Shards of Broken Emperors/Playground 1, Vvardenfell: Roots of Sve'lkreen Options

[jack cloudy]

Kaye Soscean

For a few moments the Redguard simply sat there, cursing Riden, the boat that had brought him here, the weather for having given the boat a stiff breeze that sent it swiftly across the waves, himself for having indirectly helped him and yes, even Arille himself simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, he realized that cursing fate didn't help the dead. It was merely a coping mechanism for the living.

Kaye drew himself back onto his feet, noting that while crying he had recuperated from his mad dash. That observation left a bitter taste in his mouth for it made him feel as if his regret had merely been an excuse for some muchneeded rest. He walked into town slowly and idly wondered if anyone would point at him and say that he was responsible for the murder. It wouldn't be too surprising. The town was small and everyone knew each othere. Yet here he was, a complete stranger who wanders in mere minutes after one of their beloved bled out his life in the mud. It didn't matter. At the moment, Kaye would have accepted a swift execution from a guard's broadsword with a calm and even happy gaze.

No one stopped him however in his approach of the body. Perhaps they were too preoccupied with grief to notice, perhaps they just didn't care about a stranger, if he was unarmed like Kaye.
"Unarmed, except for that leadthrower behind my belt. Not that I knew what it was not too long ago."
Off to his right, a small pack of guards hurriedly assembled in front of their captain who had already begun barking out orders. They would probably end up scouring the coast for the culprit.
"Which leaves the ship off the coast out of everyones attention. I'd rather they freed the sailors first. Riden has done what he wants here and even he isn't dumb enough to stick around the place with all those blades on his body."

Next to Arille's corpse, Kaye met a woman. Imperial, he guessed though the way she carried herself was completely unlike what he was used to. Part of it he attributed to her distress, but mostly he figured it was because she'd lived here long enough to assimilate into the local culture.
"I pray your soul will be at ease, sir. Though I do not know your name or those of your family, I shed tears for your death." He muttered as he knelt down next to the woman. Again he felt that bitter taste in his mouth, for he realized that his tears had been less shed in sadness at the loss of a man's life than in anger at himself for not preventing it. Still, he hoped his words would help the Altmer rest.
"Last thing these people need is a maddened ghost making a mockery of their memories of him. They've suffered enough already." He thought as he gently closed Arille's eyes. The vacant stare of horror felt like it was accusing the Redguard of being the one who had driven that blade into his throat. Kaye couldn't bear watching it. For in his heart, he felt as if he had indeed.


OOC: Bloody hell, I'm not sure if I've ever rp'd this emo but ok, Kaye has entered the town properly.

[minque]

Serene

As she knelt beside the dead trader she noticed a man beside her, a redguard he was, as she looked at him she was caught by the look in his eyes, tired eyes it was but the look in them showed much wisdom and experience, of a hard life...

"Hey" she said in a low voice, gently putting her hand on his arm, "Why would someone kill Arille? He never harmed anyone"

She didn't know the dark man but he somehow appealed to her as a good man, someone to trust, and this senseless murder disturbed her...a lot!

When the redguard closed Arrille's eyes she looked down, trying to hide her tears.

"What is happening here?" she whispered

[jack cloudy]

Kaye Soscean

"Somewhere, someone will always find a reason to begrudge another. Man or mer, we're all the same and all carry that dark nature within our hearts. I have no doubt your friend never meant harm to anyone, but someone must have decided he did mean harm. If only I had been here a minute sooner, he might have lived." Kaye said slowly, worried he was digging into an open wound with his words. His eyes wandered to the ship which he could barely make out on the horizon.
"It all began out there, that was the place where I plunged into this nightmare. First the ship, now this village. What place will be the next to fall victim to Riden's murderous nature?" He wondered.

The guards ran off, some headed east, others north along the coastline. Only the captain remained, grumbling to himself about the lack of manpower he'd found himself in. He had enough men to hunt the criminal or protect the town, but not both.
"And be back before sunset! We can't afford to leave this place unguarded for long!" The captain shouted after his troops.

Kaye got up carefully.
"This is as much my responsibility as it is Riden's. But I don't give those good fellows much of a chance at finding him and even if they did, only more bloodshed would be the result. Killing is not the answer to death. No, this is something I must handle myself. BUt how do I find Riden?....Cyldreen, the dreams of riches and glorious murder he painted before will surely attract the assassin. And I know where to find Cyldreen."

"Forgive me lady. For I know the man who is responsible for this. I vow I will seek him out and though poor Arille won't be helped by it, I swear I will stop his senseless murders."

[DarkZerker]

Riden

The assassin and the former fighters guild fought off the small hoards of creatures and eventually fought some off. The rest started to retreat and he viciously glared at one of the straggling beasts and it quickly scampered away.

He sighed, "I've been in Morrowind for about an hour and I already hate it..."

Tess giggled and turned to Cyldreen and Riden, "I'll...er...take a walk...don't worry, I'll be careful."

Riden threw Tess a dagger, "Be careful, and be back soon. Try to find that Redguard...I believe he really hates me..."

She nodded and proceeded in the forest.

Tess

Tess moved across the trees sure enough, saw the Redguard. She proceeded cautiously, hoping he would have some sense to not attack travel mates. Tess drew the dagger and approached the Redguard, who was with another person.

"Hey..."

[saqin]

Sa'Quira

I looked up when an arrow hit the ground next to me, and saw someone disappear through the trees. Wondering who'd do something to hurt me, I got to my feet. I hadn't done anything to anger someone already, had I?

I sighed in relief when I saw the rest of the nixhounds retreat. At least that danger was over. Now I just had to find out who these people where. Then I looked down at my side, and remembered that I'd have to switch the bandage, or ask if anyone had a healing potion to spare. My arm could really have use of one as well. Bracing myself, I turned towards the breton and the imperial male. The female imperial had left.

"Hi. Excuse me for simply running into your camp like that, but I did not have much of a choice. And, you do not by any chance have any healing potions? You see, I think I'm running a bit short of blood." I said and wailed when the adrenaline that had built up during the run left me.

This post has been edited by saqin: Sep 21 2010, 02:58 PM

[ureniashtram]

OOC: Wood-Elf? What Wood-Elf? If you're referencing to Cyldreen, then he's not a Bosmer. He's a Breton.

Cyldreen Mon'Cheri

The Breton cursed under his breath when the battle was over. He stared at the spear on his hand before shaking his head and placing it back where it was.

And I was just getting to the good part. Godsdammed beasts dying so quickly..

His attention suddenly turned on the female Khajiit in front og him. She said something about potions, and truth be told, Cyldreen isn't sure if he brought along some. The image of a blonde injured Bosmer healer assured him that he brought some, however.

"A Khajiit with a dry sense of humor," he muttered while jogging towards the napsack that contained potions and poultices. "Well, stranger things have happened to me I guess." he dug around the little bag until finally, his small effeminate hand grasped a bottle, and warm at that. He dug around for more.

"Here." he handed two bottle to the Khajiit, fully expecting her to fall any minute. "You know, maybe you should lay down and rest?"

[jack cloudy]

Kaye Soscean

"Hey..."
Kaye looked up to see who had spoken. It turned out to be Tess, Riden's wife. The Redguard eyed the dagger, not in a concerned manner, but merely a surprised one.
"Put that thing away. There is nothing to gain here by poking weapons at random people for no reason. Especially as a greeting it is more than rude." He replied bluntly.
"I suppose I could ask you a rather important question but I believe I know already. So instead of that, I'm going to ask you why you returned here of all places. What do you seek in this village this time?"

[DarkZerker]

Tess

"Yeah...sorry."

She quickly sheathed the dagger and looked at the woman next to Kaye, "Did you know Arrile?"

Riden

Riden immediately gripped the handle of his sword, wary of the Khajiit standing in front of him. Though he simply started to clean his throwing knives of blood and sighed, "What brings you here?"

[saqin]

OOC: Sorry, mixed it up. Changed it now though.

Sa'Quira

I looked when the Breton walked up to his pack and took the bottles out, thinking of what to do next. Either I could try to get away from them when I'd healed which probably wouldn't work when I was this exhausted, or I could try to find out who they where and then decide whether I should be running for my life or not.

"Thank you." I said when the breton handed me the potions, and then I took my bag of and sat down. Ignoring the imperial for the moment, I tended to my wounds. Meaning that I used one of the potions and poured most of it's contents on my wounds, and drank up the rest in the two bottles. Then I looked at the imperial.

"That must depend on where you're referring to. If you mean your camp, I was being hunted. If you mean Morrowind, I've been hired to find something. And if you mean why I was heading south, that's not necessarily your business." I said.

[ureniashtram]

Cyldreen Mon'cheri

Heading south? Hired to find something in Morrowind? ... A mercenary?

It didn't took a minute for the Breton to put two and two together. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. A new competition showed its face.

"Don't tell me you've been hired by that butt-licker Septim?! Gods!" he flailed his arms and took heaving breaths. His plan just got more and more complicated.

"If so, well... this is just awkward." he sat down beside her and let out his breath. "Cyldreen Mon'cheri, mercenary at trade and... an entrepeneur at some things. Might I ask your name, m'lady?"

[DarkZerker]

Riden

"Don't tell me you've been hired by that butt-licker Septim?! Gods!" Cyldreen yelled.

Riden gave a soft chuckle and smiled, "Wonder how Tess is doing...better check on her..." He whispered to himself.

A couple seconds passed and the Breton asked for her name. Riden got up, "Alright, I'll go check on Tess...you two behave."

He walked towards the forest and into the more open regions of the forest to see the Redguard, an Imperial woman was close to him. Tess quickly turned around to see Riden staring at her smiling.

She ran and hugged him before turning swiftly around.

Riden gave a snide laugh, "Ah...I see you had finally made your acquaintance with Arrile...at least what's left with him. So tell me? Do you really think you could have stopped me?"

He pulled out the Jian straightsword and looked affectionately at the blade, "I won't attack you...because from what I see, Morrowind is pretty great."

"They have Imperial Legion troops looking for you!" Tess loudly whispered.

"Let them...all the better to test out my newest contraptions."

[Dantrag]

Nelacar

Nelacar had done little when the nix-hounds came, opting to find a tall limb in a tree to attack from above if necessary. His comrades had made short work of the beasts, though, and he never got the opportunity.

He climbed down while the khajiit drank Cyldreen's potions, and followed behind Riden when he left.

Kaye isn't here to keep an eye out, so I guess it's up to me.

He came to a small clearing, where he saw Riden and Tess facing Kaye and a strange Imperial woman. Riden had a blade drawn, and the situation looked tense.

"What's going on here?" he asked, leaning heavily on his staff.

[saqin]

Sa'Quira

I looked at the breton when he rubbed his head, and raised an eyebrow when he revealed that he had been hired to do the same job as me.

"My name is Sa'Quira. Though most people call me Saqin. I'm a... mercenary." I answered his question, simply throwing a glance at the Imperial when he left. I had been hoping to find the other mercenaries that had been hired by the emperor, but not like this. Certainly not with the scenario of them saving my life.

"So, we've got the same job." I shook my head slightly, still not believing it. To occupy my hands, I then took of my cuirass and the silver bow. Using my dagger I cut the remains of the string away from the bow and looked over the holes in the cuirass. It certainly would need some stitching together.

[ureniashtram]

EDIT: I have a question, though I posted it in the PT.



Cyldreen Mon'Cheri


He saw the Altmer head for the direction of the village. He shook his head. His skills as a spy almost screamed at him that there was something bad bound to happen in Seyda Neen. And Riden just returned to the place where he murdered the trader! Truthfully, the last thing they need are some self-righteous guards full of bluster attacking them out of their sense of 'duty'. But hey, the masochistic Breton would welcome fights with a smile and open arms.

"So ... any progress at the job?" the copper-haired man-mer asked the Khajiit, while eyeing the scenery around him. Those hounds were driven off, but what's to stop them for launching another ambush? Especially now, the two mercenaries were the only one left.

He waited for a response, but found to his dismay that he himself answered his own question.

"So far, I'm planning to go to Vivec to gather some more detailed info about the Gem. But first..." he hesitated. Could this Khajiit be trusted? They were on the same job, yes, but whats to stop her from betraying when the opportunity shows? He would test this one, oh yes. A twisted smile that could've made a Dremora shudder appeared on his lips before disappearing in an instant.

"Let's scour this are first. We should make this camp safe from the local wild-life, that is of course if you're fit enough?" his voice became that of a persuasive viper, his tone became concerned, while at the same time it spelled out deceit.

This post has been edited by ureniashtram: Sep 22 2010, 04:43 PM

[minque]

Serene

There was nothing to do, Arille was dead, really dead. Serene clutched her fists, she was angry, really angry. Senseless murdes was nothing she liked, not at all.

She looked at the redguard beside her, she didn't know him but he looked sad and concerned over the dead man in front of them, besides he just said he would stop these senseless murders.

"I will side with you in this, Arille did no harm to anyone.."

She then noticed a woman approach waving a dagger. Serene turned to her eyes burning with rage. Apparently that was enough because the woman lowered her weapon.

"Yes...I knew Arille, he was my friend and that man connected to you took his life, I really wonder why?" Serene spat.

In the corner of her eye she spotted a tall figure, probably an Altmer who solemnly asked what was going on.

Serene looked at Kaye and just shrugged...

Gah I wish I knew what all this is about

[saqin]

Sa'Quira

I took up a new bowstring and fastened it to the bow, just about to answer Cyldreen's question when he talked again. Looking up at him again, I thought I saw a strange smile on his lips, but it was gone when I'd blinked. I listened silently to what he said and finished stringing the bow before I answered.

"Vivec sounds good, someone is bound to know something about it there. And yes, I'm fit enough to scout." I said, partly ignoring his first question since I had no reason to trust him yet. Then I got up on my feet, and strapped the cuirass back on, it would hold together. Checking my arrows, I was relieved to find that nothing had happened to them, and then I put the dagger back at my belt. I didn't know if he'd try anything, and I wanted to be prepared if he did.

Looking up again, I concentrated on the forest around us. It was quite silent, I heard the rustling of leaves and some birds calling for each other, but I knew that didn't mean that the nixhounds had left. They could be laying somewhere, waiting for the right moment to attack.

[jack cloudy]

Kaye Soscean

Kaye shrugged but never let his eyes wander from Riden.
"Ah...I see you had finally made your acquaintance with Arrile...at least what's left with him. So tell me? Do you really think you could have stopped me?"
Everything about the assassin made him sick, especially the perverse pleasure and pride the man derived from ending innocent and unknowing lives.

"Maybe, maybe not. Who am I to predict the future? I most certainly would have tried though." The Redguard answered flatly.
"To be honest, I carry no great love for your occupational activities. If anything, I would suggest a more peaceful way to make a living. On the road you have taken, only an early death awaits you. Most likely of the same nature as befell sir Arille. I am sure you are aware of that? If not for your sake, think of those who have decided to share their lives with you. Just as you face the same fate you bestow upon others, so do they share yours." He added.

It was then that Nelacar arrived and calmly asked the group what was going on.
"It is exactly as you see, good sir. It appears that the man I was looking for eluded my feet, only to then return and boast about his deeds. But now Riden, let me ask you once more. Would you consider to stop these senseless murders? It is not even a deluded sense of justice you entertain, only your wallet and your lust for other people's suffering."

[DarkZerker]

Riden

"Lust and my money? You think that drives my attacks? To some extent, I do enjoy the 1050 coin payout for regular civilians and 3050 coins for important targets but you do what you need to do to feed your family."

Tess stiffened as Riden continued his speech, "If that means burning down an entire village or simply killing one person, so be it. But it goes deeper than that,"

Riden smirked as he took off his glove to reveal a Dwarven like contraption in his sleeve, "This is Dwarven technology to the max. I was driven to make this to silently kill without detection and a backup weapon. Under pressure, I created this in about a year while scholars couldn't even think of such a thing."

Tess finally spoke through the speech, "You know...I didn't like the idea of him being an assassin and resented him for that but you do what you have to do. His jobs gave us enough leverage to raise a child...and he's somewhere here in Morrowind."

Riden analyzed the Redguard and pulled out a small copper rod with a pointed edge, "If you wish to attack me, so be it. But just know that this rod is coated with pure Nightshade extract, can drop you in thirty seconds. Personally, you can just walk away...I won't say anything."

[jack cloudy]

Kaye Soscean

Kaye shook his head.
"Do what you have to? And I'm supposed to believe that? If you merely do what you have to, then why not try fishing? Why not try farming? Trading?" He sighed.
"Or if you're so smart, " Kaye added while eyeing the mechanism wrapped around Riden's arm. "why not take up craftmanship? Why not try any of the countless ways to make a living that seems to work just fine for everyone else in this world? Why must it be murder? Why, Riden? You still have not provided a suitable argument for your case."

By now, Riden had pulled out a second object which drew out a slight frown from the Redguard.
"Poison? Does he really think that I'm the kind of man who would use his fists to stop heartless killers like him? Maybe I could if I seriously tried, poison wouldn't stop me. Thirty seconds is an eternity. But what would the point be? I wish to end the cycle of bloodshed, not perpetuate it. Also, I'm surprised how easily you give up your secrets, Riden. Like a child bragging about his toys."
"If you think I would rush you like a fool and try to attack you, you are sorely mistaken. I am not one who starts violence. However, I will not back down either. I will follow and do whatever I can to obstruct you, untill you change your ways. If that's not to your liking, too bad."

[ureniashtram]

OOC: Let me repeat what Cyldreen said. Kaye is rather perceptive than he looks!

He nodded at the Khajiit. Vivec might contain the most promising securities, but it also houses one of the most dirtiest secrets and most valuable information regarding their activities..

Cyldreen hoped so.

But that was a problem for the future. Right now, he has a cat to test its claws. Inwardly nodding at his plan, his eyes set about to find anything out of the ordinary. The birds were singing their usual requiems, he leaves and trees swayed when a breeze rolls in... For a commoner, this was a perfect scenery. But for a spy trained in the arts of scouting and ground-reconnaissance, it was the epithome of deceit.

There may be predators lurking about, or there weren't. There may be bandits in hiding near Cyldreen and Sa'Quira's location, or there weren't.

"Let's go," Cyldreen motioned for Sa'Quira to follow him, while maintaining the straps on his axe. When he was done, he slinged it across his back and walked towards the forest. So much was coursing through his mind that he didn't see the footprints on the ground before he stepped on pressed soil and nearly slipped. His eyes immediately went beneath his heel and stopped. He took a step backwards and knelt, studying the marks left by something... some.. someone.

Fresh footprints... Half a day, at most.. The pressured applied must be from a light footwear or boots.. Branches broken and leaves pressed to the ground an- what's that?

His muscles instinctly tensed and a hand went for his axe. His eyes were locked on the trail and he studied it with narrowed eyes. There was some kind of substance not far from the tracks and upon further inspection, it turned out to be blood.

Blood? What would blood have to do with tracks? ... Murder?

His eyes went right and left, searching for any evidence until it stopped on a dead trunk. With blood smeared all over it. By this time, his axe were already drawn and he peered around for more tracks. There was no questioning it. There was a struggle here.

He was disappointed when the tracks ended not far from the ones Cyldreen studied. He frowned and turned to Sa'Quira.

"Sa'Quira, can you smell this trail? There's blood not far from the tracks and well.. if you sniff the scent of blood and follow it, maybe we can meet the one who lost this amount of precious blood. If it comes from a dead fellow, there's a chance that there maybe bandits here. And if its from bandits, well.. I'm sure that there will be more blood shedding."

The darker nature inside him practically bounced in joy at the thought of bloodshedding and he gave a manic grin.