Private Brothers in the dark

[Minstrel]

BROTHERS IN THE DARK​

"By the Nine, what is that?" Guards on the top parapets of Solitude gathered to the shout from near the battlements overlooking the bay leading into the port. Together they witnessed a series of large fireballs consume the docks below them. Guards and Penitus Oculatus agents alike were left to burn slowly as the fireballs struck Solitude's walls and nearby guard towers while, out of the darkness three hooded shadows were seen disappearing into the icy water beneath the Katariah.

In the early morning pre dawn light citizens from across Solitude awoke to the news that the Emperor had been killed. By midday riders started reaching the other Hold capitals, with Penitus Oculatus troops in each city being activated. Within a day there was no apparent clue that wasn’t followed, in the search for a perpetrator of this crime informants were interrogated, bribes were sent to all possible connections through diplomatic channels. Within the following day news broke from Whiterun, one of the Imperial Council had turned up dead in the Bannered Mare Inn his personal guard all slaughtered, no witnesses could be located even though the Inn was always busy no matter the time. The only clue that could direct any further was a note affixed to the head of the council member a knife embedding it onto the skull of the dead man.

The note showed a blackened hand print and underneath read the legend “To Sithis, from the Emperor”. Finally the Penitus Oculatus had a target, the Dark Brotherhood where involved, exposing paperwork found in the chest of the dead council member showed masses of paperwork detailing the assassination planned and the executed by the brotherhood.

A few days later information was garnered via high level bribes through the Thieves Guild the location of two Dark Brotherhood sanctuaries were revealed within Dawnstar and Falkreath limits. Both were assaulted and both found to be completely abandoned.

It is now a week later no sign of the Dark Brotherhood has been found; Black Sacrament ceremonies both genuine and false go unanswered. It is as if they never existed, yet they are out there the Dark Brotherhood must be made to answer for their crime.

News starts to spread that Elisif the Fair the newly crowned High Queen of Skyrim plans to make an announcement in Solitude in the coming days, rumours of great reward pass to all the taverns in Skyrim and beyond.

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Rules





1. No godding (outrageously over powered characters), no killing forum members characters (unless expressly agreed upon by all players involved), or saying so and so robs store of all goods, ruining the experience of other people. No being a Dragonborn either, in public neutral threads in the story of Skyrim they are very rare, thus it would be un-fair to have one person be a Dragonborn and be able to use Shouts so easily





2.All posts should be relevant to the RP, except for stuff in Out of Character comments <example> OOC: I need to go to sleep now, my character will just go along with whatever you guys decide. Every Story should set up a separate OOC thread for comments for non-partisipants and larger story discussion





3. The RP thread will be monitored by Minstrel, Dunklunk and Start Dale who will also solve any disputes or arguments. Just because I (Minstrel) has set up the thread does not mean I am the leader, all three of us are co-leaders so feel free to ask any of us any questions.





4. You may make NPCs if the situation arises. Ex.




Innkeeper: Welcome to the Winking Skeever, what would you like to drink?




Hero: Some mead would be nice, please.




Innkeeper: Great, that'll be 4 septims




5. Profanity is allowed




6. Have Fun!




Everyone should make their starting posts in Solitude or on their way to Solitude. It doesn't matter where you are, but bear in mind in front of the stage (the executioners block near the gate of the city) is completely swamped with people, as is the local inn. Once everyone has posted their first posts and everyone is settled we will write about the Jarl's speech.

 

[Minstrel]

A soft sunset illuminated the route Circe walked and the trees to her left swayed in a gentle breeze. Under her feet sat row upon row of cobble stone that had been laid there neatly for centuries. Not far in the distance lay Solitude. Even to a travellers eye it would have been visible, the numerous towers of the Blue Palace reaching into the clouds to touch the hands of the Divines.

Not far from the arch that led to the city gates, Circe stopped and turned to the edge of the steep rock face by her side. Pulling down the mages hood that covered her face, she allowed her eyes to adjust to the light and then stared into Skyrims vastness. Below her, slightly to her left was the Solitude docks. In the water, a beautiful ship slowly rose up and down on the gentle waves, as if the river was breathing.

The ship was decorated with Skyrim's flags and the bottom half had been painted a dark red, it's decking was light brown with a smooth finish, but unusual people paced anxiously atop it. To normal people, the men and women that paced the boat would have looked like ants, but Circe could see them well. Most of them wore Imperial armour, they were soldiers for the legion, but some of them wore fine clothes. So it is a royal boat.

Circe began to closely observe the side of the boat, after only a few seconds she saw the word Katariah written on a bronze plaque. She began to ponder the name, seeing if she ever recalled the name from anywhere when she heard the clanking of metal behind her.

She didn't turn around to see what it was, she already knew.

"A fine boat, isn't she?" said a guard as he came and stood besides her.

"Indeed, quite a pleasure to look at." she replied, changing her voice to a more welcoming tone, something far from what it really was.

"I don't suppose you have heard then have you? The emperor was murdered on that ship last week. They think it was the Dark Brotherhood. The whole city is in chaos, I'm just glad I'm out here and away from it all for a while."

Circe's eyes flashed crimson for a moment, but she hid it from the guard and replied.

"Really? How awful. The Dark Brotherhood you say, is there a searchparty on the hunt for them?"

"None that I know of. If you are interested though, I hear Jarl Elsif is going to give a speech on the matter soon. Aparantly she is offering fifty-thousand septims for their heads."

Circe turned to the guard and smiled. It wasn't a real smile, but her beauty and hypnotising eyes made it impossible to even consider that she was faking it.

"I might have to go and check that out."

"I'll escort you to the gate."

Circe nodded and then followed the man through the arch and towards the city gate.

"A woman such as yourself shouldn't be wondering the wilderness at such and hour. You never know what might be out there and I don't see any weapons on you."

"I'm perfectly capable, I have been doing it for a lot longer than you would think."

The guard didn't say any more. He gave her an unsure glance and then turned back to the path. When they reached the gate, he signaled for another guard to open the huge wooden doors. After a moment there was a blunt clank and they slowly edged open.

"Thank you for your assistance."

The guard nodded and then left.

As soon as Circe entered the City she was thrown into a crowd of angry villagers that had congregated in front of a small stage. No doubt it was usually used for executions, but on this occasion it was being patrolled by guards and soldiers. A small podium had been placed in the centre of the platform and on the front of it hung Skyrim's flag. Near the front of the crowd one man was confronting one of the Generals, he was obviously drunk and Circe listened with amusement as he shouted at him.

"Hey you! Why aren't you out there looking for the bastard who killed him eh?"

The General turned around and snickered before pushing him backwards.

"Get back in the crowd villager."

"You did it didn't you? You killed the Emperor! You-"

As he called out again the General's hand gripped the man's mouth and he called for one of his men to take him away. Another soldier came from the platform and took the man by the wrists.

"What do you want me to do with him?" the young soldier asked.

"Do what you want, I couldn't care less."

The soldier began to push him away and the villager continued to call out.

"You'll see justice, you just wait!"

As the drunk was taken towards the Imperial towers Circe turned back to the General.

Maybe I will go and ask some questions. Circe pushed her way to the front of the crowd, not caring if people fell to the ground as she did so. There were steps up to the Platform and the general stood at the top of them, eyes like a hawks, eyeing everyone in the crowd.

"Excuse me, I don't suppose you could tell me what is going on could you." Once again, Circe made her voice less intimidating.

"Get back in the crowd, you'll see soon enough."

"What if I want to know now?"

The General faltered slightly, surprised by her boldness. She could tell it was a while since he had been spoken to in such a way.

"You will be finding out in the Solitude jail if you are not careful, now go away."

The General returned to his observation of the crown. His eyes darted around the City, one minute they were up in the towers and the next they would be watching the houses behind Circe.

"Looking for someone?" Circe said with an intimidating smile.

He turned to speak again but stopped as a woman shouted to the crowd.

"The Jarl has left the Blue Palace, She will be here in a few minutes."

The town's shouting had stopped for a moment to listen to the message but soon picked up again.

"I guess I will have to see for myself what is going on."

Circe turned back to the crown and entered it once more.

 

[Start Dale]

It had been a day since Donmjark had arrived in Solitude and he had spent most of that time soaking up the mead and food while admiring the attractive women who passed him by. Arriving here from clearing a Draugr hole down by a local mine, that had collapsed into a previously sealed and unexplored Nord burial hole.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

He had met a fellow sell sword on the road travelling there and they had decided to split the coin between them upon completion. Unfortunately they had run into an old King or some type of Draugr the thing had some mastery of the voice. It tore through Belrand ripping the very weapons from his hands then it started to attack him.


Thankfully while it was at Belrand it gave Donmjark a chance to counter its assault, hitting it from behind he slashed across its back repeatedly, his Battleaxe smashing through the Ancient Nord armour finally finding the decomposing flesh on its back. It turned and with a lazy swipe of its axe it sent him flying. His head ringing yet as he still had a head he stood while it advanced on him, he tried to block its blows with his battleaxe yet he found the undead assault unrelenting.


From behind Belrand barely alive managed to push his sword into its body till it drove out the other side, at this the Draugr roared out in what could only be guessed at as pain. Taking the Advantage as the Draugr lashed out with an axe causing a gash in Belrand’s head, Donmjark lunged with an overhead strike, bringing his Steel Battleaxe down as heavy as he could on the Draugr’s head.


The blow managed to smash through the helmet of the Draugr and into its flesh cleaving the head open, the blue menacing light in its eyes faded as it fell to the ground. At that Belrand dropped to his knees and fell forward. His head still numb, Donmjark found it hard to focus on him, now that the fight was over it was almost as if his body was trying to shut down.


He turned over Belrand, whose torso was slashed open, the shock of the injuries reeled Donmjark back to full consciousness. He grabbed his companion under the shoulders and struggling he lifted them both to their feet, stumbling he made the way for both of them to the exit. Applying a healing spell to himself he could see it was spilling over to Belrand as the gashes on his torso were bleeding less profusely, yet still worried, Donmjark rushed back to Perth.


Upon getting back to Perth the man helped him get Belrand into his hut, and started applying healing potions and bandages to his torso. Once Belrand had been stabilised the man Perth gave him his share of the gold and a promise to let Belrand recuperate there till he was better.


Instead of waiting Donmjark decided to go on and experience Solitude without his new found companion, instead he left a note with Perth, telling Belrand where he might be able to find him if Belrand decided to follow him back to his home town. At that he left to taste the Mead that Belrand had promised him in Solitude tasted better than anywhere else in all of Tamriel.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sitting in The Winking Skeever, he had noticed the growing commotion all day, resting and enjoying the pleasant feeling of not being constantly physically active. Donmjark had let the commotion and noise merely drift over him. He was reading some book that had been lying in the room he had hired. ‘A Gentleman’s guide to Whiterun’ it was called and though a laughable writing style and worrying assumption about any male visitor’s intentions while in Whiterun, it had made for a decent distraction on this day.


It was coming to late evening and feeling a little tipsy from the mead he had been enjoying leisurely all day, he had his feet up on one chair while slumped deep in the other. Steel plated helmet on the table beside him near one full bottle and a fair few empty bottles of mead. He was debating going upstairs to his room and getting an early night when a guard burst in.


“Quick you must all come at one! The Jarl Elisif is finally ready to make a statement about the assassination of the Emperor. You Mercenary, there is plenty of coin in this for you, if you can wake from your slumber long enough to collect it.” The guard waved his hand dismissively in Donmjark’s direction.


“Yes yes, my liege let me jump to it now, oh mighty one” Donmjark retorted, inwardly though his mind raced. Assassination of the Emperor, the bounty must be massive; he could finally invest in some land, somewhere in a quiet hold to retire to once his bones started to ache. Last thing he ever wanted was to end up a tired out slow old merc, waiting for the next young thing to end his days.


“On second thoughts oh great guard of this fine city, I’ll follow on humbly, coin beckons me” at the guards sneer, he grabbed his helmet clipping it to his armour and left his seat and made for the door, if a little unsteadily on his feet.

 

[dunklunk]

The sun seemed to start its climb into the Skyrim sky earlier than usual, Doonkur noticed. It’s always this way, is it not, Khajiit? he thought to himself, scanning his tent, making sure everything he needed was at hand. A rustle at his tent’s entrance and a whisper caught his attention.

May I come in? inquired a familiar voice.

Enter, Doonkur replied.

Ma’dran, the leader of the caravan, ducked his way into the modest dwelling. You are up early. A good deal too early by even your standards, he said, surveying the surroundings and the amount of gear encumbering his fellow traveler and friend. Doonkur shrugged, already knowing what his friend had surmised. Going somewhere?

The look exchanged between the pair of Khajiits was enough to answer his question. You’re going after the Dark Brotherhood, aren’t you? All those rumors we’ve heard on the road, about that bounty. And now that our camp is right outside Solitude’s front gates. . . . He made a sweeping gesture, unable to finish his sentence.

Yes, you are correct, replied Doonkur. I will not lie to you, Ma’dran. That bounty is oh so enticing. It would be foolish to not, at least, look into it.

Look into it, Ma’dran sneered. Who do you think you’re talking to? It is quite obvious that you have already made up your mind. And I would appreciate it if you didn’t insult me by saying you would look into it.

You are right. And I am sorry, apologized Doonkur.

I just have one question. Why? Is it about the money? asks Ma’dran.

By my count, my friend, that is two questions. He smirked at Ma’dran, who shot Doonkur a scowl and a shake of his head. But yes, it is indeed about the money. Think of all the things we could use it for. Better wagons, better goods to sell and make a profit on, even something as trivial as better blankets.

This is the Dark Brotherhood, Ma’dran hissed. They do not care about better blankets. They would just as soon slit your throat as look at you.

Doonkur replied, I know that. I would like to think that all the skills I have learned over the years from all of you will assist me in this. . .this. . . .

Suicide? finished Ma’dran.

I was thinking more along the lines of a quest or a mission, stated Doonkur.

The pair stared at each other, neither willing to budge, until, What do I tell the others? asked Ma’dran.

A shrug from Doonkur is what he received as a response, and, Tell them whatever you wish, but not the truth.

Ma’dran nodded in agreement, then continued, And what of the other two? Because you know neither Khayla nor Kharjo will accept what feeble attempts I may make at explaining your absence. As Talos is my witness, Kharjo would skin me alive just to get a bead on your whereabouts. Actually, now that I think about it, Khayla would most likely do the same.

Doonkur couldn’t help himself, and laughed at the suggestion. Yes, yes, they would at that. Kharjo, my long-time drinking and carousing buddy. And Khayla, who always seemed like the mother I had always longed for. For them? You can tell them the absolute truth.

Out of habit, or just to drop a subtle hint, Doonkur started to adjust his gear.

I understand, said Ma’dran. I am keeping you.

Approaching Ma’dran, Doonkur held out his hand. The elder took it and pulled him closer. You are like a son to me. Stay safe, don’t be stupid, and return to us.

After giving him the most confident smile he could muster, Doonkur turned and exited the tent. Sunshine was already warming him, as he looked into the short distance, seeing Solitude’s gates beckoning.

 

[.ol0w0lo.]

There was a slight breeze, and the air carried the strong scent of sea water from the oceans to the north. Butterflies and birds fluttered from place to place. The sun beamed down on the Imperial. Despite the recent events, the area surrounding Solitude seemed… nice.

Adelaisa yawned as she sat at the base of a tree. She had decided not to travel by the roads, and had instead wandered through the wilderness of Hjaalmarch hold. She was an imperial soldier gone rogue, after all. When was the last time I slept? It must have been in Bruma, what, three days ago? Her journey had been a long one. In one week’s time, she had come to Skyrim from the Imperial City. Food had been scarce, much like the time she had allocated for rest. Her legs ached from the many miles she had traveled. But it had to be done. The life of the emperor is at stake. Four days ago, members of the Penitus Oculatus had received threats on the life of the emperor, who was to bury his cousin in Solitude. They had been ordered to stay in Solitude and wait for his return, but Adelaisa didn’t trust the security in Skyrim. It was the Penitus Oculatus of SKYRIM that let my emperor’s cousin die. It was the Penitus Oculatus of SKYRIM that let the son of Commander Moro die. How can they be trusted with the life of the emperor? Adelaisa was careful not to close her eyes. She wouldn’t dare risk falling asleep here in the middle of an unfamiliar forest. She stood once more, and continued to trek onward toward Solitude. It can’t be much further.

And it wasn’t.

After thirty minutes of walking, she saw the familiar emblem of the East Imperial Trading Company from across a river. She could hear people speaking and a mill churning somewhere off in the distance. At last, she had made her way to Solitude, or atleast its outer limits. The imperial walked around the edge of the river for a while in search of the fastest, driest way to cross the river. She finally managed to find herself at a small lumber mill on the other side of the river. As she walked through the mill, she overheard two men speaking.

“You know, they say it was the Dark Brotherhood that assassinated the Emperor.” Adelaisa stopped walking, shocked by what she had heard. Emperor Mede? Dead? She stepped in a bit closer, so as to hear their conversation more clearly.

“Aye. Jarl Elisif will give a big fancy speech today, and a reward will go out to the lad or lass who kills them. Personally, I’d prefer not to get mixed up in that business. If it really is the Dark Brotherhood, it’ll be hell to track them down and kill them before they do the same to you.” What of the Katariah? The nord seemed to hear her thoughts, quickly answering her question. “We’ve got more important things to do anyway, eh? That dock will need to be repaired, and they’ll need lumber to rebuild it. Our lumber. We’d better get back to work.” He giggled to himself. “Shame the ship wasn’t damaged; maybe we could have supplied the lumber for its repairs too.”

Adelaisa’s thoughts went immediately to her father. Is he alive? Was he with the emperor when it happened? A deep fear grew inside of her. What if her father was dead?

Jarl Elisif… giving a speech. Perhaps there will be more details.She looked up at the city of Solitude, the Towers of the Blue Palace dominating the sky. There would only be one place to gather any information of the assassination, and it was there.

She soon found herself walking up a hill, the large gates of Solitude in front of her. She readjusted her robes, making sure that her emblem was showing. Perhaps she would be let in as an officer of the Penitus Oculatus.

It was rather easy to enter the city, the guard only asking what business she had inside. “I’m here to hear your jarl speak.” The Nord opened the gate, allowing Adelaisa into a rather large, obstreperous crowd. The most vociferous of the group was a well dressed man standing near the front. He was an imperial, like Adelaisa. He was older than her, though not by much. "Hey you! Why aren't you out there looking for the bastard who killed him eh? You'll see justice, you just wait!"

Adelaisa watched as the man was apprehended and escorted away from the crowd, a soldier firmly tugging him all the way. As the two vanished out of sight, Adelaisa noticed a woman approaching one of the man’s apprehenders. Their conversation was brief, but Adelaisa found that she couldn’t take her eyes off of the woman, even as she walked off of the platform.

"The Jarl has left the Blue Palace; she will be here in a few minutes." She lost sight of the woman as she dissipated into the crowd. She turned back to the rest of the crowd, working her way toward the front. She eagerly awaited the arrival of this Elisif, and the news she had to share.

 

[Isara12]

"FIND THE BASTARDS WHO KILLED THE EMPEROR!"

"MAKE THEM PAY WITH THEIR BLOOD!"

'will you people just shut up!?' in the winking skeever, a imperial boy had his head down against the counter, as a mercenary of some sort drank away next to him. Then the guard burst in, and most people left to join the crowd. Corpulus watched the motionless boy just sit there covering his ears form the noise.

"Wake up form your nap on the wrong side of the bed, Zexion?" Corpulus asked. The boy looked up at corpulus, his eyes burning holes into him.

"That stupid mob is too. damn. loud." Stated Zexion, with an obvious sting in his voice.

"do you even know whats going on out there?" Corpulus inquired, cleaning a brandy mug.

"yeah, I know. Tidus Mede II is dead, etcetera etcetera" he said leaning back."They all want the money so bad, they are all so greedy..."

Zexion then got an idea. He still had the note form HIM. He got up, dropped a sack of gold before Corpulus, and headed for the door.

"Corpulus, if any adventurers ask for info on the dark brotherhood, tell them that a boy was here that mentioned something about the dark brotherhood"

"I presume you want me to tell them where your headed?" corpulus smiled a little, knowing about how if Zexion was willing to help, he would have some fun first.

"Yes, tell them I headed for Shor's Stone" and with that, he was out the door

when outside, a guard gave him a funny look. With his black robes and dark rings under his eyes from his ruined nap, Zexion looked like a necromancer who turned himself into a zombie. He watched the large crowds before the stage. Zexion wanted to make a riot break out among them, but they might kill innocent bystanders. Seeing the doors open for some lady, Zexion took the chance, and left Solitude.

As he walked down the pathway. Zexion reviewed his plans in his head: go to Shor's Stone. Wait for someone to come asking for info about the Dark Brotherhood. If soemoen comes, tell them about what going on, and offer to help for a share. if no one comes for three weeks, go to Dark water Crossing and met visit Derkeethus, and then plan life accordingly from there.

 

[caravan guard]

Ma'r was sprinting down the docks. He looked back to see 3 khajiits chasing him. He ran as fast as his feet could carry him. He looked back again and noticed the khajiits on his heels. He ran faster,he spotted a guard up ahead and cursed. He knew what would happen. The khajiits yelled as they chased him "Guard stop the Snake..He has stolen from us" The guard turned around and ran at M'ar "Halt!!! Child!!!" M'ar held his satchel tight as he dove into the water. It was the only escape.

He sat at the bottom and waited a few minutes. He observed the undersea vegetation. He picked up a seashell and lifted it to his eyes. It looked like the same seashell his mother had around her neck. "No mother had a pearl necklace to go with the seashell." He spoke to himself as he swam up. He was midway up when something caught his foot. He looked down to see the very pearl necklace he spoke of.

He swam back down and untangled the necklace. It was stuck on some wood. He looked further, all of a sudden he felt pain in his left shoulder. He gripped it and felt a hook. My pole!!!! He had forgotten the sole purpose he was in solitude. A khajiit stole the last thing M'ar's father gave to him a wooden pole.He looked up to see a khajiit peering over the edge. M'ar tugged the hook, the khajiit leaned out to see him. As he leaned M'ar pulled the hook.

The cat's plunge set a ripple effect among the water. The ripple made M'ar's scar tingle. He quickly swam over to panicking cat and grabbed his pole. He then took his time and swam all the way around solitude underwater.

He decided to stop near a farm. He poked his head up and saw no guards. He leaped out and walked towards the gate. He was just at the solitude's docks but M'ar didn't think the guards where smart. He entered with little difficulty. He checked his satchel for his mother's jewerly. He felt the pearls and seashell, he also felt his prize. The fish was freshly scaled and ready to eat.He couldn't believe the khajiits were smart enough to even catch a fish.

As he walked through the crowd he was given dirty looks. He brushed against a woman who was observing a speech of some sort. She was cold to the touch perhaps He was in the water too long. He was midway through the crowd getting closer to the traders, when a guard grabbed his shoulder."Foolish....did you really think you were going to escape you thief?" The guard dragged him towards the dungeon. M'ar Squirmed and wiggled."Release me!!!! I earned this fair and square!!!! They stole my pole and used it to catch this fish!!!!" He stomach growled. He reached into his satchel and threw the fish on the cobblestone floor."Here if you want it that bad here!!!!" He Gripped his fishing pole tightly he would never give it up. The guard paid him no attention he kept on dragging him towards the dungeon. M'ar would have to grow accustomed to the prison life.

 

[Muart]

A hooded figure walked toward Solitude from the Thalmor Embassy. The Dunmer, Me'tan had been waiting his whole life to assassinate the Thalmor when they first killed his kin. He was so happy to know that he killed already most of the Thalmor. Suddenly, he heard a howl. He summoned a Familiar and then got his dagger out. The dagger had been a gift from his dad, made of pure steel. The first wolf came and started biting and scratching the familiar. Before the familiar could finish the wolf off, it vanished. I stepped into action. I got the thing to open it's mouth and then I stabbed into it. The wolf stopped moving. I went over to the 2nd one and sliced it's head off and then blasted the 3rd one with Flames. I looted them and started walking again. He sheathed his dagger as he thought, I wouldn't get put in Jail would I? The elves are bad people. Walking until he noticed shaking in the bushes, he unsheathed his dagger. He kept walking, since there didn't seem to be anything, until he felt something touching his satchel. He turned around to see an Argonian, taking away my precious jewelry and running away. I summoned a familiar once more and then got my dagger and chased after him. His skin was red, and he was wearing some kind of leather armor. He was small and had a mace in one hand and a shield in the other. I got to him first, and I slashed at him. My dagger hit him? No. Just to be blocked, I slashed and stabbed and twisted and twirled but this Argonian had skill. I parried a hit coming my way then twisted my stab. That finally seemed to get him. He stopped, yet to start again. He bashed me in the head, and I heard a crack. I tried getting up but my head hurt so much. I sprayed the Argonian with Flames and then threw my dagger in the middle of his neck. He coughed out blood and then fell. I got up, dazed, and felt some sort of dark, evil power. It was coming from his mace. I grabbed my dagger, and then fell down again. I was sore all over and I had a big gash on my arm. I sheathed my dagger when a voice from the mace spoke out to me : Come here, little friend. I have a surprise for you. He knew that voice. That was someone who had possessed a good friend before. That someone was Molag Bal. He got up and started running toward Solitude for his life while Molag's spirit got out of the mace and started chasing him laughing.

 

[UnLonged]

"How am I supposed to know that a bear would just suddenly maul me?! Bears in Skyrim are too territorial; you'll see them just lying down, and the moment you step on a blade of grass or kick a tiny pebble just a short distance from them, they go ballistic! I won't be suprised if a person suddenly petitions someone to hunt them just to thin their numbers."

I nod my head, seemingly in agreement. He is unaware that the only thing in my mind is that I need to get out of this dreaded sun.

~+-------------------------------+~​

It was midday. I was being accompanied by this Imperial fisherman who lost his way. I found him lying down in the forest, attacked by a bear, smart for him to play dead. I gave him a spare potion, strong enough to heal him of his wounds, though he is quite woozy. He said he was going to Solitude to trade his goods, or whatever's left of it. He asked if I can accompany him. I was planning on going to Solitude anyway, so I agreed, in the condition that he would pretend to be my servant. Would be unusual if I look like a nobleman, but have no servant to accompany me.​

~+-------------------------------+~​

​

"Say, why were you out in the wilderness? Aren't you afraid of being mugged? A man of your stature should at least be riding a horse, and accompanied by a bodyguard in the wilderness" said the fisherman with a puzzled look on his face.

Hmm. He has a point. "Well, I was actually planning on hiring someone. But that would just slow me down, and having a bodyguard would just make me a bigger target for thieves."

"A "bigger target"? Well that's preposterous. Having a bodyguard would make those lily-livered cowards think twice about robbing you."

"Well, having a bodyguard would mean that I have something valuable to protect. And besides, I am quite capable of protecting myself."

We continued to argue about the issue as we near our destination, the capital of Skyrim, the city of Solitude. I remember the time when the vineyards of Gracelands would deliver wine to Solitude, at the request of the Jarl himself. My father was overjoyed each time a caravan would deliver a case to Solitude. Now, they are supplied by our then competitor. They call it Firebrand wine. Piss-water.

We stopped for a while as we reached the walls of Solitude to admire the sights. Even the marshlands that spread towards the town of Morthal was a sight to behold. It was enough to stop our mouths from throwing disputes.

"What is your business here, nobleman?" the guard asked as he stood between us and the gates, preventing further entry.

I heard news of the Dark Brotherhood's assassination of the Emperor, Titus Mede II, three days ago. Couriers would travel endlessly from one place to another to spread the news. Can't say how it affected me, because it didn't. But still, events like these shouldn't be ignored.

"We would like to hear High Queen Elisif's announcement and other information regarding the Dark Brotherhood."

The fisherman was about to tug my clothes. I think he is still woozy as his hands passed my arm. I turned to his bag of goods.

"And trade some wares, perhaps, to the local vendors."

"Alright, go on in. The High Queen is about to make her announcement. Shops are located just beyond the gate, other vendors are gathered beyond that."

The gate was barely open and I could already hear the unsettling crowd.

As we enter the city, the fisherman hastly thanked me for accompanying him, said that something about me seem to scare the bears away. I smirked as he walked pass the crowd gathered in front of the platform and headed towards the trading area.

I stood in the shade when a woman suddenly let out a loud scream, settling the uneasy crowd.

"The Jarl has left the Blue Palace! She will be here in a few minutes."

 

[Start Dale]

Donmjark walked into the courtyard a press of people immediately greeted him. Grumbling to himself and feeling the worse for mead. Placing his hands on the shoulders of two people in front of him he started to push his way through the crowd. He half heard the grumbles of those behind him spurred on he kept moving deeper into the crowd making his way towards the execution stand.

"Jarl Elisif is coming, make way!" A number of Solitude guards with theirweapons drawn pushed the crowd to the sides making space for the Jarl to come through. She was followed closely by Falk Firebeard her personal steward. The one thing Donmjark found interesting was the lack of Imperial troops or Commanders amongst her prosession. Eventually the Jarl made her way to the centre of the executionary stand. She stood behind the block still covered from the blood of the last person to face Skyrim justice.

A guard walked towards the Jarl and handed her a resplendent two handed Deadric battleaxe; it glowed from blue to red in waves pulsing in her grasp. The pulse highlighted the edges and groves of the battleaxe, sparkling white light when the red and blue overlapped.

"People of Solitude!" The Jarl's voice rose like a roar silencing the murmur of the crowd. Taking the battleaxe she swung the blade overarm and in a ferocious movement she buried the blade into the execution block, the shock of the impact reverberated through the crowd.

"The Emperor is dead, there remains no perpetrator brought to this block! Even when the Imperial forces found their target; The Dark Brotherhood. Yet they have yet to find a single member of the brotherhood. As i have ascended to the throne of High Queen of all of Skyrim it is my duty, our duty as a people to bring these monster to account!" She walked to the edge of the stage and looked out to the crowd hands open in benediction.

"I understand as a people we are used to balancing the honour of being Nords with the anarchaic structures forced upon us by the Deadra. Well they have tarnished our land with their evil presence for the last time, we all have read or heard the rumours of how and why the Dark brotherhood operate. As high queen it is my duty to lead us to a better way, I will start here; I decree that any citizen found performing the Black Sacrament will be brought to this block. Where i myself will use this blade to sever the head from their body and trap their soul within it for eternity. I can imagine the threat of death not being enough to scare those who would break my laws however i am certain that you are all Nord enough to want Sovnegarde to be open to you after you pass from this land. If I find any one enabling these monsters in there dark practice i will insure they never set foot within Sovnegarde!"

The crowd was silent as the speech of the Jarl sunk in, the Jarl herself waited for the full flavour of her words to reach the assembled crowd.

"My people i welcome you all to my city no matter your race however i can no longer tolerate those that would kill those that sacrifice their very name to bring peace to this land. I will insure that these monstrous worshippers of Deadra are brought to the justice of this blade buried here in the block. Yet i need your help! The Imperial forces have tried valiantly to locate the scattered murderers yet they lack the tools to complete the job. I find myself no longer trusting in their abilities so i turn to those that this land is founded on. The adventurous the cunning the fast the strong, those that know the land of skyrim. I am putting up a reward of 100,000 septims to those that can bring me the Dark Brotherhood members to this block, where i intend to trap them with those that would support them forever within this axe. Let them eat each other for eternity never knowing the succour of Sovnegarde!"

The Jarl closed her eyes, when she opened them the fire that had danced within them during her speech had faded. She looked briefly at peace, then she spoke one last time.

"This Battleaxe will remain here under constant guard as a reminder of our shared shame and the redemption that we can seek together as a people by purging this land of its sickness we have let grow for too long. If anyone wishes to come forward to help us purge this land of the Dark brotherhood, you can speak to myself and my steward within the Blue Palace".

With that she swept off the stage followed by her procession bar two solitude guards who took flanking positions on the Battleaxe.

Donmjark stood there as the words of the speech sunk in slowly he wondered who else this quest would attract and how they could possibly ever seek out all the members of the dark Brotherhood.

 

[Minstrel]

Circe stood motionless at the front of the crowd and listened to the Jarls speech. When the woman had finished she kept her eyes fixated on her while she made her way down the steps. For a mere moment the Jarl had turned and caught here eye, feeling heat behind Circe's gaze, feeling the anger and hatred for nothing but the world itself. But then it was gone. Circe gave the woman a wide smile and she turned away without a second glance, armed guards following closely behind her. 100,000 septims. That would do me just fine.

Circe turned sharply and began to make her way back through the crowd when she suddenly bumped into a tall, steel plated Nord man.

"Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was walking. I think you did more damage to me that I did to you anyway." Circe said looking upwards with a smile at the man.

(ooc: that man is you Dale by the way.)

 

[Start Dale]

Donmjark looked down at the lady who had just collided with him. The jarl's speech had truely sobered him up, yet thrown him somewhere deep inside himself. The idea of not making it to Sovnegarde worried him deeply, more so than he would have expected.

"Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was walking. I think you did more damage to me that I did to you anyway."

"Pardon, oh hello. Did you hear that speech? I mean i heard something about a bounty but 100,000 septims. Still the Dark Brotherhood, not easy prey. I think it would be easier chasing down Dragon priests"

Donmjark only now spotted the woman before him, slowly coming out of his trance from the speech.

"Forgive me, lady no damage intended. Listen i am making my way to the Blue palace. Though if i could perhaps escort you somewhere as a way to make up for my clumsiness there i would be more than happy to do so."

 

[Minstrel]

"Have you ever tried chasing down Dragon Priests?" Circe said raising both eyebrows "Its not as easy as you might think. Say what you want about the Dark Brotherhood, they'll not last a minute with me on their tail."

The man looked down at her, jumping slightly as he realised how far below him she was.

"Forgive me, lady no damage intended. Listen i am making my way to the Blue palace. Though if i could perhaps escort you somewhere as a way to make up for my clumsiness there i would be more than happy to do so."

"If you wish."

Circe suddenly threw her head forward, letting all of her hair nearly touch the floor, roughed it up and then threw her head back up. She let it fall naturally a bit messy, she liked the look. With a smile she spoke again.

"Lets go."

 

[UnLonged]

The high queen is coming. The guard at the gate has not let me out of his sight ever since I came. I think it would be best if I join the crowd, I already look suspicious by staying here in the shadow. It's a good thing that the sun has set.

~+------------------+~​

Dusk. I am in Solitude awaiting High Queen Elisif's speech regarding the events that transpired days ago, the Dark Brotherhood's assassination of Emperor Titus Mede II. A bold act in comparison to what they have been doing before. A bunch of lowly murderers suddenly becoming destroyers of a society. As if the dragons are not enough.​

~+-------------------+~​

I made my way into the crowd, which is quite a feat given their ecstatic behavior. Guards even hauled some of them, I think one was an argonian. Poor kid.

"Jarl Elisif is coming, make way!"

The guards came with weapons in hand and parted the crowd like it was water. And then there she was, the High Queen of Skyrim, Jarl Elisif the Fair. Strange, those who guard her does not don the standard uniform of Penitus Oculatus agents. Are they ashamed of what happened that they dare not show their faces? I bumped into a woman earlier with an emblem of the agency. She may be an agent from outside of Skyrim as her face shows eagerness, eager to hear the jarl as if she will hear the news just now.

A guard then showed up and gave a battleaxe to the jarl, it was of daedric origin. My knowledge of enchantments allowed me to deduce that the battleaxe possesses power that binds the victim's soul into the weapon itself. A dreadful faith.

The jarl then called out to the citizens. "People of Solitude!" As the silence of the people become eminent, the jarl swung the axe and stuck it to the block, almost as if a member of the Dark Brotherhood's neck was stationed there.

As the jarl continued on with her speech, I felt a presence, almost as dark as mine. I usually feel blood rushing through the veins of others, but this one is different. Different in a sense that it belongs to many, yet travels as one. I walked past the crowd, still trying to listen to the jarl, looking for the one who emits this slightly dark aura. I stopped in my tracks as the presence becomes stronger. My eyes darted from left to right then suddenly, my eyes are fixed to this hooded figure. As I made my way to this stranger, a lumbering nord shoved me deep into the crowd. He reeks of mead, almost as if he bathed himself with it. I lost the stranger but I still feel their presence, albeit quite faint. I decided to focus on the jarl as she gave her final words.

Hmm. 100, 000 septims. Add that to what I currently have, and that may be enough to buy the land where Gracelands once stood. But the Dark Brotherhood? If they were in the state before this whole scenario happened, I may be able to take them on, but now, working with a group seems to be more viable.

I pondered on who might be qualified to take on this task with, then I saw two people still hanging around the stage. It was the drunk nord, and the hooded stranger! I walked hastly towards them as the presence from before becomes stronger.

"Excuse me. I don't mean to intrude but, are the both of you making your way to the Blue Palace?"


(OOC: I apologize for the length, I got carried away.)

 

[Minstrel]

(ooc: I hope you were talking about me and Dale, I'll write a reply now.)

"Excuse me. I don't mean to intrude but, are the both of you making your way to the Blue Palace?"

Circe heard a voice say behind her. She turned, looking the man up and down.

"What is it to you?" Circe said in a spiteful voice.

She knew what this man was, the unnatural scent that lingered around him gave it away. Of course, a mortals nose could not smell it, but it was a scent that followed all Vampires. A scent that made dogs howl and birds flee from the trees. She hated it. She hated them.

"I don't like your kind, so don't keep me waiting on a reply." she growled.

 

[Start Dale]

"Lets go."

Donmjark was impressed by the fortitude of the woman, especially considering her size being much shorter than him.

"When i said Dragon Priests, only once, really i meant Draugr Deathlords. More recent and painful but here i am still"

He tried to put on a bravado based smile and felt the mead from the day fight it. Realising he was most likely still reeking of mead and not appearing at his most battle ready. He gave up on the bravado, when a strong woman makes a definite drive forward it doesn't do but to follow in her wake. At least till he can gather himself.

"Excuse me. I don't mean to intrude but, are the both of you making your way to the Blue Palace?"

"I see no harm in it, if" Donmjark stopped feeling embarassed he realised he had yet to be introduce himself to his new companion "Forgive me, before i continue here i must ask how should i address you both, what are your names? I am called Donmjark, a simple if effective mercenary for the right amount coin that is".

 

[Start Dale]

"I don't like your kind, so don't keep me waiting on a reply." Circe growled.

Donmjark could feel the strength of animosity from the female yet he didn't know why. He wanted to ask but thought it best to maybe leave these two to sort it out before he interjected again.

 

[UnLonged]

(OOC: Indeed I am.)

"What is it to you?" She gave a harsh tone, as if I dropped all the problems of Tamriel on her. One thing would justify that, she was "turned" unwillingly by another force. Something I'm very familiar with, I grasp the locket in my pocket and decided to let her behavior slide. "I don't like your kind, so don't keep me waiting on a reply."

"I see no harm in it, if" said the nord. He is more welcoming than the woman, although his smell is quite off putting. "Forgive me, before i continue here i must ask how should i address you both, what are your names? I am called Donmjark, a simple if effective mercenary for the right amount coin that is".

"Pleased to meet you. I am Wostrun Grace, an arcane enchanter. Not so much for a title, but that is how I make my living."

"I apologize if my presence bothers you." I said to the woman, with a slight smile on my face.

"Regarding my question, if the two of you are indeed headed to the Blue Palace and about to take the high queen's task, may I join your band?"

 

[Minstrel]

"I apologize if my presence bothers you." the man said to Circe with a slight smile on his face.

"Regarding my question, if the two of you are indeed headed to the Blue Palace and about to take the high queen's task, may I join your band?"

Circe stepped inbetween the two men, her eyes now a deep crimson pit of fire. She took a step forward and moved her face mere inches away from the man's face.

"Do not smile at me." Circe said in a slow growl. "I know what the rest of my kind are like."

She lifted her hand slowly to his chest, put her fingers on his ribs and pushed him lightly. With a smile she let her fangs slide into view. Not in an attempt to scare him, she knew that wouldn't work for obvious reasons, but instead it happened naturally.

"Don't think you can take me, because you can't."

She turned back to her Nord acquittance with her eyes still blazing red. Then, after holding his gaze for a moment, shook her head and stormed off towards the Blue Palace.

"I'll meet you there!" she called back.

 

[caravan guard]

M'ar stopped resisting. He was dragged all the way to the dungeon. They dragged him downstairs. The guards took him to the end of the hall. All the prisons were filled with criminals. They took him to a cell filled with one man. He was old and had a scraggily beard. He had rags all over his body. There was one guard at his cell. The guard yelled to them from a distance "The dungeon is full!!!! This prisoner is high risk he cannot stay with others." M'ar's escorts turned around and took him to the office room. They stopped at an old man wearing penitulus armor. His left escort spoke "Sir, This child was caught stealing and the dungeons are full what do we do? " "How old is he?" He was shoved. "I'm 13" "He is no child in black Marsh. We have to respect their customs by doing so we will utulize their punishment system." "But sir we can't execute him no one will do it." "Fine give him to the queen he will be chosen to hunt the dark brotherhood. He surely won't survive." "No!! No !!! You can't" they lifted M'ar off of his feet and carried him away. They set him down once he was outside. "Sorry man...Rules are Rules" He walked into the blue Palace and sat down. He was told to wait for the queen to stop conversing.