Jonus, Baldur, Rebec
Falkreath
Noon

Dead Man's Drink wouldn't usually be crowded this time of the day. Indeed, it would likely be almost empty. But when a city is housing over twice it's maximum capacity in civilians alone, few public places aren't going to be crowded. Least of all a tavern.

Jonus was sitting in the corner, watching the people mill about. He seemed even paler than usual, and wore a hollow expression on his face. His fifth mug of ale was in hand. Anybody there that day could tell that something bad had happened to him.
Jonus made sure no one was watching and slowly poured the ale into a wide crack between the wooden floor and the wall. This was the fifth and final time Jonus had done this. He couldn't afford to get drunk. Not now, when he needed wits wits about him most. But he did need to make it seem that he was.

He stood up and swayed a bit before "drunkenly" stumbling across the room and out the door and into the streets, still carrying his empty mug. He spotted a Necro Nord in a cloak down the street. The man turned and Jonus saw that it was in fact the Stormcloak General, Baldur Red-Snow. He was talking to a woman that Jonus assumed was the High Admiral. The one that he'd recently married.

Here goes nothing.
Jonus hesitated. Damn Kilvar! Had to go and get himself arrested! Had to put this on me!

Jonus's current plan was a radical one. And he was far more involved than he liked. But there was nobody else that could do it. That Stormcloak Captain, Boldir, somehow managed to catch Kilvar. And Kilvar knew things that could jeopardize everything. He almost knew as much as Malik. Jonus needed to get into the prison and insure that he wouldn't talk.

Jonus criss-crossed his way down the street. He was smart enough not to do anything to Red-Snow himself. Instead, Jonus chucked his empty mug at the head of a nearby soldier and shouted.
"You owesh may a farm Shtormcloak!"

"I had to let her go," Rebec was telling Baldur, referring to he elf Aglaren that she had been holding in prison for a few days, ever since Runil's assistant Kust said she had been lurking around watching them and asking suspicious questions about Runil. The Bosmer had then been caught by night sentries trying to sneak out the gate, after which Rebec had had her locked up.

"I was hoping we'd find something Thalmor in her belongings, but she obviously was a careful one. I assigned some of the redguard to watch her, though. I still don't trust... What's this?" Rebec turned around to see a drunk man shouting something about his farm. Instinctively her hand went to her axe.

Baldur turned around to watch the spectacle. He placed a hand in front of Rebec so that she wouldn't step forward.

"Hold it, lets just observe for a minute."

As the angry soldier turned, Jonus sprinted at him and kicked him in the shin. As the surprised soldier got his bearings, Jonus through a left punch right at his helmeted head.

Please don't hurt too bad. Please don't hurt too bad!

*Crack*

"AHHH!" Jonus reared back, clutching his left hand in the right. His knuckles were busted. And he was certain that he'd broken a couple fingers against the steel helmet. It was a solid punch though, and the impact had sent the Stormcloak to the ground.

Thats enough.

Jonus backed away from the downed man to avoid getting his legs hit. He fought back tears and threw out his arms towards the small gathering of soldiers near the General.

"Anyone elsh?!?"

Rebec pushed out around from Baldur, strode up purposefully to Jonus, and cuffed his ear with the flat of her axe to stun him. Grabbing his collar, she jerked him around and then laid a hard left hook on his jaw.

Baldur grimaced at the sound of the impact from Rebec's hit. He felt a little sorry for the man she just laid out. Rebec didn't seem like the type to hold back.

Damn...

"Well, no one can say I didn't try to hold her back. Throw 'em in a cell until he sobers up, someone."

***
Jonus's vision faded in and out as he could feel two men dragging him down a flight of stairs by his arms. "Uuuhhhng..."

Never again.

He shook his head and opened his eyes. Kodak stood before him, holding open a cell door with no expression on his face.

Good man.

"Stupid drunk! We'll see how you're doing in the morning."
He was thrown onto the floor face first and heard the door close and lock behind him. He rolled over and looked back at the entrance. He saw Kodak and the two soldiers filter out of the room without looking back.

"Boss?" Jonus heard the whisper of a voice he'd been dreading to hear. It was Kilvar. He turned to see his loyal friend and ally sitting behind him.

"This a part of the plan Boss?"

Jonus groaned and clapsed his broken fingers.
"Yeah Kilvar... It's all part of the plan."

"Thought so. Too much of a coincidence otherwise. That you're willing to take a beating like you seemed to, really shows that you're serious about all this. And even willing to do things yourself. I'm glad to be on your side... I haven't told them nothin' Boss. I swear.".

"I know you haven't yet Kilvar. But they'll come to you soon. They'll ask you questions. They may even threaten or torture you. I just need you to hold out for today. Just one day and the plans will be in order. Can you do that for me Kilvar?"

The red-haird Nord's face looked worried. But it suddenly flooded with bravery.

"Yes. I can for you Boss. I trust you."

Jonus groaned inwardly. This man's loyalty was ultimately going to make things more difficult.

***
Baldur followed Rebec to the prison shortly after the arrest to interrogate Kilvar. All Baldur knew was that someone on the inside was trying to sabotage them, and he had no idea why.

"You think it's Imperials? If so, why try to get me to come to some meeting if they're still trying to take the town? Doesn't make any sense."

"Who knows what the imperials are up to," Rebec grumbled. "I'm getting very tired of all these games." She didn't say it, but the stress of the past weeks was getting to her, and she felt like making an example. The civilians were scared, many of them were angry, but on most days it seemed like they didn't realize that this was actually a war and not something the Stormcloaks had set up purposely to inconvenience them. If they couldn't be grateful for the army's protection, they would at least learn to respect its authority.

"Bring out the saboteur!" she shouted at the guards as they reached the prison. It was loud enough so that everyone in the jail could hear.

Jonus, who was now sitting against the back wall beside some random sleeping prisoner, heard the Admiral's voice ring through the prison. He looked up at Kilvar, who met his gaze from across the cell. Jonus gave him a solemn nod. The man returned it. He didn't speak out loud, but he mouthed the words: "I'll be fine." Jonus, still clutching his injured hand, looked away and closed his eyes as Rebec and Baldur entered the room. It wouldn't do for them to know that he and Kilvar knew each other.

Baldur took a table and two chairs, and put them in the middle of the prison room for the prisoner to sit in. After setting the table up, he sat the prisoner down and had his hands bound behind the chair. He purposefully set this up so that the other prisoners could see. He too thought it time to set an example. Baldur sat across from the prisoner and began the interrogation with Rebec standing.

"Okay, lets start small. My name as you know is Baldur Red-Snow. This here is my wife, Rebec Red-Snow. What is your name?"

"Kilvar."

Like most other prisoners, Jonus had opened his eyes and looked up. He was surprised when he heard the resolve in his companion's voice. There was no fear in it at all.

Baldur smiled, putting on a facade of friendliness. Baldur didn't know it, but he was subconsciously adapting the Thalmor's methods of interrogating.

"Good, good. See? Not so bad is it? Now, as you know last night there was a raid on our supplies, and a group of men including yourself was seen running away from the burning tent containing a somewhat substantial amount of food for the town. Before we get to that, lets start with some basics. Are you an Imperial soldier? You seem tough enough to be one."

Jonus was as curious to hear Kilvar's answer as anyone else was. Kilvar was the only one of the three that had not worn a disguise last night, as they only had two and he was the fastest.

"Yes."

Baldur could tell he was lying. If he was a legionary, he wouldn't have told him that so easily. Not with the meeting that they wanted him to come to in the near future. This would surely make their plans of capturing him fail if that was their goal, as it would shatter any small amount of trust that they had built up. Which of course was none. And on top of that, Tullius would have no reason to poke around if they were still going to try and take the town. Baldur looked to Rebec and gave her a nod.

"I'm sorry, that was the wrong answer."

"Alright, Kilvar," Rebec said, looming over him. "You're obviously no legionnaire, and you don't look very smart, so you might not know about wartime justice. Let me fill you in. We're the law here now, and wartime rules are a little different than the usual milk drinker penalties handed out. A fine here, a slap on the wrist there. Not this time. Disrespect our soldiers like that other mead-swiller just did in the street, and we can lay your skin bare under the lash. You steal from the army, cause panic, that endangers everyone. And so you pay in blood and breath."

The admiral stopped, and her voice grew soft. She even sounded concerned. "Have you ever seen a man hanged, Kilvar?"

Kilvar shook his head. His voice remained strong, but there was now a slight dryness to it.
"No. I haven't."

"It's not pretty," Rebec replied, still keeping her voice sympathetic. "I much prefer tossing people into the Sea of Ghosts myself. The water is so cold it kills quickly, even Nords. But there's no ocean around here, so we'll have to hang you."

Pacing around him, Rebec came up behind him so he couldn't see her, only hear her voice. Her narration is slow, with pauses for effect. "A good hangman's knot can snap a person's neck instantly. But you see, I'm just not confident we've got any really good knot tiers here. Understand your dilemma? If you don't die on the first drop, it's going to take a while. You'll try to breathe, but you won't be able to. The rope will burn into your skin like it's on fire. You'll dangle there, helpless, and everyone will watch as you the [censored] and piss drip from your trousers. We won't cut you down right away, but once everyone's gotten a good look at you, you'll be in the ground and everything here will go on just like it was before. Even a knuckle-dragging sod-sniffer like you shouldn't end that way, don't you agree?"

There was a long pause before Kilvar answered. He spoke slowly, as if he had to force the words out.

"I don't suppose there's a way out of that now, is there?"

Jonus's eyebrow briefly raised. [censored]! He's gonna give.

Rebec glanced up at Baldur quickly, but kept on. From behind Kivar, she said, "We aren't unreasonable, but it's as I said. This kind of action endangers everyone, soldier and townfolk alike. You deserve to hang."

Baldur was rather disappointed but he didn't let it show. He was looking forward to see his wife rough up the prisoner a bit. He rather enjoyed playing good guard bad guard. His old self would have found it dishonorable, but his new self as a General knew sometimes honor just wasn't a commodity he could afford. Before as a captain, it wasn't as big a deal. Now...the fate of all of Skyrim rested on his shoulders. Baldur rationalized it by remembering that Stuhn, the god of ransom taught them the importance of taking prisoners of war. This was the reason you took them. To force them to give info. At first he thought that made him no better than Thalmor, but then he remembered all the demented things they'd do, and that they did it out of hate for their religion and the race of man. He was not like the Thalmor. Men like this in front of him were traitors. If he was wrong to enjoy hurting traitors, then he didn't care.

But of course the point is moot if he's just going to tell us what we want to know.

"Tell you what, you tell us who those men were running away and you don't lie about it, and I promise you won't hang. You deserve it, but you won't. You'll serve your time, and when the siege is over and done with...you can go."

Kilvar shifted nervously in his chair. For a second, Jonus was worried that Kilvar was going to turn around and look at him for answers. Thankfully, he didn't.
Come on Kilvar. It's like I told you. Just hold out for one day.
After an even longer pause than the last one, Kilvar gave his half-hearted reply.
"I-I don't want to betray my friends...

Jonus was worried now. The man didn't sound too convinced when he said it.

Baldur decided to try another tactic then having Rebec brutalize the man. He decided to go with his old style, which was scare tactics.

"Rebec, tie your rope up to that wooden beam above us, please. Stand on the table."

After Baldur said this, he got out of his chair so he wouldn't be in the way.

"I can understand your reservations, but you owe loyalty to your country, not your friends."

Rebec glanced once at Baldur, wondering if he was really going to do it. But she didn't hesitate to do as he asked. She believed what she said about such actions endangering everyone. They couldn't rely on the hope of the imperials doing what they said they were going to do, or succeeding at it. The fate of all Skyrim could rest on whether they held here at Falkreath.

She climbed up on the table and slung her rope over the beam, then began fashioning a hangman's knot. Now Kilvar could see her, and she deliberately let him see her struggle with the knot, cursing once. "Hard to get these right," she mumbled, hoping he would remember her account of how hanging could be a slow, agonizing death. When the noose was ready, she stepped back down and stood aside.

Baldur hoped that he wouldn't have to kill the man, but he prepared himself for the worst if he had to. He helped burn their food supplies, and that was a military attack. He couldn't have his enemies thinking his marriage made him soft. He had to do what he had to do. Baldur grabbed the man by his arm, and forced him up on the table. After they were up, he put the man's head through the noose, and jumped back down off the table. Afterwards, he put his foot to the edge and waited for the man's reply.

"Last chance. Who were the men that were seen running from the fire?"

Kilvar's eyes widened. He was now visibly frightened.

Jonus cursed inwardly. Damnit! Come on Kilvar, they're bluffing! Surely they'd make something like this public. He wanted to hollar out, but he knew he couldn't. So he just watched, hoping Kilvar would be brave enough to stand his ground.

Kilvar gulped and looked down at Baldur.
"The other Nord... His name was Stronlief."

Jonus sighed. It was the truth, and Stronlief was well known in Falkreath. He wouldn't be hard to find when he takes to the streets.

Baldur took his foot down and sighed with relief. Afterwards he nodded to Rebec so she'd take him down.

Well, that's one man. We'll get the rest from him after we grab this other nord.

Jonus felt a mixture of relief and frustration. On one hand, Malik was safe for now. And Stronlief knew Kilvar was arrested. He and Malik were both safe in different hideouts until Jonus's return. The problem was that Stronlief wasn't like Kilvar or Malik. He'd spill his guts to save his own life. He was useful, but now Jonus wouldn't be able to use him again. The risk of him being caught when going out would be too great.

Rebec sighed, too, but half out of disappointment. She had had it with all the games, inside and out of their forces. It was bad enough to have Thalmor and imperials slinking around, now there were Falkreath citizens doing the same. She stepped up and untied the knot, careful of the rope. That was the only solace- her favorite scaling rope wouldn't get this dung beetle's neck blood on it.

"Get down, you miserable coward," she said, jerking the man off the table by his tunic sleeve. "A few days of no rations ought to make you think about destroying food stores."

"Speaking of which, I need to address that issue with the townsfolk. I had to do that for a few days now. Have one of the men tell Boldir to organize the meeting for tonight in the street in front of the longhouse where that wooden platform was put up at. We'll have it when it turns dark." said Baldur.

***
Hours passed. At first, Jonus could hear many of the prisoners whispering to one another about Kilvar, who hasn't spoken to him since he was thrown back into the cell. As it got later, a guard brought some bread down for the prisoners. It wasn't much. Thanks to the heavier rationing, prisoners were getting very little food. As they lined up at the bars, Jonus made sure to stand beside Kilvar, who the guard intentionally skipped when handing out the small loaves. Jonus whispered in his ear.
"You did good."
He handed Kilvar his load of bread and went back to the corner of the cell and sat down. Kilvar didn't look at him, but walked over beside him and sat between Jonus and another man. Without looking over, he whispered to Jonus.
"Why are you in here Boss?"

"Assaulted a soldier."

"Why'd ya do that?"

"I needed to talk to you. Make sure you knew that if you could hold out today, everything would work out. It has. You'll be a hero, Kilvar."

"Why you though? Why not Malik? Or one of the others? Seems risky for you to be doing this."

"Malik just got out of prison. It's too risky to send him right back in. There's no telling when he'd be out. As for the others... I couldn't trust them with this job. How do you think most of them would've responded when you were about to hang? It had to be me."

Kilvar nodded. "I see. What else will ya need from me then Boss?"

"Nothing Kilvar. Leave the rest to me."

***
Jonus didn't move for several hours. He just sat in the corner, head against the wall. He didn't speak to anyone. As the day came to a close, and the prisoners began to fall asleep, he himself pretended to do the same. His eyes closed and his head leaned against the hard wall. He began to count the seconds. One... Two... Three... Four... All the way to sixty. Then he counted minutes. Again, all the way to sixty. Focusing on nothing else, Jonus counted the hours away in his head. Long enough that he knew it had to be well past midnight.
Finally, after four hours of counting, Jonus opened his eyes. As far as he could see, all the other prisoners around him were asleep. Including Kilvar, who slept along the back wall several yards from Jonus. Without making a sound, Jonus slowly rose to his knees and then to a crouch. He silently crept past the sleeping prisoners until he reached Kilvar. He reached down into his loin cloth and pulled out a small metal shiv.

Forgive me brother.

Jonus simultaneously covered Kilvar's mouth and plunged the shiv into his throat. The man's eyes shot open and his arms tried to jerk up. Jonus placed his knees on Kilvar's arms to prevent the attempts at flailing them from making noise. Jonus pushed the shiv harder, driving it deeper into his loyal friend's throat. He felt blood gurgle from his mouth, seeping through the fingers of Jonus's injured left hand. There was a wild look in Kilvar's eyes as they met Jonus's own. Unable to keep looking into them, Jonus looked away. After holding Kilvar still for several seconds, the Nord stopped trying to move and went limp. The whole ordeal was no louder than most of the snoring in the room.

Jonus carefully cleaned all the blood off of his hands onto Kilvar's shirt. He observed his own clothes and found that there was no blood on them. Leaving the shiv in his friend's neck, Jonus snuck back to his corner, getting back into the same position he'd been in all night and closed his eyes. He appeared the same as before, but his heart was now racing, and his hands were shaking. Jonus had never killed before. And this man had trusted him. He was a friend.

What have I done?! I killed him! No. No! I need to calm down! That was always the plan after all. He'd have caved under threat of death eventually. He'd have given Malik's name. Maybe even mine if he had to... I made the right choice. Yes. I made the right choice.

Jonus's mind began to ease. The shaking began to slow. He didn't know it. But as he drifted off to sleep, for real this time, the barest trace of a smile crept across his face.

Dales Moitre, General Tullius, Baldur Red-Snow, Afternoon, Falkreath

Dales, loudly and swiftly , knocked on the flap of her master's tent,

"Master, Master you there?

"Yes, do you have questions about today's lesson?"

"Nope, i'm leaving to Falkreath basically right now."

"Already? Come in, I will give you some advises before you leave."

The princess walked into her masters tent, and took a seat.

"What advice?"

"On how to behave, or rather act. These aren't some spineless nobles you'll be meeting. First, don't giggle. Second, if you speak with any of them, look them in the eye and don't flinch for a second. Show no sign of uncertainty or fear. And choose your words carefully."

"Okay, so basically act like Lorgar and you?"

"Just skip Lorgar's short temper and you'll be fine. And hide the dagger. Hopefully you will be able to handle these few days alone."

"I will, you've taught me so much master, how to defend myself and make use of my abilities. I hope I've lived up to your expectations..."

"You progress well. But you still have only come a third of the way. My elite were were called Wraiths for a reason. And I will have to find something else to do when you're gone. At least your maids will stay here."

"Miku is coming with me."

"Damn, she was the nicest of them. She wont like it though. Everyone in the camp knows about the Stormcloaks' incident in Whiterun."

"Yes I know. Lorgar and Tullius tell me, while it did happen, it was greatly exaggerated though. Can you speak honestly though, how much danger am I in?"

"That depends on how well Gracchus will manage. If he doesn't screw up I would say it would be close nonexistent, if he does... lets just say that you should keep your dagger with you at all time."

She nodded her head,

"I will..."

She went in for a hug with Witchie, but hesitated for a moment.

He patted her on the head, "If you want a goodbye hug then go ahead. But don't make it into habit. And give my regards to Miku."

She brought him into a bear hug, and buried her face in his shoulder,

"Goodbye master, thanks for everything."

Later that Day,

“Tullius, OH Tullius?”

I cant ******* take this…give me ******* Thalmor assassins, Stormcloak shock troopers, or even ******* imperial legionaries, **** THIS.”

“Yes your highness?” Said General Tullius, politely and civilly, to Princess Dales Moitre, who was walking in her hunting garb, beside one of her maids, Miku, in the Pine forest’s of Falkreath. They were on there way to the Stormcloak held town of Falkreath.

“Will the Nords be polite to me?”

Oh I don’t know, you are the ******* heir to the imperial throne, are an important person and will lead betterment and fate of two countries, and also a girl…”

“They…may be a little rude or rough, but Nords are rude and rough to just about everyone, including to themselves, so don’t take offence if they are a tad bit.”

She cheerfully nodded her head,

“Okay!”

The three continued to walk in silence for a good twenty minutes, until once again; Dales asked Tullius another question,

“Will I be alone most of the time?”

How the **** am I suppose to know that?

“I don’t know milady, the Nords aren’t known to be social with strangers” Tullius muttered under his breath, “And political hostages…”

“What was that General?”

“Nothing milady..”

Just then Dales maid, Miku, wrapped her arms around the Princess waist, bringing her into a hug,

“Don’t worry General Tullius, I’ll keep the princess company…”

The dark smile erupting from Miku’s face, read like,

“I’ll keep the princess A LOT of company…”

Regardless Tullius didn’t like it, and Dales didn’t seem to notice it, as she said,

”I can always count on you Miku…”

“I’ll always be here for you milady…

Yeah more like, “I’ll always be here for you when you want to have company in bed”…

Tullius knew Miku had lustful thoughts for Dales, since she AHEM ‘groped her’ on the prefix of ‘fixing her” braw early. Not to mention she had been hitting on both Tullius the entire trip. They finally got into the view of the gates of Falkreath, he motioned for the two Bretons to crouch down, they complied. Tullius, cloaked but with his hood down, approached the main gate before calling out to the soldier on duty,

“Guardsmen, tell your CO, “General One-eye” has arrived with the package!!!”

Boldir stood by the river running through town. He'd just been informed that Lod had finished putting in the bars under the wall so nobody could swim in it out anymore. Content with how it looked, he walked along the wall back toward the town proper. As he neared the main street, a guard shouted down to him from the gate.

"Captain!"

Boldir looked up. "Yes soldier?"

"General...err... One Eye is here with the package sir."

Boldir climbed the stairs and looked down. Sure enough, Tullius stood at the gate with two young girls, one of which Boldir assumed must've been the princess.
"Let them in."

The gate opened, and Tullius nodded his head to the two bretons signalling them to proceed, the person presumably Princess Dales, walked with absolute confidence and strict posture. She wore a high quality hunting outfit, and wore her golden hair loose across her shoulder. She had deep blue eyes, the other girl , presumably her maid, walked slightly nervous, only inches away from her lady.

Boldir walked down to meet them. After last night, he was pretty tired. He hasn't even tried to go back to sleep after the fire.
"Baldur and Rebec should be with us shortly. We can wait for them in the Longhouse."

Tullius nodded his head, and the trio went behind him walking to the longhouse without a word.

Rebec came out of the jail, still angry from interrogating the saboteur. She went to the longhouse to look for Boldir, then stopped as she saw who was entering. "Jaws of Oblivion. Look what the horker dragged in. Half-Pint and a halfwit princess." She didn't say it to anyone in particular, though didn't say it very quietly, either.

Baldur who had followed Rebec in was equally surprised, even though he remembered Tullius told him not to be.

"I can't believe it. You all actually went through with it. Either this is a fake, or you're actually serious afterall...How do I know this is the Princess? Surely the Princess wouldn't look this...stereotypical...shall we say."

Seemingly ignoring Rebec's comment , the 'princess' starred at Baldur straight in the eyes with her deep blue eyes, without any fear or hesitation, and spoke in a clear and polite tone.

"You must be General Red-snow, I am Princess Dales Moitre, third in line for the imperial throne." She politely courtesy him, before adding, with a joking tone,

"I request you give me a chance before judging me by my appearance General."

The sight of the rugged General next to the pristine Princess was like seeing day and night right next to each other at the same time. Baldur wasn't really sure what to think of the girl or if he could take her seriously, but his main concern was if she was in fact the Princess.

Only one way to find out. Let's see what Tullius's reaction is.

Baldur quickly spun the Princess around and wiped out his axe and grabbed her while holding the axe-blade to her neck so if she tried to move, she'd be cut and shocked by the axe's enchantment. Baldur blew the Princess's annoying fluffy golden locks out of his face so he could see Tullius's reaction.

Tullius instantly, drew his Nordic War axe and Ebony imperial blade, and went into his duel-wield fighting pose. The maid screamed out in fear and rushed behind Tullius. The 'princess'...didn't even flinch , her face remained calm and serene, and she merely told Tullius.

"Gaius, put down your weapons, General Red-Snow, i implore you to put down your war axe."

Baldur was somewhat satisfied. Tullius at least seemed to believe this was the Princess, and Baldur was sure that as a General, he'd have seen her before.

I guess he could be acting, but I don't see a reason for him to have saved me just to capture me again.

"Alright, put down your weapons. I had to be sure. You understand, Tullius. Now, I was going to have her put in a cell, but as of right now, all the cells are occupied with other prisoners, and I'm sure you wouldn't want her with a prisoner. Rebec, what do you suggest we do?"

Rebec had made space to watch the spectacle, and seemed to be enjoying it, for all that the purpose of this "audience" was very serious.

At Baldur's question, she was stymied. "Don't expect me to babysit her, if that's what you're thinking. I suppose she can take Tekla's room, since Lorgar cleared that out for her. This place is guarded well enough, though the command center will be off limits. I hope you don't mind living in a murdered woman's quarters, princess." The admiral's tone makes it clear that she doesn't really care what the princess minds.

"No I dont mind." Said the Princess.

"That sounds good to me. I'll up the security with Grim Ones, and you and the maid can stay in there. For now however, we should talk. I have some questions that need answering. You can follow me for a while. I just deal with townsfolk as of late. But afterwards you stay in that room under lock and key." said Baldur. "Care to come along, Rebec, or do you have plans?"

"Oh, I wouldn't miss this," Rebec replied.

Baldur playfully pushed her on the shoulder.

"Oh hush before I make you guard the two tonight. Boldir, did you get my message about the town meeting later?"

Boldir nodded. "Already got people working on it."

He eyed the princess. Not quite sure what to make of her.
"I'll be waiting in the Longhouse. Got some things to take care of." He nodded at Baldur and Rebec before turning to head off.

The Princess nodded her head sternly at Baldur, and went behind him. She glanced at her maid, who was sweating and looking terrified, a touch from Dales hand is all she needed to calm down, Dales quietly told her,

"It's going to be alright Miku, your safe with me."

"Yes... milady"

Rebec glanced over at the maid and snorted, shaking her head. "What do milk drinkers call a milk drinker?" she asked Baldur, posing a philosophical question.

That, caused Dales to speak in a slightly annoyed tone,

"She's very frighted, I request you don't make fun of her Admiral."

"This is a war zone and she and you have been sent to help imprison and torture Nords for worshipping the wrong god. Time to buck up, miladies," Rebec answered, not bothering to conceal her derision.

While remaining very polite, Dales voice filled with what seemed like cold fury,

"Buck up? I've killed a highly trained dominion assassin with only a knife, I've been stabbed threw the stomach multiple times, I've seen someone very close to me get impaled on a dominion sword and die in my arms. I think already BUCKED up, admiral."

Baldur thought about interfering but decided against it. The conversation sounded fun, and he wanted to hear Rebec in action.

"Fascinating," Rebec answered, her tone bored. "Sounds like a good start. What'd you even bring her for if she wilts at the sight of Nords? We only asked Tullius for you. Now we've got another mouth to feed. You scrawny things always eat twice your weight."

"Oh deary, you think she's afraid of nords? Too be quite blunt with you admiral, she's afraid the soldiers are going to [censored] her like how they did in Whiterun with the woman."

"So, you brought her here in hopes the bad Stormcloaks take her instead of you? Good plan. Maybe you're not as dumb as you look." Rebec turned away, and with her back turned to the others mouthed silently to Baldur, "Where's Witchie?"

Baldur leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"In the Imperial camp still."

Baldur decided it was time to start asking some questions.

"So, Princess...why are you doing this now? Why do you hate the Thalmor? And Your father?"

"Clarify. Do you want me to tell you the official story, or the truth?"

"Save the horker [censored], please. I've had my fill of Imperial lies. So the truth." said Baldur.

The princess started to speak,

"I'm doing this for multiple reasons, primary because my people are being weighted down by the corrupt nobles, while they have parties and other social gatherings, people are starving in the streets and mellowing in filth, Second, because the dominion is expanding it's dark and corrupt influence across the empire's policies, you people wouldn't know, but my father is about to pass a bill with the elder council that allows a dominion troops access to the imperial city, thirdly..." She stopped speaking for a second, before saying "Vengeance. Why do I hate the thalmor? Well they murdered the girl I loved, whom I knew most of my life, who and was the only one who really took care of me when I was younger, they sent assassins after me, they've caused the deaths of hundreds of imperial citizens and imperial soldiers, and of course they used me as an unwitting pawn to further there own ends. Why do I hate my father...hmmm let's see, he constantly [censored] my mother when I was younger, occasionally making me watch, beat me up with my two brothers, and would occasionally cut me with across my stomach with a razor blade, and he left me to the mercy of the dominion more times then not, and brainwashed me..."

"Do I have sufficient motives for trying to make a difference General?

Baldur was a bit suspicious of the sudden change, so he desided to question her further.

"If this worm was such a monster, why'd you wait until now to go against your father? What interest would the Thalmor have in your...girl lover?"

"They didn't they just killed her in cold blood, despite me being the target, just because she was human....and...I was afraid of him"

"And why were they after you? I think Tullius mentioned it, but I forgot." said Baldur trying to remember.

" I was refusing to sign any more of the documents they requested me too... Also because...I was being noisy...I was requested very...unusual information from them..."

Baldur raised an eyebrow at the response, genuinely curious.

"What kind of information?"

Rebec listened to this account with folded arms, skeptical but not interfering.

"Ummmm...I was asked by a...Prefect Grim-maw, an imperial specialist, to see what the rucus around the dominion camp was... apparently it was...you General.

Baldur didn't know wht to think of the Princess's answer, but he didn't quite believe it.

"I don't think so. Lorgar wouldn't send the Princess of the Empire to investigate something on the Thalmor."

"You know Prefect Grim-maw?"

Baldur gave a chuckle at the question as if everyone should have known about it.

"Yes, you can say that I know him. His men and mine had a little tussle half a year ago. I'm the reason why he lost his rank of Legate.

"Oh? I didn't know that."

She looked sad for a moment,

"I was at the ceremony where he was stripped of his rank. I wasn't really affected by it, Emperor Moitre told me he was a "Traitor" and they only sparred him to send a message." She chuckled and smiled a bit, "The fact of the manner is without him, I would be dead"

"And now big bad Lorgar's had a change of heart, too. You couldn't all have had these epiphanies on the other side of the Pale Pass, could you," Rebec said, shaking her head.

Baldur couldn't believe it, but he actually got defensive for Lorgar. Something he never thought he'd ever do.

"Yes, those sons of ******* have no idea what real war is like. The man is my enemy, but he's no coward. Yes, he told me about that. And he's not a traitor to Cyrodiil. Motierre's the damn traitor. They say a man can be judged by the quality of his enemies. Lorgar's no coward. I can at least say that much about him, if nothing else. One last thing. Who asked you for the info on the Dominion camp? The truth. We are working together now after all."

She put her hands up,

"If you think me insulting Lorgar and thinking he a coward, I can assure you I think the exact opposite. He saved my life from Imperial assassins, and I consider him a close friend and ally."

She hesitated for a second, before answering Baldur's question,

"A nord named Skajr, my...teacher."

"Skjar? What does he look like?" asked Baldur

"He wears a black robe along with a hood, if you know Lorgar, then you know his hood cloaks his face in shadow, the effect is very similar to what my teacher's hood does when he puts it up. He teaches me magic and swordplay."

Baldur realized immediately who she was talking about. He made sure to keep his facial expression the same so that the Princess wouldn't know he knew him.

Why the hell is Witchie training this girl in magic and swordplay? Is he responsible for this somehow?

"Hmm, doesn't sound familiar. Well, that's all the questions I have for you. Go back to the Longhouse. I don't think I need to escort you back, do I? If you don't go straight to your room...."

Baldur dashed towards Dale's maid so that his face was directly in front of her, and he put on his most angry barbaric look that he could.

"Then one of my boys may decide to have a little fun with you!"

The maid's, Miku, face instantly went pale and her face dripped with terror and fear. She slowly nodded her head, before turning around, and literally scrambled after Dales, Baldur could see her grabbing Dales arm and moving thrice the speed back to the longhouse.

Rebec chuckled and laid a hand on her husband's back. "You're getting to like those theatrics as much as the imperials, Baldur. Come on. We need to find this other traitor."

Later that night,

Dales lay motionless in her bed, snuggled next to her was Miku, clad in her undergarments and disturbing close to her body. Dales felt surprisingly good beside her, if a little worried . When they got to the room, Miku was crying for hours, and Dales was there comforting Miku for hours. Her fear of being violated by the Stormcloak’s was genuine, and General Red-snow’s rude ‘joke’ was not helping matters at all. When Miku asked to sleep in Dales bed tonight, Dales while worried herself, wouldn't turn her down. Surprisingly, Miku hadn't hit on her or made any suggestive move on her once and just held onto her the entire evening searching for warmth. A slight voice came from the dark room,

“You…wont let them [censored] me, will you milady?”

Dales smiled and softly tussled her hair,

“I won’t…I promise Miku, just go to sleep…”

Quaestor Pilus Rato
Imperial Camp
Day 5-7 of Siege


Pilus had taken a horse, a small cart, and went on a hunting trip deep into the forests west of the camp.

Gracchus wanted to make sure out supplies were stocked in case this meeting went awry, so he sent me, as usual. I guess I can't complain too much, it's not like there is a shortage of deer in the area. I may even run into a bear if I'm lucky, Pilus thought.

Pilus had arrived right an hour before sunset on the fifth day of the siege, and had set his camp, set into a small cave like structure, up within view of a small clearing, with a large rock outcropping on one side and a small spring fed creek running west. His bedding was up in the tree, away from any animals that might want a midnight snack. He noticed many deer, rabbit, and what looked like wolf tracks in the clearing, so Pilus decided to set up his camp close enough by that he could see the clearing through the trees, but far enough away that he could remain hidden.

Pilus decided to not hunt the night he got there, but rose early and set himself up in brush patch he had hollowed out to conceal him. He spent the better part of the afternoon there, until a group of does wandered into the edge of the clearing. Pilus waited, and sent the ice spike into its side. The other does fled, and the kicking of the downed animal stopped.

Pilus repeated the routine he had done a few days earlier, and hauled the gutted corpse to his camp. The rest of the day he thought, read, and lounged around. He slept soundly from his platform he built in the lower branches of a tree.

The next day, Pilus returned to the bush blind. Not a single animal showed up, that is until a large brown bear lumbered into the clearing. Pilus' heart was pounding, knowing that in one swipe it could knock him unconscious, a sleep from which he wouldn't wake.

The bear sniffed the air, raising onto its hind legs, it's head quizzically turning left and right as its nostrils alerted it to some danger. Just as it sank back to all fours, a pack of wolves skulked its way out of the shadows. The wolves leader, a large black beast, circled the bear warily, as his pack fanned out around it. Without any warning, one of the wolves leaped at the bear, it's fangs sinking into the furry flank of the monster. Pivoting, the bear slung the wolf off, but that allowed the three remaining to pounce from where the bear had been facing.

The fangs' of the wolves tore at the bear, leaving patches of fur and skin missing. The bear, in its huge might, raised up, and gouged one of the wolves with its brown paw, sending it whimpering into submission. The pack leader backed off, the others following, before licking the wounds of the injured wolf and heading back into the forest. The bear soon left as well, headed in the opposite direction, both thankfully away from his camp.

That'll be an interesting story to tell. I'm just glad I made it out of here in out piece.

Pilus left, not wanting to chance his luck any further, and set out an hour later from his camp. Along the way, he came upon another doe, whom he snagged and added to the cart. After several hours of travel, and arriving late at night, Pilus reached the Imperial camp. He dropped off both the horse and the deer, and managed to find some rest in his tent.

The next day, he awoke to find Gracchus seated on a stool outside, warming himself by the fire.

"How'd the hunting go?" Gracchus asked.

"Fine. I grabbed to does, and saw a wolf pack attack a bear. Anything interesting happen while I was gone?" Pilus inquired.

Gracchus reached closer to the fire, and tugged his cloak up higher on his shoulders. "The princess is leaving today, and we will soon discover if the plan of ours is going to work. Gods preserve us of it doesn't."

Pilus simply nodded.

And I hope for everyone's sake it does. We need this plan to work, and so does every other man on Nirn.

Baldur and Boldir
Falkreath
Day 7 of siege, Late evening

Boldir looked down upon the assembled crowd of civilians. This was fairly new to him, as he was used to crowds of soldiers looking up at him, not civilians. He stood beside Baldur, who was about to speak. The thousands of civilians were not disciplined like the soldiers. The sound of them speaking all together boomed across the town. He held up his hands and shouted.
"Quiet!"

The front few rows quieted down and began shushing those behind them. Soon, it spread all across the crowd and ended in silence.

"Thank you. Now, our leader, General Red-Snow has a few words for all of you regarding rationing and last night's events, which I'm sure you all heard of by now. Refrain from speaking until he's done."

Boldir backed up and nodded at his friend.
"All you."

Baldur made sure to keep his sternest expression on at all times so they'd know he was serious. He turned to Boldir, and nodded before stepping forward.

"Before I begin, I would like to say that I am NOT in the mood for extra comments. You will hear what I am saying and shut the hell up until I have finished speaking...or you will spend the night in the special cell of the prison. The one reserved for our best guests. Now...as you all know, there were several civilians caught running away from a fire that was set on our supplies. Two of them were captured, but the rest were still at large. Now, first I will say that I am offering a bounty on everyone's head involved with the fire of eight hundred gold a piece. Alive. Second, since I don't have them and I can't have civilians taking it upon themselves to sabotage for the enemy, there WILL be consequences for all for their actions. Well...almost all."

Baldur ceased speaking so that his words would carry extra weight.

"Now, I know a few of you have been asking about joining up, and because of that, I have decided to start a militia. The Imperials outnumber us two to one, so I will need at least 1800-2000 willing men and women to join our cause. Next to this platform is the large amount of weapons and armor I had brought for this very purpose. Anyone from the age of 14 and up who can pick up a sword is welcome. Now, if I don't get the numbers that I need, I have the authority to conscript for the rest. Hopefully I won't have to do that. Now we get to the punishment. I know a lot of you here still resent the Stormcloaks, and you are all potential liabilities. Because of that and the actions from last night, civilian rations will be lowered even further. HOWEVER, those of you who join the militia will not only have your rations unaffected by those actions, but you will have normal full rations given to you for your loyalty and bravery. That is all. Any questions?"

Someone shouted from the crowd.
"That's no fair! You can punish us for what a couple of people did!"

Boldir couldn't see who said it, but he shouted back.
"We can and we are! It's time you people stopped acting like we are a burden on your town. We are in the middle of a damn war! It seems like most of you don't even realize that if it weren't for us, you'd all be in Dominion hands right now!"

At the mention of the Dominion, the crowd broke into quiet murmuring, none of which Boldir could make out.
They knew about the Dominion army backing up the Imperials, didn't they? Yeah, most of them probably would.

"And you should not blame us for your rations going down. Blame the cowards that burned a fourth of our food! Cowards that hide among you even now!"

As he said this, Boldir scanned the crowd, trying to see if anyone made any unique reactions that could give them away. Most looked angry, whether at the Stormcloaks or the traitors was anybody's guess. But there were too many faces for him to spot anybody that actually stood out.
That would've been too easy.

"Of course, that won't be a problem for anyone that joins our militia."

Another angry voice sounded from the crowd. Boldir couldn't see where it came from, but it sounded like it came from near the back.

"This is horker [censored]! You're not letting us leave, but you force us to follow your rules!"

Baldur stood back up on the platform to back up his friend. After he did, he hopped down again seeing a kid in the crowd at the front and thought it was a perfect opportunity. He told the boy to come forward onto the stage, and gave him a hand up.

"What's your name, son?"

'M-my name's Bjorn. Can I join the militia?"

Baldur chuckled at the little boy's request, and hoped one day he'd have a son just like him.

"I'm sorry, but I think you may be too young. Hey, can you do me a favor? Help me take off my armor."

"O-okay, sir."

The boy gladly obeyed Baldur, seeing him as a hero because of his parent's words, and started helping him take his chest piece off after Baldur took his gauntlets off. After a few seconds some of the men started laughing.

"Hey, is this a peep show? What the hell is he doing?"

Baldur started laughing himself for a minute, and still had a smile on his face when he and the boy finally removed the top section of his armor off, revealing his chest and back. The boy reeled back from him, afraid of the scarred mess that was displayed before him.

When Baldur turned around, the crowd went silent, some of the women gasping at the grizzly sight on his back. The people on the left who couldn't quite see asked what all the hubbub was about. Baldur answered by turning his exposed back to them as well, and got the same gasps and even some squeals from the crowd.

"You see? Take a look. Take a good long look. You want to walk out that door? Fine. Be my guest. The Imperials may not keep you, but the Thalmor will. This is what happened to me last time I was in their custody. You like it? You want some matching scars to go on your husband's backs? Your wives? On children like Bjorn? Then be my guest. Step right through that gate and give them my regards.Until the Imperials start killing those elves, you are no safer with them than you are with the Thalmor!"

Baldur was careful to add that last part in, still unsure if the Imperials were serious about fighting the elves, but he wanted to still have an open window for them in case they did.

The crowd remained silent. For the most part, these people didn't know war. They didn't understand the brutality of it. Seeing the scars of it on Baldur's back was enough to sway most people to their side. Boldir could tell this from the changing faces of many in the crowd. Looks of fear and frustrated anger turned to looks of determination. But as would be expected, no one spoke. Of course they didn't. How do you respond to something like that with words?

Good idea Baldur. We should meet our goal for the militia now without conscripting.

As Bjorn went back down off the stage, Boldir spoke to Baldur at his normal volume.

"I think you've got your militia."

Baldur while reapplying his armor looked to Boldir and smiled.

"Yes, looks like the Thalmor gave us a gift eh? Hopefully we won't need them. But safe is better than sorry. If this meeting goes south, you now have the tools you need to finish this battle."

Boldir realized what Baldur was saying.
"I suppose I am not to go with you then?"

Baldur put his hand on the huge nord's shoulder.

"I'm sorry friend. I need you to stay behind in case something goes wrong to lead the men. Don't worry, with the Princess in our custody, I should be fine. But you never know. Rebec and I will go, and either return with good news, return with bad news...or we won't return at all. But I wouldn't risk my wife's life unless I was damn sure we'd be safe. Believe me on that. I'll be back before you can say Nerevarine. I said that to Rebec before I was captured, and I swear she still can't pronounce it right, haha!"

Boldir looked puzzled. "Nere-vaah... What now? What in the blazes are y-"
Boldir stopped himself and nodded.

"Nevermind, it doesn't matter. What you're saying makes sense, and I know by now to trust your judgement."

Baldur busted out laughing at Boldir's very similar reaction to the word.

"Hahaha, now you're making me nervous! That's exactly how Rebec sounded before I was captured. Hopefully history does not repeat itself. But as long as you can't repeat that word, that means I'll still be coming back."

"This time, come back without new scars, okay?"

Baldur's face grew serious, remembering Jodun's last works, then he thought about what he'd do if he were to get in trouble with Rebec around him. He knew he'd sacrifice himself to let her escape. So he knew the answer he had to give Boldir instantly.

"No promises, Boldir."

Boldir nodded at his friend. He understood Baldur's position. No more words needed to be said. He turned back and looked out into the crowd, which was growing chatty. He blurred it all out as his mind wandered to the Longhouse, where the princess was being held.

For her sake, he better come back unharmed.

Even if it's Baldur, would you really hurt that girl for something out of her control?

Without hesitation, Carlotta.

Boldir Iron-brow
Falkreath Longhouse
Day 7 of siege, night

Boldir was tired as he entered his room several hours after the assembly with Baldur. Since then, he'd been keeping busy dealing with civilians wanting to join the militia. He didn't bother to be neat with his armor as he stripped out of it, and instead just left it piled in the corner.

"You know it was pronounced "Nere-var-ine" right?"

Yeah, Thanks Jodun. Now I'll chat with all the voices in my head in the morning. Alrig-

"Wait... How could a voice in my head possibly know that?"

"I'm not in your head."

A cold chill went down Boldir's back as he turned to the flute Jodun had given him, which still sat in his satchel on the desk.

It can't be the... Screw it. I'll worry about this tomorrow.

Boldir layed down and closed his eyes.
Maybe I can get another good dream... I could... use...
Boldir was asleep before he finished his thoughts.

***
Whiterun

Boldir's heart thudded in his chest as he prepared for the day. He had never in his life felt so anxious, nervous, and happy, all at the same time. It was still early in Whiterun, and the traders and craftsmen would all just now be starting to set up for the day. As he shuffled through his belonging in a chest, Boldir spotted his lucky flute. He pulled it out and sat down on his bed. Years ago, his best friend Beirlan had given it to him. It was a simple enough instrument, a flute with the fancy inlays that were typically found on anything considered modern Nordic in design. This flute had been with Boldir for many years. This past month with Carlotta, it had become far more valuable to him. He'd played it for her countless times. Eventually, she got to where she'd lean on him as he played slower tunes. But only when Mila wasn't around. When Mila was there, he'd play the fast and more upbeat ones, which Carlotta would smile and hum along with while Mila tried to make up songs to go along.

This instrument has seen the best of me.

Boldir smiled and put the flute into his satchel, which he fastened to his belt. He stood up and buckled on his war axe sheath as well. He looked at the two axes he had sitting on his short dresser. One was his great battle axe. The other, his smaller war axe.

And you two have seen the worst.

He grabbed the war axe and slid it into his sheath. He may have been in a secure city, but he never traveled without a weapon. Boldir opened the top drawer of the dresser and pushed aside a book to reveal the amulet of Mara that laid beneath. He smiled as he picked it up and slid it over his head, making sure to carefully tuck it in under his tunic. Boldir crossed the room and grabbed his favorite wool cloak off of a rack and put it on before heading out.

~~~

Boldir was ecstatic. The nervousness was going away, but that was just fueling the anxiousness he felt. He'd intentionally avoided Carlotta all day, so that the next time they saw each other, it would be all he could remember of that day. Now it was evening, and Boldir watched from a distant bench as Carlotta and Mila went into the Bannered Mare for dinner. He stood up and followed. The inn was not particularly crowded when he entered, and they were in their usual spot in the front left corner of the main room. Carlotta said something to Mila when she saw Boldir approach the table. When she did, Mila got up and headed to the front counter.

"Hi Boldir!" She said cheerfully while passing by.

Boldir ruffled her hair before allowing her to go by.
"Hello Mila!"

Boldir pulled out a chair beside Carlotta and sat with her at the table. She had a sad look in her eyes.

"Everything alright Carlotta?"

"Oh... Everything is fine Boldir."

He could tell it wasn't true.
"Then why did you send Mila to talk to Hulda when you saw me get here?"

"Oh, you noticed that... I figured you wanted to talk about... Last night."

"Last night? There's no reason to talk about anything regarding last night. We love each other right? Carlotta... I DO love you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Boldir reached under his tunic and pulled out the amulet of Mara, dropping it back on top. He looked Carlotta in the eyes, wearing the most sincere face he'd ever made in his life. When she looked back, her own eyes were filled with tears.

"Boldir... I may love you... But-"

"There's no "may" Carlotta. You said yourself that you did. We sealed it. You can't just take that back."

"For all I know, the wine I'd had said that."

Boldir remembered the night vividly. Carlotta hadn't had but a few sips of wine. He could not stop the tears that were forming in his eyes.

"Carlotta..."

"Boldir... I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you. After how good you've been to me."
Tears were now running down Carlotta's cheeks.
You have to understand. It's- it's Mila... I've sworn to myself and to her that I would never let a man come between us."

"But I wouldn't! Mila is like my own-"

"No! She isn't! You are a soldier Boldir! You would come into our lives, give Mila back a father. And then, when she's happy, you would to go off and die just like her real father. Like Tolik! I can't put her through that again Boldir! I can't!"

"I was going to-

"Quit the army? For how long? Tolik quit for five years before going back! And you're far more of a soldier he was!"

Carlotta sniffed.
"I am sorry Boldir. But the answer is no."

Boldir didn't know how to respond. He thought there had been more. No! There had definitely been more! He wasn't sure if Carlotta was right or not. He wasn't even sure of his own state of mind right now. Everything just felt like a confusing blur. He could see that it wasn't just him. Or at least he didn't think it was. Carlotta was sniffing a lot now, and her eyes were red with tears, but she kept from crying.

"Carlotta..."

"Please, Boldir. *sniff* Don-"

"I love you."
Boldir ripped off the amulet of Mara and dropped it on the table before rising and leaving the room.

~~~

"Stupid Stormcloak drunks. Think they can get away with anything because they're the soldiers here now."

"What was that?!?"
Boldir turned around to see whoever it was that he'd overheard whispering about him. Idolaf Battle-Born was sitting in a char near the corner of the Drunken Huntsman. He was with some other Nord Boldir'd never seen before.

"Uhh nothing. Sorry."

Boldir rose from his own seat by the counter.

"No! I heard you say something! Didn't I?!?"

Yeah, you did. That Battle-Born [censored] has always hated Stormcloaks.

"See?? Baldur heard it too!"

Idolaf looked confused. He put up his hands and gestured to the rediculously large pile of empty mead bottles strewn around where Boldir had been sitting.
"I think you've had a little too much to drink tonight. So why don't we just-"

"Don't you [censored] try to tell me what to do!"
Boldir threw his half empty bottle at Idolaf. It broke on his shirt, spilling glass and mead all over him, as well as likely bruising a rib or two.

"Boldir!" Elrindir, the tavern's owner, tried to calm him down. Boldir turned and pointed a finger at him.

"Don't you [censored] cross me elf! This is between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials!!! Right Baldur?

"What?!? This is just a tavern! Who is Baldur?! You're too drunk sir!"

Boldir drew his war axe, causing everyone in the room to freeze.

"Not another word from you!" He resheathed the axe and turned back to Idolaf.

"Stand up you milk drinking coward!"

Both of them!

"Yeah, good idea! Both of you, stand up!"

Idolaf and his friend rose from their seats and looked at each other. Idolaf nodded. They both ran at Boldir at the same time, hoping to throw him off in his drunken state. Before they'd closed the distance, Boldir uppercutted the friend straight back into the table he'd been at, causing it to collapse. Idolaf managed to get a solid punch on Boldir's left eye before being lifted up and slammed him hard onto the ground.

Do whatever it takes to win. Make an example of this one and the others will fall in line.

Boldir got down on top of Idolaf and punched him hard in the face. Then again. Then again. He didnt stop until his own hands were covered in blood. He let out a scream.

"ARRRGGH!!!"

Boldir got off of the long unconscience body. With his hands still covered in blood, he turned to Elrindir and spoke loudly but with a commanding voice.

"Give me another mead. I spilled mine."

He went to sit down. As he did, Elrindir nervously handed him another bottle. Boldir drained it in seconds.

"More."

Once again, he downed the mead in seconds.

"More."

This time, as Boldir neared the bottom of the bottle, his vision began to blur far worse than he'd ever remembered it getting while drunk. He slammed the empty bottle down.

"M-"

Boldir slid from his chair. His vision had faded black before he ever hit the ground.

***

"Whoa!"

Boldir shot up. He looked out his window. It was still dark. Probably early morning.

It was just a dream...

No it wasn't.

I know.

Legate Gracchus Ceno
Imperial Camp
Day 7 of Siege, Night


Gracchus had spent the day walking the camp, speaking with his troops to keep morale up, answering questions like, "What's next?" and "When will we be home?" Most of those questions he answered as gently as possible, encouraging his men that it would be over soon. He even visited the medical tents, and helped the overworked doctors and nurses. By the end of the day, he was tired and worn out, and was hopeful for a restful sleep. However he was interrupted by a dream, one totally different than the ones he had had before.

In his dream, Gracchus was walking through a field of wheat, not yet bundled together. A soft wind blew through, and rustled the crops. Up ahead was his house, or the charred ground where it used to stand. He ran through the field, and arrived at the still smoking ruins. Gracchus looked around, using his foot to dig underneath burned beams and furniture. Nothing was left, even the silverware was melted and gone.

What happened here? Where is everyone?

Gracchus turned to walk out of the house, when his foot kicked something. He looked down, and saw a white bone, charred but recognizable. It was laid out next to several others, and when Gracchus looked at them, they formed letter, spelling "HELP." A cold shiver went down his spine, and as he turned around to leave, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked, but no one was there. Gracchus ran through the field, and heard footsteps following him, getting closer and closer. He could see the edge, the end, the safe place up ahead, and ran faster to try and make it. Gracchus constantly glanced over his should, nervously looking for whatever was after him. A few steps away from the edge of the field, when two hands grabbed him from behind and threw him to the ground. Gracchus looked up, and saw the bones had reformed into a person, rattling as it stood over him.

In his mother's voice, the skeleton cried "Why didn't you help meeee? Where were youuu? Why did you abandon meeee?"

All Gracchus could do is watch, as the skeleton asked him these questions. He was unable to answer, but the skeleton went on.

"I'll make sure you never run again!"

The skeleton reached into the ground, and pulled out an iron sword. Grabbing the hilt, it plunged it downward towards Gracchus.

"Noooooo!!!!!"

Gracchus woke up, as the dream sword plunged into him. He was shaking, shaking so bad he couldn't use his hands to do anything. He eventually made his way out of bed, and saw the sun rising, casting its rays into the camp.

It's over now. It was just a dream. Just a dream....

Witchking (aka Witchie, alias Skjari), Lorgar

Imperial camp

Early night

14+

It was around one o'clock in the morning, Lorgar approached Dales's maids tents, if Dales was to be trusted, then Witchie would he here during the night . His advance hearing told him something was going on in there, and due to all the giggling and moaning sounds, he didn't want to know. He coughed awkwardly, before knocking on the flap of the tent,

"You there Skjari?"

Everything went quiet inside the tent and after a few seconds of silence Lorgar heard Witchie's voice from the inside of the tent,

"Yes, what is it?"

"I need to speak with you...outside" Lorgar muttered under his breath, "and away from your 'concubines'."

"Give me a minute." the voices of disappointed women started to raise and soon Witchie came out of the tent dressed in his black robe, "I hope it's important."

"It is. I need your assistance, secret mission against the Thalmor."

"That could be fun. You planning on bringing anyone else along?"

"I'll use Karsh to contact my partner if we're in trouble. Our objective is the leader of the dominion camp, Colonel-Inquisitor Vandili. This operation has been sanctioned by Legate Gracchus Ceno and General Baldur Red-snow of the Stormcloak army." Knowing Witchie's hatred of elves, Lorgar added in, "No, we have to get him alive."

"As long as he's alive you wont get your axe back. Just keep that in mind. And don't be rude to Karsh, or else he might decide not do as you say."

"Hey, last time he was the one rude to me. Where is the laughing bird anyway's?. I recommend saying good night to your...'Snuggle buddies'." said Lorgar mockingly, with a grin.

"Snuggle?" Witchie chuckled, "Anyway, Karsh comes only when I call or when he pleases." he then put his head inside the tent, "I'll be gone for some hours, bye."

"Goodbye milord." could be heard from all the maids in unison from inside the tent, they sounded quite disappointed.

Witchie then put on the hood and the veil, "Shall we go?"

"Try to keep up with me..." Lorgar put on his dark hood, went into a stealthy and crouched position, and ran with super-natural speed and stealth to the dominion camp.

When Lorgar reached the edge of the camp Witchie was already there sitting on his black horse, barely visible in the shadows, "Try to keep up?"

Lorgar grumbled "That's cheating!!! I don't have a magical horse..."

He signaled for Witchie to dismount and join him on the ground. He took out a map of the dominion camp, and stabbed his dagger into one of the area's.

"My sources tell me this is the Colonel's quarters...this is our objective..."

The horse ran deep into the woods after Witchie had dismounted and was soon out of view.

"That's practically the middle of the camp. This is going to be tricky." Witchie said.

"I have a plan..." He pointed at a location, "We set fire to the alcohol storage and cause a distraction. Using the cover of that, we'll sneak to the command tent, and knock the bastard out."

"I think I can sneak in a flaming familiar into the storage. It will allow us to get some distance before the fire go off."

"Excellent we have a plan..." Lorgar checked to see if his equipment was ready, before saying, "Have you sneaked into a enemy camp, heavily garrisoned and fortified by extremist elven radicals before?"

"I think I lost count after fifty. It's the mages that can use detection spells that you need to worry about."

"The shadows hide me...Hircine does as well..." He smiled revealing his fang-like teeth.

"I would guess by your teeth, abilities and talking about Hircine that you're a half-breed werewolf. Got a scratch from one when you were young?"

Lorgar chuckled, "Calling me that would paint me very close to being regular in comparsion to what I am. I wont tell you what I am, but let's just I'm no more human then you are."

"Depends on what you consider human. I consider myself to just be a skilled mage that have not bound my soul to any higher power. But I can tell that your soul is at least linked to Hircine and that it's relatively close to that of a werewolf. But we can speak of that later, right now we got work to do."

"Agreed" Lorgar went back into his crouched position, and signaled Witchie to follow him, "Let's move."

Witchie followed and simply bent the shadows to become more intense around him, causing him to disappear from view. And Lorgar was also well hidden, as it almost seemed like the shadows were naturally drawn to him, cloaking him in the darkness. After carefully avoiding patrols, they finally came up to the alcohol store house. Lorgar signaled Witchie that they were there.

"Why do they need so much alcohol anyway?" Witchie whispered into Lorgar's ear.

"I don't know, maybe elves like to drink as much as nords?"

"Maybe, I almost want to take a look inside to see what kind of alcohol they got there." he then proceeded to summon a flaming familiar and casting invisibility and muffle on the creature. Hopefully it wouldn't bump into any the sentries on it's way into the tent.

"I think it's time to run away from the tent..."

Lorgar got no answer and soon he could see the grass turn on the ground like if someone stepped on it.

"Yeah..."

Logar closely followed the steps with his eyes, while remaining hidden. The steps kept going towards the storage and tent and was soon out of view when it walked around it towards the entrance that was on the other side.

"Why are you still here? I had to come back just to get you." Witchie whispered.

"We need to stick together...I know plenty of operations going sour because the soldiers were separated."

"I thought you were right behind me. And would really suggest we don't stick around to watch the blast. Now lets go before they notice that something is off in the storage tent."

He nodded, and speed walked stealthy out of the blast radius. When they had gone a good distance around the camp an explosion was heard in the distance. When they looked they could see a great ball of fire expanding into the night sky.

"That was entertaining..." Lorgar said.

"I've seen bigger." Witchie responded.

"We still have to business to attend..."

"Of course." Witchie walked out of the shadows and turned his appearance into that of a Thalmor soldier. "You want a disguise too?"

"Why not..."

Witchie cast a spell at Lorgar that rendered his rugged looks into that of an ugly Thalmor soldier. Also causing his hiding to fail as the golden armor gleamed.

"And here I thought you couldn't get any uglier. Now lets hurry while the chaos is still active."

Lorgar nodded, before heading into the direction of the command tent. Witchie followed while channeling a spell so that anyone who got too close to them would get a little forgetful, along with the chaos it heavily reduced their chances of getting caught.

They finally reached the tent after ten minutes of walking/speed-walking, Lorgar turned to his companion.

"How do you want to approach him?"

"You peek into the tent to see what were dealing with and I keep watch."

He nodded, his head. He walked up to the entrance of the tent and peaked his head inside. There he was, Colonel Valindil clad in his black dominion robes. He had a glass of wine in his hands and was busy looking at a bunch of documents. He went back to Witchie and told him,

"He's looking at some documents and drinking wine."

"Lets knock him out and I'll disguise him as a normal Thalmor grunt. We'll then carry him through the camp like if we're going the medical tent and hopefully no one will notice."

"Agreed..."

Lorgar nodded to Witchie, before opening the flap of the tent, the Colonrl, only seeing two Dominion soldiers, didn't even bother to worry. He simply said,

"Report-"

Lorgar interrupted by twisting his arm, and keeping him into a throat lock. Before he could cast any of his fancy magic, Lorgar had already injected a sleep/paralysis poison into the veins of his neck with his small needle. Witchie had kept watch and stood by tents entrance, peeking outside to see that no one really noticed when they walked in. The coast was clear. He then cast a spell at the altmer, turning his robes into elven armor. And then put the elf's left arm around his neck and Lorgar did the same with the right arm.

"Now lets hurry."

He nodded his head. To be expected, the plan worked flawlessly, no one raised any sort of suspicion or protest, and let the trio walk through the camp unhindered.

When they were just reaching the edge of the camp and was almost into the woods, they heard a voice yelling in some kind elven language closely behind them. They turned their heads around and saw that one of the elves had stopped and was now yelling at them about something, probably wondering what they were doing carrying an unconscious soldier into the woods. Lorgar, quickly and swiftly drew one of his throwing knives and landed it into the eye of the dominion trooper, he landed with a thud.

"It's always something." Witchie said.

"We need to leave...burn the body..."

"Too late for that."

More Thalmor soldiers were coming in their direction in the distance. So far they haven't noticed anything yet so Witchie cast another spell at the body, turning invisible instead.

Lorgar wrapped his arms around the kidnapped officer, before turning to Witchie and saying, "I'll meet you back at camp..."

"Go then, I'll stick around a little to see if they'll follow."

Lorgar, nodded his head, Before chuckling and saying, "The package has been caught, Operation successful."

And with that, Lorgar ran into the woods, intent on delivering the prisoner to the imperial prison.

Witchie stayed behind the treeline to watch the Thalmor soldiers as they came closer to where the dead soldier lay. The would spot the corpse as soon as the invisibility spell had run it's course, if they did not stumble on it first. They came closer and they had almost passed the corpse when it turned visible. Most of the soldiers missed it except from the one that walked behind all the others. That soldier than signaled the others and they all went to investigate, they all soon drew their swords and one of them yelled at the others in their elven language. They spread out and was now walking towards the woods where Witchie remained hidden.

It was time to withdraw. Witchie bent the shadows closer around him as he silently walked deeper into the woods. When the soldiers was soon out of sight his black horse came running and stopped right besides him. After he had mounted his horse the soldiers came into view again in the distance. They were widely spread out and now also far away from their camp. He turned the horse around and galloped around to their flank and charged them. The first soldier only had time to turn his head before he lost it, along with his soul. The other soldier noticed and managed to yell out a small warning before his throat was pierced by the stalhrim blade. A third fell soon after by an ice spike, but the other four managed to get into battle position. They soon ducked down on the ground as a large ice spear came flying towards them. Before they managed to get up Witchie summoned a wrathman in the middle the group and the skeleton buried it's large axe deep into the back of one of the downed soldiers. Before the skeleton had pulled the axe out of the elf's back the other elves had already gotten onto their feet. Two had started to run, leaving the last one behind as he was stuck in a struggle with the relentless attacks of the wrathman. Witchie simply rode up behind the engaged Thalmor and stabbed him in the side of his neck and then set off in full speed after the two cowards that was now running in panic through the forest. They had even dropped their swords in order to run faster. Though it was to no avail as they didn't get far and was soon cut down. And all of them except the one that was killed by the wrathman was now to spend the rest of their afterlife in the Soul Cairn.

After a quick ride back to the imperial camp he dismounted the horse that walked on it's own back to the stable. He pulled down the hood and walked back to the maids tent where he got a joyful greeting from the women. He managed to barely set one foot inside the tent before he was literally dragged into bed.

Rebec, Dales, Miku

Jarl's longhouse

Day 7 of the siege, evening

Rebec returned late in the evening from her rounds of the sentries, and as she was about to retire to the jarl's room, glanced up and saw a light burning in Tekla's old room. She was weary and the last thing she wanted was the company of an imperial princess and her maid, but with a sigh she climbed the stair anyway.

There was a Necro Nord dozing in a chair just outside the door. He snapped to attention when Rebec came near, but she just smiled at him. "Lucky you. Overhearing their pvssyr would drive me to the Mad God, not to sleep." She then turned her attention to the door and rapped on it with the flat of her axe. "It's the admiral, princess. May I come in?"

"Admiral Rebec? Of course you can come in" Rebec heard from the other side of the door.

Rebec gestured with her head towards the door and the guard stepped forward to unlock it.

Entering, the admiral paused in the doorway to look around suspiciously, axe still in her hand.

The admiral heard to this report skeptically, glancing from one to the other. "Fine then. Now you listen to me." She leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees, and gave both women a firm look for emphasis. "If any man in this camp lays a hand on you out of turn, if you even overhear such talk, you come directly to me. To me, got it? They all know I won't hesitate to flay their backs bloody or hang 'em. I've been itching to hang somebody, in fact."

"I will, thank you, admiral..." The princess looked away for a second shyly, unsure if to proceed.

Rebec's brow knit. "Well, what is it? Spit it out. You're not in Cyrodiil here, girl. We Nords talk plainly even when we're not drunk."

"Ummmm...I don't know...if you'll believe me."

"There's only one way to find out."

"I asked Wulf if he knew any of them, he said he recognized two of them...Sergeant Knock-Axe and Private Sword-blood."

Rebec sat back, regarding the princess levelly. She didn't appear convinced, but replied, "I'll have a word with them, then, and with Wulf. The men are randy, being cooped up in here without their wives and sweethearts so long, but if there were any real threats we won't tolerate it. So tell me, princess. What other sort of magic tricks can you do?"

"What do you mean? As in "trick"?

"Like that overhearing thing. What else can you do?"

Rebec, Baldur

Falkreath

Late Morning

Rebec waited nervously near the gate for Baldur to arrive, ducking under a battlement to get out of the rain. She had put wind braids in her hair, and donned her chainmail with Stormcloak surcoat. Lastly she had debated whether or not to apply her war paint. They were trying to achieve peace with the imperials, but in the end she decided to put it on. It was not really a peace meeting. It was a different phase of the war with the Dominion.

Baldur was in the longhouse with a dark elf mage woman sending a letter with some mead to Witchie. The letter read:

What is your relationship with the Princess? Did she come up with this plan on her own? Why are you training her in combat and magic? When and are you coming back to the camp? I suspect that I may know the answer to number two, so good work. Sent more Black-Briar Juniper Berry Mead.

B.

After a few moments, the dark wizard finally replied. While Baldur was reading it, his right hand once again started trembling frantically while he tried to hold the letter:

Reading over the letter, he thought back to the first time he sent the wizard off to do his own thing as he saw fit. The Witch King as he previously thought was indeed better off operating on his own. Baldur was glad he made the right call.

Heh, always pays to have a witch in your pocket. Who would have thought such a small decision like that would have lead to the end of t-...POSSIBLY lead to the end of the fighting? Better yet, to allies against the Thalmor? And the Princess...her sudden change of heart, and paying attention to those letters she was signing...This makes a lot more sense now.

When Baldur read over the last part of the letter, he was drinking some of the special mead himself in a mug. Baldur's eyes widened and he couldn't help it when mead went flying out of his nose and accidentally showering the poor woman's face with the mead he was drinking as well as soaking a part of the letter. While he was bent over holding his gut from laughing, the dunmer shot him a murderous look that would have curdled milk, but Baldur was too busy laughing to notice. Baldur wrote another letter after giving the woman a handkerchief and told the dunmer to grab another bottle of mead and send it with the other letter:

"That last part deserves another bottle"

B.

I wonder if that includes our little guest with the Princess...I'll ask him later.

"Thanks for your help, and please forgive me for the mishap. You may go."

The Dunmer battlemage woman turned around and mumbled under her breath, "Hmph! At least buy me a drink before you wet my face."

When she left, his right hand was still shacking at an increasing rate, and Baldur angrily slammed his hand on the table to stop the shacking, but it didn't work.

Damn it, I thought this was over with...

Baldur threw the letter into the fire, which flared out intensely from the mead that came out of Baldur's nose. in the middle of the room of the main hall, and walked his way to the gate where Rebec was waiting, gripping his axe handle like he always did when he started having his fits. He walked a bit slower than normal, hoping to have his hand under control by the time he reached the gate. It didn't stop completely however, so Baldur held his right hand somewhat behind his back so Rebec would not see.

"You ready, Reb?"

Rebec watched Baldur approaching, and she knew from a ways off that something was wrong. It was more a feeling than anything in particular. "What is it?"

Baldur felt a very slight tingling sensation like pins and needles come from the tip of his middle finger.

"Nothing, nothing. Just...nervous about this meeting...is all." said Baldur, giving a reassuring smile not all that reassuring.

Baldur's nervous laughter made Rebec even more suspicious. She crossed her arms, indicating she wasn't moving from the spot. "You're hiding something from me. I thought we weren't going to do that. What is it?"

Dalk

Somewhere near Falkreath and the Imperial Camp

Noon 8th Day of the Siege

"Where is Baldur Red-Snow?"

The confused and dazed Imperial scout looked at Dalk with frightened eyes. He desperately tried to get out of the bindings, but they were too tight. Trembling he said, "Wha-What do yo-you want with m-m-me?!"

Staring at the scout, Dalk addressed him in an emotionless voice, "Information about the whereabouts of one Baldur Red-Snow. Now speak."

"I'm not telling you anything!" The scout then spit at Dalk.

Wiping the slime off his cowl, Dalk unsheathed his razor sharp dagger, and leaned in towards the bound Imperial. Gently running the blade up and down the man's neck, Dalk said quietly, "If you don't tell me where Baldur is, bad things are going to happen to you", taking the point of the dagger, Dalk dug a little bit in the Imperial's neck. The reaction was as expected. Pain.

"Fine, fine. I'll tell you. We were conducting a seige on Falkreath. You know, starving them out until they surrender. Well just yesterday, I overheard that there is a truce meeting going on right now. It's going to be in our camp, near Falkreath. All the high ranking men and women from both sides are to meet, including Baldur Red-Snow. There you have your information. Now please, let me go."

Taking off his glove, Dalk put his hand on the man's face. Muttering a burn on touch spell, the Imperial's face burst into flames. "EEEEEEAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" The man ran around the grove clearing like a chicken whose head just got cut off. Screaming at the top of his lungs, Dalk knew the man's screams would alert any nearby Imperial hunting party or scouts. Walking up to the screaming Imperial, Dalk quickly unsheathed his longsword and swifly decapitated the burning Imperial. Taking the head of the Imperial he threw into the small pond and threw the man's body in there also.

Walking back to his little campsite by the pond, Dalk sat down and went over the information he was just given. So, Baldur Red-Snow is at a truce meeting with the Imperials. Good, I might even find General Marius there. If so, I'll kill him without hesitation. Now all I have--

"Gellius!! Where are you??!!!"

Quickly, Dalk cast an Invisibility spell, to hide himself from whoever was near. Who would've guessed my campsite would be found already. If I stay still and quiet they shouldn't be alerted to my presence.

Still sitting still as a statue, Dalk watched the two strangers. Both were Legionnaires, one was a Nord the other a Breton. The Nord shouted again. "Gellius where in the name Talos are you??!!! Come on we need to get back to camp, now!!" The Breton, walked near the bank of the pond and searched the water. He then bent down to take a closer look. Pointing to the water, The Breton shouted to the Nord, "Joric, look. There in the pond, there's a body. Come on lets pull it out." The Nord, Joric, walked over to where the Breton was by the bank of the pond and went in. In a few seconds, the Nord resurfaced with the body of the Imperial that Dalk threw, the Nord also brought the head too. [censored].

Laying the body out on the grass, both men examined the corpse. The Nord looked at the charred head of Gellius. "It seems his face was burned and the way his neck was cut suggested it was by a blade. Whoever did this, is an expert in killing obviously." You two have no idea. The Breton pointed to where Dalk was sitting. "Hey look, a camp. Whoever did this to Gellius, has to nearby", the Nord walked over to Dalk's camp and started search his tent. The Nord then got very close to where Dalk was sitting as he was searching. Still in his sitting position, Dalk readied his dagger for a killing strike as soon the Nord comes near.

As the Nord, Joric started seaching near the fire, Dalk with swift and accurate proficiency, grabbed the Nords chin and lifted up his head, simultaneously he took his dagger and slit the throat of the Nord. Unfortunately, due him moving, the invisibility spell was dissipated. Blood gushed out of the Nord's throat like a waterfall. The Breton paniced and ran as fast as he could out of the grove. Casting his teleportation spell, Dalk teleported outside of the grove, but much to his dismay, there was no sight of the Breton.

Great, now he's going to alert the Imperials to my presence.

Jonus Rato
Falkreath
Day 8 of siege, early morning

"Aaaahhh!"
Jonus's eyes popped open at the sound of screaming. Across the cell, a prisoner had awakened and seen Kilvar's bloody corpse. Slowly, more and more prisoners were waking up and realizing what had happened. More screams rang out. Jonus himself put on a terrified expression and sat up stood up. His legs started wobbling and he leaned on the wall for support. He'd fallen asleep sitting cross legged, and now both legs were asleep.

"There's a killer in the cell!" Someone screamed.

By now, a huge commotion had come up, and everyone in the cell was backed to a wall, making sure that they could see everyone else.
Two guards bounded down the stairs. Jonus recognized one of them as Kodak.

"What the hell is going on down here?!" The unknown guard screamed. He saw all the prisoners in Jonus's cell spread out along the walls.
"Am I going to have to-" The guard's voice trailed off as he spotted Kilvar's corpse.

"Who did this?!"

Jonus held his breath. If anyone had seen him last night, he was about to find out. The guard looked frustrated when nobody answered.

"There are over ten of you in this cell! I know one of you saw what happened!"

Kodak whispered something in the guard's ear and nudged his head toward a prisoner in the opposite corner from Jonus. The guard's eyes narrowed at the man and he nodded. He whispered something back.

What are you doing Kodak?

The guard looked at them all and spoke. "I'll be back shortly. Kodak here will keep an eye on all of you while I'm gone."

He turned and left the room. Jonus noticed every prisoner in the cell was eyeing the man that Kodak had motioned towards. He knew of course, that it was a sham. This man would be blamed for what happened. He most likely was in here for violent crimes and had been for a long while, which is why Kodak had chosen him to pin this on. He doesn't speak much, and you couldn't tell it from looking at him, but Jonus knew that Kodak was smarter than he let on. He was one of Jonus's most useful allies, and was the only one who was privy to even close to the amount of information as Malik. Jonus knew that by now,Kodak would have everything covered to insure that he would walk free, and without suspicion. The man that was to take the fall looked worried, but quickly took on a defensive look instead.

"Why are you all looking at me?! I didn't do it! I've been in here for six years. I have no reason!"

"And why were you in here?" Asked a fellow prisoner.

"Banditry and murder. But I'm paying my due. I haven't done anything like this in years."

"Who else then?!" Jonus spoke up. "I had too much mead and hit a soldier, but I'm no killer!" He pointed at another man in the cell. "You. What are you in for?"

"Stole some food." The man said a bit nervously.

"I doubt the hungry food thief is a killer either. And you?" He pointed at a Nord woman this time. She was one of only two women in the cell.

She replied with an annoyed voice. "Same as you. I had some mead and threatened some soldiers."

"And I'm sure everyone else in this cell has a similar story." Jonus pointed a finger at the poor ex-bandit. "It's why they singled you out. You're the only killer locked in this cell!"

Jonus had them now. By painting everyone else in the cell in a good light, he was turning them onto his side without them even realizing it.

"He's right! None of us would've done it!" "Yeah, we're not like you!"

The ex-bandit looked angry, but Jonus could see a fear in his eyes. "NO! It wasn't me! You have to believe me, I'm not like that anymore!"

Jonus didn't need to speak. He knew the others would handle it from here. The second woman shouted back at the man. "And none of us ever were!" The crowd of prisoners roared in agreement.

"Alright, knock it off!" The guard had walked back into the room while they were all turned towards Jonus's scapegoat. He had two more guards carrying clubs accompanying him. Jonus wondered how long he'd been listening. "Why didn't you do something about all this ruckus Kodak?" Kodak just shrugged nonchalantly. The guard didn't really seem to care too much anyway. "Oh well, we really need to get the body. And you." He pointed at the defeated prisoner in the corner. "Come to the gate."

The prisoners all parted ways as the ex-bandit cautiously approached the gate, which opened for him. "Get out here. We can't keep you in the same cell as the others anymore. I'm afraid you're going to be kept in the "high risk" cell for safety."

"I'm not going to hurt anybody! I haven't in years!"

"I meant your own safety."

Kodak grabbed the prisoner and pushed him down the hall to the other cell. Jonus couldn't see it around the corner, but he heard when the bars lowered and the man's feet splashed in the water covering the bottom of the cell. As this went on, the other three guards entered Jonus's cell and grabbed Kilvar's body. The guard that seemed to be in charge, who Jonus decided to dub "Captain" helped them carry the corpse out of the cell, but he let go to lock it. He looked back at the prisoners one last time before jogging ahead of the other guards to open the door for them. It closed, leaving only Kodak and the prisoners in the jail. Jonus could see that Kodak wanted to say something, but stopped himself. He stood staring at the prisoners in silence for a few seconds, he appeared to be counting something in his head. When he was finished, Kodak headed upstairs as well.

***
About an hour after Kodak had left, he returned with "Captain" and another guard, not one from earlier. The guard held a list, which he was reading over. Captain spoke, he did not seem happy.

"Alright. So it turns out, despite all that's happened, several of you maggots are still set to be released today." He looked down the hall at the cell the accused murderer would be in before turning back to the main cells. "Gudar?"

The Nord with the list, "Gudar", stepped forward. "As I call your name, come forward. Everyone else, back towards the wall... Lubard Red-Tooth?"

The food thief from earlier stepped up to the front of the cell.

"Rem Bosmec"

One of the women stepped forward. She must have some elvish in her. Thought Jonus as he heard the Nord woman's strange name.

"Sojun Rota."

Nobody stepped forward for a moment. Then, Jonus realized what had happened and quickly walked to the front of the cell. Clever Kodak, to mix up my name like that. Still, he could've given me a hint.

"Geron Thiernes."

Another Imperial came forward.

"And lastly we have Cosen Osher."

A Breton man stepped up beside Jonus. After he had taken his place in the line, Kodak opened the door and ushered them out.

Captain stepped aside to let them pass. "You're all free to go. End up in here again, and I can assure you, you'll be in here a lot longer than a day."

Jonus and the others kept their gazes forward as they headed for the stairs leading out of the prison. Jonus wanted to look over at the poor man in the "high risk prisoner" cell, but knew not to. Despite all that had happened, he felt a cold satisfaction having accomplished his goal. Kilvar was dead, and could not talk. Jonus was leaving under a false name, and with Kodak on the job, and a cell full of people who could support him, Jonus's crime would soon be blamed on the ex-bandit. It all tied up nicely. As he stepped out of the guard baracks and into the city street, Jonus felt a little sick as the recent events sunk in. I just killed a friend that trusted me and blamed it on an innocent man. Jonus shook his head as he walked toward the river. Not innocent, he reminded himself, he was a killer already. And Kilvar was a dead man no matter what. If he'd spared his own hide and betrayed us, Malik would've ended it himself.

When Jonus reached the river that runs through the edge of Falkreath, he sat on a large rock. He looked down into the clear water and watched a school of Cyrodilic spade tails swim downstream.

"Jonus?"

Jonus turned to see Malik standing behind him. He had a concerned look on his face. "Hello Malik." Jouns gestured to another rock beside his own. "I told you I'd be here on time. Take a seat."

Malik sat down. "So you did it?"

"Yes."

"That's that then... It should've been me in there, or anyone else."

"It had to be me and it couldn't have been you. Nobody else would've supported the move. If we'd asked anyone but Kodak to do it, we'd only have lost their support."

"About that..."

Jonus looked up at his friend. "What is it?"

"While you were in there... The General and that Captain you mentioned held a public meeting. They rounded up everybody, and I mean everybody, and threatened traitors with severe consequences. And they further cut down on rations.

"Well that is what we wanted. Now the people will be frustrated."

"It's not just that. They're putting together a militia. People who sign up don't get the rations cut."

"Damnit! That Red-Snow is a smart one."

"It gets worse. He made it seem as though the Imperials support the Thalmor, and made a big display about it. The vast majority of the town now supports him. His militia is gaining more recruits from that than it is the food."

Jonus couldn't believe what he was hearing. It sounded as though pretty much the whole town now supported the Stormcloaks. Something inside Jonus snapped.

"This can't be! We... We could've done this Malik! We could've won!"

"We still have us. And those who know you personally."

"Damn them! They don't mean [censored]! I just killed a friend in that prison for this! A man that trusted me! And for what?!? It was all for nothing!"

"Jonus, get ahold of yourself. It's not over yet."

Jonus's eyes looked bloodshot.
"I didn't say it was [censored] over! We're going to change the plans again. We're gonna make them pay! Them specifically. You... I want you to kill the General."

Malik shook his head. "Jonus. I was a good soldier. Hell, I was great. But Baldur is a league above me. And have you seen the size of his dog, the Captain? I wouldn't last long."

"Then what are we [censored] going to do?!"

"We're gonna calm down and think about this. Red-Snow's militia, they're receiving weapons."

Jonus snapped out of his rage as soon as a new plan began to formulate.
"So we can easily get weapons. But weapons are no good without an army to wield them. We need a way to find a way to get the people confused. Bring back Stormcloak hatred. I think I know how. I don't like it, but it'll certainly do the trick."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you back at Jolfnir's. for now, we have to deal with a more pressing matter. Stronlief. He has to die. Today... Immediately."

"Did Kilvar give his name?"

"Yes. But only his."

"Then you're right. He's still in his brother's house. I'll go deal with the issue myself now."

"Good. I'll be at Jolfnir's when you're done."

Malik headed off. Jonus waited several seconds before doing the same.

***
*knock* *knock*

A tired looking blonde haired Nord opened the door to his house. His eyes widened when he saw who was at his door.

"Oh! Uh... Come in... Sir."

The large man entered.
"You're Frelkir right? Stronlief's brother?"

The Nord, who was indeed Frelkir, answered nervously. "Umm yes... Why? What's he gotten into?"

"Trouble." Replied Boldir.

Homunal Akney, High Rock, Afternoon

“Yes teacher…”

Said a bored and quite annoyed Homunal Akney in her usual cold voice, she brushed away her long ebony hair from her face, and straightened out her Purple Akavari-style kimono. She was currently learning to pour tea, which was extremely mundane, since she already knew how to pour tea. But her ‘teacher’ and mother had insisted on that she learned how to pour tea like a “proper lady”.

What is the definition of a proper lady…

Loves clothes and fashion, cute fluffy dogs, speaks in a friendly and charming voice, and visually attractive. Homunal meet half of the criteria, she absolutely loved clothing, and she was visually very attractive, but she hated fluffy dogs, and she spoke in cold and distant voice. Furthermore, instead of playing with dolls when she was younger, she would spend her hours training in archery and swordplay, turning her into a master swordsman and a fantastic archer. For some odd reason, she never lost her skinny, lady-like build, despite the constant physical activity.

“You’re not paying attention Homunal…” said the annoyed “tea” instructor. Homunal replied, in her usual emotionless tone,

“I’m sorry teacher…I feel very…fatigued…”

She looked at Homunal, disappointedly,

“As in Fatigued, you’re tired from practicing your useless little “hobbies”?.”

That comment drew ire from Homunal, who responded with,

“With all due respect teacher, you have no business in what I do in my free-time…”

“How dare you-

Homunal, with out even raising her voice or showing any sort of emotion, said ,

“You forget your place, I am your lady…you have no right to speak to me in such a way…”

The annoying teacher, face of extreme annoyance was replaced by a face of fright; she quickly got up and bowed her head,

“I’m sorry milady…I didn’t mean to show any disrespect…”

Homunal yawned, quite bored,

“It’s all right, though I’m feeling a little tired to continue this lesson, your excused.”

And with that, Homunal left the tea ceremony room and the annoying tea ‘instructor, and headed outside. She glanced around the garden with her deep violet eyes, which was filled with small ponds and purple and blue flowers, she saw a few gardeners worker here and there, they waved to her like all the other servants, she, like always, responded with a nod. The castle was of Akavari made, similar to the ancient fortresses of the now dead order of the blades. Her family had been the liege lord’s and ladies of the castle for generations, ever since the second era. Over time, a very large town had grown around it, the town itself’s architecture was a mixture of a akavari and high rock. The culture, however, was completely Akavari influenced, from the food to the clothing. Skyshade was a very unique community overall. As she walked to inspect the purple Lilly flowers, a servant approached her.

“Milady, your father wishes to speak with you in his study…”

Homunal nodded to the servant, and made her way threw the garden and into the side entrance of the castle, and headed to her father’s study. The castle was quite large, so it took her ten minutes to get to where she wanted. She knocked on the entrance to her father’s study, and said,

“You wished to speak to me father?”

Her father answered threw the door,

“Come in Homunal…”

She opened the door and entered. Her father’s study consisted of many book shelves and drawers. Her father sat on a desk at the edge of the room. He motioned for her to sit down; he put his hands on his desk,

“Homunal, your mother and teacher are constantly complaining about your behaviour…”

Homunal snorted,

“Father, mother and my teacher expect me to go to parties every Tuesday, smile at any passing nobleman, and have three children by the age of twenty-five…”

Her father laughed at those words,

“I wouldn’t go that far, they just don’t appreciate your…interests”

“There’s nothing wrong with a lady learning how to fight.”

“As you know, I completely agree with you, but the problem is your mother doesn’t. She wants me to send you away to learn proper etiquette…”

“What!?”

“That’s what I said…but she convinced me it’s in your best interest to go.”

Homunal felt very…odd. She didn’t lose her composure and stoicism however,

“When and where would I be going?” She asked.

“To the Imperial city, you would be leaving in a few months…”

“If you ask me…I’ll go.”

Her father breathed in relief,

“Ah good…I thought you would show some resistance. I hear Princess Dales will be there….”

Homunal, despite her self, blushed slightly,

“Of course she would be there father…she is the princess…”

“You haven’t seen her in…twelve years?”

“Thirteen.”

“Ah, then it would be nice to see her again.”

“Quite, father…if you don’t mind I’m feeling ill, may I retire to my quarters?”

“Of course my daughter.”

And with that, Homunal left the room. Deep down, she was very excited for the trip. especially for seeing Dales again. Last time she visited the imperial city, she was seven and her and the princess would play with each other all the time in the imperial garden, exploring imaginary tombs and fighting imaginary monsters. It would be good to hear her cheerful voice again.

Dales…

Boldir Iron-Brow
Falkreath
Just before noon

"I can assure you sir. My brother is not the type to do something like that. I don't even think he'd be capable."

Boldir looked bored. "That's nice, really. It was the first two times you said it too. So where is he now?"

"Haven't you been listening to me? He's innocent damnit! Why do you keep persisting?!

Boldir had had enough of the back and forth manner that this conversation was on. He started to push past the smaller Nord, who quickly stepped in front of him again.

"Look, I'm going to find Stronlief with or without your help Geirlan. The difference is that you won't get in trouble along with your brother if you tell me."

"He's not here!" Said Geirlan desperately. Boldir could tell he was lying.

"Then you won't mind if I have a look around."

Boldir pushed the man aside and walked past the main room of the house, into the dining room. Geirlan followed him, still protesting his every move.

*creeeek*

Boldir and Geirlan went silent. They had both heard the front door being opened slowly. Boldir drew his battle axe and crept to the entrance of the dining room and peered around the doorway. In the first room of the house, he saw a large man, almost as big as him, stepping inside. The man had dark skin, and actually seemed to be an Imperial, despite his size. Boldir couldn't help but feel some trace of familiarity when looking at the man.

Where have I seen him before?

Boldir couldn't place it. Oh well. He brought his axe in close and waited for the Imperial to approach. He looked at Geirlan and put his finger to his lips to. Geirlan looked confused, and a bit scared. He must've known that it wasn't Stronlief. Boldir heard the heavy man's footsteps going down a flight of stairs. He quietly crept around the corner and followed. Boldir waited by the entrance to the basemant, knowing that he'd be heard if he went down. He opted to wait and see what this man would do. He had to come up eventually. After several seconds, Boldir heard a sword slide from its sheath.

"No! Malik, plea- Aack!"

There was a thud as someone, apparently killed by this "Malik" hit the floor.

"Stronlief!!!" Geirlan yelled. He sprinted past Boldir and down the stairs. Boldir followed him down. Before they'd taken three steps into the main room of the basemant, a sword appeared from around the corner of a bookshelf and impaled Geirlan. His body slid off the sword and hit the ground like a rock. Boldir slammed into the attacker, hoping not to kill him if he could avoid it. This man had killed his only leads. He didn't want to leave empty handed.

Malik was flung into the wall by the unexpected force of Boldir slamming into him. His sword flew from his hand as he did. Boldir sheathed his own axe and threw a punch at him. He was surprised when all his fist found was empty air. Malik had ducked down to avoid it. He tackled Boldir from his low position.

"What do you know!" He said. "I guess I CAN take you after all.".

Boldir struggled to get out from under Malik, but the large Imperial held fast. He pinned Boldir down with his legs and and twisted of Boldir's left arm back, intending to break it. Boldir threw what force he could muster into his right side, spinning himself around and slamming Malik into a table. They both stood up. This time, Boldir managed to land his punch, square in Malik's jaw. He followed up with another to his cheek, cutting the Imperial just below the eye. Before a third could be landed, Malik brought up his hands and blocked it. As he did, he spun around Boldir and brought a back-handed left punch into the side of Boldir's head and his ear. Boldir kicked the man back and charged forward, bounding into Malik and slamming him into a bookshelf, causing it to collapse. They both moved to opposite sides of it in time to avoid being caught underneath.

"Oh, now I remember you!" Malik said as they faced off.

So we have met.

"And where do you remember me from exactly?" Said Boldir as he stepped closer.

"It's been a while. But we were both a-"

He didn't finish, as Boldir had taken the opportunity to kick a chair his way, as Malik dodged it, he turned back just in time to see Boldir's right fist heading hard into his face. When the blow connected, Malik was thrown several feet back and into the wall, which he slumped down. Boldir looked at the two brothers's corpses, then back at Malik.

Well I've definitely got a much more interesting prisoner now, at least.