Riften, Skyrim

-= The next Day =-

The mornings enquiries had been fruitful, I had discovered from sources that the dragons had returned at the bidding of the dark dragon, Alduin, a few years back and that this Alduin had been put to the sword by one known as the "Dragonborn". This dragonborn character had seemed to show up turn the country on its ear and had then just as quickly disappeared, everyone claimed to have met this Dragonborn but also claims to have no bloody idea who they were or where they had gone... It was infuriating. In addition i had learned that originally the dragons which had first come to plague this land were brought back from the dead by this "World-eater" Alduin, however since then it seemed that new dragon hatchlings had begun to appear. These dragons could breath fire, ice, and lightning. Rumor had it some could breath poisons. All of these dragons had superb vision in the daylight, and even better vision at night but during the Gray hours, when the sun rose and during the twilight they were unable to see. Each dragon had its own personal preference when it came to their sleep patterns, and many could go days even weeks without sleep. One source revealed that a dragons age and size would determine just how long the beast was able to be airborne. That the younger the dragon the longer it could remain aloft, while another stated that it was just the opposite. Among the most common was the fact that they could speak. Some were able to speak in the human, merian, and dragon tongues while others flat out refused to speak in the language of the so called lesser races... One source, the old homeless man whom I had bought food and clothing for on my last visit to Riften, even shared the rumor that some had even supported and offered to teach some of the humans and merians whom they felt worthy of their lessons, and offered to help me find others whom would support our efforts to recover the holds lost to the dragons. The news that had made me happiest were the names which I had uncovered of various enchanters whom I might be able to persuade to enchant my armors against the hellish flames and arctic frost of the dragons...

Returning to the Bee and Barb, I wondered up to my room and sat down at the small table and took up my journal, sitting down i began to scribble the new information down as best i was able. which wasn't all that well to be honest, but the action solidified it within my mind. Finishing this I stripped down and threw on my lounging kilt and relaxed in a chair sharpening my blade...

I stagger down the stairs from my room of the Bee and Barb with the overly happy puppy bouncing along behind me. Staggering with exhaustion towards the bar I sat heavily on one of the stools, "Barkeep a pint of that Colovian..." "Legitus, you made me promise no more alcohol after that first night..." Slamming my hand down angrily on the bar i pointed at her and glared over the exhausted bags beneath my eyes, "YOU'RE..... ugh you're right..." "Sounded like a bit of a rough night last night... is everything alright?" I waved her off and put my head in my hands, "Memories... they're just memories... rather horrible ones." "Ah, and normally you drink them away is that it?" "HA... yes. Usually its just a drink or two to calm the nerves but..." I fished a fairly decent sized pounch out of my belt and handed it too her, "listen... keep this on hand. I pray it never gets to the point that those gems become needed but.... well if they do... I want you to know I am sorry for whatever is destroyed..." sitting there for a moment staring at the bar I breath deeply and look up at the Argonian woman. "The forge out in the square. Who runs that?" "His name is Balimund I believe... why do you ask?" "Perhaps working some steel with help calm my memories..." "One can only hope." Getting up from the stool I walk barefoot to the door, "Come on you overly happy little ball of fluff... lets go talk to this Balimund fellow..." The pup races out the door barking happily enough to nearly bounce from the floor as she bolts out the door into the snow. "Uh Legitus it's sno-....." the barkeep calls out to me, but I am already gone.

Stalking through the snow I make my way towards the forge woefully underdressed. My breath forms draconic clouds as I breath the icy air, the pup races in circles around me, barking her joy for all the world to hear as my mind races with memories, faces of friends, of my enemies, funeral pyres, warm sticky blood, the resistance of bone, the sparkle of ruby beads as they splash against armor.... UGH! WHY WILL THEY NOT STOP! I slam my white knuckled fist against the door of the "Scorched Hammer" three times. Nothing. I slam it on the door three more times, harder this time. Still nothing. I can feel my blood warming I raise my hand once more and suddenly before me stands a grouchy looking old nord, "WHAT IN THE BLOODY NAME OF THE AEDRA DO YOU WANT MAN!" I glared at him. Angry that he would raise his voice at me, my upraised hand shot out snatching his beard and tugged his face to a hands breadth of my own and growled back, pushing a sack of gems into his belly, "All your ingots and your forge are mine from now until I release them back to you. Argue and I will break you, call the guards and I will break them and THEN I will break you, the 913th has need of your things, your cooperation will be forced..." "The name's Balimund, any of my brothern in the 913th need not make threats. Ingots are inside. The forge is yours, coffee or tea?" This took me by surprise, I had not been expecting to find a Brother of the Steel here in Riften, I let go of him, and begged his forgiveness, "I.... apologies Brother I, I dont know what came over m-" He cut me off holding up his hand, "It has been years since I met another of my Brethren, know that I too share the memories and understand. Your rank soldier?" "Legitus, formerly of course." He nodded with a shocked look, "Well damn me, a brother of the steel and fellow officer... I was a Battalion Commander myself... So what is it we're forging today sir?" "Armor Commander, heavy enough to stop Bosmeri Arrows and dragons jaws..." He whistled in admiration, you'd best go heat the forge... Daedric Steel and Ebony are on its way... Will we need any maille? "Aye, More than likely." "Ill get my maille kit as well then... will give me something to do while you work the forge... Oh, did you say coffee or tea?" "Oh, um do you have any camomile?" "Do I have camomile...." he gave me a disapproving look. "Ah right... tea if you would..." "DEAREST! I NEED TWO POTS OF CAMOMILE TEA AT THE FORGE! Be right out Legitus..." He stepped back inside and closed the door that he might argue with his wife in private while collecting the ingots I would need as well as his mailling tools. As he did that I turned and went to the forge to begin heating the coals to the right temperature, the pup whom had already worn herself out racing all over the square while we spoke lay sprawled out beside the forge basking in its warmth... Sighing I gave a tired smile, "Well at least someone around here will understand my torment..." Ten minutes rolled by as Balimund returned followed by a cranky wife and began getting the forge set. As his wife left we began talking about the Legion and swapping war stories. Some few people walked past throughout the day giveing us worried looks as they witnessed two old warriors swapping tales while crying into steaming pots of tea, remembering all the death sewn by our hands and all the comrades reaped in its wake.....

I had lost track of time... the sun had risen, and Balimund's wife came out with a fresh pot of tea, "Ehem... um Master Odinnson, sir... I, I apologize sir but um... I dont suppose I could ask you to put the hammer down..."

Looking over my shoulder at her i gave her a bit of a confused look and nodded, stepping back from the anvil I dip the last piece of my glowing pauldron into the now warm cooling bath. Setting down the tongs and hammer I turn to the woman and take the pot of tea from her, "What might I do for you ma'am?"

"Well Legitus, um sir, look I greatly appreciate what your talking with my husband... its nice to see him have someone to talk to about his.... memories i think he calls them."

"The "memories" yes."

"Look, I hope I am not overstepping my bounds... but would you mind sending my husband to bed at a reasonable hour? Ive no issue with your working the forge at all hours of the night unlike our neighbors perhaps, but I really must ask if you could send him in at a respectable hour... hes... well hes an old man. Old men need their sleep after all..."

I gave her a blank stare listening to all she had to say, and nodded as she came to an end, "Haha yes ma'am I will do what I can. I apologize about last night, truth to tell, I needed it as much as he did... Ha. I appreciate the loan of your husband... And the tea. It helps," as I finish I drink the tea straight from the pot and hoist it in salute. I cant help but smile as I feel her pat me on the head and slide her hand down the side of my face and pats me on my cheek before insisting that I bring the pup and come inside for some breakfast cakes and maple sauce.

Pulling the now completed pauldron from the cooling bath I dry it off and add it to the now complete pile of armor pieces, "Well you thrice damned spawns of the Deadlands... we will meet again and... there will be a reckoning..."

Turning from the massive pile of armor currently flexing the armorers table I whistle to the pup and gesture to the door. Turning from the table I wander barefoot and soot stained too the door and enter the home smelling of wonderous baked goods, sitting down at the table joining Balimund and his gracious wife for what was to become one of the most memorable breakfasts I'd had in an age...

Stepping from the home of Balimund I wander over to the stalls in the market with his wife who was going out shopping from food items while her husband began fitting the pup for a collar and worked to complete the heavy 6in1 "Kings Mail" for my new armor and begin picking up the necessary buckles and appropriate leather sheets for the belts and battle kilt of the armor.

We spoke of my up coming plans for the armor, "...so you see I will need to ensure that this armor will not melt nor smell of burn fur until it rusts away like my last set did."

"I see... You must find yourself a Dunmer I think. If any know the ways of fire it would be them."

Stopping I turn and look at her, "You know, thats actually a good suggestion... the Dunmers ancestral fires! Perhaps i could find Westyn... up in Lostport."

"Lostport? where is that?"

"Solitude"

"Oh... well what about the Grey Quarter up in Windhelm?"

"I could I suppose though I hate to waste the time. Falkreath is still held by dragons..."

"You seek a Dunny do you good sir?" a voice called out behind us.

Turning to the voice I find Snilf, the old homeless man approaching with a big smile on his face, "Afternoon sir, Broken Helm hollow... thats where you want to go! Go see Naurgul! He's the man you want. None know fire like that Dunny!"

"Snilf. Fine I will go see this Naurgul. Where is this Broken Helm Hollow."

"Been a while... southeast of here a might bit back in the mountains."

I groaned with irritation, "Fine... FINE! FUCK I NEED A DRINK!"

Balimund's wife took a step back and went back to her shopping, choosing to get out of before things got out of control.

I had felt my warriors blood rising ever since setting the hammer down earlier that morning. It seems I had delayed commiting myself to the field for far too long. Taking up my sack of items I stompped back to the forge. Balimund had just placed the last sodder on th heavy mail shirt. Taking the sack he began divying up all of the materials and we began to piece together the last few bits of armor, all the while grumbling about the time.

"Well thats the last of it, How you doing over there brother, ....brother?" looking over my way Balimund began to laugh, "seems you've finally found some time to sleep my friend..."

He took over for me where I left off. He pulled the leather from the dye, a beautiful light brown in color. Looking at it he sighed, "Ugh, no legionnaire should ever be forced to wear such a silly color his choice though," shaking his head he began to dry it off, baking the excess dye off over the flame of one of the braziers heating their home while I slept in one of the chairs.

As he completed the last of the work he set the armor asside, took my room key and went to collect my gear from my room in the Bee and Barb. Returning with my gear he placed it on the floor beside the chair I slept fitfully in, "Settle Legitus, the memories may be dark but they are just that. Memories... Sleep better Legitus, you must come to control this rage on your own, lest if overcome you," he placed a fatherly hand on my shoulder and squeezed before patting me on the shoulder as if encouraging me to sleep better.

Waking from my deep and restless slumber to find the pup sitting before me, watching me, "What? ugh fine, time to g-" it was then that i saw the armor packed at my feet, "time to get going it seems. This armor will not enchant itself."

Getting up I change from my kilt into normal cloths and begin buckling on my travel armor, packing away the kilt.

Once encased in my armor I could feel the battle rage building, looking out the window I note the darkness and thank Stendarr for his graciousness. No sun, no one in the streets, no issues.

Buckling on my blade and taking up my packs I dump a small pile of gems on the table and scratch the Legion mark of thanks on the table with a piece of charcoal, Doffing my helm to the sleeping couple I step out into the cold night air.

Crossing the bridge into the market square I hear someone clear their throat in the darkness on the other side of the bridge, "Bit late to be leaving isn't it, sir?"

Stopping on the outer edge of the square I hear the pup begin to growl and give a low whistle silencing the agitated pup. Setting down the pack of armor and my pack of cloths I draw my blade in a flash and ram it point first through one of the thin cobbles in the market. Turning to face the voice in the darkness I call out in response, "Maybe so. But it is going to take more than you to stop me whelp."

"HAHAHA good thing I brought some friends along then..."

The clouds drifted away from the moon revealing the gate guard whom I had caught trying to extort people at the gate along with another six guards coming towards me hefting blades and clubs. Taking up my shield I lowered my head, chuckling. Looking up I begin to laugh a dark and menacing laugh, "Still not enough fool.... you know your going to die tonight right?"

"Not too likely SIR... GET HIM!"

Two guards rushed me, stepping out of the way of the first guards mace I catch the blade of the second on my shield and push it off to the side and punch the guard under the chin. He staggers back a step and I catch his tabard, holding him at arms length I pull him forward and drive the edge of my shield into his throat. Letting his tabard go he drops to his back clutching at his shattered windpipe struggling to breath as i burst out laughing a low, dark chuckle, "One down..." Turning to the other guard with the mace I rush him, driving my shield into his face. He stumbles back tripping and falls over, I strike out kicking him full in the face with my steel shod foot, chuckling, "...thats two..."

I spin around just in time to catch another guards blade on my shield swinging hard i punch him heavily under his ribcage driving the air out of him. Looking up I see the other guards hesitate, I growl and slam the edge of the shield down into the back of his neck as he hunched over trying to catch his breath, he crumples to the ground laying deathly still. Looking back up to the guards on the bridge, I rage at them, "WHO IS NEXT! BE FUCKING MEN! SO WHOS NEXT COME ON! KILL ME YOU HALF SHIT EXCUSES FOR FOR MEN! THE HALF STARVED DRUNKEN TODDLERS OF THE SUMMERSET ISLES PUT UP BETTER FIGHTS THAN YOU!"

Surpisingly it was the gate guard who caved in to the insults. He rushed forward blade up held in one hand a dagger held back in the other, hacking down with the sword i caught it on the shield only to have dagger skip off the belly of my plate armor. I headbutt him helm to helm he staggers back shaking it off quickly I gesture him to advance. He rages forward straight into the my elivating shield which slams into the pommel of his descending blade and backhand his dagger hand with the back of my gauntlet, leaning forward I drive my shoulder into his chest pushing him back. Stepping up I begin my assault on him railing blow after blow into his body, the heavy steel ripping into his tabard while the heavy, thin edge of my shield brought out light cracking noises from his ribs. Clutching my hand into a fist I back hand him across the face. Catching the wrist holding his blade in the hand holding my shield I strip the blade from his hand and push him back to the railing, Looking to the guards on the bridge I challenge them, "So... whos coming to save this child?" they looked at one another and began backing away, "...cowards."

Reversing the blade in my grip I drive the blade down into the chest of the groaning gate guard leaning back over the rail drawing an aching pained groan from him, "Told you it was going to take more milk-drinker," Reaching down I put my arm under his legs and lifted him up over the rail to plunge into the stone walkway below before flopping into the ice rimmed channel. Turning back to the square I yank my blade from the cobbles sheathing it once more, before picking my packs back up, trudging towards the gates. Stepping out into the whipping snow laden breeze with the pup following closely behind I collect Mace and the sleigh and set out into the night leaving behind three corpses laying about in the marketplace and one slowly sinking beneath the ice of the frozen channel...