MacabreFox

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

<Snipped quote by MacabreFox>

The Fox be like:

@gcold

Precisely xD

One simply does not write about a ship. Or so they say!

Formaroth: Battle for the Throne

A Trip to the Royal Gardens

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Upon the conclusion of the meeting with Duncan, and other important figures, Aurelia took her time returning to her chambers. In fact, she did not return so hastily, for she diverted her path, and ventured out into the royal garden’s, of which she was given control over. If she were going to experiment further on how to increase productivity through a dormant object, such as the soil itself, she would need to understand the scope of the well-being of the gardens. With fair weather in the skies over head on this day, the windows in the keep allowed a brilliant light to pass through the panes, illuminating the typically dark, and rather dreary keep. As her heeled slippers clicked against the stone floors, Aurelia kept a steady pace down the corridor, anxious not to be called for help by anyone, there was only so much talking she felt that she could contribute in a day. Had it not been for her good friend, Lanaya Triskell Dionisia, or simply Lana, as she knew her, she doubted she would have acquired such a position within Miserth Keep. Meeting at the Mage’s Circle in the Summer Isles, Aurelia and Lana shared a room during their entire stay throughout their lessons on the island. At first, the air was filled with tension, as it was clear to Aurelia that Lana questioned her appearance, with her eyes sweeping over her, brows furrowed together. It felt as if Lana wasn’t certain if Aurelia was the maid, or her room-mate. Luckily for Aurelia, she was not the maid. The first few weeks were awkward indeed, but finally, after not having anyone to speak to, Lana opened up to her by asking her where she came from.

While Aurelia was unsettled by her roommate’s affluence, she came to bear with it, just as Lana came to a quick understanding that Aurelia was more of a back-woods, hill-billy, albeit, with a knack for magick. It was this, perhaps, that brought them close together, for Lana couldn’t stand the way Aurelia ate her food, or the incorrect way she prepared her bed, or how she only used water to wash her hair. Lana took it upon herself to teach Aurelia the finer points of living, how to hold her fork properly, how to sit up straight, how to make it look as if she were floating when she walked, and even how to speak like a lady ought to. In exchange for her lessons in etiquette, Aurelia aided with Lana’s learning of magick, not that she didn’t understand it to begin with, but how to control the flow of her power with a more direct approach. During their stay at the Summer Isles, Lana and Aurelia became friends, while Aurelia mostly listened to Lana’s ravings, occasionally, Aurelia would also join in with her frustrations of daily life. They were like the moon and the sun, one bright and talkative, the other more morose and withdrawn.

Emerging onto the stone dais of the royal gardens, Aurelia paused in the sunshine, allowing herself to bask in its warmth, relishing how it felt upon her skin. A slight breeze in the air whisked her thin dress around her body, tossing her inky locks about her face. Her eyes swept over the gardens, taking in the sights of the red rose bushes in bloom, alongside the white lilies planted beneath the dais. There were many fragrant flowers found here in the garden, everything from common herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and lavender, to daisies, irises, clematis, and many more. Three oak trees took residence in the royal gardens as well, offering the only shade from the blistering summer heat. As she took a step off the dais and onto the stone pathway, Aurelia couldn’t help but to admire the smell of fresh earth from the recent rain’s days prior, it vaguely reminded her of home, not that ever had the chance to roam freely outdoors, due to her parent’s fear of the curious neighbors, but when her mother happened to leave a window open, it was then that young Aurelia would poke her head out the window and breathe in the fresh air.

Making her way to the farthest corner of the garden, where Queen Ruth’s roses bloomed in deep shades of crimson, Aurelia hoisted the folds of her dress up to her knees, and settled in amongst the flowers. She pushed, poked, and prodded at the plants, pinching and plucking the leaves of several flowers, careful not to take away any petals. These would become useful in her research later on. She would have only a few weeks to produce results for Duncan, or else she would be deemed a failure. If anything, she would need to write a letter to Lana, asking her for help in her latest endeavor. It helped to have a second, similar mind thinking like her, and even gaining a second opinion would help even more so by allowing her to view her projects from different aspects. Once she gathered what she needed to run tests on in her alembic instruments, she told herself that she would need to make a trip out to the Grand Library by scouring the shelves for any mention of enhancing the growth of plants in the soil by means of magick. Since she was High Magister, she would have access to the scrolls, tomes, and other articles of ancient literature stowed away, if she asked nicely that is.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

<Snipped quote by MacabreFox>

You weren't lying!

@Dervish

I thought it would have taken me longer actually! I think I surprised myself, because when I looked at my last post here, and then when I posted in the IC, all I thought was, "Damn, I actually did it in two hours!" I had to look up some ship terminology so y'all know what the dang I was talking about there.

Formaroth {Battle for the Throne} Reference Sheet

A History of The Rulers in Formaroth

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0 A.R - 1 A.R - King Richard Remonnet ~ The first king of Formaroth and often referred to as Richard the Conqueror after he united Formaroth under one rule. Originally the Viscount of Nyhem, Richard Remonnet's ambition led him to conquer the surrounding area of Sypius. Once he had finally conquered Sypius his ambition grew as he continued to expand his land until finally, after fifty years, He had complete control of Formaroth. Considered one of the greatest monarchs of Formaroth.

1 A.R - 7 A.R - Queen Cristine Remonnet ~ Eldest child of Richard. Her rule was mostly uneventful. Had a rather short rule due to her father’s long life. She briefly lost control of Raeldar during her reign but recaptured it with little trouble.

7 A.R - 52 A.R - King Hamnet Remonnet ~ Eldest child of Cristine. He spent most of his rule easing relations with his vassals, due to many kingdoms still being unhappy with the Remonnet’s controlling their land. He invested a considerable amount of money into the port town of Cawaport turning it into the fourth city to inhabit Formaroth.

52 A.R - 59 A.R - King Richard Remonnet II ~ Eldest child of Hamnet. Assassinated by the Elven Imperium before they invaded Formaroth.

59 A.R - 111 A.R - Queen Ysabelle ~ Second child of Hamnet. Arose to the throne after the death of her brother. Ysabelle succeeded in repelling the Elven invaders and strengthening the Remonnet control on Formaroth. She is also known for outlawing slavery shortly after she defeating the elves. She is often referred to as Ysabelle the Savior. Considered one of the greatest monarchs of Formaroth.

111 A.R - 151 A.R - King Foucher Remonnet ~ Nephew of Ysabelle. After Ysabelle passed away with no heirs her nephew Foucher rose to the throne. He spent most of his rule repairing the damage that the Elven Imperium caused in western Formaroth. Commonly known as Foucher the Builder.

151 A.R - 191 A.R - Queen Ysabelle Remonnet II ~ Eldest child of Foucher. Barred trade with the Elven Imperium worsening relations between the two empires. Was the first ruler to establish the Imperial army.

191 A.R - 240 A.R - King Hamnet Remonnet II ~ Eldest child of Ysabelle II, Hamnet was the first and only mage to be ruler of Formaroth. This was still in a time when mages were viewed as untrustworthy and unnatural (reinforced during the Elven invasion). His rule is meant with turmoil and uneasiness at first by both commoners and nobles alike. Spent most of his rule trying to improve the status of mages within Formaroth. Though he was successful in some kingdoms, he had next to no effect in others. He disappeared in the year 240 A.R. Known as Hamnet the Mage.

240 A.R - 267 A.R - King Geffrey Remonnet ~ After his brother Hamnet II disappeared Geffrey took his place as King. He continued his brothers work and continued to improve the status of Mages in Formaroth (not being a mage himself he was more successful than Hamnet). In the year 251 A.R he created the Mages Circle on the Summer Isles so that mages could study magic safely and in peace.

267 A.R - 307 A.R - Queen Elysabeth Remonnet ~ The eldest child of Geffrey, Elysabeth had a rather peaceful rule with her being more of a figure head than an actual ruler. She spent most of her time throwing parties and balls while the high council ruled Formaroth. She was recorded to have attended only three council meetings during her reign. Under her rule the Church of Klebrithy started to lose its power over the political system, something that would continue to decrease over time.

307 A.R - 359 A.R - Queen Ysabelle III ~ The eldest child of Elysabeth, Ysabelle III had far more experience with ruling due to serving as the head adviser for her mother. She was the ruler who finally stopped the trade embargo with the Elven Imperium and began to mend relations between Formaroth and Beilokias. She was a grand diplomat and managed to stop the Kingdoms of the North from breaking away from the Imperial rule, preventing a civil war. Often known as Ysabelle the Peace-Maker, she is considered one of the greatest monarchs of Formaroth.

359 A.R - 379 A.R - Queen Elysabeth Remonnet II ~ Eldest child of Ysabelle III, Elysabeth II had a mostly uneventful reign until the year 379 A.R in which she, and many other members of the Remonnet family were murdered by a collaboration of lords and ladies known as the Barons Court; a group of nobles who had grown in power since the reign of Queen Elysabeth I. They believed that with the power and influence they has gathered over the years they could overthrow the Remonnet's and take the throne for themselves. However, they underestimated the loyalty of the head houses and overestimated their own power. The traitors were soon trapped in their stronghold of Ironfold and were all killed by the imperial army during the siege.

379 A.R - 402 - King Adeland ~ Eldest child of Elysabeth II, Adeland was a master economist and ruler. Formaroth was at its richest during his time as king. Under his reign businesses thrived, food was in surplus, the crowns treasury was full, the imperial army was outfitted with the best arms and armor available and there was a massive grown in the middle class. King Adeland also established the Alchemists guild giving the men and women of science somewhere to work together with all the tools and equipment they needed. Often called Adeland the Wise, he is considered one of the greatest Monarchs of Formaroth.

402 A.R - 402 A.R - King Richard Remonnet III ~ The Eldest child of Adeland, Richard III was an extremely obese man who died due to a heart attack one month after his coronation. Often known as Richard the Fat, Richard III is the shortest reigning monarch to rule Formaroth.

402 A.R - 450 A.R - King Geffrey Remonnet II ~ The second eldest child of Adelard, Geffrey II took to the throne after his brother. Though he was popular with the Commoners due to his tax reforms and charity, he was unpopular with the nobles who now had to pay more money through taxes. The nobles soon sided with his eldest son Heylot and Geffrey gradually lost power through his reign. Commonly known as Geffrey the Kind.

450 A.R - 492 A.R - King Heylot Remonnet ~ Eldest son of Geffrey II, Helyot is considered to be the worst monarch Formaroth has ever had. He was cruel, selfish, greedy and considered evil by most. During his reign people were given harsh punishments and often killed painfully for any transgression (including his own family). During his later life he was considered to be on the brink of insanity by those who were unfortunate enough to be close to him. His actions led to the Remonnet-Manshrew civil war in which many members of the Remonnet family lost their lives, including his own. He was finally killed by Andrew Manshrew during the battle for Uzgob. Often known as Helyot the Mad.

492 A.R - 503 A.R - King John Remonnet ~ Second eldest to Geffrey II, King John was the last surviving member of the Remonnet family after the rest of the Remonnet’s were either killed by Heylot or during the civil war. King John spent most of his life repairing the damage his brother had done. He was a fair minded man who the nobles and commoners welcomed as their king. Unfortunately, he passed away under suspicious circumstances in the year 503 A.R making him the last of the Remonnet family. He is often known as John the last Remonnet.

**503 A.R - Present - King Duncan De Reimer ~ The head advisor of John Remonnet, Duncan claimed the throne after John's abrupt death claiming that as head advisor the title of King passes to him. Though he has found much support in central Formaroth the north and south do not side with his claim and view him as untrustworthy and power hungry. Currently known as Duncan the Snake.

**503 A.R - Present - King Andrew Manshrew ~ The head of house Manshrew and ruler of Uzgob Andrew Manshrew has claimed the throne of Formaroth for himself, claiming that the debt that the Remonnet’s owed House Manshrew should be upheld and that he simply will do what is right for Formaroth. Though he has found unwavering support in the North, the rest of Formaroth views him as a usurper and find his claim to the throne weak.

Time will tell who will become the next ruler of Formaroth.

**If the following phrase is at the end of a ruler's statement: Considered one of the greatest monarchs of Formaroth. There will be a statue of them found in the Plaza in Vine, the capital of Windmere.**

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

The Readying of The Courtesan

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Leif took it upon himself to waste no time whatsoever in readying The Courtesan for preparations, of course he had to inform Captain Atgeir that they would be taking on a few more people than originally thought. With sharp, steel grey eyes, in his yester years, Leif would have found the gaze of the captain intimidating. Instead, he saw a spark of excitement in the captain’s eyes, from the tales they had shared since Leif’s departure over several mugful’s of ale in the evening prior, he discovered that The Courtesan had taken lighter travels than originally planned in her vibrant years at sea; travelling from Dawnstar to Solitude. Atgeir, and the others had decided that the danger of gallivanting around the Sea of Ghosts were wearing on them, not mention that several of Leif’s companions had settled down in his absence, except for Halvar of course. He kept himself busy with wooing women, just like he had taught Leif during his hey-day. Atgeir, Bjorn, Orvar, and Halvar were in the thick of their forties, with Atgeir as the exception of the oldest onboard so far, in his mid-fifties. Though most wouldn’t guess that due to the size of him, with a broad-barreled chest, massive vein-covered arms, and legs just as thick, the only hint to his age was his lengthy peppered beard, and the locks under his cap which were a mix of grey, white and black. He lived up to his name of Frost-Beard, that part was certain, for not only his appearance, but his way of speech as well. Most that had served under Atgeir’s watchful eye would know that he was a man of few words, often speaking in grunts or offering up a stern, cold glare if someone did something he frowned upon. Regardless of their ages, Atgeir deemed it necessary to take on some extra help, and in the recent months hired on seven new sailors. A majority of these sailors were well-experienced with sailing, and respected Atgeir whenever he gave a command.

The Courtesan, neither overly majestic, nor too modest in appearance, was a remarkable ship nonetheless. Well into her thirties, The Courtesan’s weathered boards deceived many that thought her unsailable, or turned their eye to newer ships to seek their service. However, as the tale often told amongst the crew, The Courtesan was aptly named by Atgeir. A beautiful woman in his younger years, had won the heart of Atgeir when he landed in Solitude upon his father’s ship; one could say that the salt-water of the sea flowed through his veins, and his ancestor’s before him, making it a likely choice for him to continue the tradition. Each time he visited Solitude, he found himself in the comforting arms of this woman, whether he knew her name or not, he never revealed it to his fellow sailors. Then one year, after a particularly long journey away from Solitude, when Atgeir did return, he found that his lover had disappeared altogether, never knowing again what ever happened to her. When the time came, and Atgeir had enough coin, he purchased The Courtesan from the East Empire Company, and blessed the ship, naming her after his lover, as on the bow of the ship there was a figurehead in the design of a strikingly, curvaceous woman with flowing locks, rumored to be modeled after the very courtesan herself; years of sea-faring wore away the paint upon the woman, though Atgeir never bothered to have her repainted. To this day, one will never hear him speak of her, his lover, but only from those that know him best.

With two towering masts, a main mast centered in the middle of the main deck, and a foresail stationed on the fore-deck, her yellow, salt-stained canvas sails remained closed, wrapped against the beams, awaiting the journey bound for Winterhold. Located on the bridge, where the wheel stood to change the ship’s course, was a small flight of stairs that led into the captain’s quarters on the quarter deck. It was on the main deck, where the hatch was located that allowed one to enter into the depths of The Courtesan, down the short flight of stairs, there was a relatively small galley in which food was cooked, with a rather grumpy chef that found handling specific requests aggravating; it was best to simply eat what he had cooked for that evening’s meal without complaint. Turning away from the galley, there was a bulkhead that opened up into sleeping quarters, where hammocks were hung between the support beams. Originally there were ten hammocks to account for the other sailors on-board, but another ten were erected with the help of Leif and Halvar, leaving those unlucky to claim a hammock, sleeping on the floor with only a pile of straw for bedding. Found at the rear of the sleeping quarters, were the holding stalls for what few horses The Courtesan could carry, with only room for five. Thankfully, on this journey, it seemed that Asper, Sevine’s mount, would be the only one for now to occupy one of those stalls.

In the meantime, that Leif busied himself with aiding in the preparations of the ship, Sevine found the time to deliver a letter she had written with haste to give to Edith. Before she had fallen asleep last night, Sevine had taken it upon herself to write her sister, Liliana, a letter for once. Its contents read:

A Letter to Little Sister

Dearest Sister,

I am writing to you, in hopes that you will reply when this letter reaches your hands. As you know, since we last saw one another at your wedding, I have taken up arms again with a mercenary company. I wish for you to know that I am safe, and that you need not worry of me. However, I have dire news pertaining to the latest events here in our beloved homeland. In case you have not yet heard, allow me to be the one to inform you. After our journey to the Reach, our company ventured to Windhelm, where we were greeted with disaster. As you may have noticed, for the past several nights, the moons have turned into a dismal color of blood-red. Let it be known, that it is for good reason. Kamal’s, which are Snow-Demon’s that hail from the land of Akavir, have taken Windhelm. We fought with vigilance to defend the city, and many brave souls were lost in the attempt to protect it. The Jarl of Windhelm, Lodvemar, opened the city gates in a brave, yet foolish attempt, to restore order. He was brutally slain by the Kamal, and they soon invaded the city. With several others in our company, we were fortunate enough to survive by escaping through forgotten tunnels underneath the city, unfortunately, when we broke free from the tunnels, we found ourselves by Anga’s Mill, to our further dismay, overrun with Kamal’s once more. We made for Nightgate Inn, and then journeyed onto Dawnstar. We are now headed for Winterhold, as word-of-mouth has reached us that the entire city has disappeared, slipped into the sea they say. Only the College remains, and they are in dire need for our rescue. It appears that the Kamal have not made it this far inland, but I fear the worst. I ask of you, were these Kamal’s to appear in the land near our home, to turn tail, and run. They cannot be taken on single-handedly, for they stand as tall as our humble cottage, and wield weapons that are just as big.

Asides from these tragedies, I think about you often, and I hope that you are happy with Lodjolf. You are no longer a Varg-t’uk, but now a Thorn-Raker, while it may break my heart, I still love you as dearly as the day mother brought you into this world. I promise that I will take up the quill more often, so that you may know that I have not forgotten you in these dark times. I also wonder, are you with child yet? You may not know yet, if you are, but keep weary of the days to come when you feel sick, and when you wish to devour everything before you, it is how mother was when she held you in her womb. I wish to see your smiling face again, and I promise to return home to you. I fear that this is not the end of the Kamal’s, and that we will see them again.

Before I forget, Leif Ravenspire, my old comrade from the war, has joined our company. I hope you remember him, of the tales I told you. He is a good man at heart. Perhaps one day, if that day ever comes, I will name him as godfather to my future offspring. Another important note, I have made friends with many a curious person in our company. Many come from all walks of life, and as father has raised, and taught us, to love all as they are, I have come into companionships with two Khajiit’s, Do’Karth and Rhasha’Dar, an Imperial man named Sagax, and a Breton woman by the name of Rozalia. I have also had the opportune chance to meet with Jorwen Red-Bear, even you would recall his name. I have met his daughter, Solveig, whom is just as fiery-tempered as her father, and strikingly beautiful; I have also had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Halla, whom is very endearing, and a kind woman. There are many others I could name, but the end of the parchment is near. I will end with this.

Stay weary little sister, I will return home soon enough, when these travesties have come to an end. Keep a close eye upon the horizon, and an ever watchful eye for danger.
May Mara Keep, and Bless you.
Your sister, Sevine.

“Writing a letter home, eh?” Edith asked, offering up a clear smile as she glanced over the name to whom the letter was addressed.

“Aye. I deemed it proper to let Liliana know what I’m doing, and where I’m going, in case I never set foot in Falkreath again.” She returned the answer with a sheepish shrug of her shoulders, and ventured into placing an order of necessary items for the next return shipment, which included the following: an extra dozen steel arrows, two potions of Restore Health, two potions of Restore Stamina, one Potion of Cure Disease, and one potion of Cure Poison. She also placed another order for Leif, and she had not witnessed him come up from the docks since he headed down to the bay to help with the preparations in The Courtesan. For him, she ordered the same potions she had, along with: x5 Butterfly Wings, x5 Blue Mountain Flower. Shortly after, Sevine and Edith parted ways, and she headed out to retrieve Asper. It would be foolish to leave him behind, after he so bravely escaped the Kamal’s. Perhaps he would have some use over in Winterhold once they landed, however, from the sound of it, there was no land left of the city.

She found Asper at the hitching post outside Windpeak Inn, where she had left him the night before, and untethered his reins. He nickered softly, and pushed his muzzle into the palm of her hand, uttering a pleasant snort, as if happy to see her again. Tracing her fingers along his coat, Sevine’s gaze swept over him, making sure that he suffered no injuries, and once satisfied, she led him away from the inn, and down towards the docks. Asides from two other ships in the bay, save for the smaller fishing boats of the locals, The Courtesan was easy to spot for the amount of people bustling around the top deck. The waters in the bay remained smooth, hinting at the weather for the day, even the skies were clear, except for a few white, cotton-ball clouds that drifted lazily across the sky. Leading Asper onto the dock which The Courtesan’s gang-plank rested, she spotted Leif hoisting sacks of flour across his shoulders.

“Don’t hurt yourself there!” Sevine cried, her lips parting into a wide grin. Turning at once to see who called him, Leif returned the same smile and replied with a shout.

“Is that right? Last time I remember; you were the one that hurt yourself! Are you ready to board Asper?” He inquired, setting down the sacks as he ventured to the top of the gang-plank, hands on his hips.

“If you have the room, then yes.” She retorted.

“Bring him aboard, there’s plenty of room below deck!” Leif said with a laugh, waving her aboard before returning to his duties.

Once safely stowed away in the stalls below deck, Sevine returned to the top deck, and scoured the area, when her gaze landed on Leif, she made her way over to him. “Shall I tell Ashav that the ship is ready for boarding then?”

Leif stood alongside Halvar, who cast a lingering glance at Sevine, followed by a nudge to Leif’s ribs, which he quickly swatted away, he replied with a nod of his head, “Aye. That you could, we’ve actually just finished loading the food aboard, and the sleeping quarters have properly been arranged. When everyone is boarded, we’ll set sail right after.”

“Consider it done.” With that, Sevine went in search of Ashav, needing to tell him that The Courtesan was now ready for boarding.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

For the other three ships: one is owned by the thane, the other is an EEC ship en route from Solitude to Blacklight, the last one is a local volunteer augmented by the newcomers Ashav turned away.

I will jump us to Winterhold as soon as @MacabreFox introduces us to the ship. You guys don't need to post before that.

Edit: Uploaded an older IC post earlier. Now updated and cleared of errors.

@gcold

I am working on a post for this said scene now. It should be here within the next two hours.

Ianus Congreatio: Secret societies, horror, and mystery in the shadows of Prague.

@Astarael42 I will be home tonight from vacation, so I will have time for a response, but of course, I can wait for you to finish posting.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

<Snipped quote by MacabreFox>

Like certain other things.

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@Frizan@Mortarion@MiddleEarthRoze

@gcold

Lmfao! I beg to differ xD size does matter, but as the saying goes, it's also the motion in the ocean... and the size of the ship!

Unless we weren't referencing penises, then I apologize for where this conversation has now gone.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

Post is up, small, but useful.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 1 (Completed)

Sun's Height - 11th

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Morning had come much faster than Leif anticipated as he had fallen asleep later in the night, after reuniting with Kaliri his crew mates from The Courtesan had ventured off the vessel, and into Windpeak Inn for some much needed refreshments. There seated at a table near the fire sat Captain Atgeir, Bjorn, Halvar, and Orvar.

Several rounds of ale and mead were drank through the course of the night as the old crew members of The Courtesan spent the rest of the night reminiscing. Orvar asked if Leif kept up on his restoration skills, and Halvar asked if how many women he seduced into bed with his teachings, to which Leif's reply was something along the lines of, did he want the long story or the short story? Atgeir marveled over the fact that Leif still kept his sword in such a condition, and Bjorn took it upon himself to see that Leif's tankard was never empty.

When the morning came, Leif awoke from his heavy sleep, by banging his head against a table, it seemed he had crawled underneath the table, and claimed it as his bed. Rubbing the salt away from his eyes, Leif sat up in a daze, and once the fog of sleep cleared from his view, he realized that Ashav and several others were gathered in the hall, preparing four long tables full of food. Fortunately the table he had fallen asleep under, did not need moving, and they left him in peace. Clambering to his feet, Leif took his seat near the head of the table, close to where Ashav stood. The sweet smell of fresh bread chased away the ache in his head from the excessive drinking, taking one into his hand, he eagerly bit into the roll. He filled the wooden plate in front of him, and glanced around to see the others from the company begin to take their seats.

Unlike Leif, Sevine had chosen a room with several others from the company to sleep in, albeit, she slept on the floor, but she felt rested nonetheless. She was troubled with a series of dreams, dark, omniscient dreams filled with blood moons, black waters; she felt continuously as if she were sinking beneath the waves, and when she reached the bottom, where her lungs felt as if they were on the verge of bursting, she saw the face of the Imperial officer she had killed, all those years ago. She was drenched in a cold sweat, and her heart pounded like a deer escaping its predator. When she had combed out her locks, she went in search of anyone she knew, eager to ease her troubled mind. Those dreams hadn't bothered her for a while, however, since she told Do'Karth about the truth of her Name, perhaps it was her guilty conscious playing tricks on her again. Her eyes swept across the room and spotted her old friend immediately, sidling up to him, she took a seat next to him as she clapped him on the back. His face brightened at the sight of Sevine, and he nodded his head towards the food, and hooked his thumb at Ashav, indicating that she ought to lend the man her ear.

Leif paid close attention to Ashav's words, and had enough decency to stop eating unlike some others, eliciting the wrath of Cat-Kicker upon them. At least he had enough sense, and respect. When it came time for questions, Leif rose to his feet after a curious newcomer, a Redguard man, asked if there were anyone in need of his services.

"Aye, I've got a question for you as well. How do you propose we get there? It'd be much quicker to sail from here to Winterhold than walking, and I've got just the vessel to take us. There's a ship in the bay that I worked for years ago, if we're in need of transport for our lot, The Courtesan will take us there!"