Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-3293219-20140512193524/@comment-24449631-20140512194045

(Time for a quick reboot. Also, to create a more clear image between certain events. Now that my GIP work is done for school, i've got a little break until the exams. So i'll be able to post again)

'''An Alternative World. Introducing Rowan Autumn-Arrow '''

Name: Rowan Autumn-Arrow

Race: Nord

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Appearance: Lightbrown hair, Blue-greyish eyes. light beard grow. Pretty strongly build, like most Nords but not a 'monster'

Class: Warrior

Powers(Racial + 2 more max): Frost resistant.

Armor: chainmail shirt, covered with a kyrtill tunic which in turn is straped tight with a nordic belt, that also held a locket for his sword. leather trousers where from each leg was binded together with linen binds from under the knee into the leather shoes, so that the trousers didn't get in the way when he walked or fought. He also has a quiver on his back that is strapped to a diagonal belt. His kyrtill tunic also rests into hide braces at the end of each sleeve. The bracelets of Geldwin were enchanted pieces of armour that severely reduced damage from destruction magic. Getting rid of burns and the like.

Weapon(s): Silver sword. Steel arrows. Imperial Bow.

Faction: Citizen of the Kingdom of Skyrim, ‘The Rift’ hold and Riften.''' '''

'''Backstory: '''

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Riften was lovely this time of year. Ever since 220 the city has seen some stellar improvement. Rising itself up from the ‘slum status’ it had received after the fire from 129. No, Riften was now once again that proud trading post between Cyrodiil and Morrowind.

It was The 7th of Sun’s Dawn 4E 304 and the Endwinter feast was being prepared for. Since Skyrim had grown increasingly autonomous of the Empire it was little moved by the death of the Emperor, and it certainly wasn’t enough to spoil the festivities that would be held every year at this time since 223. Nords take some time getting used to ‘new traditions’ but when they do it seemed as if they had been doing them for centuries. It didn’t matter in the end. Skyrim and especially not The Rift and its Jarl weren’t going to worry about the troubles of the South.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked at his mother Sigur with some doubts in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Must I really?" the 18 year old asked in kind of a whiny voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, you have to, for Arkey’s sake… Stop it Rowan." Mother made him clear.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But it’s just not comfortable…" Rowan said as the bright young Nord he was.

<p class="MsoNormal">His mother dropped the clothes she was folding and walked over to Rowan who didn’t seem to like her intentions, but over the years he had learned that arguing with this woman was pointless. Probably why Father married her…

<p class="MsoNormal">"No, come on…" Rowan tried to plea with her.

<p class="MsoNormal">But it was no good, she grabbed hold of the laces of his old Nordic shirt and tightened them to an even more uncomfortable knot.

<p class="MsoNormal">"This outfit has been worn by your father…" She dusted off the coat of her son, who was a half a head taller than her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"… And my grandfather, yeah yeah… I know" Rowan quickly finished her. Knowing the speech all too well.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh good, so you know its significance then…" She finished while  deliberately putting his traditional hat on his head in kind of a dorky fashion. Which made his ears come from the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ma…" Rowan complained as he put it on correctly.

<p class="MsoNormal">His mother took a few steps back and looked at her son. One hundred percent proud of him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Just look at you…" She said gleaming with pride.

<p class="MsoNormal">She then halted Kona, Rowan’s sister, who was passing by and asked her for an opinion.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hey looking good, big brother…" She joked. Obviously enjoying Rowan’s displeasement with his attire for the festival

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan felt embarrassed.

<p class="MsoNormal">His only solace was found in the fact that the entire Town would come all dressed up in old fashioned clothing. And the fact that by the end of the day everyone would be completely pissed and absolutely not concerned with ‘the preservation of a clean costume’

<p class="MsoNormal">He had to agree though, the Endwinter feast was always a guarantee of a good time.

<p class="MsoNormal">It’ll be nice to see Arní and Viktor again. It’s been quite some time since he had seen his friends. Arní had gone to Winterhold for a while and Viktor had gone to Shor’s Stone to help his father, who was a smith there. It’ll be nice to hear their stories.

<p class="MsoNormal">As for Rowan, what had he done during the winter?

<p class="MsoNormal">Err. He helped his father with the fishery mostly, he did some swimming in Lake Honrich to keep up his strength... Oh, and he had also sailed with the Olafdakkar, their ship.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan really enjoyed Sailing. He couldn’t wait for the day he could be captain of the ship. And that might even be sooner than he expected. His father had been complaining about the strain on his back. Still, He was a long way from owning his own ship. And it was only a Lake boat. If you wanted to sail the open seas you need to go Windhelm… or Dawnstar.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Just wait until your father sees you.” His mother said as she flattened out any imperfections in the costume.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was old Norse. So it had Fur lining, small geometrical patterns which symbolised Kyne’s blessing. And Dragon motifs. The shirt was made out of wool. The coat’s lining was made out of bear fur, and the hat as well. Light Leather tuck-in trousers and leather, with fur lining boots.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan also wore for the occasion, a dagger. Not that he was going to stab anyone. But here in Skyrim it was considered a fashionable clothing item. It could also be used as a corkscrew if a regular one didn’t work. A trick Viktor once showed him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan smiled at his mother as she was busy making him ‘presentable’.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It is alright Mother…" he slowly took her hands of his chest. And held them, to instil trust into his words.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It is going to be fine."

<p class="MsoNormal">"of course my son… I’m so proud of you." She whispered and raised herself to her toes so she could kiss him on the cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I’m going out then." Rowan said as he walked to the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">"We’ll join soon after" His father, Heppni said as he passed Rowan.

<p class="MsoNormal">"oh… Ok" Rowan hadn’t noticed him before.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Nord noticed a proud look in his father’s eyes. Probably because he wore that old costume.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well, See ya soon" Rowan pressed on.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Aye!" His Father called after him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh and if you see Sterk tell him to come home. He’s not ‘escaping’ his costume either." His mother added.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Will do." Rowan assured her. Although he had no idea where in the city his younger brother would be.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">The cool end winter breeze was pretty nice. Nord homes often were pretty warm and if you stayed in too long, it could get incredibly hot.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Especially when you wore something like this. ''Rowan thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">Some would say that orange leaves can only be found during Autumn but not in Riften, here you’d find them the year round. It was as if The rift was locked in a forever Fall. It was perhaps the best known thing about his hold.

<p class="MsoNormal">However only a true Nord from the rift could recognise the seasons in the leaves. You see. The trees might be autumnal for the entire year, but that doesn’t mean they’re not affected by the seasons. There are slight differences in tint with every season. For example the leaves are a much brighter orange in the Summer then they are now. Now they’re borderline: ‘light brown’, in some cases.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan walked the boardwalk of the town as he looked around the richly decorated wooden Nordic themed houses. Rightfully restored through hard work and dedication of the people of Riften. Dragonhead ridges like from the old days, or the likes from Whiterun, dominated most houses again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan passed several houses until eventually he reached the town square where the festivities would be held later that evening.

<p class="MsoNormal">As Rowan breathed in the smell of sweetrolls, mead and other feast-goodness he reminded himself of the good life he was leading. The Autumn-Arrows had always enjoyed a pretty good life though.

<p class="MsoNormal">Despite the silly costume. It couldn’t get any better.

<p class="MsoNormal">(Later, at the feast)

<p class="MsoNormal">It was absolutely divine…

<p class="MsoNormal">He just couldn’t get enough of it all. It was clear that everyone in town had done their part in order to achieve such a meal, worthy of Sovngarde.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan engorged himself on an elk’s leg. It was big, but not big enough for Rowan. Not to mention how it had been topped off with the perfect spices. Most of them being from Morrowind, courtesy of their close trade routes.

<p class="MsoNormal">But there was more than meat on the table of course. There was a whole feast of all kinds of Nordic dishes. All sorts of local game, fish ‘even slaughterfish for the daring’, cabbage and leek from the Snow-Shod farm, spices from Morrowind, wine from Cyrodiil, mead from Honingbrew,…etc and a huge amount of potatoes, which were available: fried, cooked and raw.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan had filled himself a plate of fried potatoes, an elk leg, carrots, and topped it off with spices.

<p class="MsoNormal">And it was delicious, the meat of the elk was perfectly prepared, Which made it tough but not impossible to bite in. And turned surprisingly soft when it was being chewed on in the mouth. But Rowan wasn’t chewing easily, he had only just swallowed another part of the leg or a new bit was already ripped from the leg and in his mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">He’d sometimes wash down the meat with a tug from his mead, and continued eating.

<p class="MsoNormal">This sort of feast comes in, once in a year. He was going the enjoy it to the full.

<p class="MsoNormal">"easy there." Arní tabbed on his shoulder as he noticed Rowan.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked up with his filled mouth, gesturing with his left hand that he couldn’t talk, because his mouth was full.

<p class="MsoNormal">A few seconds later after he swallowed down another chunk, he was available for speech.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sorry, what?" he leaned over to his friend, since he hadn’t heard what he said earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I said: take it easy!" Arní repeated. As he tried to raise his voice over the music that was being made by the bards at the end of the long table.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Have you tried this?" Rowan replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No, why?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"It is really good with these spices." The Nord pointed across the table to the little vial which contained them.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well, just don’t suffocate on a bone or something." Arní replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">"My dear friend" Rowan smiled as he roughly tabbed on the back of his friend, like he did on his a few moments ago, only a bit harder.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Today it’s a feast, worthy of celebration… Don’t worry so much. That visit to Winterhold has made you soft."

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan wasn’t afraid of mages, nor did he hate them. He just didn’t understand them. The fact that his Friend was one perfect proof of that.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well, It’s a lot colder then here though." Arní jokingly excused.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Bah, You probably didn’t even swim in the sea of ghosts then."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well actu-" Arní tried to tell him, but was cut short by the Jarl, who had stood up. Meaning you should be quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal">After a few seconds, the only thing you could hear was the fire crackling in one of the bonfires that stood in front of the long table.

<p class="MsoNormal">…

<p class="MsoNormal">"My friends, Citizens…"

<p class="MsoNormal">"We have come here today, to honour our ancestors and theirs… Who now feast as we do. In Sovngarde. Ancestors like… The Autumn-Arrows" The jarl gestured his hand at Rowan’s father who in turn felt quite honoured.

<p class="MsoNormal">"… And the Snow-Shods…" He pointed at the patron of the Snow-Shod family.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But also… To celebrate the end of Riften’s dark ages. The dark ages which the treacherous fake Jarl, Cross-daggers had brought unto our city in the first century of the fourth era…" His voice resonated through the entire square as everyone, even my Brother: Sterk, was listening.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Remind ourselves that we thank this feast to what our forefathers did eighty years ago. Without them, we wouldn’t have been sitting here. Without them, we would have never banished the Black-Briars from this city…"

<p class="MsoNormal">"It is frankly, our duty to honour those who did so much for the city…" He said as he raised his goblet.

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone followed suit and stood up with their arm stretched and their drinks ready.

<p class="MsoNormal">"To our forefathers" the jarl cheered.

<p class="MsoNormal">"To our forefathers!" All citizens followed. And drank their respective drink empty. After that there was a loud cheer and the festivities could continue.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Now, eat, drink! Enjoy yourselves!" The jarl said as he joined with his wife again. Smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal">Music to my ears. Rowan thought as he dived straight into his elk again.

<p class="MsoNormal">And it seemed Viktor had discovered them as well, Rowan noticed as he looked across Arní to his right.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">"And there were biiiig magical balls…" Arní explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Balls?" Rowan asked childishly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan’s stupid innuendo went straight over Arní’s head.

<p class="MsoNormal">"YeEs…" hic* "And they went… Wooof Wooof Wooof…" The Nord mage tried to make it very clear. He almost fell on his back as he made those rapid movements with his arms.

<p class="MsoNormal">"So was it a… Magical dog?" Rowan asked, laughing to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No!" Viktor came in.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Itsss sounds like a dog. But it isn’t a dog… Right Arní?" He then asked the mage.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes… No… errr" Arní tried to think, but had lost all reasonable thought. Like everyone else at the table.

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone was absolutely, completely, unmistakingly…. Drunk.

<p class="MsoNormal">But the feast went on.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was late, and some people had placed their head on the table and were sleeping. These were probably the individuals who would be made fun off tomorrow morning.

<p class="MsoNormal">As they obviously couldn’t take their liquor without going for a little nap.

<p class="MsoNormal">As for the rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">There were three kinds of people.

<p class="MsoNormal">The dark elves, argonians and Imperials of the city. Who were mostly quiet drunk and rocked back and forth on their seat.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Jarl and his house. Who didn’t seem drunk at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">And of course the Nords of the city. who were ‘loud’ and drunk.

<p class="MsoNormal">Making stupid jokes, falling, laughing, falling and laughing… You name it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan had completely untied the laces of his fancy shirt. And it had been covered in smudges of elk fat and crumbles of potatoes. But everyone knew this was going to happen, so nobody really mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually the Bard, the one that wasn’t drunk that is. Stood up and sung her last song:

<p class="MsoNormal">For some reason, everyone… Even the Nords remained quiet as they listened, slept, or looked into the dancing fire of the bonfires.

<p class="MsoNormal">It became a hauntingly beautiful experience where even the most drunk and loud Nords of Riften would sit and listen to this last song.

<p class="MsoNormal">After it finished on a quiet and subtle note it sparked a thundering applause from everyone present. It filled the bard with glee as she bowed down to the Jarl and went back to the table.

<p class="MsoNormal">Who in turn stood up again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone, well… Almost everyone followed suit. Some even fell over as they tried to get up too fast. But they quickly crawled back up.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Friends… Citizens."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Today has been fun." He smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">"As I’m sure…" He looked around, spawning some grins and soft laughs from the drunk audience.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But to every feast there must come an end."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Awwwww" The crowd went.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But. Remember, if you work hard and live a good life. You WILL get an eternal feast. In Sovngarde!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yeaaaah!" The Nords of Riften went as they raised their last drink in the air and knocked it back.

<p class="MsoNormal">And so, Riften concluded its Endwinter Feast…

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ugh….”

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan sounded as he slowly woke up. Eyes still closed firmly though.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was as if they refused to open. They rejected the sunlight that had filled Rowan’s bedroom.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan held tight to his sheets as he replaced himself under the wool in a fetus position to keep all his warmth with him.

<p class="MsoNormal">The cock outside his window however wasn’t going to let him get away with it. Just as Rowan felt himself slip away again, in the warm recesses of his mind, the shrill shrieking of the rooster outside obliterated any notion of that happening.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Shut up…” Rowan moaned with his gaping mouth open, he felt some of his saliva drop on the pillow in which he had buried his head to hold off the bloody noise.

<p class="MsoNormal">But alas it was no good. The cock had no respect for Rowan’s hangover.

<p class="MsoNormal">Defeated, Rowan opened his eyes allowing the light of dawn to enter them. Slowly he felt the soft sun light go through his eyes straight to his aching head.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ugh. No…” Rowan moaned again. But he had to give in.

<p class="MsoNormal">He pushed the sheets of his bare chest. Seemed he also wore his pants from yesterday still. He didn’t even bother it seemed.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he went to sit up straight he felt his head had a bit of lag.

<p class="MsoNormal">It seemed to process everything a few milliseconds too late. And it ached like oblivion…

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah…” Rowan whimpered as he scratched his head softly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Seemed I did a bit too much yesterday…” He smiled. Remembering what he could of a great time.

<p class="MsoNormal">He stretched his neck and stood up, scratching his crotch in a shameless manner as he tried to make his way to his wardrobe.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually he managed to stop a bit in front of the big ol’ wooden wardrobe. And opened the doors. As he took out the clothes he normally wore.

<p class="MsoNormal">First, the chainmail… It was always a right bitch to find the sleeves of the bloody thing. It was a bit heavy when you hadn’t worn it in a while, but Rowan got used to the extra weight pretty quickly. It wasn’t that much of a burden. After that, he kicked off those bloody pants and took his soft and comfortable trousers. They slid along his waist like a glove. Once they had reached a good height. Rowan fastened them with the laces inside. And formed a simple knot. One that was easy to undo If he had to go. He went to sit back on his bed as he grabbed the linen leg wraps. Which he carefully rolled around his lower legs and feet. Where they ended up as a sort of socks. After that was done he grabbed it leather shoes and planted his feet into them.

<p class="MsoNormal">“There, nice and warm.” Rowan sounded. Proud he could still roll up his leg wraps without a problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">He stood up and took his biggest clothing accessory: his blue kyrtill tunic. Which was a long piece of cloth a lot of Nords started to wear. He pulled the big piece of cloth over his head and chainmail until it sat nice. The keyhole neckline was decorated with geometrical symbols of Mara. They were braided in with a thick golden bit of string.

<p class="MsoNormal">And lastly he took up his belt and banded the tunic together at his waist. Where he could easily grab his silver sword out of its locket. The diagonal belt with his quiver and bow were on Olafdakkar, if he recalled correctly. But he only, hopefully, would need those for hunting.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he walked over to the basin to quickly wash his face, so he was truly awake. He wondered what he’d do today. It was a resting day for most people of the town, so there wasn’t anything he could help his father with.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan shrugged and concluded he’d think of something, as he walked out to have breakfast.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Strangers ahead '''

<p class="MsoNormal">A few days had passed since the festival and Rowan had agreed to pick up some potions for the alchemist of Riften. He had asked Rowan more than once to fetch something for him, who didn’t seem to mind to be an errand boy if it involved going too far away places.

<p class="MsoNormal">But this one had to be the most biggest yet. All the way to Cyrodiil to a place called toadstool hollow. Which used to be infested by goblins, but now some ‘contact’ of his lives there. Sounded awfully shady, but Rowan was a good sport and not afraid. He had equipped himself with his own silver sword, steel arrows and imperial bow. No it wasn’t his contact he was worried about. It was the uncertain political climate of Cyrodiil.

<p class="MsoNormal">Though it might already be too late. Rowan had already crossed the border and Bruma. And was nearly there. It all seemed to be such a cake walk. Nothing could go wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal">The South Jeralls were lovely. Bruma seemed peaceful, despite the emperor’s death. And as an outsider all seemed well to Rowan as he walked the silver road.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah damn…” Rowan complained

<p class="MsoNormal">I should’ve stopped in Bruma… I could’ve eaten something Rowan though as he rubbed his belly.

<p class="MsoNormal">But he couldn’t turn back now. And besides, that would mean going uphill. Something that even Nords can find tedious.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan simply shrugged but then he got an idea, when he saw a little brown rabbit cross the muddy snow covered road.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hmm”

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan took out an arrow from his quiver and readied his bow.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Seems like these are ideal hunting grounds…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan took a deep breath and held it, so he could straighten his shot.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Almost…”

<p class="MsoNormal">The bunny hadn’t seen him yet, this was ideal.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Almost…”

<p class="MsoNormal">But then suddenly.

<p class="MsoNormal">A horrific roar could be heard somewhere left of him. The bunny looked up and before Rowan knew it, it had leapt away back to the other side of the road.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Shor’s bones… What was that?” Rowan asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was unlike anything he had ever heard, it sounded like something big as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan was intrigued to say the least. And that was enough for him to go take a look.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Maybe, I should.. oh what the hel…”

<p class="MsoNormal">''I’m only gonna take a look. Just Do not interfere with whatever it is. Do NOT interfere… ''Rowan made a deal with himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">He took a deep breath and ventured east, off the road.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">The Werewolf roared as the arrows were removed, writhing in pain as they were pulled out of his back and shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia grabbed hold of the wood cutter's axe, placing her foot on his paw, to keep him from swiping out at them. She grabbed hold of the handle, noticing that it had split in two, during the fighting and the other half must be splinters. The Tribal pulled, with a great deal of effort and eventually managed to pull the axe out, stumbling back and falling to the ground before desperately crawling away.

<p class="MsoNormal">She panted as she stopped, cradling the bloody axe in her arms as she looked up to Julie, who joined her, by her side.

<p class="MsoNormal">''There's that roar again... ''Rowan thought to himself as he gently made his way to the source through the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie held her arms and crouched next to Set again. "Are we ready now...?" She whispered, glaring at Atem.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan thought to have found the source.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he looked through the bushes he saw this huge wolf lying there, surrounded by a bunch of people.

<p class="MsoNormal">"A werewolf?" Rowan said to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Still weak..." Karia muttered, turning around and heading towards Atem with the axe. From the looks of things, it looked like she was going to try to feed him to the werewolf but Set had killed enough people in his beast form and she might as well make sure that the deaths weren't for nothing...

<p class="MsoNormal">She placed Isis and Cyrus away from the wolf and the bodies, throwing the axe away from them before approaching the corpse of his first victim. She picked up the nord girl as she was the lightest of the two victims and picked her up, even Karia, a woman who ate raw meat herself was disgusted at the sight of it. She looked away, turning her nose up as she carried the body of the girl over to the werewolf.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Feeding makes him strong..." She strained, throwing the body and flipping it onto what remained of its stomach. The corpse landed on the floor, with a thud and a splat, emptying its entire stomach contents on the grass, in front of Set.

<p class="MsoNormal">The wolf grabbed the body, as if he didn't recognise it from earlier and began to tear it apart, slowly ripping chunks of flesh and an arm off and devouring whatever flesh it could tear or scrape off of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia just folded her arms, looking away in disgust and pity for the poor man trapped inside...

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie looked away, while she tended to the wolfs wounds. "See?" She thought to him. "We'll have you back to normal in no time."

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia knelt down by Julie's side, handing her the bottle.

<p class="MsoNormal">"He ready now..." The Breton whispered, seeming a bit more timid than she was before, even when she was defying her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It up to you..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"By Ysgramor..." Rowan looked in disgust.

<p class="MsoNormal">His appetite was completely gone. And so was his hunger.

<p class="MsoNormal">I shouldn't have come Rowan thought to himself as started to back off.

<p class="MsoNormal">as he did he forgot about the dry branch behind him. Which he had so carefully stepped over last time. But not this time.

<p class="MsoNormal">He landed his full body weight unto the dry tree branch and it made a pretty strong sound. Resounding through the forest area he found himself in.

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia looked up, fearful that another monster had come to hurt their friend, when they were so close...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hey!" She snapped at him, standing up and marching over to him, making sure that she was stood between him and the two infants.

<p class="MsoNormal">From there, she continued to glare at him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"eum" Rowan was paralysed by the sudden blow of his cover.

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie ignored the tree snapping. Concentrating on Set as she gently tipped the potion into his mouth. He began to whine almost as soon as it hit hos tongue.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "Shh..." The Dunmer soothed, stroking his head. "It's alright. I-" Julie paused, rolling her eyes slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "We're here for you."

<p class="MsoNormal">The Wolf opened its eyes, if one was to look in them, they'd see that they had instantly shifted back to Set's original eyes. The Wolf passed out, in Julie's arms and began to transform, back into Set. His claws receded, his fangs turned back into teeth and his bones began to crack as they quickly moulded back into their normal state.

<p class="MsoNormal">Within a minute, Set had returned to his normal self. Thankfully, he hadn't lost his clothes to the transformation as he wasn't wearing them, when he transformed. He still hard the scratches and cuts that he had received in wolf form but gorging on the corpses as a wolf seemed to have improved them.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Bosmer was out of it though and he would be for some time...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh Set..." Julie whispered, clutching his unconscious body close to her chest and hanging her head low to hide the tears of happiness streaming down her face.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "Don't worry. I'll look after you til you wake up..."

<p class="MsoNormal">Set lay there, motionless and his breath was somewhat weak. He sounded weak and ill but not deathly so, for the first time in hours he was at peace...

<p class="MsoNormal">The Dark Elf kept the Bosmer close, lying him on her lap. "I got you..." She whispered, rocking back and forth like a mother would do to calm a child.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "I'll never leave until I know you're alive."

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">"Who you!?" Strange woman in the coat of many furs snapped. She did hear the odd Nord hiding in the bushes.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Eum... R-Rowan." The Nord admitted. Finding himself unable to lie.

<p class="MsoNormal">He felt that if he did he'd be in more trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal">While this was happening, Atem dashed for the woods.

<p class="MsoNormal">Row... an..." The woman sounded as if she had difficulty pronouncing it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Who you with?" She quizzed, suspecting him of being with someone or something else...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Eum... That guy there is getting away..." Rowan pointed at Atem who had gotten up and ran away.

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia gave it a quick glance before fully turning to face the escaping prisoner, she snapped a look back at Rowan, fire in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You! You do that!" She snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">"He gone, because of you!" Karia growled, wishing that she had her spear.

<p class="MsoNormal">She was thankful that he hadn't taken it...

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan felt threatened.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I meant no trouble..." He uttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia calmed somewhat, almost as if she believed him...

<p class="MsoNormal">"You... Not one of them are you?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"One of them?" Rowan asked her. curious of what she meant.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Inn people! Kin slayers!" Karia didn't have a word for them, they weren't a tribe or a cult or an army. They didn't march under a banner, though she didn't even know what a banner was, nor any of the other things, come to think of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Where you come from?"

<p class="MsoNormal">it wasn't really an appropriate time but Rowan couldn't help himself but laugh a bit at her accent. He was strong enough not to downright laugh in her face but his frown of fear had certainly completely disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm Rowan Autumn-Arrow, from Riften... In Skyrim."

<p class="MsoNormal">Sky... Rim?" Karia asked, unable to hide her confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal">Well, the inn wasn't called 'Skyrim'...

<p class="MsoNormal">Was it?

<p class="MsoNormal">No, she would have heard the name before.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Riffften..." She seemed to have trailed off, learning so many new words at once.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Is she for real? ''Rowan was amazed by her lack of knowledge of the world.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked over her, which wasn't difficult, over to Julie and Set.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Is she alright?" He asked Karia

<p class="MsoNormal">He was more concerned about the dark elf then that lycanthrope she was cradling.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Julie... Fine.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bosmer? Don't know..." She glanced away, looking a little concerned herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Time will heal him. Time heals most wounds but special salve helps, makes time work faster..." She rambled as if she was trying to assure herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">She stepped back and took Isis off of the floor, placing her into the front harness before picking up Cyrus.

<p class="MsoNormal">Set wheezed into her chest, he seemed to be getting cold without any clothes on.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Shit...Set..." Julie mumbled to herself, holding him closer and standing up with some great difficulty.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "We gotta get him somewhere warm.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Safe as well."

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia turned around, forgetting that Rowan could still be a threat.

<p class="MsoNormal">"What about house?" She suggested to Julie, pointing to the butchered family's cottage.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Eum. Need any help?" Rowan asked the curious group.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You help us?" Karia asked, gesturing to the farm house.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Could you pick him up?" She gestured to the unconscious, nude, Bosmer.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hard to lift, with halflings."

<p class="MsoNormal">Before he could answer, the Breton marched over to the door and opened it, holding it open for the others.

<p class="MsoNormal">For fuck sake... Rowan thought. Better kept his mouth shut

<p class="MsoNormal">He sighed and walked over to the wood elf. Luckily they're small so he could just carry him over his shoulder. But before he could do just that The Dark Elf, Julie, picked up the bosmer herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Good idea" Julie agreed, not even acknowledging Rowan as she strode past the dead family into the house, placing Set in the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "We'll be safe here..."

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia watched as she moved towards the farm house, wondering what if Set would be able to walk, after he woke up.

<p class="MsoNormal">She glanced up at Rowan, feeling sorry for him, since he was only trying to help.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Tribal gestured for him to join them anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Why am I doing this? ''Rowan wondered as he just followed them into the cottage.

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie placed Set in the bed and wrapped a thick cover around him. After she did that, the Dunmer pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, worrying all too much.

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia approached her and looked the Bosmer over, her concern seemed to have gone for now.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Need to go back to 'Inn." Karia informed her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Set was still motionless, breathing heavily, while he slept.

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie nodded. "Go get what you need. I'll stay anc keep an eye on the kids. And look after Set. We shouldn't be moving him so much..."

<p class="MsoNormal">Karia nodded and placed Isis on the bed, by Set's feet.

<p class="MsoNormal">She then did the same with Cyrus.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Farewell for now..." She paused and her voice went softer as if she was reconsidering saying the next bit...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Diidii..."

<p class="MsoNormal">She then left, retrieved her spear and ran off into the wilderness.

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie smiled softly as Karia left, taking Rowan with her.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "I wonder..." She mused to Isis, as she she pottered around trying to find some cloth. "When I thought about my future, I never saw myself looking after a little wood elf and two even smaller children...

<p class="MsoNormal"> I...

<p class="MsoNormal"> Quite like it actually."

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie returned to her chair having found a cloth and dousing it in water. She began to wipe the Bosmers forehead to keep him cool and to keep any fevers at bay. Whilst she was doing this, she glanced over the bed, noticing the indent.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, Maria. You're here as well...Should've known."

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan tried to follow the mysterious Breton, but she just ran off into the wilderness.

<p class="MsoNormal">She obviously had mastered traversal through the forest, since it was impossible for Rowan to keep up.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Wait... I still have"

<p class="MsoNormal">But she was already gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">"...Some questions." He slowly uttered, finishing his sentence.

<p class="MsoNormal">There seemed nothing else to do but to go back to that ruin of a house and check if, whoever they are, is 'ok'.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan knocked on the open door which he had shut in his mad frenzy, following the Breton.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hello? You still here?" He asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Julie glanced over to the young Nord and nodded. Acknowledging him for the first time.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yeah, we're still here. Prob'y will be for a while." She thought out to him. Which must have been very strange.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Look, it's not really my business but... What are you guys doing?" Rowan asked her.

<p class="MsoNormal">He really wanted to know where all this was about.

<p class="MsoNormal">"We are, first of all, trying to keep my boy-my friend here, alive. Secondly, we are looking for a Breton Witch who has another of Sets friends body and is trying to revive her." Julie paused, realising that she must both look and sound crazy.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh and throw in a dangerous quest to stop some insane member of the Elder Council from tearing Tamriel and eventually, Nirn itself, apart."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Euh? What?" Rowan couldn't believe that last thing she said.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Did you say someone was going to destroy Nirn?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh there's always someone trying to destroy Nirn." Julie said casually, concluding wiping Sets forehead and leaning back in her chair, placing her feet on the side of the bed. The Dunmer threw her head back to look at the Nord for the first time since he ran into them.

<p class="MsoNormal"> "If it's not Telemachus doing it through his hard on for War, it's Solaris trying to cause the next Oblivion Crisis." Julie muttered bluntly, grinning wickedly at the upside down Nord boy.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well. I've never heard of them..." Rowan added.

<p class="MsoNormal">"News must not have reached Skyrim yet."

<p class="MsoNormal">Julies grin turned into a frown. "I see..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"So this... Telemachus? Can't you just... Arrest him?" Rowan tried to be obvious.

<p class="MsoNormal">"He's in the Elder Council and has a practical legion of guards in his employ. So no. We can't just arrest him."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ah..." Rowan admitted.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But someone at the court must stand in his way, surely..."

<p class="MsoNormal">The Dark Elf chuckled… This Nord obviously didn’t understand the gravity of the situation, and she was too exhausted to go into detail.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan on the other hand started to feel unwelcome again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Seeing the young girl in the back stroke the bosmer werewolf’s hair and the Dark Elf sitting in front of him he stood up

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well. Err.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I wish you the best of luck…” He quickly said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thanks…” The Dark Elf said, not really sincere, since she didn’t know this man at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">For a brief silence Rowan looked at her as if he had forgotten what he wanted to do, but eventually he saw himself out.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">“Now… For those Ingredients…” Rowan said as he scratched his head and closed the door. While also processing these wild accusations of the Elder Council.

<p class="MsoNormal">Life in Riften I 

<p class="MsoNormal">It had been some time since Rowan had returned with the samples for the alchemist of Riften. Must’ve been about… three weeks, actually.

<p class="MsoNormal">Three weeks it had been ever since he had met those crazy people in the woods, down in the South-Jeralls.

<p class="MsoNormal">And although they clearly seemed quite insane, Rowan couldn’t shake whatever it was that woman said…

<p class="MsoNormal">Corruption, war looming…

<p class="MsoNormal">''What if it was true? What then? Would Skyrim be able to defend itself? ''Rowan thought as he rolled around in his bed, unable to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">Every once in a while he stopped and noticed how very quiet his room, the house, Riften really was. It made his breathing and moving around in his bed seem like extremely loud activities, and he didn’t want to wake anyone so he just stopped as he found a ‘sort of’ comfortable position.

<p class="MsoNormal">He lay there with his arms behind his pillow, head and his chest bare. Listening to the nothingness of the night.

<p class="MsoNormal">Not even a single insect buzzing around his room, just plain nothingness. It was too early for insects to be found in Skyrim. The only ones you’d find right now, in the early spring, were snow butterflies or horrid underground beings.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked outside from the corner of his eye. His shutters was closed but you could see a thin stroke of light seeping through, revealing the colour of the night.

<p class="MsoNormal">He sighed, as he had no way of telling the time.

<p class="MsoNormal">A Khajiit though, would’ve easily told you. The lands of Elsewyr were always very warm in the day, so a lot of activities took place after sundown. The night is their day. They can perfectly read the moons and stars, so also… the time.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Rowan had never been in Elsewyr before, nor had he been anywhere else but Skyrim and North Cyrodiil.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Nords have always been conquerors... ''Rowan thought to himself as he closed his eyes again.

<p class="MsoNormal">He remembered the stories of old, when Nords had almost all of Northern Tamriel under their command. High Rock, most notably had a lot of Nord influence, which is evident even today. Though over the years, The Nords settled down in Skyrim, sticking to old norms and traditions. Wonderful traditions mind you… But there’s just no more… Exploring, no more adventure…

<p class="MsoNormal">Thinking about tradition made Rowan smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">Imperials never really understood our culture. They think of it as brutish and violent, while in fact it is so much more than that.

<p class="MsoNormal">It made him think of an old song, which he didn’t hesitate to sing in his mind. A song accompanied with drums, flutes and lutes… Where the spirits from our Ancestors danced in the giant flames in the middle of an Inn. The music that was played after the ‘loud phase’ of a Nord’s drinking night. When everyone was half a sleep and feeling utterly relaxed. When the songs play then, they resonate deep within your soul as you suddenly give whole new meanings to them. And by the next morning… Almost all if it, will be forgotten.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning Rowan was once again awakened by that infernal rooster.

<p class="MsoNormal">As always his mother had opened his windows already so that the extreme heat of the indoor fire could escape.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A warm house is good. A hot house is not.” She would say. Mostly while doing some other chore around the house. Laundry, dish washing, cooking… You name it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Might sound as if she was our slave, but Rowan wasn’t too sure about that. She still had one hell of an authority over her household. Which Sterk mostly despised. The fool… It would never have passed to him she is that way because she worries and loves us.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan once again buried his head under his pillow. Hoping the soft wool would function as a buffer against the racket.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sweet Mara… Alright! Alright!” Rowan yelled loudly as he got up with sleepy eyes, the size of a fishing hook.

<p class="MsoNormal">Half awake and with barely any drive in his system he shuffled over to his steel washing bowl, which his mother had already filled.

<p class="MsoNormal">The water was straight from lake Honrich so it was pretty cold. Worked perfectly as a method to get rid of sleepy eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan plunged his hands in, and splashed some of the water into his face as he bend over the bowl.

<p class="MsoNormal">Some of the cold water ran down his chest into his pants. The same happened on his back. He always hated it for some reason, and saw it as a test every morning to only hit his face with the cool lake water. But today was no such day. As he felt the little drop run down his leg and finally end its course somewhere down his left thigh. He walked over to his closet.

<p class="MsoNormal">And took out his usual, day to day outfit. Suitable for work and if it would ever occur, conflict. The chainmail and tunic, the trousers and legwarps, the belt and his locket. All seemed to be well.

<p class="MsoNormal">He stretched the chainmail straight, so it wouldn’t rest uncomfortably under his tunic and walked down to the kitchen. Where he’d be greeted with a plate of mashed eggs, fried potato and two pieces of salmon.

<p class="MsoNormal">He nodded at his mother, a sign of unspoken gratitude within Nord culture. She just looked at his plate, saying in her own unspoken manner he should eat.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan was a pretty sturdy Nord, probably because of his mother’s diets of pure calories and protein. Just anything that’ll stop you from knocking over she put in her stews and on your plate. And you better ate all of it, or she’d refuse to cook for you, both Kona and Rowan figured that out the hard way where they didn’t receive any food for a day and a half. By the evening of the second day they just gorged themselves on anything she had prepared. Ever since the young Autumn-Arrows learned it would be wise, not to skip one of mother’s meals.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sterk on the other hand never skipped a meal. In fact un top of the strong diet he was also quite the sweet tooth. Over the years he had grown a pretty big belly, which had been prone to mockery more than once, though it was mostly his own fault.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kona always got less than her brothers so she wasn’t really as fat as her younger brother.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan did most of the work so he was in pretty good shape, and also, a pretty able warrior. But the time for him to prove himself in battle has yet to come.

<p class="MsoNormal">After Rowan had swallowed the last bit of delicious Treva river salmon he leaned back as he fell the raw proteins being processed by his body, giving him the energy and strength for yet another day.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Pooh… Thanks again, Ma…” Rowan said as he rested his hands on his belly whilst leaning backwards on his chair.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, now you’ve got enough strength to last you through the day” She smiled as she came to collect the dishes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan was about to put them away himself but she was ever so busy with the household he barely had to do anything around the house which, bizarrely, sometimes annoyed him.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he looked around the kitchen he started to notice the smell of the herbs and spices on the dry shelves somewhat above his head. A few moments ago they were blocked by the powerful odour of Treva salmon.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan sometimes left lake Honrich with his father to fish in the Treva river, where the current would almost make the fish fly into the nets. But you couldn’t fish there the year ‘round, because you eventually needed some of them to escape to lake Geir where they would breed a new generation of fish, which in turn would then cross the Treva again and back into lake Honrich.

<p class="MsoNormal">This would be usual fare in the fishing business of the Rift. And the Autumn-Arrows respected that.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">Today was the 1st of First Seed 4E 304 and Rowan started his day like any other, But… Today wasn’t going to be an average one.

<p class="MsoNormal">As Rowan left the house he kissed his mother on the cheek and wished her a pleasant day. Once outside, he immediately noticed the greyish clouds above.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hmmm, It might rain today Rowan thought to himself as he looked up, while he squinting with his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he walked the boardwalk down to the town square he noticed that the leaves of the trees had turned brighter orange though, Last seed had most definitely arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe we would get a summer like last year Rowan thought to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">When we had such warm weather our crops had grown double their regular size

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">''That would indeed be pretty nice. Considering we’d have a lot of food and free time then.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan passed some of the decorated wooden longhouses near the temple and crossed the new stone bridge to the town square where merchants from around Skyrim, and Tamriel were trying to sell their wares. Rowan was always amazed by the woman from Hammerfell who came here frequently. He always had these weird smelling rugs and curved swords. (curved. Swords!) It had some really nice exotic flair to it all.

<p class="MsoNormal">But it seemed he wasn’t here today. No.

<p class="MsoNormal">Today it was mostly merchants for Morrowind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hmmm Rowan sounded worried.

<p class="MsoNormal">Not a lot of Imperials… Rowan noticed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Most people, and especially Nords, wouldn’t be worried. But after what those crazy women told him weeks earlier, Rowan did.

<p class="MsoNormal">He thought back to what that Dunmer said:

<p class="MsoNormal">"If it's not Telemachus doing it through his hard on for War, it's Solaris trying to cause the next Oblivion Crisis."

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked around. to the Jarl’s keep.

<p class="MsoNormal">“maybe I really should tell him…” Rowan concluded after a few short moments of hesitation.

<p class="MsoNormal">“IF this Tele-whatever is going to rip Tamriel apart with an invasion force, the Rift and Skyrim need to be ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Rift being a bordered with Cyrodiil made this all the more frightening.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan left the market and went straight for Mistveil keep. A large stone tower surrounded by thick walls which were covered in moss. It was one of the few buildings that wasn’t modified over the years and looked exactly as it did a hundred years ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan greeted the purple guard as he walked the stairs to the main entrance of the keep. Which was a Nordic decorated wooden door. The crafts work was pretty top-notch. Every corner of the rectangular door donned a dragon. In the middle of the door it was Akatosh, the dragon god of time. For the rest there were ‘Kyne’s wind’ geometrical shapes.

<p class="MsoNormal">After lingering a bit before the door, Rowan mustered his strength and entered the keep of his Jarl.

<p class="MsoNormal">Oskar Honour-House, the jarl of the Rift had just finished talking to one of his advisors as the  entrance across his dining table opened and the silhouette of Rowan walked into the light of the great fire.

<p class="MsoNormal">“hmmm…” Oskar leaned a bit more back into his throne. He noticed it was the son of Heppni Autumn-Arrow. A family well respected in the Rift, though not of kingly blood their family had done a lot for the city and the hold as a whole. They were at least guaranteed a voice in the keep, and Rowan Autumn-Arrow was no exception.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan reached the throne and bowed down to his Jarl.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My Jarl…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Rowan, son of Heppni Autumn-Arrow. What brings you here?” Oskar said as he signalled his house carl there was no danger.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I have heard some unsettling news from Cyrodiil. My jarl.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Oskar frowned. “Oh yes?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes. I have heard whispers of an invasion.” Rowan said as he looked the jarl in the eyes for the first time.

<p class="MsoNormal">“An invasion?!” Oskar shouted in disbelief

<p class="MsoNormal">“…Yes, my Jarl.” Rowan said again with determination.

<p class="MsoNormal">Oskar looked worried. “hmmm, Autum-Arrow… Your name means a lot to this hold. And you have the freedom to come and ask me for any help. But this… This is crossing the line.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But!” Rowan looked disappointed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. Our ties with the Empire have been stronger than ever since the civil war, a hundred years ago. I’m not going to throw all that away, because you had a hunch.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But… There are no Imperial traders anymore, not even on the market square! Not for a few days anyways…” Rowan tried to plea.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Oskar brushed it off. “Is that all you have?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No…” Rowan said a bit quietly

<p class="MsoNormal">“I heard it from a Dunmer down in Cyrodiil.” He then added.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wouldn’t you think an actual Imperial would know what happened in his land better than some prankster Elf?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“…” Rowan couldn’t think of anything. He didn’t have a mountain of evidence to pick from. In fact, he had just shot all his chances.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, my Jarl…” He bowed again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sorry for the disturbance” he quickly added.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s nothing. But next time, think before you come to me… The Autumn-Arrows have a good status in this city… Don’t spoil it.” Oskar made clear to Rowan.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan nodded. Defeated and worried he then left the keep.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Damnit!” Rowan said as he had left and stood just outside.

<p class="MsoNormal">The purple guard next to the door looked at him. “Everything alright?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“sigh…” Rowan shrugged at him and walked down the stone steps, back into the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">I should’ve had Kona with me, she could’ve done the talking…

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan scratched his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal">Guess it’s too late now.

<p class="MsoNormal">However.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jarl Oskar has almost always been right about these sort of things… Perhaps this was no exception. Perhaps that Dunmer was really crazy… I mean, the Breton that was with her certainly was. She didn’t even know what Skyrim was.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan slowly started to place the weird experience as a lie. That’s what it was… There’s no real danger. I mean…  You don’t hear any news from Cyrodiil, right? They just lost their emperor, they’re weak. No way, they were gonna invade the other provinces again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan smiled for a bit. Perhaps it was better this way.

<p class="MsoNormal">Life in Riften II 

<p class="MsoNormal">(A few weeks later)

<p class="MsoNormal">It was so quiet. The only thing that could be heard was the air escaping his nose, it tickled a little, that was all. Rowan had his eyes closed, so he could hear the water acoustics even better. Eventually after a few sort seconds he opened his eyes and looked up.

<p class="MsoNormal">The light of the sun danced on the surface of the lake. Smudge-shaped figures twisted and turned around in the waves above him.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he felt his throat get tighter, he realised it was time to come up for air.

<p class="MsoNormal">He wasn’t that deep under, so a few swings up and he had reached the surface.

<p class="MsoNormal">The transition from the underwater calmness to the windy surface was marked by a splash and a gasp for air.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan quickly rubbed his eyes and breathed through his open mouth. He shook his head swiftly to sway off any hairs from his face.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he opened his eyes and he had recaptured his breath, he looked at Viktor and Arní at the side of the lake.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come on get in” Rowan beckoned, holding his left hand above the surface.

<p class="MsoNormal">The two naked Nords just stood there at the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It looks cold…” Arní said as he held his arms around his shoulders, to shield it from the cool early spring breeze

<p class="MsoNormal">“It is” Rowan replied as he was treading in the waters

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah why not…” Viktor sounded as he walked back and prepared for a cannon ball.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Watch out!” He shouted as he ran up to the edge and launched himself forward. Forming a ball with his body and landed into the lake with a big splash, some of it hit Rowan, who again swayed with his head.

<p class="MsoNormal">Some of it also hit Arní who jumped away a bit. He obviously didn’t like it.

<p class="MsoNormal">After a few milliseconds, Viktor surfaced as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah, man! You weren’t kidding… It IS cold!” He said while he blew some of the water out of his mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan smiled and looked back at Arní.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come on…” He sounded.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní hesitated.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now, also Viktor turned to skinny Nord.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, come on… Get in, ya big baby” He mocked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní looked at the two but he had already made up his mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sorry guys, but not today… It’s just too cold…” He said as he skipped some rocks, back up to the place where the Nords had left their clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Milkdrinker!” Viktor shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní didn’t respond, he just simply put on his clothes again and walked off.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll get him back…” Viktor decided as he wanted to swing back to shore.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Nah… Leave him be” Rowan decided as he held Viktor’s arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“But…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come on… Let’s swim a bit, otherwise you’ll get really cold.” Rowan added.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sigh. Alright. I think, he’s grown soft after his time with those mages in Winterhold…”

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní walked the southern path.

<p class="MsoNormal">A bit angry with himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Damnit Arní!” he said to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How are they ever going to respect you if you can’t even be trusted with such a menial thing…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sigh…

<p class="MsoNormal">“No Matter”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll just, find some of those ingredients for that potion I’ve been working on.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Luckily they weren’t any rare potions but things you’d easily find in The Rift, if you were willing to walk a bit off the beaten path.

<p class="MsoNormal">“let’s see here…” Arní rumbled around in his satchel for the recipe of a medicine against rockjoint. If that book was correct then some Scaly Pholiota would be the perfect reagent.

<p class="MsoNormal">He then put the recipe away again, and started looking.

<p class="MsoNormal">Scaly Pholiota could mostly be found on dead trees so… He needed to look for trees with brown leaves or without them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Some trees in the Rift just don’t survive Skyrim’s winters. Even if it didn’t snow. Arní knew that all too well, considering he grew up here. Though it had been some time since he had seen his homeland again. He had been studying in Winterhold for the past two years now. And had only returned for a short time before he would continue his studies at the College.

<p class="MsoNormal">After some time he had found what he was looking for at the foot of some tree.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah, finally.” He sounded. It had been more of a chore then he had anticipated.

<p class="MsoNormal">He took out his hunter’s knife, ready to cut it off the tree until he suddenly heard something from somewhere in front of him but the tree blocked his view.

<p class="MsoNormal">He sat up, and tried listening to the sound. Careful he didn’t make a sound.

<p class="MsoNormal">…

<p class="MsoNormal">Nothing.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Must’ve been an deer. Probably''

<p class="MsoNormal">Which was odd since there were little to no deer around here at this time of year.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní started to get a bit nervous.

<p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps it was wolf. Ironically he was trying to find a medicine against Rockjoint, would be pretty stupid if a wolf took him to Sovngarde. Considering he’d ever get there…

<p class="MsoNormal">He started cutting again, only faster. He wanted to be done with it.

<p class="MsoNormal">*crack*

<p class="MsoNormal">He stopped again and sat up again. A branch cracked. Only this time the noise was closer to him than before.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Nord got up.

<p class="MsoNormal">A wolf would’ve let out a growl by now, so it wasn’t that either.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní slowly moved around the tree with his hunters knife in the hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hello…” He asked. Less confident then he wanted to sound.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who’s there?!” He asked in rapid succession and also a bit louder.

<p class="MsoNormal">…

<p class="MsoNormal">Nothing.

<p class="MsoNormal">All he could see behind the tree were bushes of the autumnal forest and the mountains behind them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní lowered his knife.

<p class="MsoNormal">Was it all his imagination? He started to wonder.

<p class="MsoNormal">For a few seconds he stood there. A bit unsure about whatever was going to happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly the sound of an arrow being released from its bow could be heard, right in front of him. A cold shiver went down the Nord’s spine but before he could do anything he felt it pierce his throat. Which miraculously hadn’t cut any nerves or crushed his cervical curve.

<p class="MsoNormal">“-urk!” Arní grabbed for his neck. As he stumbled back on the ground. Where the arrow, that got stuck in his throat, pinned him to the soil.

<p class="MsoNormal">He couldn’t breathe but didn’t panic. He was in too much of a shock to actually panic.

<p class="MsoNormal">From his uncomfortable position he looked down to the bushes in front of him and saw Imperial soldiers appear from behind them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní still had the hunters knife in his hand. And didn’t let go. Clinging on it as he was clinging on for dear life.

<p class="MsoNormal">Once one of the imperials got close enough he mustered all his strength and threw the knife at one of the Imperials.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly, even that wasn’t enough and the Imperial was quick to dodge this dying man’s last throw.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arní felt he was suffocating on his own blood and felt tears welling up in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Not out of sadness but because, for a moment there, he thought he saw Sovngarde. It was beautiful.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Nord gladly closed his eyes and left his earthly body.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m going out” Rowan said as he swam back to the shore.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Aw, why?” Viktor asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s getting late, and I promised my Ma I would help with supper.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh ok…” Viktor said as his mouth sunk under the surface.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan got up from the lake, the evening was even more chilly but he could manage. As he quickly skipped to the rock where there clothes lay.

<p class="MsoNormal">He quickly put them on, to get rid of the cold evening breeze. His hair was still pretty wet and plastered against his skull.

<p class="MsoNormal">“See ya!” Rowan shouted to Viktor in the Lake.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ja! see ya..." Viktor replied and started to swim again.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he was walking back to Riften:

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmm..." Rowan looked up.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Those clouds are getting pretty dark..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Maybe a storm is coming..."

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The Fight for Riften '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked outside for a brief moment. clouds had gathered and the booming sounds of thunder started to form in the distance. But there was no rain as of yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Son, be a dear would you… And get the meat from the salting rack.” Sigur, his mother, asked him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned away from the open window and looked at her.

<p class="MsoNormal">He nodded and walked outside to the backyard where he’d get the salty boar meat from a rack.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Perhaps I should speak with Arní… He might feel bad over what happened earlier. ''He thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">The boar meat had a very intrusive smell, enough to make Rowan pull a face. Since he had to carry it in his open arms, meaning it lay there, straight under his nose.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked away from it, in order to escape the smell until he got inside and dropped on the stone slap next to his mother was brewing a stew.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thanks, dear.” She smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan cleaned his hands and brushed off any salt from his tunic. “Don’t mention it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before Rowan forgot.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, I’m going to check on Arní for a bit. I need to ask him something.”

<p class="MsoNormal">His mother frowned but he had just helped her out, so she was mild.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well alright, but be back within the hour, we’re having dinner soon.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Will do.” Rowan said as he walked to the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he opened the front door he looked back at his mother one more time, and closed the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">The moment he did so, a the sound of thunder loomed overhead. The storm was close now…

<p class="MsoNormal">As Rowan walked the late evening streets of Riften where most market stalls were closing shop, due to the bad weather that seemed to be approaching. The orange leaves formed mini tornadoes on the practically deserted streets, as the wind got stronger and stronger.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eventually Rowan reached Arní’s house. Well, It was his parents’ home, but he stayed here temporarily.

<p class="MsoNormal">He knocked on the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">A few seconds later a woman opened the door. It was Arní’s mother, Helgi.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh… Hello Helgi.” Rowan was a bit surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Can I speak to Arní?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“So he’s not with you?” Helgi replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh?” Rowan didn’t seem to understand.

<p class="MsoNormal">A man joined her on the doorstep. Arní’s father. Kristian.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Arní hasn’t come home yet… We thought he was with you.” Kristian said as he held his wife’s hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, he was…” Rowan tried to explain.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We were at the lake, swimming… But he didn’t want to so… He left us. Probably to look for ingredients.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“When was this?” Kristian asked

<p class="MsoNormal">“Euh… About five hours ago.” Rowan realised

<p class="MsoNormal">“Kris… I’m worried.” Helgi looked at her man.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t worry… He’s capable enough. He’ll be here soon enough.” Kristian said soothingly to calm his wife.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked back, to where his house was. He should go home soon if he’d want to be in time for dinner.

<p class="MsoNormal">Screw it…

<p class="MsoNormal">“I could go look for him…” Rowan suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You could? Thank the divines. That would be so kind of you…” Helgi smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know the spots where he always looks for ingredients. Down by the south road. I’ll go have a look.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Talos bless you…” Kristian added as he escorted his wife back inside and closed the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Right… Now I’ve got this… “quest” to deal with…” Rowan said to himself as he quickstepped his way to the south gate.

<p class="MsoNormal">Only a few moments before he got outside of the city, he felt little drops, falling on his face. It had started to rain, soon it would probably get really bad. So he had to be quick.

<p class="MsoNormal">maybe he got deep into his studies, whenever he was… He’d have no idea of what goes on in his surroundings or of the passing of time… Rowan thought as he walked the south road.

<p class="MsoNormal">… maybe he got stuck somewhere, or worse… Maybe he got attacked by an animal… Rowan realised that him thinking about ‘stuff’ right now wasn’t going to help.

<p class="MsoNormal">The rain only got worse with every second.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan finally reached the offbeat track that Arní sometimes used.

<p class="MsoNormal">After few short minutes of walking on said path he heard voices. Quite voices. Instinctively he crouched down, and tried to locate where it came from.

<p class="MsoNormal">maybe he’d been taken by bandits…

<p class="MsoNormal">Seemed that the voices came from behind those bushes…

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan quietly snuck up on them.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he got closer the voices started to sound clearer. Despite the rain which had started to pour down with buckets at this moment he was perfectly able to hear what they were saying. They spoke in odd accents. Something you’d hear from Cyrodiil. They were Imperials, no doubt.

<p class="MsoNormal">“… How much longer.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t know. But we have our orders.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Tch, yea… And it’s raining like mad over here… But no, we can’t have any tents or supplies. Telemachus is one hardcore son of a bitch…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan’s eyes widened.

<p class="MsoNormal">Telemachus! The war mongering Imperial, that crazy woman warned him about

<p class="MsoNormal">“…Yeah, stealth and covert-op seemed the best way to attack head on-fight loving Skyrim.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Though it brings some issues as well…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Like what?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Like that nosey fellow from earlier?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh the Nord?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah… He nearly spotted us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Not sure about that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah well… Didn’t want to take any chances.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Son of a bitch nearly hit me with his hunting knife.”

<p class="MsoNormal">After he mentioned the hunting knife Rowan realised.

<p class="MsoNormal">As it dawned to him he went and sit on the ground next to the bush.

<p class="MsoNormal">His friend… Was probably dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan felt something built up inside him. A feeling sorrow, mixed with anger.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No…” he sounded in whispers.

<p class="MsoNormal">His fists balled up. And he took a deep breath.

<p class="MsoNormal">He wasn’t going to let those two walk. Not without avenging his fallen friend’s death.

<p class="MsoNormal">“They don’t like head on fighting… I’ll show them head on fighting…” Rowan said as he took out an arrow from his quiver.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">The Nord held his breath as he quickly raised his bow and upper-body from out of the bush and coldly looked into one of the Imperial soldier’s eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">After a millisecond Rowan let go of his breath and thus subsequently… His arrow.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which quickly and without any hassle pierced the head of that one Imperial. The sound of bone and organs being spiked was swift and probably painless. But that wouldn’t stop his companion from raising his sword and without question attack his Nord assailant.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan was also quick to drop his bow, he had no time to holster it and quickly, before the Imperial was able to slash his chest, pulled out his sword and blocked the attack with little to no strength. Forcing him on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll show you!” The Imperial shouted as he was going to administer the final blow to his opponent but Rowan, who lay on the floor, rolled away before he could hit him.

<p class="MsoNormal">With his sword lightly stuck in the mossy ground of the Rift he gave Rowan time to stand up again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Finally the raged imperial had managed to get his sword out of the earth and again charged straight at the Nord.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan was much better prepared this time and blocked the attack with some ease. Knocking the Imperial back.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now, he would use his own brand of rage and charged at the staggered Imperial and started mashing on his with all his might. A Nord tactic.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Imperial was able to block some of the first attacks but eventually Rowan managed to slice him in the leg which only made it go downhill from there, as the Imperial had lost all concentration.

<p class="MsoNormal">First the leg, then the stomach, eventually the arm was cut clean off and after that Rowan stabbed the man again straight in the stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Imperial felt his life ebb away as all resistance to fight melted away with his screams. Eventually falling to the ground, lifeless.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan looked at what he had caused.

<p class="MsoNormal">Heart still pounding in his chest. Adrenaline at an all-time high.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Nord dropped his sword and slowly walked over to the body of his friend, near the dead tree up ahead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yes. It was Arní

<p class="MsoNormal">Rowan felt tears of anger well up again as he got seated next to his friend’s corpse.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked all the blood.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a small smirk he grabbed the arrow that had punctured Arní’s neck and pulled it out with little resistance.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked at the arrow, covered with the blood of his friend, but threw it away after a few seconds. There was no way to reverse the process somehow. His friend was dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">“may you find peace in Sovngarde, Brother…” Rowan said as he placed his hand on the cold head.

<p class="MsoNormal">He then stood up and picked up his weapons again.

<p class="MsoNormal">After that he looked back to the body and walked over to once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">“At least you’ll get a proper burial…” Rowan muttered as he placed the body of his friend over his shoulder. He always was on the skinny side, so he wasn’t too heavy.

<p class="MsoNormal">