One night between the sheets wasn't enough for her to form any sort of bond with him. OK.. one glorious, earth shattering, thigh quivering night, but one night none the less. Lu'ah's eyes narrowed as she wrestled with herself. She thought to go over there, just to see what Ardin's reaction would be, but then she didn't wish to make a scene, like some pathetic, love-sick teenager. She was better than that. She was Lu the Blue, ruthless pirate Queen and she would be damned if anyone would make her feel like that.

Still.... he said he would see her fight and she finds him back here, with another woman..two women. Lu'ah's hands clenched and her palms began to glow. Slowly she turned back to the Bar Tender.

"Inform that pretty thing drawing my bath that I will need her services for the night" she said through gritted teeth, and then stomped up to her room, in a slightly less better mood than when she entered the Inn.

As they ate both Natesse and Alice noticed a tall and very attractive Redguard woman enter the inn, wearing tight leather armor and covered in blood. She was obviously fresh from the fight and considering she was walking away from the arena it wouldn't be presumptuous to say she had won. What took the half elf and teenager by surprise though was the way this woman was looking at them. She raised her eyebrows in a way that looked like she was impressed when she saw Alice, which was a little ambiguous because that could be for a number of reasons. Natesse was instantly wary but Alice herself couldn't help but be flattered. She assumed that this woman saw something attractive in her and hoped it was either her blue dress or her white leather bodysuit underneath it. She was very proud of both and both complimented each other very well. This was both her battledress and her favorite outfit for several reasons but the dress and bodysuit were the core. The base everything else was built on.

The woman talked with one of the wenches and then stomped off with her fists balled up, obviously angry or frustrated about something. Again, Natesse was wary and when she looked at Ardin and his look of surprise and embarrassment she quickly put two and two together. That didn't mean she cared about this woman or her possible relationship with this man but it was another variable she now had to deal with.

"Do you know that woman?" Natesse asked, putting her earlier proposal aside for the moment to deal with this.

(OOC sorry for the short post. I'm tired from work haha)
There she was; Lu'ah looked like she was going to hang him right then and there. He felt terrible, and was going to watch her like he promised;All this was a talk. Now the gorgeous redguard is with a wench, and he felt odd; sad, mad, confused, but still trying to talk to the bosmer. Three of them had a odd triangle going so far. It was very uneasy; at least to him. He decided to go check on her after he dealt with the pressing situation.

He was then asked if he knew her, " We met only a day ago. We kind of ran into each other," He was worried about Lu'ah. For some reason he hoped that the wench will treat her right. If not, he'd punch her out of the room. Right now, he wanted to know what this woman in front of him wanted. Ardin was glad she was alive either way, "Don't be worried about her. You wanted to speak about something?"

"That's good to know." Natesse said. "And I never said I was worried, only wary. I'm sure you understand. And yes, the three of us need to talk but not here. You never know who might be listening. Follow me. C'mon Alice." Natesse pulled her long leather gloves back on, got up and led Alice by the hand upstairs after they checked that Ardin was following. Alice felt a little awkward at first, being led like she was a child, but she didn't really mind. Better Natesse than anyone else. She led everyone up to her room and was surprised to see her lockbox of potions opened and freshly stocked with little pink vials that weren't there several hours ago. All Natesse could do was grin and feel ever so warm down south. "Dreven you sweet horny dog." She muttered. Alice saw the box too and rolled her eyes. It was nice of Dreven to discreetly restock Natesse's "work supplies" but it was for all the wrong reasons. Once Ardin joined them Natesse closed and locked the door behind him. She sat both herself and Alice down on her bed and put her arms around the girl. Alice nuzzled into Natesse's side and sat with her gloved hands together in her lap and her knees together with feet apart. "Now then, Ardin, what we're about to tell you will stay in this room and go nowhere else. If you do so you will compromise our safety and your own. I don't want that to happen and neither do you." She took a deep breath and continued. "As you correctly guessed, Alice's father is being held in the arena as a prisoner. His name is Simus Psyrakon and he got into some serious trouble with the city guard in order to land himself in there. He's going to fight and will be expected to die. The Thalmor want him dead and will probably arrange a special match to kill him as dramatically as possible. Why they want this is for Alice to say and not me. It's enough that she needs to save her father and needs our help. We have a plan to get him out of the arena but we need someone who is known and can come and go. Someone like you. We'll also need some muscle if things go sour. Also someone like you. Before I tell you the details I need to know that you'll help us. If not, then you should leave now and not speak to us again. If you decide to go to the guard about this I will hunt you down and kill you. Are you willing to help?"

Eventually he was lead out of the bar area and into a quiet room just big enough for three. Here Natesse started talking and explaining something quite odd and really interesting, "Now then, Ardin, what we're about to tell you will stay in this room and go nowhere else. If you do so you will compromise our safety and your own. I don't want that to happen and neither do you. As you correctly guessed, Alice's father is being held in the arena as a prisoner. His name is Simus Psyrakon and he got into some serious trouble with the city guard in order to land himself in there. He's going to fight and will be expected to die. The Thalmor want him dead and will probably arrange a special match to kill him as dramatically as possible. Why they want this is for Alice to say and not me. It's enough that she needs to save her father and needs our help. We have a plan to get him out of the arena but we need someone who is known and can come and go. Someone like you. We'll also need some muscle if things go sour. Also someone like you. Before I tell you the details I need to know that you'll help us. If not, then you should leave now and not speak to us again. If you decide to go to the guard about this I will hunt you down and kill you. Are you willing to help?"

'Aye, I'll help. I offered my sword arm to start. What would you want me to do?" For some unknown reason he was willing to help them. Call it a message from the gods. Ardin can relate to Alice in the way about her father. After all, he lost both his parents. Maybe thats why he is so willing to help them. Plus it be nice to kill things for a greater cause. This will make his trip more interesting, to say the least, "Its a hells of a plan. Even with someone like me we'd have to be clever about it. When do we start? I'll need to figure a few things out along the way. I care about my safety as well as yours, so don't worry. This won't leave the inn. Seems like the guardsmen think he did something terrible enough to throw him in the arena. What did he do exactly?" Questions that would help him figure all this out left his mouth. Even if they were rude, they would help him help them. The conversation was becoming increasingly thicker.

Lu'ah watched as the whore poured the final bucket of steaming water into her bath. She looked at it longingly as she began to strip off her armour, frowning at the hole in the side that the forsworn brute's sword had made. She would need to get it fixed before tomorrow's match. She dropped the last of her clothing to the floor and suddenly felt a hand running down her bare back.

"Well now" the whore breathed appreciatively "I've never seen such beautiful smooth dark skin as yours" Lu'ah knew that was a lie, the whore's of this establishment were paid to tell their customers what they wanted to hear. Her hand rested on Lu'ah's backside and Lu'ah sighed, suddenly wanting to throttle someone, anyone.

"Hands off" she growled, causing the girl to snatch her hand away and step back a step. "Sorry" Lu'ah sighed again. "I'm just not in the mood, maybe another time Hunny" The girl's lip trembled for a few seconds before she pouted then turned and left without another word, closing the door behind her. Lu'ah stepped into the tub, wincing as the hot water hit her wounds, staining the water red. The tub wasn't the largest, so her long legs had to be folded up a little, but she sighed in bliss as the heat soaked into her bones. The steam billowed from the surface of the water and wet her face and hair.

After her long soak she dried off, rubbed healing salves onto her wounds and fell onto the bed, flinging a light sheet over her mid section. Lu'ah closed her eyes, intending to just rest them, but then promptly fell asleep.

He survived the fight. He was alive.

After literally being thrown back into his cage he could finally relax. Fenrir leaned back against the cage bars, sitting silently. Not making a sound. He was done screaming his rage and thrashing around in his cage. He may be a brute but he wasn't a savage. Fenrir knew nothing would get him out short of a miracle. Hearing the sounds of the arena above, he closed his eyes and relaxed completely against the bars of his cage in exhaustion. No food and water was to come tonight. No one would come for him, tonight. He would get no relief this night. This night, he was completely alone. It wasn't long before darkness claimed him. He prayed to father Hircine to protect him from Vaermina, for he was certain he was going to be bombarded with horrible dreams.

---------------------------------------------------------

(The Fox and Hen Inn, secret room)

"So nothing?"

"Nothing."

"Not a word?"

"Nope."

"... That's so unlike him."

"I told you at the arena, he's not mad. He was furious but he let it go."

"It still doesn't make any sense--"

"Let it go Erebus, the bastard is dead. Plain and simple. Your father knows that and therefore it's pointless to get upset about it. Had he lived though..."

"He'd probably tear the guy's head off himself."

Erebus, Gabriel, and Isabella were back at the Inn. Ironically the one where the bad incident happened. Some birthday.

"He did have something else in mind." Gabriel offered up.

"I wonder what that would be." Isabella rolled her eyes. Her father always had something planned.. Something up his sleeve. "I still don't get why he let me at the arena. Without being punished after what happened."

"He's not going to molly coddle you. You are your own person. Both of you. You have proved time and again you can look after one another. Nothing has changed of that. That incident proved it again that you can look after each other. End of story. Now then, what he has in mind does have something to do with the arena. Have you noticed some of the fighters?"

"Aside from some Khajiits gone wild which my sister apparently has a fetish for--Ouch!" Erebus rubbed his shoulder where his sister landed a hard punch on.

"Would you let it go?! Who says I can't compliment a fighter, huh?"

"As I recall you called that.. Fenrir guy a ugly and hairy beast, and he tore through those cats and monster like they were nothing. Anyway, what about it Gabe? Yes, all of them were fighters. Probably get paid by the kill too."

Gabriel shook his head at the pair, "No, that's not just it. You're right. Their fighters, but some of them aren't willingly there. Well, on their own terms at least." The older thief sighed.

"What do you mean?" Isabella asked. "You don't mean..?"

"They're held against their will, for huge rich folks no doubt to make them extra cash. Them dying or not is of little consequence. They could care less if they get their limbs cut off, their guts spewed out, or their head lopped off. As long as they make them lots of septims." Erebus explained to her.

His sister looked outraged, "What?! That's... That's barbaric! Monstrous!"

The eldest thief chuckled, "... And you wanted to enter that place. You could have slaughtered a fighting slave."

Bella felt sick to her stomach. She liked fighting. Loved it even. Almost as much as getting the high off thieving. But killing an innocent that was slaving away to make someone's money... And getting a gruesome death if they fail no less.

"They also live in filthy conditions. I can't imagine how much torture they go through. How much crap they deal with."

"Literally. They must be living in their own filth. Imagine having a limb cut off and getting infected in that cesspool."

"Enough! Stop, both of you. I get it. They live in horrible conditions and are forced to fight for rich bastards like cocks at a cock fight. I don't need the little bitty details. I'm sorry I ever wanted to fight in that ring.." Isabella felt horrible. The normally tough and hardened thief with a sassy attitude finally met her match.

"Good, you finally had a taste of reality. Which leads to what your father is after. Turns out, there are people that care about these poor folk." Gabriel reached into his pocket and brought out a piece of paper, then handing it to Erebus.

The young man look at it. "It's blank."

"It is."

"And? This some kind of cryptic message he sent us? Or are you pulling the chains, Gabe?"

"Patience young lady.." He winked at the sister of the duo. "I'm getting to the point. Think about it. Some of these folk were at the wrong place and the wrong time. Although there are people that pay big on these fighters..."

"There are people who will pay big to get them out of those conditions." Erebus finished.

"Exactly."

"Which is why he wasn't mad when we went to the arena!" Isabella exclaimed, "He wanted to make us see what it was like."

"Now you're starting to understand. Good." Gabriel took a deep breath before continuing. "You see, the Empire doesn't check the conditions of the fighters. The Emperor is wanting entertainment. To keep the commoners happy. Therefore, most civilians are kept in the dark about who fights. Most assume it's just petty criminals, rapists, thugs, gang leaders, deserters, prisoners of war, all that have gone against the Empire to be fighting in shackles. The think nothing but the excitement. The fighters that challenge the arena however, they also assume they are adventurers. Would be heroes or wanna be legends of the arena. With the public fooled the Emperor doesn't have to worry about civil unrest. The public doesn't need to worry about unjust relations to the fighters that happen right under their noses. Not like they would care if they knew. The people are worry free and happy, the Emperor is happy, the army is content, the warriors that sign up to fight are satiated, and everyone wins." Gabriel finished.

"All except the prisoners." Erebus put in. "How much are people willing to have these people let out?"

"These type of 'jail brakes' are risky. Very risky. But also pay well. I'm sure you will find a few other Inns with a few fighters inside resting. Which means you also will find some people mourning over loved ones taken in chains, forced to fight."

"Which Inn should we start with?" Isabella was eager to get this started.

"And what leads do we have on potential clients?" Erebus asked. He was also eager to get on this but wanted all the facts and questions answered. Just in case.

"Ah. Remember that sheet I got you? Mark down potential clients on that paper. Along with any details. You don't have to use it, but it's better to keep organized, yeah? Like I said, try the Inn with the fighters inside. You'll probably find some clients. And please be subtle about it. I'd go along with you but.. I have my own assignments."

Isabella felt disappointment, but didn't know why. "Oh uhm.. What kind?"

Gabe flashed a smile at her, "Don't worry, nothing too huge. I think. I'll be heading up north. So I think it's safe to say I won't be back for a while. I'm heading to Skyrim if you must know the little bitty details."

"Oh... Well in that case," Erebus offered his hand in a shake which Gabriel took, "Good luck up there. And be safe. I hear their are lots of beasts up there that can make your life a living hell. Best to sleep with one eye open."

"Ha! I doubt the Nords will look kindly to me either, but no worries, I should be fine. Best of luck to both of you. And remember, if the job seems too good to be true, it probably is." Gabriel let go of Erebus after the shake and began to walk out. "Have fun you two!"

Suddenly he felt a large mass crash into him, followed by a muffled, "Please be safe..." before he was let go. Turning around he looked at Isabella who had her head down.

"Hey, I'll be back. Honestly, I'd be more worried about what you two will face. If you get caught..." He let the dangerous notion hang in the air. He really worried about those two.

"We won't." The brother reassured the older thief.

"Right, hope not." Gabriel winked before finally taking off.

It was quiet before the brother spoke up. "Well, best head off as well. Let's go." His sister said nothing but nodded her head, following her brother.

--------------------------------------------------

Opening the door to an Inn they came across the twins walked inside and off to the side, looking around. There were a few that were in armor, which was a good indication this was a hot spot for arena fighters. That and the arena was close by.

"Where do we start?" Isabella whispered.

"No idea. Probably have to start up rumors. Or hear about them. Go get us a table, I'll ask the bartender for anything on the arena."

Erebus and his sister went their separate ways. As Isabella sat down she scanned the area. What if Erebus couldn't find anything useful? How were they supposed to get a client then? Do they eavesdrop on some people?

...

"Of course!"

Getting up from the table she then proceeded to walk around tables and eventually making her way to the rooms. Walking up the steps silently she then walked down the hall, looking up and down the hall before leaning close to the doors of the rooms before walking down to the next room. Finally, she heard something interesting. A female voice spoke.

"...plan to get him out of the arena but we need someone who is known and can come and go. Someone like you. We'll also need some muscle if things go sour. Also someone like you. Before I tell you the details I need to know that you'll help us. If not, then you should leave now and not speak to us again. If you decide to go to the guard about this I will hunt you down and kill you. Are you willing to help?"

'Damn am I lucky or what?' the thief thought smugly. Damn was she indeed lucky getting in at the right time. Nocturnal was definitely with her this night.

A masculine voice replied.

"..Aye, I'll help. I offered my sword arm to start. What would you want me to do? It's a hell of a plan. Even with someone like me we'd have to be clever about it. When do we start? I'll need to figure a few things out along the way. I care about my safety as well as yours, so don't worry. This won't leave the inn. Seems like the guardsmen think he did something terrible enough to throw him in the arena. What did he do exactly?"

'Yes.. what did this certain person do?' Isabella sat next to the door, looking relaxed and ordinary as possible. She didn't want her cover blown by someone asking what in oblivion she was doing snooping around a door.

-----------------------------------------------

Nothing. The bartender wasn't budging. Walking away he started toward the table he last saw his sister at. "Gah! So much for gossip, now how am I gonna--" He stopped short after noticing his sister was no where in sight of the table. "Damn it!"

Alice was happy to hear that Ardin was going to help them. They needed all the help they could get and every second they stood around talking about saving her father meant that he was one step closer to death. She decided that Ardin deserved to know why her father was in trouble, even if she didn't know the specifics of what got him into prison. It didn't really matter.

"Well, there's two answers to that question. The short answer is that he beat up some guards while looking for me. Why exactly leads into the longer answer." She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. She didn't want to tell this story so soon after it happened but Ardin needed to know at least some of it. Her voice was bleak and morose, as if all her happiness was gone forever. "My father and I...most of my family...we're Talos worshipers. My mother was a Blade during the Great War and my father a member of the Imperial Legion who worked closely with the Blades. He was even made an honorary one. Two weeks ago the Thalmor found out about this and came for all of us. They...they burned our house down in the middle of the night but I was able to warn my parents. I knew what was coming and when and the reason for that is a whole other conversation. We managed to escape the city and go to Bruma with the intention of heading to Skyrim. That didn't happen. The people that were supposed to help sold us out but my father is...was a wealthy and influential man. Many of his old comrades from the Legion lived in Bruma and they helped us escape. But the Thalmor caught up with us in the mountains. That was five days ago. We had to fight them. I...I had to kill one, shoot one with my bow." She started to tear up. "My mother was wounded and fell down. My little sister and I ran over and tried to help her. We both know a little healing magic she taught us. We...failed to save her. I screamed and cried for her to wake up, our father told us to run, to get out while he held the Thalmor soldiers off. I refused. I wanted to kill every last one of them. My brothers, my twin brother Titus and my older brother Stephen. The picked me up, dragged me away. I screamed for mother to wake up but she was dead. A dozen sword wounds had stained her armor red. Stephen tripped, he dropped me. Our little sister Cilla needed help so he grabbed her. I charged into battle next to our father, hacking at the Thalmor with my sword in blind rage. They laughed at me. I can still hear their laughter. I fell and one of them jumped on me. He ran his sword through my shoulder."

Alice took her dress off and unzipped her bodysuit underneath to show Ardin her scar. A nasty red line with scabs and pink edges. A blight on her porcelain skin. She let him and Natesse take a good long look then zipped her suit back up and put her dress back on, smoothing out her hair afterwards. "I went down and cried for mercy. I cried so hard I got a headache. The Thalmor laughed harder and dad...well...he just snapped. He slaughtered all of them with his swords and some of the scariest fire and shock magic I've ever seen. He was covered in blood. He begged me to go and I got up but I was in so much pain and it was so cold. I made it maybe twenty feet before I fell face down in the snow. I wanted to freeze to death. If it weren't for a priest named Erandur who rescued me and nursed me back to health I would have. Maybe he shouldn't have. Maybe he should have let me die in those mountains. Maybe when I woke up two days ago I should have killed myself, but I was too afraid to try. I've been too afraid to do anything, and even if I wasn't, what's the point? Even if we do save my father my little sister, my brothers, they're either dead or in hiding somewhere. And my mother is still dead."

He leaned back in the chair and listened to Alice's story. He himself knew the pain of losing a loved one. Ardin himself lost both his parents and his home. He still sees the wild flames devouring his home and steel snakes driven through his parents. Not wanting to see another like him, he vowed to help to prevent that, "It will be done. How are we going to execute this plan? I'm going to have to keep fighting, not to mention deal with an issue," he sighed after thinking of his Redguard. She deserves an apology and to know of this plan. She'll help them, if not for Alice, then for him. The two girls plan was audacious, and will need more people than just them....

----------------------

The crowd roared as yet another opponent fell, and their blood soaked the porous sand. Up in the box was Sereah Marius, a very typical imperial noble. Blonde hair put up in a bun and her nose marked with snide enjoyment, this was the woman who could order how a match is made. She drank down the last of her wine and fetched for the wine boy, "I need more wine, boy. Make yourself useful for once in your life and bring the wine," the young imperial hurriedly wondered off for the liquid, hoping that this time he didn't get food spat in his face. As the day got later, the sun bounced off her ornate dress as she gossiped with the other nobles high in their heavenly perch while the mortals dwelled beneath. More and more lost souls came to the living hell. The thought made her smile devilishly. It was going to be a delightful time.

Erebus looked around the whole bottom floor, before finally taking the stairs.

"When I get my hands on her... I told her to stay at her table damn it!" Erebus kept muttering and cursing under his breath while stomping up the stairs.

----------------------------------------------------

When the girl (well, she assumed it was a girl speaking) ended her story, Isabella felt something hard in her gut. She felt her face heat up and had to take several calming breaths. She knew what it was like losing parents. Or at least one anyway. This girl lost one so far and may now lose the other. Isabella and her brother lost both. What was even harder was that they had no idea who or what killed them.

It was silent for a few moments before the male voice spoke again.

"It will be done. How are we going to execute this plan? I'm going to have to keep fighting, not to mention deal with an issue,"

Then she heard stomping up the steps down the hall. 'Damn it!'

Shifting, she found a position to where she looked passed out or asleep. Isabella kept her eyes closed for the most part, but made it lazy so she could peek through her lashes.

Through them she saw her brother marching down the hall.

"Damn it Bella! I told you--"

He was cut off when she motioned with her hand, signaling him to cut the vocals. He fell silent, crawling quietly as possible and sat next to her. 'What?' He mouthed.

Putting a finger to her lips, Isabella went back to listening. But not before they got busted. By a passing patron.

"Hey! What are you two doing!"

"Nocturnal you bitch.." Isabella quickly stood up, as did her brother.

"Sorry good sir, we were just... Um..."

"Taking a rest! We've had a long day." Erebus offered to the patron. It didn't look like he was buying it though.

"On. The floor?"

The hallway was silent. If they were caught snooping around and being peeping toms they could get a fine. Not to mention they looked like street rats. They would probably get fined for that too. Probably for assuming they were going to steal something.

"Erm.. Yes?" Erebus weakly offered to him. "Get ready to run." He whispered to his sister.

"You aren't going anywhere! Guards! Guar--" He was cut off suddenly as Isabella swiftly unsheathed her dagger, batting away his hands and clubbing him on the head with the pummel. Hard.

"Damn it Bella! Now what do we do?!" Her brother hissed in anger. Now they were definitely going to jail for assault and loitering.

Looking around she noticed a broom closet. "Well that's convenient. Help me get him in there would you?"

Isabella grabbed his arms while Erebus grabbed the poor man's legs. After a little bit of trouble they finally got the man stuffed in there. Barricading the door with a nearby chair by jamming it under the doorknob, the brother asked again, "Now what do we do?!"

"Shut up! I'm thinking..." Luckily, no one heard the commotion with all the dancing and music downstairs.

"What was so important for you to run off anyway?" His voice now dropped to a whisper.

"I may or may not have found out about our first contract."

"Go on.."

"There is this man. He's trapped in the arena." She leaned in closer to him to whisper in his ear. He leaned in as well. "Something to do with the Thalmor. There is this girl in that room. She's the prisoner's daughter. Mother was killed by the Thalmor and the rest of her family scattered. Those vile dogs took everything away from them. There's some other details but... I didn't catch all of it. We have to help Erebus."

Erebus sighed and rubbed his forehead. Arena, Thalmor, dead mother, lost father and family. He felt sorry for the girl already. The Thalmor. He never told Isabella, but he did some research and tried to track down his lineage. To see what made his parents deaths happen. He didn't have much leads. But one farfetched idea was the Thalmor. Their parents weren't of noble birth, but they weren't poor. They were in the 'middle class'. Now that he heard about this, the Thalmor theory didn't sound so farfetched after all.

"Fine. We'll help. But how do we...?" He motioned his head toward the door his sister was eavesdropping on.

Ardin pledged his support yet again and Alice was visibly grateful. Her face practically lit up with gratitude, completely eclipsing her morose expression and bitter tears. She couldn't stop herself from getting up and hugging the strong, lean Nord. "Thank you Ardin! Thank you so much, Talos and Mara bless you!" After she broke the hug she looked up to him and smiled. "Don't worry. I guarantee you won't have to stop fighting and I'll help you with whatever issue you need help with! I'm sure Natesse will too!" Natesse raised a wary eyebrow at being roped into such a promise but kept quiet. Alice was so excited to have another ally and the poor thing needed all the hope she could get. Who then reminded her that she hadn't actually gone over the plan with them yet. "Speaking of which...what...exactly is the plan here Natesse? You and Dreven discussed something didn't you?"

"That's right, we did." Natesse answered. "And now that we have a bit more help we have a better chance of pulling it off. Dreven and I did a little brainstorming last night and we deduced that the best way to get your father out would..." She stopped mid-sentence. Her sharp Bosmer-Nord ears picked up faint whispering just outside their door. She couldn't make out everything but it was enough. Someone was eavesdropping on them.

"What is it Tess?" Alice asked, confused.

"Someone's listening in." Natesse said softly. She was in full thief-mode now, decades-old habits kicking in. "Both of you stay here. Don't move until I say so."

She reached down her suit's high neckline to the slipknife between her cleavage. It was drawn with a quiet *shing* and she held it at the ready, walking slowly over to the door. She could hear heavy, tense breathing on the other side. Their eavesdropper knew they had been discovered and was tensely waiting for a reprisal. Oh, they'd get a reprisal alright. She motioned for Alice to quietly come over. Alice did so, as quietly as she could, and Natesse whispered in her ear. "I'm going to get on the other side of the door. When I tap my fingers twice, I need you to wrench it open. I'm going to rush out and pin whoever's out there to the wall. You follow behind me with whatever weapon you're most comfortable with. Have it ready before you open the door." Alice nodded in understanding, getting her yew shortbow and a blue-fletched arrow ready. Natesse got into position and when she saw Alice was ready she gave the signal. Alice practically ripped the door open and Natesse rushed out in a flash of black and blonde lightning. She saw a young imperial woman, a few years older than Alice, crouched by the door. Instinct took over and Natesse rammed her forearm into the woman's throat, pinning her to the wall before she had time to react. Alice, pumped with adrenaline, bolted outside with bow drawn and ready. She pulled the string back full and aimed it at the first body she could see. A young and very attractive Imperial brother. A woman who looked just like him was being pinned to the wall by Natesse. Alice was shaking with adrenaline but years of practice kept her aim steady. She was ready to shoot if this man did so much as pick his nose.

"So young lady," Natesse said in a low, threatening voice laced with steel. "What did you hear?"