The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla cleared her throat, willing the remnants of the blush to go away. She smiled at Aravi and Abiene. "Good morning, girls. Ready for our field trip, Aravi?" She asked, a grin on her face. She saw Laegon walk down the stairs and the blush returned.

'This is never going to end, is it?' she thought sourly to herself, her smile disappearing.

[King Coin]

Aravi took a big bite out of the sticky roll she received. She chewed and swallowed the fluffy pastry quickly. That's delicious.

"I can be ready as quick as it takes me to put on my armor upstairs." And finish this roll. That wouldn't take long at the rate she was going.

She looked at the elf's face and saw her blush. She followed Kayla's gaze. Oh. "I'm in no hurry though."

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere without you." Kayla took another drink of her drink, leaning her elbows on the bar.

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus inspected his polished helmet with his eyes and he nodded in approval. The boy retreated into the kitchens and came out acccompanied by the nord cook, who had her large eyes set on the Imperial. She greeted him, and he returned a simple nod.

"Morning."

The altmer woman came down shortly with a red face as if she was embarrased by something. She took a seat on the bar close to Lycus, and narrowed her eyes to where his lap was. She mumbled something to herself but Lycus heard it loud and clear. He gave himself a slight smile, and snorted out loud at her words. "If you call what happened last night . . . laid."

Just he saw the white-furred khajiti woman come down the stairs. Her walk reflected what she felt and Lycus was surprised to see that it wasn't fear. Good, he thought. She has no reason to fear me.

But he still coudn't help but wonder if he knew her. He sniffed once, and then he paused. What?

He sniffed the air once more, but it was sneaky and rather inconspicous. He turned to the woman and realized that she had the same scent as him. Almost the same scent, but the smell and blood of a lycanthrope nonetheless. How in oblivion . . .

Last he checked, there were no werewolves in the Great Forest territory. Not in a long time. The last one was an old man named Carterious, a landowner and nobleman of those parts who happened to be his wife's grandfather. Vera claimed the area for a short period of time until she returned.

Lycus scratched his beard. This khajiit woman didn't strike him as one would run with a pack. Lycus admitted that he didn't like the idea of running with one either. His two-man pack alone sufficed. There also was the fact that her smell wasn't as strong. As if she boxed her nature inside and by infrequent shiftings, diminished her scent. His on the other hand was stronger. He shifted twice a month, not including his voluntary turnings.

The altmer greeted her, and they spoke about some trip. Lycus curiosity peaked. He heard from the silence of his room about an incident that happened. He heard screams and cries but he was too busy in the moment to even pay any attention. But he knew vampires were involved, for he could smell the scent of one. As if a person brought in the stench through the door. Just being around those creatures sure enough brought out the stink.

The odor of dead flesh.

"Trip," Lycus said, nose cringing. "You girls sound as if you're hunting for something."

[King Coin]

Aravi was given a mug with her sweet roll and she poured herself some tea from the pot on the counter.

"Take your time; I'm not going anywhere without you,” Kayla replied.

“Don’t you have someone to talk to?” Aravi asked, referring to the bard that walked down the stairs. “I might get another sweet roll.” This’ll be a long day.

The Imperial spoke up, "you girls sound as if you're hunting for something."

It was bound to happen. She looked over at him, his expression showed mild curiosity and… something. “Surely you know there are vampires around, Kraven.”

[Grits]

Abiene

The sweetrolls smelled delicious, but Abiene reached for the kahve first. Then she took a roll and some berries over to the far end of the bar.

When the Dunmer lad popped his head in from the kitchen, Abiene waved him over.

“I’d like to settle my bill, if you please. Add a full breakfast for Irvana. I plan to return tonight, but you needn’t hold my room. I’ll make arrangements when I get back here.”

The Dunmer fetched the orc woman, and they completed their transaction.

“I’m Abiene Metonne,” said Abiene. She put out her hand.

The orc took it with an air of mild surprise. “Bograk gra-Mugshak.” She hooked a thumb at the lad. “This is Lleris.”

Abiene exchanged Pleased-to-meet-yous with Lleris.

She began to gather her bag and cloak, but Aravi’s words made her pause. She had just called the underdressed Imperial by name, and there was a note in her voice that Abiene couldn’t define.

This was not the time to interrupt, and she refused to leave without a farewell. She sat back down with her kahve.

[Darkness Eternal]

She knows me?

Lycus stared at the khajiit for a long time. Indeed he did meet her before if she called him by that name. That old name which he discarded like an old, worn cloak. That name that symbolized everything negative about his former self. A name he had in the days of his slavery in Morrowind.

Morrowind . . .

What memories were of Morrowind? Bloodshed, battle, hard labor, greedy slave masters and mystic Telvanni sorceress'. The only good thing that came from that place was the lessons learned and the friendships formed. He searched Aravi's face and after awhile recognition was expressed.

The slave girl!

He remembers now. The small rampages he left with a group of marauding slaves composed of murders, rapists and degenerates all in the name of justice and revenge. She's still alive after all this time . . . and it seemed she also bears the gift as I have. We're no so different . . .

Indeed there would be plenty of time to speak to her about this, and about everything else. But now was not the time.

Lycus shrugged. "So this is what its about," he said as he turned to the altmer and the breton named Abiene. "Vampires. Haven't hunted one of them in ages. Last ones I fought were part of the Quarra."

And the last one he spoke to was offering coin in exchange for a bounty. But he kept this secret. He turned to Aravi. "And what would prompt such an expedition?"

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 28 2013, 01:48 AM

[King Coin]

The name slipped out of her mouth. No it didn't. You wonder if he remembers.

He stared at her, and she returned his stare. I wonder if he will remember. I was nobody. Just another Khajiit slave, and there were many Khajiit taken. Then she saw the spark, he remembered her. Things have changed since then.

He spoke again, as if there was no pause and they had never seen each other before entering this inn. That suited Aravi just fine.

"And what would prompt such an expedition?" he said.

"My friend," Aravi gestured to Kayla, "killed several last night on the road before stopping here. Then a young Imperial girl came in with injuries of an attack."

Aravi took a sip of her tea and a small bite of her sweet roll. "That's far too many for a small area like this." She was thinking aloud now, speaking to herself more than anyone specific. "They must be new to this part of the forest. Or else they've ranged from somewhere else."

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"Yeah, I killed some last night." Kayla said to the man, looking at her cup. "And I'm a little pissed that I missed enough for someone to get hurt." She drank the rest of her tea and looked at Aravi. "I'm ready when you are. I'm starting to get antsy. I wanna kill these bastards and get it over with."

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus, with his plate full of food beneath him, allowed himself a derisive snort. "You may kill a few but there are always more dwelling beneath the ground." He looked to Aravi and nodded at her words. She was right. Either they migrated somewhere else or something has drawn their attention. "Either way it won't be long before one of their own discovers there are rivals in this area."

He smiled. He wasn't interested in the political field of vampires. But hunting them down would be some good sport, and Lycus hadn't had much fun in years. To kill an enemy just as strong, just as fast and just as intelligent would be thrilling. He deserves some entertainment. He looked at Kayla. "You could use a man in your group. I might be able to track down their location. My wife can come along too."

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 28 2013, 05:53 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla also allowed herself a snort. "We don't 'need' a man in our group, but of you want to come along, it couldn't hurt much." She looked at his muscular form and turned back to her tea. "I think you'll be fine. The more the merrier."

'Good gods, I'm cranky this morning.'

She knew why. She'd been anticipating this fight all night, and before it was just her and Aravi, and now with two more people to wait on, the hunt was being prolonged. She sorely wished she'd found Aravi's room earlier and just pulled her from bed. They could have eaten on the road and been tracking the vamps right now.

She took another sip of her tea.

[King Coin]

Aravi smiled at Kayla’s words, but inwardly she wondered how this would go. She knew Kraven was a very capable warrior, but she also knew he was a werewolf. If he shifted, she didn’t know how hers would react. She didn’t want to shift with anyone, especially Kayla, around.

Kayla will probably use her sword, and Kraven will be close in as well. Perhaps I will stick with my bow for this. She had no idea what his wife preferred to fight with. Wife? The thought struck her. I bet I know who it is too. She hadn’t seen the woman since last night.

Aravi chewed on the last bite of her sweet roll. She saw that Kraven had hardly touched the enormous breakfast he ordered.

Aravi looked at Kayla. She didn’t seem to be making any moves towards the bard. “If your wife is coming along, you should get her. We’ll be leaving soon. I would prefer to find and kill them before nightfall.”

I wonder if I have time for another sweet roll.

[Darkness Eternal]

The Imperial began eating his food at a rapid pace, just when Kayla began speaking. For some reason this woman seemed peeved, and any discerning eye would've noticed it had to do with her earlier blushing when coming down the stairs. He scoffed inwardly, and stabbed his food with his fork and shoving plenty of it into his mouth.

"An all female group," he said with a hint of sarcasm. "Gods know how much would be accomplished."

Two women in a dark cave full of undead? Sure, he's seen many of these supposed warrior women but how much faith could he put on one lass who blushes when seeing a man and another who . . . quaked? The khajiit was the one he knew well, but not well enough. Last time he laid eyes upon her she was a frail creature. Afraid. Helpless. But now? With whatever she has running through her veins, it could help. The wolf is strong, and it gives strength for those who embrace it or choose not to.

Either way he could see the woman's impatience, and it humored him. So eager to walk into the mouth of the beast.

Lycus let out a chuckle at Aravi's last sentance. "Where's the sport in hunting them as they sleep?"

****

Vera came down the stairs, bathed and clean, to find Lycus and the others downstairs. She saw he was half-finished with his plate but there was still another one beside his. She realized this was her own.

She had with her a simple commoner's shirt and leather pants, and was otherwise appearing nothing more than a low-class Imperial woman. She took a seat next to Lycus, and began to eat her food without greeting the high elf, the breton or the khajiit.

"Make haste, we're going hunting." Lycus said.

"Say's who?" Vera said, with a knife plunged deep into her potato. A glare from her straight to the khajiit and the high elf woman seemed to confirm her suspicion. She brought the piece of stabbed potato into her mouth with the knife, and with a mouthful she spoke. "We're hunting who?"

"Vampires."

Vera half-smiled, and with a mouth still full she managed to say the same words as Lycus did. "Vampires."

Lycus craned his arm and stretched his muscles. "A nest of them must have sprung up a few miles from her," he motioned his neck over to the high elf. "Kayla here hunted down a few of them."

Vera nodded slowly as she heard out the story, and as she swallowed she looked at Kayla and muttered a bit loud. "Well, looks like she didn't get all of them."

Instead of rebuking her quip, Lycus added. "An Imperial girl was attacked last night."

She locked eyes with Lycus now, and they both stared. Vera was the one who snorted out a laugh. "Is that so?"

She's heard this before. She's seen that girl before, and she found this entire thing humorous. But she would oblige, only because there was nothing else to do.

"Hunting down vampires. Sounds to me like we're going to play a game." Vera said to Kayla and the khajiit. "I'll offer you my bow and my sword. I do things for a price but you're fortunate I'm looking to have a little sport. Haven't hunted vampires in years. Most of them tend to walk around in castles and palaces nowadays."

Or among people . . . but she didn't say this. It wasn't her place. Even if there was a vampire among a group of people, there was an unspoken agreement between her and them. They go their way, she goes hers. No trouble. Its been that way for years now and she hoped it would stay that way.

Lycus finished his food quickly. "I 'll get ready."

Vera waved a hand as she drank down her drink. She hummed a 'alright' to him before setting down the cup and looking at Kayla and the khajiit. "Vera. I'm sure you've met Lycus."

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 29 2013, 02:28 AM

[King Coin]

Aravi’s ears flicked with annoyance. She didn’t find anything about vampire attacks to be amusing, nor was she interested in ‘sport,’ as they put it. If they found all the vampires asleep, she would be perfectly happy to quietly slip a blade into their ribs.

If it was just Kraven, she was confident he would be an asset to the expedition, but this woman… Aravi didn’t trust her. And who knows how Kraven will act with her around. Her appetite soured.

“Vera. I'm sure you've met Lycus.”

Now we warrant attention. Lycus… ? Kraven?

“I’m Aravi. Lycus is?”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla ignored the quip from the blonde imperial woman and examined her cuticles on her left hand.

"If you're looking for money, take it up with Irvana." She looked at the woman. "We, ourselves, aren't looking for fun or money. And we certainly don't find the situation funny." She raised her left eyebrow at the woman.

"And We met him. Very charming man." She let out a snicker. 'You're both OOZING with charm.' She thought. 'I don't think I can trust these people to watch ny back.'

She'd certainly do her best to keep everyone alive, but these two seemed made for each others company. They didn't act like they woke to others much. Kayla was especially peeved at the woman, Vera's, comment. 'No, I didn't get them all, but I'm only mortal. Yeesh.'

She took in a calming breath.

[Darkness Eternal]

Vera expressed confusion as she gestured toward her husband. "Lycus. My husband."

She grinned at Aravi shortly after. "Pleasure to meet you."

Kayla spoke out now, and was visibly upset and annoyed by Vera's words. She interpreted Vera's humor the wrong way. "I don't find it funny either, not the suffering of others."

Vera felt no need to explain. She didn't find pleasure in the suffering of others. The villagers nearby may have been targeted and if they are aware, most surely they feel fear of being prey. Vera could relate to them. She was once targeted by a group of blood-thirsty villagers once, and Lycus himself too felt unable to do something when his home and his flock of sheep were being stalked by timber wolves. It is a horrible experience, to feel helpless. But this Imperial girl Irvana . . . Vera had to smile. Not out of enjoyment of her suffering but rather, that things were completely different in this picture.

"Irvana," muttered Vera. "I certainly wouldn't ask her for any coin. This isn't a contract."

On the other hand, her brother owes me for the last job I took. Anything else he asks will cost him triple!

She met Irvana awhile back while roaming the Imperial City, and even took on a few contracts for her that were too dangerous and covert for anyone else to take. The woman was wealthy as they come, and had more coin that Vera's family did. And that was saying something. They never locked horns before, but they never truly were friends. Everything came down to buisiness.

And now she's having them kill vampires. For free. Sounds much like her indeed. She wouldn't pick up a sword to do things herself.

And Vera found herself wondering why she decided to take this task.

She set her eyes on Kayla. "Coin. Sport. Any moral obligation you may have, it doesn't matter. What matters in the end is getting the task done. For either reason the outcome will be the same, and the locals will be protected and that's the goal here. Can't go wrong with having more people in your team."

She didn't understand why one who would hunt vampires wouldn't find enjoyment in their demise for sport. They, at least, were more "deserving" than others. But she wouldn't make this an issue. She came across people from all walks in life.

Vera finished her food rapidly, and thanked the cook and the dark elf fellow.

"They're hiding in a cave." Lycus said. "We can try to box few of them in incase one of them tries to escape. If they've fed, they might survive in the sun. I want to know which cave."

Vera turned to him, and then addressed the rest of the group, and then to Kayla. "You want to kill the hunters, you begin with the prey. Target on a map the recent attacks, and the last location you've killed the vampires. We can pinpoint where they're hiding."

That, or the scent alone could lead her to them.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 29 2013, 12:45 PM

[Grits]

Abiene

The breakfast talk turned to vampires. Abiene pushed away the rest of her sweetroll and excused herself with a murmur. She could see squares of sunlight slanting across the floorboards in the tearoom. Sipping kahve in the gardens sounded better than the sword-measuring competition that was brewing at the bar. She filled her mug and went outside.

She left her cloak and pack inside. Hopefully Aravi and Kayla would see them and know she wanted a chance to wish them well before they parted ways. Tell them ‘Good hunting,’ she reminded herself. Not ‘Be careful.’ Those are healer’s words.

The ground was soft after the night’s heavy rain, but the grass was too thick for it to be muddy. Abiene walked through the dappled shade until she reached a bench in the sun. She leaned against its back enjoying the view.

The Argonian groundskeeper was dragging fallen tree branches to a pile. A Bosmer with a rake moved about tidying the pasture. Abiene looked up at the inn, counting windows until she found her room.

How fortunate to have met Aravi here, she thought. The memory of her new friend’s impulsive hug made her smile. Is there anything so lovely and warm as being hugged by a Khajiit?

“This one enjoys the morning?”

Abiene jumped in surprise at the voice. The dark Khajiit from the tavern was right behind her. How did he..?

“Um, yes, it’s…” Abiene was uncertain what exactly he was asking. She flicked spilled kahve from her fingers. “I’m Abiene,” she blurted. “How does the day greet you?”

The Khajiit’s lips curled up at the corners, and his eyes narrowed in amusement. “This one is called Dar’muktah.” He looked her over the way one might visually inspect one’s luggage before embarking on a journey.

Is everything in place? she wanted to snap. But his manner didn’t seem insolent, or even terribly interested. He was just… checking. “Are you staying at the Goblet?” she asked instead.

“This one works here.” Dar’muktah looked down toward the road, then away over the trees. His claws eased out and then retracted, almost absently.

He’s huge, Abiene realized.

“This one is the healer?” His words were underscored by a throaty rasp.

Abiene’s eyes flew back to Dar’muktah’s. Now his teeth showed in a lazy grin.

“Yes, I am. Do you need..?”

But the Khajiit was already walking away.

Abiene shook herself. Funny how ‘this one’ means both ‘you’ and ‘me,’ depending on context and inflection, she thought. What an odd conversation.

[King Coin]

Aravi slid off of her stool and left enough gold to cover her expenses.

“I’m going to my room for my armor; I will be right back down.”

She lightly went up the stairs and entered her room, closing the door behind her. She changed out of her clothes and put on a loincloth and a bra to wear under her armor. She was used to Skyrim’s cooler weather and she didn’t want to overheat. Over that went the golden armor of Elven make. She left the helmet off for now. She had 25 arrows for her short bow. Should be plenty. The quiver went on her back, and then her swords were belted at her hips.

Finally, she shouldered her pack. Before leaving, she placed a generous tip for Hethilion on the night stand next to her messy bed. What a wonderful bath it was.

She went back downstairs, her helmet in hand.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

When Vera addressed Kayla, Aravi excused herself to get her armor. Kayla nodded down at Aravi and turned her attention back to Vera.

"Now we're getting down to business. I had planned to talk to Irvana about where she was attacked last night, if she could pinpoint it." She pulled out her worn map and slid closer to Valera. The creases in her map tore in more than one spot, she noticed as she pointed to the Wobbly Goblet on her map, the ink darker and fresher where she had marked it last night.

"We're here, right? I came this way," She slid her slender finger down the map until she stopped right about where she had been attacked. "And was attacked here." She tapped the parchment lightly. "I didn't see if there were any caves or ruins of the sort, and even if I had, I would have kept moving." her eyes darkened a bit. "I'd rather not see the-" she shot a look around the room. "Well, you two may know what I'm talking about."

'Mutilated corpses of men, women, and children...rotten body parts... the stench.'

She absentmindedly scratched her shoulder. "I don't know if you two want to talk to Irvana or not, but I can."

[Darkness Eternal]

Vera scooted herself closer to Kayla and set her eyes on the map. Vera was told where the Altmer was attacked, and the location where they were. She said she either didn't see any cave or must have passed one by mistake.

The huntress rubbed her chin, and analyzed the markings. The only location nearby would be the Black Rock Caverns and Nonwyl cave. Black Rock caverns made sense, as it was closer to the place of the attacks. Vampires are territorial creatures, and if these ones are wise enough they'd stay clear from the cities lest they rouse suspicion of their own elite or vampire hunters, which Vera had to confess was exactly what happened.

Kayla looked about the room, telling her she didn't want to come across . . . she wasn't specific. But Vera had a clue to what she was thinking.

Rotting corpses? Decapitated heads? Entrails?

Out loud, Vera said, "Vampire leftovers?"

Vera's eyes brightened, and she frowned as she set a firm finger down upon the locations of the two caverns. "Here and here. These are the ideal place but my instinct tells me they're hiding in Black Rock caverns. Nonewyll cavern is small, and judging by how they tend to be in groups . . . the size of Black Rock is just perfect for them to lay low."

Kayla asked if either of them wanted to speak to Irvana. Vera shook her head. "You're welcome to speak to her. I have to get suited up to the task first." She explained, and got up from her chair. Her gear was with the horse outside that Lycus brought along with him. "I'll be outside."

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 31 2013, 09:58 PM