Bravil, Cyradiil to Riverwood, Skyrim

-= Dusk, 9 Hours Later =-

I sit out in the dirt and sparsely cobbled street beside the famed Lucky Old Lady statue in the center of town fumbling through a scroll trying to figure out its meaning with a dust coated, nearly full pint of Brandywine Mead sitting in the weeds beside me when the captain approaches and calls out to me.

Morghâsh Dagon - "HOY! There you are you nearly movable mountain! Wah in the Oblibions you doin ou ere?"

I sit behind him on the edge of the statue and marvel at the sight of a nearly full and dust coated Nord mug of

booze.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - Glancing over my shoulder I reply, "Evenin Captain.... It seems one of my Legionnaires died and left his families "ho-hol-holdings..." in Sk-Skeeyrem or something to me..."

Morghâsh Dagon - I couldn't help it. I doubled over in laughter as I hear the giant, murderous mountain of a Nord struggle with the words scrawled on the scroll... "What in Coldharbor is this! You mean to tell me you, an Imperiallistically raised Nord cant bloody read? HOY WESTYN GET OVER HERE! THE NORDIC MOUNTAIN CANT RE-" and that was the last I was able to get out before I realized my mistake...

He may walk slowly and speak like rolling thunder at times but when he gets cranky the Nordic Atronach of Stone and Doom can move like Lightning dipped in pig fat! All I heard was the rasp of Imperial Steel just before the clang of it striking me in chest and I am airborn... gods above there are days I hate being the runt of the elven litter... as the wind rushed past my ears it wasn't but a second when I crashed through the front window of one of the houses and the dull thump of steel and fury as it stomped towards the houses front door. I could faintly hear Westyn struggling against the steel encased ogre before he came hurtling through the door like a battering ram through a suddenly open door.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - I couldn't even feel the fury building up before it simply erupted and I back handed the captain through the front window of a nearby home. True to form I had erupted into a battle fury so quickly and deeply id not thought it possible, one moment I was struggling to read the girly elvish-looking writing the next I was stomping towards what I was guessing to be a locked and bolted door to make my captain eat his words...

Westyn I vaguely recall feeling badly for after having used him as for lack of a better term a projectile battering ram, but at that point I just simply didn't care.

Stomping through the front door I grabbed the now unconscious Westyn by the wrist and dragged him into what appeared to be the dining room of the home to find the captain laying in the middle of dinner while the family was scattered about the room looking like little baby rabbits in the presence of a hungry troll while it ate their mother. Seeing them like this I dropped the purse of septims the captain had given me on the floor, grab the captain by the ankle and drag him off the table towards the door, "apologies. take the gold, fix the damage, and buy some food. whatever is left, keep," and with that I dragged both of the Dunmer from the home.

Half way to the Ship the captain kicked his foot free of my grip and scrambled out of reach, stopping I set Westyn down against a random stack of crates and turn towards the captain.

Morghâsh Dagon - Aedra above, daedra below calling this man an enraged ogre may be an understatement.... He hit like a falling castle... thinking back I pity the grandchildren of the grandchildren of the men this beast had bashed in the face with his bloody damned near granite slab of a shield! I had to keep him at bay long enough for me to get an apology out but the only thing I could think of that might keep him at bay was fire... I didn't want to kill him by any means but I had to do something...

In a split second response I lit the earth between us alight with black flame which cast an eerie bloody glow on the scene and bathing the enraged juggernaut in front of me in a nauseating light that quite frankly made me wish I hadn't resorted to fire....

He hesitated half a step and then continued to stomp slowly towards me, even unarmed he was outright fucking terrifying in the bloody glow... slow and steady he trudged forward.

"NOW NOW NOW NOW HOLD UP STOP BLOODY FUCKING STOP RIGHT THERE! I APOLOGIZE I SWEAR TO AZURA AND MERIDIA IM SORRY!!! I WILL NOT EVER MAKE FUN OF THE FACT YOU CANT READ AGAIN!! JUST FUCKING STOP PLEASE!"

Still the mountain of death and doom came. I called out to my ancestors to aid me and bathed myself in the Ancestral flames... slowly backing away.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - I watched as the captain bathed the streets in black flame, and hesitated for the briefest of seconds as he called out his apology.

"NOW NOW NOW NOW HOLD UP STOP BLOODY FUCKING STOP RIGHT THERE! I APOLOGIZE I SWEAR TO AZURA AND MERIDIA IM SORRY!!! I WILL NOT EVER MAKE FUN OF THE FACT YOU CANT READ AGAIN!! JUST FUCKING STOP PLEASE!"

It was fear talking. Men in fear spout lies. I stepped into the flame watching as he lit himself on fire then surged forward through the flames and checked his small frame into a low stone wall which he rag-dolled over the top and hid behind. I step up behind the wall and catch him by the back of the neck dragging him back up over the wall and throw him to the ground leaning forward I give him his options, "Douse the flames or I turn your bones to sand."

Morghâsh Dagon - "Douse the flames or I turn your bones to sand."

Well.... I don't know about you but... I released the Ancestral Flames and lay as still as a corpse encased in glass... "Aye Legitus!"

Vorm Blade-Breaker - Glaring at him I grab ahold of the neck of his armor and yank him to his feet, "well captain, guess what you get to do...."

Morghâsh Dagon - "Give you all the gems?" I winced as I said it. almost as much from the pain cause by moving as much by the thought of loosing all my gems.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "No you greedy little weasel. I'm only taking one chest, YOU are going to read the fucking scroll to me..."

Morghâsh Dagon - "Tha- That's it?"

I was lost had I missed something? was he talking the hole time he was batting me around the city like a rag-doll?

"I just have to read the scroll?"

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Well that and the chest of gems, plus pay for a wagon, supply's for my trip home and any other little things I may think up along the way..."

Morghâsh Dagon - "I am beginning to hate you right about now you know that right?"

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Yes"

Morghâsh Dagon - "Ok at least we're on the same page"

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "shut up and get moving ill not say it again"

Morghâsh Dagon - I scowl at him and limp back to the Lucky old Lady statue as he helps Westyn to his feet and guides him back to the statue.

As they arrive I begin reading the scroll out to him.

"Legitus Vorm "Blade-Breaker" Battle-Born,

It is with the deepest of sorrows that we must inform you that your Legionnaire, and Brother in Arms, Bjorik of the Moors has been lost to the hall of Sovngarde. It is his wish as the last of his clan that you be the recipient of his families holdings south of Solitude, "The Moors". The key for the Moors can be found in holding within the Small Imperial fortress known as Stonewall Garden north-west of Whiterun.

May Sovngarde praise his efforts here on the battlefields of Tamriel!

- Tyrellus Avenchi, Imperial Commander of the 913th Legion"

I roll up the scroll and hand it to him, "there happy now? I read the bloody scroll, now when are you planning to leave?"

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "I will leave the day after tomorrow, so you will have time to gather my supplies."

Morghâsh Dagon - "fine fine fine. lets go get this damned list together... KAJ! THERE YOU ARE! WHERE IN OBLIVION WERE YOU TWENTY MINUTES AGO!?!"

Alex Jordan Reif - *Kaj would stumble out of the bar* Bah.. RIGHT RIGHT HERE! I think anyway...

Morghâsh Dagon - I scowl at him, "your drunk aren't you..."

Alex Jordan Reif - *He would yawn* Not at all actual i just awoken from my drunken slumber..

Morghâsh Dagon - My mouth drops open and I wince in pain as I grumble over at Westyn, "One Nord marine out to kill me the other one's snoozin drunk in a bar... how did you let me get in this sort of position Westyn... how? Whatever don't care.... Kaj you're.... your now leading the marines... the Nordic Stone atronach mountain of steel and doom over here is setting off on foot it seems..."

Vorm Blade-Breaker - I scowl at the runty little Dunmer and look to Kaj, "I'm heading north through the mountains and making for some city called Whiterun so I can find Fort Stonewall Garden. Your welcome to join me if you like... leave these elves to their pillaging."

Alex Jordan Reif - *Kaj would look between the two deciding* Right right Vorm i think i like to come with you if you don't mind honestly

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Not at all, Good to have a brother Nord by my side."

Morghâsh Dagon - I stare in shock at the both of them... "WESTYN I DONT CARE WHAT YOU SAY, GET THESE TWO THEIVING NORDS THEIR BLOODY WAGON BY MIDNIGHT GET THEM PACKED UP AND OFF MY FUCKING SHIP!"

With that I storm off towards the ship.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Sorry for the long night Westyn, come on Kaj lets get our gear as quick as we can. Better to be safe than sorry..."

"Don't worry about it Vorm... getting your supplies will be more pleasant than a night of tending his wounds as he rants about the beating you gave him..."

I chuckle and head straight for the ship with Kaj falling in right behind me.

Alex Jordan Reif - I have an feeling this is going to be an long day *He would say getting onto the boat* im guessing were fired right?

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Haha I would prefer, "looking for work" it sounds better that way..."

Gathering up my gear in bundle it together as best I can, strapping one shield to my back, throwing my pack with the other shield and a bundle of swords over my back before turning to see if Kaj is ready, "we had best hurry I want to grab our chests of the Gems from the hold and get them off the ship before the captain finds his way back to the ship. he may be small but that little grey bastard has a lot of magic in him...."

Alex Jordan Reif - Right *Kaj would have an crate strapped to hes back* Yeah don't want to cross path with him in the future but anything thing can happen but really we gotta be careful now,My dad owns the shop in whiterun War maidens we could stay there if needed.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Well that's a start... Come on lets get our payment we've bled enough for this ship..."

Setting of down into the hold I look for a well stocked medium sized chest and check to ensure it is properly closed before jerking it up into my arms. I can feel the boards bow in protest the extra weight as I make slow but steady progress up towards the deck.

Alex Jordan Reif - Right lets do this *He would follow Vorm* just don't leave an hole in the boat that would be nice *He would chuckle* Don't wanna pay for the ship, Or we just leave it there.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - I laugh at his little quip, "To be honest I'm still shocked the ship is afloat... That time I got hit by a mangonal ball over by Vivec and I fell from the upper deck to the lower one, I was sure I was going to sink us..."

Alex Jordan Reif - Well you are an cannon ball your self that was an big hole..divines man fun times on this ship but on and off anyway lets get going don't wanna be around when he comes back.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - "Aye, Come I think that's Westyn over by the stables, good man that one.. even for a Dunmer..."

Resetting the chest on my shoulder I bob up and down as I hurry down the reinforced gangplank and start towards the stables.

Coming up behind Westyn I call out, "This our wagon?"

"Aye Legitus its yours, as are these supplies... was far easier than id thought. seems someone was headed to Riften but took ill and died the stable master was damn near trying to sell the lot of it for a couple coppers..."

"Good," tossing my chest into the back I follow it with my pack, then help Kaj with his chest and gear loading the rest of the supplies in around them to hide them away as best I could before covering it with a canvas tarp.

"Kaj, ride in back and watch our wake, Westyn... stay safe and sorry for earlier," reach out I shake his hand passing him a pouch of gold, "and forget you saw that second chest do you hear me?"

He smiles and winks, "I forgive you Vorm, I know what the battlerage can do to people when it sets in... as for the chest, I've no idea what your talking about. all I saw was a crate of field rations...."

I chuckled and wished him luck before climbing into the drivers seat and setting the horses on their way, waving back to Westyn, one last time....

Alex Jordan Reif - *Kaj would nod to Westyn* Once more an shorter trip better then walking right? *He would say sitting to the side keeping an eye on the ship* Memories... Anyway Vorm what are you going to do when we reach whiterun?

Vorm Blade-Breaker - Looking back over my shoulder I reply, "I make for the Imperial fortress called 'Stonewall Garden' to collect the key for this 'Moors' holding which my Legionnaire Bjorik left me in his will.... Which was kind of him. He knew my family was not that well off up in Bruma... sadly it took him dying for me to have been granted lands of my own... 19 years as a loyal servant to the empire and little more than a collection of armors, shields, and blades to show for it, uuuugh, Oblivions below, I have more to show for breaking the laws of the empires than I do for defending it.... What would you do? If you were me I mean... I think I may hide away for a bit, and try to let the blood dry so I can chip it off my hands. But... we will see I guess... maybe ill take up fishing..."

Morghâsh Dagon - Kicking the door of the tavern open I stumble lop-sidedly back to the ship followed by an annoyed looking Sevaari, nursing my right arm and my left knee and a swollen face.

"Fucking Norbz... worfess! Feeves... shoopit gainz..."

Stumbling over a lump in the road I step heavily on my left foot resulting in my screaming out in drunken pain and collapse to the ground. Sevaari steps up and drags me back to the ship while I curse her and the Nordic race up one side of the world and down the other...

"Cap'n... would you just shut up... once? Please?"

"Shup yu..."

While I growl the woman drags me up the gangplan, across the deck, and into my bunk where I proceed to tell her to get the fuck off my ship for manhandling the captain... she simply smiles in response and punches me across the face, where upon the world just goes black. Just my luck survive one battle with a murderous Nord only to be assaulted by my navigations expert... just my luck.

Alex Jordan Reif - "Well Vorm im going to visit one of my greatest friends" *He would lean back nearly falling asleep* you know Vorm an great guy honestly and thanks for letting me tag along with you.

Vorm Blade-Breaker - I chuckle and reply, "We're carrying enough rocks with us that its far safer to have companions on the roads. Get some rest we've a long way to go... especially since the thieves have a deal with Morghash... its likely we may need to enter through the realm of Riften. Been there by chance?"

Alex Jordan Reif - Ya i have been there once but that was an while ago nice little place but keep your eyes on your coin purse it be gone in seconds so watch out man you reall- *He would fall asleep mid sentence*

Vorm Blade-Breaker - I look back when he falls silent and chuckle shaking my head as i find him sound asleep and turn back to the watching the road and the roadside for possible bandits.

We are leaving the region known to the locals it seems as the Rift according to Kaj. I had heard some stories about it while in the legions it seems to be also known as the "Bandits Byways" and it was because of this that I was hyper-vigilant until we entered the small town of Shor's Stones. Pulling into the town we start by purchasing fresh food and drink stores. As we exit the in I find a young man nosing about under the tarp of our wagon. Drawing my blade as quietly as I can as I step up behind the man and drive him into the side of the wagon with my right forearm with my keen edged Xiphos held low behind me.

"Find anything good boy?"

"Wha- I, I wasn't doing anything! I swear it!"

"Heard it all before whelp, 22 years in the Legion and you tend to hear every excuse under the sun... Kaj, load the supplies and see if you can acquire us some fresh horses for he wagon, seems my northern brothren don't have much of a Legion quartermaster round these parts. As for you whelp, we're going to go have a little chat..."

Grabbing the man by the back of the collar I pull him from the wagonside and swing him around towards an alley devoid of clutter between two of the buildings with a fence spanning the back end while I stood at the front barring his escape.

"Right so... lets start with something simple, your name boy, what is it?"

"Go to the Deadlands!"

"Someday I may just do that however, if I go today, it wont be by your hand. Now once more. Tell me your name before I lose patience and begin lightening your weight. One knuckle at a time... I've little patience for thieves whoforget to know how to speak. And so I leave it to you, which route do you wish to take?"

With that I take up a board which was proped up against the building to my right and proceed to rather easily slice through it against the grain with the Xiphos in my left hand. Watching the young man as I slice through the board, I can see his imagination running away with his mind, as he imagines the blade slicing through his fingers...

"Alright, lets try this again. Your name..."

"Ah..ah..I didnt take anything Sir!"

"That's not what I asked..."

"Bjorn, Bjorn sir, but I swear, I swear to the Aedra I didn't take anything!"

Watching his face as he spoke I couldnt help but believe him.

"Right, thats better Bjorn... Your free to go, but if I see you any where near my wagon from here on out ill be taking a finger whether its warrented or not, you follow?"

"YESSIR!"

The little "scamp" runs past me and down the street. Turning to follow his escape I begin walking back to the wagon where I take up watch waiting for Kaj to return.

Over the next 2 hours Kaj and I restock our supplies and exchange horses with a nearby farm. By midday we were prepared to set out once more for Whiterun and left about 3hours before sunset.

As our wagon rolls East from Shor's Stones we were some 200 to 300 yards from the the main road leading from Windhelm to Helgan, passing by our next supply stop of Iversted.

"YOU IN THE WAGON! STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Kaj, who had been driving the wagon at the time lets out a groan and slows the wagon to a stop. Laying in the back of the wagon all the while I have been readying my gear. Strapping my helm on I sit up and look around taking note of three men stepping from the forest along the road and quietly relay the information to Kaj who was readying himself as well. With a quick conference Kaj and I set out to defend our wagon. The combat was rather short. Kaj and I put them down with relative ease picking up only a few knicks and bruises as I had put down the second of the three i hear a familiar sounding voice scream out behind me as my third target came charging up behind me. Turning to my left I catch his hastily swung sword in my crossguard and and thrust it away while spinning to my right quickly bringing up my shield and use its lower rim to backhand my oponent across his shoulders staggering him forward. As i complete my rotation i bring my sword sword up and slash it down with staggering force on the back of the mans old iron blade taking a deep chunk out of the iron. My oponent hits the ground and rolls back to his feet in one smooth motion. Interesting i thought this one has some decent talent which reminded my of the Bosmeri scout who worked with the 913ths advance units, Celeblas Daecu. He wasnt much of a legionnaire but was one hell of a marksman and ranger... My opponent turned and slashed out with his blade whereupon i caught it on my shield. He did not draw it back fast enough shifting my shield in a move passed down my family line since my great great grandfathers time his blade caught in a groove under the bashing cap on my shield holding it in place. Smashing the pommel of my blade down on the flat of his blade with a ringing twang shattering the blade. Behind his mask i can see the fear creeping into his face as i punch the bashing cap of my shield into his chest and swing the shields edge up catching him in the jaw rocking him back only to follow up with the bellguard of my blade bashing him just under his sternum where he collapses to his back.

"You've fucked with the wrong legionnaire boy."

Glancing over my shoulder i see Kaj coming my way and smirk at the boy.

"Your crew cant even handle an auxillary like Kaj what makes you think you can take on a Legitus like me who was born and raised in the legion?"

I turn to Kaj and ask how hes holding up when i hear the man scramble away from me roll over and sprint off into the trees, and grumble to myself, "So much for taking a prisoner... Kaj strip them of anything useful, Blades, armor, purses... we need to get moving id like to be in Iversted before Midnight. This takes care of one bandit group but Daedra below only know how many more there may be... I'll take this next stretch driving the wagon. Lets get moving."

With thtat i begin stripping the usable items from the deadand toss it into the back of the wagon, Praying to Stendarr that this is the last of the excitement for the night. It seems young Bjorn from earlier to day may have just been scouting the wagons load before reporting back to his bandit crew. The little arse had better be glad I punched with the bellguard rather than stabbed with the blade just now. Or he would have been in for a long night of pain...

Half an hour after midnight our wagon rolls into Iversted. had we not had to remove the downed tree from the road we might have made it about quarter of an hour before midnight but no such luck.

"Guh. Kaj be a saint and get us some rooms, ill start unpacking."

Climbing up into the back of the wagon I begin tugging the 2 chests to the rear edge of the wagon separating my gear from his. Finishing my sorting, I sit on the rear of the wagon and look out down the side of the mountain awash in the light of the full moon and take a deep breath. I could feel the cold sweet mountain air in my lungs easing the tension in my shoulders. A wolf howls in the distance, while an owl glides down from one tree to another further down the mountain before dropping further down to pluck what sounded like a rabbit.

I sigh and smile very softly, "One could get used to this sort of surroundings..."

I hear Kaj clear his throat from the door of the inn and glance over at him, "We all set?"

He nods while I gesture to his gear, "Your gear is all set."

Hopping off of the back of the wagon I shoulder my pack of armor and spare underclothes, take up the chest of gems and lugging it into the inn and enquire as to where I can put it. A young woman gestures negligently to one of the rooms being opened by a woman I could only assume to be her mother given her similar characteristics and greying hair.

Placing the chest in the back of the room I shrugged my gear off my shoulder onto the bed and take the key from the woman, thanking her for the room. Stepping out of the room I lock the door behind me and step out of the in to stable the horses only to find Kaj having done so already. Thanking him, I take up his bags while he takes up his chest of gems and carry it into his room for him. Wishing him a goodnight I return to my room and strip out of my travel armor. I change out of my heavy armor and exchanging it for a heavy winter fur kilt and and shirt keeping on my gauntlets and boots while pulling on my heavy chainmail and heavy fur cloak I return back to the main room locking up my own, and purchase a pint of hot mulled mead. and step out to sit at a table out in front of the inn as snow begins to drift down in the light of the full moon creating an enchanting view. Sighing I sit back and while I sip at my steaming mead and enjoy the cold night air and sigh, "Winter is coming... wonder what the snow is like up around here..."

Finishing my mead I sit back watching the snow drift down out on the porch and wrap myself tighter in my heavy cloak with the hood pulled up.

Sighing I relax and enjoy the cold air quietly thinking back over my years with the Legion. Wondering what had happened to my old companions, Celeblas for one and Creed another. In the end I knew Creed had died. But Celeblas had been reassigned. Sighing I think back over our years together when it finally dawns on me that he had been sent north from Cyradiil, Skyrim was north of Cyradiil, and wondered if he might be around here somewhere."Ugh. Perhaps someday I'll go find him, ha or who knows, maybe he will find me... Damned little silver Squirrel...hahaha silver Squirrel with a long range stinger. Hope he is well, Stendarr, be with him, Talos, guide his shafts. If he is here he faces these Stormcloaks I have heard so much about."

Scrunching my face I realize that I am talking to myself, shrug it off and continue enjoying how it helps to solidify my thoughts. If someone over hears what does it matter... I'm just another war-torn veteran of the border wars with the Aldmeri Dominion. "Hmm, from all ive heard of these Stormcloaks they are fighting to cut their ties from the empire. To escape the crumbling of the empire in hopes of doing it soon enough that they can escape the rubble as it falls to the earth around them. HA. Wise of them. Bah, far have those stones fallen too. Perhaps I'll sit down with these Stormcloaks and get their side as one of the last of the 913th there is little chance of having to fight one of my brothers... yes... yes I will have to get their side..."Nodding, I shook the snow off and stepped back into the inn to get some rest...

-= The next day... =-

Waking up at the first sound of motion in the main hall outside of my room I sit up and rub my eyes before rubbing my scalp. Taking my hand away, I look at it frowning and scratch my cheek, "ugh, it never bloody fails... you finally get to sleep in a legitimate bed when the Sun decides it hates your soul and rises way to thrice damned early..."

Groaning, I get out of bed, reluctant to get up. Buckling on my kilt I grab my boot dagger and a whetstone and step out of my room enjoying the warmth of the firepit and gesture to the inn keeper, "Hot water and a looking glass if I could."

The older woman looks over at me and I can feel her eyes being drawn to the scars the criss-cross my sides, elbows, shoulders, and the few knicks along the sides of my neck. Most are old. little more than pale whitened streaks against the semi-tanned skin of a former soldier while a few were a bit pinker though no new ones had been collected in years save for those on my knuckles from the chainmail in my own armor. I must admit I favor the fresher scars on my hands over those with the more commonly praised and exalted scars located elsewhere, those scars were mistakes I had survived... those on my knuckles were there for a reason. I put them there in the act of punishing my enemies for their failure, for their opposition, it matters not the reason...

Sitting myself near the fire I began sharpening the blade. The woman places a bowl and a steaming teapot beside me, smiling I hand her a silver septim and take up the task of shaving the hair from my head and cheeks. As I finish my task the inn keeper returns and touches my left shoulder very softly, "Lad these are imperial markings are they not?"

"Yes ma'am, 20 years in the Legions, 18 of which were spent down in Valenwood, combating the Aldmeri and their conscripts."

"Bah, you look little older than my Ghilli..."

Chuckling I reply, "That old is he? I confess at times I feel everyone of the days I've lived in those battle lines..."

"Welcome home then. Where do you call home?"

"Ah.... well that's the cinch of it... Bruma has nothing left to call me back. And so... here I am in the Motherland. Though one of my fallen Legionnaires left me a homestead somewhere up near the city of Solitude though I must admit in my short time here I find that I am rather fond of this area as well. I am not sure at this time but if there is nothing to there in the north that makes it home then I may simply return here and build myself a home I'm not sure."

"Options, always nice to have."

"Aye... tell me, I have heard stories of this force called the Stormcloaks what can you tell me of them?"

"Haha, Lad you're legion, Ill tell you nothing!"

"Former Legion actually. Former Legitus to be exact. However I have seen the fault in the Empire, it has grown weak. You Nord's here in Skyrim seem to have the right of it. Withdraw within your borders, and hold your ground. I've come home to Skyrim and do just that."

With a bit of an untrusting frown she replies, "If that's truly your aim you had best prove it and pledge yourself to the High King Mikkel Michael Scott Kroush in Solitude and such. If your that interested in joining up with the Stormcloaks you had best speak with milady Iona Firemane she may still have ties to the Stormcloaks but you didn't hear that from me!"

Quirking an eyebrow I thank her and begin clearing up the blade, towel, looking glass, and hot water bowl, thanking the inn keeper to return to my room and prepare for travel. Within the next 3 hours we are packed, restocked, and on the move to Whiterun through a light snowfall....

As the snow drifted down our wagon trudged up the pass between the mountains as Kaj and I made our way to towards the city of Whiterun. According to the way-signs along the roads we were perhaps some 15 miles from the Fortress of Helgan passing a turn of to a location called "Orphan Rock". Kaj had begun to grow quieter as we made our way, I've seen this sort of this many a time in my time with the legions, a man grows quiet thinking over what can be said and what must be tucked away from the light. I had been in those boots many a time myself after all, none are immune to it. The horse on the right nickered nervously...

"Kaj, be ready..."

My warning was once again met by silence. Figures I looked over my shoulder and burst out laughing as if he had said something, hoping that whatever made the horse nervous if intelligent might think I hadn't noticed their presence.

"HAHA! Ah, Kaj that was a good one! Boy, you don't hear stories like that much any mo-"

Just as I began to finish my sentence the disturbance broke its cover, a damned little Rabbit burst from the undergrowth followed closely by a runty little fox... I groaned and slouched back against the wagon bench and flicked the reigns driving the horses ahead a bit faster.

It was about an hour later we rolled through Helgan, grabbed a fresh set of directions and made our way towards a small town by the name of Riverwood.

After 3 hours, most of which were spent mucking around digging our wheels out of a mud pit we finally rolled into Riverwood, tired and caked in mud. We stopped in at the tavern known as the Sleeping Giant Inn, carted our things inside, stripped down, and bathed. Or I did any way cant rightly say what Kaj did exactly, all I know is that I cleared off the caked on mud, dried off, threw on my heavy fur kilt and heavy grey wool shirt, and took to cleaning my armor. Once finished I wandered out for a loaf of bread and a large bowl of venison stew complemented by some local warm spiced mead by "Honeybrew" or something like that, I didn't much care who made the stuff just that it was warm and chased away the cold. Retiring to my room I put my feet up, ate my meal and began to sharpen my bundle of blades all over again...

-= The Next Morning... =-

I wake, sword and stone in hand, looking up though the thatch seeing small flecks of grey, "Looks like the sun is waking... guess its time to get moving."

Getting up, I sheath the relatively freshly sharpened blade and pack away the whetstone. Stepping out of the room I walk over to the bar and gather the barmaids attention, "Where might one find a Half way decent cart, a horst to pull it, and the Nearest Imperial fortress?"

She quirked an eyebrow at me and replied, "A horse, cart, and a fortress.... right you mean the one near the mountainous ridge northwest of whiterun..."

"Possibly wouldn't know, never been up here before..."

"Cant say as I'm surprised, not many are clueless about the Legion fortress 'the Stonewall Garden' northwest of Whiterun."

"So whats the fastest way to reach the fortress?"

She gives me a flat stare, "...horse."

"Right... and I can get one..."

"...outside of Whiterun"

"...for an Inn keeper your fairly tightlipped you know that right?"

She shrugged and finished cleaning a mug before turning to gather a pot of what smelt of coffee, "its early."

Sighing I dropped a diamond the size of my pinky nail on the counter, "for my room and safe keeping of my gear, if my traveling partner wakes and asks for me inform him I have moved on and he can take the horse and cart with him, ill buy a new one on my way back."

"Many thanks, what is it that brings one of the legion round here if I may ask..."

"Former legion actually, miss. I am actually here to retreave the deeds to some plot of land near some city called Solitude, fairly sure that may be the capital or something like that if I remember right. Although I never said I was in the legion, what tipped you off?"

"That it is, and it was the armor. I've seen it before, Heavy-foot sort of trooper is my guess..."

"Aye, among the heaviest. Frontline Heavy Foot Capable of stopping an Aldmeri Lancer with little more that a nasty headage with matching bruses and dents at a 25 yard charge."

Half way through my last sentence I turned and made for my room, Strapped on the relatively light travel armor belted on a sword, and a quarrel of bolts, strapped on a cluster of 2 spare swords over my back along with my crossbow, a small pack of travel rations a pouch of gems, and strapped on my shield. Leaving my room I called out to the Inn keeper, "No one enters to clean if you please I tend to prefer my things in a particular order," locking the door behind me I attach the key to a leather thong and slip it over my head tucking it down into my armor. "Have a good day I should be back hopefully by night fall..."

"Don't die..."

Stepping out the door I begin a slow steady jog down the road in the direction of Whiterun...

-= Late That Evening =-

In the half moon's light I lead a beautiful snow maned, dun haired Fjord horse whom I'd taken to calling "Mace". He was a tough bastard, ridable but far more comfortable hauling things such as the axes, shovels and picks I might need to construct my home. Who knows maybe I would go so far as to construct a resupply station or something as well some day. But for now Mace plodded along close behind me. It seems the big oaf's not all that big an admirer of the dark. Not that it particularly mattered, he was a good solid work horse and that was all that was expected of him.

Crossing the bridge we hooked right following the road into Riverwood and made our way into the stables of the Sleeping Giant Inn with a quick nod to the guards on duty. Unhooking the wagon containing tools I lead Mace into the stable and entered the Inn.

"Inn keep, any food left for a weary traveler?" I called out.

"Your back..."

"Said I would did I not?"

"Aye that you did," She tossed me a bowl and a spoon, "Stew's warming over the fire, help yerself."

I grinned and wandered over to the firepit laddling out a bowl of steaming hot stew, "Any chance theres some bread, cheese, and drink to go with this?"

She glowered down at me from little more than 3 feet behind me bread and cheese wedge in one hand a pint of steaming liquid in the other, "What kind of hostess do you take me for exactly?"

Blinking at her I reply with a chuckle, "A well prepared one it would seem..." straightening up I turn and step over to a table near the fire, "Tis a chill night out there."

"You could say that a score more times. This cold weather tends to keep even the locals tucked away in their homes."

"Aye, I believe it. Can't say I saw any one the roads all day, well save for a few fox, rabbits and a rather ambitious wolf or three."

Setting the bowl on the table I swap the chair with a nearby stool so I could sit and not have to remove any of my weapons, and remove my helm and gauntlets, placing them on the table to the right of my stew while the woman placed the plate of bread and cheese down next to the steaming pint down behind the stew.

Sitting down on the stool i shuffle forward and take up the spoon only to pause, "Do I smell apples or... am I off my rocker?"

"It's the pint, it's hot cider actually."

I quirk an eyebrow, "Is it alcohol?"

She sighs and moves to take up the pint, "...No it isn't -"

"Good, alcohol taints the flavor, is it at least spiced with cinnimon?"

"Cinnimon? I... no it isn't why would I put cinnimon in cider?" she steps back trying to puzzle it out.

I smile and wave it off, "It's quite alright, just something one of my more reliable Legionnaires used to do. He would make cider and while heating it would put a cinnimon stick in it and let it steep in the cider. It's delicious, you should try it sometime."

"Perhaps I shall, where was this man from exactly? I've never heard of anyone adding things to cider..." she replied as I took a bite of the stew.

"Oh he was one of the Legion's Bosmer scouts, Celeblas Daecu, good man. Saved my life a couple of times."

"Celeblas? Whats he look like exactly?"

Looking up at her over the edge of my bowl, I quirk an eyebrow and ask around a mouth full of stew, "Woo know 'im? Ehem... sorry, d'you know him?"

"Not sure, name sounds somewhat formiliar though."

"Well... He's bit short comes up to maybe my shoulder or so, silver hair, light build can thread a needle with a tree trunk using that bow of his..."

"Pulls his hair up in a top knot with shaved sides, usually dresses in furs and leather he seems to make himself, wears two daggers strapped in the small of his back, talks to himself a lot?"

I sit looking at her with my mouth wide open, spoon of stew half way to my lips, "Well I'll be damned, he's out of the Legion? Ha sure sounds like you've met him alright... I'll be leaving in the morning but if you see him tell him he can find me in Iverstead and I'd be very greatful. Its been too long since I've seen the scrawny, silver little squirrel..." Tossing the now empty bowl onto the table I take up the cider and take a pull, "Mmmph, not too bad, but could certainly use that cinnimon to make it unforgettable, ask the "Squirrel" about it when next you see him."

"I suppose I shall, though last I heard this 'Squirrel' has been going by the name Agarwaen Daecu..."

Taking a bite of the cheese straight from the wedge I sit and try to puzzle out the name, "'Agar'... 'Blood' of course but 'waen'... I think that means 'marr'... so..... 'Blood marr' or probably 'Bloodstained'... Damn hope hes alright... whatever happened it cant be good."

"You know Bosmeri?"

"I should hope so, only spent the majority of my life dodging their bloody arrows keeping the damn Dominion in check."

"Well that's a feat to be sure..."

"You've no idea," Finishing my meal I stand up and collect my dishes which she takes from my hands, "So you're leaving tomorrow? But you paid up for another month and a half... that diamond is worth more money than I've seen in the last 6 months!"

"Is it? Huh, put it to good use then, yes I will be leaving in the morning."

"But-"

"Just keep it. I'm not going to try to find some way to chip the damned thing, and its one of the smallest I've got," Her eyes widen in shock. Seeing this I quickly add, "You're a good woman, dont make me take your hands..."

"Yessir."

Taking up my helm and gauntlets I walk to my room and unlock it, "Good, now have a good night, and keep quiet about my funds, if I make it to Iverstead without incident I may just return and invest some of what I have in your Inn..."

"Ye-yessir, G-g'night..."

As I close the door I turn to see her standing there near slackjawed in shock and close the door, locking it behind me and strip out of enough of my armor to sleep comfortably, and collapse onto the bed for a good

night sleep.