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Post by GX1997 on May 22, 2015 20:34:12 GMT -6
"But the moonlight and starlight at midnight provide light that can reflect off of something gold and make it a new color in the mostly dark surroundings. Thus, there is a color of gold you only see at night, especially at midnight!" she said.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on May 22, 2015 20:36:59 GMT -6
"But couldn't you just look at gold in a well!?"
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Post by Neo on May 22, 2015 21:58:58 GMT -6
Elena and Wulf shared a brief look of amusement. "But that wouldn't be any fun," she said, turning to the very literal minded Argonian. She grinned. "Tell me friend, are you new in Riften? I haven't seen you before, and I know everyone in my city."
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Post by Golurkcanfly on May 23, 2015 19:49:42 GMT -6
"And what if the answer is yes?" The Argonian mused.
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Post by Neo on May 23, 2015 20:28:30 GMT -6
Elena gave a slight shrug and smiled, a warm, friendly smile. "I was just curious is all. If you plan on staying in Riften, and are ever in need of work or a place to lay your head, look me up. Stop by the Bee and Barb and ask for Elena. Oh, and don't be so paranoid. Even if the whole world has gone to Oblivion, there are still some folks who are genuinely nice people. I try to take care of everyone here, even if they're strangers. Though, if I had to guess, you look more like the adventuring type to me."
A sudden thought strikes her. "Tell me, what do you think of the name Lorelei?" Elena asks the Argonian, pointing to her friend beside her. "My friend here has a pretty bad case of amnesia, so we're trying to decide on a name for her."
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Post by Golurkcanfly on May 23, 2015 20:32:34 GMT -6
"The name certainly isn't..." Sings-with-Mud stopped as he looked at the amnesiac. "This one is unsure what vile arte is at work here."
The Saxhleel quickly crouched and grabbed Thithil off of his back, licking it before tilting it towards the woman.
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Post by GX1997 on May 24, 2015 20:03:41 GMT -6
"Just what are you doing?" she asked the Argonian, incredulous.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on May 24, 2015 20:07:34 GMT -6
"Hejthux!" The shaman shouted as he shook his staff towards Lorelei. "Stay back!"
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Post by Neo on May 27, 2015 15:37:42 GMT -6
Elena gave the strange Argonian an odd look at first, though something tugged at her memory, and she suddenly remembered the stories old Scales-for-Brains used to tell her as a child, back when she lived in the slums of Markarth. Don't Argonian Hist Shamans have a strong sense for the unnatural? Could he actually be sensing whatever happened to Odette? If so, this could prove dangerous... Whoever he is, this Argonian clearly doesn't understand the outside world. He wouldn't know when to keep his mouth shut, or even comprehend the consequences of not doing so. We need to leave. Now.
"As amusing as this is," Elena interjects, clearing her throat. "My friend and I have matters to attend to, and don't have time to stand around all night."
She briefly turns to Wulf and thanks him for the story, then turns to Odette and gently grabs her arm, guiding her back to the city. "Come now, Lorelei. We still have plenty of things to do tonight."
Elena gave her a quick look, and the urgency in Elena's eyes said all that needed to be said.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on May 27, 2015 16:01:30 GMT -6
The shaman held his ground as the women walked away.
This is not good...
He loosened as soon as they were out of sight, but saw a figure in the corner of his eye for a brief second. A very handsome, mustachioed figure.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2015 10:42:53 GMT -6
There was silence in the room, and even the lantern's warmth seemed to be as cold as the air outside. Freyr composed himself accordingly. He had to be in control here, act as if nothing was amiss. But for all his composure that he put up, nothing would stop the lost look in his eyes.
"I... See. That is most unfortunate." He replied. Aurelia nodded her head, neither wishing to break the silence. In many ways it was a moment of recollection, perhaps dabbling in the past, perhaps even a little regret. It was only natural to feel a great loss when one's home had been taken over—conquered—and used to bring about a great evil to the world. Freyr could not and would not forget the brief visage of Sithis, then word of defeat that had transpired.
Pieces were falling apart, but that did not mean he had to fall apart as well. No, he would compose himself and act as he had when he observed court meetings in his youth, always sneaking past or pretending to be going somewhere in the guards' faces. Yes, that was the only solution laid out before him. Alone in all the world, he endeavored to make sense of this and what he must do.
It was time to grow up. A hard truth, but a truth all the same. To run was to be craven; and to be craven was to admit defeat against all odds. After the long silence, he broke it. "There is nothing we can do about that then. Unfortunately, I see little in the way of armies. I'd simply have to wait before making a move, if any move at all." Freyr sighed.
"I... Suppose that is the best method until a solution is found. I'm glad you aren't running off to get yourself killed. Creatures of all manners lurk near the capitol, and the landscape for some places have been changed irrevocably due to this." Aurelia remarked. Her eyes traveled to the lantern in front of them; the flame that flickered brightly. Silence was over, and she wasn't sure what to talk about with this stranger in all but name.
It seemed they both had some family there if his tale of being imperial was to be believed. And in truth, she found herself inclined to believe such a tale. It was the way he carried himself, and she admitted to picking up on his accent. So, for now, she was inclined to believe Freyr.
"You remarked that your friends were out.. Is there a spare room I could stay the night in? I'd be gone by the morn." She asked. Freyr thought for a moment. No rooms were open.
"You can use my room. I'll sleep down here. My friends–associates—won't be here until the next morning. They travelled pretty far, and I've never seen the higher ups except once in this place. I'm as new to Whiterun as you." He chuckled dryly.
There was a nod from her, and then she stood. "I'm sorry, but-"
"Room at the far right of the corridor." Freyr interjected. Aurelia nodded in gratitude before she vanished into the dark. It helped she was wearing all dark. "I wonder if she's some sort of assassin...?" Freyr thought as he closed his eyes. A sore back would be nothing tomorrow. Imperials had to stick together.
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Post by Neo on Jul 7, 2015 2:46:50 GMT -6
Elena guided Lorelei around to the back entrance of the Thieves Guild- the secret entrance hidden near the Temple of Mara- and pressed her palm against the Shadow Mark. The stone slid back and then aside- surprisingly quietly, actually- revealing a secret staircase leading to a wooden trapdoor. There were two torches lighting the narrow stone passageway, which was only large enough to fit two adults side by side, and there was another Shadow Mark on the wall behind the trapdoor, marking this as Guild Territory and a no steal zone. However, aside from that, the stone passageway was surprisingly plain.
"This is usually reserved solely for those who are members," Elena comments cheerfully, grinning. "Normally, hopeful recruits are supposed to find their own way to the Guild, through the maze of sewers beneath the city. It's an ancient tradition that's existed for centuries, and your performance is judged by yours truly. Depending on how you do, I then decide if you'll be a benefit to the Guild, and if the answer is yes, then you're in. Members are also ranked by seven different classes: Recruit, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Elite, Master, and Shadow. The better job you do, the more you get paid, and the harder jobs you're assigned, essentially. All new members are given their starting rank based on how well they do in their entrance exam. But you're different, Lorelei. You've been through enough trials recently, and I already know what you're capable of."
As the two walked down the stairs, and the entrance closed behind them, Elena suddenly stopped and turned to look at Lorelei, seemingly having remembered something. "Oh right... You said you didn't want any special treatment, didn't you? Hmm... Do you want to take the test, then? I mean, it would only be a formality. I'm accepting you into the Guild regardless."
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Post by GX1997 on Sept 6, 2015 12:58:49 GMT -6
"I'll take the test tomorrow. For now I just really want to rest. So much has happened, Elena. I need a little time to just... let it sink in," Lorelei said.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 22:26:26 GMT -6
The morning came too soon for Freyr. He had opened his eyes by the time Aurelia crept downstairs; she was a stealthy one, he'd give her that. With the arrival of Sithis, Freyr could only imagine that it would be a matter of time before the world went awry. With the Empire taken over, he imagined Cyrodiil must look bleak...if anyone survived, that is.
"You're a light sleeper." It was a statement. Freyr nodded, clambering to his feet. His back ached, but he wouldn't make any conplaints. In times like this, he had to be strong. Winning back his home was the last thing on his mind. He needed to establish something substantial beyond the Companions. His time with them was brief, but it might be good to do a few more errands for them. If he could get a few to his side...
His mind wandered to the bearded man he had met a week ago. Thorgil. The man was good with an axe, and hit like a truck. A staunch ally in battle as well. And there there was a woman good with a bow and all manners of hunting. She was Thorgil's partner: Avaldi. They would prove useful. He eyed Aurelia with curious eyes.
"Yes, I am a light sleeper. I've always been that way since I was a child. What are you good at? Combat, I mean." He changed the subject.
Aurelia took a seat at the table. "Gathering information. My father was a merchant. I'm good at doing spy work," She eyed Whiterun from the window, distaste in her eyes. "Running into Nordic territory was the last thing I ever thought I'd do."
"You seem to not like the people here. Admittedly, they do love their share of fighting, but they are brave, loyal, and honorable," Freyr replied, following her gaze. Whiterun was empty nowadays, most people having decided it was best to stay in. Though, you'd find a few unafraid of the uncertain era before them. They would protect Whiterun with their lives if it came to that.
Freyr admired his father's ancestors homeland. It was different from the Imperial Capital. The culture was more diverse than he could have imagined. His mind wandered to his mother, no doubt she was in mourning for his father and the emperor as well. Somehow he knew that the Greymanes would take care of her. "That is good. I have need of you, Aurelia. Tell me, are you interested in a little adventure to the outside world?" Freyr strode to the window, hands clasped behind his back as he watched the snow blanket the city. It was almost mournful.
"Considering I've been traveling so far, yes. I do not believe your claim to the throne, but if you have proof..." The auburn-haired woman trailed off.
"My mother is proof enough. She is here. She's the emperor's cousin. It pains me, but I have to know what I can do to put things back in place. My lord father, he gave his life with the emperor when our home fell. I carried my mother through ice and snow, even when she was too ill to walk. I'd like to pay the murderer of her lord husband and my lord father back in kind." He spoke, eyes burning with some sort of determination.
Aurelia stifled a chuckle. "They say revenge can drive a man to do anything. Pray tell, what will you do at your current strength? You might make a scratch if you try hard enough...princeling." A mocking smile played at her lips.
"Even a scratch could help others. But no, I plan on finding willing warriors like me that are willing to put an end to an era of darkness that looms over the world. I can't do it alone, so that's why I'm asking you. Do you want to live?" Freyr looked at her from over his shoulder. He almost looked gallant from the dim sunlight pouring in.
"I do, but there are quicker ways to go about it than playing hero or charging off. The world's dangerous right now." Aurelia chose her words carefully.
Freyr stepped over, placed his hands on the table, and looked her in the eye as he hunched over. "When you play the game of heroes, you win or you die. There's no middle ground. I will ask you again: Do you want to live, or do you wish to cower in fear until an army of darkness sweeps over this land and ends that life?" He said with conviction.
Aurelia stared strangely at this fool. So quick to speak words. She was intrigued somewhat. Did his actions speak louder?
"Alright. Suppose that you are the next in line, and that Lady Idalaide is here, what would you have me do?" She inquired.
"The Greymanes make extraordinary weapons using the Forge. Rumors say it's magical, but it can deliver the weapons and armor we need," Freyr smiled. "I can lure two more to my side if I play my cards right, but I need to meet with my mother before I can talk to them. Everything we discussed about my heritage is to remain a secret. Only the Greymanes know, and I'd like to keep them the only ones."
Aurelia rose to her feet. "Lead the way."
The two traveled outside in the icy cold, the wind biting at that cheeks. Aurelia glowered at the snow. She had never liked winter much. She had been born in spring. Freyr seemed right at home. It almost baffled her how a prince of imperial upbringing could be named in the Nordic ways.
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Post by Neo on Sept 10, 2015 18:12:54 GMT -6
Elena nodded and smiled. "Alright, I can understand that. Come on Lorelei, let me introduce you to your new home."
Elena knelt down and opened the trapdoor, then descended down the ladder first, with Lorelei right behind her. Or above her rather. The welcoming sounds and smells of the Cistern enveloped her, and it made Elena smile. She didn't realize just how much she had missed this place... How homesick she had truly been. I'm home now... I'm home.
Despite the time, the guild was still quite bustling. The Cistern had undergone a lot of renovations in the past few years, mainly to accommodate all the people, and it was now larger than ever. A large stone platform sat in the center of the Cistern, surrounded by a thin moat of water and a lone bridge- if you could really call it that- and Cistern itself was shaped in a circle, with a wide stone walkway surrounding the thin stream of water, with many branching hallways leading to many different places. There were several beds, chests, and stalls spaced evenly around the walkway, though it was fairly obvious this wasn't the primary sleeping quarters. At the far end of the Cistern- to Elena and Lorelei's right- sat a large, beautiful ebony and mahogany desk, with several papers stacked atop. A large trophy shelf sat behind the desk, with a few extremely recognizable and legendary items- chief of which was the Crown of Barenziah- and a tall, beautiful female dark elf in leather armor sat at the desk, her head buried in papers. Her long, unusual dark golden hair was pulled back into a long, single braid and her eyes were a rare but beautiful purple. She looked up as everyone finally started to notice Elena and shouted their greetings.
Elena smiled happily and returned said greetings, while making a beeline for Maya Indorill and dragging Lorelei along for the ride. The dark elf leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms when Elena approached.
"Well, look who finally decided to come back," she said flatly, clearly annoyed. Her voice was very soft and smooth, even quiet. And because of that, it was often difficult to tell how she was really feeling. "Have a nice vacation?"
"Oh, don't be like that Mai," Elena whined, pouting playfully. "I've missed you so much! Besides, it's unprofessional for us to fight in front of a new member. Maya, meet Lorelei. Lorelei, meet Maya. This surly and gorgeous elf is one of my best friends, and the third member of the Nightingales. She can be a bit of a stick in the mud sometimes, but she's a very fun person once you get to know her better."
Maya sighs. "Not everyone is as carefree as you, Elena."
She rises to her feet and extends her hand to Lorelei. "You'll have to forgive our dear Guildmaster. Due to an unfortunate fact of life, she is a little girl who was trapped in a woman's body."
Elena giggled. "And you would know more about that than anyone, wouldn't you Mai?"
She ignored Elena's obvious attempt at innuendo. "Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Maya Indorill, third-in-command of the Guild. You look exhausted. Have you been shown to your room yet?"
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Post by GX1997 on Sept 10, 2015 18:22:35 GMT -6
"No," Lorelei said in a flat and weak voice as she tensed up. "It's-... It's a pleasure to meet you."
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Post by Neo on Sept 10, 2015 19:21:02 GMT -6
Maya shot a sharp look at Elena, who immediately turned contrite and sheepish. "Hey, I was going to," she said defensively. "I just wanted to introduce her to you first... Meanie."
Maya softened a bit and sighed. "I'm almost finished here, Lena. Go get Lorelei situated, and I'll see you in your room in a bit."
Elena visibly brightened and grinned. She nodded and took Lorelei by the hand, and gently guided her down one of the side halls, into the female wing of the main Living Quarters. She lead Lorelei down to one of the last rooms on the left, unlocked the door, and walked inside. It was a comfy, spacious room with a large bed and many blankets, a small living area and kitchen, and a private bathroom. Elena lit a candlestick on a night table by the bed, bathing the room in a soft glow, and then turned back to Lorelei.
"Here you are," she said gently. "Everything you see here is yours, Elena. Rent is automatically deducted from the portion of money that goes to the Guild after each successful job, so you don't have to worry about paying or anything. Tomorrow morning, I'll give you a full tour of the Guild and we'll get you outfitted for some new armor and clothes. There's a free breakfast held in the Flagon every morning, but I usually have breakfast at the Bee and Barb, and you're more than welcome to join me. In fact, I'd love it if you did. After all that, you'll get your choice of weapon from the Guild's armory, and then you'll take your test."
Elena smiled and walked up to her, tenderly placing her hand on Lorelei's shoulder. "But that's tomorrow. For now, try to get some rest. You're with family now, Lorelei. You're safe. This is one of the most guarded places in all of Skyrim. You have nothing to fear. And if you need anything, or even just want someone to talk to, Maya and I are in the room right next door. Big door. Can't miss it. Alright?"
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Post by GX1997 on Sept 10, 2015 19:27:37 GMT -6
Lorelei wasted no time before sitting down on her bed, as a weary look spread across her face. But it was her voice that, despite her best efforts, gave away her inner desire to be alone. "Okay then. I'll see you tomorrow. You should try to get some rest too. I'm not the only one here who's had a long journey."
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Post by Neo on Sept 10, 2015 20:31:17 GMT -6
Worry briefly flashed across Elena's face, but she quickly concealed it. "Alright. Goodnight, Lorelei."
She turned on her heel and walked back out into the hall, quietly closing the door behind her. She crossed to the room next door, the one with the really big door- hey, she was a woman of her word- and walked inside, finding a certain dark elf already waiting for her.
"What's wrong, Lena?" Maya asked, immediately picking up on how upset she was.
Elena sighed and changed out of her armor, slipping into a white nightgown, and then joined Maya in bed. "I don't know," she whispered. "Something... Went wrong. With the mission. With... With Odette. Something happened. She's not... Herself anymore. And it worries me. She needs my help, and I have absolutely no idea how to help her. I've sent Raj on a mission to look for clues or... Or something, but I'm starting more and more to believe it's a wild goose chase. And... Nel... Nel has betrayed us. He tried to have me killed. He almost succeeded."
Maya's eyes darkened with rage, but it quickly turned to worry and concern. She began to gently massage Elena's shoulders. "Tell me what happened."
"There isn't much to tell," Elena whispered, shaking her head. "We tried to dock at Windhelm to resupply, and were ambushed by the entire Hold guard. We strolled right into a firing squad. The only reason we made it out alive is because Jarl Nelod made the mistake of emptying the entire port, which tipped us off. I've decided to wait a couple weeks or so, then send Lorelei on a mission to Windhelm to find out what in Oblivion Nel was thinking. But enough of that for now. We'll speak more on that once Raj returns. For now, I need to tell you about what happened in Cyrodiil."
Maya shook her head and wrapped her arms around Elena's shoulders. "No, for now, you need to rest. Everything else can wait til tomorrow."
Elena bit her lip. "Please, Mai. I need to get it off my mind. You understand... Don't you?"
She sighed again. "I do. Whenever you're ready, I'm listening."
Elena hesitated for a moment. "... Thanks. First, let me catch you up on what I've already told Raj..."
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Post by Neo on Sept 11, 2015 9:53:44 GMT -6
5E 5, First Seed, Bruma, Cyrodiil
She followed him around for the rest of that week. He had given up on trying to dissuade her from doing so after the first day. She was the most stubborn person he had ever met... Though technically, that wasn't saying much. Still... He had to admit he enjoyed her company. She was truly skilled at stealth, far more so than he, and it felt... Nice to have someone to talk to. To have someone watching his back. He promised to help her with her mission, in return for her help in recovering his memories, a deal that she seemed happy to accept. And he even allowed her to stay with him in his cave... But... It was more than that. Her laugh, her enthusiasm... She was infectious. He hadn't told her about Solstheim yet, or the fact he was already dead, nor had he told her about Cloud Ruler Temple... Well, he hadn't really told her anything yet. He had to be certain he could trust her. Trusting her to watch his back, or sleep beside him... That was different. But this... He wasn't sure why, but he knew this was a different matter entirely. A different level of trust. One wrong move, and it could mean the end of him.
"I wish we could help them," she said suddenly, yawning, as she stretched out beside him like a cat.
"That would be suicide for both of us," he replied flatly.
She sighed and snuggled up next to him. "I know. Party pooper."
He rolled his eyes. "Has anyone ever told you you can be extremely annoying?"
"Yes," she answered immediately, giggling. "That's why everyone loves me."
He audibly groaned and rolled over onto his side, facing away from her. They didn't speak for several minutes.
"So... What now?" She asked finally, her breath tickling his neck.
"Now, I keep my word," he replied, shifting uncomfortably. "I'll take you as far as the northeastern Colovian Highlands, on the border of Chorrol. That's as far as I've scouted. You'll be able to see the Imperial Capital in the distance from there. Any farther than that would be suicide."
"And in return, I'll take you back to Skyrim," Elena whispered gently, smiling. "Give you a home. A place where you can rest in safety. And I'll do whatever I can to help you recover your memories."
"Thank you, Varren," she whispered into his ear.
He closed his eyes and didn't answer.
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