Just as Tarja feared.

Such grim words to hear, Riker, dead, and certainly not by age, for the old man had the strength of a full-grown mammoth and could fare more than a few harsh winters in old Skyrim.  Just by the painful lamentations and sobs of poor Asuma, shedding every last burning tear she could bring to her sore, melancholic eyes, the Forsworn woman could only believe his death was not a peaceful one, that there was foul play afoot, hence why Asuma would be in search of her father's last known companion, at least from what Tarja could tell.  Well, Hircine rest his weary soul upon the verdant plains of the Great Hunt, and may someday Tarja join the man Riker again on another outing with the Stag Prince under the Blood Moon.

[b]"There there, child."[/b]  Tarja whispered kneeling down and resting a comforting hand on Asuma's shoulder.  [b]"This is grave news indeed you bring from Cyrodiil, but your father was a warrior, strong and courageous.  His death was not in vain if it were to protect you, his only kin."[/b]  Given, she may have wrapped the weeping youth in a hug, yet Tarja wasn't much for showing that sort of emotion.  [b]"You need to dry your tears, Asuma, and carry on, for the sake of your father Riker.  He'd be proud to see the warrior you've blossomed into."[/b]

And just as her hand retreated to her side, a commotion sounded from behind her.  Tarja turned, just in time to catch eye of the Orismer roughing up that mouthy Breton he was escorting.  A tad bitter was the sight, since Tarja, though not a Breton herself, was fond of the people of High Rock, and in a curt motion she drew her dagger and leveled it at the Orc just as he released the man, leaving him on the floor to cough and wheeze at his throat nearly crushed by brute strength.  [b]"Ease that temper, Orismer!  Or it shall be my blade in your throat!"[/b]  Tarja snarled clenching the hilt of her dagger tighter.  Not only did the big green bastard rough up a Reachman, but he also evidently terrified poor Asuma with his show of natural Orcish brutality, just making the situation worse it seemed.