[Nadia Nad]

Nellis Nelsh, the keep, morning.


"Are you sure you're feeling good enough for.. anything? Because we are about to visit that Shimmermist Mine, as much as that Khajiit hates it, we are going to go there as a bigger group. Three guards, Elarian, Tsavani, you and me. We are to meet at the inn in just about an hour from now. If you aren't feeling well, stay in town, ok? If you do feel well enough, see us at the inn in an hour." Gorbad gave the nord a clap on the back. "I'll join you there in an hour, there's someone I need to talk to now that I'm in the keep." The orc then waved good-bye and walked away.

Nellis nodded his head, and got up to walk to the inn.

"Of course I can handle myself! Old orc thinks I'm high on Skooma right now. As if! I just need to get my gear together, and then I will show that Orc!" said the nord with sideburns as he walked. He walked into the inn, and went into his rented room. He saw his bag, and opened it up. Seeing that his gear was still in there, he smiled.

After a few minutes of changing, he walked out.

Nellis looked quite like a fool. He wore Studded Armor, like one may find on a bandit. His feet were covered with Leather Boots, and his wrists were wrapped with Leather Bracers. The funniest part had to be his helmet. It was leather, but he cut open holes on the side so his side burns were not be damaged. He barely fit into the Studded piece, or the rest of his armor for that matter. It was lose, showing his stick-like excuses of arms. Despite this, he was strong, but was unfit for combat. Unless it involved hitting rocks. He was great at that.

To defend himself, he had a iron sword on his side, held in it's sheath. He wore his lucky amulet of mara around his neck. It served another purpose though. His left hand was free, and when he was in the mine, he would have a basic healing spell in that hand. He was not that good at healing, but the blessing of Mara within the neckalace improved his healing spells by quite a bit.
Despite looking like a fool, he walked over with pride to the main desk of the inn. Taking a seat, he spoke.

"Barkeep! I would enjoy a fine slab of vension, cooked, if you please."

One of the workers gave Nellis the steak, which he began to eat. As he chewed, he turned his gaze to his side. The thing sitting next to him nearly gave him a heart attack.
He stilled screamed like a young girl when he saw it.

It was a Daedra, a demon of Oblivion. With skin like leather, it looked at Jal, and spoke in nordic tongue.

"What in Zeinthar's name is that thing?" said Nelsh.

[Strawberry]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, at Fiona's Study, morning

The woman who opened the door didn't look like the witch he'd seen yesterday. Perhaps it was the red dress? Perhaps she'd washed herself? Gorbad didn't think more about that when the witch said,
______________
"Oh, hallo there. What brings you to this humble Court-Mage's lair?"
______________
Indeed, she did actually look like a Court-Mage today. He saw a glance of Fiona's study and it looked just like Gorbad had pictured it. He told her why he was there:
"I don't know who else to turn to, but.. Well.. The thing is.. I've lived a long life and never had nightmares, not a single day, and today I had one." He paused, tried to read the witches face but er expression didn't reveal what she was thinking, so he continued.
"I just met Nellis too. The man kept screaming to someone who wasn't there." He thought about how he'd say the next part..
"Do you know anything about it? Nellis did come down from your tower, that's as much as I know." He said with a very serious look on his old face.

[Andrew Perry]

Roymund Inventius, Helas' Folly.

"Barkeep! I would enjoy a fine slab of vension, cooked, if you please." said a Nord further down the tavern.

"Hmmph, Looks like i'll be waiting awhile.." thought Roymund, slumping further down on his seat. He rested his arms agaisnt the bar and took another gaze across the bar. He noticed an odd shaped figure move alongside the Nord, the figures facial features appeared sharpe though the dimly lit room clouded the details from Roymunds eyes.

One of the Inn workers placed a steak by the Nord, and seemed to offer the shaddowed figure a questioning look before moving on, he stopped beside Roymund.

"A mug of mead? We've got plenty of them but i shall bring you one of our finer!" boomed the worker "As for a room, you'll have to ask Master Jal our Innkeeper, though i fear he'll tell you that our rooms our fully rented"

Roymund exchanged a grim nod and a coin for the drink, taking up his pack from beside his stool, and made his way towards the far corner of the room.

"Pass a message to Jal, I'd wish to speak with him this eve" spoke Roymund as he stepped away.

Weaving in and out of the assorted tables and chairs dotted throughout the tavern, Roymund slung his pack down by the corner and slid gracefu--..

The Nord across the room let out a loud scream, like that of a young girl!

Roymund meanwhile was put-off his current action by the cry, and ungracefully missed the chair, instead sliding it back against the wall and landing flat on his face against the stone floor.

"In the nam--.. Is that a Deadra?" he mumbled aggresively, now gaining a more enlightened view of the strange figure.

[patricia kris]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, her study, Midday

The Court-Mage frowned and turned to walk back into her study, gesturing with one hand for Gorbad to follow. She stopped somewhere near the centre of her study, and flicked her hand at the door to cause it to shut behind Gorbad. The Court-Witch shook her hair and turned around, svcking her tongue uncomfortably, and hit Gorbad with a long, hard gaze. When she spoke it was in a measured, careful tone, each syllable picked out in that fine, Bretonish accent of hers.

"Very good, yes, quite, but I should have anticipated this. Don't beat about the bush, I can see it in your eyes, it's time to blame the Witch, is it?" Fiona smiled and shook her head lightly, "Rather obvious, don't you think? Nightmares, bumps in the night, and all the townsfolk want the Reachwoman on a stake already, I suppose?" she tuts, "I may master in the arts the Synod unsympathetically labels "Hedge-Magic", but that does not make me irresponsible, or a fool. This sort of thing is exactly the type of mischief I am employed to dispel. Jarl Radwulf isn't a fool either, though he may bumble. I do have a number of...theories of what might have caused the nightmares, and the foolish miner's madness, but I'm not sure if you'd like to hear them. It depends; are you equippied with one of your face's famous Orcish stomachs? You will need a strong one.." she finished with a smirk.


Jarl Radwulf Spurvhauke, Gudslott Hall, Midday

The melancholic Jarl sighed and tapped on the side of his stone throne impatiently. He'd heard enough from this Cyrodiil, enough veiled threats for one afternoon.

"All you say is very good, but my position remains unchanged. At present Valton is neutral in this war, having received no correspondence from Jarl Urfric whatsoever. The moment I receive a direct ultimatum from the Jarl of Windhelm, I shall be more sympathetic to your argument, but at the moment-" the Jarl sighed, a low, rolling sigh more fitting of a bear than a man, "I am unmoved by mere words. You may stay in Gudslott Hall if you wish, there is a room available, I think, at the right. Your neighbour will be a Thalmor Justicar by the name of Valarmo. Perhaps you should be introduced?" Jarl Radwulf smiled darkly. "I'm sure the two of you will have much to discuss"

[ANaIs GRelot]

Danus Maximus. Gudslott hall. Midday.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay in your grand hall. Maybe sometime Later we could improve our relations. As for now I will like if my bodyguards can enter this hall to provide secuirty for me. And this Valarno does sound like an interesting character." Danus has then packed his belongings in his quarter. Though the fact that the jarl mention the word thalmor has made him angry. (It would figure these pointy eared bastards would get here first. probably Trying to turn Volton into a puppet and killing Talos worshipers) Thought the imperial bitterly.

As he went into his room he then wrote about today's events. (Today I have finally got into the damn hold. I have failed to convince Jarl Radwulf to side with the empire but he had let me stay in his hall, for now. So I am sure I can within time slowly convince him to side with the empire. However what made me more displeased is that the damn thalmor had sent an agent into the hold already. Valarmo the Jarl called him. knowing how long these damn golden elves can live I wonder if Varlamo was one of those bastards that [censored] my mother, and that damn old coot who calls himself a Jarl saying how we both have much to discuss. With a High elf there is nothing to talk about. I sometimes wonder if serving the empire is worth it. Will there be an emperor that will someday fight back? I hope this will happened. So those bastards like Varlamo will die by a sword crafted by men. And that [censored] Elenwen? She will pay as well.

Now I have sent one of my bodyguards back to Solitude to tell Tullius of my progress. I guess until he comes back I am free to do anything in Valton. On other topics I am starting to miss Cyrodill. Especially the village I grew up in. If it wasn't for Jullius I would of been dead. I wonder if he is still alive? If I get to come back home the first thing I will do on my way to the Imperial City is to find the village. It's been 14 years. And For the past two weeks I am now finally coming to respect the Nord's values and culture. Though I still don't understand it. Well this is all I can write down.) Danus then leaves the hall to get a few drinks at the tavern.
(He is now pretty much awaiting further orders from Solitude)

[Georgine Lee]

Sargon Hlaalu, Valton Hold, Nuramon's House, Midday/Late Morning.


As Sargon sat, enjoying his sujamma and puffing his pipe, the warmth of the fire bathing his ashen, tattooed face, he heard a welcome voice behind him. It was Nuramon, asking if his old friend had slept soundly, as well as offering breakfast for the two old friends.

Sargon smiled, "Indeed, was a good noight's sleep, the fur's and foi'ah kept me warm enough. Can't thank ya 'nough feh lettin' me stay. Blessed fortune that Oi found you here in Skoirym, I say. As fah breakfast, be deloighted tah 'ave some." When Sargon has had a few drinks, his Dunmeri accent really began to come out thicker than ever. Getting up, staggering a bit, and tapping out his pipe over the fire-pit, Sargon made his way to the dining area to take a seat.

"If yeh need 'elp with breakfast, Oi'd be more than 'appy tah lind a 'and." Sargon reloaded his pipe, taking another drag, "Also, Nuramon, there's business we ought to talk ovah, got a plan fah this town that we both could benefit from, and Azura and Sanguine knows it would 'elp the town's trade."

Sargon took a pull from his almost empty flask, "Damn good stuff, need tah lay off me own product though. People won't undahstand a word Oi say, otherwoise. Not to mention it'd be gone in a second if they tasted it." Sargon smiled, hoping his old friend would catch his drift. And it wasn't the drift of the sweet alcoholic, vanilla coming from Sargon's pores.


OOC: I hope you can understand the dialouge, I did my best at putting an Aussie accent into writing. Dunmer in Skyrim sound like Aussie's... so when Sargon gets a bit too into the sauce, his accent comes out, no matter how long he's lived or how many things, places, and people he's seen/met.

[Lewis Morel]

Jal, Hela's Folly, Morning.

"Er, what, you never seen a Scamp before, 'keep? Don't get out much, huh? Eh, nevermind. Don't worry though gramps, not gonna eat yer. Heh. Just here for the booze. And the conversation, yeah. Heh." the Scamp drew the tankard, which looked quite enormous against his child-sized, cruel-looking face, and took another huge gulp, taking his drink well past the half-way mark. "Aah. Not bad. So, what's crackin'?"

"Actually, I haven't .... why? Should I have?" Said Jal, still mystified as to the nature of the creature sat in front of him. In earlier days, the old Jal would have attacked the thing were it stood but ... he wasn't the old Jal anymore. It, whatever it is, is just another customer right now. Jal reasoned to himself. No reason to treat him any different.

So Jal kept pouring the mead and the little monster in front of him kept drinking. A couple of customers walked in, one Jal recognised from last night, and he seemed to have found some new clothes, the other he didn't. He served them absentmindedly his mind on the scamp. Vaguely, he heard one ask about a room.

"Errr ... no." Jal said, keeping his eyes on the scamp, "no rooms available, sorry."

Suddenly, the strange looking Nord screamed. A high, girlish scream that shocked Jal out of his stupor.

"What in Zeinthar's name is that thing?"

[lucile]

Annika, Valton Shop, morning
Annika opened up the wooden door to the shop with a small key she was given. While the other shopkeeper was away she was asked to help out and keep the busness running. Shutting the door behind her, she opened the window shutters, letting light stream in. The shop was nice, wooden and warm because of the small fireplace on the opposite side of the room. The long counter was on the left side of the room, and the walls and other table tops were decorated in artifacts and merchendice. As she walked behind the counter she took the small feather duster and began to wipe the thin layer of settling dust from the wooden counter top. After she put the duster away she glided over to the body length mirror on the other side of the wall. She looked at herself, contemplating her dress and hair. She decided to put her hair in a mid-way ponytail. She smiled when she took her hands away from her hair. Annika brisky walked back towards the door and made sure the door was unlocked, then she went back to behind the countertop. She took a book from under the countertop and began to read it.

[Imy Davies]

A scamp, Helas' Folly Inn, Morning

The scamp ducked his head and grimaced, grinning at the theatrical response he drew from either side. The scamp took a last swig of his drink and looked to Nellis Nelsh, his giant, bat-like ears standing up at the sight of the Nord.

"What in Azura's [censored] are you? Look like a Grummite dressed in leather, bud. I'm just a Scamp, see, nothing special, just a traveller. Yeah. Don't mean no harm to anyone. But Molag's ballsack, would it hurt to be more polite?" the scamp chuckled, a high-pitched, cruel laugh, and looked about. "Hey now, I've got an audience, lookie, heh." the demon reached down into the sack by his chair, and produced a single, petty soul gem. "Lookie kids, a trick." he said, and flicked the gem up in the air, where it seemed to dangle, rotating, for a moment too long. The scamp snatched it out of the air, and opened his big, clawed hand to reveal a grand soul-gem, resplendent and glimmering, where the common gem should be. "Neat, huh?" he grinned, and slide the gem to Jal for payment. It was probably worth as much as this inn. "This round is on me, keeps. I'm feeling generous."

[Averielle Garcia]

((OOC: You mean race's and not face's, right?))

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, Fiona's Study

The witch opened the door widely and Gorbad entered her study. She then shut the door magically behind him and said:
______________________________
"Very good, yes, quite, but I should have anticipated this. Don't beat about the bush, I can see it in your eyes, it's time to blame the Witch, is it?"
"Rather obvious, don't you think? Nightmares, bumps in the night, and all the townsfolk want the Reachwoman on a stake already, I suppose?"
"I may master in the arts the Synod unsympathetically labels "Hedge-Magic", but that does not make me irresponsible, or a fool. This sort of thing is exactly the type of mischief I am employed to dispel. Jarl Radwulf isn't a fool either, though he may bumble. I do have a number of...theories of what might have caused the nightmares, and the foolish miner's madness, but I'm not sure if you'd like to hear them. It depends; are you equippied with one of your race's famous Orcish stomachs? You will need a strong one.."
______________________________
Gorbad merely raised an eye-brow.
"No-one in town seems to care about them. To most, a nightmare is a nightmare that doesn't mean anything. But I've never had one before in my entirely life, and that is why I was worried. I apologise for suspecting you, you clearly lack the motives for such an act."
He paused for a second, considered what Fiona had said. Something serious was going on and Gorbad definitely wanted to know what it was. He doubted it could be anything more serious than necromancers or vampires in a cave nearby.
"I'm all ears," he said.

[Kirsty Wood]

Danus Maximus. Guddslot hall. Night.

Danus had a few too many drinks. Being drunk he could barely moved. Of course this wasn't the first time. Everytime there is any type of alcohol near Danus he seems to get drunk shortly. His bodyguards had then took him back to his quarters and put him to the bed. However his dream would become a nightmare.

(Where in Oblivion am I at?) Thought Danus. What he is seeing is volton. Except the sky is red, and he could hear thunder, but there is no lightning. And if he listen closely; he could hear the screams of people. As he walk around the hold He sees the bodies of stormcloaks, Imperial legionaries, and civilians. It seems that there was a battle that resulted in the death of the entire hold. As he approached the hall; he sees the mutilated and torn bodies of his bodyguards. As he entered the hall. The room there is no sound, everything is dark and empty, save for the throne room with the decapitated jarl sitting on. To the left is the decapitated and limbless body of Varlamo. Danus smiled a little at the sight of a dead altmer. As he enters his quarters; he sees a child. It is not an ordinary child. It was Danus himself when he was a young lad.

"Hello Danus. I have been waiting for you. Come and take a seat. We both have much to discuss about." Said the child in a demonic voice. "By the gods who are you!?) said Danus."You mortals seem to have a habit of asking what they think is a threat by their names like true cowards." Said the demon. "I will not tell you my name; it would spoil the fun. However I will tell you this. I have been watching you Danus even when you were in your mothers's womb...." "Don't you mention her again!" "You mortals make me laugh. We barely started talking and yet you already showed me a sign of weakness. I will do as I please and no mortal will tell me what to do. Do you remember my appearence" "You were me in my youth." "correct Danus. You are wondering why I look like you as a child? Well telling would once again spoil the fun...." "What do you want?" ?"All I want is your assistance. You see you are not the only one in Valton experiencing this. Though it does vary. In fact A Nord by the name of Nellis had a vision of That altmer Varlamo skin flaking.

It is not a coincidence I may not be the ring leader of this but something will happened and you will help. until then you will have these dreams anywhere you go. And they will keep getting worse and worse. You will now wake. The next time you sleep, you will get further instructions."

Danus woke up from his slumber. (Who is he? Why did he picked me?) though Danus. He needs to keep it a secret for now....

[Catharine Krupinski]

Nuramon

"Indeed, was a good noight's sleep, the fur's and foi'ah kept me warm enough. Can't thank ya 'nough feh lettin' me stay. Blessed fortune that Oi found you here in Skoirym, I say. As fah breakfast, be deloighted tah 'ave some." When Sargon has had a few drinks, his Dunmeri accent really began to come out thicker than ever and Nuramon knew this well enough. Getting up, staggering a bit, and tapping out his pipe over the fire-pit, Sargon made his way to the dining area to take a seat. And Nuramon followed him and took the another seat.

"If yeh need 'elp with breakfast, Oi'd be more than 'appy tah lind a 'and." Sargon reloaded his pipe, taking another drag, "Also, Nuramon, there's business we ought to talk ovah, got a plan fah this town that we both could benefit from, and Azura and Sanguine knows it would 'elp the town's trade."

Sargon took a pull from his almost empty flask, "Damn good stuff, need tah lay off me own product though. People won't undahstand a word Oi say, otherwoise. Not to mention it'd be gone in a second if they tasted it.”

“Breakfast is already ready. I woke up early.” He answered Sargon. He took some bread and ham and pured himself a glass of sujamma. “I hope you don’t plan to discuss businnes with other locals as you are doing now. The only reason I understand you is because I have learned to understand your accent through all the years of knowing you. I’m afraid the others can’t posible get something out of what you’re saying.” Nuramon said with a smile, while also saying Sargon should lay off his product when he planned to go out into town.

“But you had a business plan for this town?” Sargon had spiked Nuramon’s interest and Nuramon had decided to push his dream away for abit longer. I can tell him later.

[Myles]

Roymund Inventius, Helas' Folly Inn. Morning.

"Hmmph" grumbled Roymund as he dragged himself off the floor, patting himself down, he gazed across the room at the Scamp. An oddly interested look glinted in his eyes for he had never met a Scamp, nor any of his kin, before and found this sight a curious one.
Roymund overheard the scamps next words..

"I'm just a Scamp, see, nothing special, just a traveller. Yeah. Don't mean no harm to anyone."

Endulging himself to curiosity, Roymund approached the Scamp and his apparent stage. Watching as the fellow flicked its Soul-Gem skillfully between it's fing--.. claws before showing off a magic trick. Roymund proped himself up against the bar, tankard in hand, and occasionally took a gulp whilst keeping his attention fixed on the scamp.

"This round is on me, keeps. I'm feeling generous." said the Scamp as he passed the gem across to Jal, The Innkeeper.

Roymund gulped the rest of his mead down, offering his hand signal between his Tankard and the Innkeep.
"Was always told it rude to refuse a drink, friend" he said, offering a appreciative nod as he spoke to the Scamp.

[Claudz]

Danus Maximus. Morning.

All Danus could think was the dream he had. Now he has both this "demon" and the political relations between the empire and Volton to worry about. He must find this Nellis person the demon mention in his dream. Since he has not gotten any further orders from Solitude yet he must search for Nellis. Maybe he could understand what is going on in Valton by asking This person or anyone that had encountered these visions....

[Tyler F]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, her study, Late Morning (!)

The witch nodded, giving that trademark, wry smile of hers and looked to her windowsill. She exchanged a long, apparently significant look with her raven, Hrefn, who was perched there, and turned back to Gorbad with resolve in her eyes. She didn't know quite why she was telling the Orc this. Maybe it was because Gorbad, alone other than the Jarl and, in his own way, the Justicar, was a citizen of Valton Fiona had recognised as intelligent. It was a rugged, Orcish intelligence, rather old-hat to her, but familiar. Nothing about the blacksmith particularly impressed her, nor was she sure she even liked the Orc that much, but he had a whiff of the Orcish shaman about him. As an Englishman, on tour in some far-off foreign land, might feel some mad comradely with another westerner spotted in a bar (the type of person that, if seen back in his home country, would not register), Fiona felt herself able to confide in the Orismer blacksmith.

"There are eyes on Valton. Divine Eyes - or, profane eyes, if you are the church-going sort. Something is plotted, from the bowels of Oblivion, there are numerous schemes, involving our fair town. The details are unclear, but it seems we may count Sheogorath and Vaermina among the Princes who do not wish our town to survive. Curiously, it seems some other of the Princes of Oblivion have taken up a bet and seek to prove a point by our survival. This, in all likelihood, explains the appearance of the Bitter Spear." Fiona Barrow-Heart fixed Gorbad with her smouldering, hazel eyes. Her tone was harsh but precise. There was something else in there, quite unlike her: reverence, or fear. It was hard to say which. "We have become pawns in some cosmological game. I tell you all this, because you came to me, addressing me in my professional role as Court-Mage. I understand if now you will be on the first cart out of Valton. But my matriarch-" Fiona smiled, a devilsh smile, pregnant with intent, and lent in, "told me never to be intimidated by Daedra. They will follow you to the ends of Nirn. Wherever you go, in your sleep, whenever your guard is down or your mind wanders, there is the Prince, standing in the far corner of the room. Watching, and smiling. Biding for time, which is immaterial to them. What the Daedra respect, no" she paused, smile readjusted, "what they fear, is resolve. If the Daedra wish to play a game, I am of the opinion that we play to win. What say you of this, Child of Malak?" she asked, eyes aflame. There was something magnetic in Fiona now. The fear had washed away, and it was as if Mephela herself were standing there, this study her very sphere. Fiona spoke not a word of spiders, nor of Black Hands in the night.

[Paula Rose]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, Fiona's study, late morning.

Something sparkled in the witch's eyes as she looked at her raven, then back at Gorbad again. Then she spoke, and what she said was something Gorbad wasn't expecting to hear. The daedra's betting on the survival of the new hold of Valton? Well one thing was for sure, Gorbad wasn't going to be in a good position with Malacath, for he had surpassed his age of strength and chosen a life of old age and coming weakness. He would, perhaps, be able to show what he was made of, and only by staying in Valton would he be able to do so.
___________________________
"What say you of this, Child of Malak?"
___________________________
The witch's eyes were aflame with a powerful inner strength and willpower. It was inspiring to listen to the witch talk and look like this, to fight against the daedric princes themselves. Gorbad felt his vigor growing in him, the lord sign burning bright within him, an orc warriors soul kindled within him that had always been there, but never showed itself. Yes, this would be a battle worthy to fight against and worthy to die to, if so was necessary. He could almost feel Malacath smile down at him when he said,
"I say we stay and fight and show the thirteen planes of oblivion what Valton is truly made of." his eyes were aflame now as well, inspired by the moment, "This is my home. My stronghold. If we are to survive, we will need a bigger amount of quality weapons and armor, for everyone. I've gathered a party whom to explore the mines with, who knows what ore we'll find there, or danger. We will play to win!"

It was as if what had possessed Gorbad had faded now, for he felt like himself again, an old orcish blacksmith wanting an everyday life in this town. It was almost time to explore the mine and gather at the inn, so he said goodbye to the witch, now completely normal again,
"We are to gather at the inn shortly. I wish you good-luck and really wish that you'd share this with at least some of the others here. Well, good-bye then." He waved good-bye with a warm and friendly smile and turned around to start walking down the stairs of Fiona's tower.

[ZANEY82]

Fiona Barrow-Heart, her study, Late Morning

The witch watched Gorbad's reaction with no little delight. Her words had struck the right tone, and inspired the Orc inside Gorbad. The witch's ever-present smile faded from her lips, but her eyes were still alight with the idea of it, this rallying against the Princes Daedric. Fiona walked with Gorbad as he turned to leave, and placed a pale hand of hers on his green one, to stop him before he left.

"I am glad to hear we are of the same mind in this. I leave this to your discretion, but I do not think it wise to inform the people of Valton as a whole of their predicament. Most would panic, and cause more trouble than good. If there are trials ahead, each are best combated separately. The prospect of an Alliance of Daedric Princes should shake all but the most sturdy hearts. The Nord Nelsh does not know the full picture, and it is my council that only the most select few should. I feel it goes without saying that Hircine's wishes for the hide of the sabre-cat should be followed by the letter, and the nvde cat who may prove his Champion, treated with all the respect we can muster. This is my advice. Do with it as you will. As for Shimmermist Mine." Fiona paused, pursing her grey lips, "It is unclear what is contained in those caves, or what caused that prospect to be so abruptly abandoned. I can offer some philters and magical trinkets for the expedition, but I will not be joining it myself. There is too much to attend to in Valton, and who knows what dangers may present themselves next?" the Court-Witch let go of Gorad's hand and nodded him fair-well, ignorant of the devil already crossed the threshold of their town, and the mischief soon to unfold in Helas' Folly.

[sarah taylor]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, Fiona's study, late morning.

Gorbad understood the witch's caution, and she offered magical trinkets for them to use in the cave. Something that let them see in dark would be good, such as night-eye or torch-light trinkets, for if their normal torches would burn out, a magical amulet wouldn't.
"If you do have night-vision or torch-light trinkets, those will come in handy."
,he said to the witch.
"Other than that, I doubt you have something that makes the wielder stronger or faster or something like that, but those are always good to have."
He paused and thought before he said,
"A message amulet wouldn't be too shabby either, so that if we get stuck in there we could send a message to you directly with it. It doesn't need to be anything fancy either, just a simple sound and one-time use should suffice."
Even if the witch had them, it would probably take some time for her to find them in this maze of a study, with a seemingly infinite amount of places to store small objects in. But he didn't have a hurry anywhere yet, all he'd need to do was to go through his forge, pick up the quality iron gear and go for the inn where the others should be waiting, in just a bit more than half an hour.

[Anna S]

Daikanos, keep, morning.

The high stacks of paper never seemed to shrink, no matter how fast Daikanos read through all of them. Most of it were uninteresting complains of things the guards could do nothing about. Four almost a complete hour had he been stuck into that room putting these papers on the right place and it was slowly driving him nuts.

He was reading an indictment of yesterday and when it came to the point were a nord, descriped as fish faced, bended a Thalmor’s cuiras he couldn’t help but burst into a hard laugh. At the same time there came three loud knocks on the door. Daikanos controled himself again, put the indictment down and invited the visitor in.

Three nords, dressed in guard armor, opened the door and entered his bureau. This reminded him that he would have the guards tested to see what they are capable of and to devide the ones worth keeping from these that he would probably fire. The middle one coughed and took a step forward.

“Sir,” He said. “we have been asked to join three of the locals when they scout out the mine not so far.”

We have a mine? Why are there no guards at that place who knows what will come out of it. A small grin came on his face when they he heard three locals wanting to scout a place that could be infested with beasts of all sorts.

“I’m not going to tell them what to do, my interest is the safety of the city. If they chose to enter a mine probably infested with all sorts of demons then that’s there choice, aslong as they don’t lead them this way.” Daikanos said. He thought for a second about what they could encounter and what could happen. “alright. Go with them and scout the place out, but as soon as it becomes to dangerous you bail. Don’t attack anything that doesn’t see you and disturb nothing. You’ll only scout the mine and then report back by what it is inhabbited. Only then will I think about sending a team to swipe the place clean.”He said. “Understood?”

The three guards nodded and seemed happy that they were finally going to see some actions. Daikanos waved with his hand, “and now out!” the Nords left the room and as soon as the door fel in its lock, Daikanos turned around towards the files that were still left. “To oblivion with these things.” He sighed and made a random gesture with his hand while putting the files aflame. He extinguished the flames before they could do any damage to the desk.

He walked towards the window and stared outside. He saw the guards doing their rounds, some with more energy than others. Slowly the streets became filled with life again as people were going around at their daily businnes. So eventually I did become a guardcaptain. Although in a completely different land.

He turned his back to the window and crossed the room. He took his sword from the weapon rack although he wasn’t planning on leaving the keep, but he felt naked, especially since he wasn’t wearing his armor. Instead he was dressed in fine expensive clothes. A set of comfortable, brown pants and a dark red tunic with long sleves. He strapped his sword around his waist and left his bureau.

He had heard a witch filled the position of courtmage in the keep and perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea to introduce. He walked with a fast pace through the keep in the direction of her tower, which was attacked to the stone building. When he arrived at her chambers he saw her already talking with an orc. “Orc,” He greated the orc by his race, since he didn’t know the orc’s name. he then bowed to the witch surprised by her wild beauty. She looks nothing like I expected the courtwitch to look like. He turned towards the orc. “I’ve heard you’re planning to enter Shimmermist mine?”

[Stat Wrecker]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, Fiona's study, late morning.

Before the witch could answer, or start searching for the trinkets, a dunmer walked into the study, greeted Fiona and Gorbad, and asked him,
________________________
"I've heard you're planning to enter Shimmermist Mine?"
________________________
"How in the... Oh this must be the new captain of the guard", Gorbad thought. The guards would naturally have to report what they are doing to this man. He saw no point in denying it, so he answered without hesitation.
"Yes, that is correct. Not alone, mind you, but with the company of three guards and two capable warriors, maybe even that miner if he feels like it. There's simply so many reasons why that cave should be explored and put to use. Of course, a guarded road leading from the Mine to Valton, and a permanent outpost there as well, will have to be established, but first we thought we'd have a look around and find out more about the place. Mainly how big it is, what ore it has and if it contains anything dangerous. Our fine Court-Mage were just offering assistance in the way of enchanted amulets, rings and such trinkets, as she will not be following us there herself."

"There, that should do as an introduction to the exploration and answer at least some question he might have about it. Time to introduce myself I guess, never seen this guy before." Gorbad thought and said,
"The name's Gorbad. Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu. I am, as you might have heard, the towns blacksmith." He offered his hand, with a warm and friendly smile, to the guard captain and continued, "I'm guessing you're the captain of the guard, correct?"

[Latino HeaT]

Danus Maximus. Guddslot hall. Late morning.

Danus had called one of his bodyguards. An imperial by the name of Lanius.

"You are to go out into the town and find a a nord by the name of Nellis. If you do find him, tell him to meet me at the inn at noon." ordered the diplomat " "Why do you need to him sir?" asked the soldier. "I have my own reasons. If I were you I would start by asking around the tavern."."Yes sir!"

Danus couldn't just go out there and ask himself as it would expose a high profile. Yet he could not rely on a citizen of Valton as it would also raise suspicion among the jarl. So he figured it would be best to send in an imperial soldier though that option too is not perfect.

[BlackaneseB]

Daikanos

"Yes, that is correct. Not alone, mind you, but with the company of three guards and two capable warriors, maybe even that miner if he feels like it. There's simply so many reasons why that cave should be explored and put to use. Of course, a guarded road leading from the Mine to Valton, and a permanent outpost there as well, will have to be established, but first we thought we'd have a look around and find out more about the place. Mainly how big it is, what ore it has and if it contains anything dangerous. Our fine Court-Mage were just offering assistance in the way of enchanted amulets, rings and such trinkets, as she will not be following us there herself."

"The name's Gorbad. Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu. I am, as you might have heard, the towns blacksmith." He offered his hand, with a warm and friendly smile, to the guard captain and continued, "I'm guessing you're the captain of the guard, correct?"

Daikanos listened to the orc as he explained his plans. When Gorbad, the orc, extended his arm to him Daikanos ignored it out of a habit. Shake that orc’s hand? All the things I’d do to be a good guard captain. I can’t show how I hate shaking hands with anyone beneath me. After a few seconds of doubting he grabbed the orc’s hand and shook it. “Yes, I’m the captain of the guard.” He answered him.

“Now, ‘bout your little expedition. I would forbid you to go if I could but it’s your life so it’s your choice to go into that mine. The three guards you asked to accompany you have been given orders and I would, … euhm”, How should I put it friendly. “like it if you would follow them too.” He said and before he continued a small smile came upon his face.

“This will be just a scouting trip. No waking up sleeping beasts, no fighting whatever you’ll find down there unless you have absolutely no choice and if you lead something back to Valton I’ll cut of your head with my own sword and pierce it on top of the walls for everyone to see.” Daikanos said with a wicked grin on his face. “Understood?”

[Nicole M]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, Fiona's study, late morning

Gorbad had a hard time figuring out just what kind of group the captain of the guard would want to send in to call it a safe mission. There's simply not enough room in a mine than for as many as they were right now. And it seemed to Gorbad as a bad plan to post-pone the clearing of the mine even further. If they'd see some vermin like rats or such, they'd definitely clear that place. Only if they'd find something like a pack of wolves, a troll or bear, mountain lion or worse, should they turn back. The main mission for Gorbad was to know what ore was there and how big that place was. Obviously know what kind of resistance could be expected. If the guard-captain would merely want this to be an exploration where they might not make it further than the entrance because it was blocked by a bear, it'd be a wasted trip. So he asked the dunmer,

"How many guards, all armed with bows and arrows, would you be willing to lend in order for this to be an exploration just a bit bigger than going up there, seeing a bear and going back again? I want to know what's in the mine, but if the entrance is blocked by a bear and we have orders not to disturb it, it'd be a wasted trip. It would be an easy kill with say, 5 archers. No animal can survive such a volley of arrows."

[Soku Nyorah]

Alguidar, The road to Valton, Late morning

"Valton!", said Alguidar to himself as he was reading the road sign. He was traveling along the road from Riften to Ivarstead, wondering if the news of a new hold were actually true or just a myth. He was relieved to see the name on the road sign. It was very legible, almost too legible as it stood out from the others. "That sign was put there recently", he thought. "that must be what they're calling it then."

Alguidar was traveling in a carriage. He came all the way from Windhelm to Riften, then he took the southwestern road to Ivarstead. The man in the front, Aguaar, knew the land well and did a great job avoiding dangerous situations, but at a cost. The trip was almost twice as long. Alguidar was tired and sleepy, but now that he was sure that the hold existed, anxiety started to build up. Thoughts started running furiously through his head, about all the things he needed to do and the pressure of his own expectations. He had so much, and now, his future depended on so many things that he didn't know. "How big is this hold? Who's running it? Are the people nice? Will the guards let me in? Is it crowded already? Is there still land for sale? Is the 1000 Septim price tag really true? Are there any good spots left for a farm? What if I have to turn back, where will I go?"

Finally, the first buildings started to become visible as the road made one last turn. His heart was filled with excitement. "So much life!", he thought, seeing all the trees and thick vegetation that seemed to be assaulting the hold. "If I could grow crops up north, I could feed a whole population of Mammoths with this soil!", he thought to himself. He could make out some big buildings, some of them much bigger than he imagined for a hold this young. A guard was standing at the entrance, staring at the carriage as it approached. No big farm at sight, which was a good thing. "They must get most supplies from Riften", he figured.

The carriage came to a stop a few meters from the main entrance. Aguaar turned back and said:

"Are you awake back there, fellow? We're at the new hold you've been talking about! It's the first time I'm seeing it too. I must say, I had my doubts. Hah!"

Alguidar quickly hoped off the carriage as he said:

"Listen, I still don't know where I'll be staying. Could you wait here for a few hours so I don't have to walk around with all my stuff? Here's 10 more Septims for your trouble!". Too generous maybe but Alguidar didn't want him taking off with his stuff.

"Hey! If there's anything I can do is stand still in a safe place! You do what you have to do, I'll be here at the entrance." said Aguaar, looking forward to a much needed nap.

Alguidar approached the guard nervously. His head was scrambling for whatever he needed to do first. He was lucky to have arrived during the day, he was worried that he wouldn't have time to find a place to stay the night if he arrived too late.

"Hi there!" said Alguidar. "I'm looking to settle in the hold, who should I speak to?"

The guard turned sideways and pointed to the biggest thing in town, "Just head up to the castle and speak to the Jarl himself, you can't miss it."

"Thank you. What's the Jarl's name by the way, I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself once I see him. Ha Ha!"

The guard didn't smile and answered as if he was in a hurry. "That would be Jarl Spurvhauke. Now have a good day."

Alguidar hoped to feel more welcome. "Maybe they've been getting too many visitors lately" he thought to himself as he nodded with his head and walked into town.

There were not many people outside which he thought was odd for this time of day. He walked past a forge which reminded him that he needed some tools fixed. The blacksmith wasn't there though. He also saw what looked like a really big inn, even for his standards, let alone for such a young hold. He could see people inside through the windows, "Maybe that's where everyone is" he thought. Alguidar kept walking at a fast pace towards the castle though, he had no time to lose. A guard was standing in the way, as expected.

Alguidar, Gudslot Hall, Late morning

"Hello there! I'm new here and I'd like to negotiate buying a property in this nice hold. I was told by the guard at..." The guard didn't let Alguidar finish and quickly replied:
"Go on in, the Jarl is in the main hall.""Again with the attitude!" Alguidar thought, "They must be really tired of all the visitors lately."

He walked into a great hall. He saw some men in Imperial uniforms guarding a door on the side "I can't believe they got their dirty paws in here already!" he thought for a moment, his attention was quickly drawn away though, to a man, sited in one of the thrones. "Obviously the Jarl", Alguidar thought. The Jarl didn't seem to notice him walking in. He looked annoyed with something, staring at the floor, thinking. Alguidar assumed something happened earlier today. "He must have lots of things to worry about in such a young hold."

"Greetings, Jarl... umm..." said Alguidar out loud to get his attention without first thinking of his name. "By Talos! What's his name? What's his name? Quickly! It started with an S!"

"er... of Volton! No! Valton! Yes, umm..." Alguidar moved on without giving him time to reply. "Maybe he'll forget about the stupid greeting if I just keep talking" he thought.

"I'm a farmer, my father was a farmer and my grandfather before him. I came all the way from Windhelm to start a venture in your hold. I produced the finest quality fruit, vegetables, grain and meat, that the people of Skyrim had the privilege of tasting. My meat and cheese were well known in Windhelm for decades. With time, my Jarl, I can produce the finest products from this great soil and provide Vol.. Valton, with a steady supply of quality goods. The only thing I need is a good piece of land with a house, with enough room to plant all crops known to Nords and to house cattle."

Alguidar almost ran out of breath. He paused for a moment as he was nervous. He had rarely interacted with nobility before but he managed to go through the speech he had prepared during the trip to Valton. At this point, he was confident the Jarl would be interested in having him working his lands. He takes a deep breath and then finishes.

"I was told that there would be such land available in Valton for 1000 Septims and 1000 Septims I have brought with me."

He finally stopped talking, anxiously waiting for the Jarl's reaction.

[neil slattery]

Annika, Valton General Store, Late morning
Annika smiled as another costumer walked out the door. She had about 5 people come in, which was quite a few for the morning. Deciding to take a break, she left her post at the counter. Walking across the room, she opened up a locked chest and observed its contence. A bow, and a sheath filled with about ten arrows. She took the pair and slung the sheath of arrows around her shoulder. Keeping the bow in her other hand, she left the store. She locked the door behind her and put the key into the small satchel attached to the waist band of her dress.
Valton Streets
Annika began to walk, but then stopped as she saw the newcomer. Her blue eyes followed the man as he pasted her and as he made his way towards the castle. Not wanting to look suspicious, she proceed down the road aways. Exiting the city, she disappeared into the forest.
Autumnal Forest
As she romped through the forest's pines and grass she saw an deer grazing on the thick forest grass. She crouched down and quietly pulled an arrow from its home. She angled it up with the bow and targeted the deer. Annika let go of the arrow. It went whizzing through the air. The deer looked up and bounded away within a split second. The arrow hit the tree that was behind the deer. Cursing under her breath, Annika trudged over and picked back up with arrow. The deer was long gone. Annika didn't have much longer until it was back to the counter, so she just sat down and leaned against the tree, feeling the cool breeze against her face.