Adventures of young High Elf Options

[Lopov]

Convalescence

The Gold Coast, Cyrodiil, 4th of Heartfire 3€433

“Good day, Norbert” Loypuur greeted Norbert Lelles as he entered the store.
“Seeing you just makes me feel again safer.”
“I need you to give me the best price for this cuirass, Norbert. It carries an emblem of Kvatch and is enchanted.”
“Let me see… hmmm.. a rare one indeed considering that most of other cuirasses I’ve ran across are non-enchanted. Let me take a closer look and I will give you a fair price.”
“Good... Have you heard any rumors about Kvatch perhaps.”
“I've heard Carahil is a powerful illusionist. No wonder she's the ranking mage here in Anvil."
“I see” said Loypuur but thought: ‘That’s what I call a straight answer. People in Anvil are obviously oblivious of the Oblivion gate and the demise of Kvatch.’
“254.”
“Let’s make it 273.”
“I can’t afford to do that.”
“266.”
“A fine bargain. Thank you. Please, come again.”
With 266 septims more in his pocket Loypuur headed to the chapel.

…

“Good day, Trevaia. I’d like you to learn me one of your spells… I forgot its name but it’s the one that’ll enable me to heal others.”
“You probably mean Convalescence then?”
“Yes, that one. Heard any rumors about Kvatch perhaps?”
“I swear that when I passed the Benirus manor last night, I heard someone scream inside. Velwyn Benirus will never sell that deathtrap.”
“Good to know.” ‘What that does have to do with Kvatch?’ thought High Elf.
After Trevaia taught Loypuur how to cast the Convalescence spell, Loypuur left Anvil, ready to heal the survivors at Kvatch. ‘I made a good decision by selling that cuirass, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford the spell.’

Since Loypuur didn’t want to lose any more time, he ‘borrowed’ nice and hardy chestnut horse from The Brina Cross Inn stables. ‘I’ll return you here soon, I promise’ he said to the horse as they were riding towards Kvatch. He kept his word and after he had arrived to Kvatch main gate, he let the horse go and it obviously knew where it has to go. ‘Smart animal.’

Heavy rain put the fire out and the refugees moved inside the town walls and made two camps inside. In first one there were Berich Inian and Tierra, taking care of any unwanted visitors while in second one were the civilians and captain Savlian Matius.

Loypuur’s newly learnt spell did a lot of good… he healed Tierra as she was sleeping, then Berich Inian, Savlian Matius and finally some civilians that were in a need of healing. Luckily, there was a healer among survivors, a Redguard Oleta and she already did a good job with healing the wounded.

Loypuur was almost out of his magicka when he was done with healing but he felt good because he knew that he had done something good. As the sun began to set, he made a short walk through the sad town… burnt trees, destroyed homes, ruined chapel, ragged emblems, demolished statues… Loypuur had never seen such a disaster. He tried to imagine the feelings and distress of the survivors but he couldn’t… he had never experienced anything similar before.

‘But what was the motive for this attack? Did they just want to demolish the entire town for the sake of doing it? How did the gate even appear in front of the town? And who opened it? Was it really Lord Dagon himself as that old priest with a torch claims? Can this happen to other towns as well? So many questions, so little answers… actually… none answer.’

But Loypuur had to admit that while people were desperate of their destiny, most of them were already thinking about rebuilding Kvatch. ‘From what I understand, it already happened before when someone called Camoran Usurper destroyed the town. Perhaps they’ll manage to rebuild it. It’s a good thing that we, High Elves, live a long life. I’d really like to see this town in its glory again.’

Optimistic about the future of Kvatch, Loypuur left the town and headed east, following the black walls of Kvatch and walking under the burnt trees, each of them a memory to the tragedy that occurred here. Not long after he spotted a farm in the valley below.

‘By Mara, a farm! Were the residents victims of the Daedra as well? I better check it out!’
He hurried to a farm and while approaching the house, he noticed something big and brown moving in the tall grass not far away. ‘Must be Daedra’ thought Loypuur as he readied his axe and ran to the unknown creature. As it turned out, it was not Daedra but an angry minotaur with a steel war-hammer and he managed to hit Loypuur a few times before the High Elf killed him. Even more afraid for the residents of the farm, Loypuur hurried inside the house, only to find it… abandoned.

‘From what it looks like there hasn’t been anyone inside for a few days. Perhaps they fled after what happened to Kvatch or were inside the town when the attack occurred.’ But the thorough search of the farm yielded something else… Loypuur found a note in which someone named Slythe claimed that he knew what had been responsible for the tragedy at Kvatch. Slythe wrote about something called The Sunken One that apparently lives in a nearby cave. He also wrote about some offering that must be made for the tragedy not to repeat!

Loypuur couldn’t make much sense out of Slythe’s note but he decided to check the cave out. Unfortunately a fight with the minotaur left him a few new bruises and scars and he was tired from the hard day so he was in no shape to venture into the cave now. ‘I don’t want to run into The Sunken One unprepared, whatever that is. I need a rest, just a little rest. Few hours and then I’ll be ready.’

This time young High Elf overestimated his abilities … as soon as he lied to a soft bed, his strain took over and he instantly fell asleep… for much longer then he had planned to.

This post has been edited by Lopov: Apr 3 2013, 06:01 PM

[Grits]

I love how Loypuur went back to heal the folks in Kvatch. He has been through a lot in just a short time in Cyrodiil. It sounds like he deserves the hero title that people have given him.

[mALX]

This is excellent! You are a very good writer! Not caught up yet, but am loving every bit of it so far! Really like your character, great personality!

[Lopov]

Thank you, Grits and mALX, for positive and encouraging comments.

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The Sunken One and The Gardener

The Gold Coast, Cyrodiil, 5th of Heartfire 3€433

As he was making way through the Sandstone cave, Loypuur wondered what could The Sunken One be… ‘It sounds like some beast that has been living deep underground for centuries… perhaps I’m wrong but it doesn’t seem very likely that it would be responsible for what happened at Kvatch. I hope I’ll be able to defeat if I have to face it.’

The only inhabitants were wolves and imps and Loypuur had standard techniques of killing them. He waited for the wolves to come close and then he powerfully hit them, usually one hit was enough. With imps he waited until they ran out of fire and then repeated the procedure as with wolves. He was unharmed when he found a corpse of Slythe and a sack beside his corpse.

‘Sadly he’s dead, just as I thought. Seems for a few days… what do we have here in this sack? Hmm… few pearls, nuggets and some gold. I guess that’s an offering. And what’s that… seems like remains of Slythe’s journal.’

As Loypuur finished reading Slythe’s journal, he wondered where was the creature so far? Apparently it killed Slythe but Loypuur hasn’t encountered it yet. ‘Did it leave the cave?’ But as the turned around, he immediately noticed The Sunken One. Gigantic creature from numerous stones, some fixed and some floating around it. Loypuur recognized it immediately…

‘The Storm Atronach… I’ve seen some of them before in Summerset Isles… but I’ve never faced one. It hasn’t spotted me yet. Time to attack!' For some reason Loypuur shouted "For Kvatch!" as he attacked The Sunken One. It gave him some inner strength as he dealt a powerful blow to the Storm Atronach. The stones around it began to spin faster and Loypuur thought that it would explode! But he didn’t stop… he was dealing blow after blow and the stone beast was soon just a memory.

‘Huh… that was easier as I expected.’

After he gained some salts from its remains and made a last bow to Slythe, who died while performing a noble cause, Loypuur left the sad cave. He didn’t feel guilty for Slythe’s dead because from its journal it was clear that Slythe had been dead by the time Loypuur arrived to Kvatch. He doubted that The Sunken One was responsible for the Oblivion gate but it was a good riddance in either case.

…

With the intention to help survivors from Kvatch a little more, Loypuur decided to do some gardening. So he harvested some plants from Slythe’s farm, specifically potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, leeks and corns and using a small carriage he delivered them to Kvatch.

His act brought a smile and happiness to the people and Loypuur told them about the farm a little west of town where they could gather free plants. He didn’t go into details about Slythe’s death instead he told them that “Slythe Serengi was a noble man who died in a fight with a powerful Daedra.”

‘It would be a shame if the farm wasn’t used for its potential.’ Now he really felt like there’s nothing more he could do here. If he felt bad when being proclaimed The Hero of Kvatch, he now felt better because he knew that he had really done something good that may help the people in long term. Tired from the battle with The Sunken One and gardening, Loypuur decided to spend one more night at Slythe’s farm.

‘In the morning I’m continuing towards the Imperial City… I hope the rest of the journey will be less eventful. On the other hand, I’ve gained some experience and I won’t be a complete amateur by the time I reach the capital.’

Although he often remembered the events at Kvatch, he was slowly getting in a better mood. ‘If I could only find out who was the old man from my dream…’With these thoughts in mind, Loypuur fell asleep.

This post has been edited by Lopov: Apr 3 2013, 06:01 PM

[Lopov]

Part 1: The funeral

Road to Skingrad, Cyrodiil, 6th of Heartfire 3€433

In the morning Loypuur decided to use the Sigil Stone from Oblivion on his tan linens. He wasn’t completely sure what will the effect of this strange artifact be but thanks to his basic comprehension of magic he deduced that the stone was capable of either dispelling on strike or absorbing a spell – he chose the latter on his linens and thus increased his spell absorption given to him by his birth-sign.

He spotted a patrol of Imperial soldiers on a road and joined them. ‘Funny, while I was in the portal fighting Daedra I didn’t think about fear… but now, on the road again, I feel uneasy again.’ The patrol was ambushed several times and while Loypuur tried to help, he soon realized that he would be just a nuisance because four soldiers were more than able to deal with any bandits.

When he noticed an ancient-looking white well a short distance away from the road, he separated from the soldiers and decided to investigate this unusual finding. He soon found out its purpose – when drawing a power from it, his lost magicka regenerated immediately and his magicka reservoir expanded. ‘Very useful for someone like me, born under The Atronach.’

As he returned to the road, he noticed the same patrol of soldiers but something was not in order… there were only three of them. ‘Where’s the fourth one?’ As he looked down the road, he saw two bodies on the ground – he ran there and found out what had happened with the fourth soldier. He was dead, still holding his silver sword in his hand. Beside him a dead bandit was lying, probably the one responsible for the killing. ‘If I only remembered before… I could heal the soldier and perhaps he wouldn’t be dead now… but what kind of soldiers are the remaining three? Won’t they even bury their comrade? Or at least move him away from the main road? Will they leave him to rot in the middle of the road? Legion is obviously a cruel one, not caring much about… I hear someone approaching!’

High Elf had barely enough time to turn around – an angry looking Khajiit was rushing to him, his iron war-hammer ready for a strike. Loypuur couldn’t block the first blow but he managed to evade the second one and finally blocked the third one while at the same time pulling his axe out. The bandit was already wounded as he died after a first strike. ‘Perhaps it was this Khajiit that killed the soldier… in any case, he was avenged. And if Legion doesn’t take care of their members, then I will.’

Loypuur looked for an appropriate flower nearby and although there were many, the most appropriate seemed alkanet. He carefully picked it and placed it beside the dead soldier. Then he moved his legs and arms closer to his body and placed the sword on the top of him so that the soldier was still holding it in his hand. After he prayed to Mara for his soul, he left the sad place.

Part 2: Parwen

Skingrad, Cyrodiil, 6th of Heartfire 3€433

“No, I’ve just recently arrived to Cyrodiil. I’ve only been to Anvil before… and Kvatch. A real tragedy what happened there but I guess you already know that, little one. Skingrad is much different than Anvil though… or perhaps everyone had a bad day today. First the rude Orc horse seller and her overpriced horses. She even called me poor because I wasn’t prepared to give her 1000 septims for a bay horse. I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to, having only 123 at the time. Then I was approached by a strange Wood Elf who wanted to meet me behind the chapel at midnight. When I asked him what was he talking about, he screamed at me and pretended that he doesn’t know me at all… the next person I came across was young Redguard and I friendly asked her about that Wood Elf. But she told me that she doesn’t trust me enough?! Funny, eh?

The next one I met was one of my race… he was going on and on about his sweetrolls and he didn’t trust me enough to talk about Wood Elf either! Unfortunately it seems that my charm more often works with men than with women… yes, don’t laugh, it’s true… and this man – Salmo at least told me that Wood Elf was a town eccentric. He gave me a reason good enough to stay away from him… honestly I don’t feel like meeting the Wood Elf behind the chapel at midnight. What if he fancies me?

As I kindly wanted to ask a nearby guard for some directions, he let me know immediately that he’ll inform the captain about a stranger in town. He also warned me to keep my weapons sheathed. I never had a feeling that I look dangerous and problematic… what do you think? Do I look like such? Huh… I asked him about the Wood Elf too and finally found out his name – Glarthir. The guard even called him ‘total nutcase’.
Well, then I headed to the Fighters guild. Well at the least the guild seemed in order. The whole building is much larger than the one in Anvil but there are less members and you seem to be more connected for that reason, if you know what I mean. But surprises never end. As I was having a meal, a bald Imperial approached, introduced himself as captain Dion and wanted to know why had I been curious about Glarthir? Obviously news in your town spread really fast. Well, I told him that he wanted to meet me behind the chapel and captain Dion advised me not to do that. I told him that it was not my intention but I had a feeling that he didn’t listen.

But then… then you came to my room… and I forgot about everything else. I forgot about the rude Orc, the crazy Wood Elf, the distrustful Redguard, the strict guard and the curious captain… I saw you and only you… Parwen!”

Loypuur finally finished his speech and he couldn’t believe that Parwen was in fact actually listening to him. ‘By Mara, I felt more nervous talking to her as I did when I was removing the Sigil Stone. Huh, what can one good-looking Wood Elf to do a young man’s heart? Her eyebrows, eyes and her smile! Coming to Skingrad was a wise thing to do!’

The young ‘couple’ was chatting for some time, sitting on a bench in the guild’s main hall. The news about Kvatch obviously reached Skingrad as Parwen knew of some ‘hero that went right into the gate and closed it’. Loypuur was in doubts whether he should tell her that it was him but he decided not to reveal himself. Later, Parwen went to do some more practicing and Loypuur went to one of the unoccupied rooms on the 2nd floor. ‘Parwen said she likes hunting – I’ll invite her to go goblin hunting with me tomorrow… hopefully she’ll agree!’

This post has been edited by Lopov: Apr 3 2013, 06:02 PM

[Lopov]

A new friend

Skingrad and Weye, Cyrodiil, 7th of Heartfire 3€433

Loypuur didn’t sleep much, his mind occupied with the coming events. Parwen! Parwen! Parwen! All he could think about – Parwen! He woke up around 6 am and hurried to the chapel, determined to pray to Zenithar for a small boost of his luck. Because he will need a lot of luck today!

As he left the chapel, weather slowly turned foggy and soon it was so thick that one could barely see a meter away. But Loypuur didn’t care, he didn’t even notice the fog because of Parwen! He picked up some flowers from under the statue of a man on the horse and then decided to surprise Parwen… ‘I’ll buy her a present! She’ll definitely like it!’

Few minutes later as he was browsing the inventory of Gunder at Colovian Traders, he spotted something that should suit Parwen perfectly – a chainmail helmet! ‘That should do the trick… I noticed she likes to wear chainmail when practicing and she doesn’t have a helmet yet!’ With freshly picked flowers and new chainmail helmet he headed to the guild.

Parwen was practicing with her bow downstairs and Loypuur slowly walked behind her. He was watching her for some time as she was firing arrow after an arrow… ‘She fired an arrow at me as well but that one was invisible yet it struck my heart… ah, Parwen!’

He was trying to start the conversation but he was getting more and more nervous. ‘That’s much tougher than fighting the Daedra!’ He repeated his speech a thousand times in his head before yet he completely forgot it now.

“Good morning, Parwen!”
“It’s my pleasure. Please, continue.” ‘Her pleasure! Uh, we started well!’
“I… w-was wondering… if you would perhaps join me… in e-e-e?”
“Join you?” Parwen said with a surprised smile.
“Yes! That’s it! Join me.”
“Ummm… what do you mean, Loypuur? Join where?”
“Oh… how clumsy I am! I meant if you would join me for a goblin hunt! There are a lot of goblins around here, aren’t they? I thought… that we could perhaps go and do some hunting together.”
‘Okay, that was it! The hardest part is over! Will she accept? She’s smiling at me… why doesn’t she say anything? Oh by Zenithar, I forgot to give her the flowers and a helmet…’
“I really like you but I can’t do that now.” Having said that, Parwen turned around and continued practicing.

Loypuur felt like the time stopped and immediately got a lump in his throat. ‘That’s it then’ he thought. He was standing behind her for some time, looking at the flowers in his right hand and helmet in his left… then he silently turned around and left. He was greeted by fellow guild member Fadus but Loypuur ignored him… he wanted to go… suddenly Skingrad felt as unwelcoming to him as it did the first time. ‘I should stick to my first impression!’

He went upstairs, equipped his iron cuirass and new steel boots that he bought yesterday at Gunder’s, then packed his stuff and left the guild. He returned to Gunder’s, sold chainmail helmet and left Skingrad by northern gate.

‘Stupid fog… I can barely see what’s ahead of me… what was I even thinking back there? That she’ll go goblin hunting with a first stranger that came to the guild? I obviously didn’t think that much… by Zenithar, I must have looked clumsy there, I hope any other guild member didn’t hear me and my… attempt at making a love speech.’

He continued down the road, following signposts to the Imperial City… ‘In the end, that’s why I came to Cyrodiil. I should focus on Arena now!’ But his mood didn’t improve with time and neither did weather – Loypuur felt like current weather in Cyrodiil the best describes his current mood.

Apart from Khajiit highwayman whom was he forced to kill the rest of the journey was safe because an Imperial horseman far away in front of him was making a clear path… by slaying wolves, imps or even trolls. Loypuur preferred it that way – he wasn’t in a mood for fighting.

A little later he noticed a prominent tower sticking out of thick fog far away… he knew that must the legendary White Gold Tower, the central point of the capital of Cyrodiil – the Imperial City. He had heard from many adventurers in Summerset Isles that this tower is the most significant landmark of entire Cyrodiil and can be seen from almost anywhere… but now when he finally saw it, Loypuur didn’t feel anything special. He felt just like the fog surrounding him.

Late in the afternoon he arrived to a small village, obviously the suburb of the Imperial City. A village was called Weye and there were in fact only two houses – one was an inn and the second one was a farmhouse. Loypuur didn’t have any appetite but he decided to eat something nonetheless so he headed to the inn.

The innkeeper, a High Elf like him, was beautiful, definitely one of the most beautiful High Elves he had ever seen but Loypuur was not in a real mood to admire her after what happened to him in the morning. Still, a look at her made him at least partially ‘wake up’ from his sadness as he realized there are many women out there.

After a short meal Loypuur headed outside… the weather didn’t improve and all he could see was a long bridge ahead of him and the tall tower behind it.

‘Here am I now… I don’t know why but I imagined my arrival to the capital completely different. I imagined that I would be riding a white horse… yet I’m on foot. I imagined that I would have a lot of septims by now… yet I have only eight of them which means I can’t afford a room either. I imagined that… well, I just imagined that it would all be completely different… guess my father was correct when he told me I was a dreamer.’

He exhaled deeply, looked a little around himself and noticed a man approaching… ‘Probably the owner of that farmhouse.’

“You know, stranger, there comes a time in every man's life when he has to admit that he's lost the fight.”
‘Just a second… how does this man what happened to me this morning? Or what is he talking about?’
“Well, I've fought and I've lost.”
‘Oh, he’s talking about himself!’
“Who did I lose to? Who is my great enemy? Well, don't laugh... it's a bunch of damn fish.”
‘Fish? Did he say fish?’
Loypuur then said:” You know, stranger, I agree with you. I also lost a fight this very morning. Not with the fish, though… what have they done to you, anyway? Can I help, perhaps?”
"Go on and lau... Wait. Help? Oh. Well, then... I'm a fisherman. Or at least, I was. Until one of those slaughterfish damn near took my leg off. I was collecting their scales, see. I had a contract with this young alchemist. You wouldn't believe what he was paying for those scales! Then last month, one of the bastards got ahold of my leg. Took me right out of the business. But this alchemist, he needs the scales right away."
“I see… so… what about these scales?”
“The alchemist was paying so much for the scales that I'm close to having enough saved so that I can retire. But now, I can't get out there to the lake -- not with this leg. I only needed twelve more scales! Can you believe it? I was so close! I've picked up a few things in my travels. If you head out there and bring me back the twelve scales that I need, I can make it worth your time. Help an old fisherman out, won't you?”

Loypuur felt sorry for the old man, no matter how silly his troubles may sound, he could feel his distress. ‘This poor man was probably a hard-working fisherman for his entire life and how he can’t enjoy his well-deserved retirement because of the injury. I should help him, perhaps it will make me feel better.’
But then Loypuur remembered something… something that could also partially benefit him! As the fisherman was already walking away, Loypuur hurried to him.

“Alright, stranger… I will help you get those scales. But I also have one problem and… don’t laugh. I wanted to invite a cute Wood Elf this morning to go hunting with me… you know… just hunting. I bought her a nice chainmail helmet but in the end she rejected me… before I could even give her a helmet. The problem is that although I sold the helmet back, I’m low on septims. I don’t have enough to afford a room. I could go on and sell some of my stuff but… I don’t feel like doing it. And I was wondering… would you allow me to spend a night in your house? In return, I’ll get you twelve or even more scales in the morning.”

The fisherman was listening to him and didn’t laugh at Loypuur’s problems either. Then he gave him a warm smile and said:” You’re more than welcome, High Elf. I live alone but I have a spare bedroll if that’s alright with you? If you’ll really retrieve these scales for me, feel free to use my bedroll for tomorrow as well… or the night after tomorrow, he he he.” Loypuur was happy and he finally started to feel better. Even the weather was slowly improving.

“Thank you, stran… ah, let’s drop this ‘stranger’. I’m Loypuur. Pleased to meet you.”
“Aelwin Merowald,” said the fisherman with a smile. “Pleased to meet you too.”
They shook hands and Loypuur had a feeling that he had just gained a first real friend in Cyrodiil.

[Lopov]

The Imperial City

The Imperial City, Cyrodiil, 8th of Heartfire 3€433

The fog seemed just a bad memory of bad day when Loypuur came out of Aelwin’s house, ready to do some fishing. He could clearly see the long bridge over Lake Rumare, white walls of the Imperial City and the White Gold tower in all its glory, almost touching the sky. ‘There will be plenty of time to admire it later’ thought Loypuur as he was walking towards the lake, wearing nothing but his loincloth and trusty silver axe. ‘Now let’s deal with these fishes!’

‘I have nothing against you but you’ll help an old man to retire’ he thought as he whacked the first fish but soon realized that he should be cautious when dealing with Rumare Slaughterfishes – they were quick and their sharp teeth could bite hard not to mention their scales were thick, making them not so easy to whack as Loypuur thought at first.

Still, he developed a technique which allowed him to easily gain twelve required scales… he attracted the attention of the fish and when it came closer, Loypuur began swimming around it in circles while whacking it at the same time. If he by chance got bit, he absorbed health from a fish, healing himself and usually ending fish’s life. After few hours he happily returned to Aelwin and presented him with twelve fresh slaughterfish scales.

Loypuur didn’t expect any reward, his greatest reward was already that Aelwin allowed him to stay in his shack but the fisherman insisted and rewarded High Elf with a nice golden ring. But its beauty was not important – important were two powerful effects, first one being the ability to breathe underwater and second one being improving wearer’s athletics. Loypuur put it in his pocket, convinced it will come handy when he’ll need to dive underwater or be just a little faster.

“Listen Aelwin… you mentioned that you have to bring those scales to some alchemist in town, right? Perhaps we could go together… I found a silver fork and knife in two of the fishes and I’d like to sell them but I’ve never been to the Imperial City so I have no idea where to go and who to talk to.”
“Sounds great, I was planning to invite you with me anyway. Let’s go then and let the old fisherman be your guide.” Loypuur decided to wear something more practical for the town and Aelwin gave him one of his shirts which he bought for himself a year ago but it was oversize and he didn’t have any use for it. Loypuur borrowed huntsman moccasins as well and promised to pay a dinner for both of them in an inn of Aelwin’s preference in return.
And so a rather unusual pair went to the capital…

“By the way, you are that hero from Kvatch, aren’t you? The one who went inside the portal and closed the gate.”
Loypuur was astonished :”W-w-…why yes I am! But how do you know that, Aelwin?”
“My friend, there are not many High Elves with short red hair walking around in an iron armor. Not to mention your shield with an emblem of Kvatch which I noticed immediately. My leg may be limp but my eyes are still good, he he he.”
“Now that’s surprising… I didn’t know that news spread so fast. Well, yes… that’s me but I hope I won’t be recognized by entire Cyrodiil now” said Loypuur and laughed.
“Better get used to it. News in Cyrodiil spread very fast and it’s probable that many people will recognize you. But why not? You did a good work there from what I hear and you should be proud of yourself!”
“Yes, yes, I know… it’s just that I’m not used to it yet. And don’t you find it funny, Aelwin? You were approached by mighty hero of Kvatch who closed the gate, saved the town, but didn’t have enough septims to rent a room? That’s a bit excessive, don’t you think?”
Two friends laughed and continued their way in a good mood.

“These here are Chestnut Handy Stables if you ever need a horse. But from what I hear, they don’t sell any lately. Something happened to the horses but I don’t know what exactly.”
“No worries, one of the first things I’ve realized about Cyrodiil was that horses are very expensive. I’ll probably be able to afford a house sooner.”
“True but these in the capital are cheap. Only 500 gold if I recall correctly. That is when they were still selling them.”
A friendly guard opened the great door of the town for them and they entered the capital.
“So I’m finally here… the Imperial City!” said Loypuur as he was admiring tall buildings and a statue of the dragon.
“It’s probably all new to you, yes… I’m so used and fed up with it that I’m grateful for every minute I pass outside. It’s too crowded and loud… nothing can compare with peace and silence at Lake Rumare, you’ll see. Anyway, this is Talos Plaza district or the district of the rich ones. There’s a hotel, dedicated to Tiber Septim and an inn, called The Foaming Flask. They have a good beer there and is foaming just as it says on a door-sign. Follow me, we’re going to the Market District but we have to pass through another district first.”

Aelwin proved to be a very good guide and Loypuur enjoyed listening to him. He didn’t make long speeches and was instead pointing out the basic things a stranger should know.
“Now we’re in Elven Gardens district though you won’t see any gardens here. This is one of the common districts. There are two feuding families but I guess that doesn’t interest you right now. There are also two inns, first one is The King and Queen Tavern but let the name not deceive you – this inn has one of the cheapest rooms in the town from what I hear and food is said to be very good. I don’t know much about the other inn… yes, this one… it’s owned by a man named Luther and he seems a little secretive. For some reason he’s always armed with a big war-hammer or axe and a rumor says that he used to be a Daedric worshipper. I don’t know whether that’s true or false but I’d suggest you go to King and Queen if you need to choose among these two. Or better yet.. come to my shack! He he he!”
“And now, my friend, we’re in… hey, where are you going?”
“Just a second, Aelwin, I noticed something!” Loypuur saw a large poster on a wall and he ran to it. It said ‘The Arena’ and there were four people pictured on it… a warrior with a sword, wizard, archer and man with an axe.
“That’s a poster for the Arena, friend,” said Aelwin.
“Yes… I know. Nice.”
“Nothing nice about it, believe me, Loypuur. People either pay to see other people getting killed or compete and get themselves killed. However you look at it… people get killed. Only idiots compete there.”

Loypuur decided not to tell Aelwin that it was because of the Arena he had arrived to the town. Aelwin seemed to have very harsh opinion about it and Loypuur didn’t know what would happen if he told him that he wants to fight in the Arena. Instead, they went on…

“I suggest you sell your silver stuff at Three Brothers, it’s just here behind the corner. The shop is owned by three Verus brothers and they’ll make you a fair price. Although I hear that some Wood Elf has the lowest prices… and nobody knows how he manages. But you better stay away from him.”
For the time being, Loypuur only wanted to sell his silver stuff, the price wasn’t so important. Tertullian Verus was friendly one and even before Loypuur could sell his stuff, he asked him for help regarding some other merchant in town.
“No, sorry, I’m just here to sell my stuff.”
“A pity. If you ever change my mind, come see me or Jensine. Now, what are you offering me, young man?”
Loypuur sold his silver knife, fork and a carafe which he found in a chest close to Lake Rumare. By the time he and Aelwin left the store, he had 25 gold in his pockets.

“Tertullian was definitely talking about that Wood Elf, you know. The one I told you about before. You are capable young man and if you managed to kill twelve Rumare Slaughterfishes, you should also be able to expose his scheme! I mean… from a customer’s perspective this Wood Elf is an ideal choice but…”
Loypuur heard Aelwin going on and on about Wood Elf but he wasn’t paying him much attention anymore, instead he was amazed by sheer size of the Imperial city market. He has never seen so many shops, placed literally one by one.
‘A Fighting chance’ – he’ll definitely have to check this place out.
‘Rindir’s staffs’ – he’s not much into staffs yet the name sounds interesting.
“… but Tertullian is my friend and I don’t like when someone…”
Aelwin was still talking and Loypuur occasionally nodded or said “Mhm” to show him that he’s listening while in fact he was watching a group of people chatting about Fighters Guild and some Fallen Rock contract.
“… if you ever change my mind, heed Tertullian’s advice, you’ll get good prices if you help to solve…”
Loypuur nodded but was in fact watching a beautiful dark-skinned Imperial with nicely combed hair. A Dark Elf in noble clothes passed by, greeted him and was immediately followed by an Argonian and Orc. Loypuur had never seen such a mixture of races in one place until now.

They stopped at The Main Ingredient where Aelwin gave twelve scales to the young alchemist and in return he could collect his gold the next week. It was around 3 pm when they entered The Merchants Inn and Loypuur bought some beef and cheese for both of them.
“Listen Aelwin… how about we go to see the Arena… just for fun? I heard so many about this place and I’m curious how does it look like?”
“Well, we can go, if you want but there’s not much to see except people getting killed and greedy people betting on their deaths. But we can go, sure. It’s just a district away.”

Half an hour later they stepped through large wooden gates and Loypuur saw it… the Arena… his reason to leave Summerset Isles… his reason to prove himself as a warrior… suddenly he felt his arms and legs shaking but not because he saw the Arena but because he remembered his father and how much he hated Loypuur’s desires to become a warrior. He remembered his past…

…

“That’s enough, Loypuur! I will listen no more! I will never allow such nonsense! Can you imagine what a shame you are to me… CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THAT? I take you to every meeting… I introduce you to the most powerful and influential mages of our race… AND YOU GO ON AND ON ABOUT THIS WARRIOR STUPIDITIY? You should talk to these mages, let them knew you, instead you hurry to the nearest guard and admire his sword and armor!? HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME? After all I’ve done for you… you are a disappointment, Loypuur, a real disappointment. Obviously not even the death of Master Khedira could stop you…
“It was not just death, father. It was a murder. And you murdered him. You are a murderer and you know that!”
Quarvinal stood up from his throne, narrowed his eyes and slightly opened his mouth… so that he showed his broken incisor teeth. ‘I angered him’ thought Loypuur. ‘Just what I wanted.’ But to Loypuur’s disappointment, his father sat back.
“You thought you’d anger me, Loypuur? You thought you’d anger me enough to throw you out of home, right? No, Loypuur! No! You won’t succeed! I know what you want, I know exactly what you want… you want me to throw you out of my castle so that you could go and join these filthy warriors. But I won’t do that, Loypuur! Oh no! As long as I’m alive, you will be the ‘prisoner’ of your own home. Until you change your mind and start training as a mage! Perhaps then… perhaps then I’ll let you see some of the world but not before that. Forget about being the warrior, Loypuur! You are weak and useless, a shame to our powerful family. Look at your brothers and sisters… they are all doing what they should! None of them is complaining… but you… you are a mistake of the nature. My youngest son and such a weakling… I regret the day you were born!"

…

“Hey friend, wake up! Are you going to the Arena or not?” said Aelwin and clapped in front of Loypuur’s face, waking him from his past.
“Oh… what… yes, of course, let’s go. I remembered something unpleasant and got carried away. It happens to me sometimes.”

Two friends entered through strong iron door where a Wood Elf with very vivid orange hair was standing. He introduced himself as Hundolin and told them that if they want to sign on as a combatant, they should speak to someone named Owyn. But in case they want to bet on a match, they should talk to him!
Loypuur agreed to bet on a match but soon realized that he doesn’t have enough gold… a dinner at The Merchants Inn left him with 5 gold and he needed at least 25 to place a bet. “Some other time, then.” The Wood Elf was obviously displeased of the pair not betting on a match. “He probably thought we are beggars” said Loypuur to Aelwin as they left the Arena.
“That’s good, Loypuur. Believe me, you’re not missing anything down there. Or up there however you want it.”
“Mhm,” said Loypuur but he already knew that he will somehow get enough gold to bet on a match. Some other day, perhaps. As they were leaving the district, Loypuur looked back on more than one occasion, admiring the old building and the emblems. ‘It’s so inviting… much more than any magic school’ he thought as a guard closed large wooden door behind them.

…

Sun was setting as two friends were walking through the Talos Plaza District, heading back to Aelwin’s shack.
“Don’t bother asking, young one, you’re allowed to use my shack for this night and for another and for another… he he he” Aelwin told to surprised Loypuur.
“Thank you, Aelwin. But how did you know that I would ask you?”
“You see, my friend… you couldn’t bet in Arena since you had only 5 gold. Well, with 5 gold you can’t afford a room in the capital either, he he he.”
When they reached the Chestnut Handy Stables, Loypuur noticed a wayshrine in the distance and decided to pray a little.
“I’m tired, young one, my legs aren’t used to so much walking anymore. But I liked it, I really did. I’m heading home, you come whenever you want, don’t bother if you make some noise, I hear nothing when sleeping.”
“Alright. Thanks once again. I’m leaving tomorrow in the morning, I promise.”
“No need, no need. I’m not getting married anytime soon, he he he, so you may as well use that bedroll if you like. If it weren’t for you, I couldn’t retire. Many people say that Aelwin Merowald isn’t a kind man and perhaps I’m not either. But you were kind to poor Aelwin with a limp leg and he doesn’t forget that. No, he doesn’t forget that.”
“Ha ha... see you then, Aelwin” said Loypuur and headed towards the chapel as Aelwin continued down the bridge. The shrine was dedicated to Julianos and after a short prayer to the God of literature, Loypuur spent some time admiring beautiful sunset over Lake Rumare.

‘The Hero of Kvatch with 5 gold in his pockets! Funny but I like it that way. I prefer to start from… well… from nothing. I could take a lot of gold from my home before I departed but then I wouldn’t be any better than my father. I could even sell my enchanted linens or Jewel of Rumare but I don’t feel like doing it. Linens remind me of my first ever enchanted item and ring is more than just useful, it is also a reward from a friend. Only when you have nothing, you appreciate what you gain. Tomorrow is a big day then… I’m going to the Imperial City. At first I thought about searching for some gold in old fort close to The Wawnet Inn but it probably serves as a hideout to some bandits just like Fort Strand near Anvil… and I don’t want to do another manslaughter in the fort even if they are bandits. I’ll try to get some work in the town, perhaps I’ll follow Aelwin’s advice and talk to Tertullian about that shady merchant. But perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to meddle into affairs of the merchants, after all I’m a stranger in town. I could sign on as a combatant… but I don’t feel like doing it yet. Funny, back home I was craving to become a combatant in the Arena but now when I’m here and have a chance to do it… I feel like I’m postponing it. I don’t know why though. Ah, too many questions and plans. Time to go to sleep.’

[Grits]

What a fun day with Aelwin in the Imperial City. I’m nervous about Loypuur signing up at the Arena. I hope he goes in to watch a match first!

[McBadgere]

Caught up!... ...

I loved the way you handled the Kvatch stuff...We know he survived from the off, and because it was all memory stuff, you could jump through the various things that happen there...I loved that...

I miss Anvil already though... ...

He didn't have much fun in Skingrad, did he?... ...D'you know, I've never read the names of the people in Skingrad?... ...Other than the Mages Guild ones and Agnete the Pickled... ...

And so to Weye and I.C. I loved this whole section...Aelwin is such fun!...The tour around I.C. was excellently done!...Brilliant stuff...

I also love the way you make the first letter of the paragraph bold!... ...Really adds to the story...Brilliant idea... ...

Again, my compliments on your efforts towards doing this in English...Well done indeed!!..

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Acadian]

A basket full of quests at Anvil, from rats to burglars to a buxom Nord whose mate ran off with a mace. . . . Then he returns briefly as Hero of Kvatch.

Skingrad. Ahhh, Parwen is a dear elf – Loypuur has excellent taste!

Finally, the big city! And the Altmer is wise enough to earn himself a guide. I’ll bet Loypuur got some practice with his nifty convalescence spell healing up the fisherman’s leg so the old fellow could get around town better. Uh oh. . . the Arena. Yikes!

[Lopov]

Thanks for all your comments.

@Grits - unfortunately he didn't watch a match first as you'll see in the coming story, he rushed to The Arena immediately but there might be some surprised at the end of the day.

@McBadgere - Loypuur really didn't have a lot of fun in Skingrad and the fog worsened it even more. Of all towns in Cyrodiil residents of Skingrad are the most unfamilar to me as well, I discovered quite some 'new' on Loypuur's adventure.

@Acadian - yes, Parwen is quite outstanding. He indeed help Aelwin, seems I forgot to mention it before.

And now...the Arena!

Pit Dog – part 1

The Imperial City, Cyrodiil, 9th of Heartfire 3€433

In the morning Loypuur didn’t anymore think about talking to Tertullian about merchant problem, neither did he think about looting an old fort… instead he decided to join the Arena as a combatant! Thanks to Aelwin he got a basic idea of the town districts and this time, instead of going through Elven Gardens and Market District to the Arena, he headed through Green Emperor Way, partially because it was a shortcut to the Arena and partially to see White Gold Tower.

‘By Mara, how tall it is! It looks like it never ends.’ Loypuur found Green Emperor Way with numerous blossoming bushes and thick trees lovely and calm while graves and majestic tombs represented long past of the Empire. There was no guard outside the tower and Loypuur decided to peak in. He carefully opened large wooden gate with a symbol of the Empire and walked in. Inside complete silence prevailed. There were two guards in royal armor, each equipped with a silver bow and matching sword. ‘What a beautiful armor!’ He didn’t know whether it is allowed to be in the tower but he rather decided not to test the patience of the royal guards, so he went outside as silently as he entered.

‘So this is where the Emperor lived… wait!... Emperor? By Talos, I’m a slow one! The man from my dreams! Old man in noble clothes… it was the Emperor! And an amulet… the Amulet of Kings! I finally remembered… but why was I dreaming about the Emperor? It looked like he was trying to say something. I guess I was still under influence of events at Kvatch…’ thought Loypuur, finally satisfied because he solved his mysterious nightmare.

He slowly walked to the Arena and upon seeing it, he felt the same fear as yesterday. But this time it was not a fear of his father… this time it was a fear of… death. ‘Best fighters from all over Tamriel come and compete in the Arena… I’m far from a fighter and even farther from the best. I’m not sure I’m ready for this…’ Still, he felt a strange pull, like an invisible force was moving his legs forward and he couldn’t resist it. And just as yesterday the same Wood Elf was standing at the entrance.

“Good morning! Ehmm… I’d like to join as a combatant. W-where should I go?”
“Just down the stairs into Bloodworks and talk to Owyn the Blademaster,” answered Wood Elf.
“Thanks,” said Loypuur, inhaled deeply and went down the stairs.
‘What a cold place’ was Loypuur’s first thought as he descended down the stairs. ‘And very unwelcoming too… all I can hear are the sounds of swords clinking… be courageous now Loypuur. Look for Owyn.’ First fighter he came across was an Orc and a rather friendly one. Loypuur had no idea who he was but he had a very nicely designed armor. The Orc introduced himself as Agronak gro-Malog and told Loypuur a little about his nickname and some other events but High Elf didn’t really listen to him as he didn’t feel uncomfortable in the Bloodworks.

He went to the other room where a Dark Elf was punching a sack. He was friendly as the Orc and introduced himself as Ades Ulrani. He told Loypuur to stay away from the Battle Matron. ‘Must be that sharp-looking lady on my left.’ Ades told him a little about the history of the Arena, was very surprised when Loypuur hasn’t heard about Gaiden Shinji, the man who obviously constructed the Arena. After a brief conversation Loypuur noticed a man standing in the corner of the room… a middle-aged Redguard with reddish skin and tough look. ‘Must be Owyn.’

"I don't know who you are friend, but you've got about ten seconds to tell me what you're doing in my Bloodworks before I lop your arms off." With these ‘kind’ words Owyn greeted Loypuur as he approached.
“I want to become a combatant!”
“You… a combatant? Ha ha ha ha! Don’t make me laugh! My granny could beat you and she’s dead.”
“Talk all you want, but I’m serious” answered Loypuur, surprised at his own words.
“Alright, alright, you look serious indeed. So we got another suicidal idiot on board…”

Owyn’s attitude didn’t scare Loypuur away, in fact he expected to be greeted in such a manner. ‘I guess a High Elf is rarely seen competing in the Arena.’ Owyn gave Loypuur heavy raiment, explained him basic rules about the Arena and told him that he should speak to him whenever he’s ready for a match.
“I’m ready right now,” answered Loypuur but Owyn screamed at him because he forgot to equip his battle raiment! ‘This one is really short-tempered’ thought Loypuur as he was putting on his enchanted heavy battle raiment. It fit him perfectly yet he didn’t feel as agile as he did when wearing iron armor and tan linens. He put on his iron helmet, Jewel of the Rumare and then readied his silver axe and Kvatch shield.

‘That’s it … I came to where I wanted, I guess I should be happy. But in fact I’m not… I feel nervous, just nervous. In fact someone’s going to die in the next few minutes… either me or my opponent. It must be my opponent! Alright, let’s go…’

Encouraging himself as he was walking through the bloody room, Loypuur stepped through wooden gate and found himself in… the Arena. The fabulous Arena! He heard loud cheering from the tribune, spectators were already eagerly awaiting the coming battle… he remembered Aelwin’s words… that people either pay to see others getting killed or they kill themselves… He stopped and thought for a second… ‘There’s no way back now. I have to go further and… and… fight to death. 'Lady, lead me!’ Having said that, he casted Lady’s Warding upon himself, boosting his endurance. He slowly ascended the bloody stairs just in time to hear the strong voice announce the coming match between two Pit Dogs. Loypuur could see his opponent, standing opposite of him, closed behind strong iron bars just as him. ‘A woman… I’ll be fighting against a woman. This could make things harder for me… Block and fight as master Khedira taught you…’

When the bars moved down, the announcer almost roared and spectators on the tribunes stood up and began cheering … Loypuur pulled out his axe and did the same as his opponent… running through the center of the Arena! He could see his opponent now…’Judging by her moves must be a Wood Elf. They are quick and agile, I should be careful. I can do it, I can do it, I can do it. Now it begins… or ends!’


This post has been edited by Lopov: Apr 13 2013, 09:18 AM

[Lopov]

Pit Dog – part 2

The Imperial City, Cyrodiil, 9th of Heartfire 3€433

Loypuur raised his shield in front of him just in time to block the incoming attack. “Hiyaaaaaaaaaa!” shouted the Wood Elf and swung with her sword again, this time hitting Loypuur in the left arm.

‘What’s wrong with me??... I just can’t hit her back. She looks weak and would probably fall after the first strike… why did I come here, why did I come here?? But her eyes… her eyes are telling me that she’s exactly the opposite. Each my wound makes her happy, she enjoys the sight of my blood…’
Loypuur blocked an attack after attack while not dealing any blow in return. With time he began to dodge the attacks and Wood Elf missed on more than one occasion. But Loypuur could see from her eyes that she won’t stop until he’s dead.
‘Now that’s enough… I can’t stand here, hiding my face behind a shield, looking like a coward… I came to fight and I SHALL FIGHT!’

Encouraging himself, Loypuur jumped back, avoided the powerful blow and in next second swung his silver axe, powerfully hitting surprised Wood Elf in an arm, wounding her. She staggered, obviously surprised to receive a blow like this but she quickly returned it. Loypuur successfully blocked it and then hit her again… and again! And again! Wood Elf managed to strike him on occasion but soon it was clear to Loypuur that’s she’s about to fall… after one well-placed strike to her head, Wood Elf dropped her sword to the ground and a second later… lifelessly fell on the ground.

“WE HAVE A WINNERRRRRRRRRRRR!”

A roaring voice resounded over the entire Arena, people stood up, clapping and waving at Loypuur! He was standing above the corpse of his former opponent, holding his bloody axe in right hand and Kvatch shield in the left. ‘Fight to death…’ he thought as he bent over the corpse. ‘A young Wood Elf… about my age… why did she come to Arena? Did she also escape from her home, hoping to succeed in the Arena? Who knows… I’ll probably never know… I don’t even know her name.’
Loypuur sheathed his weapon and shield and put Wood Elf’s corpse in such a position that her head was turned towards the sunny skies. People at the Arena were getting quiet, obviously curious what was he doing. Then he took her sword and placed it in her right hand and a shield in her left hand.
“Rest in peace, warrior” he said aloud, enough to be heard on the tribune. After he bowed to the fallen opponent, spectators exploded… either his gesture touched them or had they simply not seen a combatant doing this before… they were waving, clapping and cheering as Loypuur left the Arena and returned to the Bloodworks.

He removed his helmet and refreshed in the Basin of Renewal, regenerating his lost magicka and healing his wounds which disappeared in a matter of seconds. ‘Strange… I don’t feel victorious at all. Not even tired as I expected. It’s just that once I began… I couldn’t stop. After first hit… I couldn’t stop. Is that good or bad? Hard to say… I should return to the Arena just to see… to see… if I can manage to do it again.’
And so it was – Owyn was surprised when High Elf told him that he’s ready for another battle.
“It’s your funeral so do as you like, pit dog!”

Loypuur already knew the way and this time he didn’t stop to stare at bloody walls. This time he knew what to expect. His 2nd opponent was an Imperial, wielding a sword and shield just like the late Wood Elf. Fight was short and less intense than the previous one, mostly because Loypuur didn’t hesitate this time. He blocked and attacked just as he was taught! On occasion Imperial dealt him a heavy blow which staggered him but a duel was over in a few minutes. ‘Another life taken… another son who won’t be returning home to greet his mother… or husband who will never greet his wife… Why did I participate in another fight? Now I don’t know… I feel more like a taker of lifes instead of a warrior…’
Just as before, Loypuur placed a sword and shield next to his opponent, bowed to him and left the Arena. After he collected his payment from Owyn, he removed his raiment, put on his cuirass and silently left the Arena.

Only when he came outside, he realized how starved he was. He remembered an inn called The Feed Bag in the Market District and that’s where he headed. ‘Funny… I pass all these strangers and they greet me… yet none of them knows that I’ve just cold-bloodedly killed two people in the Arena…’ As he was eating some fresh beef and drinking cold beer, he began to feel exhausted. ‘It’s no wonder, after two fierce battles…’ He wasn’t feeling well when he left The Feed Bag…

...it was in the afternoon when he entered The King and Queen Tavern.
‘Aelwin was right, rooms are really cheap and they’re clean and cozy’ thought Loypuur as he unlocked the door to his private room upstairs. He removed his cuirass and put on his shirt, sat on a wooden chair, crossed the arms on a table and leant his head on them.
‘I doubt my future is in the Arena… I expected something else… I expected that I would feel victorious after a fight, not like a scum… like a pit dog! The name is appropriate… we were like hungry dogs, trying to tear each other apart… what if my father was right? What if I was truly not born to be a warrior? Perhaps I admired warriors because there were so few around men and ‘being a warrior’s seemed so distant at that time… something unrealizable yet attractive… I took two lifes today… two lifes… although they would’ve gladly taken mine, it doesn’t make me feel any better…’

Exhausted from battling and sad, Loypuur went to bed early, hoping that he’ll feel better in the morning.

[mALX]

Gosh, more time must have passed than I realized! Sorry, Lopov, I'll be back to read as soon as I get another break to do it.

[Acadian]

And Loypuur gets bloodied at the Arena but emerges with two victories! Loved the true characterizations of Owen and the voice of the announcer. So it seems the Arena just might not be our high elf’s mug of ale. ‘Tis certainly not a path that many survive.

[mALX]

*

Love the screenshots when you add them, especially that one of the gardener - great angle shot!

The bolded beginning letters of each paragraph was a bit distracting to me, immersion breaking. For people with attention deficit like me, it pulls the eye to the text instead of the content.

When your writing is as good as yours, you already have the showcase in place, don't need to play with the font that way - however this is your story, so you do it your way and I'll shut up! Lol.

I am still catching up, but wanted to tell you that I am loving this story! Your writing is EXCELLENT! Your character is very strong, this is a great read! Keep up the great work, I am catching up slowly <3

[Renee]

Loypuur's game got clobbered by CTDs and mod issues, that's why this just kinda ends.

[Grits]

Oh, thanks Renee. I thought he might have been killed in the Arena.

Hope you get your game working again, Lopov!