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    Aerin

    IOK's Token Brit
    Elsa raised her eyebrows, wondering for a moment if she'd overstepped her boundaries, something she was uncannily good at doing. She noticed he seemed to be watching her closely, causing her to wonder what he was looking for exactly.

    Sighing gently she couldn't help but agree with his words. "I haven't been here for years, it seems to get grimier each time. Sooner or later it'll be as corrupt as Riften. But, it's good for the occasional job...I always find the more interesting things here." As he pulled back his helm she reflected his smile. Clearly he felt comfortable enough around her to show his face. This was turning out to be an interesting visit indeed.

    "You know...I've just managed to get some work here. Delving into some tomb, possibly awakening a dead mage. I trust you've heard of the Legend of Gauldur?" Elsa's eyes were sparkling with excitement they way they often did when she had found her way into another interesting job.
     

    Sierra312

    Well-Known Member
    Her eyebrows arched delicately; had he said something untoward?

    She sighed, but smiled when he pulled back his hood and coifed mail half-helm. He had thought the fur headwear more fitting than the full helm he had stowed in his saddlebag, and with the mail half-helm and faceplates it also offered some modicum of protection while not attracting the attention that the full-face visored plate helmet would garner in the city. It was not unusual to find furred hoods in Windhelm, nor strangers wearing them.

    However, he noticed now he was attracting more stares than he had with the hood on. It seemed some other drinkers didn't take kindly to a dark-skinned foreigner talking with one of their Nord women; at least he ascertained as much by the increased muttering and askance looks directed at their table. He feigned disinterest, not meeting their eyes, and decided to ignore them.

    Elsa, as he now knew her, seemed oblivious to the looks being thrown their way. She was fully absorbed in telling him more about the contract, and, as perturbed as he was by the rising tension in the tavern, he couldn't help but listen. She was so animated: her green eyes twinkled in the firelight as she regaled him with the familiar tale of the Archmage Gauldur, and her smile was both winning and infectious. Some loose strands of hair had escaped her braid and fallen into her eyes, and she seemed strangely breathless. The knight was entranced, not just by his companions promise of adventure, but the prospect of working alongside others; solitary life was hard on the roads of Skyrim and Sander relished the opportunity to have companions at his back once more.

    "I have heard the stories. This mage you mentioned earlier - he'll pay you for your assistance? Does he require more . . . " Sander paused, thinking carefully about which word should roll off his tongue. Hirelings? Mercenaries? Sellswords? " . . . associates?"
     

    Aerin

    IOK's Token Brit
    Elsa was increasingly aware that her voice was rising as she spoke about her new contract. Sander seemed happy enough to listen to her ramble, the mead warming her skin and loosening her tongue. Running a hand through her hair she pursed her lips, feeling a little self-conscious. Sander appeared to be glancing at the others in the tavern, causing her to frown. Quickly looking around she spotted a few men muttering, pointing in their direction. Elsa couldn't help but roll her eyes, the locals could be so territorial over the smallest things. She wasn't even from Windhelm but talk to the wrong person and suddenly they were protecting her like she was some local girl who couldn't handle herself. "Idiots" she whispered under her breath, returning her attention to Sander.

    "Associates?" She smiled slowly and nodded, "Well, it's not so much pay. He's a mage at the college, not much coin to spare. Usually I wouldn't be interested without a fixed sum but we'll be travelling to a tomb which, from experience, are usually filled with coins, gems...rare ancient weaponry which usually goes for a decent fee if you know who to sell to." Lowering her voice she added, "Like I said, I usually don't sign up for this sort of job but it's the Legend of Gauldur...besides, Zhar the mage, he seems to think there's more to the story than we all thought." Eyeing the man a little more closely she nodded more to herself than anyone else. "I'm sure he could use an extra hand or two, he's rented a room back there, there's a sign on the door if you're interested."
     

    AS88

    Well-Known Member
    Staff member
    "In my line of work material wealth only goes so far. Mages would rather find knowledge than gold. I'm certain the ancient Nords have buried some nice trinkets for you to sell. That is my offer. Take it or leave it."

    Kjorvir noticed Zhar's look of disdain as the "master thief" left the room, but was taken aback by the mage's no-nonsense reply to his question. By Talos, he's serious. It had happened before, mysterious travellers seeking sellswords, with promises of legends and myths. Kjorvir remembered the words of an old friend of his - "you know not to trust them if they offer you good coin." The Gauldur Legend. By the Gods, this could be it!

    The Nord took a step forward and spoke to the Khajiit square on. More age-old advice ran through his mind - "stand tall, and show them what they're working with, never shake hands with your body turned, it's dishonourable. And most importantly, make eye contact."

    "My name is Kjorvir, of Dragon Bridge. I must say my friend, that your offer intrigues me. But first, tell me, how did you hear of this tomb?"
     

    Sierra312

    Well-Known Member
    Sander saw Elsa frown as she realised they had become an object of scrutiny for some of the inns customers. She was also becoming increasingly flushed as she drank deeply from her tankard, the mead colouring her cheeks.

    He reached for his own tankard, but found it woefully empty.

    Somewhere far off he heard Elsa make further mention of treasure and ancient Nord legend as he recalled his first experience inside a barrow, it's dark maw engulfing him in blackness.

    The memories consumed him as his eyes glazed over and he thrust forward a guttering flame to light up the dank, echoing emptiness of the crypt. The hungry, greasy, fire greedily consumed the rag soaked in oil as it illuminated rows of sarcophagi lining the chamber.

    He remembered the pang of fear as the torch flame died in a sudden blast of cold, foul air, and the grating sounds as the lids of the ranked sarcophagi inched open . . . then the rank terror of being pursued relentlessly by rasping breath and two cold, unnaturally blue pinpricks of light. Finally evading his pursuer he spent some time gasping for breath in the crisp, Skyrim air, the whiteness of fresh fallen snow all around providing harsh, stark relief from the clinging, cloying dark. He pressed his face into it, and retched with fear, still hearing the rush as an unseen blade parted the air in the silence, the dry rustle of old bones reaching for him, and inhaling the musty smell of death.

    He vaguely listened to Elsa say "I'm sure he could use an extra hand or two, he's rented a room back there, there's a sign on the door if you're interested."

    She was staring at him now, some of what he had relived in that instant must have shown on his face.

    He smiled weakly, nodding, then looked again at his empty tankard: "Could I buy you another drink?"
     

    MjolnirV

    xDoctor Bob
    Zhar smiled, he sensed that the Nord was thinking on his feet and wants to appear to be formidable yet humane. "I've learned of the tomb from rumors spreading through the College. It was brought there by traveling merchants who had an encounter with Forsworn and one of the caravan guards fell into a crag. This crag showed the entrance to the tomb." Zhar stops in his description "You interested still?"

    (Edited. Thanks AS88 lol)
     

    Aerin

    IOK's Token Brit
    Sander seemed to drift off, losing focus on the room. Chewing her lower lip she watched as he seemed to remember himself. "You okay there?" He looked like a man who'd lost himself in a memory, judging from his face not a pleasant one.

    Hearing his offer for another drink she looked at her now empty tankard. Pushing some strands of hair from her face she smiled easily. "Sure why not, just maybe avoid those guys over there." Cocking her head to the side she looked pointedly at the group of local fishermen who'd been speaking about them earlier. "They look like they just want an excuse to pick a fight."
     

    Aerin

    IOK's Token Brit
    As Sander went to procure more to drink Elsa adjusted her cape, checking that her daggers remained hidden. Having weapons out in the open was foolish when there were men around looking for a fight. She was sorely tempted to go over to the locals and tell them exactly what they could do with their apparent curiosity in their conversation.

    Though the idea struck her as entertaining she knew it would most likely cause problems, something she knew to avoid. Instead she leant back in her chair, facing the fire and enjoying the warm glow over her skin. Closing her eyes she allowed herself a moment to relax. It was so rare that she let herself relax, used to always being on her guard. It was a habit, it had to be when so often growing up she could have found herself in deadly situations.
     

    AS88

    Well-Known Member
    Staff member
    "You interested still?"

    The Khajiit's story seemed truthful enough, Kjorvir was aware of the caravan routes through the Reach, and the audacity of the Forsworn had been a serious issue for travellers in western Skyrim for over a decade. Although his coin purse was always hungry, he felt that this may be one of those chances he'd rue if he missed it.

    "Very well Khajiit. Although I have no intention of stealing from my ancestors, I have my suspicions that this is still an offer I'd be a fool to refuse. You have my blade."

    Kjorvir relaxed slightly as he removed his gauntlet and held out his hand for the mage to shake. The final piece of advice on sealing a deal ran through his mind. "A Nord relaxes to shake hands, you've made the agreement willingly, boy."

    "One more thing, Zhar. How deep into the Reach will we be heading? Do you foresee any trouble with the Forsworn? Well, more than normal."
     

    MjolnirV

    xDoctor Bob
    Zhar shakes hands with Kjorvir "We will be heading into the western end of the Reach." Zhar smiles to the Nord "Forsworn are a possibility but I'm certain they will be no problem. I'll let you know when we are leaving Windhelm"
     

    AS88

    Well-Known Member
    Staff member
    Forsworn don't bother me, it's those damn Hagravens that chill me to the bone. Kjorvir shook Zhar's hand firmly, but not overly so. It was at this point he glanced over his shoulder to see the young Imperial, stood almost motionless by the door, there was something behind his eyes, something unusual.

    "And what of you, eh boy? D'you think you're man enough to take on some Reachmen?"

    His tone was teasing, but not unfriendly. The Imperial's reaction would be Kjorvir's second impression of the youngster, his first was made when he slinked past him at the bar. He turned back to the mage.

    "And what of that pretty young Nord? Is she to be a part of our merry expedition?"

    He made a mental note of Zhar's intention to let him know when the travelling started, he'd have to see to his other business early in the morning.
     

    Aerin

    IOK's Token Brit
    Smiling as she heard Sander approach with their drinks Elsa looked over to the khajit's door. She wondered what was being discussed, who had signed up to join them in the quest. The thought of travelling The Reach had Elsa a little unsure. She was yet to face a Forsworn warrior, and after the tales he had heard scarred warriors tell over a fire she was cautious to assume she would retain the upper hand in combat. Thinking on their famed preference for magic and dual-blades she wondered if her skill set would be suitable, capable even of facing them in a large number. Of course, if she could have the element of surprise a few well placed arrows would cost her nothing. But left in close combat with nothing but her daggers she grew hesitant.

    She wished away those thought however as her apparent drinking buddy approached the table. She was pleased to see that he hadn't encountered any hostility from the local drunks. She wasn't sure on their views towards redguards. She personally couldn't care less who she worked with, but if they crossed her in any way it would take a great deal of effort from them to earn her mercy. She knew her attitude was likely considered ruthless and unlike her seemingly friendly demeanour but she had learnt the hard way in the past. This Sander struck her as a good man, and good men were far and few between in these times. Seeing his armour and weaponry she was sorely tempted to keep him close, especially if she was to be journeying to The Reach of all places. Perhaps that was why she was so eager for him to join the mission.

    Gratefully accepting the tankard Elsa sent him a quiet smile before leaning forward and clearing her throat to speak. "So...can I convince you to join us? It should be a lot of fun, regardless of the risks. Besides, how many chances do you get to potentially change history?" Taking a sip from her mead she continued, "Besides, I like you. Having you come along would be...nice." Relaxing in her chair she let her words hang in the air, allowing Sander to make up his mind and interpret her meaning as he chose fit.
     

    MjolnirV

    xDoctor Bob
    Zhar put his hand on the shoulder of Kjorvir, he wanted to learn more about the young stranger and wanted to do so in privacy. Something was different about him and he had too much wisdom for a young man. This only supported Zhar's theory on the Imperial.
    "I would appreciate it if you were to leave us be, to discuss business and such" Zhar walked the Nord to the door, hoping to sound polite
     

    Sierra312

    Well-Known Member
    "So...can I convince you to join us? It should be a lot of fun, regardless of the risks. Besides, how many chances do you get to potentially change history?" Sander heard Elsa ask, coyly. "Besides, I like you. Having you come along would be...nice."

    In the pregnant pause that followed her words he knew he was being played, but he did not care; in truth he had resolved to accompany her on the venture long before the question was put to him.



    He knocked back the next tankard of ale far quicker than the first, and reached for his third.

    "My sword may not be curved, as the Whiterun guard are quick to remark, but my blade is yours, my lady."

    His words were earnest, but sincere.


     

    Aerin

    IOK's Token Brit
    She watched him closely as he seemed to choose his response to her question. As he resolved to join however she found herself grinning, pleased to see he would join. "Good. I don't know when he's leaving, probably by morning light tomorrow." Looking out the taverns grimy windows she briefly marvelled at the flurries of snow that glistened against the backdrop of a black night sky. Looking back at Sander she raised her tankard to her lips. "I would suggest speaking to him sooner rather than later, but I would understand if you wished to enjoy my company a while longer." Her eyes were playful as she spoke, enjoying the ease of conversation. Truth be told, if Sander were to accompany them she thought that this group would be more than enjoyable. She had taken a liking to both Sander and Zhar, the mage capturing her imagination with his books and notes, the knight calling to a childish notion of honour and bravery. She wondered what the others of the party would be like.

    "As I said, his room is over down that corridor behind us. I could introduce you if you like, or just leave it to you. You're more than capable of course." Though her interest and anticipation had not faltered a hair, her words were coming slower. Sat by the fire with a tankard of mead she felt truly at ease for the first time in many months. Exhaustion was beginning to encroach of course, she had ben travelling for a good few days before she had finally seen the shabby stone walls of Windhelm. Tonight would be her first in a bed since...Elsa's mind struggled to pinpoint the last time she'd had a real bed to rest her head on. She was becoming far too accustomed to sleeping in a camp by the roadside it appeared. Perhaps she would have to steal herself a homestead next, she mused.
     
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