18+ The Great Journey Retaken

[Ellen Ripley]

"I had thought the same, though I'm questioning one thing. When have you known me to be anything but on my toes?"


Rahd couldn’t help but smirk at Cossets reply however his attention was drawn to the other warriors ahead of him and his ears pricked up at the conversation the two warriors were having. While eavesdropping on the conversation he didn’t fail to notice the other khajiits had eventually caught up and joined him and Cosset. He honestly didn’t pay much attention to the furred followers but as he heard the discussion of a forge and blacksmithing he was curious of the warriors ahead.

He wasn’t sure what skill the spell-sword had around a forge but he was curious if his own skills were better. He had been around the forge since he was young and he enjoyed it thoroughly and he made it into his hobby. His focus returned to his friend and he looked at her and raised an eyebrow as he assessed her gear. He would definitely need to check Cossets armor and weapons later on. His train of thought was interrupted once again as a stranger approached the group and he almost rolled his eyes at the groups tense reaction. Drawing weapons first was a habit for most warriors but he wouldn’t draw a weapon on a stranger until he had a motive.

His mother had always taught him to be nice and kind to others regardless of what they appeared to be. He could clearly remember his mother having a discussion about how others hid behind masks and that most of the kids were mean because they didn’t know how to express their feelings. They hid behind anger and violence to protect themselves from others hurting them. When he became bullied he didn’t fight back but when it came to others he would stand up. His Breton family worshipped Mara and that was something he grew to love and he believed in Mara. Regardless of his beliefs he was no fool and he knew when needed to end a life but he would rather save one and protect a life. No one knew their destiny and perhaps these warriors would find love or peace one day. Worshipping Mara was something he kept to himself and only his Breton family knew and his one and only friend.


As he looked at the stranger in ebony armor he frowned as yet again another enchanted weapon was made of ebony. He would definitely need to speak to Cosset about some lessons. His ears lowered and he almost let out a growl as the other male Khajiit tugged at him. Most were not careless to such acts but perhaps this Khajiit thought they were friends. Although he couldn’t be upset or show him anger because the mangy khajjit was probably the only one he felt like he could get along with. Looking at the other khajiit he saw him draw out his two daggers and gently grabbed his arm before leaning over to whisper,” Easy friend we do not know if this person is a threat. If he had a comrade we could easily handle it so there is no need to jump into battle.”


With that he smiled and gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. He could tell that this khajiit liked to stick to the shadows and because he seemed soft spoken and shy he could easily sneak about. Although the new warrior was questionable and he knew he would have to keep on eye on this one. It seemed like this adventure was just starting and yet exciting things were already beginning to occur. At least the blade had courage to stand up and speak out not even try to be nice or kind. He could appreciate bluntness instead of people trying to pretend they are someone else. Rubbing his chin lightly his tail swayed behind him as he felt the magic diffuse from his friend and he waited for a response from the stranger.

 

[Ysarth the watcher]

Maderion Huntersperch shook his head slightly: 'No. The group my colleague was designated to meet with earlier has most likely left. They journey now to find the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller so they can meet with the Dragonborn. As you might imagine, hearing these words probably has a number of questions running through your head, the greatest one being why the dragonborn?' The old Nord glanced around the room uncertainly and waited for another patron to pass by and seat himself at the barcounter before continuing: 'There is a new threat now: magic. But a magic we neglected to nullify years ago. It has surfaced its gorgonic head once more and with it the rising of dead dragons has begun.'
He watched as the redguard registered the information with a slight contort of shock that teased her face. It would have been normal for her to have got up and stormed out, but he knew she would not.
'Now, I am not going to guide you to the other group just yet - you and I have other work to do. One that might undermine the efforts of the necromancer whose existence, for now, is comprised of rumours and the powerful injection of fear.'
It had been an age since the Nord had been on any sort of adventure where is his life might be at stake. Hell, his life was at stake reading through books and tomes in the library because of his age. He would have to rely greatly on the woman before him for protection as he would guide her on a quest that would help save Skyrim.

 

[MB_52]

Following the group out side the tavern and out the city towards the docks Emric started to wonder if he would finally find the thing he was searching for, to finally be apart of something that mattered and not sell his skills to wealthy nobles who need a trinket found in a long forgotten tomb. Though it looked like they were headed for such a place at least he wasn't hired by some fat merchant. Emric quietly chuckled to himself amused at his own humor when the group was confronted by a figure dressed in complete Ebony armor.
The man pulled out a similar looking letter that Emric had received himself, he could not help but groan as the competition to make himself standout kept on getting stiffer. A slight tension filled the air which caused Emric to grip the pommel of his sword giving it a reassuring squeeze as he stepped a little closer to his new found companions.

 

[Kivuli_The_Khajit]

Kivuli glares down the ebony-clad newcomer, bow drawn and ready to fire at a moment's notice. She learned years ago not to let unknowns get too close, lest they turn around and literally stab her in the back.

Lazgl already has her warhammer out and at the ready. Following Kivuli's lead, as she had no idea what to do about the newcomer.

 

[kenia153]

Konan continued to listen intently, she would make sure she held on to all of this information.
Whoever he was, she definitely didn't think he was fabricating all of this.
The sense of dread that previously fell over Konan now grew, leading her to doubt herself again. The situation was as bad as she originally thought. If not, worse. Hopefully this man and his... 'colleagues' knew what they were doing.
...Regardless of what would prove to be the extent of her own capabilities, this was an honorable cause, and like any mortal she had to die eventually.
"Very well," Konan replied to the man while staring at the table. Pursing her lips for a moment, she wondered what exactly the Nord had planned. She didn't bother asking about pay. She'd be helping whether she got it or not. Konan shifted her gaze back to the man.
"What first, then?" Konan rubbed her brow while trying to shake the feeling that the presented information gave her. This was a lot to take in... She had a lot of questions, but she was already uncomfortable they had discussed the matter this much in a public setting. She would pry later.

 

[Madrar]

Hoskar took in the group before him, measuring their reactions to his appearance. Most were suspicious, hands going for their weapons, some drawing them outright. Those, he regarded with nothing but contempt. Only a fool drew steel at the slightest provocation, and they almost always had an elevated opinion of their own prowess.

The former paladin did notice, however, that a small number of the group kept calm, but their was a certain weariness about them. Those, he knew, would bear close watching. A woman stepped forwards, in the traditional armour of the Blades, an order that most had thought extinct, Hoskar included, until a few years ago.

She declared she was in charge, and demanded his name. Seeing no reason to keep it hidden from her, or the others, for that matter, he spoke, his voice deep, and cold. "Hoskar Lonjar. Formerly of the Paladins of Arkay, currently an...independent contractor."

Revealing that he was no longer a paladin carried slight risk, but he doubted the group would guess the identity of his employer, something he himself didn't know.

 

[Ysarth the watcher]

Pride poisoned the air before Ysarth as he watched the Blade approach the figure adorned in the blackest armour - a sickly colour that leeched away all life that the elf regarded in the man in the momentary somberness he allowed himself.
'And why are you here, Hoskar? Surely happening upon us and asking who the leader is, is not in your procedural actions. No...'
Ysarth watched as the Blade approached confidently, arms swinging at her sides and her beautiful hair blew gracefully in the breeze that had snuck up on them. That made the elf worry - pound for pound the black paladin crushed the female Nord but her confidence and pride brought a more powerful weapon should a battle erupt: indifference.
There was not a more powerful weapon - the emotion of not caring if death was knocking at your door, only the answer of more bloodied steel sufficed.
Knowing full well, being a fallen paladin, that the black knight may very well be just as well armed, if not more so, Ysarth moved slowly behind the Blade and approached her side. One of such a proud order such as the Paladins of Arkay would not be compromised so easily and whatever man or daedra had bewitched this man was more than likely happy to arm him with more than just steel.
Ysarth found himself at the Blade's side, eyeing the black knight. It was not often the elf found himself overwhelmingly confident in taking on another in one-on-one but here the man gave Ysarth pause. It was the bluntness in which he spoke - expressing miniscule amounts of emotion, and that which he did proved useless to analyze.
And the elf found himself agreeing abruptly with a subtle 'Mm...'

Allerya felt tension relieve itself in small bursts behind her, and without looking, saw some of the companions reach for their hilts and places in their clothing where they hid weapons. Knowing full well the extent of her prowess, she strode over to the stranger:
'And why are you here, Hoskar? Surely happening upon us and asking who the leader is, is not in your procedural actions. No...'
She considered immediately that another organisation wanted to intervene in this quest, but how much did they know? How much did this warrior know? And more importantly, who had sent him?
He was a large creature, being not entirely sure of his skin or otherwise, Allerya might have considered him an orismer if not for the human voice. It mattered not entirely, but wondering amused her, enough to spark a further advancement which was soon shadowed by the Altmer. She rolled her eyes in distaste - a race so power hungry that even one of the humblest of them wanted to take control.
Humble.
She had not quite considered that of the high elf yet - this may have been the very first time the elf had not asserted his pre-determined title of power to turn the group and quest into his own. No, he was different, but an Altmer nonetheless.
Suddenly the slight rusted colour of dried blood in the dent of the warrior's armour caught her eye. There was something that made her reconsider her confidence, and Allerya halted where she was and clasped her hands behind her back, and glanced in irritation as the high elf appeared at her side, eyes fixed on the paladin.

'This other one is not here to make friends.'
No, it certainly did not like the ebony knight and Alla'Amir crept further in the fading light of surrounding vegetation and made an attempt to move in closer. So many of the others had gripped their weapons but there were those, like the priestess of magic, who remained frighteningly cool. It did not like that. Calmness provoked uncertainty and uncertainty lead to death. It watched as the high elf tailed the angry Nord woman, and it slowed to a subtle step closer every few seconds. The black monster had begun to eye the rest of them and it was not until it had snuck up just behind the high elf that it realised that this demon had not revealed its face - it hated that. It hissed quickly in dissatisfaction.
"If it breathes, it can bleed" it assured itself, but the mangy Khajiit dismissed the uncertainty in its own words a little too quickly as the black demon approached the two before it.

 

[Ysarth the watcher]

Maderion watched as the Redguard pursed away her lips and admired them momentarily before rising at the table:
'We have discussed quite enough here in the open and I should imagine a more private setting would prove better suited.' His cheeks wrinkled crookedly in the corners of his mouth. Maderion approached the innkeep and laid out a handful of septims on the counter:
'A room, very private. I am a light sleeper and...' He winked and motioned with his head towards Konan: 'We don't want to keep anyone else up.'
The innkeep grinned: 'Yes, of course, right this way then.'
Maderion beckoned to the Redguard and watched her as she approached: 'I had to cover us. Watching an old Nord man disappear to private quarters with an...attractive female is quite normal. But acting very formal might attract the wrong attention.'
He grasped her hand gently: Play along, the old Nord mouthed, and led her, in tow to the innkeep who glanced back at them often and eventually led them to a room upstairs in the corner furthers from the bar.
'Thank you.' Maderion nodded and the innkeep moved off, leaving the two strangers in the company of an awkward silence and the distant thrumming of conversation from downstairs. The old man seated himself at the fireplace immediately and presented a parchment of paper and held for the Redguard to see, before holding the paper over the warmth of the fire.
'Come closer - here is where we shall begin.' And the same crooked smile lit up his face.

 

[kenia153]

It was as if the Nord read her mind when he suggested a more private area. "Mm,” she said in agreement with a nod. Following his lead, she removed herself from the bench and accompanied him over to the innkeeper.

It was then that Konan soon found herself cast into an unexpected situation… Watching him interact with the innkeeper, Konan had a hunch the Nord was pulling an act. While not her method of choice, she found there likely was not a better option available. So although not fond of being portrayed this way, Konan told herself it was necessary.

Konan was interrupted from her thoughts when the old man took hold of her hand.

“Play along," The Nord had mouthed to her. For a moment she raised a brow at him. She was not the most comfortable, or convincing even, when required to be anything that was not herself. So she decided to stay quiet until they were alone. Externally appearing nonchalant, her mind mulled over the possible consequences of the falsehood the man portrayed of her, regarding her image.


When the door shut behind them she took a moment to collect her thoughts, running her hand over her scalp and through her hair, thinking, ...well, what a day this has been...

"Come closer - here is where we shall begin."

Joining him by the fire, she decided to focus back on the task at hand. What the information contained in that paper he held was more important than her pride.

 

[Hlíf 'Ulfr]

It was so that the rest of the group had been forced to wait some time as the newcomer and the blade in the front squared off. It was rather silly that the two decided that the whole congregations time was best spent watching the show, she was certain it was a waste. In other situations she might have chosen to move to the front and quietly address it there, this was a special case. The blade was hard headed and she would most likely be dismissed by her, no this was the time for her own public address.

"Well this is incredibly pleasant, more posturing. I really hate to interrupt you both flexing your metaphorical muscles at each other, oh and let us not forget the always productive staring into the other person in silence but we have all spent enough time idle. If you would like to continue this then please do give us our instructions and we will be off to commence this aforementioned quest, which I would have thought was important enough to put your own need to seem dominant aside. Will he be joining us or not, this is the question that needs to be answered. No more." Her voice rose as she began to direct her speech at those around her "However, for any of you that missed the signals let me explain. The Blade would like you and this man to know she is in charge, she is strong, and certainly doesn’t care to be challenged nor for that matter does threat of any kind faze her. Under other circumstances I might applaud you, you'll have to forgive me if I don't."

Like a snake slithering through the long grass, she weaved her way through the others as she spoke, towards the front of the gathering. It was natural and did not seem in any way out of place, her voice remained smooth with emphasis in all the right places. Her gestures even seemed perfectly place to mock but also to make perfect emphasis. Did she not distrust others so completely she may very well have been a good leader, or an orator in the very least.

"As for yourself," her eyes landed on the black-clad man "You hide your face and I can feel you leering. Do you wish to impart mystery? Do you wish to stir uncertainty? You'll also have to show some forgiveness for I feel nothing but slightly irked. Now, his answer or our directions. I'll have one or the other, thank you. Or perhaps you'd like to discuss this on the way."

 

[TommyTequila]

Casamir's stifled a laugh and turned to hide a smile. The small girl walked through the crowd of warriors like a deer through a forest, but her words chopped down the two mighty oaks that stood in front. Her stature was deceiving. Her intelligence was her sword and her confidence her armor, and she was well equipped. Her disregard for the opinions of others gave her a unique advantage. Generally speaking Casamir disliked unpredictability, but in her he foresaw a powerful ally. For now, he coughed to hide his smile and took a step forward.
"Although the mage may be a little blunt she's right, there's work to be done."
He addressed the masked man.
"I take it you are here for the same reason as us, and from the way things sound we need all the help we can get. Excuse our hostile reactions, but enough time in a dangerous land makes one wary of men in masks."
The Priests of Arkay fought a noble fight against powerful opponents. Casamir didn't hold against him that he was no longer among them, nor did he mind the mask. Most mercenaries are ex-something, and he doubted that Hoskar was the only one present not showing his true face.

 

[Ellen Ripley]

Rahd let out a small sigh as the high elf and the blade began to have a discussion with the darkknight. He was eager for an adventure and more eager to take this journey with Cossett. His ears raised and his tail stilled as he glanced down the path ahead. He had an idea of where this cave was but he couldn’t be sure without his books. He disliked being in a group of this size and he would feel better if it was just Cossett and himself. Memories of all the adventures they had together always brought a smile to his face.

He remembered a few of their adventures as teenagers and at first it seemed easy with the two of them. Find a cave and explore and come out with items and deal with whatever lurked in these places from time to time. Cossett had always been talented with her magicsand he had always been impressed at her destructive power. He desperately wanted to learn magic and be able to protect Cossett and to have another connection with his family. He never understood it and no matter how hard he couldn’t grasp it. Upon adventuring by alone he quickly realized how much he relied on his friend. It was then he became more focused with swords and blacksmithing. Everyday he practiced and his skills with a sword improved.

Perhaps if he had the same passion for magic as he did blaksmiting he could learn something. Lowering his ears he watched as Cosset moved forward to the front of the group and the words she spoke rang true. It truly was another thing he loved about her as she spoke her mind freely and could care less would others thought of her. Moving forward he came up behind cosset and couldn’t help but smile as the Breton chimed in to agree with her. He wasn’t sure how this adventure would go but he imagined between everyone it wouldn’t be smooth. They were going to buttheads at some point and he imagined a few warriors would fight or kill to make a point. The man named Haskor was certainly one to be concerned about. He wouldn’t have an issue unless Haskorattempted to become friends with Cosset. He normally wouldn’t care but until he learned more about these men and their mannerisms and respect to women he would remain by her side. As she had stated earlier they were not here to make friends.

He hoped she felt slightly at ease with his presence. They were both aware of each others skill level and if an issue were arise they could easily handle the problem. Cossett probably never needed assistance with enemies but he was there for her regardless. He spoke softly so the others could not hear him, “This hood does a decent job to hide my face but it’s because I fear my looks are to captivating.” Standing up straight Rahd moved to stand beside her and waited for the response of the blade.

 

[Madrar]

Haskor contemplated the Blades questions for a few moments, wondering whether she knew something he didn't. If she or her companions realized he was far from here to help the group, he would have a fight on his hands. He didn't doubt more than a few of the group would die by his hand, but there was no way he could kill them all. Not when they were already suspicious of him.

Before he could reply, a young woman, mage by her gear, wound her way to the front of the crowd and launched into an irritated tirade. When she'd finished, she addressed Hoskar directly. Rather than respond, he looked past her, to the Blade and her elven companion. "You let all of your underlings speak to you like this?" He asked, not bothering to hide the scorn in his voice. A breton man spoke up next, supporting the mage. He also spoke to Haskor, apologizing for the groups somewhat less than hospitable reaction to his arrival. The former paladin merely shrugged, and said "I'm offering my services. You can accept me into your group, or not, and I'll find better pay elsewhere."

 

[Ysarth the watcher]

Allerya waited patiently for the ebony knight to reply and almost let slip a 'Well?' before being cut off by the sound of the Bretonian girl's voice, whom the Blade had come to vex slightly:
'Well this is incredibly pleasant...'
And immediately the older Nord Blade clenched her fist in frustration, imagining the skin of her knuckles tearing and revealing the fragile red beneath. Sarcasm was the poison of her composure and she was sure she would smite the girl as she approached the front of the group.
But even more so irritating was the hand that fell on her own that prevented her own from grasping the pommel of her katanna. Allerya looked down to the hand and arm covered in silver elven armour and then up to the concerned visage of Ysarth, the elf she was not at all willing to accept as anything but alike to his Thalmor brethren.
The elf shook his head slightly and Allerya shoved off the elven hand with force
Fool
But she was thankful, ommittingly so, that the elf had done so. He had prevented an ugly occurrence that may have lead to a moment of opportunity by their new guest.
Ah yes, she had forgotten about him. He had stated an interest that alligned him with most of the other members, but the difference here was, was that he was uninvited.
Allerya stormed past the warrior clad in the black armour, almost brushing shoulders with him before shouting behind:
'Fine, but you're not my responsibility, nor anyone else's. Let's go.'
She cursed as she walked - enraged by the Breton mage's words and attitude. Indeed, she regarded the apparent feminine and intellectual competition, and regarded herself the victor of both battles.
After all, they were both female, but the mage had not spent the last couple of decades hunting dragons and losing everyone she loved.
Allerya was also irritated that her composure had been misheveled so easily. Perhaps it had been the years of seeing the same faces that made her complacant, and now in the open, meeting new faces, scared her. Yes, perhaps it was that. Or perhaps something less revealing.
It took them the better half of the afternoon and they were close to nightfall when the group reached Cold Rock Pass - the journey had been a rather leisurely one and devoid of travelers on the road, and the last few hundred feet had been a treacherous descent of a cliff overhang but had brought them right ontop of the entrance. Allerya had sent the elf, to be rid of his ever-watchful gaze and the man named Emric to walk on the edges of either side of the procession and move ahead to spot for threats and prevent any flanking surprises. The Nord blade halted the impatient and fidgety group just behind a rocky outcrop until the elf and Emric returned from their reconnaissance, which happened sooner than she had expected.

The muscles in the Blade's jaw contracted hard and Ysarth watched her hand reach for her katanna as the mage slunk through the group of warriors and mishaps, shouting her exposition of better-yielding advice, which, again, proved a better argument than the words of anger and condescending tone with which the female Blade addressed them. Ysarth the Watcher gazed at the mage as she spoke to both Allerya and the blackened stranger, before he reached out and touched the Blade's sword hand gently.
Immediately his eyes met the deathly-blue of the other's, and so he reciprocated with the subtle shake of his head: No
He had taken a chance here - that she hated him, because of his race, but the issue rang true throughout the group with the Khajiits, of which even he was reluctant to approach. But having prevented her from drawing her weapon and risking his life, he had perhaps saved others. Perhaps, because he was not entirely sure what the Nord would have done if she had indeed released her gargantuan blade.
Maybe either he or the Mage would have responded immediately. He had immediately gripped his own dagger on the Blade's reaction to attempt to draw her own sword, completely invisible to the beautiful warrior to his side. Either the Elf's blade or the explosion of magic from her other flank would have nullified her existence any further had she been successful in drawing her katanna.
Ysarth sighed with relief as the Blades stormed off, defeated in argument, he imagined, and glanced at the Breton mage with a expression of both warning and uncertainty.
The sky darkened with the promise of yet another clear evening as Ysarth walked well ahead of the group, as he had been ordered and watched the surroundings as he neared Cold Rock Pass - it was deathly quiet with nothing but the steady moaning of the north wind accompanying him. Soon, they descended the rocky overhang which sheltered the cave and Ysarth helped Emric down the jagged pathway:
'An inviting place, not so?' And pointed to a skeleton nailed into the cliff-face: 'and cozy, it seems.'
Ysarth approached the entrance and knelt down at a pill of ash encircled by stones, cupping the dead coals and ash into his hands: 'Evening fireplace. They will be out soon.' He looked up at the dark eyes of the Breton as he stared into the cave: 'How does an ambush sound?' Ysarth grinned.

 

[Ysarth the watcher]

Maderion watched the Redguard woman approach and held up the parchment as the map began to reveal itself form the hearthfire's heat.
'This map paves the path to a burial ground inwhich the ashes of a great dragonpriest were interred, and with him, the secret of reviving dead dragons. The people I work for placed our greatest warriors to stand guard over this place for centuries, even unknowingly to some of the higher ranked seniors of our order.'
Maderion pointed on the map, which sectioned off part of Morthal and Labyrinthian to a mark noted by and 'A': 'It was not until I delved into the archives of Winterhold's college that I learned that my order had been guarding this place without knowing what they were guarding, until the guards had been...', the old man bowed his head: 'slaughtered and the burial ground looted. Then I learned of what secrets had been kept from the rest of the world.'
Maderion looked at the dark skin of the woman's face and then to her eyes: 'This means that, despite the efforts and bravery of the Dragonborn, Alduin may very well come alive again, and vengeful more than before. But...' He held up and wagged a finger: 'That is where you and I come in.'
Maderion pointed to the point marked 'A': 'Along with his ashes and necromancy, lies the counter-spells of the unbanishing of dead dragons and rumours of a weapon, one that would be the slice to the Achille's heel of our new threat.'
The old man glanced at Konan with a look of expectancy and question and smiled.

 

[Hlíf 'Ulfr]

"You let all of your underlings speak to you like this?" The man quipped in response before the nord Blade could raise her voice or her weapons.

By his actions and his words Cosset was very much forced to assume that his face coverings were obstructing his eyes and ears. Despite this and his comment the Breton was not fazed or piqued. He mattered in no way to her, he was merely an obstacle and she had used him freely as part of her manipulation to move them. Now that he had outlived his use his words were taken in but by habit and not due to any direct attention and served only to amuse her slightly. Her eyes and mind both lingered on the woman before her.

Her composure was shattered, she could see behind those eyes the fumblings of a child in trying desperately to gather and hold all the pieces of the wreckage they had caused in some desperate attempt to avoid the consequences that were to come. It was intoxicating, not worrying in the least the way those eyes had fixed upon her to meet the bold gaze of the mage, defiant in her every move. She was ready to face the assault should it come, from any side, fueled by an illogical rage rather than her own calculated steps. Though despite her preparedness a golden hand held back the potential explosion of movement.

"Although the mage may be a little blunt she's right, there's work to be done." A new voice entered into the drama that was unfolding before her, fanned by her own hand. "I take it you are here for the same reason as us, and from the way things sound we need all the help we can get. Excuse our hostile reactions, but enough time in a dangerous land makes one wary of men in masks."

"I'm offering my services. You can accept me into your group, or not, and I'll find better pay elsewhere."

She honestly doubted that his motives were altruistic and not for a second would he be afforded any kind of consideration. He was an outsider even more so than the others in the group, not that she would consider depending on a single character here, outside of her Khajiit companion of course. She could feel him at her back, always the shadow willing to lend support in any way that he was able.

'Fine, but you're not my responsibility, nor anyone else's. Let's go.' The once proud voice barked, as its source stormed off like a child throwing a tantrum.

It was her turn now to stifle a laugh, resulting in a faint grin. It had not yet left her lips when her eyes were met with those of another, the same golden handed individual who had so easily altered, controlled, the movements of the blade. His eyes were full of a warning that he seemed unable or unwilling to communicate in words. She had felt his eyes on her many times since entering that room, perhaps he was curious or perhaps he had more sinister motivations. Either way it would not end well for him the intuition rooted deeply inside her hinted. For now she simply lifted a brow to him, giving him a sidelong glance before laying her hand on the forearm of her companion and whisking him away. Her goal had been achieved, her manipulation a success. Once more they were moving forward.

 

[TommyTequila]

'Fine, but you're not my responsibility, nor anyone else's. Let's go.'
At least she knew when to quit. He doubted she realized that she'd done exactly what Cosset hoped she would. He also doubted Cosset knew how close she had come to an untimely end. Allerya had the grey of experience at her temples and the fog of war behind her weary eyes. A dangerous combination. He was struck with a vision of her walking through a forest. Wolves watch with hunger but are stayed by mutual sense of the silent and deadly poise held within. Her blade would not have needed to flash twice.
Her statement left no room for interjection. The group followed.
He tucked his hands into the sides of his armor. It was cold this far north. He'd lined the inside of his leather armor with animal fur and still the cold sunk into his bones. He could use his magic to resist the bite of the frost, but wanted to save his energy for whatever lay ahead. He didn't like traveling this far north. His muscles stiffened from the cold and his hands were already numb, sapping the dexterity he needed to be worth anything in a fight.
He pushed these thoughts from his head, instead deciding to enjoy the journey to their destination. He let his body relax and took in his surroundings, focusing on his senses. He didn't let his mind analyze the things he saw or heard, or let it ponder what they may find at the ruins. He was adrift among the smells and sounds of the mountains of Skyrim.
The snow off the path they followed was still untouched, and sparkled slightly in the sun that peaked over the sparse clouds. Perfect and smooth, like a white sheet Nirn pulled over herself to hide from the biting cold. He could see his own breath and that of his companions hanging in the air. Toward the end of their journey, the sun was hanging low on the horizon, touching the few clouds that remained above with pink. By the time they arrived at their destination, he felt relaxed. He was in touch with his senses and his environment, ears picking up even the slightest disturbance in the area.
Their leader directed Ysarth and Emric to scout ahead and travel parallel to them. Good choice tactically speaking, using the observant elf and the hawk like sight of an archer as her eyes. Casamir wouldn't have been very useful as a lookout.
The two had slid down the rocky outcroppings toward the mouth of the cave. Before long they returned and made to speak with Allerya. Casamir relaxed his body again. He leaned against a wall of rock, arms crossed, and awaited his orders.

 

[kenia153]

Konan listened well as usual, studying the map as he spoke.

As she followed his words, she found herself a bit impressed. He seemed prepared and confident. This and the news of a weapon were both reassuring indeed. However she had yet to see the full plan. And she still had many questions.

Konan still found herself wondering who these colleagues were that he kept mentioning. Some similarities made her think of the Blades... but she did not keep up with Skyrim's many groups very well. Especially not the elusive Blades. Were they even still around?

"Our perpetrator does not know of all this?" Konan placed one hand on her hip and the other was brought to her chin. "While this all very good, I don't see why the weapon would be left behind, and the counter-spells untouched." She sighed, "Unless I am missing something here."

 

[Ysarth the watcher]

'While this all very good, I don't see why the weapon would be left behind, and the counter-spells untouched.' Konan sighed and the old Nord watched as the fire from the hearth reflected subtly off of her rich skin, 'Unless I am missing something here.'
Maderion shrugged uneasily: 'Unfortunately we are at the stage where chances need to be taken on by rumors. Right now, there is no guarantee that the weapon is there or that it even exists...'
The Nord looked into the fire and then at the map: 'You know, with an ultimate end breathing down the neck of the world, I realise that the war we gather for is but a drop of blood in comparison.' Maderion reflected, looking up at the redguard woman: 'We are so busy bickering over who is the most loyal Nord that we are deafened to the announcing of our doom.'
The conversation drowned away in silence for a few moments, Maderion sitting with the map half-crumpled in the one corner in the grip of his own reminiscence.
The old man finally broke the deathy silence: 'I think we have a role to play. And it will be a role greater than either one of us might be able to comprehend.'
Maderion gestured at the bed: 'Sleep well tonight: tomorrow we shall begin our journey. I do not sleep well in the company of strangers,' He looked up at her: 'I'll be right here.' Maderion smiled briefly and patted the armrest of the chair before the fireplace: a boom that might have signaled the approaching eleventh hour inwhich they would soon find themselves. He wondered about the group Allerya had taken on - she was indeed capable of leading and surviving, but her pride was venomous to herself. Maderion recalled her little face when she had first met the Blades: no older than ten or eleven years, but her attitude held the strength of a season warrior. He wondered if they were safe, if she was safe and who had been asked to take the journey. The old Nord had wondered off into his head for hours before he had succumb to the gentle licking of the hearth's warmth and drifted away.

 

[MB_52]

The journey to cold rock pass was uneventful though the cold continued to grow to Emric's distaste, he lived most of his life in southern Cyrodiil and while in Skyrim spent most of his time in the south of Falkreath and The Rift so he was quite unused to the cold, and only had a thin fur coat to warm himself. Upon reaching the cave he was ordered to scout ahead with the the Elf Ysarth, which made Emric a little uncomfortable but tried to keep this to himself as much as possible as they forged ahead. Once the pair had reached the cave entrance Emric once again gripped his sword tightly as Ysarth pointed out a skeleton chained to the cliff face. Emric had more than once faced the savagery and cruelty of bandits and did not wish to again, though he realized he now had no choice. Sighing to himself he looked around a bit when Ysarth motioned towards what looked to be a of pile of ash encircled by stone. 'Evening fireplace. They will be out soon.' 'How does an ambush sound?' Emric looked up at the elf and nodded his head quietly in acknowledgment as he readied his bow, the cold seeping into his fur coat.