Rather nonchalantly, Aria caught up with the two, holding Yuki's hand as she led the curious child up toward Whiterun's gates. The guards returned to their patrols, albeit a little shaken. It's not every day you face down a duo of giants charging straight for the battlements, after all. Still, one had to wonder how they felt about Aria & Cronic... charging straight back at them... Those two were nuts, but they were good people to have around.

"Y'know, this is the best coincidence ever," Aria chuckled, "We were about to go hunting high and low for you, Serena. Never imagined you two would show up as we prepared to leave!"

Yuki smiled absent-mindedly as the gates were swung open to let the four inside, and over the bridge leading into town. Western civilisation looked... cozy. She could get used to this kind of setting.

"I'm flattered, though I don't quite know what I did to warrant such a search." Serena said, raising an eyebrow at Aria, before Cronic responded.

"That would be my doing. It was me describing you to Aria that provoked her curiosity." Cronic said, as Serena turned to look at him as they walked.

"Though given all that's happened of late, a little good luck is fine by me. Vampire attacks, Dragons, and we think the Dark Brotherhood's been sent out to try and kill us too." Cronic said, folding his arms as he thought back upon everything that transpired of late.

"To say it's an "Odd Jobs" business, we do seem to piss off the wrong people every other day."

"The Vampires started it," Aria shot blandly at the two, "Self-defence. Law and order every time. That's Odd Jobs," she said before clearing her throat. The gates of Whiterun opened before the four, a common sight for the two residents of course, but Yuki was amazed to see Dragonsreach up above the rest of the small city. A wooden palace? That was so very different from Akaviri fortresses. Or any other strongholds for that matter!

"I was just telling Yuki here what we do for a living. She's very excited~, what would you say to joining a particularly violent Odd Jobs business? We got a good thing goin' with the Jarl. So many septims..." Aria chuckled as they headed up the main street toward what was once the house for sale, now the office and home of Cronic & Aria!

"We accept payment in Septims as per the norm for any business really. Though we don't care much for reputation and for good reason; One person flaps their gums to the wrong Altmer and we'll have the Thalmor kicking our door in and hauling us off someplace to never again see the light of day. Not something we're really keen on, to be honest." Cronic said, shrugging his shoulders as he walked.

"...Well, I do owe you one for saving my skin back there..." Serena said, folding her arms in thought.

"And it sounds like an ideal way to explore more of this land and its cultures!" Yuki exclaimed cheerfully as they arrived in front of the shop. The stray was curled up sleeping on the cobbles, attracting the attention of the priestess. And the cat's gaze was drawn to her, too. It was strange, that moment in which they just stared at each other.

Aria could've sworn she felt magicka radiating from their sort-of pet cat, but strolled inside anyway. Yuki would follow shortly after.

"The desk is practically our whole work area. The rest is... home. I crash down here, Cronic's in one of the upstairs rooms. I'm sure Yuki can have a room to herself, and Serena can sleep in Mr. Crystalis' room!" the redhead coughed, expecting to get punched any second now. Maybe the partner was in a good mood!

Oddly enough, Cronic just went to tending to his bedroll on the floor, seemingly unphased by the remark.

"I don't actually mind that idea. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't mind a bed to sleep in after what just happened today. I'm used to sleeping rough anyway." Cronic said, as he sat down atop the bedroll.

"Up the stairs. Single door on your right as you head toward the master bedroom." Cronic said to Serena, who nodded and went upstairs, presumably to drop off her heavier gear, like her sword.

Unluckily for Aria though, Cronic had simply been plotting a delayed vengeance, and the second she dropped her guard she'd find herself smacked in the face by a fish, with Cronic holding the rear end of it.

"Totally worth it."

With a smug grin, Aria watched the two head upstairs. Yuki clinged to Serena, as she was still her adventuring partner despite everything. Unfortunately the journey upstairs was rather short, ...but there was a warm bed for each of them, so it worked out! Maybe settling down here was perfect. If she could recall, Whiterun was central, a place she could travel anywhere from by following the right roads.

"Veeery good on the defence there, Cro-!"
*SMACK*
"AUGH! SON OF A BITCH!" Aria yelled as something slapped her in the face at full force, leading a sizable red print where it made contact. No way was she backing down now! Leaping at Cronic, the redhead tried to tackle him to the floor whilst brushing her knuckles on the top of his head at an insane speed.

----------

"Miss Serena? What did that word mean?" Yuki asked, tilting her head as the sounds of non-serious battle erupted below.

"...Let's just say it's an insult right now, and leave it at that." Serena said, taking off the harness used to keep her greatsword fastened to her back and setting it to one side in the spare bedroom, and stretched as she yawned.

"Just hope those two pipe down soon." The swordswoman said as she sat on the edge of the bed, sleepily rubbing one eye.

------------

Having anticipated the motion, Cronic responded by sidestepping the bundle of rage that was his boss at the moment, wincing slightly as he watched her essentially faceplant the wall.

"Next time you feel like making decisions, don't make mine for me without giving me any say first." Cronic said, before heading off to start cooking the fish. He doubted Aria would be quick to get back up after that, but he wasn't letting his guard down just in case.

"You're a jerk!" Aria growled at Cronic from underneath two crates of mead bottles that had spilled out, but thankfully not smashed. She huffed, apparently giving up as she got on her knees to carefully stack everything back into the crates, and eventually back into the corner. She stared menacingly at Cronic for a moment, then took a deep breath, strolling over to her desk to sit down, folding her arms as she restrained herself.

"I learned from the best." Cronic said in response to Aria's insult, the smell of fish cooking soon spreading throughout the house.

------------

"...He is so going to regret saying that." Serena said to herself as she lay down upon the bed. After having effectively run a considerable distance while running from a band of pissed off Giants, Serena was naturally exhausted, and was more than content to just sleep her troubles away, her eyes closing of their own accord.

"Master's probably rolling in his grave that I didn't see that sidestep coming..." Aria groaned, setting her eyes on the door as her hands shifted under her chin. It was still only noon... What was there to do today? No jobs, none of the Jarl's men stopped by with bounties or rewarding missions. Maybe it was time to try find out some more about these vampires, or their leader. The weird bone-mask cultists on Solstheim could be interesting to pursue. Or maybe they could go scout for dragons - knowing where they might fly in from could save lives in Whiterun.

...Meh.

"I'm gonna go see how Riverwood is holding up. Wonder if they'd let me rent a horse to make the journey quicker..." Aria said, heading for the door.

"Alright. I'll just make sure that our new arrivals don't go provoking any more Giants while I cook them something to eat. Skyrim has enough problems as it is right now. We don't need loose cannons adding to that." Cronic said, briefly glancing towards the second floor before Aria left.

"I should probably go down to Riverwood myself once these two are settled in... Though at the moment that just leaves Yuki." Cronic said, hearing the snoring coming from what WAS his room.

At this point, Serena was sound asleep, the sheer adrenaline of the last few moments wearing off, coupled with how far the pair had run having sapped her energy.

As Aria rode across the stone bridge into Riverwood, two hunters also on horseback stopped on their ride out and looked at each other knowingly, the male of the two raising his hand to get the redhead to halt. The female Dunmer kept her head on a swivel, specifically keeping watch on the forests. The male was an Imperial, a genuine look about him, but he seemed troubled.

"Madam," he greeted Aria with a tip of his head. "You were one of the dragon slayers, saved everyone last week, aye? Impressive work... Got to tell you, though. Thalmor been pokin' around here the last few days, probably about the dragon. You might be better off heading back to Whiterun if you're uh.. disliked. Just a heads up."

Aria raised an eyebrow and peered over his shoulder. Riverwood seemed much the same as it always was, save for a little more liveliness, but that was to be expected with Thalmor presence. Aria would bet even Aldmeris in their home territory was deathly quiet... But would that be through dutiful discipline or fear? "Thanks. I'll watch myself, enjoy your hunt," she replied calmly.

"Hunt?" the Imperial smirked and chuckled, lowering his voice, "We're outta here - maybe head to Windhelm. No Thalmor in Windhelm!" he whispered giddily before once again giving a bow of his head and taking point. "Let's get movin', Lithas. Long, cold, dangerous road ahead."

The Dunmer woman snapped to attention and gave Aria a quick smile before following after the Imperial, their horses quickening into a run as they moved further away from Riverwood.

"Since when did the Thalmor care about dragons killing defenceless Nords?" Aria asked herself, letting her horse trot slowly into the village.

--------------------

Once dismounted and the horse secured outside the inn, it didn't take long before the Thalmor demanded a moment of Aria's attention.

"I would demand a moment of your attention," a golden-armoured Altmer stated plainly, like they all did...

Aria began to nod slowly. Dealing with these types was pretty irritating. Not to mention, every single time they spoke it was demanding, there was always something they wanted, they wouldn't ever give, or bargain, it was just their right to do whatever they wished, and everyone would comply with them, yes? No!

"Get to the point, I don't have time for people who have no time for any blood but their own," Aria replied in a dull tone very similar to the Thalmor soldiers' own. He seemed a little offended. Good!

"Your lack of cooperation has been noted. You shall tell me where I might find a woman named Delfine," the soldier commanded without losing his cool.

"Owns the tavern here, didn't delve into her personal life. Privacy is important to some people," Aria coughed.

"Are you trying to get yourself listed, girl?" the Thalmor shot back, causing the sides of Aria's mouth to twitch upward. If she could provoke him into trying to arrest her, this would be a very interesting trip to Riverwood indeed... She wondered if Jarl Balgruuf would tolerate one of the Dominion's agents being killed or injured on his turf. Was it worth chancing? ...Probably not.

"Already answered your 'demand', mind getting outta my sight?" Aria cheekily added. The Thalmor and the Akaviri hybrid stared each other down as Riverwood ground to a halt for that moment, all eyes on the pair. Fortunately for younger onlookers, the Thalmor decided to walk towards a guard bridge, breaking visual contact with the Odd Jobs' boss once out of murdering range. Aria smiled sweetly at him before he turned away, started humming politely, and entered the tavern!

"My win," she snickered.

--------------------

Across the river, a figure in foreign clothing and autumn-coloured hair in a ponytail looked on...

"Same as she ever was, yep..." he smirked.

Within the tavern, a red haired nord Male sat at one of the tables, turning to look at Aria briefly before returning to his meal. The hair on his head came down to his shoulders, and judging from the sword at his side, and the garb he was wearing, it suggested he was little more than a traveller going from place to place. But judging from his expression, upon seeing Aria enter the inn, becoming a little concerned once his back was turned suggested he was anything but.

"Hm. That's the girl from the night before. I hightailed it out of there before she or her companion saw me, so there's no risk of her recognizing me. They've not heard my voice either." The nord thought to himself, as he began to think.

"That vampire though... I'd be lying if I said that there wouldn't be repercussions for my actions. Given how bold they've been in recent days, it wouldn't suprise me if I became a target for their vengeance... I knew I shouldn't have taken that contract. I'd best try to return to the sanctuary as soon as possible. I'm a sitting duck out here in Riverwood."

"Hey Delphine, some loser in shiny armour is looking for-"
"She's not here."

Aria's expression grew curious as the owner's assistant answered from behind what should be Delphine's desk. A big fellow, a Nord, good sort. "She took off in armour, with that one they keep calling 'Dragonborn', just told me to look after the place in her absence. You need a drink, or a room?" he asked.

"Just dropped by to see how the village is coping. Dragon attacks tend to leave a lot to clean up," Aria replied, concerned.

"Ms. Draconis, don't you worry about it. All is as it should be thanks to the Jarl's men giving us a hand."

With that question answered, Aria gave a polite bow of her head to the Nord she couldn't quite remember the name of. She went back outside to survey the damages all over Riverwood herself. By now the foreigner from across the river was crossing the bridge into the village, the Thalmor on the guard post above staring at them the whole way.

The nord waited for several minutes, before exiting the tavern, and proceeded to walk away from riverwood. Right now all he wished to do was put as much distance between Riverwood, Whiterun, and himself as he could before the day ended. But he suspected that Thalmor operative was probably not going to just let him waltz off unnoticed.

"Damn Thalmor. They have the imperials on a tight leash, and there is nothing they can do about it. Now the Thalmor roam Tamriel freely and kick anyone who isn't a Thalmor operative into the dirt. I wouldn't be suprised if non Thalmor high elves were treated just as poorly. Those bastards must think the sun must shine out their arses. If it were up to me, I, Phaethon, would personally see them slain to the last if it paid well enough." Phaethon thought to himself, as he continued to walk.

As Phaethon reached the road out of the village, he begun being tailed by a man in heavy black robes... How did they get to him so fast? Naturally it would be suicide to confront or even attack him in plain sight. The vampire would just keep on his heels for now.

And... the Thalmor would keep.. on the Vampire's heels?! And trailing some way behind the Thalmor soldier was the red-haired girl! This was becoming some kind of conga line of death leading out of Riverwood! Even the foreigner joined in, and started following the redhead!

"...This bodes ill." Phaethon said, sneaking a glance at the individuals behind him as he walked away from the village.

"Vampire, Thalmor, and the redhead firebrand, plus some other stranger following me. Can't afford to slow down, step out of the open, or make any sudden moves. No doubt the Vampire will act if I try to make a quick exit..." Phaethon thought to himself, slowly reaching beneath his coat and grabbing hold of a fist-sized sphere made of what appeared to be clay.

"Timing is key. Too early or too late, and the Vampire'll no doubt sink his fangs into my neck. Vengeance for killing one of their own, no doubt." The scarlet haired nord thought, as he maintained his present pace while sticking to the road, watching, waiting for one of the others to make a move.

"...It's a nice day today, isn't it everyone?" the Vampire broke the silence as the five hit the road, completely ironic as he was wearing such thick robes that the sun couldn't touch his skin.

The Thalmor could be heard drawing his blade slowly, "Why not prove you don't burn up in the sun? You're a dead giveaway," he taunted, smirking evilly. This is what he wanted! Not interrogating pathetic villagers...

"Why don't ya' stop walking so my sword just so happens to slip into your back? Nobody's gonna miss ya'," Aria spoke up from behind the Thalmor, having drawn the katana and getting dangerously close to impaling him, causing him to nervously start accelerating! This in turn made the vampire walk faster as well. Meanwhile, the foreigner following Aria had dropped back away from the conga line of death, taking a bomb similar in appearance to Phaethon's out of his kimono.

"We're out of innocents' view now, so how about we all just stop and take a deep breath...?" the vampire suggested, unaware of the further irony that Phaethon was carrying the most inhumane weapon in Tamriel. Taking any breath would be torture!

"And there's my door." Phaethon said, promptly turning on his heel before lobbing the sphere at the ground in the middle of the group, the casing spitting on impact with the ground that released a thick cloud of smoke. Using the resulting discord to his advantage, he swiftly fled the scene.

The smokebomb itself was a lot more problematic than obscured vision though; Said smoke also had mammoth dung mixed into it, the stench of which would basically cause everyone's eyes and nasal hairs to burn, not to mention it would stick to their clothing for weeks.

"Laas, Yah Nir." Resting out of sight to admire his own handiwork, the aura whisper Thu'um allowing him to see the silhouettes of the unlucky people following him gagging on the smoke. As the smoke began to clear, he promptly cast an invisibility spell and left the scene before the victims could regain their composure.