Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-3293219-20140217201750/@comment-24123288-20140301135536

(This is my only post for today since I got work later and I'm going out after it. It's long but you better read it! I don't want people asking silly questions later xD)

The sun had raised high into the sky south of the Brena River. The air was warm and bugs were aplenty, causing a woman to swat away at her ear every few seconds in annoyance. A ruined fort had been converted into a mill and a small farming settlement had been set up to provide meat for the dock workers and citizens of Anvil, as well as the people of Kvatch. The family of farmers were a good bunch, kind, simple folk who took on anybody who needed a job. This led to the settlement of Sutch becoming rather well known throughout County Kvatch and County Anvil. Their reputation was spreading faster than they had ever imagined and soon people from the factories in Chorrol and even representatives from the Imperial City made their way to the settlement of Sutch for a look at how the cows and chickens raised there were so…sublime. One such meeting was going on with the head of the family, an Imperial by the name of Bundun, while the workers smiled and went about their day, hoods up on their uniforms to protect them from the harsh rays of the sun in summer and the cold in the winter.

“What’s your secret Master Bundun?” A representative from the Black Horse Courier enquired.

The farm owner chuckled heartily, round in belly and red in face. “There is no secret my friend! I have just kept the traditional ways of my father and my father’s father intact.”

“Why?” The journalist asked. “I mean, with all the increase in Beaumanic technology, farming has never been easier! You don’t even need these people to do it! Saves a lot of money!”

Bundon chuckled again. “Technology may well get the job done faster but, let me tell you, raising my cattle from birth by hand has a profound effect on the end product. As long as their needs are seen to, the meat will be far more…exquisite when the time comes for them.”

“I see…” The journalist mumbled, scribbling onto a piece of paper. “And the staff? Do they play a big part in this as well?”

The farmers jolly red face darkened, for just a second, unnoticeable to the Courier representative who was busy scribbling away still, before it returned to its usual look. “Why of course.” Bundon said happily. “When they are happy, the livestock gets looked after better and when that happens, the meat is better.”

“Alright, good!” The journalist agreed, nodding to himself. “That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with everyone else from outside the county for the tasting session.”

Bundon nodded enthusiastically, seeming oddly eager for the journalist to leave. “Yes and you’ll see first-hand why the meat of Sutch is so glorious!” He chuckled, ushering the journalist away.

As soon as the journalists silhouette vanished over the horizon, Bundon stopped waving, the smile vanished from his face and the red glow on his cheeks disappeared as he rang a bell loudly to summon his workforce.

The backs of every member, except for one, stiffened in unison, if seen from above, it would be like a wave of fear broke upon them. They all scurried towards the bell, begging silently to their gods for this bollocking to be swift. The dust kicked up around the workers feet as they fell into rows, looking up at Bundon, stood on the steps of the old fort, the biggest house in the settlement of Sutch. Naturally, this house belonged to him and his wife, if he had one…

“Alright you little shits! Listen up! We’ve got a tasting tomorrow and you all know what that means!”

A collective whimpering spread through the crowds of workers as they all rapidly nodded.

“Good! Glad to see you’ve all learned! We don’t want another incident like last time!” Bundon chuckled, all happiness gone. “Get inside your quarters! The selection will get made in a few hours!”

An empty smile formed upon the Imperials lips as the mass of people scurried to their quarters. The two buildings looking like they would house a family quite comfortably, managed to squeeze in twelve people. Conditions were cramped and dirty, horrible all round. Even the cows den was cleaner!

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The dozen workers in one house all crowded together, fearful for their lives. They all pulled down their hoods and revealed their beaten faces. Men and Women cowered into each other, huddling together for there was safety in numbers.

<p class="MsoNormal">One woman remained separate from the group however. An aura of calm surrounded her that stuck out in the house full of panicked people.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Y-you!” A woman stammered, shaky finger waving at her from the weak embrace of a man. “W-why are you s-so c-calm?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Calm Woman remained silent for a few minutes, thinking over her answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Simple. I’m going to be selected tonight.” She said in an eerie monotone. “I’ve taken measures to guarantee it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The eleven men and women whispered amongst themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How is she so sure?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“She’s going to die…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Has she made peace with it…?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Calm Woman and sighed, turning to face the inquisitive crowd. “I’m so calm because I’m not going to die tonight.” She whispered, as a silence fell and the eleven glanced at each other with worried looks.

<p class="MsoNormal">“B-but everyone who gets selected never comes back!” One of the men said, his voice ringing in the now silent house.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know. We all know what really goes into that meat.” The Calm Woman stated again, pulling down her hood to let her hair spill out. She then threw off her cloak, revealing the oddly coloured leather armour of an assassin. He deserves this…she thought to herself, constantly as she adopted Kaizens method of speaking and acting to keep herself calm.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra began to pace around the cramped room as best she could. “Someone wants Bundun dead, whether it is one of you, or one of his competitors is of no concern to me. I’m merely here to answer the call and honour the contract.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Contract? That armour…Y-you’re!” The same man from before stammered, a look of fear covering his face.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A member of the Dark Brotherhood, yes.” Petra confirmed, halting her pacing to stand with her hands clasped behind her back. “Temporary leader in fact. It is a pleasure to make myself known at long last.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Silence fell once more as the eleven abused workers hung on her every word. Petra was in full control of the situation. She smiled, hoping to instil a sense of calm amongst them all.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You have nothing to fear from me.” She began again, looking each of them in the eyes with kindness and warmth reflecting in hers. “I’m only here to kill Bundun and be on my way immediately afterwards.” She paused to take a deep breath, considering how best to word this next part…

<p class="MsoNormal">“However…I also have a secondary objective. And that is to recruit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra glanced up to the workers, former criminals and their prisoners. They reminded her of herself. They all looked back at her, some with fear, and others with curiosity. “Make no mistake; it won’t be easy for you to find a life outside of this place. I can offer you one however.” She began to pace again, never taking her gaze off of them. “I do not expect all of you to join me in purging Tamriel from the most heartless of people. People like Bundun. People who deserve it…” Her voice was barely audible now. “I won’t lie to you. The Brotherhood is the weakest it has ever been. There are only four of us at the moment and two of them have gone missing. It is my job to carry out the wishes of our leader, to listen to his tales of the Night Mother, to kill those who deserve to die!” Her voice began to rise again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It is my job to return the Brotherhood to the feared order it once was! My job to build it up from the ashes so my leader…My lover…My Listener can be proud upon his return to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">There will be no mercy.

<p class="MsoNormal">There will be no easy jobs.

<p class="MsoNormal">There will be no easy way to kill…

<p class="MsoNormal">But we will succeed! For failure is not an option!

<p class="MsoNormal">Join me. Join the Brotherhood and you will have a family to appreciate you. Teach you. Watch you grow.” Petra paused again and reached under her bed, pulling out an ebony sword and an ebony dagger she had bought in Kvatch a few days ago, she holstered them before turning back to the crowd, smiling as a few of them clapped. She knew she had some of them hooked now.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know this, because it happened to me. I used to be a prisoner of my leader. However, he made me realise that I was a prisoner all my life. A prisoner of a selfish woman with a lust for power. And through that realisation, he freed me and offered me the same offer I make to you now. To be part of a family who will love you unconditionally no matter what. I’m freer and happier than I have ever been! I know my role in life now…” She paused again to catch her breath and throw on her cloak, concealing the sword and dagger once more. “It is to free people like you from the tyranny of people like Bundun. To free them in the way Kaizen freed me…” Petras voice wobbled a little and she sighed, swiftly regaining her composure. “So now I extend my hand out to you. In companionship, friendship and in the name of family. Will you join me? Join us?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra finished her speech and was approached by the same man who had looked at her in fear earlier. The red headed Imperial swore there was respect shining in the eyes of him and everyone else now.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Let me be the first to say…” He began, sounding calm, and taking her hand, shaking it firmly. “I accept your offer.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Me too!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“D-don’t forget about me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petras grin widened as her heart continued to pound.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Kaizen? Are you proud of me…? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s amazing…” Petra whispered, lowering her head to hide her face. “Once this is over. Once Bundun lies dead, make your way to Fort Farragut on the Blue Road. Take however long you need before you arrive. Once you get there, I’ll have made some contracts up for you to sign.” She stopped again and looked up as the tolls of the same bell from earlier in the day began to ring. The eleven no longer looked scared. They knew they were going on to a better place in a few short hours.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll come back and let you know when it is done. And…and…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Let’s go accept our new destiny shall we?” The man said with a kind smile, leading the way out the house and back into the courtyard.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra smiled and pulled her hood over her head again, following the eleven out. Eleven former employees of a vile, nasty, fat man.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleven new recruits.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Alright, my lovely little shits and lazy excuse of a workforce!” Bundun called out, ringing the bell again. It had clearly rained in the hours since the reporter left the farming settlement. The courtyard was muddy and slippery underfoot. A few workers from the other house looked gaunt. Almost…hollow as they trudged through the dirt slowly, trying not to slip.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Faster you wastes of space!” Bundun snapped, his belly jiggling in synchronisation with the ringing of the bell.

<p class="MsoNormal">The workers flinched and hurried their pace, eager to spare their master from disappointment. Maybe if they did, they would be spared selection.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Okay listen up!” The fat Imperial commanded as the two dozen workers filed into order, all of them gazing up at their master in fear.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Today is selection day! Now, I don’t want anyone trying to break free like last time, got it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Everybody nodded, it looked quite the sight.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Heh. Excellent.” Two of Bunduns bodyguards appeared by his side like every time selection comes along, the rest were always guarding the perimeter for any escapees. Oddly, a few of them seemed to have vanished from one of the exits to Sutch without Bundun realising.

<p class="MsoNormal">Mercenaries are always so easy to buy off…Petra thought, continuing to act like a scared worker.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Now then.” Bundun began, standing in the centre of the stairs leading up to his house and the “Selection Area”.

<p class="MsoNormal">“As you know, we have a tasting tomorrow with people from the Imperial City. Therefore, I require the best of you to be Selected. I also need more than one.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petras head snapped up at this. This isn’t what usually happened.

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s right, maggots!” Bundun chuckled, relishing the genuine surprise from his workforce. “I need more than one of you today. In fact, I need two!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ve already decided which two it will be as well. Let’s see…” He pulled out a piece of paper and held it tightly in his pudgy hand. He scrolled down a list of names, being deliberately slow.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I need…Levi and…Cerasus!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra froze, and looked at the man who had shook her hand mere moments ago. He nodded to her, showing no fear in his eyes. It seemed he already trusted in her to get him out of this. Petra returned the nod and stepped forward out of the row, along with Levi, both of them feigning terror and meekness. “H-here s-s-s-sir!” Petra stammered, like she so often does when she gets anxious or flustered.

<p class="MsoNormal">Levi simply remained silent and nodded as he stood beside Petra, keeping his head bowed low.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You two! Get up those stairs and inside. Now!” He barked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra jumped and hurriedly rushed up the stairs of the fort, Levi following close behind, mimicking her every move. Bunduns two bodyguards followed them upstairs not long afterwards, shoving them down a different set into the basement.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra scrunched up her nose as the stink of the basement hit her first. It reeked of death, decay and blood. Lots of blood. After she had blinked away the tears, Petra let her eyes get adjusted to the dim lighting. There was only one torch in the room and it flickered constantly in the damp atmosphere. Before the Imperial stood a large table with cuffs attached to it. Presumably so the two new acquaintances, temporary master and recruit, could die and be ground up in the slowest most painful way possible.

<p class="MsoNormal">''I’m glad Kaizen isn’t here. He’d get too many ideas from this… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra took a deep breath as the bodyguards walked in front of the pair. Her back stiffened when she sensed the large atmosphere of Bundun approach them from behind.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You two are the best workers I’ve ever had..” He began, not sounding remotely remorseful. “It’ll be a tragedy to lose you both.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then why choose us for Selection?” Levi whispered, with a shaky voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bundun chuckled. “You haven’t realised yet Levi? The best workers make the best meat…” He laughed again, sinister tones rising up in his loud voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra visibly shivered. Despite her feigned confidence when she acts like her Argonian, Bundun still creeped the shit out of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You first Levi!” Bundund snapped, shoving him to the table. Levi sighed and looked at Petra as the guards forced him onto it, holding him down as Bundun approached him to strap his arms and legs in.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra met his gaze and nodded. Now was the perfect time to strike. The guards were distracted by Levi and Bundun had his back to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He deserves it. He deserves it. He deserves it! You don’t have to enjoy it. Just do it to survive! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">The Imperial breathed in and exhaled quietly. She reached into her cloak and drew her ebony dagger as silently as she could. She winced as it scraped softly on its scabbard, making a small screech.

<p class="MsoNormal">Levi heard this and began to struggle, trying to break free of the guards grip as Bundun just stood there laughing at his feeble attempts of escape.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Oh, you’re good Levi… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Really good… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Levis outburst had covered up the noise of the ebony dagger being unsheathed and Petra now approached Bundun with a sense of dread rising up in her.

<p class="MsoNormal">I’ll always hate killing…she thought to herself, creeping ever closer, the blade raised in her hand, hovering over the farmers empty heart.

<p class="MsoNormal">''But you deserve everything you will get in the void! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Silently, Petra thrust the dagger into Bunduns back. She squirmed when she felt it cut through his fatty flesh and pierce his heart.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bundun made a sort of gagging noise and began to gasp for breath, looking round to see Levi smirk before using the last of his strength to turn and face his killer. His eyes grew wide as he learned his killers identity. This small woman had assaulted him, now his work was lost.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Petra.” The woman said, throwing off her cloak and pulling out her sword to defend herself from the bandits that had now become witnesses. “Sithis will welcome you in the void Bundun. I’m sure he’ll put you right to work…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Bundun choked on his own blood one last time as his heart gave up fighting and stopped beating. The cruel Imperial fell on the floor, face first. The dagger was still sticking out of his back.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra sighed and looked to the two bandits. “I don’t need to kill you two.” She whispered. “You have the choice to leave if you want. However…I’d need you to keep silent…”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Bandits looked at each other and shrugged, drawing their weapons. This was the first job they had had in months, and this woman had killed their employer. She had to get smashed for that.

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra sighed again. “Fine. If that’s how you want it…” She looked up at the two Bandits. “I’m sorry. I have to. I have to survive.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The two of them charged at her and Petra swiftly dodged to the side before stabbing one in the back. Her blade soon appeared on the other side, poking out of his stomach. She placed her hand on the now dead Bandits shoulder and pulled her sword out with some difficulty before she was tackled to the ground by his comrade.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You killed him!” He bellowed in her face as Petra began to genuinely fear for her life. “Got to survive…” She whispered to herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll take you as a trophy!” The Bandit laughed, raising his hammer as he prepared to knock her out.

<p class="MsoNormal">“N-no! Kaizen will come kill you!” Petra warned.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who?” The Bandit asked before he started to strike down. Petra winced, waiting for the black embrace of unconsciousness to wrap her up once again. Only it never came. She felt the Bandits weight leave her body as she heard an angry yell and a pained groan as the last of the Bandits life left his body.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Imperial opened her eyes and saw the ebony dagger that was in Bunduns back had now been lodged into the Bandits head. Levi bent over and pulled it out of his skull, looking disgusted as he flicked bits of brain off the blade. He went to hand it over to Petra but she smiled and shook her head. “Keep it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Levi nodded and placed it on his belt.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You really did it…” He muttered quietly. “You looked beautiful as you killed him…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra blushed and looked away. “Don’t lie Brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come, let’s go tell everyone that they are finally free.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Levi nodded and extended his hand, to help Petra up. They headed out of the fort and stood on the steps, where everyone was still gathered. They looked up at the pair in surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal">“She did it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“He’s actually dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“We’re free!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Petra smiled. “Yes! You are finally free! You have nothing to fear now! Go! Tell people the truth of what happened here, and let them know the Dark Brotherhood freed you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowd cheered and began to make their way out of Sutch. Abandoning it once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s done…” Petra said with a relieved sigh. “I can finally get back home…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wait!” Levi shouted, taking her hand. “Can I…Can I come back with you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t you have family to visit? They must be worried about you…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. I don’t.” Levi whispered now. “I have nothing left of them. They…they all died when they resisted the Imperial Empire.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah. I see.” Petra nodded, pulling her hand out of Levis grip. “Then of course you can come with me. We’ll get you rested up and introduced to your new family.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Levi nodded and the two left Sutch as the rain began to fall again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you…Petra.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Name: Levi

<p class="MsoNormal">Age: 25

<p class="MsoNormal">Race: Imperial

<p class="MsoNormal">Class: Assassin.

<p class="MsoNormal">Weapon & Armour: Ebony Dagger, Currently farmhand clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Backstory: Levis family resisted the change of Tamriel despite having no magically inclined people in their family. They were killed when they joined the mages side of the acquisition of Anvil. Levi was only spared because he was already working at the settlement of Sutch. He only recently learned of his families death after managing to steal a letter of notification off of one of Bunduns guards.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t thank me, Levi.” Petra said calmly as they walked the road back to Kvatch.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank the Black Argonian.”