Tamrielic Adventures: Vol. 2

[Kerr]

Ravel

Ravel closed their eyes and took a few deep breaths before turning around and looking at the bath again. "It's fine, don't worry, I'm just not good with big baths or rivers... lakes... the ocean... particularly large puddles." The young mage gulped and shook their head. They began to speak at a rapid pace. "But it's fine. I'll just wait here, I won't fall in. It's fine. I'm fine." They let in and out another deep breath.

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok - Willowdale Baths

Grelok managed to suck back a quick breath of air before he and Nora went underwater.

Given the limited depth, the Orc quickly righted himself, and stood up. He helped Nora up onto her feet, inadvertently drawing her closer to him.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

Nora fumbled a bit as she splashed into the water, far too caught up with tossing Grelok in.

As she fell under the warm wave the two formed, she readied herself up, all the while a gentle but unseen hand helped her all the same. As she stood, arcing her back into open air, her drenched hair drapped across her, she looked up to see even after all that, the thief never left his hand far. A small smile formed

She laughed, heartfully and dearly, bearing her arms closer to her sides as if it just seemed natural to hold them in. As it died down, she wiped away a false tear "Ay am most unforgiven, I hav'nt the slightest to say w'at become of me to do that" she tried her best to suppress more laughter, replacing it so with an ever sly smile.

She stepped closer, ignoring plenty on how they looked, and pointed a finger ever closely to his jaw "Perhaps ye just be deserving of it, I'd say" and twice then, she patted that finger upon that cheek

[Aarah]

Eolwyn

The sound of an Orc and a Nord hitting the water, followed immediately by a subsequent wave that travelled from their point of contact, all the way to the bath edges, was enough to stir Eolwyn from her relaxation.

She opened her eyes and looked at the pair.
"Oi, kid's pool is next door. This one's for relaxing in." Her tone was neutral, neither stern nor amused.

[BetaB17]

Nora chuckled a bit "Aye aye, our long-lived companion" she waved playfully towards Eolwyn "Where be the harm of showing a lil youth from time te time" all the while looking away from Grelok, her attention drawn elsewhere

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok - Willowdale Baths

Grelok reeled Nora in close--gently, of course. If she wanted to let go or pull back a bit, she could--otherwise, they would be chest-to-chest, and face to face.

[BetaB17]

Nora looked puzzled a bit, as her attention was drawn from Eolwyn to now.. "Grelok?" He always had this aura about him, something she always had trouble gleaming his intent from. "What be of this?.." Confused as she was. She chuckled a bit behind a small smirk "Perhaps ye be too shy of water after our prior encounter?" But before giving him any chance to respond, she leaned up, balancing herself by placing a hand upon his shoulder.. and pushing him deeper into the water. Her chin brushed up the side of his face, smooth as ever, as her lips neared to his ear "Or jealous.."
She drew away, drawing some gap between the two, at least, enough to keep her body from rubbing up to him so frequently. Having brought him deeper, she was no longer as exposed as before, at least, to those afar

She tilted her head to the side a bit, reaching up and brushing a wet strain of hair from her face "Ye really ought te' have a towel though" she fought the urge to smile, but quickly relinquished her attempt "An' last I knew, I was made not of cloth"

[Aarah]

Eolwyn

As she looked on at the two, Eolwyn gave a solemn smile, then returned to resting her head back and closing her eyes.
Stendarr, please let them survive this heavy burden that has fallen upon us. They have not lived their lives yet. They have so much to give.
The Bosmer's mind drifted to the letter she wrote earlier that day. May it travel safely to its recipient. She only wished that she could say the words in-person.

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok - Willowdale Baths

"Jealous? ...Of water?" Grelok pondered the sentiment for a moment, before grinning like a boy. "I guess the water does...caress, in a way, that no man or mer could do and live to tell. Outside of the Imperial tradition, yeah, a bath's an intimate thing, isn't it?"

He rested his arm on the edge of the bath, in the absence of Nora's shoulder. "A towel? Maybe. But uh, sharing is caring, right?"

[BetaB17]

"Oh please, keep up th'at talk an Dibella herself will smite ye herself" she said teasingly. Nora receded back, near to Eolwyn and Niralie to relax. Among their company she remarked "He be one with words n' cheek, dont ye say?" settling down into the warm and calming waters

[Unionhack]

The Story Continues

As a jovial time was had in the hot bath, the heroes whittled the time away; minutes became hours, and the hours passed all too quickly thereafter. When the group of Seekers departed, joined anew by the young Ravel, it was with a renewed communal spirit that they marched on to Farrun.

Dorian was almost entirely silent for the length of the trek; whether his mind was occupied by a dreaded reunion with his Noble family, his pending fatherhood, or some other matter, was up for debate.

Thus it was in contrast that the sullen Breton sprung to life when the party cleared the bridge leading into the city proper. "Alas," he spoke, "never brighter has the jewel of High Rock ever shone. Almost brings a tear to the eye to see the hearths burning through the windows."

It was true; despite the falling snow and the biting snow, Farrun was an idyllic sight out of the stories told to children 'round the midwinter festivals. Glistening snow brushed away from the roads reflected the soothing fires of burning lampposts, giving every street corner a glistening sheen. Families gathered for dinner could be spied around their hearths through frosted over windows. Indistinct chatter littered the ambience of the streets, but all talk was in positivity: well wishes between families and friends, invitations to joyous trips to taverns, and working songs sung during lazy labors could be heard in equivalence.

"Right then..." Dorian spoke, tearing the party away from any fixation on the scene that they may have had. "Laennec Manor rests near the center of the city, naught but a decent walk away. We can inquire to the location of any potential... 'baubles'... from my father. Once I have sufficiently gloated over him, we can decide how to spend the night that follows.

The spires of Laennec Manor stood in the distance, nestled against the setting sun.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

Jovial indeed. Her spirits were on high and upon that night her memories still fresh as they warmed her ever bonding companionship

At the Dusk of Farron

She stood gazing at site, understanding the sentiment her friend must be having to see home once more. The young Skaal kept bundled beneath her attire, her cowl doing little to mask her rosy cheeks and confidence in her face. "It be like setting mine eyes upon this land with new intent. May the sun bid us good fortune on this reunion" she said similar in prayer, brushing her hand upon her brow to shade her eyes

She turned to face Grelok, raising a finger to him in her ever cheeky display "Aye, an we best be on our good behavior?" her whole approach and demeanor portrayed a feeling of closeness to the orc unlike before, a running trend in this most recent travel "Don't need no deft hands going where they mustn't belong, aaayyyee???"

She brought herself away from Grelok for a moment, saving him from her scolding judgement for now. Instead redirecting herself to Ravel, though the change in her enthusiasm was sharp. Crossing one arm over the other, but still able to point into their direction "An' you. Best not go around accusing n' causing a ruckus, aaaaayye?" She said through a simple smile, and finishes with a wink. It wasnt she thought little of them, more that she knew not everyone would take as kindly as they had

[Kerr]

Ravel

The northern peak of High Rock was about as cold as it got and despite all their travels in Skyrim, the weather still took some getting used to. Ravel shook their head and smirked after Nora's comments. "Oh, don't worry about me. At this point all I want to do is find a nice warm fire and stay there for a while. Could sleep on the bearskin rug, maybe set up an apothecary, sell the left over charcoal for food. Leave braving the cold to your people." said Ravel. They were probably going to with this group for a while, it was best to at least try fitting in.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

"Does though prefer the hearth of Sahqo-Strunmah over such foreign lands? I pray for thee should the very winds of Atmora ever brush thy cheeks" the Skaal teased upon the dunmer

:

Sahqo-Strunmah means Red Mountain in the Dragon Language

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok
"Ahh, this guy saved all our lives. I'm not going to burgle him." Grelok said dismissively. A playful smile crossed his face. "...But beyond that, My Lady Kynareth In The Flesh, I can make no promises for my hands!"

Grelok coughed awkwardly as he realized too late that he should bite his tongue.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

Nora chuckled to herself, all a part of her gesture as a hand rested on her hip and a smirk of triumph touched her smile "Oh? Dearest rogue, do tell" like a cat to whom could corner her prey "Do tell.." she patted that same hand against her hip, jostling her longsword where it rested, as if baiting him to just try his luck, he and his silver tongue, and perhaps see where it gets him, all upon finished with a bold wink

No, this wasnt the taste of triumph on her face nor voice, no that had been achieved long before just now. She was displaying something else, boastfulness. A thrill to its own

[Baloth-Kul]

Laennec Manor

Before too long, the party stood at the front gates of Laennec Manor. Just beyond, a small stretch of cobblestone road led to stairs, which in turn stretched up towards a grand set of oak doors. The main structure was almost 40 feet tall. Spires flanked either side of the manor house. Many arched windows gazed out onto the manor grounds, some of which bore ornate patterns in the Breton style, as well as a few empty balconies.

Three outbuildings also occupied the grounds--the stables, a toolshed, and a small house that was likely for the servants.

[Kerr]

Ravel

"No point standing around." said Ravel. Ravel walked up and pushed on the gates, seeing if the were open. If they were the young mage would walk on through and wait at the top of the main stairs for their companions. Wouldn't knock on the door just yet though.

[Unionhack]

Dorian - Laennec Manor

Dorian strode forward to knock upon the manor door. A minute or so passed, and Dorian stood poised to knock again with an annoyed look on his face, until the double-doors opened inwards. Standing in the now open doors was a Breton man, well-dressed in servant's finery but seemingly a tad frazzled. "Master Dorian; a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one."

"Hello to you as well, LaCroix. Where is my father? I have things I wish to discuss with him." Dorian inquired.

LaCroix frowned at the scion's inquiring. "Your father has been out of sorts this past week ever since the rest of your family left for Glenumbra for the Moon Festival. Speaking to the staff less and less, and just the day prior locked himself in his study. I've been concerned about his health as of late, and I don't think another argument is the best thing for him at the-"

Dorian held up a hand to stop the butler in his tracks. "I'm not here to argue, LaCroix. Indeed though my father can be quite the [&@%!] to rival even myself, this is a visit of business. He will speak to my compatriots and I, rest assured." he spoke. Dorian looked over his companions, flashing a shaky smile that conveyed the readily apparent worry that Jacme's condition could be an omen of something far worse.

The butler relented and stepped aside. "Proceed then. I'd never bar you entry, Lord Dorian, nor could I even if I desired so; I just implore you, try not to cause another bout. Your brother may be absent, but the house suffers regardless for your posturing."

Dorian simply scoffed and proceeded inward. "Come along then, let's see what father is pouting about now."

[BetaB17]

Nora followed at the tail wind of Dorian, peaking her head in first through the entrance, twirling a locke of her hair so. The curious look upon her made it seem like she was no stranger to breton's finery, but as if she was comparing no less "A wel'come home I suppose.. aye an a big home a' tha't." As she walked in, she flashed a kindly smile towards LaCroix with a humm of melody about her steps. She looked so out of place, an yet far from lost

[Alarra]

Niralie - Laennec Manor

Niralie shivered in the cold as the group made their way through Farrun. She had hoped that leaving Skyrim meant that they’d left the snows and freezing weather behind them, but she had to admit that the town held a charm that Skyrim’s rugged terrain never could.

She stared up at the manor, impressed, as they approached, and silently watched the exchange between Dorian and the butler. At the mention of Lord Jacme’s health, Niralie frowned, concerned. “Is something the matter with his health?” she asked the butler, LaCroix, as the group made their way inside. “I’m a healer - if there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”

[Unionhack]

Laennec Manor

LaCroix proceeded up the main stairwell of the abode, shaking his head as he passed. "While it is not my place to suggest methods of mending to my lord, I should hope that he agrees to such aid. It ails me to see him in such a state."

Dorian overtook the butler as they proceeded upwards. "Oh, I've got medicine for him alright." he mumbled softly.

The party finally reached the door of the study. LaCroix made a motion to knock upon the door, but Dorian superseded him by moving to try the lock upon the door. To some surprise, the door was not locked; quite the opposite in fact, it was slightly ajar. Dorian placed a hand on the hilt of his blade and proceeded forward with caution.

When the entire party was in view of the now open doorway, they laid eyes upon not one, but two figures. One was recognizable as the motionless form of Dorian's father Jacme, laid out upon his desk as if he had fallen asleep mid-letter. The other was less a natural fit to the room; a tall Dunmer man in a sleek black tunic, accented with shining gold and emblazoned with a strange symbol.

The Dunmer pointed a short sword at the group as they entered, and the party could hear the sound of several blades being unsheathed behind them. "At last." spoke the room's second occupant. "Tell me the truth; did you or your associates kill this man? He possessed valuable information that is now beyond my reach. I would have answers, and I would prefer to have them sooner rather than later."

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok - Laennec Manor

Grelok's eyes darted from Jacme, to the Dunmer, and then to the edges of his peripheral vision as grateful blades sung of their release from sheaths.

"Don't move!" Grelok urged. His words seemed meant for his comrades, but he was also looking at the Dunmer as he said this. "No, we didn't kill him. So he's dead...? And you..."

The thief tried to assess the situation. Dark elf, dark clothes. Trained killers, given they knew enough to wait in ambush. That symbol? Grelok had no idea what the symbol meant, but it sure looked Dunmer. And if they're here with questions, probably questions about the Threads, then that makes them...

"...The Morag Tong, I presume?" Grelok's mouth was beginning to feel a bit dry. He felt an ache in his back, in his neck, as though his body were painfully aware of how vulnerable he truly was at this moment. If talk gave way to violence, this would not end well.

[BetaB17]

Nora felt her heart sink when she the figure in the room, and of Dorian's father for what she first assumed as asleep, but it looked more and more like they walked in on a scene of a crime

What more, what of Dorian? And of the trap they so clearly set off?

She brashly pushed between the old man and Dorian, not to merely stand in front nor charge at this so be assassin, but to quickly push her forearm into Dorian's chest, and pin him by the door from doing anything more rash than she.

"An' n' what in te ma'ny hells of you then?!" Her temper flared at the Dunmer "Ye damned'd [&@%!]" clearly, she had a way with words

[Alarra]

Niralie - Laennec Manor

As they approached the room, Niralie was initially focused on only Jacme. She was too far away to see what state he was in - asleep, otherwise unconscious, or, gods forbid, worse - but a feeling of foreboding washed through her at the sight of him hunched unmoving over his desk.

The stranger's challenge and brandished blade got her attention. With a horrified gasp, Niralie recognized the strange symbol from books she had read: The Morag Tong! She turned her head sharply at the sound of swords behind them, trying to quell her rising panic. What hope have we against professional assassins?

She said nothing, simply obeyed Grelok's suggestion and remained where she was, glancing nervously back at the assassins behind them, and listening to the exchange between the two.