"Yes, Alea came to us a week ago with a letter the Harbinger sent to her. It said something about a secret meeting and the Thalmor. Alit is the one with the letter," Jarett said as he walked past the gates and waited for Velan to catch up. Zazar seemed to have wasted no time in looking for information despite his mistrust of humans. Solitude had little Nords in it, most of them were Imperials, but he still understood the uneasiness of his Companions.

"Haskell, you are welcome to search for the Harbinger with us, the more, the merrier." Jarett grinned and patted the man on the back as he walked past him. "We shouldn't worry too much about him. That man is the most powerful man in Skyrim. Maybe he's just taking a little vacation and catching a break from this gloomy place." The Redguard shrugged and began to look around the city. Solitude was a beautiful place. It didn't compare to his hometown, but it was beautiful. It just lacked color. Everything in Skyrim lacked color.





"I am really glad you enjoyed it." Keldan's smile widened as she took Maira's hand and shook it. "And you can call me Keldan." She could see now that the orc woman was just a few inches shorter than she was. "It is very nice to meet you," She glanced over at the man when Maira turned. Keldan had seen him a couple of times around Solitude; he was known to be a slippery man with the guards. She remembered him seeing him getting caught for petty crimes. I wonder what she wants with him. Keldan thought as she let her fingers linger just slightly on Maira's. "I hope to see you around, Maira, it's not often that a pretty face passes through Solitude."

With that, she continued to play. Someone requested The Dragonborn Comes, so she obliged and played the song for the man on the far right corner with several bottles of Nord ale on his table. Keldan stole glances at the orc woman and the man as she sang and played. The bard's college had thought her more than just tales, songs, and music. She had learned to read people, to asses them and to examine their behavior and reactions. Seducing and deceiving was something most bards also knew how to do quite well, and Keldan thought she was quite well at it. Ever since leaving the Summer Isles she had to survive one way or another, and she couldn't be picky about the methods she used to get where she was now. If she wanted to know or have something, she would do whatever it took to get it. And right now she wanted to know why a pretty face like Maira was in Solitude.

Velan put away his pipe and lifted his head the Inn seemed like the most logical place to check for information and a warm drink to chase off the cold. Velan walked in the direction of the Inn he caught a glimpse of the sign The winking skeever a charming name Velan thought to himself with a chuckle
"Jarett let's get a drink we can ask around inside" he said as he waved the Redguard over.

It was win win for Velan Jarett loved to talk and was at ease doing such which left Velan with the task of getting drinks which is easier said then done when everything on the menu tasted like a chamber pot. It was however about time for some inebriation after the torturous carriage ride to the City.

Haskell turned to walk right back into the city proper. 'Secret meeting' and 'Thalmor' in the same sentence was a recipe for disaster, and considering the meeting was in Haafingar of all places? "...Wonder if Elenwen ever forgave him for that mess in the Embassy all those years ago," he said to himself, a little tickled at the thought of crashing one of their parties.

Haskell located Alit after she finished questioning some civilians, which she apparently resorted to after getting little from the guards. "Here's the letter," the mage took a folded piece of paper from her pack and handed it over. "It seems like the Blades are being hunted down again, and since the Dragonborn is also the Harbinger, we might be in a little bit of danger too," Alit squinted in thought for a brief moment, "But we've got a decent team so far. We should be fine."

The Nord went over the letter more than a few times. So Sky Haven Temple wasn't safe-- it's been lost for who knows how long before the whole Dragon Crisis, and its security was already under threat.

"Oh..." Maira was caught off guard by Keldan's words, her cheeks turned a slight shade of red and she's pretty sure her hands became twice as sweaty at that moment.

"A pretty face you say? Where? " she made a fake surprised gestured, turning her head from side to side making it so as if she's erratically searching the room. She let out a few nervous giggles.

"Thank you. that very much means a lot, coming from a charming bard such as you." she said, with sincerity and slight dunkness. "I know it's rude to cut off a compelling conversation, but, will you excuse me for a moment?" she strode off and left Keldan with her playing.

Maira made way to the man at the corner of the inn. Clearing her throat and adjusting her cloak, she leaned her elbows on the surface of the bar, facing the other shady fellow. "Your little club's in town. They just got through the gates" he said, "An Argonian, Dunmer, Bosmer, Redguard, and a Nord they just met up with recently. They could be on their way here."

"Sounds like the start of a glorious tavern joke. Interesting." Her tone and made an obvious change of seriousness. She reached out a purse full of coins and handed it to him. The man let out a crooked smile. "Nice doing' business with you. Oh and say hello to Vex for me will you." He was one of vex long time informants, she was glad enough to let her use some solely for the guild's business, among other things.

Maira let out a satisfied sigh as she let the man go, and turned to face Corpulus, signaling him for another drink. Once in a while she would glance over at Keldan who was playing a widely familiar song to everyone. At time they would catch stares, and every-time she would take a huge sip of her drink. "Dragonborn comes, then Dragonborn leaves. Where in oblivion could he be?"

"We'll be in the Winking Skeever if you guys need us!" Jarett called out to Alit and Haskell as he followed Valen into to the inn. Once inside they were met with the strong smell of Imperial ale and the sweet music of the lute from a tall Altmer bard to the right. He hummed softly as he walked past Valen to Corpulus with a wide grin.

"My friend! It has been such a long time!" Jarett approached the counter and motioned Valen closer to the Imperial man who was looking at Jarett with an amused smile. "Looks like age is treating you quite nicely. You haven't aged a day!" It was partly true. Corpulus looks just slightly older. His sideburns had a few strands of white and his beard had even more.

"Ah, Jarett," Corpulus replied as they shook hands. "It has been a long time since I last saw you!" The last time the old Imperial had seen the Redguard was when he had done a few odd jobs for him. Some would stay unspoken between them since the law deemed Jarett's actions illegal, but none of them mentioned that as they talked.

Jarett ordered two drinks, one for him and one for Valen. Imperial mead. It was sweeter and had more taste than the shitty drinks some Nords drank around here. They both sat on the bar as they drank. Jarett looked around quickly, noting some patrons sitting by the tables, the bard, and the orc woman in the bar with them. She wasn't looking at them at the moment so leaned forward to be closer to Corpulus.

"I'm sure you've heard the rumors, friend," Jarett took a sip of his mead. "Our dear Harbinger seemed to have disappeared into thin air." He glanced to the side to see if the orc woman had reacted, just to see if she was listening in. "My companions and I were wondering if you had any information, friend."

Corpulus had been cleaning a tankard as Jarett spoke. He knew about the Dragonborn's disappearance, but he hadn't seen him around Solitude. The man was sneaky, Corpulus knew that, so he wasn't too surprised if he had been in the city and the Imperial hadn't noticed. "I don't much. Only what I've heard from other people, Jarett, but I do know whatever happened to your Harbinger must be big."

Jarett sighed and pulled back to run a hand through his hair. He looked at Valen with a shrug. "Well, if you don't know anything we'll pay for another round while we're here. Oh! And rent some rooms since we are probably going to stay here a night while we search."

If the disappearance of their Harbinger was no secret, they should just put up a reward for any information. 10 or 20 gold pieces for information wasn't a bad idea. Good enough to just get some leads right now since they were working on nothing.




"...It's an end to the evil
Of all Skyrim's foes
Beware, beware
The Dragonborn comes

For the darkness has passed
And the legend yet grows
You'll know, you'll know
The Dragonborn's come"

Keldan bowed as a few people in the building applaud her song. She had been playing for a few hours now, and her fingers were starting to ache. She didn't let it show. Bards were supposed to be beautiful and graceful. Any sign of pain or displeasure would just put off the clients. "I will have to apologize as I will take my break now. Please enjoy your meals." She smiled at the ones who whined a bit but turned back to their meals and continued to eat quietly. She put down the lute carefully and headed for the bar.

She had noticed the two men entering the inn when she had been playing, but now she could see them more closely. One of them was a Mer, and the other was a Redguard. She just smiled when the Redguard turned to glance at her direction. "Evening, sir." She greeted as she sat down in one of the stools, a couple away from the two men, and waved Corpulus over. "Can I have the usual? And a glass of Alto wine, please." Corpulus gave her a nod and poured her a glass of wine while he told Minette to prepare the meal.

She glanced to Maira and waved a little over her shoulder, motioning her to join her on the stool beside her. She was curious about the orc woman and wanted to know more, and they hadn't finished their previous conversation. Her position was perfect. Close enough to the newcomers to eavesdrop and hear whatever they had been so secretive around. Maybe it was something to do with the Dragonborn. Probably was.

Velan smiled as the smells of the tavern hit him with full force while the alcohol was foreign Drinks were drinks for the most part.
He was mostly passive while just as he thought Jarett handled the talking. He couldn't help but feel fire in the pit of his stomach at the sight of the Altmer bard. Velan held his tongue as starting trouble after they just had reached Solitude was not a wise option.

Still he could not hide some visible cues of malice, he looked at Jarett with a somewhat concerned face " Well let's at lest get a drink in us while we still can knowing Alit we'll be knee deep in Drauger sooner than later." he told Jarret Velan scanned the room he noticed an Orcish woman she had a lovely face for an Orc. Velan drank his mead with intent before pulling out his ornate bone Pipe. most did not mind some smoke one could hardly smell it over the scent of people, Drinks and the torches that burned. From a small sack he pulled a small container of a fine grey powder which shimmered ever so slightly it was made from a beetle Native to Valenwood this particulate Beetle produced a relaxing and calming smoke something to calm Velan.

He pulled a flint and lit the pipe with three puffs Velan was calmed his blood cooled even in the presence of an Altmer a people he hated with a deep passion. He smiled at Jarett as he laid his pipe on the table with great care.

Haskell handed the letter back to Alit, who placed it carefully in its original spot in her pack. The Winking Skeever it was, then.

By the time the door to Solitude's only inn was opened again, Alit was already pinching her nose shut to avoid the first and most overwhelming gust of liquor. She stayed by the wall and moved her hand away from her face to adjust to the heavy scent, her half-blind eyes darting around the room to get a feel for it and find the other Companions. Haskell already found himself a seat by a table, Jarett and Velan were by the innkeeper- what was name?- Corpseless, and Zazar was probably still out. Alit strolled on over to the Redguard and Bosmer, ignoring the presence of the bard nearby. "Find anything out yet?" she asked.

The constant glances of patrons made her a bit paranoid, as she seem to forget that a Brotherhood assassin could be out for her at any moment. She just hopes this companions group would be willing to take in new members. Maira turned around to her side as she glimpsed Keldan waving at her, next to her was two other people. The guys the informant just mentioned. A redguard, A bosmer and later on the dunmer followed. She chugged another full goblet of spiced wine, then swaggered towards Keldan first. "Hey." She shamelessly winked at Keldan, leaning with her elbow on the bar's surface. All the while she was glancing at the people behind her. She had to get their attention without being too direct or desperate. That's just not how she works. Discretion is always the guild's primary approach on things, and what better way to do it is while subtly flirting with a pretty young thing. Good thing that wine fuelled her up for this. She took a big nervous breath.

"You know, Keldan." she starts, making sure her voice was clear for others close enough to hear. "It is always rewarding to come to a place like this, where the food is warm, the drinks are great, and the bards are attractive," she tries to compose herself "specially after a very long day of dirty work" Maira momentarily glanced at the people behind her, and back to Keldan. "By dirty work, I mean hard and gritty mercenary work. I'm a mercenary you see. Why just this morning I got jumped by a group of bandits on my way here. It was probably nine, ten of them. Poor sods, didn;t stood a chance. My blades were just too fast for them." She would find herself losing track at the other woman's stare, but it did not make her stop completely.

Velan turned his gaze to Alit "hmm well this is a sight for sure Alit in a Tavern full of Liquor, Come sit Dun Riel Jarett and i were just getting settled why don't you take a puff of this" Velan picked up his pipe and gestured it to her. "It relaxes the nerves with out dulling the mind...well far less then Mead." he stated with a smile Velan was mostly very protective of his pipe it was a personal Item of great Value to Velan.

Every Hunter of his people made one from the bones of their first kill the Craftsmanship was however masterful beautiful engravings of a great hunt covered the peace. It was uncommon even among fellow hunters to share Pipes they were like peaces of one's soul he had only ever offered it once to someone and that was long ago. It was time he felt to show his trust among his new kin. "one puff should ease the smell at least" he reassured with slight smile.

Alit looked down at the pipe, waving her hand. "No. No. It looks pretty, though," she said, then brought her hand up and pointed to her left temple, just next to the pale eye, "Alcohol and smoke give me bad migraines." Still, she took a seat at a free barstool. She focused on other things for the moment, most prominently the Orc that just started raving. Was she trying to flirt with the bard or something? Alit wasn't good at that sort of thing either, but at least she knew when to give up. Unless...

She leaned forward a little, peering past Velan and Jarett to see the Orc, noting that she was dressed suspiciously similar to some of the thieves she's seen around Skyrim a few times. But whatever. Alit decided to just watch and listen as subtly as possible, finding herself curious.

Velan couldn't help but feel disappointed Alit could not know of the weight behind him offering his pipe so he did not blame her but shame washed over the Bosmer. without a response. Velan hid his face behind the pint of mead that he was drinking different thoughts began to pour in and he found himself looking at the Altmer and Orc. the Orc was in the midst of making a fool of herself. Well at least i am not the only fool here he thought Velan looked over the Bard once more his mood was shifting and this one woman was like a vortex which tugged at deep seeded feelings of remorse and malice. He fought the feelings down once more Velan leaned back in his stool and turned his attention to the bar keeping an ear out for news but in a clearly distracted state of mind.

Jarett took another swig of the mead before putting it down and turning to look at Alit. "Nothing. Corpulus has no information. The Harbinger is a sneaky person, so we must be asking the wrong people. We can ask some thieves around the city, but I wouldn't know how to find them. We can always post something on the city's board," He shrugged and took another swig. "Offer up a reward for any good information. People do anything for gold."

He heard the orc woman boasting to the Altmer bard. If what she was saying true it was rather impressive. The woman did look like she would be able to handle herself in a fight. They could use someone like that in their group. He listened in closer. "Ah." He chuckled softly and looked at Alit, saying under his breath to her. "Looks like someone is either trying to impress that beautiful bard or impress our little group."





Keldan's lips tugged back. It was clear to her what Maira was here for, and she was trying to do. So she leaned forward and placed a hand on the other woman's shoulder. "Oh! That is very impressive, Maira," her hand moved down the muscled biceps, her fingers gingerly caressing the curves. "It must have been a very challenging fight. It's very impressive that you took about ten bandits all by yourself." She wondered if what Maira was telling her and the people behind her was true. If it was, that was really impressive.

She leaned in close enough to feel Maira's breath on her cheek. "If we are trading stories like this why don't I share one too?" She smiled playfully as her hand moved up again the orc's arm. "Before coming here, I stayed in Markath for a bit. I had a bit of trouble in there because they don't like my kind much." She leaned back again, smile ever present and her voice high enough for the gathering group behind her to hear. "Got in a fight with some unruly patrons in the tavern there. The barkeep had a bow pointed at me, and two men had daggers drawn. One of the barmaids had ran out to call the guards of the city," Keldan tucked a few strands over hair behind her ear with her free hand. "By the time the guards arrived the three men laid in the middle of the tavern unmoving, and I sat on the bar. As soon as the guards came in, one by one I shot them dead with the barkeeper's bow until they piled on the door."

"Last time ya said that the men in the tavern just stood there." Corpulus chimed in.

"Same difference. I got paralyzed them, killed the guards, and got away before more came." Keldan rolled her eyes and poked Maira's nose with her index finger. "I would love to hear more stories about you, hun, just like the little group behind me would." She looked at the reflection of the people behind her from the silver-glass mirror that hung on the wall behind Corpulus. She turned to look at Alit and Jarett before winking at them. "You took the attention of this lovely woman away from me. What do you have to say?"

"Such shame!" The Redguard said as he put a hand over his chest. "We didn't intend to! You are such a lovely woman, miss, and powerful too. Just like Maira, was it? And you're Keldan?" It seemed like he had keen ears. Then again, the two women hadn't been quiet about their conversation.

"My name is Keldan, and this is indeed Maira." The Altmer stood up and stood next to Maira, leaning against her ever so slightly. "Now, why would such a skilled mercenery would want your attention?" One of her eyebrows raised as her eyes drifted to the smaller Mer. A Bosmer. How cute. Keldan thought before winking at the man. "Sorry, sir, I got my eyes on this one." She motioned to the woman next to her. "I'm not up for grabs." She could tell the distaste the Bosmer man had for her, and she was going to have fun with him.

Velan had been in his own thoughts before the Altmer began to talk to the group he was doing his best to ignore her Gods save me he thought before turning his attention to Keldan. His demeanor was visibly irritated a fiery look shot back at her.

"You are mistaken i do not have eyes for your kind woman, as for Maria i was keeping an eye out as the rest of my party were." Velan answered in a tone mostly unheard of by Velan for the most part he was quiet or easygoing but he was an Elf of passion and his gut burned with anger. " one such as you is below the use of a weapon of such finesse and skill the bow is the soul of my people a people stuck at the bottom of the boot of the Thalmor." Velan declared back he made his point known and was content in his words Velan rubbed his index finger down the the string of his bow in a slow and methodical manner as he looked straight to Keldan. For a split second silence seemed to fill the Tavern.

Alit looked between the four of them before breaking her own silence. "Well I know I'd rather not get kicked out immediately," she shifted in her seat to better face them, "And I know I approve of building up a little army to search for our Harbinger. Less subtle, but power in numbers and all that." Out of the corner of her good eye, she could see Haskell approaching. He had been watching, of course, and he was visibly amused.

"Let's keep it friendly here, yeah?" Haskell said, "I mean, we've got no reason to say that this bard here has anything to do with the Thalmor, apart from looking like 'em. Unless she's got a set of those fancy elven robes stashed somewhere."

The orc woman shivered at Keldan's touch, letting out a the most unattractive titter known to man and mer. Seems like the wine wasnt enough to prepare her for this after all. "Oh yeah. Didnt break a sweat. Though they lack coordination, which helped me to my advantage." Maira remembered the drunk staggering fools who couldnt even tell their right foot from left, running around like chickens. It might have been the morning after their merry making that they decided to rob some random traveler in the streets. Maira could only nod her head at Keldan's words, freezing and turning red at their whole encounter. She could only understand much of what the woman was saying at that point, as Maira was just bewitched by her. But she understood enough that Keldan is not just some pretty faced bard, which Maira took a mental note of.

But the moment Keldan turned to the group behind her, the jig was up. Maira shrunk in her seat as Keldan confronted the group.
"Oh, uh, what are you talking about?" She smiled nervously, but suddenly realised that she already know, right from the start. THer was a brewing vile tension between the bard and this angry Velan fellow.

"I agree with your dunmer friend" she tilted her head towards Alit "Wy dont we all take a deep breath and have another refill whilst we start over with our formalities yes?" she placed a hand over Keldan's arm, hoping to calm her down. "Who knows we might all get along, and maybe, I dont know decide to form a merry band together?" Maira followed up, partly out of desperation to join. Out of nowhere, the nord entered the party. He seemed to have been lurking in the shadows when the brief argument started. Maira has little interest in politics to begin with, so her knowledge of the Thalmor are limited to them being high elves and half of tamriel hate their guts.

Keldan just laughed at the false claims and insults the smaller Mer threw her way. "Such an angry little creature," She almost felt bad for the Bosmer. "Didn't anyone teach you manners, dear? It's quite rude to insult someone you've just met." She knew he didn't like Altmer like her, but accusing her of being part of the Thalmor solemnly because she was an Altmer was more than an insult. But Keldan was a polite woman. If his friends were here and if Maira hadn't placed her warm hand on her she would have thought that Bosmer boy some manners.

Jarett turned to look at Valen. "Hey, buddy, calm down. She's just an Altmer trying to get laid." He heard Keldan chuckled behind him. "I agree with Alit and Haskell. Let us keep the racial problems aside for now. Unless you are a Thalmor member." He looked back at Keldan and raised an eyebrow.

"Fuck the Thalmor and their shitty politics," Keldan replied with disgust in her voice. She took her glass and downed the Alto wine. "Corpulus, another one, please! And another around for my new friends!"

"Okay, violence everted." Jarett sighed with relief as he watched Keldan lean against Maira, her hand sliding behind her neck and around her shoulders. "Well, now that we are all calm." He glanced at Valen to make sure the Bosmer wasn't giving Keldan any more looks," We can talk now. We need Zazar here, he should be coming shortly if he doesn't find anything." It was better to have all of their memebers of the group present when welcoming more people into the group. It was clear that Valen would not trust Keldan, but she hadn't made any mention of her wanting to join them yet. Just Maira.

Keldan ignored the Redguard's words as she leaned comfortably against Maira, her free hand mindlessly playing with her hair. "So, tell us, Maira, why would you want to join these people?" She asked with a smile.

Velan's face cringed in anger "Oh yes your people taught me manners when they Killed my father, my mother my betrothed" velan's expression changed to sadness he gripped his pendent his voice was slightly shaken. "i don't care if you are not of the thalmor don't test me woman you won't be the first of your people learn what i can do with my bow" he told her simply.

Velan did not mince words his temperament did not allow him to joke with any Altmer all were his enemy if not today some other.
For now his party needed him and their very leader just might need him, Velan was no fool so with one last swig of his mead his put a small coin purse on the bar. "my half for the drinks and some coin for another round on me" he told jarett as he tapped him on the back and stood he gave one last look at the Altmer before turning to Alit.

"I need some air i'll be around the city looking for information fill me in later if you find something new" he said in a calm and soft tone before he turned and walked to the door of the inn. Velan carried himself in a defeated manner it was how he felt everytime he thought or spoke of his life before Coming to this cold unforgiving place.

Zazar was rising his brow at the request, "Zazar would like it if Zazar spoke with my group and have them present when this information is told" He said feeling like the group should know and input what they should do next with the Dovakiin. Motioning for the closest members of the group to come to their location, "You are with a group? I was hoping we may discuss this in private" The Bosmer looked quite disappointment when Zazar said he was in a group looking for the Dovakiin.

The orc woman relaxed as the tension slowly died down. Thought she might get into another tavern rumble and ruin the chance of joining the group. Maira eyed the Bosmer as he walked out of the establishment to get some air. So that's why he despised high elves so much. Maira somehow shares the same sentiment, though she barely remembered her own family being burned alive by the forsworn, that feeling of loss and longing still lingered.

She turned to Keldan, who was comfortably playing with her hair, she still made the orc woman slightly nervous. "Oh, did it looked that way?" she said tensely "I--was just simply trying to impress you my lady. I was not aware that people were paying attention. " and for the most part she did. She took a quick glance on the three.

Maira's goal for discretion was ultimately unsuccessful, though she can't say it was a total fail. The whole incident did caught their attention, and was even considering on commissioning for help in search of the dragonborn. So far she's doing good, but she could imagine her mentors facepalming at her foolish attempt.

"Though if I would make a suggestion on whom they should take, this group needs a dashing duelist who's quick on her feet." she turned towards the three "I havent personally introduced myself. Hi, I'm Maira. " she extended her arm in a laid back manner "Full time mercenary, part time business woman. How's it going?"

Before Velan could leave he heard out Zazar "Zazar my friend i am but a simple Elf i do what i am told Alit, Jarett and you know this well when you need me i'll be around for now i must go" he told the Argoninan. Velan opened the door and walked out into solitude he looked down the street.

"i wonder if there is a flecher in town i could use some more specialized Arrows" he said to himself as he walked down the street Velan felt a pang of guilt for causing a scene "i need to control myself better by Y'ffre" he scolded to himself. As Velan walked the people of the city waved and greeted Velan, which made him feel strangely alone. Velan pulled out his pipe and lit the Viper Bug powder a smooth smoke raced into his lungs and left his nostrils in a thick lime green smoke.

"I should have brought a drink" he chuckled before continuing his walk towards the Flecher's.