Given the horrible creative slump I've been sitting in, I'm trying something new. A Skyrim based free-write. I'm not planning this ahead, and I'm not using a beta. I am playing Skyrim and making things up as I go. That being said, let me introduce Reema Night-Eye.
Day 1:
Land. Finally! As if it weren't bad enough I had to flee Anvil with just the clothes on my back, but then spending weeks in close quarters with a bunch of smelly, salt-crusted seamen?
Not that I'd take it back, even if I could. Brenan knew better than to betray me and he did it anyway. It was worth burning every bridge I had to open him up. My only regret is not making sure he fully regretted it. So I hope the Void takes him apart nice and slow in my stead.
That also means I won't be going back to Cyrodiil for a while. Or maybe ever. Not that there was much I had to leave, but still. A journal seemed appropriate, given I'm starting over.
And where am I starting over in?
Skyrim.
Dear Sithis, which Daedra did I offend to deserve this? The blasted cold!
Well, can't say it wasn't an auspicious start, anyway. At least given my record. The Dainty Sload (stupid name) docked in a cove miles away from the Solitude harbor. Seems like this crew's used it before and aren't looking to have their arrival documented.
And no sooner had we put down anchor, when Captain who-cares-what-his-name-is goes demanding more money from me before he'll let me off the ship. Do I look like I had anything else on me when I bought passage? Idiot didn't know who he was messing with. And frankly, it's better this way. No witnesses. Though, I can't say I didn't enjoy it. Especially that one who thought to make a grab for my ass early on.
I took what I needed from the ship. Never turn down a good resource. Food, coin, some easily pocketable valuables. Found what they were so keen on hiding from the locals: a mess of contraband, and skooma. Without a contact, I can't turn any of it around for coin. But I made sure to dump every last drop of that filth overboard. I'm not a complete scoundrel.
Once I had what I could carry, I put a hole in the bottom of the ship and got out. Whenever it's found, there'll be no trace back to me.
Now then, next order of business is to get the lay of the land and outfit myself. Solitude's a few miles away. I can just see the palace from here. Hopefully I don't meet any unfriendlies between along the way. I am not fit for open combat right now. My boots and gauntlets have been ruined by the seawater, this dress could stand on its own, and you couldn't pay me to wear anything on that ship. Do pirates take a vow of filth when they start breaking the law?
Whatever. I've got a few hours of walking to get to Solitude. More than enough time to come up with a story.
Provided I don't lose a toe between here and there. This blasted cold!
Well, there's no putting it off any more. Welcome to Skyrim. Here's to hoping it's not as bad as I've heard.