Riften, Skyrim

-= Later, Outside Riften =-

My sleigh slid quietly to a halt before the Riften stables as I stepped out into the snow followed closely by the pup. Tossing a small purse of septims to Hofgrir, I call out, "I plan to be here a good while my good man, make sure there's enough there."

He heft the bag and ran his finger through the coins before giving me a thumbs up and pocketing the purse as he led Mace into a stall. Turning I plowed through the snow towards the entrence to the city my pack in hand.

As I approached the gate one of the guards stepped back away from me, catching a glimps of his face I smirked beneath my helm, "Good man, now open the bloody gate..."

He threw his weight into it and hurried out of my way, the pup barked at him twice then followed along behind racing all over exploring every nook and cranny she could find as I made my way towards the Bee and Barb to secure some lodging, "Huh, looks like they finally started cleaning this place up a bit.... good for them..."

Entering the Bee and Barb I held the door for the pup and made for the bar, "BAR KEEP! One Calovian brandy or whatever your strongest brew is if you would!" I slam 5 septims down on the counter, "And once im done with that," I grab hold of his shirt and tug him close, "not another drop of alcohal is to pass my lips you hear me? Ill be taking tea and only tea for the rest of my stay."

The barkeep a grumpy looking Argonian took the coins and fumbled about looking for something to fill my order. After doing some digging in the back of a cupboard she produced a beautiful bottle of brandy caked in dust, poured a glass of it, and pushed it over to me.

Taking it up I hoisted it to the North and called out, "Aedra guide my feet, Daedra guide my blade, Talos give me strength, Stendarr watch my back." finishing the 913ths prayer I downed the fiery liquid and clapped the empty glass upside down on the bar, "superb my dear simply superb. Now if I could get some bread two bowls of that heavenly smelling stew, and a pot of tea, and a room for the week, that would be wonderful." I reached into my pack and pulled out a second purse of 100 septims and dropped it on the counter, "that should be enough for lodging and meals for the week I believe, count it up, if you need more say so I will be at the table in the corner," Raising my voice I called out to the rest of the room, "As for the rest of you I seek people with knowledge of these Dragons that seem to be plaguing the country side! Spread the word any with information can find me here! Good information will be rewarded!"

With that I spun on my heel and made for the table in the corner to await my meal, followed closely by the happy lil puppy.

As I get to the table, I dropped my pack on the floor under the table and placed my helm on the table and removed my heavy fur cloak, draping it over the back of the chair revealing the heavy Legion travel armor battered and marred by several minor dents and scratches collected over the years. I gave a short whistle and pointed to the floor beside the chair as I sat down and the good little pup promptly settled beside me and relaxed but kept watch on the occupants of the tavern while I took out one of the journals, the ink and pen and lay them on the side of the table and awaited my meal quietly reflecting on the recent battle with the small injured dragon on the road in Whiterun.

Sitting quietly the Argonian woman brought over the two bowls of Stew, a half a loaf of bread followed by the pot of tea a cup and a room key, "Mind the dog, make sure it makes no mess. Will another be joining?" Looking up I nodded my thanks for the food, "No, it is just me, the second bowl is for the dog. Many thanks, that brandy was by far the best I have had in some time." "Heh, I forgot it was even there to be honest." "Pity, I do not drink while preparing for a strike or I would be finishing that bottle..." "Preparing for a strike? Dare I even ask?" "It's little surprise I'm sure, but as I was on my way home from solitude my caravan came upon another which was laid to waste by one of the scaly vermin. It was injured and we were able to put it down but if I understand it right this beast was but a small one. So here I am, to learn of these menacing beasts that I may know my enemy. One must know ones enemy after all if one hopes to kill it..." "So you mean to go after the brutes do you?" "That I do, rumor has reached me that they currently control Falkreath and on our way back we heard rumor that they have apparently infested some city by the name of Markarth as well. If this is true we must do something, I just built a new home, I'd rather not lose all that hard work and money to a damned beast!" Between my words I caught another voice speaking the word dragon and it drew my attention, I was unable to see who spoke it but took note of all the faces in the room, and made a mental note to speak with each at some point soon. Taking one of the bowls of stew i set it on the floor, and gave a short sharp whistle, "behave, and no mess you hear?" the pup dipped her nose in response, "go ahead." she calmly began to lap up the stew in an orderly manor which made me smile softly. "Good girl." The Argonian gave me a shocked look to which I winked back, "she knows the rules, you make a mess you get no food." The barkeep laughed aloud and shook her head, "If only some of my other patrons would behave this way..." "Well no ones perfect..." "True, enjoy your meal." As I ate I was joined by another, who sat down in the other chair before me and asked, "I know of the holds that the Dragon's have taken, what about you?" Looking up I quirked an eyebrow, "Evening... I know of the ones in Falkreath, but rumor has it that they have infested some city to the west called Markarth. I know their fire is hot but they can be killed, and they dont taste too bad when cooked right..."

Sivus - Sivus trilled happily as he nibbled on a cinnamon roll. He gave the Argonian barkeep a generous amount of gold and a magic-carved opal flower as a gift. The Memorimer are known for their generosity.)

Shawn Lancaster - "So far the dragons hold Mortal, Falkreath, Winterhold, and Dawnstar, from what my scouts say. I intend to march to Falkreath soon as my army gets here, we leave in 2 days, and reach the city in the other 2. Who knows, maybe I'll get to get rid of more stormcloak encampments on the way. My name is Imin, right hand of the Alikir" He'd extend his hand to shake the stranger's.

Ashley Barton - Sivus: And I am Sivus, devout of Lady Mara. (He offers Vorm a cookie.)

Vorm Odinnson This news gave me hope, it seemed I had judged this countrys people a bit harshly, "Well Imin, you can call me Vorm, former Legitus of the 913th Legion based in Valenwood, and you can count your army another man stronger. My companions and I came across an injured runt apparently from what Ive been told and put it down east of some ruined fortress in Whiterun. Which I consider a mite bit too close to home for my liking..."

Ashley Barton Sivus: I wish to assist as well by tending to injured soldiers. (He chirped.)

Vorm Odinnson Glancing over at the curious being whom joined Imin, I accepted the cookie and passed half to the pup whom was all to happy to accept it. "My apologies... sir? Uh, I beg your forgiveness but, well to be blunt what are you exaclty? I cant say I've ever seen a being that matches your description...."

Sivus: I am a Memorimer, a Memory Elf. We worship the three goddesses of your pantheon.

Shawn Lancaster "Yes, the dragon threat must be stopped, and Ulfric's but a fly now, but still needs to be squashed. I've been getting holds to sign under my army, and with hope, I can unite this country, before it tears itself to pieces."

Vorm Odinnson After wolfing down the half cookie the pup bounced up half licked clean bowl of stew forgotten and raced over to sniff and the new comers feet. Once sure they were safe she raced out from beneath the table and hoisted herself up on her back paws to beg for goodies despite my disapproving glare.

Sivus: Hello, little doggy nymph. (He lovingly petted the puppy.) You are much cuteness.

Vorm Odinnson I quirk an eyebrow at the elf's response and give a bit of a dumbfounded nod, "I... I see, well... good to meet you." Turning to Imin, I reply, "Lofty goals for sure... Has the Legion offered any aid?"

The pups tongue lolled out adoring the attention, and sat down catching my look and began listening to the conversation only to become distracted once more by the half licked bowl of stew.

Sivus: We call our young "nymphs", after the young of grasshoppers and crickets.

Vorm Odinnson "Nymphs hmm? Well I supposed it suits her well enough. Though I suppose one of these days I will need to get around to naming the little one..."

Sivus: She is much beautiful. Just like everyone is. (Trills as he snuggles Imin.)

Vorm Odinnson "Haha, I take it your one of the more... affectionate Mer races... Gods above its about time I encountered one... the damned Bosmer are about as ready to eat you as they are to shake your hand..."

Sivus: (Chirps as if asking a question.) ? Why are others not so affectionate?

Vorm Odinnson "Sadly it appears their association with the more hostile Thalmor factions seem to be pitting them against our beloved Empire. Though the Bosmer that hide away deep within the jungles of Valenwood have some vary... cannibalistic views about eating whatever it is they kill... human, mer, OR beast..."

Sivus: Oh, that is the Green Pact. Many who adhere to it often avoid violence so as to avoid eating other people. They do it so as to avoid polluting the earth. But not all Bosmer are adherents of the Green Pact...

Shawn Lancaster "Because the other races are too concerned with, pretty much anything, and everything, to be loving all the time. As for the damned Thalmor... They'll have to deal with me very soon." Imin would look back at the map in his pack, he had all the Thalmor forts marked, as well as their HQ.

Vorm Odinnson Thumping a fist against my armor I continue, "While i served in Valenwood, this was the lightest armor I had, and it still packs on another 100 pounds or so..."

Sivus: My kind are loving because it is what the goddesses command of us. It brings us joy to see others comforted as well.

Vorm Odinnson Raising my tea I reply, "heres to the Goddesses wisdom..." Sivus: (Sivus chirped cheerfully.) Do you wish to sample some Memorimer cuisine someday?

Vorm Odinnson "As for the Thalmor... I wish I knew where the one namedElisvan Skywatch was. He seems to be the only one of that Faction that has a damned heart."

I chuckled at the mer and replied, "As long as it has some form of roasted flesh or baked good in it youll never hear me say no... its that rabbit food I cant seem to stomach."

Sivus: He was in the Mistveil keep last I saw him. And some of our sweets are baked goods.

Vorm Odinnson My mouth dropped open in shock as i heard this, "Elisvan is here?! Well damn me to the Deadlands I thought theyd have dragged him back to Summerset Isles!" Thinking quickly I made the mark of Stendarrs hammer to ward off the Daedric god of Chaos' attention.

"Is that what this thing is?" I gestured to the cookie, "Seems like some kind of way bread or something..."

Shawn Lancaster "Aye, I haven't met the man, but from what I hear, he's the only bearable Thalmor in Skyrim. Then again, it could just be a ruse, to help gain them more popularity."

Sivus: It is a cookie. It bears great cultural significance to the Memorimer. When they give someone a cookie, it means they want to be a friend to that person.

Vorm Odinnson "I dont know about that. 50 of my legion were ambushed by a large party of Bosmer and Altmer about 3 years back and he came upon us and actually stopped them from eradicating our party and killing the Imperial Ambassador. He's a good man. Sneaky maybe but has a better heart than any other Thalmor I've put to the sword..." Looking at the cookie I then look at the Mer and ask, "So its not some special trail ration? Huh..." and take a bite and nod my approval, "Hey that aint bad... boy never get anything like this in the Legion thats for sure..."

Sivus: The Memorimer believe in making their cooking taste as best as they can with what they have. We use bananas instead of eggs so the dough is safe to eat.

Vorm Odinnson "Bananas? Banana, banana.... yellow lookin thing right? looks like a moon I think? Think the Bosmer use that sorta thing for pudding or something if Celeblas wasnt fibbin...."

Sivus: Yes,.

Shawn Lancaster "To be honest, I don't think he realizes the true organization he works for, but he does know that their not what they once were, so I'll give him some credit. I don't hate Altmer, but I despise the Thalmor."

Sivus: I wonder if I should forgive them or not. We are usually forgiving of others.

Vorm Odinnson "On that we can certainly agree. Hmm... I wonder... I will have to track Elisvan down. The Altmer are wonderess with enchantments... I wonder if he may be able to find some way to keep this oven im wearing from baking me inside when bathed in that damn dragon flame... that damn runt ruined my winter armor. It reeks of Brimstone and burnt furs..."

Ashley Barton Sivus: The Memorimer often use Restoration magic.

Shawn Lancaster "Well at least your not dead, so there's a plus, god knows what would've happened if you had light armor on, I'd be talking to a piece of bacon."

Vorm Odinnson "Hahaha if only it worked on armor... sadly ill have to wait until i have some time and proper furs to forge new winter armor."

Ashley Barton Sivus: Do you wish for hot chocolate?

Vorm Odinnson Nodding I reply, "You know thats a damned good point. I still miss that armor though... i hate having to wear a cloak... it impedes my movement too much. Then again last time i was here I damned near fell through the walk way a good 8 or 9 times... Im glad they finally got those repairs done... wooden citys and I dont seem to get along too well... Too damn heavy it seems. As for the hot chocolate, I will pass thank you, i still have my tea to finish..."

Ashley Barton Sivus: I can do protective enchantments...

Vorm Odinnson Collecting the bowls I quirk an eyebrow, "Oh? Is that so... perhaps we shall have to see what you can do... It will however have to wait, " I struggle to hold back a yawn, "I have been on the roads all day and think it about time I get some rest." I glance down at the sleeping pup and chuckle, "It seems the little fuzzy one agrees. I will be staying here for at least the next week or so, could we perhaps continue our little information gathering session tomorrow some time? Perhaps split up and see what we can gather then get together and pool our information?"

Ashley Barton Sivus: Very well. Sounds like a good idea.

Vorm Odinnson "Excellent, well have a blessed evening the both of you, I will see you both tomorrow, and If I can find any other support I shall bring them along as well..."

Ashley Barton Sivus: Would you like a nice hot bath to relax?

Vorm Odinnson Chuckling I reply, "My thanks for the offer, but as of right now, I am more interested in sleep than anything." I excuse my self and take the dishes to the bar and leave them with the bar keep along with a Septim for a tip. Returning to the table I gather up my gear and with the others a good night and the best of luck finding information throughout the day tomorrow and scooping up the sleeping pup excuse myself for the night, following the barkeep up the stairs to a warm inviting bed...