The chapel woman spoke again, clarifying that it was a hope that these talks would end with the worship of Talos, and Sindri felt her upper lip curl behind the fabric that covered her mouth. Of course, she mentally sighed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she blinked slowly and turned her attention to a nearby brazier before moving on to the imperial-dressed Argonian. The tone of his response caught her curiosity, her eyes wandered again, her thoughts connecting dots. Drawing marks in the soil.

Sindri was frowning thanks to the context of her thoughts when the Nord stepped forward and expressed his suggestion for how to approach Bruma and their task. Followed by the too-large Khajiit (honestly, Sindri wasn’t aware they could get so big, what did his parents feed him, dragons? Perhaps he was the reason they were gone!) who said they should introduce one another and get their rest.
She had a mind to agree, if only because she did not wish to waste any more time within the confines of this chapel.

“I am known around Bruma. I move in and out frequently as a hired mercenary. Magic, tracking. Other skills.” The witch added more quietly as an afterthought. “But the woman gave us hours before we depart. We should rest while we can. I, at the very least, need a drink. We have a long journey to Bruma, enough time to decide our course of action, so perhaps for now we table it in trade for rest and introductions.”
Sindri raised a pale hand to gesture to the Khajiit. “Kiffar. Meen-La.” She gestured to the brighter of the two Argonians. The only two, thus far, who had spoken their names. Sindri sighed, then pulled the cloth from her face to expose her mouth. “You can call me Sindri.”

“Tomorrow, any who have not changed their minds and skulked away into the hills should find me beyond the wall for a meal of venison. And perhaps we can discuss with one another why we were recruited into this. Surely it is not just for our pretty faces.”

Stepping back and around the Dunmer beside whom she stood, Sindri made for the door. “Until tomorrow.” She raised a hand to wave as she departed.

---

---

Weynon Priory - Chorrol, Cyrodiil

Already it seemed there was a breakdown in communications between the people gathered. Meen-La, the criminal in their midst, seemed intent on taking the lead and was starting off strong by chiding everyone else for not introducing themselves despite the rather haphazard nature of their gathering. The khajiit Kiffar seemed more bemused by all this and doing what cats did, which she felt was at least better than the bickering of the lizards. She appreciated the Dunmer woman's attempts at being diplomatic, even if they felt wasted by the competing energies of everyone else. Even the Nord was being smart about things and trying to talk through a plan, again marking him out as rather different than the stereotypical Nord. Still, this was not going anywhere with everyone having their own ideas on how best to proceed.

"If I may?" She offered, standing once more as the Confessor stood aside and the gathered militia continued their discussions. "Khaliya al-Rihad, Alik'ri nomad. My people are well versed in some of the facets necessary for what lies ahead, so I would like to offer up some options to be considered." Khaliya played it carefully as she spoke, not wanting to take the lead by any means. It wasn't like how she normally dealt with such groups in her time on the road, normally creating a false persona and allowing others to form their own image of her no matter how wrong it may be. This group would clearly be working together for some time, and trust was a necessary part of such cooperation, so she felt it prudent to be honest. At least, in what she did reveal. Some things were best not spoken of just yet.

"We have quite the varied group here, as mentioned by... Sindri." She waited just long enough for the Reachwoman to identify herself, giving a careful and cautious eye towards her, still trying to determine if she may be potentially hostile. "Which will inevitably necessitate splitting our group. At the present moment we could attempt to pass for any of the suggested approaches, but without goods we will look like rather poor merchants. Without the appropriate study materials and cover for the rest of us, our Nord friend here may look like either a rich fool pursuing a passion, or someone trying to pass as a wandering researcher. The Legion presence here, while most definitely a boon if and when violence is necessary, will also immediately mark us as a martial group of some kind, and most assuredly one affiliated at least nominally with the Empire. So a target of Thalmor sympathizers, or political enemies of the Medes."

A shifting from one foot to another followed, Khaliya carefully considering her words and how much to speak of and when, a crucial skill she had learned from her father and the tribe as they went from city to city. "I have experience working with merchants and can pass for one, as I'm sure a few others here can. And with a word, I'm sure the Confessor here can use the time until departure to secure us enough relevant goods to actually pose properly as a merchant caravan. We have our big furry friend Kiffar here, and Meen-La to serve as adequate caravan guards, while the Legion support can always be at a short, but plausibly unaffiliated distance."

"Much the same with the suggestion to form a cover of acting as a research support team, or mercenaries hunting bandits and outlaws. Considering our wide assortment of backgrounds, we could just as easily pose as a wandering caravan of entertainers and with less effort. I am personally versed in old Yokudan sword-dancing, I'm sure there's a mage or three among the group that can work some spells for public amusement, and we have a strongman.... Cat. Though regardless, we should prioritize two things. First being to either look towards the Confessor as the head of our endeavors if she is to join us, or to nominate and individual among us to lead party matters. That then leads into what is more important of the two, settling on an agreed course of action."

Sylruna Velaryn

Sylruna had been quietly observing the various introductions and suggestions, her crimson eyes reflecting the candlelight as she absorbed each perspective. She stepped forward now, her midnight blue robes rustling softly against the chapel floor.

"I suppose I should properly introduce myself as well," she said with a gentle smile. "I am Sylruna Velaryn. And while I appreciate Khaliya's vote of confidence in my diplomatic abilities, I believe she makes an excellent point about the need for unified leadership." She gestured respectfully toward the Confessor, then looked around at their gathered group.

"As for my own skills," she continued, absently adjusting one of her silvery-white braids, "I specialize in destruction magic, particularly fire-based spells, though I'm also versed in protective magic and archery. And yes," she added with a hint of amusement, glancing at Khaliya, "I suppose I could contribute some magical displays if we decide to pose as entertainers. Though perhaps we should avoid any fire performances in Bruma - the Nords there might not appreciate the reminder of the Oblivion Crisis."

Her expression grew more thoughtful as she considered their options. "Arnvidr's suggestion about researching Ayleid ruins has merit - there are several notable sites near Bruma, including Rielle and Ninendava. And given the city's proximity to Cloud Ruler Temple, scholarly interest in the area's history wouldn't seem unusual." She paused, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Though Kiffar makes a valid point about keeping things simple. Perhaps we're overthinking this?"

She turned toward the chapel doors where Sindri had departed. "I believe I'll join our Reach friend for that meal tomorrow. Breaking bread together might help us work more cohesively as a unit." Her crimson eyes sparkled with subtle humor as she glanced at Kiffar. "Though perhaps we should ensure enough venison for our larger companions?"

Looking back at the group, she added, "Whatever role we choose, we should use these next few hours wisely. I'd be happy to share what I know of Bruma's layout with anyone interested - I spent some time there studying the Great Chapel of Talos's unique architectural features. The city has changed since the Oblivion Crisis, but some things remain the same."