Hjolifur woke up and noticed that many of his companions were on the ground. Also, the remaining meat had cooked and had mostly been eaten by caravan workers. Good. It's always nice to start a journey with good luck. He then grabbed enough for his breakfast and, while chewing some, rolled up his supplies and threw them in his pack. Knowing they would reach Winterhold soon, Hjolifur wore his nice, teaching clothes.

Then Hjolifur noticed out of the corner of his eye the fur he had lent to Sora on the ground. Well i don't care if it went unappreciated He thought, So long as she isn't a dunmer-sicle. Hjolifur rolled that up and tossed it into his bag as well. He then, rather than making more small talk, strolled over to his carriage on the caravan and sat down in it. Taking his hides and his sword, Hjolifur began working to pass the time until the caravan started moving, or at least until somebody began talking to him. I think I could use a new sheath he thought, And I might have enough fu left over for a belt too.

Trannigan noticed Juhanor hop up onto the caravan that he was sitting on and glanced up at him when he asked Trannigan if he saw anything good out there.

"Nah... just trees and snow. Although since I also do not see any creatures around, I suppose that is good huh?" With that, he gave a quick smile Trannigan hopped off the roof of the caravan, noticing the caravan workers getting the oxen ready aswell as his comrades getting their things in order. Trannigan went over to the caravan that he had been riding in and walked behind it. Pulling his armor out of his pack, Trannigan put his cuirass onto himself, then got into his grieves and gauntlets. He knew that it would be a more uncomfortable ride wearing the gear but he wanted to show the king that he wasn't just some ill prepared simpleton looking to go to Saarthal for kicks. After properly donning his gear, Trannigan stepped into his caravan and waited for the journy to begin again.

Octavius, Caravan

He slid in and out of his trance as the night wore on longer and longer as he temporarily came back to reality as certain members of the group woke before sunlight, including the Dunmer girl. Several others, Juhanor included, hopped off the roof of the wagon and went about their own morning preparations and Octavius noted as he "woke" himself up that Orlando was up and looking like he was ready for a day in the hall of a lord, not wandering through the snowy plains of Skyrim. Octavius grinned and hopped off the wagon as well with his crossbow in hand.

He saw that many of the caravan team had been hard at work making some food and getting the oxen teams ready. He grabbed a few slices of the meat that had been prepared and ate them as he moved aimlessly through the camp, working the cramps out of his legs before getting back into the caravan.

Approaching one of the caravan workers he asked, "How far to Winterhold?"

The man didn't turn as he worked, but grunted out the response, "Be there by evening hopefully."

Octavius nodded and walked towards an open wagon and climbed in, noting that Trannigan was already inside, wearing his armor, which Octavius thought looked uncomfortably heavy to wear anywhere. He was perfectly happy with his Alteration skill to turn his skin into rock and it had never let him down fatally yet. He was looking forward to get to Winterhold and the King, and so he sat down in the opposite corner from Trannigan, placed his bag between his feet and rested his crossbow on his lap as he stared out the window, ready to get going.

He felt like he should've helped the others get their things together but seeing as how he had been one of the few who had stayed up to guard the camp, he felt like he owed them nothing for now.

Nathaniel Leinheart - Caravan

Nathaniel awoke to the sound of workers just outside the wagon he had been sleeping in. Sitting up Nathaniel removed the lion pelt he had used to keep warm surprised that it had kept him quite warm during the frigid night. Standing up Nathaniel rubbed his hands through his hair collecting several clumps of dirt from the previous nights adventure in it. Placing the lion pelt with the rest of his belongings Nathaniel slowly stepped out of the wagon. After stepping out into the elements Nathaniel felt a wave of pain course through his body a reminder of his encounter with the lion.

Limping over to another wagon Nathaniel timidly climbed up to collect a rag and a bucket. With the pair of items Nathaniel stalked off to the woods to wash himself before the days journey. Not long after entering the woods Nathaniel happened upon a stream of running water. Placing the bucket into the stream Nathaniel waited until it was nearly full before putting it aside. Placing his left hand in the water Nathaniel used a fire spell to heat the freezing water. Once he finished Nathaniel removed his garments laying them upon a large stone. Nathaniel then spent the next twenty minutes scrubbing the dirt, grass, roots, and dried blood from his body. When he was finished Nathaniel quickly redressed before augmenting himself with another fire spell to drive off the cold. Satisfied and feeling much better Nathaniel emptied the bucket then began making his way back to the campsite.

Entering the clearing Nathaniel could smell bacon and beans being prepared and the workers were making final adjustments before the journey to Winterhold continued. Making his way over to the campfire Nathaniel collected a hearty helping of beans which he gobbled down quickly. Once Nathaniel had had his fill he returned to his wagon to double check his things then make a mental list of things to purchase when they arrived in Winterhold.

Cordus woke up, seeing the camp busy with activity. Looks like I'm the last one up, he thought. He quickly crawled out of his bedroll and did his morning stretch routine, involving situps, pushups, and various stretched. Once fully awake, he dug through his pack and found his water flask. He took a sip of it, then poured some on his hands and used it to loosely style his hair.He yawned and scratched his head, then rolled up his bedroll. He reatached it to his pack and got ready to leave, seeing as everyone else was packing up as well. As he finished, he saw the bag of loot from the Troll sitting underneath his pack. He thought, Oh, yeah! I almost forgot about this! He attached his weapons to his belt, and threw his lute in his pack, then hoisted both the pack and the sack of loot over his shoulder.

Ready to move on, Cordus walked to Juhanor. He waved to him and said, "Good morning, dude! Did you sleep as good as I did?" He set the bag of gold down on the ground and nodded towards it. "We never settled what we were gonna do about this" Cordus emphasized the word as he kicked the bag lightly. "I still say 200 gold a piece, then pool the rest for general supplies in Winterhold. You know, potions and scrolls and repairs and stuff."

The campsite was quiet, even as more and more people woke up and readied themselves for the day ahead. Sora noticed Orlando strutting around the campsite, looking immaculately groomed. This guy creeps me out, Sora thought, trying to avoid staring at Orlando, He doesn't have a hair out of place. I wonder how he holds up in battle. The smell of a cooked breakfast interrupted her thoughts, and set her stomach rumbling. She wandered over to the caravan workers, and grabbed a bowl of beans and bacon.

As Sora enjoyed her breakfast, she watched everybody else mincing about the campsite. Most of the group seemed to be ready to go, and were just waiting around for the caravans to depart. We're quite a diverse group of people really, Sora thought idly, I wonder what the King will make of us.

Finishing her breakfast, Sora washed her bowl out with a bit of snow and handed it back to the workers. Gathering her things, she climbed onto one of the wagons and lowered herself next to Trannigan, trying to get comfortable in her armor. She flicked him a quick smile, and stared out the window. A mixture of anxiety and anticipation coursed through her veins at the thought of meeting the King. She sighed, and hoped they would get to Winterhold soon.

Juhanor - Campsite

Juhanor followed Trannigan down, but before he could climb up onto another wagon for a ride, Cordus approached him. Dropping the bag of loot on the ground, Cordus first greeted Juhanor with a "Good morning," and then asked about what should be done with the money. "This one has thought about it," Juhanor replied, "200 for each sounds good; as does using the rest for supplies in the city. Juhanor knows that he could use a stylish Colovian fur helm, if they have any there." Picking up the bag, Juhanor motioned for Cordus to follow him to Trannigan's wagon.

Along the way, Juhanor mentioned that they should divide the money up on the way, rather than having to hold up the entire caravan before leaving. Leaping into wagon, Juhanor threw the sack of money in front of Trannigan. "Seems like we are dividing the cash up 200 a head; the rest is gonna be for supplies and other helpful items." Juhanor turned about, facing the back exit of the wagon, and sat down with his legs dangling off of the side. "Finally, we are getting to the city. Certainly seems to have taken us long enough," Juhanor said, "but Juhanor is sure that the trip will have been worth it."

Juhanor started to kick his furry legs against the back of the wagon. Leaning out, Juhanor turned his attention to the front of the caravan. "Lets hurry it up, guys! Time is wasting!"

"Lets hurry it up, guys! Time is wasting!"

Orlando heard the irritation in Juhanor's voice and thought it best not to make a burden of himself so he climbed into the same wagon as the Khajiit. His servants, having loaded everything aboard, pulled themselves into the wagon behind. It was not proper for servants to travel in the same carriage as their master but it was important to have them close to hand.

"I bid you good morning, Juhanor." He said to the Khajiit. "I hope you slept well?"

After a lfew moments passed, Sora climbed into the caravan that Trannigan had been sitting in, and sat down next to him. She flashed him a quick smile, which he returned and pulled his bag to his lap to give her more room. A moment after that, Juhanor and Cordus both entered the caravan, with Juhanor dropping the sack of gold that they found inside of the troll infront of him.

Seems like we are dividing the cash up 200 a head; the rest is gonna be for supplies and other helpful items." Juhanor said as he turned to face out the back of the caravan.

That sounds good to me." Trannigan replied with a shrug, and opened the bag of gold to get his take. He didnt notice the others climb inside whole he was counting his share of 200 coins and only did after he got his share into his own coin sack.

"Hey guys." He greeted them with a smile, then settled back into his seat. Trannigan heard Juhanor call out to the others to hurry up so that they could be on their way, and Trannigan barely nodded his head in agreement. "I'm with Juhanor, lets go already!" He shouted while gently knocking his knuckles on the caravan wall behind him, signaling for the drivers to hurry up. Wanting to strike up conversation, Trannigan flashed a grin and spoke. "Anybody care to make a little wager? Whos ass will fall asleep first?" He asked, motioning his head to Sora, since they were both sitting in their greaves for this trip. "Bet 30 septims yours will first." He said to her, giving her a playful nudge on her arm with his elbow.

Cordus followed Juhanor to a carriage and hopped on. He sat down next to Juhanor and dropped his pack in the seat next to him. He listened quietly as Juhanor told Trannigan the plan about the gold, and watched as Tranniagn got his share. Cordus yelled, "Yeah, dudes, hurry it up!", affirming what both Trannigan and Juhanor had said. He laughed as Trannigan said, "Anybody care to make a little wager? Who's ass will fall asleep first?" He saw him look at Sora and say, "Bet 30 septims you will first." Cordus laughed and said to Sora, "You know, if it does, I know a special technique that can wake people's asses up. I can show it to you sometime."

Octavius, Wagon

Octavius watched as the wagon he was in slowly filled up, first with the Dunmer girl that Octavius was sure everyone was fawning over in their own masculine ways. Then Cordus (to Octavius' slight annoyance-- it wasn't going to be a quiet ride now) who followed in after Juhanor, who Octavius shot a quick smile before sliding over slightly to make room for everybody. He squished his pack as much as he could under his legs and moved closer to the cold walls of the wagon as he watched everybody get into the cramped space.

Octavius let out a low whistle as they dumped the gold out in the wagon and listened to the three men explain how they were going to divide it up amongst themselves. He assumed they had found that along with the troll and he was impressed at how the troll was probably richer then Octavius was at the time of the beasts death. The Imperial traveler had taken enough with him to buy extra food, and enough to buy some protection when he got into the city. He did not plan on going into an ancient city with no armor and he had brought enough gold to cover the cost of some sort of padded cloth cuirass. Plus he had to find the local alchemist when he got there with any left over gold. He wanted a few of his darts to have a little extra surprise if they found any living creatures in there.

He shook his head with a smile as Trannigan bet the Dunmer girl who's bottom would fall asleep first on the ride. He looked over at Juhanor and pointed at the gold while asking, "Did you find that all on the troll last night?"

Cordus laughed as an older Imperial asked if they found the gold on the Troll last night. "We sure did, dude!" he said with a smile, "I was surprise at first that there was just a giant bag of gold just sitting in the thing's stomach, but weirder things have happened, right? Like, once, I killed this HUGE rat, and out popped an entire chest! Like, the rat was like bigger than me! It was rather scary, to be honest. And, I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Cordus Leon. What's your name?" He held out his hand to the man, waiting to be introduced.

Hjolifur patiently cut up he hides in the carriage until it slowly filled up and he decided that it was too dangerous to continue. Finally, he spoke. "Cordus, if you need to wake part of her up to get what you so obviously want from her, I don't think your being so effective with it."

It was a joking statement, meant to embarrass Cordus just enough that he wouldn't be upset and yet would make everyone laugh. "That looks like a pretty rich troll. It makes you pitty the poor bugger who's money that was. However, you obviously deserve it better since the troll didn't end up toting around your hands as trophies. I'm Hjolifur by the way"

Then Hjolifur fell silent, waiting for a reply.

I hope that I don't have to protect her from these guys. I'm open for her to have a romance, of course, but long, lonely nights might give reason, especially in the younger men, to try and force her into something she doesn't want. And I'm not about to let that happen.

The wagon was becoming increasingly cramped as more and more of the team clambered inside. Sora continued to stare out the window, as Cordus, Trannigan and Juhanor divided up some treasure that they had apparently retrieved from the Ice Troll. A nudge from Trannigan made her jump, and she turned to him.

"Anybody care to make a little wager? Whos ass will fall asleep first? Bet 30 septims yours will first," he said to her with a playful smile.

Sora chuckled. "Oh, it's on my friend," she said with a wicked smile. Before she could say more, Cordus interrupted.

"You know, if it does, I know a special technique that can wake people's asses up. I can show it to you sometime."

"Oh?" Sora replied, laughing. "Well, it sounds intriguing, but I'm afraid Trannigan may require your services first, considering he's sitting there in Ebony." She laughed, grateful for the light atmosphere. The friendly banter continued between the men, including Hjolifur's jocular scolding of Cordus. Sora smiled, as the jesting was easing her nerves and her stomach pain. Ha, maybe this trip won't be as bad as I thought.

Octavius, Wagon

Octavius listened with some amusemant as Cordus recounted something about finding a chest inside a rat and Octavius found himself being annoyed less and less by the younger man. He was perhaps a little too energetic for Octavius' tastes, but he seemed to be genuinely kind and a good person so Octavius decided he could learn to live with him and his quirky attitude.

"Octavius Claudius." he replied but was cut short almost immediately by the large Nord who had been peeling and skinning his catch from last night from the looks of it. Octavius just listened to the friendly banter, though he did stiffen a bit at the Nord's remarks regarding Cordus and the Dunmer. It was obviously a joke, and everyone else seemed to think so but Octavius stared at the Nord out of the corner of his eye with some suspicion. One just didn't make those sort of comments for the fun of it unless they were like Cordus, and Octavius got the feeling the Nord was nothing like the eccentric Imperial.

He decided not to put any weight on it though and just went along with the chuckles and the good-hearted conversation amongst the group as he waited for the wagon to get rolling to finally get them to the King.

Cordus shook the older man’s hand as he introduced himself as Octavius Claudius. “Pleasure to meet you, man,” he said, before the large Nord entered the caravan. The Nord must’ve heard Cordus’s earlier comment to Sora, because he said, “Cordus, if you need to wake part of her up to get what you so obviously want from her, I don't think your being so effective with it.”

Cordus laughed at the comment, then grabbed his chest dramatically and said, “Oooh, you wound me!” He let down his hand and laughed again. “No, seriously, that stung a little.” However, despite his words, Cordus couldn’t help but think, Woah, this guy’s pretty protective of her. What is he? Like her brother or something?.

He looked at the Nord out of the corner of his eye for a moment, then turned to Sora as she said in response to his comment, “Well, it sounds intriguing, but I'm afraid Trannigan may require your services first, considering he's sitting there in Ebony.”

Cordus laughed and turned to Trannigan. “Sorry buddy, but I don’t swing that way. That technique’s reserved for women.” He laughed again and leaned back in his seat crossing his legs. Not a bad bunch, he thought with a smile. This might end up being pretty fun as well as profitable!

"Bet 30 septims yours will first."

Sora chuckled at that and let out a little grin then retorted. "Oh, it's on my friend, They shook hands on the deal then but before she could say anything more, Cordus quickly spoke up.

He turned to face Sora, and with a flirtatious tone spoke to her. "You know, if it does, I know a special technique that can wake people's asses up. I can show it to you sometime."

Sora replied back that Trannigan may need those services first since the ebony greaves he was sitting in was harder than her chainmail, and Trannigan stifled a laugh, as everyone else let out short laughs at that comment aswell as Hjolifur's comment to Cordus. Hjolifur does have a point though. It is often better to be subtle with one's words. He thought to himself.

Cordus turned to Trannigan then and said, "Sorry buddy, but I dont swing that way. That technique is only for women."

"Slightly chuckling again, Trannigan nodded his head and said "Well that makes the two of us that prefers women only. Trannigan sat back in his seat again, staring out of the window for a few seconds before starting to grow impatient that the caravan still hadnt started moving yet. He knocked his fist on the back of the wall again and shouted "Lets go already!" Trannigan heard one of the drivers shout something about if he doesnt like how long they are taking, then he can just walk to his destination and Trannigan rolled his eyes. After a few more moments, the caravan jerked gently as the oxen began pulling it on its way. "Thank Akatosh..." he whispered to himself.

Game Master Post # 4

The caravan rumbles along the road North as Magnus the Sun rises ever higher in the sky. Hours pass in monotonous travel until the landscape starts to rise. Looking out through the square-cut windows of the wagon, you can see the mountains, distant yesterday, are now much closer. With keen eyesight, you see your first sight of Winterhold, sitting atop a crag, surrounded by majestic mountains.

It isn't much longer until the city is no longer a speck above. The walls of Winterhold rise over you as you pass through the gate into the city. The clamor and smells of city-life then assault you. Street merchants and stalls hawk their wears, yelling to the crowds of citizens, "Warm meat pies!" or "Cut gems!". Publicans stand outside their taverns, some accompanied by brazen strumpets in too little clothing for the brutally cold weather, yelling, "Good ale! Mead!"

The caravans snakes through the lanes, adding to the chaos of the streets, but it isn't long before it arrives in the market square Guild Hall, its destination. As you all pile out of the wagon, the caravan master meets you. "I told you I'd get ya'll here, didn't I. Now, I know all you, just by your look, are here to answer the king's summons to go into that little deathtrap beneath the city. Honestly, I'd warn against it. Them ruins be forgotten for a reason. But, if you fancy losing your life, then the castle is over yonder," he raises his hand and points to the formidable keep that rises above the city, "Just mind your manners around His Highness. The blood of Ysgramor runs in his veins, and he's quite used to deference."

Trannigan waited for the others to pile out of the caravan, before quickly getting out himself so that he could be standing again. Making a slight grimmace, he leaned himself backwards to stretch his body out, and rubbed his lower back over his cuirass. He muttered out a "damnit..." while grabbing his sack of gold, and pulling out the amount he wagered for the bet. He walked past Sora, placing the gold into her hand and grunted out "Here... stupid greaves..." He heard some chuckles come from the group as he looked around at the city. Wow... what a city.... He thought to himself as he peered around for the shops.

While he was looking, the caravan master walked up to the group and spoke. "I told you I'd get ya'll here, didn't I. Now, I know all you, just by your look, are here to answer the king's summons to go into that little deathtrap beneath the city. Honestly, I'd warn against it. Them ruins be forgotten for a reason. But, if you fancy losing your life, then the castle is over yonder," the caravan master lifted his hand and pointed to the formidable keep that rises above the city, "Just mind your manners around His Highness. The blood of Ysgramor runs in his veins, and he's quite used to deference."

Trannigan turned to face the caravan master and looked him in the eyes. "Understood, thanks for the ride here. Here is something for your troubles." He pulled out 10 gold coins and gave them to the master, then turned to the people he was traveling with and said "You guys go ahead if you want, I have some things I need to get first." With that he walked away from them to the many shops. First things first... he thought to himself as he walked to the tavern to get himself a drink. For the past few days he only had been drinking water and he was greatly looking foward to something with some kick. He ordered himself an ale and paid for the drink, while flirting only briefly with the bar maid before leaving for the nearest alchemy shop. Buying 5 high qaulity potions from the shop keeper, Trannigan tried to think of anything else he might have needed, but couldn't think of anything, so he strolled back outside to find any of the group.

Orlando climbed out of the carriage and looked around. The familiar hustle and bustle of a city greeted him. To the eyes of a thief, the city instantly offered a multitude of opportunities and Orlando's old instincts fought for control against his more recent lifestyle. He unconsciously sought out, and located, the nearest city guards and the nearest citizens of wealth. At the same time, he noted sewer entrances and alleyways which would potentially be used for a quick getaway. A minor noble walked past and Orlando shifted his body slightly so to knock into the man.

"Watch it!" The Nord said angrily looking Orlando up and down.

"My good sir, please accept my humble apologies" Orlando said, bowing slightly. "After such a long trip" he said, motioning to the caravan, "my legs do seem to have turned to jelly." He chuckled. Apparently satisfied with the explanation the Nord stalked off, not noticing the coin pouch Orlando had lifted from him. Orlando smiled and approached the caravan master who had finished speaking.

"Ah, we all appreciate your fine assistance getting us here alive." Orlando offered the man the Nord's coin pouch which, judging by its weight, seemed to contain a decent amount of Septims. "Here, something for your trouble. And perhaps you could see to it that my possessions get delivered safely to the king's palace? I'll leave one of my servants to help you ensure their safe arrival" The caravan master weighed the coin pouch in his hand before smiling.

"Of course, that can be arranged." He replied.

"Excellent." Orlando said, then turning to face his companions, "Shall we?" He asked, motioning to the keep.

Cordus hopped out of the caravan, glad to be stetching his legs. He looked around the city, fairly impressed by the largeness of it and slightly intimidated by the large castle. It's not quite the IC, he thought with a smile, but it'll do. Cordus did some quick stretches as the rest of the group filed out of the carriage. He hoisted his pack over his shoulder looked around at the group and said, "I'm gonna go stock up on supplies. Anybody wanna come with?" Without waiting for a reply, he turned around and started examining the crowd and buildings, looking for an alchemist or an armorer.

He couldn't find one, being unfamiliar with the city. So he looked around in the crowd and picked out an attractive Nord woman. He walked up to her and bowed. "Excuse me, fair maiden," he said, with a charming smile, "But do you know where I might find an alchemist?" The woman looked him up and down and smiled. "Why, yes," she said, "the alchemist is right over there." She pointed over his shoulder, several buildings to the south. "It's right next to the inn." she whispered suggestively to Cordus.

Cordus grinned and said, "Ooh, the inn. I enjoy inns." The woman winked and replied, "As do I." Cordus laughed and said to her, "Then perhaps we might go to enjoy an inn together after I finish my buisness with the alchemist?" The woman whispered, "Of course. I'll be waiting." Cordus smiled widely. Five minutes in this city and I've already got women eating out of the palm of my hands, he thought rather arrogantly. With a new spring in his step, he walked off to go purchase some health potions, and to meet his date at the inn.

Juhanor - Market Square, Winterhold

Before sliding off of the wagon, Juhanor placed his 200 gold pieces in his pockets, leaving out one piece to roll about his knuckles. As he jumped down, Juhanor noticed Trannigan handing Sora a lump of gold. Looks like he lost the bet, Juhanor thought, shaking his head. Turning about, Juhanor saw Orlando bump into a fine-clothed noble, muttering an apology as he lifted the man's coin purse. An old ruse, Juhanor thought, having done the trick many a time himself, but why in Oblivion is a noble like Orlando doing something like that? Juhanor tilted his head in puzzlement. Perhaps there is more to this Orlando then he lets on... Juhanor pondered. I will have to talk with him later.

Juhanor snapped his coin out of mid-air, replacing it with its brothers in his pocket. As he looked through the crowds, Juhanor noticed many different vendors, including a few armories and an alchemists. With a city like this, I am sure that there is much more to offer. I think I will have to take a look around, later.

Orlando turned back to the group, and asked them if they were ready to go speak with the King. "This one wonders if we should get supplies first," Juhanor spoke up, "although Juhanor also supposes that it can wait until after. Juhanor is fine doing either, as long as we can go back to the city to prepare before heading under.

"Oh, yeah," Juhanor conitnued, "this one also wants to explore the city some; Juhanor has never been to Skyrim before, and would like to see some of what the city has to offer." Before anyone else could respond, Cordus jumped out of the wagon, mentioned something about supplies, and headed off into the city. Shrugging, Juhanor turned to the rest of the group. "This one supposes we are getting supplies first. However, if some of us should probably go to the keep first. How about we send some people up to speak with this 'Blood of Ysgramor' King, and the rest can find supplies? Get twice as much done in half the time?"

Hjolifur though that this was a great idea. "I'll go meet with the king. Any of you who haven't spent much time up north, I suggest you don't meet with the king. I haven't met this one, but his grandfather, Thain, was a mean son-of-an-enchanted-staff. And some young imperial or what have you showing up in front of him might just anger him a little."

Hjolifur than looked around at the shops and decided, "Although I'm sure he'll provide us with food, and beyond that I'm perfectly supplied."

Octavius, Whiterun

Getting out of the wagon, Octavius shouldered his pack and pulled his cloak around his crossbow to conceal the weapon slightly. Trannigan raced off right away and the old Nord suggested he go and meet the King as the others did their shopping. Octavius didn't want to be rude so he just remained silent and didn't volunteer himself to go to the castle at the moment as he had things to get. He slid up to the wagon driver and dropped a couple dozen coins into his lap.

"Split it amongst yourselves and buy yourselves a good time tonight." he said with a wink, before closing his gold sack and walking into the crowd. He saw Cordus walking towards the alchemist he needed to see, but a quick look around revealed what must have been an armory, as the wood over the door was painted with a black anvil with a sword on it.

He pushed his way politely through the crowd, wary of pickpockets and the like but made it to the entrance without trouble and walked into the dark, empty store. Luck was with him as he spotted what he needed immediately, perched right behind the gigantic Nordic blacksmith: a cuirass of padded wool and linen.

"Good day sir." he said with a smile, though with only a grunt forthcoming he dropped his cheery act. He would have to haggle hard with this one, and not be friendly. "So seventy-five for the padded cuirass for a gentleman of my size?" he asked, pointing over the man's shoulder.

The Nord glanced over Octavius and snorted. "A 'unnerd for that one." he responded in a thick accent.

Octavius shook his gold pouch and put on a fake grimace and look of contemplation. "I can offer you eighty at the most, else I won't be able to sleep anywhere 'cept the ground tonight."

The Nord shrugged with another snort. "Not my pro'lem." he responded. "One 'unnnerd."

"Eighty five is the highest I can go unfortunately." Seeing the man growing tired of the negotiations, Octavius thought quickly and added as though he were mumbling to himself, "I suppose I can go to the other place that boy mentioned." He looked up at the Nord and said with a smile, "Thank you for your time sir."

He started to turn, though he stopped just as the Nord twitched and sighed. "Alrigh', eighty-five it be ya bum but not a septim less!"

"Bless you good sir, you've saved me a night of wandering the streets." he said with a bow as he dropped the coinage on the counter while making sure not let the other one hundred or so gold pieces jingle around. He removed his cloak, and two shirts and slipped the padded armor over his bare chest. It fit like a glove, much to his delight as he tied the strings and buckled the waist strap before replacing his over-shirts that became slightly tighter but not uncomfortably so.

With the armor out of the way, he walked back across the crowd and found Cordus in the throng of people. He tapped him on the shoulder and fell into stride next to him. "Are you heading towards the alchemist by any chance? Mind if I join you?"

Orlando watched as Cordus, Trannigan and Octavius disappeared into the crowds. He listened as Juhanor suggested they split up and Hjolifur suggested that he be one to visit the king.

Orlando turned to Hjolifur. "If I may say, I have experience in the dealings of kingly courts. Perhaps I may be of some service to you in this regard. But I too need to purchase supplies although I am sure there will be time for that after we see the king. I would also advise seeing the King together. If he's anything like the rumours suggest, he wont be best pleased delivering instructions more than once."