An Argonian's Account, Haa-Rei's adventures in Cyrodiil Options

[hazmick]

Chapter 1

The room was furnished as most high ranking Imperial offices were – dragons everywhere. Dragon curtains (red), dragon floor mat (red), dragon banners (red). I wouldn't be surprised if the guards outside were wearing socks (red) with little dragons on them.

“So we just need to go over a few things here,” the clerk’s piping voice interrupted my thoughts. He studied the notes in front of him “you were born 3E 408?”

“Yes.” I wasn't half as nervous as I thought I’d be, but my mouth was almost too dry to speak.

“Our first official record of you is not until 19 years later. An Imperial prison transport fished you out of the Inner Sea of Morrowind and took you to the port of Seyda Neen. Yes?”

He didn’t look up from his notes, instead arching an enormous grey eyebrow. There was more hair on those brows than on the rest of his head.

“Yes.” Though my mouth was still dry my hands were now clammy. Please gods don’t make him go in for a handshake when this is done.

“Your occupation is listed here as ‘adventurer’. You also seem to have aided the Twin Lamps organisation, among others.” He licked a bony fingertip and turned the page. “This is around the time that you officially joined the Imperial Legion, rising to the rank of Agent.”

“That’s right.” My face reddened slightly when he looked up at me. Apparently a ‘yes’ would suffice.

He took a sip of his drink, a dark gold substance, and winced slightly as it went down. How anybody can enjoy that sort of thing was beyond me. I much prefer tea.

Looking back to his notes, the clerk continued listing various people I’d met who were considered important enough to have an opinion. Mainly guild leaders and Imperials.

I managed to steal a glance at the page, most of which was concealed with black ink.

“Well this seems to be in order. On account of your previous work for the Empire and the skills you have at your disposal, I have no doubt that you will do some good with us.” He stamped my file for approval with an official looking dragon stamp (red).

I grinned widely (any display of emotion towards humans must be greatly exaggerated) and thanked him as he shook my hand firmly.

“Welcome to the Blades, Agent Haa-Rei.”

This post has been edited by hazmick: Jul 9 2016, 01:03 AM

[hazmick]

Acadian - You're forgetting Sjöfn's greatest asset...she's a bowgirl! Everyone loves bowgirls.

ghastley - The former, though I think we all love a good lie-in.




Previously - Haa-Rei and Sjöfn made their way toward Chorrol, and while his companion went to find an inn, Haa-Rei went to find Jauffre...

Chapter 23

A small panel on the door was opened, and I could see a pair of eyes peering out at me.

“Yes?” They asked.

“I’m here to see…Jauffre.” I hesitated briefly, unsure who else was aware of Jauffre’s true identity. Blowing his cover was not likely to end well for me.

The panel closed and the doors swung open. A black-robed monk, who was the owner of the aforementioned eyes, ushered me inside.

“Upstairs, on the right.”

The monastery, for that is what it was, seemed smaller on the inside than the outer structure would suggest. I was in a large seating area, a set of stairs in front of me branched off to the left and right. Several monks were busy reading and writing in various corners of the room, and they ignored me as I made my way upstairs.

Jauffre’s office was very plain. A pile of desks and chairs occupied one side, while the man himself sat at a desk in the corner. The wall behind me as I entered was a shelf, with a range of stone mugs and plates on display. A door in the corner had been disguised as a cabinet (There was no base on it, like a real cabinet would have), which explained why the building looked smaller. Just how many secret nooks and crannies does this building have?

I approached Jauffre’s desk and stood to attention, my Legion training briefly resurfacing.

“Agent Haa-Rei. Baurus sent me to confirm the delivery of a package. Sir.” I spoke as loudly as I dared. I was suddenly very conscious of eavesdroppers, and internally decided that I’d read too many adventure novels.

“I was hoping he’d come himself, but I suppose you’ll do. You don’t have to whisper either, we’re safe enough in my own home.” He didn’t look up from whatever it was that he was writing, and his voice sounded neither friendly nor unfriendly.

He was old. At least as old as the Emperor, but with a great deal less hair (As is the fashion with the modern monk). He wore an old brown robe, which looked as if it was being held together by ink stains and crumbs. The best way to disguise yourself as a monk is apparently to just become a monk.

“Yes sir.” I was unsure what to say. Do I just leave now? Do I ask for more orders?

“I have a new task for you. The courier you followed here has been sent on a mission of critical importance to the city of Kvatch. You are to follow, and make sure they are successful.” Again, he didn’t look up, but I nodded anyway. “Dismissed.”

As I made my way across the room and down the stairs, I could feel eyes watching me. I didn’t realise I’d been holding my breath until I got outside and released a large sigh.

So that was my boss? He certainly wasn’t what I’d expected. I’d met a high ranking member of the Blades before – a man by the name of Caius Cosades in Morrowind. He had been undercover as a skooma addict while he held together the eastern spy network for the Empire. Jauffre was different, perhaps because he was a warrior rather than a spy, but he had an aura of strength and authority about him. He had also given me a mission, and with that in mind I made my way towards Chorrol to find Sjöfn and plan my journey to Kvatch.


Of the eight major towns in Cyrodiil, Chorrol is my favourite. From the surrounding forests to the town itself, everything is utterly beautiful. This was my first visit, and it certainly wouldn’t be my last.

I paused for a moment when I entered the southern gates and looked around. To my right was the path leading to the castle – its sturdy walls manned by guards in dark blue, bearing the tree of Chorrol on their chests and shields. Ahead of me was a statue of a fallen warrior, in the embrace of a woman - both of whom made an excellent perch for a group of sparrows. The town stretched further in that direction, under the gaze of the mountains. To my left was another street that led to the chapel. The tavern also sat on this street, so I headed that way.

The Oak and Crosier, for that was the taverns name, seemed to be the most popular destination in Chorrol. Fortunately the building was enormous, and looked as though it could accommodate everyone in town with room to spare. As I entered the building I was enveloped in a blanket of warmth. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation, and the scent of wine and wood smoke. News of the Emperor's death was yet to reach the town. I spied Sjöfn sitting in the corner and went to join her.

She was writing in a journal as I approached, a glass of wine resting in one hand while the other held a quill. It wasn’t until I sat down that she became aware of my presence. The look of surprise on her face was almost immediately washed away by a bright smile. Before I could speak she made her announcement:

“We’ve been given a quest!”

Oh dear.

This post has been edited by hazmick: Jul 9 2016, 01:15 AM