Exiled and Alone, An Altmer on the Run Options

[Kane]

Diary of Kiranyae, 3rd of Midyear, 4E201
Fleeing from Summerset

I can’t believe this is how my life has ended up. On the run from my own home, city, and country. And all because I chose to stand up for my ideals, and dared to disagree with the Thalmor and their ruthless methods. No more. I won’t be a part of their wrongdoings and misgivings. But, where to go? The Empire is not what it once was, and the Thalmor have their grimy fingers in just about everyone else’s sweet roll, too....

Whatever. I suppose I’ll head to Hammerfell and go from there. Nothing remains for me here in Firsthold. Those evil bastards saw to that, when they killed the only family I had left. Rest peacefully, brother, and know the cowards who ambushed you have seen their actions returned in kind. And I won’t stop there, either. Someone has to take the fight to these radicals, and when that time comes, I will be there to lend my talents in earnest.

[Kane]

Chapter III - Upon a Lofty Hill


I stared thoughtfully at the sizzling remains of the mysterious witch. I guess she needed the allies of her coven for good reason. Looking around, there didn’t seem to be anyone nearby, so I dragged Anise’s body away from the cabin, and dumped it over a small ledge. Heading back to the shack, I began clearing out anything I didn’t need, and started making it my own. This will work nicely, until I can afford a real home. Not wanting to lie down in any filth for the night, I gave the bed a quick gout of arcane fire to singe off anything that would be lying on top, before sleeping in it.

Dawn broke with the brilliant light of Magnus’ rays beaming down through the tree tops of the great pines. Gathering what I needed for my journey, I headed out into the world bright and early. It wasn’t long before I noticed an unpleasant odor filling the air around me. “God’s I stink.” I couldn’t remember the last time I had bathed, so I quickly made my way down to the cold river for a short dip. As I jumped into the water, I immediately regretted the decision. The icy morning water quickly chilled me to the bone, as I felt the air rush out of my lungs. Deciding that quick dip was long enough, I swam back to shore as fast as I possibly could, and lit a small fire on the shoreline to warm up at.

Once I sufficiently thawed out, I started up my journey once again, this time determined to find Whiterun before the day ran out. It took me less time than I had anticipated, and I soon found myself winding down the road towards the Tundra of central Skyrim. Whiterun stood impressively upon a loft hill, jutting up out of the plains that stretched far and wide towards the western reaches of the cold province. At the peak, a massive, intimidating palace rose far above the city, offering an unbridled view of all the domain that it stood to protect.

Eager to see it up close, I resumed my trek in stride. A few farms surrounded the City’s exterior walls, and all seemed peaceful on this beautiful autumn day. I did not however expect to see three warrior’s in battle with a giant, just off of the main road. They had the beast felled long before I could approach them, so I headed onward without bothering to see what they were up to. A stable stood near the first gate, and I made note of the beautiful steed tethered inside it, I need to see how much the man wants for that horse. The main gate to the city was flanked by two guards in their hold armor, but neither of them said a word as I approached and headed into Whiterun. Plenty seem to be going on throughout the town, including a hefty business transaction just past the entrance.

I just caught the tail end of the Imperially dressed man’s conversation with the smithy, and when I made to walk past them without issue, he directly addressed me with a question I could not answer. "Gray-Mane or Battle-Born?"

Confused, I responded with a simple “What?”

"Got stones in your ears? I asked what side you're on, Gray-Mane or Battle-Born!"

I was getting irritated at this point, but I didn’t want to cause a scene my first time in the city, so I responded a little more tactfully, “I’m afraid I don’t understand the question.”

"New in town, huh? Whiterun's got two clans, both old and both respected. Difference is, the Gray-Manes turned their backs on the Empire and we Battle-Borns stayed loyal. So I'll ask again, Gray-Mane or Battle-Born?"

“I’m new to Skyrim and have not thrown myself in with either side, Battle-Born.”

He nodded curtly, "Sooner or later, we all have to choose a side."

And that sentiment proved to be a hot topic of discussion in Whiterun, for not five minutes later I happened upon the very same clan harassing a poor old woman in the market district. Not wanting to get sucked in again, I hung back until they’d all moved on, making a mental note to find out what was really going on there. They may have their differences, but they should still respect their elders. I have a feeling I may not like this place very much.



This post has been edited by Cain: Feb 22 2017, 03:42 PM