"A quick duelist?" Alit's interest was already piqued at the prospect of another person joining in the search, but finding out Maira's specialty just made everything better, "Then our trip here wasn't time wasted after all. Having another member of team on offense would make things a whole lot better, wouldn't it?" she looked at the other two remaining Companions to make sure they were okay with having someone around who was most likely a thief.

"I know Thieves Guild armor when I see it," Haskell chimed in, "But you're all right with me, at least until I catch you tryin' to pick any of our pockets. If you survive long enough to even try with Alit being mostly in charge around here, that is."

The Dunmer scoffed. "Ah-hem. I do a good job at keeping everyone alive."

Keldan had already finished her second cup of wine and was currently drinking the one that had been meant for Valen. "Dear, you don't have to pretend. I'm not naive, but I do believe you were trying to impress me, a little." She could tell she was making Maira just a tad nervous, and Keldan was loving it.

"Alit, you have saved our asses more times than I can count," Jarett said after taking a drink from the Alto wine Keldan had bought them. "I'm totally fine with Maira joining in, but Haskell is right. Just like she can keep us alive she can kill anyone just as quickly." He had seen the Dunmer woman fight when enemies got too close to her, and it wasn't pretty. "I do think you wouldn't steal from people who are so gracefully accepting your help. Unless you are expecting pay, seeing as you are a mercenary after all."

"If you're accepting people, why don't I offer my services too?" Keldan raised an eyebrow at Alit. "Of course, I'll behave and try not to piss off the little kitten you call Valen or anyone else. After all, you'll need a bard that will write down your adventures and spread them when you are either dead or retired." She had nothing left to do in Solitude and she had been looking for some kind of adventure. Joining the group that was looking for one of the most powerful people in Tamriel seemed like a good idea.

"You? You're a bard- wait, nevermind we heard your story too," Jarett looked at Alit. "So? You want the bard in too? She's gonna be a bit of trouble with Valen, but all the help we can get is good for us. We don't know what we're facing out there."

Valen sat on a ledge just out side the Flecher's he held the new arrows he just had purchased thinking over the what the man had told him "These were just shipped from Black Marsh coated in some rare poison out there...i have ten in stock". Valen flipped the arrow between his fingers he had half the mind to try these out on that blasted Altmer the thought of her writhing in pain as she slowly died was strangely soothing.

He wondered if she and the Orc would be joining their group while Maria most likely wanted in the Altmer seemed a mystery. His animosity for her was clear but it wouldn't be the first time the group put him in a bad position. "It's what families do....is in't it Father" Valen called out to the looming sky. Valen slipped the arrow into his Quiver before opening his Pendent he rubbed the painting softly
"You are forever with me my Riel...be my strength as i am weak. Be my guide as i am lost, Be my heart as i am cold" he said quietly.

A moment passed Valen had decided " I am dedicated to my compainions, My new family i will do what i must for the Compainions" he cheered. Valen stood up and dropped of the ledge land safely on the street below people looked on. "walking is for nords" he said with a shrug as he jogged back to the Inn I won't let my feelings get in the way of my family Altmer be damned he thought.

"I'll be the smartest decision you'll ever make." nodding confidently at the dunmer, having full hope that they're ready to seal the deal with her. Finally, things are looking up, though it won't be completely guaranteed, having some company around her would provide refuge from Maven's dirty surprises.

Maira clears her throat at the nord's comment. Of course the armor was a dead give away, guess its not much of a secret to hide anymore. "Oh, You don't have to worry about that. Technically, I'm on vacation." she gave him a reassuring nod "I dont do any of that unless it's solely for business."

Maira was quite surprised that Keldan too, would like to come along. The orc could tell things would either get complicated or interesting when decides to, adding the strain between her and Velan. Either way she definitely looks forward to her company. "Wonderful! The more the merrier I guess."

"Someone's appreciative of my healing!" Alit clapped.

She took her time considering the bard's offer, which in all actuality didn't take much time at all. She looked pleased, if her grin was anything to go by. "So, not one, but two new people joining in?" Alit hopped off the barstool, "Well! Maira, Keldan, I formally welcome you two into the team. Hopefully no one will have a problem with this." That meant they had a good number of people on the front lines as well as the back-- way better than what they started with. For the moment, she was thinking that everything that even thought about getting in their way was as good as dead.

"You know you're my favorite healer, Alit." Jarett grinned at her, pushing a glass of water towards her. "Well, how about we toast? For our new members and actually getting something from this damn trip we took?" The carriage trip from Whiterun to Solitude had paid off with two new members. He turned to Zazar and handed the Argonian a drink. "Join us!"

"I'm all up celebrating," Keldan retook her glass. She was glad Alit had accepted her in this adventure. She was a bit rusty in combat, and she had recently learned some spells she was dying to try out and mess with some people. Maybe she could ask Maira to train with her. "I just hope your little friend isn't too much of a problem."

"We'll talk to him," Jarett glanced to Alit and Haskell. They knew Velan didn't do well around Altmer, but Keldan said she was willing to behave. He hoped she was telling the truth. He didn't want any trouble within the group. "I'll come up with team-building exercises that we can all practice." He said, half-jokingly. If there was going to be bad blood between the Altmer and the Bosmer, they would have to get past it and work together. Only time would tell.

"So, what's your plan?" Keldan raised an eyebrow at Alit.

Valen opened the door to the Tavern in dramatic fashion he was silent for a moment he glared at Keldan but for a moment he saw Maria's hand holding her. love well lust at the very lest....who am i to stand in it's way he thought. For now he would bite his tongue and try to make this work he could tell by the drinks that their group had grown by two members.

Valen walked over to the bar he had a large smile on his face "so Alit, Jarett i see you both wasted no time replacing me" he said jokingly. "Who am i kidding without me to guide you in the wilderness something terrible might happen Jarett could break a nail" Valen chuckled heavily. Valen took his seat next to jarett he looke over to Keldan "if i might ask can you pass me a mug i'd like to get onther drink in me" he said in the nicest tone he could muster in a pseudo peace offering.

Alit readily accepted the water, glancing over at Valen as he returned with a very different tone. Come on. Keeping two archers around was a good thing. "True." she sipped the non-alcoholic drink, glad to have something after a long trip.

"Someone has to keep her from leading everyone into some plane of Oblivion," Haskell commented.

"Anyway," Alit set down the now-empty glass, "Before we can decide on a plan, we need to talk about our strengths and weaknesses in battle. I know Haskell can stay up front, he's got the heavy armor." She eyed the others, having a basic understanding of their abilities, but before now, it was mostly the Nord she fought with. "Valen, Keldan- What range are you two most comfortable with?"

Valen chuckled a bit "Dun Riel are you sure your not a bit tipsy this isn't our first adventure...to be fair i was a lot quieter when i first joined". he said to Alit he was kinda taken a back he had forgotten how distant and reclusive he had once been most of his "Family" barely even knew anything about him this adventure would change that.

"As a refresher i am an Acrobatic Master of the bow i could kill most any body almost any range and if i were to run out of arrows.
I am just as deadly with my blades" he said as he unsheathed his ornate twin short swords. "though however i want to leave the killing part mostly to the rest of you...i am a strict follower of the Green pact which makes me exclusively a carnivore I can't waste meat i have to eat anything i kill ANYTHING." Valen told the group with emphasis on the last part.

Some uncomfortably reared it's head back in Valen's mind most non Bosmer and Bosmer who leave his homeland are discusted by such practices but Valen would not turn his back on his culture. Even if it was seen as Taboo.

"Why, it would be an honor." Maira made a bowing gesture, and is just glad enough to finally be part of the group Thank the divines! This indeed deserves another drink, and she took another one, light weightiness not whit standing.

Maira isnt worried about breaking her proposals on the table, but the inconvenience caused by her betrayal of Maven. Would be embarrassing if some thugs, or an assassin would divert them on the road while they travel, she would just have to do her best to keep this a secret if they intend on keeping her around. Few moments later Velan was back, catching him glaring at their direction but his demeanour changed after. She had to admit, she likes this version of him better.

The orc was not totally appalled by his odd revelation however, she was familiar on that aspect of their culture from at least from one particular Bosmer. "So" she asked Velan, leaning on her elbows, almost pressing herself on Keldan "Can you really differentiate the taste from man and mer?" the question intended no offense on the bosmer, but rather out of sheer curiosity. "Niruin always said orcs tasted a little gamey"

Keldan glanced over to Velan as the Mer walked over and asked her to pass her a drink. She downed the third glass of wine she already had on her hand before handing him a newly filled glass. "I hope to see this side of you more often, dear, I don't want to cause our leader any more trouble." She winked at him as he took the glass and she settled back with her side pressed against Maira.

"I'm comfortable with any range really. I tend to run around the battlefield as I fire my arrow. If anyone gets to close to me I'll simply paralyze them or mess with their mind. I know how to use Illusion and Alteration magic." She shrugged a shoulder as she watch Corpulus fill another drink.

"Green Pact, I do remember you mentioning it," Jarett said looking at a now calm Valen. He was curious as to what an orc tasted like, not that he would ever resort to cannibalism. He was just curious. "Do you add spices too? I can recommend a few spices from Hamerfell."

Disgusting. Keldan thought at the mention of the Green Pact. She wasn't surprised. Many Mer where people of tradition, which is a reason she had left home and why she tended to stay away from overly traditional Mers. She didn't say anything though, she didn't want to offend the sensitive Bosmer.

(Sorry for any mistakes, typed this on my phone.)

Valen was a bit surprised on how most of the group handled what he had told them the last time he had to eat what he killed. he was tied to a tree and the towns people called for the Legion. he most certainly preferred this reaction he chuckled at the questions he looked to Maria "well i could say that men taste leaner as for mer i have only tasted Altmer i can tell you that they taste just as pompous as they act but can be edible if the right spot is eaten" Valen said with a grin and a wink towards the Orc.

He turned his head to the Redguard "well you see i don't eat people for pleasure so i don't season their flesh" he told him valen leaned closer to the Redguard "i have heard that Redguard meat is sweet and delicate sounds like you...." Valen shot a sly mischievous wink to Jarett. He quickly drank some of the wine which was handed to him to stop himself from bursting out with laughter.

Valen felt more at home in this moment then he had for five years this was his purpose the divines had led him here to a new family.
Now he just had to keep them alive.

Valen thought about what Keldan had said he gave her a simple nod of acceptance he still couldn't muster the will to conversate but he would cause no problems.

"Is that so?" Maira wasn't sure if Valen intended to mean that as an entirely different thing, but the way he grinned and winked Maira slowly nods her head in acknowledgement as if to tell him "I see what you did there."

Who knew a topic like this would interest the orc, although it has not really piqued her curiosity enough to really 'taste' a person's flesh, not of the cannibalistic nature at least. "I'll take you're advice to heart, Velan" she laughed "if I ever feel like eating Altmer one of these days." glancing at the bard next to her, Maira at this point was helping herself with the free beverages. It's gonna hurt like the sixteen planes of oblivion in the morning, which is fine now since she's having fun but would constantly curse herself in the morning when the pain slaps her back to reality.

A explosion happened to go off just outside the walls of solitude, "Damn it all to the Devines, you poor excuse of a assistant. I told you to pay attention. The Dwemer oil is hard to come by and ypu just had to put a hot piece of metal in it thinking it was water?!" A Bald nord face blackened by the explosion and his beard slightly singed was bellowing at the top of his lungs at a Imperial assistant. "Im sorry sir its just..." the Nord glared and slammed his ebony covered fist down against his anvil. "I have no time for your excuses you half wit!" He bellowed.

A Guard walked up to the furious blacksmith "Is there a problem here?" The Nord looked at her and with a smile he spoke. "None at all maam. Just a mistake that is being corrected at the moment turns out good help is hard to find these days." She scoffed and turned to walk away "excuse me maam if you wouldnt mind. Your axe looks to be a little on the dull side. If you wouldnt mind i would like to give my assistant a second chance and have him sharpen your weapon. At least he cant mess that up at least" the solitude guard drew her axe and ran her finger along the blade and nodded at the blacksmith.

He took the blade from her and handed it to his assistant who proceeded to take it to the grinding stone and began to sharpen the blade while Thraine walked over to his forge and pulled out a hot blade and began to hammer it down

Alit coughed a bit. "Great. Anyway... since we've got a nicely varied group, we should do just fine!" she tossed in her attempt to change the subject, the idea of cannibalism never sitting well with her, neverminding her own rare use of necromancy- in spite of Dunmer tradition- and the more often used soul trap.

"That mean we should head out soon? I've stuck here a little too long." Haskell had little personal allegiance to the Stormcloaks himself, but considering his now mostly dead family's preference, he wasn't exactly too comfortable in a city full of Imperial soldiers.

Alit looked over at Keldan. "Make sure you get everything you need for the road. None of us know how long we'll be searching for the Harbinger." Her attention was then caught by the sound of some explosion outside. It wasn't too far away, either, and it couldn't have been too bad if it wasn't followed up by screaming. "Now that sounds like something to investigate!"

Jarett laughed and returned Velan's wink as he sipped his wine. "I'll give you another taste if you ever want," It has seemed the wine had loosened up Valen and had brought up a side that the Reguard didn't see too often. At least the whole party was more relaxed and the bad blood between the two Mers had been put aside. And now everyone was flirting, there must be something in the wine or the mead.

Keldan smiled at Maira and slid a hand to her knee. "You just tell me and I'll happily oblige. I cant help but to wonder what you would taste like." She sipped her drink and nodded to Alit. Keldan had very few personal items. She wasn't too attached with anything she owned except for her lute, which she was defenetly taking to the adventure. Keldan shifted closer to Maira just when the explosion happened outside of the Inn making the Altmer jump a bit.

"What was that?" Jarett' s hand went to his small dagger on his side as he looked to the door. Something that loud must have been very close to the Inn. The other patrons around them had stopped whatever they were doing to look around. "Lets go check it out." He stood up and put down the glass. Keldan was in charge of the payment and Velan had put some gold in so he wasn't too worried about leaving without paying.

[Still on phone, sorry! ]

Valen couldn't help but blush slightly he had not really thought of Jarett as someone to flirt with a lowly wild Bosmer even if he had flirted first. ah Riel is this your doing...i did ask you to guide me "well i just might......" before he could finish his sentence an explosion ended the moment. Valen seemed more annoyed then worried but he still stood and gripped his bow.

"shit.. well that didn't sound good After you jarett" he said jokingly as he made his way to the door. Valen couldn't decide if this interruption was negative or positive he had never flirted with anyone beyond his betrothed so it made him very nervous and complicated.
this explosion might have saved Valen from making a fool of himself but at the same time it could be a fun distraction he would have time to think about it more in due time.

Maira was sloshed enough to keep her cool around Keldan now, but still nervous that the bard can get too direct on her advances. This type of teasing exchange to be honest, was unknown territory for the orc, but an exciting experience non the less. Maira abruptly turned around at the sound of the explosion, as where the others. She leaned her hollow cheeks tiredly on one palm, her eyes closed, she could feel the world turn around her due to the alcohol's effect

"Do we have to?" she questioned Alit "I'll stay here. Keep the seats warm for us." If there were any real trouble out there she thought, it would be the perfect time to exhibit her skills. With a little nudge she could be convinced, but right now smooth surface of the bar was comfort enough to keep her on her seat.

"Fine. Just make sure ya sleep that alcohol off or something before we have to hit the road," Alit said, already out the door by the time she finished talking.

Haskell breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew. That explosion must've been a blessing from the Nine. Had enough of all this flirting." He wasted no time in walking right out of the inn to find the source of the thankfully not too loud blast. One glance at the main gate gave him enough information that it was just outside the city walls-- some guards and civilians had gone to check up on whatever was happening. It didn't look or smell like anyone was dead, but there was a hint of oil in the air.

"We'll leave tomorrow morning, we'll meet by the gates as soon as the sun rises," Jarett said as he stood up from his seat and followed Valen and Haskell out of the inn to the source of the explosion. A few people had gathered around the outside of the walls while some of the guards were trying to keep them away, forming a circle around whatever had caused it. A guard woman also seemed to be talking to a bald man while another worked on an ax. "This looks interesting." He pushed a few people aside to make way for the group members that had decided to investigate.

Back in the inn, Keldan had stayed behind with Maira. "I'm sure it's nothing," she said to the orc as she brushed her hair off her shoulder. "Come, I'll take care of you." Keldan stood up and paid Corpulus for the rest of the drinks. She went to get her lute before walking up to Maira and helping her up. "You can walk, right? We got a nice walk ahead of us." The Bard's college was a few ways away from the inn. Maira could sleep in her bed. Keldan had a bedroll she could crash in for the night. "You don't have to worry about anything, my dear, I won't do anything to you while you're like this," The Altmer promised as they made their way out of the inn.