Open Reforging an Empire 2

Soldin saw Dabiene tense up after the Mercenary's stab at magic.

'Ha. Why would I waste such magic on a lowly, stubborn, arrogant, child-'

Soldin nudged her in the shoulder with his elbow and she cut off the train of thought. She looked up and she saw understanding in his eyes. Yes. A lot of people hated magic. Here was no different. She understood the message he was trying to get across: Leave it.

After a few sarcastic retorts from the Khajiit, a few words exchanged and so forth Alice commanded their attention and they all formed a line. The girl became a little distracted and her father had to snap her out of it. Other than that, things were looking up besides the little roughing up the General had to do. That is until...

"General!" A Stormcloak on watch shouted. "Ulfric is here!"

Soldin looked down at his sister in arms, her helmet blocking his view from reading her eyes. He had no doubt what they looked like though. They were starting to turn stormy grey and when he looked down he saw her steel clad arms twitch, her fingers clutching into fists. He nudged her gently again this time sending a different message. He placed his hand on her back and nudged her, then let it fall again. Her stance somewhat relaxed and the Knight let out a breath of relief that he didn't know he had been holding. At least his Breton friend wouldn't rip out the "King's" throat.

"Allright everyone, it's showtime." Simus said to the squad. "Remember: Ulfric is your king, you are his loyal subjects and you will kiss his ass to his satisfaction."

Soldin chuckled under his breath at the remark while Dabiene growled low in her throat. The idea of just sucking up to the man disgusted her. But it would be all worth while to see him hang from the tallest of the gallows by his own innards. Her inner wolf howled with pleasure at the thought.

The squad marched to the front gates and were greeted by two dozen Stormcloaks lining the streets of Whiterun, ready to greet the High King. The gates opened and Ulfric himself rode through on a great black horse. Galmar Stone-fist was at his side, along with two mages. Soldin had no idea who they were, but Dabiene swore she recognized one. She filed the warning signs for later. There was one who was hunched and feeble looking. Now the woman felt the man next to her tense up.

'Why is he so tense? What is the pup sensing what I'm not sensing?' She thought.

True these mages held a bad aura about them, and she had been around plenty in her somewhat short life but these people... Were definitely off. And if they were with Ulfric then something was up. Ulfric didn't just recruit mages for fun. He tried to recruit her after all and if him having his servants arrive empty handed with a big red and black sore spot on their butts was called entertainment then she didn't want to know what he did for pure amusement... Or torture. Her thoughts flashed to Marie but she quickly squished down the anxious thoughts.

"By Shor General, who is that?" One of the guards asked Simus, both werewolves ears perking up on full alert.

"Who?"

"That sort of...evil looking man behind Ulfric. Small and wicked." 'You can say that again...'

"I guess we'll find out." He said.

Soldin saw the Jagged Crown adorn the King's head. Like most if not all Nords he knew what that crown symbolized. As the two leaders of their squad knelt and bowed his heart started to plummet. Would his friend follow suit? To bow to someone who made some if not many people's lives a living hell? Whos arrogance would become his downfall? He hoped Dabiene would drop her 'stand alone' act so their hides wouldn't be put on display in Ulfric's 'Hall of Glories'.

He didn't have to worry though, slowly but surely she lowered her head and knelt down. Soldin followed suit.

He hoped the other's would follow suit and hopefully... Would only do this once.

"My king." Simus said, "Welcome to Whiterun."


(OOC: Holy cheese sticks! My internet didn't crash, I don't have a massive headache and I posted to boot! Now to tackle Fading Hope. I wanna get that party started in the College... If you have anything you want me to change let me know Simus. )

(OOC: I'm so sorry for letting this fall off for two weeks. I don't really have an excuse, I've just been busy with other stuff. I hope you guys are still around and interested in this, especially Padfoot)

Ulfric smiled down at the general and his assembled squad. Some of them he didn't recognize, others he knew quite well. All of them had been cowed by Simus in some way, shape or form and for that he could count on their loyalty, and the loyalty of his old friend. He was eager to get to know Simus' new recruits, as he was eager to introduce him to his new, powerful allies. Like any good Nord, he got down from his horse to greet his subjects and commanded Galmar, Blackstone and Garumn to do so. Ulfric then turned to one of the stormcloaks.

"Soldier, take our horses to the stables outside the city. I hear Simus has something planned for us and I will march with him to see it."

"Of course My King." The stormcloak said, gathering the bridles of the horses and leading them out of the brand new ebony-barred city gates. One he left, Ulfric stepped forward.

"Rise my friend, you and your daughter deserve to stand with me. As do all who follow you."

After Simus and Alice stood up with the rest of the squad, Ulfric gave them a cross chested salute.

"HAIL! BROTHER AND SISTER STORMCLOAKS! TRUE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF SKYRIIM!"

"HAIL! ULFRIC STORMCLOAK! TRUE HIGH KING OF SKYRIM!" Simus, Alice and the proceeding Stormcloaks shouted back.

"Indeed." Ulfric said. He turned back to Simus and his stoic face became an ear-to-ear grin and he and Galmar started laughing. He brought Simus into a giant bear hug and Galmar did the same to Alice. Seeing that neither of the Nords was the wiser, both Imperials gladly accepted.

"It's wonderful to see you my friend! It's been far too long since you've been to Windhelm!"

"He's probably been hunting Legionnaires like the true son of Skyrim that he is! Where else would he get this new armor?!" Galmar said boisterously, loosening his hug a bit as he realized he was crushing tiny Alice.

"Something like that." Simus said laughing. "It's good to see you both. I see the life of a king suits you."

"That it does my friend." Ulfric said. "You look good my friend. I'm surprised at some of the people you've recruited into this squad of yours. Many are scum but I suspect that's why you recruited them." He then turned to Alice and kissed her hand, making her blush. "Alice my dear, you look lovely as always. That Imperial armor suits you well. I would prefer it be given proper Stormcloak colors but it will be red with the blood of the Empire soon enough. I suspect your father knew that, no?

"That it will My King." Alice said. "Now the Empire that abandoned us is going to pay in its own blood.

"Well said Alice." Galmar said, gently taking her hands into his. "You have your mother's eyes but your father's fighting spirit. Cilla and Titus have this as well. I know she'll be eager to rally the other children in our war effort, and your brother will surely bring the Companions to our cause."

"I hope it doesn't come that. I've kept them both out of this war and I don't want to endanger them now. Alice is here by choice but they don't deserve to suffer like she has."

"Spoken like a loving father." Ulfric said. "There are many who share your sentiments Simus, but remember that in order to defeat the elves, everyone must contribute. Even yours. Especially yours."

"Of course Ulfric." Simus said grimly.

"But enough of this grim talk. Today is a day of glory. I understand the bandits at Fort Greymoor are ready to face Justice, yes? I'm pleased to hear that. First however, I'd like to get to know your squadmates. Many I'm surprised to see here. It'll be interesting to see how you turned them to the cause of Skyrim. Galmar?"

"Step forward and introduce yourself to our High King! He's interested to know how honorless cutthroats, Imperial children, flea-bitten dogs and witch-elves have suddenly decided to fight for him!"

Marek watched with interest as the Psyrakons exchanged pleasantries with Ulfric and his right hand man, Galmar. He'd known they had been close to the Stormcloak leader but he hadn't thought that hugs had been in order. If indeed they Psyrakons were so close to Ulfric then the chances of the King seeing through their deception had dropped tenfold. Always people yearned to trust in those closest to them and it wasn't very often that they were able to see the treachery before it was too late. It was another reason that Marek kept people at a distance. After a quick exchange of kind words, Galmar stepped forward at Ulfrics request, and asked that the squad introduce themselves to the High King, "Step forward and introduce yourself to our High King! He's interested to know how honorless cutthroats, Imperial children, flea-bitten dogs and witch-elves have suddenly decided to fight for him!"

Marek stood closest to the King, at the end of the squad. Looking left along their ranks, he could see the obvious disdain that most of them held for their current situation, even those that were fairly good at concealing it. You can hide it from him but not from me. Perhaps I should begin since I am perhaps the most emotionally stable of us... He figured that if the others saw him speak with a cool head to Ulfric it might take their individual anger toward Ulfric himself, or in the case of one of the rangers along with the Khajiit, his followers, down a few notches. Besides, after seeing his confrontation with the General, most of them probably thought him a hot tempered fool so they would likely not want to act less respectably than himself. Marek also hoped that by speaking first, he could avoid attention later on and thus slip from the Kings mind.

Stepping forward and giving a slight nod of the head to the illustrious High King, he said, "If it pleases you King, my name is Andre Marek, bounty hunter and freelance contractor. It may please you to know that I have spent many years of late hunting down and killing Agents of both the Empire as well as the Aldmeri Dominions Thalmor." At this he flicked his eyes left, to where the lone female Altmer stood staring coldly at the gathered Stormcloaks. "My services are at your disposal, should you require them. As to why I am here, it is actually quite simple. I like to be on the winning side. That happens to be you at the moment, King. It helps that the Stormcloaks pay their bills on time." Falling silent, Marek stood with both hands clasped behind his back and stepped back into line as he awaited a response, either from Ulfric or one of the others.

"Step forward and introduce yourself to our High King! He's interested to know how honorless cutthroats, Imperial children, flea-bitten dogs and witch-elves have suddenly decided to fight for him!" Galmar barked, shortly before Marek stepped up to the 'true high king', as the others had called him. I see your courtesy hasn't waned one bit, Galmar. Barnan thought, as Marek introduced himself. "If it pleases you King, my name is Andre Marek, bounty hunter and freelance contractor. It may please you to know that I have spent many years of late hunting down and killing Agents of both the Empire as well as the Aldmeri Dominions Thalmor." At this he flicked his eyes left, to where the lone female Altmer stood staring coldly at the gathered Stormcloaks. "My services are at your disposal, should you require them. As to why I am here, it is actually quite simple. I like to be on the winning side. That happens to be you at the moment, King. It helps that the Stormcloaks pay their bills on time." Falling silent, Marek stood with both hands clasped behind his back and stepped back into line as he awaited a response. Barnan seized his opportunity to introduce himself and thus, erase any suspicions of treachery. He stepped in front of Ulfric and gave him a small bow.

"Hail, Ulfric Stormcloak! My name is Barnan Frand, ragged Ranger of High Rock. I understand that it must be odd for a mer such as myself to join a rebellion mainly meant for Nords, but there is good reason behind it. I, as many of the members here, despise the empire and their unfair laws. Working with those traitorous High Elves, they deserve what's coming to them. And while many of my kin would gladly call them cousins, i wish i had no relations to them at all. Much like Marek here, i have spent a good deal of my career hunting them down mercilessly. So when i heard about this rebellion, i wasted no time running here to sign up. And like Marek, my services are at your disposal. I'm sure you'll use them wisely." He finished, stepping in line to the right of Marek, arms straight down, looking off into the distance. Not the best words he'd used but a start. Hopefully, the 'High King' was blunt enough to believe the web of lies Barnan just threw out. If not, he was in BIG trouble. He turned his head in the direction of Marek, whom was giving him a cold stare, and nodded with a smirk.

'Honorless cutthroats, huh? Look who's talking...' Shadari slipped a throwing dagger out of her belt, and held it pinned against the inside of her left forearm, making it all but invisible to onlookers. The first throw would need to take out Ulfric. Then the two wizards. Then Galmar last of all. She had enough knives to accomplish it, even if the magic users had enough wards to defend themselves from a throw or two. The other mercenary of the group introduced himself, and Shadari stepped forward after he'd finished. She flashed him a look that said 'us cut throats have to stick together' she had no intention of sticking together with anyone, but it never hurt to make people believe what she wanted them to.

"My name is Shadari. My profession, is making people disappear" her piercing emerald eyes locked onto Blackstone, and narrowed. "But my real passion....is hunting." Jorns' eyes widened in suspicion, then narrowed in speculation. A lot had changed since that bloody morning in Elsweyr, and the Khajiit and mage had only seen each other for a moment. And only a few minutes more, the day before. It was very unlikely that the man would recognize her. "And I'd like to say I'm fairly good at it." Her violent gaze snapped onto Galmar "For an honorless cutthroat"

Aliah narrowed her eyes as the High King and his retinue of various assorted scum rode into the city. Galmar ordered the group to introduce themselves, and the mercenary stepped forwards, telling some story about how he'd hunted Thalmor agents across Skyrim. The ranger did the same, and she found herself baring her fangs very slightly. 'I joined this rebellion to go against Ulfric. It seems, I'd be better off working with him' she drew one of her swords very slightly, and stepped forwards after the Khajiit assassin stopped speaking. "Aliah Stormwind, your...highness" she put enough emphasis on the word to make it clear what she thought of the Nord.

"I was...acquainted with one of your generals after the embassy fell. It appears, I have nowhere else to go" she all but snarled. The scars on her legs and back itched, as if they'd been freshly opened with the silver knives the stormcloaks had used. The silver had burned her cold flesh, and stopped it from healing completely. Now she had thin, white scar tissues on the front and back of her legs, as well as most of her back. With an effort, she slid the sword back into its sheathe. Attacking in broad daylight, when she wasn't at her full strength, would gain her nothing.

"Step forward and introduce yourself to our High King! He's interested to know how honorless cutthroats, Imperial children, flea-bitten dogs and witch-elves have suddenly decided to fight for him!"

Padfoot was in a bit of daze, and the words of Galmar Stone-Fist was what snapped him out of it. One by one, all the members of the group stepped up and introduced themselves, in one way or another. After a couple of people went, Padfoot stepped forward.

"Hail, High-King Ulfric Stormcloak. An honor to see you in person with my own eyes. I am known as Padfoot. Professional Hunter, Gatherer, and Scout. My willingness to fight alongside the Stormcloaks is due to the love of my vocation, and my respect for you as an incredibly loyal leader who wants to fight only for the benefit of his people and homeland... It will be an honor to aid you in achieving your goal of a Free Skyrim, while at the same time doing what I was born to do, and enjoying it every step of the way."

He took a bow, and took a step back into the line of soldiers.

Galmar paced down the line and examined the troops, taking special note of the five that volunteered to introduce themselves. He and Ulfric knew of them from Simus and their stories seemed to add up with their available profiles. Looks like Simus had done good work, as usual. He had always been good at planning and logistics. He had assembled some dangerous people, some even dissident, and that worried Galmar. Simus was an honorable man and a fierce warrior but he wasn't as hard as he needed to be. He put too much faith in redemption and mercy and that had gotten him hurt before. Amy called it tempering but Galmar always wondered if having a family made him weaker. That's why he himself never had one.

"Then you've chosen the right side kinsmen." He said to Marek. "I'm glad you've decided to return to your homeland to fight for your true king, rather than that imperial puppet Torygg." He then leaned close into Marek's face, close enough to feel his breath. "And if you ever forget that, no amount of coin is going to save you from my ax. I've executed plenty of men who 'forgot' their loyalties for imperial septims and I won't lose any sleep over killing you. Do we understand each other Mr. Marek?"

Ulfric smiled slightly at the situation. Galmar tended to be too hard with people but a little fear went a long way in assuring loyalty, especially with men like Marek.

"Easy Galmar. We are due Mr. Marek's obedience and we have it. I assure you Mr. Marek, we always pay our bills on time." He turned his attention to Barnan. Here was a useful man, and one Ulfric had heard of. He was a fugitive among his own group and hated the Thalmor with a passion. "I've heard tales of you Barnan. I have heard of you are hunted by your own order and yet you evade them at every turn, as well as the elves. Such resourcefulness is hard to come by. Know however that you are no mer. Bretons are more human than elf and many see themselves as men. I called many friends during the Great War. Every member of your people has a choice of which of their ancestors to follow and you Barnan have made the right choice, the honorable choice."

"As honorable as you can get for a Breton prissy." Galmar interjected. "Understand Barnan, I don't consider you an enemy solely on your race, but your people have a...less than honorable history. I hope you can prove to be an exception."

Shadari than introduced herself. Galmar didn't like her tone, not at all. He glared at her, meeting her dagger-filled gaze with his own. "Well, I suppose Simus took you in for a good reason. He always did have a soft spot for stray animals."

He walked past Aliah. "And elven whores. I hope whoever you ensnared was one of my men witch. I'm going to enjoy executing him for defiling his honor."

"Enough Galmar. We have work to do."

"Of course." He ignored Padfoot. Two elves in Legion armor was more than he could tolerate. Ulfric looked over the squad.

"I recognize you all as true sons and daughters of Skyrim. Be proud of your mission, for you have been selected to be our vanguard into the Empire and onward to the Dominion itself! You will train like Imperial Legionnaires, eat their food, wear their armor, fight as they do. You will know all their tactics and strategies so that when the time for battle comes, all their advantages will be taken from them! Then their Empire will answer for its crimes and the crimes of their witch elf puppet masters! Today is your first test, a trial by fire. Bring honor to your king and your people and fight for the glory of Skyrim! Simus! Lead the way!

"Guards! Open the gates! Squad, form a line and move out! Alice, run like the wind!"

As soon as the gate opened, Alice shot through them and ran like a deer down the hill leading to the second gate. She was heading straight toward the now open outer gate in the direction of Fort Greymoor.

"Catch up with my daughter and keep up with her until we reach the fort three miles away! Anyone who flags or falls behind takes care of all our chamber pots for the next week! Go! Go!"

Shadari flicked an ear at Galmar, but otherwise ignored the Nord. He'd need to do much better to actually annoy her. The generals kid dashed out the gates, and Shadari sprang in pursuit, her natural speed allowing her to closely follow the girl. The legion armour was less comfortable than her form fitting leather, and slowed her some, but not too much to stop her from catching Alice. 'Let's hope the bandits' aren't waiting for us. The speed we're running, archers will take us out in seconds' she put the worry behind her as she leapt over a small outcropping of rock.

Marek raised an eyebrow at Galmars threats against both himself and the others. He'd heard from various sources that Galmar was indeed a powerful warrior, however Ulfrics right hand man was a bit of a bull. He fought angry and Marek had learned over the years that those who did so were easy targets to anyone with half a brain that could keep a clear head. He looked forward to the seeing Galmars face when and if this rebellion reached the gates of Windhelm.

When Ulfric was done with his inspection, Alice ran out the gates in the direction of fort Greymoore followed closely by Shadari. With a shrug, Marek adjusted his sword belt before striding towards the gate as well. He picked up his pace from a jog to a steady, lopping run, his long legs allowing him to easily keep pace with the shorter women. He stayed back a few yards so that when they arrived at the fort he would be able to break off on his own while the bandits were preoccupied with the rest of the squad.

Aliah wondered if the general would allow her to cut the Galmars' tongue out and feed it to him once they'd taken Whiterun. Before she could retort, Alice took off out the gates, and Simus bellowed for the group to follow her. The mercenary and assassin were already gone, and Aliah took of after them. She had no need to breathe, so she caught the three of them easily, but the sun weakened her, and prevented her from passing them. That was fine though. Especially since they were charging into an enemy stronghold. In her experience, charging pell-mell into an enemy was not the best way to survive a confrontation.

"stop right there, elf! what buisness do you have in whiterun hold?"
oh for goodness sake, thought Cyrus as the guard ran up to him, this is what now? the fifth time? next time i travel im casting invisibility.
he started on his usual lie. "well you see sir, I w--
" I dont give a damn about whats falling out of your smart mouth, elf. your not coming through those gates up there and that's that. I will not put up with all you underlings in this city, especially now the high king has arr-
"Ulfric is here? Why?" it was Cyrus's turn to interupt. He already knew the answer, he just wanted to see if the guard was in on the plot.
"Highly confidential between him, his men, the jarl and General psyrakon. and thats all im saying so-

When struck with a paralyze spell, most fall over, unable to push their hands out to avoid injury. this time was no exception, except cyrus gave him a good shove on the way down.
"are you alright sir?" Cyrus asked sarcasticly, kneeling down whilst saying this and forced the nord's eyes closed. another guard came rushing over to see what the commotion was about. Cyrus gave his best astonished voice: "it would seem this man has fallen asleep on guard! and with ulfric present as well!" the other guard looked embarrased by his comrades 'lazy' attitude in front of the stranger and murmured a quick 'sorry' as he dragged the man over to a nearby wall to wake him up.

seeing no other guards around, Cyrus progressed up the slope that led to the cities gates. he was staring at the sky when someone whizzed past him. quickly turning in the direction of the sprinter, who seemed to be a small girl wearing legion attire, he watched her and a group of other legion armour-clad people of assorted races and genders run downhill, seemingly heading eastwards towards the fort full of bandits. He turned and saw more soliders running downhill and tried to ask them questions "who are you rowdy lot, and what are you doing?"

Alek sits at the Bannered Mare talking to his contact in the hold. An old friend, and former customer, who went by the name of Snake. He had some what of a reputation in Whiterun hold as a man who could supply any information you may need, for the right price of course. "It's crazy" Snake says "Ulfric's arrival in the city has thrown the city guard into a state of high alert. Whenever he leaves his room in Dragonsreach he's flanked by almost half of the Stormcloak army." Alek tapped the side of his head in thought, "well couldn't a concealed archer take him down from a rooftop" he asked.""Yes" said Snake "well, in theory, Ulfric is always moving around Whiterun and there is no guarantee of a sure kill." I'll take my chances" says Alek, and he gets up to go to his room. Snake grabs his arm "Ulfric is not some other man" he says "if you try and kill him, and even if you succeed. His army will hunt you down and kill you, and at the very least drive you out of Skyrim." Alek laughs "come on, he's just a pompous fool; what's the worst that could happen?"

Arillious kept his knee bent and his face hidden. He doesn't know for sure whether or not he is known by name to Ulfric or Galmar, he doesn't know if they are aware that stragglers survived the Solitude Siege, and he doesn't know if revealing himself will get him killed on the spot. It's for this reason, he chose to lay low.

The low monotone of Ulfric annoyed him, but the barking dog that the High King called a Lieutenant made him seeth in anger. Galmar was a respectable Warrior, his cocky tone and attitude is what comes with being one. Although his racism, his belief of no filter in his words, is what gets to Arillious. He's Ulfric's puppet, and he says whatever he wants and he doesn't have to worry about getting killed for it - all the young Imperial thought of doing was cutting his tongue out, and holding it in the scraggly Nord's face as his eyes popped out in shock.

Arillious paid no attention to any of his fellows, and when it came time to move out to Fort Greymoor, he got up with the crowd and kept to the middle of the line until they were out the Gate and away from Ulfric and Galmar.

Alek waited high above Whiterun for the right moment. Ulfric was leaving Dragonsreach to inspect the guard barracks, and Alek was going to kill him. He heard Ulfric long before he saw him, the great fanfare that accompanied him every time he appeared in public. Alek pulled up his hood and mask, and waited for Ulfric to pass by. Ulfric appeared from under the Gildergreen, sitting on a beautiful white horse. The Jagged Crown bouncing on his head, a figure of how far a man could fall. Alek drew his bow, aiming a little ahead of Ulfric. Taking a deep breath, he let the arrow loose. It flew through the air, it's steel arrowhead glinting in the sun. It began it's decent, and planted itself in the neck of Ulfric's horse. The horse reared up in pain, throwing Ulfric off, and tore down the streets of Whiterun. Soldiers immediately ran to Ulfric's side to help him up, he waved them off and yelled at them to find the whoever did it. Alek cursed himself silently as he landed in Jorrvaskr's courtyard, he had secured a rope over the wall before the attack and know it was being put to good use. He grabbed onto the rope and began to rappel to the ground. He was 6 feet above the ground when suddenly the line was cut. The fall didn't kill him, just knocked the wind out of him. He looked up and saw Snake's little face laughing down at him. "Sorry Alek" he yelled down "some people pay better then other's", Alek could hear soldiers running around the wall. He pulled himself up and stumbled to a nearby farm. He dove into a hay pile and waited for the soldiers to pass by. 'That little rat' Alek thought 'one day, one day i will have his head'.

(OOC: Allright, let's try to get this going yet again. We're going to the bandit fort and then I'll let you guys attack and explore the place on your own to encourage more divergent posting. Until JarlBallin decides to come back we're going to ignore his posts. They did not happen. I'm also going to try and get T involved since he's been such a good sport. Thank you T and sorry for the delay.)

Alice blazed a trail to Fort Greymoor, running like a deer all the way. Shadari kept up with the feral grace of a panther while Marek and Arillious powered their way to a spot just behind her. Aliah kept up surprisingly well despite the mid-morning sun. Alice mentally slapped herself for not thinking about Aliah's needs but she hadn't burst into flames yet as all the tales said vampires did so she must be okay. Even so, they would have a talk about it soon. Dabiene, Soldin and Barnen were further behind with Simus bringing up the rear, barking at them to keep going. Along the way a high elf yelled at the squad to ask what in Oblivion they were doing and when he didn't get an answer he started running after them. Having a loose citizen chasing after them looked strange so Simus yelled for the group to go on ahead while he dealt with him.

Simus halted on the side of the newly paved cobblestone road that went all the way out to Rorikstead and branched off into the hold's villages and forts. Obviously, it didn't reacy Fort Greymoor, ending a few hundred feet shy of it. He looked to the running high elf catching up to him.

"Stop!" He shouted and the elf did so. "Citizen, your continued presence is interfering with Stormcloak business. Unless you have an emergency you need to stop following us and move along right now."

Alice commanded the squad to halt at the end of the road, about three hundred feet away from Fort Greymoor where the road ended.

"Good hustle squad. Take five and wait until the general catches up with us. Take the opportunity to look at the fort and its defenses. Try to figure out the best way in and how to deal with the guards."

She then walked over to Aliah and gave a concerned look to the taller altmer vampiress.

"How are you holding up Aliah?" She asked in a low concerned voice. "I can't believe that dad an I completely overlooked the fact that you're a vampire and we're out on a sunny day, or that no one seemed to question it. You're obviously not burning to ash but are you okay? Are you strong enough to fight? I can find you some shade and let you sit this out if you're not. Dad'll understand."

She gave Aliah a concerned smile, a reminder that she was still a tender-hearted teenage girl and not just a legion drill sergeant.

"Stop!" "Citizen, your continued presence is interfering with Stormcloak business. Unless you have an emergency you need to stop following us and move along right now."
Wow, Cyrus thought. I cant remember the last time someone called me citizen. usually it's underling or elf scum. definetly prefering the former. Then he noticed the man waiting somewhat impatiently on the road, and he decided not to delay him any longer. 'eerrmm.., well i was just wondering if you knew the way to rorikstead, I seem to have lost my m--'
Immediatly as he said this Cyrus realized that this man was probably one of the rebels. Cyrus stuttered, quickly trying to get the right sentence, but the man was already gone, having quickly pointed to the west, just over the plains. He seemed to be heading over to the fort like that squad he'd seen earlier, if he hadnt been wearing similar armour, Cyrus might have thought he was pursuing them.

Cyrus didnt try to stop him, the man seemed to be busy and he was in no mood to run; a guard would probably stop him and accuse him of being a courier for the Thalmor. Deciding that a steady walk would look the least suspicious, Cyrus slowly and steadily made his way to the fort. I'd never miss a play, he joked to himself.

Marek crouched behind a boulder not 100 yards from Greymoor and pulled an eyeglass from a pouch on his belt. The rest of the squad was ranged out in cover on either side of him. Psyrakon was busy speaking with Ulfric a couple hundred yards back. Himself, along with the others had been given the go ahead to proceed with the raid in any way they saw fit. They hadn't been given a proper brief or plan of attack by the General or his daughter so Marek was unsure of what the others were planning but he wasn't overly concerned. This was a test of their skills and he had no intention of failing it.

Peering through the glass, Marek lined up on the closest bandit, who was still unaware of the impending raid, and then slowly tracked across the wall of the fort until he spotted the next man standing above the arch way that was the main gate. He continued his observation until he had spotted all the guards presently on the walls. Then he looked over to his right at the newcomer, Padfoot, and said, "I'm going in there," he pointed at a spot in the wall where it had crumbled over the years, leaving a gaping hole that the bandits had attempted to cover with a wooden barricade. "I'm going to take out the two on the wall above the gate. Then the rest of the squad can approach the fort un-noticed." He glanced left at Arillious and the vampire, Aliah then back at Padfoot as he stood slightly, "You coming or staying?" Padfoot had done a pretty good job scouting out the fort and had done it without being noticed by the bandits, so Marek figured he was a pretty stealthy man and a good choice to take out anybody on the wall without anybody inside the fort seeing them.

Marek crouched behind a boulder not 100 yards from Greymoor and pulled an eyeglass from a pouch on his belt. The rest of the squad was ranged out in cover on either side of him. Psyrakon was busy speaking with Ulfric a couple hundred yards back. Himself, along with the others had been given the go ahead to proceed with the raid in any way they saw fit. They hadn't been given a proper brief or plan of attack by the General or his daughter so Marek was unsure of what the others were planning but he wasn't overly concerned. This was a test of their skills and he had no intention of failing it.

Peering through the glass, Marek lined up on the closest bandit, who was still unaware of the impending raid, and then slowly tracked across the wall of the fort until he spotted the next man standing above the arch way that was the main gate. He continued his observation until he had spotted all the guards presently on the walls. Then he looked over to his right at the newcomer, Padfoot, and said, "I'm going in there," he pointed at a spot in the wall where it had crumbled over the years, leaving a gaping hole that the bandits had attempted to cover with a wooden barricade. "I'm going to take out the two on the wall above the gate. Then the rest of the squad can approach the fort un-noticed." He glanced left at Arillious and the vampire, Aliah then back at Padfoot as he stood slightly, "You coming or staying?" Padfoot had done a pretty good job scouting out the fort and had done it without being noticed by the bandits, so Marek figured he was a pretty stealthy man and a good choice to take out anybody on the wall without anybody inside the fort seeing them.

Padfoot kept to himself after introducing himself to Ulfric Stormcloak. As his body was mindlessly playing follow-the-leader, his mind was working rather hastily. Being a bit of a control freak, and knowing that it would likely fall on him in advising the most effective form of engagement, the Bosmer quickly went to work on devising a plan, a plan that was safe, looked professional, and involved everyone. Even though this was considered training, he knew he had to impress Simus, who in turn has to impress Ulfric.

As he walked, his arms were crossed and his hooded-head was facing the ground. Physically, his eyes saw the stone road he was walking on, and occasionally the tips of his boots as they took step after step. Mentally, there was a picture; a diagram, with circles marking squad-mates, x's marking enemies, arrows marking movement, and notes written, explaining the step-by-step procedure. A quick glance up and he soon found that Fort Greymoor was upon them, and he found himself anxious, because his plans weren't quite finished.

Without command, the squad quickly got into cover. The mercenary took out an eye-glass to do a quick scan of the area behind a boulder. Padfoot watched intently at the man, with Simus being uninvolved in the raid, he knew that someone had to step up to the plate somehow. This man - Marek, seemed to be thinking intently about the task at hand. He prepared his brain to begin talking about his plan to Marek, but as he was about to open his mouth the Mercenary looked over to him. "I'm going in there." It was clear he meant the side entrance, where a small piece of the wall broke down. "I'm going to take out the two above the gate. Then the rest of the squad can approach the fort unnoticed. You coming or staying?"

Padfoot couldn't hide the quick grin that came over him as Marek was speaking. "A man who isn't afraid to take charge, and knows what he's doing." The Bosmer was quickly coming to respect him. Padfoot slowly took his bow off his back, and with it two arrows, holding them with his bow, having them ready to knock when they decide to move out. "I'll cover you. But those Patrolmen you see now aren't the only ones. At this time of day the Blacksmith and his Apprentice are out in the Courtyard, and there's going to be another Patrolman on the upper level, in between the two towers, watching over the rest of the valley to the North. Choose to engage whomever you want, but if you want to do this quickly and quietly, and without fear of notice, I would suggest a different kill-order. These two Patrolmen on the walls are only looking outside the Fort, and won't see us at all when we come in. if we take out the other Patrolman on the opposite side of the Fort, and then the Blacksmith and his Apprentice, they will have to completely turn around to face us if they end up noticing us. At this point, however, they'll be dead."

He looked over at Marek, who seemed to be listening as he was observing the Fort again. "I trust you have a good plan, and I believe in your way of engagement, whichever you decide - I'm just giving you my suggestion and my knowledge, as you may have been unaware. Proceed how you would like, and I'll be right behind you, whomever you decide to engage, I'll be sure to take out anyone who notices." With this Padfoot knocked an arrow on to his bow, and held it at the ready, just in case of any unwanted notice. He put the second arrow in his mouth. He was done with talking, he was ready to go to work.