[Eilidh Brian]

OOC: Do tell if I get anything about the layout of Valton wrong. Used the map/overview from the mod thread.

IC: Arriving at Valton, late morning
Leandra

A merry beam of light, shed by the morning sun, pierced through the leaves overhead. Reflecting off a steel briastplate that looked in need of a bit of polish, it disappeared into the small trail of soft steam.

Life was good.

Leandra was far from a moaner; however, in her travels inevitably something always seemed to be bothering her at any given moment. And yet, on this fine morning, she wasn't being assaulted, the weather was nice enough to allow her to unbutton her trenchcoat for the first time in a while, there was promise of work to drive her faster onwards and the small pipe sticking out of the back of her shoulder through a crudely cut hole seemed to be puffing with a soothing calmness.

Looks like I'm at my wit's end and will just have to admit things're pretty near to perfect, huh. The slight smile that grazed over her lips seemed oddly soft for someone who travelled with a steaming tube sticking out of her and a weird crossbow on her back. Brace for inevitable disappointment in three, two, one...

The young Imperial's shoulder gave out a silent clang. She glanced at it quizzicaly, as one might at a person whose words they didn't exactly understand; her eyebrows flickered for a brief moment in a frown as steam stopped coming out of the tube, quickly to fade. With another, slightly louder clang, her shoulder spat out a slightly larger puff, before resuming its monotone, calm steaming.

A silent sigh of relief followed. Her lips had been shut tightly as she waited for the momentary malfunction to pass or hit in full strength, but now they opened - and began silently whistling a calm tune.

Good call. Maybe I'm starting to get this thing...

As if in protest, something in the Dwemer machinery around her arm rattled, going down from her elbow to her palm. By now already used to the oddities of living with a piece of a distant, completely enigmatic and unknowable past strapped to her, Leandra paid it no mind. Perhaps she had little knowledge of how the thing she entrusted her safety to actually functioned, but she did know some of its surface quirks by now - well enough at least to know that the dangerous, bone breaking clangs always came from the shoulder.

Continuing her tune, the young Imperial's mind wandered to the town she was headed to. It was new, and new meant unsafe, in need of defense, and probably with quite a bit still going on; on the other hand, it also probably meant poor and definitely meant in the rear-end of nowhere, miles from proper civilization. The former points suggested work being available; the latter meant her profits were unlikely to reach 'small kingdom's revenue' levels anytime soon. But then, she considered herself to be on a bit of a break - and shooting some bears or chasing off wolves for some villagers sounded like the perfect way to keep herself busy while licking her wounds, so to speak.

Her whistling faltered for a moment as Leandra tilted her head. Well, looks like enough speculation is enough.

"We're heeere." Murmuring aloud to herself, the self-proclaimed Daedra Hunter looked at the collection of huts, their build typical of Skyrim, dominated by a keep of sorts that sat at the very south - if her sense of direction wasn't off - of the small town. Pulling her odd goggles up slightly to stop them from sliding down from her forehead on her eyes, she advanced into the town, shoulder still steaming, on the lookout for any natives that might've enlightened her on the way things worked here.

Barging right off the bat into the big Jarl hall, or whatever they call that place, might be a bit untactful. Let's at least try to pretend to be normal, shall we?

[Dan Stevens]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, his forge, late morning.

Nellis would bring with him enough ore for four spears, which meant he'd have more than enough ore over after one spear to create twenty arrows with steel tips. He took the arrow model the ranger gave him and nodded. If he only wanted arrow tips he wouldn't need wood either. He inspected the shaft and nodded to himself.
"Yeah sure, this I can do quite easily. Just got to wait for the miner to return. Should be done before the evening." He figured about the payment. What would only the tips of arrows be worth? Two gold each? Four gold each? He ahd to remember that Nellis would need to be rewarded for visiting the mine as well...
"Twenty arrow tips would cost you 60 gold" He said. "What'd you say?"

Edit: Pointed out that nellis will need payment as well and that 60 gold is better for that.

[carley moss]

Jormaw, Valton Farm, Morning.

The saxhleel felt threatened by the nord's axe and the scent of the human woman sneaking for a kill from the corner.
He worried that he might of stumbled upon a bandit's nest. After all, the farm looked like it hadn't been cared for in a long time.

Deciding to scare the opposition into submission, he breached through the doorway and gave a quick glance to the woman to note she had been spotted.
From this position he stood at his full height, easily towering over the nord. He could easily swipe at the woman with his tail to send her flying into a wall,
if the event warranted it. His jaws opened for tongue to flicker "Sss! are you thieves? you creep with ambush in intent, were you hoping for easy prey?"

He flexed his shoulder muscles and looked down at the nord. Peering forth, he gave unto speech "I am Jormaw, newcomer to the Hold. I was told there was a farm here and hoped to ask some questions." "However it appears that my heavy knock alerted a hive of marauding bandits! well, you will not take me so easily!" He unhooked his claws and readied for one of them to lunge at him. He figured his poisonous nails could reach into the nord's veins with ease.

[Chris Jones]

Jacqueline, Valton Farm, Morning.

A terrifying lizard barged through the door and glared at her for a second before turning his attention to Alguidar. He threatened them, and she was pretty sure he would attack. She kept a close eye with the creature and its strong tail in case it tried to trip her.

(posting from my phone ^^')

[Casey]

Roymund Inventius, Valton Forge. Late Morning

Roymund watched as the blacksmith made calculation, his body language led him to believe Arrow-heads were not the usual request at this smithy. The offer startled Roymund slightly, he too quickly worked out the math. "That'd be three gold a head, and thats alittle steep on a huntsmans wage." he said "Perhaps you'd consider more forty, perhaps forty-five, You'd still be turning a nice profit."

He eyed the Orc, he could almost tell from the body language that he'd not convinced the Orc in the slightest.
"Take this as you will, but we both know the amounts of materials used for these will be mere pittance. Likely spare bits of ore and ingots, and whilst i realise they're a fiddly job to do, it's not much compared to say.." His eyes scanned the forge once more, stopping on the armour-work he'd been crafting "Compared to a fine peice of metal work such as this. So what say you to forty gold for the lot?" He offered a smile along with a handshake.


(( Edit; Noticed your OOC post saying i'd be able to barter down to 40 easily. Muwaha. My origional offer shall stay a mystery! ))

[Maddy Paul]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, his forge, late morning.

The imperial made a counter offer, saying first fifthy then forty-five and then pointing out the arrows would probably be made from spare bits. His final offer landed at 40 gold, which was 20 gold lower than Gorbad had wanted. But he was a master of negotiation and would not settle for less than 45. The imperial wanted a handshake, but Gorbad wasn't going to accept 40 gold. He'd make the arrows so strong they'd pierce armor normal steel arrows couldn't, but with limitations of course. Where a normal steel arrow would hurt and cut a small wound in a person equiped in leather armor, Gorbad's steel arrows would pierce twice as deep. He wouldn't use spare bits either, but pure ironts. Quality was more important than quantity for Gorbad. So he replied with a small smile to show two could play the negotiation game and said:
"My steel-tips will be much stronger than regular arrows and I assure you I'm not going to use spare bits, but only the best steel that I'll heat up myself. 40 would be a fair price for just normal steel-tips, but these aren't normal. Far from it. Make it 47 gold and we'll call it a deal." Now it was Gorbad's turn to offer his hand for a handshake, while he waited for the imperial hunters reply.

[Albert Wesker]

Alguidar, Valton Farm, Late Morning

The Argonian stormed into the farmer's house. The farmer stepped back, holding the axe between them. The intruder moved quickly, choosing a favorable position to lunge his attack. He was obviously more than a common lowlife, trying to rob a few coins from a farmer.

Alguidar was quickly cornered in his own house, with no option but to fight. His hands gripped firmly the handle of the small woodcutter's axe, not the best weapon but the Argonian was unarmed. That gave him some confidence. His whole body was waiting for the first sign of an attack to slash the axe in front of him. In between all the chaos, the farmer barely made sense of the words the intruder was spewing. Something about thieves and an ambush. He seemed to be introducing himself too, which stroke the farmer as an odd thing to do before attacking. Also, something about him, having some questions.

Confused by the whole situation, considering the possibility of some misunderstanding, Alguidar cried out to the menacing Argonian "Stand back lizard! I am Alguidar and this is my farm! I will defend myself if I must! I warn you!"

[Jason Rice]

Titus Aetius, late morning

Titus walked down the paved road, adjusting his iron armour as he walked. His feet ached, having walked here from Falkreath, but he knew he was making good time, and that he was almost at Valton. He could see Valton now, and after another few minutes, He the town. He greeted the guard on duty and then walked over to the inn, Hela's Foly. Opening the door, he walked over to the counter, and leaned against it.
He looked up at the bar patron, and said,"I'll have some bread and some mead."
He waited for the patron to get what he ordered and to tell him the price.

[Chris Johnston]

Roymund Inventius, Valton Forge. Late Morning

When the Orc countered his offer, Roymund knew he'd been defeated. His ability with words had been dulled too far by his nights out amongst the trees and under the moons glare. "Very well" he announced "You look to me a man of your word, well Orc of his word, and i'll accept the offer" He shook the blacksmiths hands, though he half regretted it once his hands were within the grasp of the Orcish gauntlets.

"And you say you'll have them ready by this evening? Very well, Shall you be here all day or should i seek you elsewhere?" He thumbed over his shoulder, indicating towards Helas' Folly Inn, "My name is Roymund, and may i ask yours?"

[Iain Lamb]

Jormaw, Valton Farm, Late Morning.

The argonian had come to the conclusion that these thieves, this Alguidar and the small woman, perhaps the man he met on the road as well,
were a troop of meager bandits. They must have overran the farmhouse, before going about slaughtering the poor inhabitants in their sleep.
He wondered how much their worthless hides would fetch in the Jarl's lap, "probably better to question them first" he came to thought.

From his satchel he produced an amount of finally crushed bone meal, an ingredient usually used in firebrew salve, however in this case
he merely wished it as a distraction. The saxhleel raised it down in view of the irate nord's eyesockets and with utmost surprise, blew it hard at him.
"That'll keep him blinded long enough" he quickly thought. His huge tail raised and twisted before going after Jacqueline's blade with furious might.

The disarming trick seemed to work on the human but not as well as he hoped, she looked to have kept balance. Jormaw then leaped to grab Alguidar's
axe and with some stubborn wrestling, he managed to bring it to his chest before breaking it in two. Hastily he turned to approach the small woman,
figuring she might be better at negotiations. "Now little clover, answer my questions or else!" He raised a claw in defiance to any action that could happen.

[Project]

Julius Scipion, Helas Folly/ Jarls Manor, Morning

Julius watched the healer treat the man he nodded at what the healer did he then decided to see the jarl about the building that he needed doing he snuck out and hoped that no one had noticed him, he strolled to the Jarls Manor he opened the door and entered before anolysing the area.

The jarl was sat on his throne Julius looked down at himself there was some blood on his shirt he decided to ask the jarl about the building before changing he walked up to the throne bowed before beginning:

“My jarl I noticed an advertisemant on the inn for the services of a mason I Humbly offer my services at your disposal” he waited for the jarl to reply.

[CxvIII]

Jacqueline, Valton Farm.

She didn't expect losing her knife, but thankfully that was not her only weapon. Due to her small size people always underestimated her, but if the lizard came any closer he would feel how strong the muscles of a seasoned stonemason was.

"Haven't ye got anythin' better to do than harassin' farmers? If ye're able to talk then ya should have some common decency in that thick lizard scull of yers!" she sneered at him.

[Jonny]

Gorbad Yak-Bogadbu, his forge, late morning.

The imperial shook Gorbad's hand reluctantly, but soon smiled again and introduced himself as Roymund.
"I'm Gorbad, nice doing business with you Roymund." He pondered on todays schedule. Make the spear, make the arrow tips, wait until the mine's been secured before making Elarians specially requested armor piece.. And of course, finish the chitin armor once Jormaw returned with the boiled leather. Gorbad figured he'd be busy all the way until late evening.

"I'm planning on staying here at my forge until late evening, got myself quite a lot to do. I'm almost certain you'll find me here, but if not, then I'm most likely at the inn."
He expected the man to leave of his own after that, perhaps with one final nod of understanding. But he wasn't paying attention to Roymund, instead he saw Nellis coming back with a promising piece of wood and a bag full of ore. Nellis looked happy, although tired of the weight of the wood and ore combined. He greeted Gorbad and explained how he'd found the wood and also showed what he had in the bag, four chunks of iron ore and four chunks of corundum. Just what Gorbad had ordered. He paid Nellis 60 gold for the ore and another 15 septims for the wood. He saw Nellis happily making his way to the Inn, probably for a refreshing drink. Gorbad saw Roymund was still there, so he asked him.

"Do you want to pay up front or once I've done the arrows?" As he said that, he began working again. His forge gave away a mighty heat and he mixed iron and corundum in the smelter to produce fine steel while he waited for Roymund to reply.

[Gavin Roberts]

Roymund Inventius, Valton Forge. Late Morning

"I'll pay upon completion, If it's all the same by you" he said, taking hint from the Orc starting work and the mixed words between him and this Nelli's fellow, "I'll see you this evening then, Looks to be a fine day". He then headed off back through town, and towards the Farm. Along his route he passed a curious looking lass with some Bronze-looking attachment around her arm, he gave a queer look and continued along on his way.

[Glu Glu]

There was a huge mess up in the post so I had to delete it all. I will fix it shortly.

[tiffany Royal]

Jarl Radwulf Spurvhauke, Gudslott Hall, Morning

Radwulf's first visitor of the day was the mason who'd offered to build up a wall around Valton. This time, however, he had taken an interest of the Shimmermist mine situation. This pleased the Jarl. He noticed that Julius had a bloody shirt, but didn't bother asking the man about it. Instead he told about the mine situation and the specific things needed to be done there.
"This pleases me. The newly cleared mine just north-east from here is in need of a skilled mason's work. Fortifications is needed at the entrance, to make it easier to defend, but also at the very end of the mine."
The Jarl thought the Altmer looked a bit troubled by the sound of that, so he quickly continued,
"Just as a precaution that is. In addition, wooden areas for the guards to live in comfortably is required to be built at the first area inside the mine. Stools, tables, a weapon rack and a sleeping area are required there."
He paused and looked at the altmer as if he was trying to tell whether or not he was up for the task.
"Do you think you can do that? The required wood has already been brought there, so you can start working as soon as you're ready. Your payment will be at least 500 gold, but a bonus of 250 extra gold is yours if the work is solid and the fortifications strong."

[Juan Cerda]

Julius Scipion, Gudslott hall morning

Julius Smiled at this and replied “I can do a lot when I put my mind to it, however I will need labour to bring stone from out of the mine, the wood I can ask the guards to chop down the nearest trees just allow me to do it and it will be done”.

he bowed to the jarl before remembering “My jarl a man came into Valton injured today A bandit attack most likely It explains my current attire But I just thought you should know about it the man is currently at the inn unconscious” He bowed again before turning to leave the room.

[Latino HeaT]

Julius Scipion, on his way to shimmermist mine, morning

Julius whistled a tune while he trotted lazily on his horse towards the mine It had grown rather hot he saw shimmermist mine he stared at it the trotted into a canter towards it a guard shouted at him “are you the mason” To which Julius replied “of course show me to the stone” and with that the first day of building commenced.

[Sabrina Steige]

Valton, late morning
Leandra

A slight haze of steam still trailing her, Leandra continued deeper into the town. As far as she could see, it was mostly as she expected - wooden, Nordic, small and rather run-down (compared, at least, with the kinds of settlements she usually looked for work in). It was also rather empty; whether it was the hour of the day, with those with more physical occupations hard at work and those without still asleep, or some indication of the town's small populace, she wasn't in a position to tell.

All in all, not very promising. Then again, she certainly wasn't in a position to judge things based on first impressions. If she was to be fair, actually, neither could she write them off based on second, or even third ones.

First glance, shake their head and check again. Second look, scan critically, maybe slightly opened mouth. Then either walk away as fast as they can, or third look, which precedes either laughing or an impending stoning. A slight smirk found its way to the mercenary's lips as she recanted the tested and tried progression of more normal individuals' reactions towards her.

Picking up her whistled tune again, Leandra slowed her pace slightly from the hastier step she'd covered the last stretch of her journey to... Valton, wasn't it? Hnh, if I'm going to stay here for a bit then it might come in handy to at least remember the name of the place... Why couldn't they have named it something simple and catchy, anyway. Like 'ruraltown' or 'ghostville'.

Wait, no, scratch that last one, expectations dashed. I guess there actually are people here.

Drawn by movement, her eyes darted towards the other figure that emerged into the street, distracting her from trying to distinguish between the rather samey houses and assign them with some sort of a purpose. An Imperial, not too dissimilar to herself in some basic respects; they seemed of a similar height and type of build. That was pretty much where the similarities ended, however - he was a man, dressed like a farmer, or perhaps a hunter or woodsman of some sort; she, on the other hand, was, well, herself. Had she not been used to similar disappointments by now, the young Imperial might've felt a pang of regret over his lack of metal steaming bits.

Regardless of whether or not the world would've been a more colourful place if everyone had similar... quirks to hers, however, this was the first native she'd seen, and probably Leandra's best bet for finding out whether the Jarl welcomed random travelers barging into his keep or if he was the 'off with her head' kind.

"Hey there... Valton-person!" Hesitating for just a moment what she should title the man, the self-proclaimed Daedra Hunter waved at him, electing to ignore the fact her hand went slightly further to the sides than was probably socially acceptable. The day was still young and that sometimes made the pistons responsible rather uncooperative when it came to precision stops. "I take it the big hut belongs to your Jarl, yeah?"

Tilting her head slightly, Leandra lowered her right arm and pointed at the keep with her left instead, hoping the 'modified' sleeve of her coat hadn't fallen too far down to make the villager too suspicious. Nope, just a Dwemer gauntlet and an inflated arm here... "Say someone was looking for employment of the more exciting sort, do I just go in and demand a dragon to slay or do you people have some sort of official here who deals with that sort of stuff instead?"

[Katey Meyer]

Daikanos, the keep, late morning.

Daikanos was in a bad mood while he was on his way to the dungeons to question the Nord. As he walked through the main hall, with the only sounds being the echoes from his boots hitting the ground, he saw the door to the barracks open. Halfeth quickly came towards him.. “Captain!”

Daikanos grunted. “Keep it short, Halfeth. I haven’t slept at all and I want nothing more than to find a reason to hurt someone.”

Halfeth was startled by the greeting and the look on Daikanos’ face. “I might have something for you then, captain.” Haleth quickly said while he followed Daikanos to the barracks. “The Nord we brought in yesterday. He might be on of them bandits. The woman that is taking care of the horse came to tell us she talked to a man, newcomer, who was only interested in the horse and where it came from. She thought he acted very suspicious.”

Daikanos grunted again, but his mind was already working in overdrive. We could follow the Nord to their hideout. If we are lucky that is. “Alright. Ready the men, a group of eight and the two of us should be enough. Have them dressed in non-guard armor, and make sure they are all good at moving in the woods, unseen, and tracking. You have an hour.” Daikanos ordered Halfeth.

The man nodded and quickly went away to find eight capable men. Daikanos continued his way to the dungeons and on his way took a steel bucket with water. In front of the door sat a jailor on a wooden chair. He quickly jumped up and saluted Daikanos.

“Captain, what can I do for you?” He asked as he went with his hand through his dirty blond hair.

“I need to speak to our Nord friend down there. Open the door.” Daikanos simply ordered.

The man stood up and took out his keychain. He took Daikanos through the dungeon to the very end. With another key he opened the cell door and let Daikanos enter the cell. The nord was laying on the ground in a corner. A blue eye, bloody lip and a whole series of bruises on his body. It looked like the man was sleeping.

With a quick movement Daikanos emptied the bucket over the man, waking him in the process. The man jumped up, startled and grunting. Daikanos could see him grinning in pain, when he knocked his head against the wall, while jumping up.

“What do you want.” The nord asked.

“Answers. What are you doing here? and what happened yesterday?” Daikanos asked in a demanding voice.

The Nord stayed quiet, refusing to answer. There came a large grin on Daikanos’ face when he noticed the man wanted to do it the hard way. Just as Daikanos wanted to move towards the man he heard a rat passing behind him. His grin became even bigger when he quickly turned and went after it, easily capturing it.

He took it from the ground and with the Nord watching played with a few seconds. The rat made an awful screeching sound as it demanded to be released, but Daikanos didn’t listen. Instead he repeated his questions and waited until the Nord would answer.

When it seemed the man wasn’t going to Daikanos stood up and took the steel bucket from the ground. “I haven’t slept all night,” Daikanos started. “and I’m in a bad mood. So I’m not gonna give you another chance.”

He grabbed the man and kicked him onto the the small table and used chains to tie him to it. With his knife he cut open the man’s shirt and quickly placed the bucket on the man’s stomach with the rat inside.

“Rats hate heat. When the bucket starts heating up it will try to claw it’s way away out of it. and since he can’t go through the bucket, well, … I think you know what’ll happen.”

The Nord still refused to speak and so Daikanos conjured a small flame in his hand and started heating the bucket. The rat started scueeling loudly and when the bucket was warm enough, the nord started grunting. It only took seconds before the Nord demanded to stop.

“I’ll talk, I’ll talk! Just stop with it.”

Daikanos grinned. “Speak up.”

“I am new in town. Yester evening I got drunk and was hitting on a girl, … The, the altmer came to me and, .. and soon an Imperial tried to pull us apart.” He explained. “I was angry and followed the altmer home and attacked him.” he confessed.

“good. I’ll be back soon.” He took the bucket away and let the rat run.

When he came back in the barracks he saw Halfeth standing ready with eight men. Daikanos came closer to the men. They were al dressed in leather and chainmail armors, and would look right at home as rangers in the woods. “We give the man ten minuts and then go after him. we follow his tracks and try not to be seen.”

He turned around and went back to the cell. The nord hadn’t moved one bit and was still siting on the table. His hopeful look disappeared when he saw the smilling face of Daikanos. He took him by the neck and pushed him towards the door.

“You will leave Valton immediately, your goods are forfeit and will be used to repay the damages done to the altmer’s possessions. Go!”

He took the Nord all the way through the barracks outside where he pushed him away. In the meanwhile Daikanos’ men were all safely hidden away waiting for the Nord to leave town. Even I can’t see them.

[Danger Mouse]

Jormaw, Valton Farm, Late Morning.

The argonian looked down at the woman. He admired her strength in great opposition, "brak chus! common decency? you were not
the one being threatened by a burly nord's axe and a knife which was waiting to stab from the darkness." He shaked the splinters of wood onto the dusted floor. "I merely came here to ask some questions about the local river!" "Hmph, I didn't expect to come upon a bunch of no good thieving bandits posing as farmers." "That were just waiting for honest folk to crop up, so they could rob them of their coin!" Jormaw said as he stared forth.

[Hayley O'Gara]

Roymund Inventius, Valton Steets. Late Morning

The queer looking stranger had began talking to him, He turned and showed attention to her unusual tones of voice. His eyes were able to inspect the odd assortments of goods strapped about the womans body. She was clearly of Imperial origin, but looked as though she hadn't seen Cyrodil for too many years. The large artifacte attached to her arm appear most worrying, He never seen anything like it though the markings sounded like something of Dwemer engineering though he'd never seen any such equipment.

"Greetings to you too, stranger." He smiled faintly, still obviously distracted by her appearance "I believe thats the Jarl's home, Yeah. Though i've only been here a few days and have yet to have the pleasure of his company." His sight switched between her and her equipment as they spoke, without trying to come across rude he was much more interested in the artifacte on her arm. "Odd work? I wouldnt know of such a thing, but you'd likely be best of talking to the Jarl or the Guard Captain. Though i'm unsure where he is or even where the Barracks is. May be worth stopping by the Inn too." He pointed out Helas' Folly Inn for the Imperial to see.

He bowed his head slightly, unsure if his usual customs would translate to this oddity of a lady. "I bid you luck, but i must take my leave."
And with that, he continued on his way back towards Valton Farm quite content with how the day had gone so far.

[lydia nekongo]

Jacqueline, Valton Farm.

"Bandits?! How dare ya insult me like that? Yer pompeous, big headed snake!" Jacqueline glared at the Argonian. "Now, yer gonna apologize to Sir Alguidar 'ere fer trespassin' 'n breakin' into 'is home, and ye better be quick 'bout before I get real mad!"

[Samantha hulme]

Jormaw, Valton Farm, Late Morning.

Jormaw felt something creep into his veins, 'you are wrong'. He gazed over to the frustrated young woman and scratched his neck.

Instead of responding, he just investigated her form, giving her a chance to slightly calm down. When he was finished his observations he
squeezed the slitted eyes of his and drawed back his mouth as a sign of misgiving, "If your words are true, little clover, then why were
you two acting like you were expecting someone? my knock might have been accidently vicious; but a guard would have done the same."

Before he finished, the saxhleel took a breath of relief: "..and I'm sure you would not be showing such hostility to guardsmen. They would not appreciate it." The lizard put his arms to his hips to await a response. He himself was not exactly pleased with the hostile welcoming himself, either.

[Roy Harris]

Jacqueline, Valton Farm, Late Morning.

Jacqueline didn't move from her defensive stance while the Argonian studied her with his creepy eyes. She wasn't used to conversing with Argonians so she couldn't read his facial expression too well.

"Why would we be expectin' a guard? There ain't no guards patrollin' tha areas 'round 'ere 'n they ain't givin a livin' damn 'bout tha common folk. There's bandits all over tha place 'n wouldn't ya think a farm's gonna be like an Imp's pot 'o gold to 'em? So 'scuse me fer tryin'ta make sure that I'm gonna live anotha day." Thinking about the guards from yesterday she added, "'n I'll give tha guards tha exact amount of respect they deserve."