[Steve Fallon]

Tsavani - Gorbad's Forge

"Speaking of hides, I'd like to discuss what you'd be able to do with that cat-pelt I brought in," Tsavani asked boldly as she approached Gorbad, on what she hoped was the closing end of the transaction with the hunter.

"I don't know if luxury clothing's one of your specialties or not, but I'd like to get at least one, preferably two fur cloaks out of the pelt - One for me, the other perhaps as a gift for the Jarl... so they need to be the best quality," she explained, trying to pace herself to ensure he could keep up over the sound of his forge.

"Unfortunately, I don't have the means to pay for any of this yet, so if there's something you're willing pay to get done... I'll be happy to oblige."

[jessica robson]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, (an old orc male, blacksmith) at his forge.

Before the hunter who had offered the hunted animals hide to Gorbad had the chance to speak the huntress khajiit spoke loudly from a distance, trying to speak louder than his forge roared:
___________________________________
"Speaking of hides, I'd like to discuss what you'd be able to do with that cat-pelt I brought in," Tsavani asked boldly as she approached Gorbad, on what she hoped was the closing end of the transaction with the hunter.

"I don't know if luxury clothing's one of your specialties or not, but I'd like to get at least one, preferably two fur cloaks out of the pelt - One for me, the other perhaps as a gift for the Jarl... so they need to be the best quality," she explained, trying to pace herself to ensure he could keep up over the sound of his forge.

"Unfortunately, I don't have the means to pay for any of this yet, so if there's something you're willing pay to get done... I'll be happy to oblige."
___________________________________
Well now. Gorbad didn't have much knowledge when it came to clothing, but an armor he could easily make from the hide and fur of the legendary cat. It wouldn't be a problem at all to make two of them either. If the khajiit simply wanted a fur cloak, she'd have to talk to someone else. So he replied,
"I'd be honored to make armor from such a fine hide and the fur wouldn't be damaged at all either, but would instead fit the armor perfectly and give it a unique and charactaristic look. However, if you are only looking to make a fur cloak from it, I can't help you. It's armor or it's nothing if you want me to do it. If you do decide to let me make some fine armor out of it, there's a mine nearby that needs to be investigated. It's been abandoned for quite some time, who knows what danger may live there nowadays. And if you give the other piece of armor to the jarl, be sure to point out who it was that made it. That's all I'm asking for in payment. Tell the jarl who made it and investigate the mine. I can start working on it tomorrow, as I've got my hands full with a large weapons and armor order for the general store at the moment."

The cat had a thinking look on her face as she thought about what Gorbad has said, and was silent for quite some time. She was still thinking, most likely, when a guard came up to Gorbad's forge:
___________________________________
"Hey, my name is Tilcedo," Tilcedo introduced himself while pulling out the dagger, "I need you to idenify this mark on the bottom of the handle, it looks like a black hand. I'm willing to bet it's the Dark Brotherhood. I need to know for sure, please, it's very important that I do."
___________________________________
"A black hand? Let me see.. Yes, that's definitely the mark of the assassin's guild. I'm pretty sure that isn't, however, a blade the assassin's use themselves. They usually don't let behind such things, unless it's as a message. Tell me boy, have you made any enemies in the last few months that would want to see you dead, or is there something else going on here?" Gorbad's eyes narrowed and he had a puzzled and worried look on his face.

[Ryan Lutz]

Theadas, in his Shop

"What do you actually sell here?" The vast array of pelts hung on the wall suggested the young man was, or at least was supplied by a talented hunter. "I'm actually looking for ingredients and you seem to be the only trader that has set up so far." said Giovu as he toyed with one of the huge tusks on the counter. He'd not seen a mammoth yet and considering the size and weight of the tusk he resolved to do everything he could to avoid them. "I could also use a calcinator, but I suppose that's more of a specialist item.”

Theadas thought to himself, I’m going to make a sign. On that sign all it is going to say it ‘I don’t know’ I’m going to have it linked to the ceiling and it is going to fall down smack people right on the nose. In the middle of his train of thought he was interrupted by Gorbad the blacksmith.

"Oh yes one more thing Theadas, about the special gear, if you could be so kind as to be on the look-out for special ore, basically anything else than steel, iron and corundum, and also small soul gems preferably filled petty or lesser souls, you could help me in creating some special weapons for your shop. I have just enough iron left to make one of each weapon and armor piece for you. You can expect them in just over a day or so. Total pricing for it will be 295 septims for the weapons and 335 septims for the armor. (includes a shield)." With that he left the shop, hurrying back to his forge to begin the smithing.

Theadas cocked his head to the side so he could see the big Orc then looked back at Giovu.
“Well I do have some Ingredients I picked while hunting.” Theadas said. He moved to the side revealing an open cabinet with the top two shelves containing alchemical ingredients. “I’ve got a lot of each mountain flower, two Frost Mirriam bunches, some Garlic, A couple Nightshade flowers, and a half dozen Thistle branches.” Theadas showed a sample of each item. “And not on display I have antlers large and small, bear claws, charred Skeever hide and Skeever tails, a hawk beak and a couple of its feathers, and a sabre cat tooth as well has one of his eyes.” Theadas smiled as he recalled all of the adventures he had with his old Elf friend that lead to him being here and having most of these items. He looked back Giovu “Anything interest you?” Theadas asked.

[Beat freak]

Giovu - Theadas' Shop

Giovu peered at the unfamiliar plants in the cabinet as Theadas rattled off a list of his stock. His ears pricked up at the mention of nightshade, finally, something I know how to use. It wont be of much use on its own, mind. He knew he really ought to test some of the local flora. Importing familiar plants from Cyrodiil would be time consuming and expensive.

"I'll take all the nightshade you have, two thistle branches, and one bunch of each colour of the flowers. ....Oh and a bunch of that stuff too." He said, pointing at the frost mirriam. He would've liked to have taken some antlers too, but without a calcinator the reduction process would take all day. "Can you mark them up for me as well please?" He added, realising that he would soon forget the names of the plants otherwise.

[Alex Vincent]

Glathor, Gorbad's Forge

"Actually yes. But furthermore, I'm looking for an able hunter to bring me leather regularly. Even with all the metal in the world, it won't be of much use without some good leather and leather strips. So if you could go out hunting at a regular basis and bring me the hide you find, I'd be grateful. I'll give you 25 gold for that hide you have there. What do you say?" All this time, Gorbad was hammering the first of the items on the list, an iron sword.



"Well I'm the most able hunter around these parts, so you got yourself a deal!" Glathor said with excitement. "If I may ask, would you be so kind as to upgrade my Longbow? It's in need of repair, so I figured since I'm going to get it fixed why not get it upgraded too."

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"Speaking of hides, I'd like to discuss what you'd be able to do with that cat-pelt I brought in," Tsavani asked boldly as she approached Gorbad, on what she hoped was the closing end of the transaction with the hunter.

"I don't know if luxury clothing's one of your specialties or not, but I'd like to get at least one, preferably two fur cloaks out of the pelt - One for me, the other perhaps as a gift for the Jarl... so they need to be the best quality," she explained, trying to pace herself to ensure he could keep up over the sound of his forge.

"Unfortunately, I don't have the means to pay for any of this yet, so if there's something you're willing pay to get done... I'll be happy to oblige"

"I'm more than just a hunter, I'm also a hideworker. I'm able to make all sorts of things from hide including the cloaks you ask for. But I wouldn't trust my work to be given to the Jarl, unless you can make me an offer I can't refuse." Glathor exclaimed after the Khajiit woman finished her proposal to Gorbad.

[Chloe :)]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, (an old orc male, blacksmith) at his forge.

"Well I'm the most able hunter around these parts, so you got yourself a deal!" Glathor said with excitement. "If I may ask, would you be so kind as to upgrade my Longbow? It's in need of repair, so I figured since I'm going to get it fixed why not get it upgraded too."
_________________________________________
The Iron sword was nearly finished at this point. Only a small detail was needed, but that could wait for now. He put it aside and also gave back the dagger with the assassin's symbol on it to the guard who had shown it to him and replied to the hunter,
"Sure, I can reinforce your bow for 25 golds, so the hide for the reinforcement. What-do-you say?"

[kyle pinchen]

Tsavani - At the Featureless Plane of Infinite Dialogue Gorbad's Forge
Tsavani thought over her options as Gorbad handled the Guard's concerns... She really wanted a cloak, but also thought she saw an eagerness in the orc's desire to work the fur into armor. Glarthor's offer broke her out of her thinking. "What do you mean by an offer you can't refuse? It's pretty much meant to be made into an outfit, so it won't be hard to work into something nice," she answered. "Anyway... I think the hide's too valuable to use exclusively in making an armor. It would make a nice accent on leather, hide, and fur armors from more conventional animals."

After thinking a bit more, and hopping up onto a nearby rail, the khajiit came up with a compromise. "Alright... it will be at least a few days before anything really needs to be finalized... The castle mage is keenly interested in inspecting the body, and the hide needs to be cured. Gorbad, is it? How much would you be willing to pay me to get that mine cleared out? If that's enough for the elf to get two cloaks out of the hide, I'd also be willing to sell you the rest of the pelt to do what you want with it... What's with this ache in my jaw?"

[Spaceman]

Theadas, in his Shop

"I'll take all the nightshade you have, two thistle branches, and one bunch of each colour of the flowers. ....Oh and a bunch of that stuff too." He said, pointing at the frost mirriam. He would've liked to have taken some antlers too, but without a calcinator the reduction process would take all day. "Can you mark them up for me as well please?" He added, realizing that he would soon forget the names of the plants otherwise.

“Of course.” Theadas answered as he turned to grab each of the items. He placed them all across the table and and pulled out some paper and ink and quill. NIGHTSHADE, THISTLE BRANCH, RED MOUNTAIN FLOWER, BLUE MOUNTAIN FLOWER, PURPLE MOUNTAIN FLOWER, FROST MIRRIAM. After he was done copying the names of the ingredients he tore the paper so each name was separate. He placed the names of the ingredients with the ingredient and grabbed a small box from beneath the counter and placed off the plants into it making sure each label stayed with its rightful flora. “As for the calcinatory, I will send a courier to Riften to fetch one, when it comes in I will come find you if you still want it.” Theadas finished. He looked up at Giovu. “Also if you make any potions that you aren’t going to use come by and ill see if I can take them of your hands.” Theadas said and handed Giovu the box. “Overall it comes to 120 and as a first customer and as you bought in bulk 5% off so it will be 114 septims.”

[Mizz.Jayy]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, Court-Enchantress, on the threshold of a place of social gathering(!), Midday

Fiona Barrow-Heart had her hand upon the inn door and could hear the muffled sound of the voices inside when her spell wore off, and she found herself quite suprised to be on the threshold of a public house, that close from fratenising with the mundane citizens of the town. More than a little disgusted with herself she turned away, to find herself face to face with the old Orismer blacksmith.

"Fine day to you, court mage, Fiona was it? I'm Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, the blacksmith and enchanter.." she listened to his introduction with her usual bemused smile, not thinking much of the Orc's proposition. Gorbad's pretentions as an enchanter amused the witch, in her mind the arcane arts had all but died out amongst the Orismer of Skyrim. A mental note was filled to grill the blacksmith later on this very point. The request of Greater or stronger gems piqued the witch's interest, bringing her to reply
"Greater or stronger, you say? Hm, interesting, yes, I may have a few. But you must show me want you intend to do with them! I'm ever-so interested" she gushed, her strange, jaunty Reach accent slipping into the more familial Bretonish for a moment. She waved the Orc goodbye, rather amazed by the company she found herself keeping, and turned to make as much space as possible between her and the inn.

But what to busy herself with, 'ere the setting sun? The daedric cat needed proper inspection, no doubt, but that could wait. Fiona was out in the open now, the fresh Rift air in her lungs. She'd solve another problem. The Thalmor's unpleasant visage came to her imagination. Yes, he must be dealt with. Fiona looked about, and recalled the Justicar had gone to meet the Jarl. Best the Thalmor agent antagonise her employer himself. A few honeyed words in the old Nord's ear afterward would settle any doubts the elf might have sowed. But still, the Justicar. This would be a long project. With a plan forming in her wicked mind, Fiona gathered her cloak about her and headed in the direction of the town's general store.

[R.I.P]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, (an old orc male, blacksmith) at his forge.

It was true that Gorbad wanted that mine cleared out, if it would need any clearing out in the first place. On top of that, the mine might have been abandoned because it didn't contain anything worth mining. So a simple investigation would have to be done first, to find out what kind of ore it contained and what kind of vermin might be living there.
The khajiit wanted to sell him the rest of the pelt after the elf had made two cloaks from it. That wouldn't be much at all, hardly worth mentioning. It wouldn't be worth it, because the pelt was unique thanks to it's size. With only a small piece of it, it might as well be from a normal saber cat. He wouldn't buy that small piece.
"At first I'd want you to simply investigate it. I need to know what kind of ore it contains and what is living there nowadays. If you could do that and report back I'd be happy to pay you 50 septims for your trouble. If it turns out to contain a good amount of ore and have something living there, I'd be willing to pay 200 septims if if you clear it out as well. As for the pelt, I'd rather have worked with all of it, it's hardly worth it with the small amount that'd remain after two fur cloaks."

[Emily Shackleton]

Tilcedo Fulbar

"A black hand? Let me see.. Yes, that's definitely the mark of the assassin's guild. I'm pretty sure that isn't, however, a blade the assassin's use themselves. They usually don't let behind such things, unless it's as a message. Tell me boy, have you made any enemies in the last few months that would want to see you dead, or is there something else going on here?" The Orc's eyes narrowed and he had a puzzled and worried look on his face.

"It is? [censored]. Look, it's a message more then anything likely. I'm a guard, I'm sure people want me dead but not to be killed. I can't tell you the reason I have this blade or where I got it. It could possibly put your life in danger, I'm sorry, but I just couldn't do that." Tilcedo said before more people started to speak. Tilcedo leaned back against a wall and waited for the others to get done speaking.

[Karl harris]

Glathor, Gorbad's Forge, Midday

The Iron sword was nearly finished at this point. Only a small detail was needed, but that could wait for now. He put it aside and also gave back the dagger with the assassin's symbol on it to the guard who had shown it to him and replied to the hunter,
"Sure, I can reinforce your bow for 25 golds, so the hide for the reinforcement. What-do-you say?"


"That'll do." Glathor replied in a hurry. He then handed the pelt and his bow to Gorbad. "How long do you reckon it will take you to reinforce it?"

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Tsavani thought over her options as Gorbad handled the Guard's concerns... She really wanted a cloak, but also thought she saw an eagerness in the orc's desire to work the fur into armor. Glarthor's offer broke her out of her thinking. "What do you mean by an offer you can't refuse? It's pretty much meant to be made into an outfit, so it won't be hard to work into something nice," she answered. "Anyway... I think the hide's too valuable to use exclusively in making an armor. It would make a nice accent on leather, hide, and fur armors from more conventional animals."


"Just give me the pelt, and I'll get it done." Glathor said, flustered that his attempt to make some extra money didnt work.

[Jade Barnes-Mackey]

Tsavani - The blacksmith
Making a mental note to ask the Guard about his assassin problems later, Tsavani turned between Gorbad and Glarthor. "If you say so," she replied to Gorbad's decline of her offer for the pelt, before turning her attention to the wood-elf. "I don't think we've been introduced. My name's Tsavani, and I'm willing to 'sell' you the pelt for the two cloaks. You'll be free to use the excess with any other projects you may have, though you may find yourself surprised at its quality, once the piss gets washed out of it," she offered. "Of course, the price of that cloak includes auxiliary materials, such as the brooches. You'll probably find you're still getting the better deal. Mind if I meet you tomorrow so we can discuss the details more?"

[Jennifer Munroe]

Giovu - Theadas' Shop

“Overall it comes to 120 and as a first customer and as you bought in bulk 5% off so it will be 114 septims."

Giovu nodded his head and raised his eyes as though he were weighing up the price. It was an entirely futile gesture since, aside from the nightshade, he didn't have the first idea what the goods were worth. He'd always hated haggling. He knew in most cases the store owners expected it and raised their initial offer to compensate. It was irritating to know that he lost money on nearly every transaction he made, but he still considered that preferable to the excruciating embarrassment involved with arguing over a few septims. One of the benefits of working for the skooma gangs was being removed from the trading process. The ingredients were bought (Well... not strictly bought. Procured might be a better way to describe it) in bulk and delivered to him by some lackey. The important thing was that Giovu didn't have to care or even think about where the ingredients came from or where his produce ended up.

Satisfied that he'd 'pondered' long enough Giovu reached for the coin bag he'd brought out with him and counted out the money. "Thanks, I'll try not to spend those six septims all at once." He joked as he picked up the box, "Maybe I'll buy some rags for that Khajiit that's wandering around in the nip or put it towards the fine for the Thalmor slapping Nord."

[Nomee]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, Theadas' Shop, Midday

Fiona Barrow-Heart breezed into the shop, bright eyes taking in her surroundings quickly. A little drab, but the animal skins are a nice touch she decided, and drifted towards the counter, her cloak whistling around her ankles, the witch bobbing up and down as if she hovering above the ground. Upon gliding to the counter, she passed a rather sullen looking Imperial on his way out. She smiled pleasantly at him and laid both her pale hands upon the counter, leaning in slightly too far, her face slightly too animated, eyes rather too bright. Her demeanour conjured up the image of an expectant child, or a cat waiting for her milk. Back in the College of Winterhold, there had been some debate amongst the male mages whether Fiona Barrow-Heart's way of speaking was strangely attractive or just plain strange - the women had unanimously voted "strangely disturbing".

"Hello there." she said to the shop-keep, her feline smile stretching her words, "I am Fiona Barrow-Heart, Court-Mage to Jarl Spurvhauke. I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'd like to purchase some certain alchemical ingredients, if you have the stock." she finished, her accent that curious mixture of a wild-woman and a spoilt Bretonish princess.

[Flash]

Nellis Nelsh, singing in the inn.

Nelsh sang his song from the book a few more times. It always made him happy, brought memories of Anvil back to him. But Skyrim was his home now, and he wouldn't have it any other way. Making a mental note to sell his things old armor and weapons later, the nord with puffy sideburns looked around. No one seemed to care for his singing, none gave him any mind.

"Typical. Why would they want to talk to a miner" he said. Leaning back in his chair, he put his hands nehind his head, and stretched his legs out. Focusing his view on a group of armed men, that familar lump of fear formed in his throat. These thugs could likely beat Nelsh to a pulp, and he didn't have the same courage as he did when yelling at the Battlemage earlier......

Nelsh wasn't hoping to pick a fight with these men. He just wanted to ask them for help in clearing out the mine nearby. Something likely lurked down there......perhaps Dwarven creations? Or even worse, the Falmer and Charrus, twisted by the Dwemer forever!

As long as it ins't horkers, I should be fine. Those things killed some of my fellow miner's in Dawnstar! And that guard? She did nothing! She got what she deserved, a blade in the neck! Granted, it was by my hand......" thought Nellis. It still came as shock to him that he killed a guard, a warrior. Did she deserve that death? The nord thought she did. She just watched as the horker's killed the workers. She even laughed during it! The fish lipped nord killed her in cold blood, and spent jail time for it. Thankfully, the pity of the jarl and the guards saved Nellis from staying in the jail for months, if not years. When no one really cares about a guard's death, along with it being a first time offence by a pathetic weakling of man, things tend to turn out better for the crimnal. Of course, the pale was running out of money for food feed to Nelsh. Either way, he was free now.

He took in a gulp of hair, and puffed out his chest. The big nosed nord walked over to the Crimson son's, hoping they would take his request.

"Well aren't you men quite fit! True warriors I must say. Those companions in whiteruns, they must be hounds compared to you!" he said heartily. Nellis had to do his best to butter the crew up.
He looked towards Erik with a smile. "And you must be the leader of this merry crew! Aye, I can tell it by the look in your eyes!" Nelsh ssaid. He confused Clayton and Erik's roles, a mistake that hopefully wouldn't cost him.

"I have a request for you fine gentlemen. I am a miner of sorts, and the blacksmith here has offered me money for all the ore I can bring him. It so happens that during my stay with the guards of this hold, who I must say, and mere boy's compared to you noble men, that they spoke about a old mine that hasn't been used in years. I have a good feeling that there is quite a good amount of ore in them rocks, but likely some nasty creatures taking the cave as a home. Nothing you boys can't handle, I'm sure."

Nelsh took off his hat, and put his hand forward for Erik to shake. The nord had mistaken the leader, and Clayton was unlikely to be called a second banana.

"I was hoping to pay you boys to clear out the mine for me. Name's Nelsh by the way, Nellis Nelsh. You?"

[Natalie Harvey]

Theadas in his Shop,

Satisfied that he'd 'pondered' long enough Giovu reached for the coin bag he'd brought out with him and counted out the money. "Thanks, I'll try not to spend those six septims all at once." He joked as he picked up the box, "Maybe I'll buy some rags for that Khajiit that's wandering around in the nip or put it towards the fine for the Thalmor slapping Nord.”

Theadas let out a deep laugh. He felt good about his first sale and he liked the fact the Imperial didn’t even argue the price.

“Well I have some old clothes I could sell for six.” Theadas said with a big grin. His cowl cast a shadow over most of his face but you could clearly see his white teeth gleam.

Fiona Barrow-Heart breezed into the shop, bright eyes taking in her surroundings quickly. A little drab, but the animal skins are a nice touch she decided, and drifted towards the counter, her cloak whistling around her ankles, the witch bobbing up and down as if she hovering above the ground. Upon gliding to the counter, she passed a rather sullen looking Imperial on his way out. She smiled pleasantly at him and laid both her pale hands upon the counter, leaning in slightly too far, her face slightly too animated, eyes rather too bright. Her demeanour conjured up the image of an expectant child, or a cat waiting for her milk. Back in the College of Winterhold, there had been some debate amongst the male mages whether Fiona Barrow-Heart's way of speaking was strangely attractive or just plain strange - the women had unanimously voted "strangely disturbing".

"Hello there." she said to the shop-keep, her feline smile stretching her words, "I am Fiona Barrow-Heart, Court-Mage to Jarl Spurvhauke. I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'd like to purchase some certain alchemical ingredients, if you have the stock." she finished, her accent that curious mixture of a wild-woman and a spoilt Bretonish princess.

Theadas looked up at the wild looking lady. She leaned in close, Theadas a little bit intimidated but an inspection reveled she was easy on the eyes.

“Why hello lass, my names Theadas. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said with a small nod of the head.

He was still grinning from the exchange with Giovu and his white teeth still shone. She was strangely attractive and had a mysterious air about her. But when studied more closely Theadas could see that age separated them.

“This is what I’ve got for Flora,” Theadas gestured to the cabinet behind him. He still had three bunches of each of the Mountain flowers, two cloves of garlic and 4 thistle branches. “And I not on display I have antlers large and small, bear claws, charred Skeever hide and Skeever tails, a hawk beak and a couple of its feathers, and a Sabre cat tooth and eye.” Theadas finished, sounding as if he was reading off a list he had read lots of times before.

[BRAD MONTGOMERY]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, (an old orc male, blacksmith) at his forge.

"That'll do." Glathor replied in a hurry. He then handed the pelt and his bow to Gorbad. "How long do you reckon it will take you to reinforce it?"

"Not long at all. I'll get to working on it right away." He took the hide and placed it on a table at his side, next to the iron sword and inspected the longbow. It was indeed in need of some repairing and he could reinforce it to be more durable and even increase its range a bit. Behind him, in his tool box, he found some quality wood and a special paste. Reinforcing a wooden long bow was entirely different than reinforcing an armor or sword, so he'd need to be careful not to reinforce it too much. If he did that, it'd be more useful as a club than a bow.

He broke the quality wood into perfect pieces, polished away the weakest wood from the hunters long bow and placed the bow and the quality wood near his forge, close enough for it to heat up, but not close enough to catch fire or ruin the string. He also heated the paste, in a metal bucket that he held inside his forge. This took no more than a few heartbeats, and then he returned with the heated materials and bow to his workbench. Then, he threw the quality wood into the paste and put some of it on the bow as well. Then he took the paste-wood bits and placed them on the long bow, where the weakest wood had been removed.

He gently hit the wood into it's original shape, let it taste the forges fire a few times and shaped it again. He finished the reinforcement by sinking the wooden part of the bow in water. He took off his gauntlets and tested the bow. It bent perfectly and had no cracking sound. Now it would hold for quite a long time and fire arrows far and fast. With a smile, he returned the bow to the hunter. As he had promised, it hadn't taken long at all.

Now I need to get back to working at the iron order, I should have enough time to make a dagger, war axe, maze and shield before the sun sets, he thought.

[Jessica White]

Clayton... the Inn...

"Sure!" Clayton replied to the bartender, chuckling to himself "We'll try anything once! Five of them it is then, and keep it coming."

The boys laughed and nodded in agreement. Clayton relaxed back into his former position as the inn keeper went off to fetch them a couple pints of his homebrew. Another man soon crossed the room, a Nord, clad in simple Miner's gear and a fur trimmed hat that seemed out of place with the rest of his kit.

"Get a load of this guy." Erik muttered as he approached, looking rather nervous.

"Well aren't you men quite fit! True warriors I must say. Those companions in whiteruns, they must be hounds compared to you!" he said heartily.

This guys wants something. Maybe a contract? Clayton thought to himself. Then he looked over to Erik.

"And you must be the leader of this merry crew!" the Nord said. Clayton raised his eyebrow, turning his gaze to Erik. "Aye, I can tell it by the look in your eyes!" the Nord continued.

Ok. Let's see how this plays out. True, Erik had the look of his father, the look of a leader, but Clayton thought it was damned obvious who was in charge.

"I have a request for you fine gentlemen. I am a miner of sorts, and the blacksmith here has offered me money for all the ore I can bring him. It so happens that during my stay with the guards of this hold, who I must say, and mere boy's compared to you noble men, that they spoke about a old mine that hasn't been used in years. I have a good feeling that there is quite a good amount of ore in them rocks, but likely some nasty creatures taking the cave as a home. Nothing you boys can't handle, I'm sure."

As the Nord took of his hat and held out his arm for a handshake. All eyes of the group turned to the Nord, and Erik looked nervously at Clayton.

"I was hoping to pay you boys to clear out the mine for me. Name's Nelsh by the way, Nellis Nelsh. You?" the Nord asked.

"The name's Erik." he replied "I'm the lieutenant of of Crimson Sons. Clayton is our boss." He gestured over at the grey haired leader.

Good boy.

"Yeah. You want something, you speak to me." Clayton said, sounding mildly irritated, but keeping his calm demeanor. "An old mine needing bit of a tidy up? We can do that for you yeah." He then leaned forward, clasping his hands and releasing the crick in his neck. "For the right price."

The Nord looked a little nervous at the sight of Clayton, so he gave him a little grin to ease the tension. "See, thing is Nelly - can I call you Nelly? Thing is, we don't know what's down there. I'll send a few men to check out what's down there. Once we know what we're up against, then we can talk prices." He turned to Erik. "Well, our pal Nelly seems to have taken a liking to you kiddo, so you and Bulder can go and check this cave out, once we've had our drinks."

"Right. Yes boss." Erik said. Clayton looked back at Nellis Nelsh.

"Don't call for us, we'll call for you." Clayton said casually.

"Nice singing by the way." Erik added, more out of courtesy than anything.

"Now go on, get yourself a drink." Clayton finished.

[JERMAINE VIDAURRI]

Jal, inn

Jal brought over five bottles of his homebrew, and placed them on the table next to the mercenary company. "Enjoy, lads."

His old would was sending jolts of pain up and down his leg. He sat down exhausted, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. The stairs would kill him if he didn't find someone to help him soon. As luck would have it, at the moment a boy approached. He was a young lad, probably no more than 16 years old, with scruffy dark hair and dark eyes. He idled up cautiously, as if unsure what he wanted.

"You the innkeep?" The boy asked.

"Aye, that I am." The boy gestured at the door.

"You're looking for help?"

"I am." Jal looked the boy up and down. He was a scrawny little thing but had a certain youthful energy to him. "You looking for work?"

"Yes, I'm a hard worker. Wont let you down." The boy said eagerly. Jal considered a moment. He was young, sure. But Jal was old, so it balanced out.

"Ever worked in an inn?"

"Yes, loads. Pa owned and inn before .... before we can here. I helped him all the time."

"Goof cos I got no idea what I'm doing. You hired. You can start now. What's your name boy?"

"Tim ... sir. Tim Woodfellow"

"No sir-ing here. Names Jal." The boy visually brightened up after that.

"Right, first thing you can do is find a courier for me." Jal paused "And while you're at it, find an artist. A painter or something." The boy stood for a moment. "Well off with you, boy. No time like the present." With that the boy quickly scurried off outside.

[James Wilson]

Nuramon, the forest

When Nuramon woke up he realized it was about two or maybe three hours after the sun had left its highest peak. Refreshed Nuramon jumped down the tree and as soon as his feet hit the ground he heard the branches take back their original place.

With bow in his hand he took of deeper into the forest in search for any tracks of prey. He found such tracks rather quickly. By the sight and the depth of them he figured it were tracks of a pair of heavy boar. He felt adrenaline take over at the thought of hunting these creatures down and he immediately dashed off. He ran fast, but without making a sound like only bosmer and maybe khajiit could do. He used his keen senses to make sure he didn’t miss any clues and wouldn’t be surprised by something he couldn’t see coming.

After he had followed the tracks for a few hours, he finally heard the boars somewhere in front of him. he silently stepped closer and took an arrow which he nocked on his bow. He got the animals in his sight and carefully aimed for the one that was the farthest away. He held his breath steadied his aim and let death fly. A second later the boar fell down with Nuramon’s arrow through its heart.

Enraged the other boar charged in the direction the arrow had came from. Nuramon nocked a second arrow and let it fly, hitting the boar in the back. He repeated this two more times only slowing the beast down a little bit.

He jumped to the side, rolling over his shoulder and dodging the wild boar’s charge. He had dropped his bow in the process and instead drew his daggers. He faced the boar again and waited for it to charge him another time.

It started running at full speed, determined to impale him with its large tusks. Just as the boar was going to hit him Nuramon jumped over the beast and planted his daggers in the beast’s neck. A stinging pain exploded in his right leg as he felt the sharp tusk cutting through his leg. He released the daggers and rolled over the ground for several meters before standing up again to see what the boar was doing.

As planned his dagger had gone through its spine and made it completely numb, but Nuramon could feel its fear. As he limped over to the boar he used his ability to reassure it that everything was going to be ok. He grabbed one of his daggers and took the thirty centimeters long blade out of the boar’s neck and then quickly stabbed it in its heart, killing it instantly.

He then started preparing them. He got rid of the heads and everything except for the meat, which he cut in smaller pieces and wrapped in paper and then he tossed the pieces of meat in a large bag, easy to carry. He also kept the tusks. He then proceeded to bury the rests as a gift to his patron after a quick prayer he got up, picked up his bag of meat and started walking back to town, this time via the main road.

[suniti]

Graymane, Valton's inn


The day was well advanced when Elarian finally left his home for a drink as a snack. A situation that irked him a little, though it didn't affect her behavior in the slightest. Having yet to find a single person interested in lessons in fighting or feeling the need to hire a sword, there was little incentive. Before heading for the new hold's single inn, he took the time to check his garb, making sure the coat fell properly. Sure that's a country inn, probably staffed by some jumped up peasant and crowded with yokels, but that's no reason to get sloppy. Looking like you're hungering for work isn't a good way to get decent rates...

With the hold's capital-to-be's small size it didn't take him long to reach his destination and enter. He was pleasantly surprised by the inn's size and quality of building – instead a the thatched mess of dry stone and small timber one might have expected it was a well build three-storey building. Though he quickly saws when entering that if offered the traditional and despicable nord fire pit. At least the roof is high enough to limit the amount of smoke...

Another unfortunate feature caught his eye – half a dozen men sitting at a table. Their outfit and attitude branded them as mercenaries of the sort giving the profession a bad name. The sight didn't worry Elarian much, thought it prompted him to mentally review the situation. With those clothes and a mere dagger, there's a good chance those louts will mistake me for some sort of dumb and rich elven fop, an easy mark to shake up for coins. They're packing sword, that means I'll have to rely on magic if they start hassling me. And I'd rather lay it thick, there's a lot of them and it looks like I'm the only on there who might stand up to them...

His relaxed face and unhurried stride didn't betray any of his thoughts as he picked a corner table near the bar to seat himself. Which happened to have both his back to the wall and a stool close enough to be kicked into an incoming problem's legs.

Once conveniently seated, Elarian gestured to the innkeeper, “Greetings, I'd like some bread and cold cuts, and a pint of good wine or ale to get along with them. If you haven't had the chance to stock up yet, mere water will do. Oh and maybe some pastries later on if you have some.” His tone and attitude were both friendly and relaxed, apparently oblivious to the pack of mercenaries in the opposite corner.

[JeSsy ArEllano]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, Court Witch and Bird-Botherer, Theadas' Shop, Afternoon

Fiona Barrow-Heart rapped her fingers on the counter and svcked her tongue. The inventory she had been offered was less than encouraging, and the witch did little to hide her disappointment. She glanced about her and frowned, drawing her words out slowly.
"Oh..is that all? Would you, by any chance, be able to procure some particular ingredients by order? Let me see, presently I require.." she closed her eyes, bringing a list before her mind's eye.
"Crimson Nirnroot, Deathbell, Ectoplasm, Falmer Ear, Huma-oh, I mean: Imp Stool, Jarrin Root, Nightshade, Nirnroot of the regular variety, Red Mountain Flower, River Betty, Skeever Tail, Antlers (not too large), Troll Fat and Void Salts" she recounted the list robotically, one the witch had very clearly memorised. "Oh, in the meantime I suppose the Red Mountain Flower and little antlers will suffice, though they are rather lacking in potency...but beggers can't be choosers, can we?" she smiled, batting her huge, heavily inked eyelashes at Theadas, wondering to herself if the shopkeeper would be astute enough to notice the uniting theme in her list.

[Sian Ennis]

Nellis Nelsh, chatting with the Crimson sons

"Yeah. You want something, you speak to me." Clayton said. Nellis felt fear building up. This man gave off a rough vibe, like man in the ratways of Riften, or a seedy skooma dealer on the roads. Erik had friendly feeling to his voice and personality, and made the sons seem honorable. But this Clayton? If the son's were under his lead, they were no better than the thieves guild. An opportunist, leading a gang of thugs. Never a good combination...

"An old mine needing bit of a tidy up? We can do that for you yeah." Clayton continued. Nellis had felt a bit of hope now. Perhaps these Crimson sons were not so bad. After all, that mine could have many dangers, yet they were brave enough to step up to the task of clearing it out. And after all the.....uwanted guests in the mine were dealt with, it would be a wonderful source of income for Valton.

"For the right price." Clayton said with a smile.
Oh of course......he wants some huge amount of gold for this job.... Nelsh thought. It was likely to set him back, but Nellis would just have to make do with the loss of gold in order for these men to clear the mine. After that, the nord would be able to kick back with calm, easy work.


"See, thing is Nelly - can I call you Nelly? Thing is, we don't know what's down there. I'll send a few men to check out what's down there. Once we know what we're up against, then we can talk prices." Clayton said in a friendly tone. Nellis was nodding his head, thinking of costs. Hopefully it wouldn't be something to deadly. Nelsh only had around 997 gold to pay these men, but Clayton seemed the type to charge very high prices.

"Did you just call me Nelly? Not complaining or anything, it's fine if you call me that. But I think I'll be able to pay you. Best if you-no, we, check out the mine. I'm willing to bet it's just a few spiders, if anything at all" Nellis said. He was attempting to convince himself that everything would be fine, but he feared that something like trolls would be in the cave.


Clayton turned to his second in command. "Well, our pal Nelly seems to have taken a liking to you kiddo, so you and Bulder can go and check this cave out, once we've had our drinks."

"Right. Yes boss." Erik spoke in reply.

"Don't call for us, we'll call for you." Clayton said in a causual tone. The miner with the fine hat could not help but have suspicions about Clayton, given the bad vibrations he was giving off.

"Nice singing by the way." Erik added, more out of courtesy than anything. Nelsh had a slight ego boost from this comment, feeling proud from his singing. Most of the time, he was tone deaf, but pratice over years made him great with that one song on the Dremora pirate, Velehk Sain.

"Now go on, get yourself a drink." Clayton finished.

Nelsh nodded, put his hat back on, and went back to his seat.

Got to watch out the Clayton fellow, I don't trust him..

[JUan Martinez]

Giovu - Shop, moving to Inn

Giovu raised his hand in a farewell gesture to Theadas and headed back towards the Inn, eager to begin testing. The witch he'd seen earlier entered as he was leaving. She didn't look quite so strange up close as he had imagined. She could have passed for a Breton maiden if she didn't scrawl all that muck on her face that the Nords were so fond of. Giovu averted his eyes as they passed. He was distrustful of mages and the ominous skull mounted on her staff did nothing to put him at ease. He'd always been greatful that magic users tended to dress in an odd or extravagant manner. That at least made them easy to identify and avoid.

Giovu entered the Inn just as a hulking Dunmer took a seat. The bar was still busy and he wouldn't have paid any mind to the fellow normally, except this guy was the largest Dunmer he'd ever seen by a good few inches. Noise from a rowdy group near the bar caught his attention and he was surprised to see the little Nord seated near them. Commit common assult and then head to the local Inn for a drink. It's like Loredas evening in Bravil reversed.

"Well if it isn't the scourge of the Thalmor." He called, approaching the Nord. "Glad to see you're out of custody. Those pompous buggers need taking down a peg or two."