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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Sept 19, 2015 10:47:13 GMT -6
Windhelm..the oldest city in Skyrim..the sight of the original rebellion against the Imperial Rule in Skyrim..and the night, brought a blizzard that seemed unending. Street merchants were packing their goods due to the cold..as the streets were almost empty, except for perhaps the guards, maybe one or two beggars..and even they were trying to find shelter from the unrelenting cold. The city had been so quiet lately..Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak had seen to the return of peace since the removal of the Imperials..and the High Jarl, Elsif..was watched closely to ensure they wouldn't return.
Inside of the Candlehearth Hall, business continued as it normally did..the bard, singing her songs of triumph in Jarl Ulfrics name..playing her drum while doing so, and random travellers had gathered around to listen to her melodic voice. Mead and meat was kept warmed, and the hearth crackled as numerous warriors, probably thugs or mercenaries..lifted goblets and clanked them together..a celebration of sorts, one filled with drunken catcalls and the occasional fistfight.
Outside of the city..the landscape was dotted with ivory white snow as the blizzard cried and blew throughout the night..the guards, watching in their towers for bandits while keeping huddled next to a small bonfire.
"I wonder if he's still out there" one of the guards stated while rubbing his gloved hands together, keeping them warm just incase his strength was needed. Highly unlikely..but, one could never tell with bandits or vampyres walking about. Thankfully, the Falmer stayed underground in their dwemer mazes. "Probably so..afterall, he is the.." "Quiet, you two.." a female guard stated, drawing her blade halfway out of the sheath.."I thought I saw movement on the road to Riften"
"Probably more merchants, Rila.." a guard replied while taking a sip from a moderately sized pint of mead.."Wouldn't surprise me..that damn city is full of those damned thieves" "You still believe there's a thieves guild, Rock?" The one named Rock would look over towards another guard, pffting loudly then shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe..but that's none of your damn business"
The guards..aside from Rock..began to laugh at the poor sods comment..a Thieves Guild, in Skyrim?! What was next..mages that appeared out of nowhere and warned of dangerous artifacts that only Winterhold College would be meddling with? Yeah..right...
"Guys, I'm serious..I see something out there..coming towards the city.." came from the female guard named Rila. She'd grab a bow and arrows..the others, finally taking her serious..would draw bows as well, taking position on the walls. A few guards dipped their arrowheads into an oily substance, then stuck the tips into the small bonfire, lighting the tips ablaze.
"Who goes there? Identify yourself!" one of the guards shouted, then pointing his arrow towards the almost unseeable figure in the snow. "What business do you have in the city of Windhelm..if you're that damn woman Anya, you're a fool to return here after shooting poor Godfried in the knee!"
The figure was soon joined by yet another..but the second figure, was that of an animal..a sleek, lean animal, gold of fur. "It's me, you fools.." came the reply..and the guards, would lower their weapons. "Thane Wesington? That you?" one of the guards bellowed out, the one closest to him elbowing him in the ribs. "Idiot.." "What?" A loud sigh came from the figure in the blizzard..the animal next to him, roaring out loudly rather feline like..then bounding out of a large clump of snow onto the stone path to the city. Shaking itself free of the wet snow, it would then sit on its back haunches, looking over its shoulder.
"Yup, that Kinata..it's the Thane" one of the guards hollered, and as the light of the torches at the end of the path blazed..the young man walked up to the path. The light illuminating him..the guards indeed saw..it was the cities Thane, and upon his shoulders was a rather large deer, an arrow hole in three different spots of its body. "Thane Wesington is back!" a few of the guards started shouting..and with other guards repeating that statement down the path to the city, the gates would open as he'd walk along the path.
"You'd think they'd recognize me after so long.." he'd whisper to himself while walking into the city, the guards talking at the archway saluting him..though, one guard, fresh from the barracks..told him "No lollygaggin'"..and he'd roll his eyes. Down the road..he walked towards his house..a rather large house..House Snowfang. ~If only Mother could see me now~ he thought to himself while kicking the door open, walking inside..and, with the greeting of warmth blazing from the fireplace, he'd walk up to a table and heft the deer down on the tabletop. "Wonder if that soup is ready" he'd state while looking to Kinata..who, was busy grooming herself..so he'd scoff. "You're great for conversation.." he'd state, to which Kinata would look to him and cant her head to the side..then, return to her grooming.
To the fireplace he went, where a large black cauldron had a variety of smells wafting from the inner depths. He had started a pot of venison with carrot and potato soup before he left earlier that morning..and now, having returned that same night..it was time to eat. He'd skin and harvest meat from the deer later..for now, after being out in the cold for so long..he was hungry! Of course..taking a slab of salted raw chicken from an ice barrel..he tossed it to his pet Kinata, who went about devouring the meat in a frenzy. Grabbing a bowl, he'd scoop some of the soup into it with a ladel..then, took a seat on the chair infront of the fireplace..kicked his boots off, and laid back in the chair while eating. Life was good..
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Post by Alexis and others on Sept 20, 2015 10:39:29 GMT -6
Anya Hardgrave
Not allowed back into the city indeed, that was the thought of an old beggar of a woman. She moved wobbly, cane in hand and body covered in a heavy hooded cloak that looked as though it was made from old hand woven furs. even as she walked her hands looked pale almost frail and pathetic as they curled weakly around the makeshift cane. She definitely appeared to fit the pilgrim of some sort, maybe a beggar from one of the other villages or a refugee who had yet to find a home. So as she walked with a group of other pilgrims who followed up the forked path that met upon the bridge into the mighty stronghold of the Nords, she wheezed out sickly and found herself stumbling into the Nordic princes booted feet. Was this a ploy? and act? or truth? When she fell she groaned out, her voice scratchy distant and aged in it's sound. Then pathetically flailing her hands around and clutching to the Prince's robes her head lifted meekly as she spoke, her eye's wrapped in a bandage as though blinded. "Fo...forgive us, Master Warrior.. It is hard to see when the hand of the empire steals your sight." the masterfully disguised imperial, Anya, said in her self proclaimed 'best performance to date.' ragged battered voice. As she finished speaking she stumbled and shivered as though near frozen and turned to walk with an arm extended toward the city.
As she moved the female guard halted her with arrows aimed. "YOU! Halt! Who are you and what business do you have here? Con you not see that you just ran over the Thane of Windhelm?!? We should throw you in chains where you stand and allow the trolls to feast on your bones!" Upon hearing this, the other two guards looked to one another and then to the female guard as they spoke. "Hey, is that not just a little too far? It's just some old woman, look at how she moves, she's no more a threat to anyone than a tamed dying Cat." "Yeah, let it go, send the old woman to the tavern to at least find warmth and a resting place before her body surrenders to death." When they finished speaking the old beggar woman turned her head as though listening to see what the Thane had to say. Would she be given permission into the city or placed under arrest. Under the disguise she inwardly grinned and behind the blindfold she rolled her eyes as she thought under her breath. "Oh for the love of the gods.. milk drinkers.."
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Sept 21, 2015 11:30:52 GMT -6
The old beggar woman..when she'd run into him, even while hefting the deer on his shoulder..would get a look of compassion from the Prince. He hated to see people suffer..and when she spoke of the Empire and how it took her eyes, he'd growl loudly. Sure..he was no Nord..but, he didn't exactly have the best relations with the Imperials. Afterall..they were constantly trying to force his mother into relinquishing her Castle, as they found it more suitable to become a new Fort on Solstheim. They thought themselves capable of undertaking the task of guarding against Hircine..when it was his mother that slew Karstaag..his mother who, with the help of Azura and Talos..defeated Hircine.
The Prince would turn towards the woman..and that look of compassion only seemed to brighten..especially, after learning of her loss of sight from the hands of the Imperials. Thus why, he'd fluff his fine wolven cloak outwards as a show of authority..and looked towards the guards. "As Thane to Jarl Ulfric..Thane of Windhelm..I say this woman is to be pardoned. She is blind..she is old..and I assume she's cold and hungry. Take this deer to my home.." He'd heft the deer off his shoulders, letting it hit the stone floor with a loud, bone-crunching thud..Kinata, would sniff at it as though..awaiting..."I will bring her to the Candlehearth Hall Tavern. It is the least I could do for her..especially after all the hardships the Imperials not only put her through, but also put on us all by not only trying to rule over Skyrim..but, also by signing that damn White-Gold Concordat..and stripping the right to worship Talos from everyone, not just Nords"
The guards nodded...though they never thought about it often..they often forget that the Thane, the Prince of Solstheim..was actually a Breton born. However..the fact that he agreed with many of the TRUE High King of Skyrims ideals..made him just as much a Nord as any other citizen of Skyrim. So..one, would take the deer and heft it on her shoulders..and began walking towards House Snowfang..the other guards, went about their guardsmanship duties...which, left him to reach down and grasp the old womans wrist with his hand..gently..and help her up to her feet. "Here we go..steady now..come, let's get you to the tavern, get you warm and fed. It'll be on me" Realizing she couldn't see..he still smiled nonetheless..ruggedly handsome and thoroughly young..the Prince tried to live a kind-hearted existance. None should have to suffer..especially if he was around and could help it..
"By the way..my name is Wesington Snowfang..son of Yaska Snowfang, Queen of Solstheim. I may be a Prince..I may be Thane to Windhelm..but please, call me Wesington. I apologize if I bumped into you while entering the city. When the blizzards come, it can get hectic due to everyone trying to get into the city and out of the cold. Makes it worse sometimes..when Frost Trolls and wolves decide to hunt when the snow is coming down hard"
Kinata..would begin playfully batting at a tiny mouse that was scurrying along the streets, roaring at a medium volume..
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Post by Alexis and others on Sept 21, 2015 15:48:53 GMT -6
Anya Hardgrave
was grinning from ear to ear as she kept her head lowered so none could really see her face, inwardly she thought of how obviously well it was working right now. Though, as she wobbled at his side she nodded and groaned out with her elderly voice. "Oh thank ye Winston, you said? yes.. Thank you young one. Snowfang? Ohhh I have heard of that castle, you are far away from your home to be out this far. Such a fine lad this one.." While she walked in toward the the inside of the city and followed him along, Though as they walked she grabbed him with both hands and waited till they reached a quiet moment before pulling him into a dark alleyway. If she was able to pull him she'd stand up straight and pull a small dagger as she spoke. "Don't make a move don't say a word. I am not going to hurt you nor am I wanting to bring you harm. I would just like to say thank you for getting me into this fine city.. and I'm sorry I played you for a milk drinker. However, when I let you go, you will hand me all but enough gold to get you through a night of room and board. Yes I'm a thief, you stand before the dreaded woman, Anya Hardgrave. Now, I'm going to let go of you and when you hand me your money I will leave you here. In fact, should my plan work out.. you may see more of me."
With that said she looked up into his face and pulled the hair and eye patch from her eyes. for the first time she'd see her face for what it was the truth of her beauty and she'd wink while she smirked. "Just so you know, posters are not always truthful and the Empire is fabricating the truth of my crimes. Furthermore I didn't use you just because of your obvious status. I was going to cause a commotion with the guards but you offered a better distraction chance. Now then, pardon me while I gather the riches from the milk drinking fools of this city and... Do my thing with it." with that said she waited for him to give her the money and if he did so she'd slip away into the darkness and attempt to vanish from sight using the shadows to aid her.
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Sept 24, 2015 9:42:01 GMT -6
And here he thought he was doing a good deed for a poor victim, distraught and abused by the so-called 'rightful' Empire...whenever she pulled him into the alleyway, he'd grunt loudly..growing angered, he'd stare at the 'old woman' with a kindled hatred. To think..either an assassin or thief would use his kindness in such a manner..to bypass the guards into the city he protected! A Thane he might've been..but, he was still a young man..and his heart definetely was his downfall in this scenario. However...
The woman would find that..whilest he himself, with a dagger to his throat..had not put up a fight..his pet, Kinata..who at one point was busy batting a dead mouse around..stopped immediately with the sudden hostility, and skittered AWAY from the alleyway. Reason being: He had trained her that..in the event of something like this happening..to go and fetch the guards. Sure..it might've looked bad in the end..but, if in the end a criminal was caught..then he could live with the rumors that would eventually spread. A Thane caught off guard, and not resisting? Nords weren't known for giving in..then again, he was no Nord.
But..he did have other tricks..one, that he'd employee whilest Kinata would scurry to rally the guards..
Looking at the beautiful woman..he'd smirk..a ruggedly devilish manner of smirk spreading across his lips, his eyes running along the frame of her body, drinking in her appearance. His voice..manly, yet..gentle.."Come now, Anya.." he'd start to comment, holding still onto his regality even in the circumstances.."There's no need for this. Put away your weapon..let us talk like civilized people. Was all this necessary to get my attention..or my help?"
A twinge of magicka..and sure enough..he was attempting to use his limited knowledge of the school of Illusion..his Charming Voice spell..to get her to at least calm enough so that he could react appropriately. Granted..it wasn't his speciality of schools..but, if he could get her calm enough..perhaps then, he could detain her and bring her into custody.
That was his train of thought..until..she spoke about the Empire fabricating the numerous charges against her. Whilest he hated the Empire..right now..her underhanded method of using his kindness..got from him no sympathy. He'd still detain her..but..he'd also have to look into her story of being framed. Wouldn't be the first time he'd heard of the Empire doing such things. For the moment though..he had more important things to worry about..like the dagger at his throat..as well as whether Kinata would bring the guards in time.
"What do you say, Anya..put away your weapon, then we'll discuss things in my house..possibly get you help for your charges from the Empire"
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Post by Alexis and others on Sept 24, 2015 13:44:45 GMT -6
Anya Hardgrave
Listening to the words he spoke she'd sigh, though not truly effected by the spell, her words of not wishing harm on the man brought her to sheath her weapon. Once it was sheathed she'd shake her head and sigh out once more before she spoke. "I told you, I wished not your harm. As for meeting you in your home. I would think not. You see I don't stay long within the walls of cities for a reason. Guards wish my death for defending my escapes from theft. Though as you could tell right at the moment I wouldn't logically demand money from another unless I had reason. Be it debt or need of survival no person simply steals to hoard the stolen goods. Nor would they take all but what is needed to survive. This is what I will divulge with you here in the open of the city walls. Now, money and I will be on my way. If you wish to speak once more find the hut west of Markarth. Come alone, and come unarmed. Once there, I will approach you. If you want to learn more of what I have to say, then you'll be there. but let us end this meeting now."
At that moment she turned her head slightly as she heard the bells and shouts of the guards and she huffed lightly. "Great.. they're onto me. Fair well. I guess the people will have to wait. I bid you fair well, Wesington Snowfang. good luck explaining what happened when you met the blade of Anya Hardgrave." That said she turned and rushed for the street, swiftly dashing for the nearest opening she could escape through. Though if she were able to escape she'd leave behind the dagger she had held on it's blade could be seen a seal of imperial nobility.
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Sept 29, 2015 10:57:23 GMT -6
He never once appeared phased by the womans words..afterall, she said it herself..she wasn't going to hurt him. But..she did, overall..abuse his kindness..and even had used him to enter the gates of the city. In that kind of scenario..his mother would've told him that it would've been best to have the woman detained and questioned..and right now, he couldn't agree more with her. If she wanted to get money from him after 'helping' her in her old lady disguise..then she'd find no more pity from him. He'd look into her charges from the Imperials..after she was detained.
When he heard the bells of the city going off..he smirked..Kinata had gotten the guards as she was trained to do in such a scenario..therefore, it wouldn't take long before the woman was caught. He could already hear the rattling armor of the city guards coming through alleyways and the streets, hollering about 'finding the Thane' or 'find the Prince'. Further down the streets..the guards were already closing the gates, as standard protocol. Extra guards were stationed infront of the Palace..though, given what Jarl Ulfric did to the former High King..it wasn't like he NEEDED the extra protection.
When the woman turned and started running..he took the opportunity to grab his bow from off the ground, and quickly drew an arrow from his enchanted quiver. Ice magicka..destruction..began to swirl in soft, crystalline petals of ice and snow around the tip of the arrow. However...in-between grabbing his bow and nooking the arrow..the woman had seemingly..disappeared..from sight. That..caused him to scoff loudly, loosening the arrow, the magicka disappearing as he did such. "Damn" he swore to himself, standing to his full height..right as the guards and his pet Kinata rounded the corner.
"Thane Wesington..what happened here? Are you alright?" Came from the numerous guards that now were surrounding him..a scene that he thoroughly disliked. He didn't train for years on end how to shoot a bow or use magicka..just for someone to protect him! But what more..was that, in being a Thane..also granted him a usual perk of such an esteemed title: A woman, Nordic..brown hair and green eyes, adorning steel plate, dwemer shield and glass sword..was leading that pack of guards. It was his personal Housecarl, Nitali..and she was directing the flow of the soldiers as they came and went.
"My Thane..what happened? Are you alright?" She asked, to which he continued to stare in the direction that Anya had disappeared, tsking loudly then shouldering his bow. "Yeah, I'm fine Nitali.." he'd reply, then crouch down to scratch behind Kinatas left ear lovingly. "When Kinata found use, we realized that when you weren't with her that something must've happened. We gathered and came as soon as we could, Thane. What are your orders?"
Standing, he'd turn and began walking down the streets towards Manor Snowfang..his fine wolven cloak beating against the cold winds that were blowing in the blizzard that was now starting to fully hit the city. Kinata, was right at his heel..while his housecarl, was still directing the guards while also following her Thane. "Markarth hut.." he whispered..then sighed softly. "Nitali..when the blizzard dies down, I'll be going on the road. You're to stay at home and guard my belongings. In the meantime..call off the search, you won't find the one who attacked me. Also..open the gates again..there might be travellers or merchants still outside of the gates, and they might want safe refuge inside the city until it passes"
Thudding her balled up fist on her steel plated chest, he'd nod then turn and began running through the streets to do as her Thane ordered. Meanwhile..he'd enter into his Manor..and made his way into the bedroom..to pack, and get ready for the long journey ahead..that is, once the blizzard stopped
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Post by Alexis and others on Sept 29, 2015 16:37:17 GMT -6
Outside of all the houses seated neatly in the thralls of the blizzards blanket of falling white, the cloaked figure of Anya was curled down watching the guards and the faint lights of flamed torches with the thane. She had to prepare, and with a turn she crawled along the rooftop silently. Leaving the men below her path she moved from roof to roof deftly leaping before reaching the walls of the city and turning to a guard that stared at her dumbfounded by the sight. "Goodnight, tell your friends that as long as there is a world filled with lies of politics and false preaching of corrupt holy men, I will never surrender my freedom to the crimes placed on my head." Before the guard could even move to attack the woman he saw was the thief and murderer wanted for so many crime he'd scream out in pain from a solid thud of a unlit torch to his face that sent him to fall and land face up in a snow covered hay pile. When the other guards reached him she was gone, Horse caretakers screaming out about the stolen steed.
Fast forward to Markarth swamp, she'd hop down from the horses back and slap it's hind quarters as she barked. "Back to Windhelm beast!" Then turning to look around she moved over to the hut that so many believed was cursed by death itself. Once inside she moved to a secret doorway and ducked down inside to a stone work made hole in the floor. With a sigh as she reached the bottom of the small tunnel she came to a room, riddled with darkness and lit dimly by the light of a couple of candles in front of a large statue to Nocturnal. As she stepped forward to the statue, Anya ripped away the cloaks and was soon left wearing only her loosely fitted tunic. At which point she'd place the few bobbles and coin that she managed to swipe from various merchants on the basin before the womans feet and she began to weep in her pleading speech. "Mistress... please may the darkness forgive your child. I have failed in procuring any riches for you. but I hold true to your words, and plead of you, please Mistress Nocturnal forgive your faithful servant. I am trying to uphold your laws and stay honorable to earn forgiveness for the curse that you placed upon my father that cast me into this darkness. Yet, I find that I am less and less willing to throw away your curse and more willing to be here before you. Please Mistress, forgive your servant for failing to bring payment for my cursed blood. and one day, may I earn the favor to be made one of your most faithful."
After such was done she looked up to the statue and sighed before she continued. "In your name, Mistress I pray that you will permit me to return your favors to the forgotten and misbegotten wretches of this world. Please Mistress Nocturnal bless these items of coin and allow them to birth the love of the world toward your heart." At that moment she sat up and rested her hands softly against the bareness of her milky soft thighs and sighed out softly before she stood. Turning from the statue she took in another deep breath and made her way out to the upper portion of the hut once more and dressed herself in the garments of a simple woman. Around her neck though, rested a ornate Imperial necklace, one of nobility. but also one of a house that had fallen and been all but stripped of it's place. The house was now worthless, the members of it reported to have been either enslaved to other houses, killed, or placed in prison under fiercely directed accusations. With that she hummed an imperial tune as she set to work cleaning and preparing a simple meal for her guest, the Thane.
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Sept 29, 2015 21:41:48 GMT -6
Two days had passed..the blizzard, finally ending..and the Thane of Windhelm had what he believed was necessary packed for the long journey. Markath was an awefully long way away from Windhelm..he could've taken the carriage, but he decided it was best to go by horseback. His steed hadn't gotten much use lately..and the stable master had assured him that it would be ready whenever he had to go somewhere. However..before his journey started..he'd have to get a message to Solitude. One of his contacts..one that knew about the Imperial Senate..as well as the Imperial wanted postings. Perhaps if he could find out the exact details of the womans 'charges'..maybe, just maybe..he could further expose the corruption behind the Empire. Anything to help Skyrim deviate away from returning to the Empire..
The courier assured the Thane he'd get the message into the hands of the contact..thusly, the Prince could go about his business. Thus why he was already walking towards the stables..but, there was a problem!
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY HORSE WAS STOLEN!?" came the furious shout from the Thane, whose hands were so tightly squeezed that blood began to trickle from his palms. Teeth gritting as he stared at the stable master..a poor little Nord lad barely getting his first chin hairs..and Kinata was shrinking away from the Prince. "I left her in YOUR care..and you're telling me someone STOLE her?! You damn milk drinker!" The lad gulped..but stood up to the Thane, reaching up to his chest, even going as far as poking the Thane in his chest. "Now listen here, Breton..call me a milk drinker again, and you'll be introduced to the blunt edge of my axe! Now..if you'll shut your trap for a second.." The lads head jerked to the side, blood flying from between his teeth..the Thane punching him one good time. The lad wiped his lip of the blood..then snickered.."I'm sorry, Thane..but you hit like an old lady"
Magicka began to swirl around the Prince..threads and pieces of snow mingled with ice began to spiral around the Thane..his snow fox cloak lifted upwards from the sudden burst of magicka coming from the Thane. "I'm warning you, boy..." came from the Thane..however, several gasps suddenly broke his concentration..the Khajiit caravan, as well as the owner of Hollyfrost Farms..witnessing the last parts of the exchange between the two. With a grunt, he'd turn and grit his teeth, shaking his head slowly.
"Look, lad...I'm sorry..I got attacked the other night..she got away, and now I find out my horse is missing. It's been a bad couple of days for me"
The lad would spit out a globe of blood onto the snow, then pitched a bale of hay from the back of the stable, bringing it down from the pile of hay bales so that the remaining horses could eat. "It's ok, Thane..if you want, I can saddle up another horse for you" "Yes, please boy" came from the Thane immediately..and after a short period of time..another horse was saddled and ready to go.
It would take almost two days before the cabin would be reached..though, not without his share of danger. Having stopped in Rorikstead, then resuming at night..probably wasn't the best idea he'd ever had. Who would've thought he'd run into a pack of skeevers on the road? Thankfully Kinata helped to dispatch of them..his speciality was with the bow, and the skeevers quickly closed in. But..there he was, slooshing through the murky waters..in the distance, the cabin, where the woman told him to go to. To think..the Thane of Windhelm..listening to a thief and murderer? His mother would've surely beaten sense into him..but, her story..it deserved checking out, especially if the Empire was truly fabricating the entirety of it.
Even just arrived..he already was hating the swamp. The mist was thick..the air heavy..and, he could've sworn he heard the cries of wolves..and something much, much worse: Wisps.
Removing himself from atop the horse, but holding the reins still..he'd stand outside of the cabin, looking around..Kinata, curling up between his legs..and he'd merely clear his throat. ~Hope this is the place~ he thought to himself..and then, knocked on the door three times..
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Post by Alexis and others on Sept 29, 2015 22:30:43 GMT -6
Anya
The moment the door was knocked on, it creaked and slowly came open. Inside the hut was for the most part bare. There was only a small bed, a table and a cooking area with a set of storage cabinets on each side of the stoves vent. Not the lavish ideal of a highly successful and heavily wanted thief and murderers hide out. in all honesty the run down nature of the hut would have made professional prisoners say their jail cells were more suitable. on the floor in several places were pots collecting water from leaks and the fur bed sheets were old and ragged. When the Thane saw the area, Anya cleared her throat as she stood from the table. "Well, it's good to see you've chosen to grace a criminal with your presence, Thane Snowfang. I trust that your people took fair care of you in your trip here. Come in, come in. it's not the safest most acceptable place outside but in here it's harsh as the weather in this gods forsaken swamp." Standing there dressed in peasants garments, the necklace still about her neck, Anya looked remarkable, in her thieves garb she was threatening in appearance, with this she looked no more a threat than a fully trained and eager handmaiden.
Stepping toward the man she held out her arms and sighed. "I'm sure you're thinking this must be some sort of ruse. That magic must be hiding my mountains of coin and so fourth. This is where you must trust your eyes. I have no traps and I hold no secrets here. None that Nocturnal wouldn't allow. In no way could a woman living in this sort of setting be a violent and bloodthirsty killer right? Well please sit, I assure you, there is nowhere in this hut that I would send you which I would not go to myself a million times over. Now then You're curious. Well let me begin at this." Pulling off the necklace she set it down so the pendant would be was to see from the seat at the table.
When she watched him she lowered her head with a sigh before she spoke. "That is my family's legacy.. it's all I have left of the once high house of Hardgrave. Their story if you hadn't heard was a tragic one indeed, filled with riches and fame, tragic reverse, desperation, betrayal, imprisonment, death, and enslavement. with yours truly stuffed into the midst of it all violently because my father decided to turn his back on one woman.. a woman favored highly by Nocturnal herself. All of the tales about murders I committed, a lie.. The things other than steal from rich hands to save the needy, a part of a curse placed upon the heads of my family. As such, you came to hear it out well here it is before you. Your deadly killer and thief is little more than a runaway prize of a empire that wished her family dead by the hands of an angry Goddess. They only means to restore my life to a normal existence, to become a servant of Nocturnal and earn my place amidst her favor. The challenge of such, all of the crimes will only wash away when she decides my debt is paid. The day we met I was merely looking to acquire money that I could distribute in secrecy back to the people and the temples. So, if you feel my treachery still warrants your ire. Then I am unarmed and completely defenseless. Strike your blow and do what you must. But now you know, and knowing means if it's revealed then you've simply exposed me to a worse fate than a prison cell or death."
After her words were spoken she sighed out and stood once more, turning away from the Thane as she did so. "I'm no killer. If I were, your Windhelm guard would not have survived the fall from the city wall into the hay pile the day we met. and I may be a thief, but when your stealing from the hands of the overly rich and powerful corrupt men of Tamriel to return the money to hands in which the same men steal from. Can you really call it theft? everything else that was done, well a job requires me to do things that I don't really like to do sometimes for success. The reason anyone cares is because I'm wanted to be silenced by the Empire because they think I know the full story about their horrible existence and plans to bring Tamriel under a singular banner." Finished with her little speech she stood still and lowered her head as she replied in final thought. "I'm the last of my noble house, even though my house lost it's nobility and by mark of heated iron, I am little more than a runaway piece of property to Imperial law. I am still an honorable and skilled woman. So the choice is yours now."
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Oct 4, 2015 19:59:23 GMT -6
Creaking open painstakingly slow..his bow was drawn, an arrow nooked...he entered into the small, shoddy cabin with his aim set upon..well..whatever it was he could see. Indeed..the interior did seem to match the 'needs' of an accomplished thief and murderer..plus, the location was ideal..who would've wanted to sloosh through the marshes, braving only Talos knows what..just to get to this location?! Then again..not many outside of bandits or assassins had the talents necessary for it..and he, the Thane of Windhelm..though talented, held no fear over such a place. His mothers training..as well as his own in the harsh plains of Solstheim..gave him the necessary tools to survival.
She spoke..and immediately..his bow was trained upon her, Kinata standing outside of the cabin as a guard cat..even had her fur stiffen..but, he kept a cool head. The arrow itself glistened with white, cold magicka..if need be, he'd use his cold arrow..and freeze the woman in her place. However..she was sitting..and even being polite and straight forward. Given their past interaction..he didn't think her capable of such a hospitality..guess, looks were truly deceiving. "I chose to see what words you wanted to share with me to excuse you actions in Windhelm, woman..don't take my presence here as acceptance for what you do" he quickly stated..standing there, in his usual garb..the Prince seemed hellbent on something..but..what? "As for my people..they believe I'm on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Azura..in hopes of possibly finding with her Star is..so, as you can tell..I'm putting alot on the line just to hear you out"
After he spoke..a few minutes passed, and finally the arrow was loosened from the bow. Placing the bow back on his shoulder, his arms crossed over his chest..and he began pacing back and forth, listening to her woeful tale as she spun it. Being a Thane..he was entitled to seeking the protection of the city inwhich he was a Thane..but, as his mother had taught him long ago..being a Prince or whatever else one might call him..meant nothing if he didn't have one thing: An ear to hear and decipher the truth. Many criminals swore they were innocent..perhaps they were..thus why as a Thane, he wanted to make sure he did the right thing..and kept the truly innocent out of the Windhelm prison..the Chill, out in the Sea of Ghosts.
"So..you're saying that before me..is an outcasted member of a Noble house..scorned by a Daedric Prince..and is severly down on her luck. Oh..not to mention..wanted by the Empire for crimes you say you are innocent of? Does that about cover your entire explanation?" He came to a stop of his pacing in order to ask her that, his pointer finger tapping on his upper arm while cold eyes stared at her. "Your tale reminds me of another..one my mother told me about..House Ur, the outcasted 5th house of Morrowind. But.." His gloved hand began to rub on his stubbled chin softly..his brow perked.."What I don't understand..is why the Empire would go through all that trouble in branding you a criminal..as well as ousting your house from power. I can understand Nocturne being upset..but..why the Empire? What do they get in the end?"
It was a question that..as soon as it left his lips..caused even more confusion..the questions he had about her were answered..and now, in the midst of it all..were new questions. Was the Empire that sore over the loss of Skyrim that it would lash out towards not only its citizens..but noble houses as well? Not even Morrowind did such after the lose of the Triad..Vivec, Almalexia and Sotha Sil..so he just couldn't put a finger on their mindset.
When she turned her back to him..he sighed loudly..and even went up to her, placing a gloved hand on her shoulder, squeezing there gently. "My mother taught me..many things..and one of them, was to listen to a persons heart, Anya. You might have the labels of a killing thief..but..I believe you. Partly because..if it were true..I wouldn't have had the chance to speak..the moment the door opened, I probably would've been dead. So don't worry..I won't arrest you for your 'crimes'..but, I will search into the reasoning behind the Empires treachery..somehow. Ever since Jarl Ulfric ridded Skyrim of the Empire..there's been few Imperial soldiers here..but.." He'd smirk.."There are rumors abound that tell of spies..even a few in my city.."
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Post by Alexis and others on Oct 13, 2015 14:01:32 GMT -6
Anya
Staring at the man who paced in her little hideaway, she shook her head and sighed as she spoke. "You're mother is indeed quite the witty woman with a clear mind in her skull. As for your questions, what does any who strive to hold absolute power do with things that block their path. As it stands the full truth of the matter is shady at best, but what I know is that until I fought and scraped my way to this land through the worst possible means I had to take for such, I was a spoil of uprising. When an attempt on the Emperor's head was made in the war with Skyrim, my family was accused and given no trial to defend against because we stood in the way of the other houses attempts to reach the ear of the Emperor. My family fought with word and solution of peace in a time that the other houses chose to stake their name in a war. So when the Emperor was attacked, and his double killed. My house took the fall, all part of the current leading houses plan to remove the last remaining threat to their seat. So in that you stand with a broken noble woman. stripped of her status, removed of any worth and labeled for crimes that all the other house seats of the empire committed to give the houses a means to escape the blood on their own hands."
That said she stood and replied. "Nocturnal saw everything, she made the deals to remove the last pair of innocent hands from the Empires slavery and as such here I am. Do not mistake me now, I am quite the thief. More of one than people would like to believe, because through everything the great Nocturnal has held her 'child' close and protected me through even my darkest moments. So my loyalties lie squarely in her hands. but, there are things I can not do without clearing the name I hold first. For such my task was simple in the city. gain entrance, find the thane. Use his hand to forge a documentation of pardon. unfortunately for me you were that thane, so I botched my job for the second time in my life. and so I will ask you plainly on lands that are untainted by government rule. find a way to pardon my actions. The means are for good reason and won't be mistaken when they are complete." Now that she had told all she was willing and felt pertained to the subject matter she sat back down and went back to eating. "Also feel free to eat, I'm sure the trip has warranted an empty belly."
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Oct 22, 2015 11:15:51 GMT -6
Listening to her as she spun her tale and delved deeper into its depths..the Thane of Windhelm couldn't help but feel..alittle sorry for the woman. Were such to happen to his family..Talos only knows what he might've done to avenge his mother. The Snowfang family..while consisting of only himself and his mother..was the ruling family of Solstheim..but his mother, was well known in the depths of Morrowind, especially to those of House Telvanni. However..it was during his thought processing..that it happened...
His stomach growled...loudly..
Clearing his throat after the rude interruption from his bodily need, he'd cross his arms over his chest and began pacing infront of the small firepit. Staring into those flames..he was pretty sure he had a way to clear her of said crimes against the Empire..afterall, was she not in Skyrim, where the Empire was just ousted from power, thanks to the future High King? Surely, that would account for something..
And that's when his fingers snapped..he was pretty sure he knew what could've been done.
"I know what needs to be done, Anya..and it doesn't require any writing..no magicka..but first, I'll take you up on your offer, and will eat. The long journey here from Windhelm did strike up an appetite..and thankfully, while on the way here..I did find a rather nice sized buck wandering around the outskirts of this..dank little cottage. I could go hunting..and prepare us some venison stew..or..perhaps a few slabs of venison chops. Your choice"
However..waiting for her to make said choice..he did grab a piece of bread from his backpack, broke off a piece..and began to eat on it. If there was one thing his Housecarl was good at..aside from protecting his valuables at home..it was cooking.
"But I will give you a small hint as to my plan while we eat..." he began to say, before taking another bite of the bread, chewing on it thoroughly before attempting to speak again..despite the mouthful.."You said..you're being framed from a failed assassination attempt on the Emperor..which would indicate to others you may have Dark Brotherhood backing..if not being Dark Brotherhood yourself. Skyrim..." he'd swallow the bread, then point the remaining chunk at her..."Just ousted the Empire out..General Tullius's death marked the end of upfront Imperial interference. Jarl Ulfric is making sure Elisif in Solitude doesn't welcome the Empire back..so right now..the Empire is far from welcome in Skyrim. The Empire posted those bills and rewards on you..but..and hear me out on this.." He sat down on a stool, his legs seperated with a hand on his left knee, the other holding the bread pointed towards Anya.."If you proclaim yourself a true daughter of Skyrim, despite being Imperial born..I can make sure that at least Windhelm will accept you in the city. It wouldn't be hard, honestly..a few of the Stormcloak soldiers are Imperials that were disgusted by the signing of the White-Gold Concordat"
Another chunk of bread was torn off, shoved into his mouth and chewed quickly..."It's the best scenario that I can picture..what, with you being hated and wanted by the Empire"
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Post by Alexis and others on Oct 31, 2015 12:58:56 GMT -6
Anya
Hearing his words, she smiled and pulled the pendant near to herself as she slipped it back around her neck. Once she replaced it she stood up and replied. "Well in that case, please Thane. Allow me to see what I can do for you. Your plan appears sound, but you saw the actions of the guards of Solitude. I am disdained in that way for all but Riften's walls some of the villages I have never stepped inside. but word has passed that I am a enemy of the citizens personal property. So, my appearance my be more difficult than just walking up to the gates and waving to the guards with a smile." As she spoke she turned away and sighed as she moved to fetch a plate of food for Wesington. "I've been caught before even, several times. Punished publicly 6 times two times in Markarth alone. I've only escaped because, well you can't hold a shadow. Not anymore than you can tell a Jarl to surrender his crown for the rags of a beggar till the end of his days for no logical reason."
After a few moments she returned with a sizable plate of what looked like Roasted Venison, Potatoes, Rice and bread in a sweat smelling gravy. Setting the plate down she replies. "A meal for a Jarl, umm well honestly It is a Jarls meal.. I sort of needed to prepare for this visit so on my way from our first meeting I stopped at Windhelm and well yeah. None of this you will eat is legitimately mine. Sorry." Shrugging at that moment she moved back and fetched a horn stand and a drinking horn. Without another word she poured him a drink of Riften's finest honey mead. "Right also, You don't need to ask about the drink. Lets just say if I was to return everything I've ever stolen from Skyrim, I'd be wearing only my necklace and standing outside. Survival isn't always easy to acquire. However, in honesty I never steal more than what I need absolutely to survive for myself. Anything else stolen goes to less fortunate men and women of Skyrim. Orphans, Widdows, Men left helpless and decrepit from the war. families who lost everything. Even if they were supporters of the Empire. I give them my attention from the shadows. That's my task. The one demanded of me by Nocturnal. No one I return stolen goods to may know I do so, though." With that said she fetched herself a plate and horn of honey Mead for herself and sat at the table to eat.
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Post by Wesington Snowfang on Nov 10, 2015 4:46:40 GMT -6
The food that was brought to him by her was deeply appreciated..as was evident by his nod to her. Sitting at the chair..he took perhaps, the single largest bite of the venison she might've ever seen. Living amongst the Nords..one tended to pick up a few of their habits..eating was no exception. Yanking meat off the bone with his teeth then chewing vigorously..he listened to her..and, again..felt a swell of pity for her. While he couldn't nor wouldn't condone her theft of others property..he had to remind himself that she was also branded an enemy by the Empire. That alone..stayed his hand..
"I don't think you heard me very well, Anya.." he'd reply after gulping down the venison, only to grab the horn of mead next.."I am the Thane of Windhelm, not Markarth nor Riften. Though honestly..I do feel sorry for the Thane and Jarl of Riften..controlled as they were by the Empire, only to have the Forsworn seldomly breathing down their throats" A big swig from the horn was taken..surprising, that any of it actually went down his throat..as a good portion splashed onto his fine clothing. However..it apparently didn't bother him in the least. "I can talk to Jarl Ulfric about your circumstances..as well as the Empires part in it all. Even if he places you under my direct watch while in the streets of his city..it's better then in the dungeon..or, an executioners block"
The horn was slammed down onto the table..only for him to pat his chest hard and heavy, which of course..caused him to burp several times. Again..habits picked up..too many nights at the Candlehearth Hall would do that to anyone! "Besides..Skyrim has to fight to continue her freedom..especially after the rumors I heard about while venturing here. Rorikstead and Whiterun..I heard talk from the Khajiit merchants..there's a cult that nearly wiped out Hammerfell, and has made one or two appearances in Cyrodiil. If such a thing were true..then Skyrim will needs all her true sons and daughters to fight for her again..just as she did with the dragons, plus the Empire..as well as those damn vampyres"
Gobbling down the rice and potatoes as quickly as he could, he kept staring at her even during his eating..as though..awaiting. "As for your criminal past..." he'd state after swallowing a heaping mouthful of food.."As Jarl Ulfric told the Dragonborn when he joined the Stormcloaks..as long as your criminal past stays in the past..and you fight for him with honor..then you won't have to worry. Nocturnal isn't the only daedra out there..and I'm sure the Nine Divines would bless someone who would fight for the Jarl in their name. So..come Anya..what say you?"
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