Interlude 1:
I did a double take when I saw the character's names, then went back to your comment thanks and saw that this was a time warp from the story - I like that you call them "Interlude," so I'll be alerted that it is a flashback.
Oooh, I am loving that this takes place in Cyrodiil!
QUOTE
The bard that The Merchant’s Inn had hired for this evening’s entertainment left much to be desired. He was playing a lute that was sorely in need of tuning. The crowd did not care. In fact, based on the empty kettle that was supposed to hold tips from the patrons, the crowd didn’t even know he was there.
This is one of those perfect details that sets the whole scene up - LOVED that whole section of the paragraph!
This next line is great too, it is exactly what one would expect to happen in the aftermath of the Oblivion crisis and the end of the Septim Dynasty:
QUOTE
Lawlessness ran rampant in the streets and taverns.
Reminds me of New Orleans after Katrina hit. Awesome detail there, great thinking!
This segment was fascinating!