Argonian Adventures

Deezgul watched the blacksmith from afar, admiring his workmanship. The workman's large biceps were flexing as he bent, soldered and moulded metal, creating armour, swords and shields. Deezgul came to the conclusion that the blacksmith was readying himself for a battle, or perhaps readying others for a battle, he couldn't be sure. One thing Deezgul could be sure of however was that the war had reached as far south as this if the blacksmith was preparing himself. Falkreath seemed like the sort of place where very little happened; Deezgul knew about the famous burial site located in the city and he had heard about the new Jarl but compared to somewhere like Solitude or Whiterun, Falkreath was quaint. Not for much longer, thought Deezgul.

The tall Argonian strode towards the blacksmith. As he approached, Deezgul studied the man's blacksmith robes, which were filthy but the sweat on his brow was a badge of hard work. Deezgul could smell the proud aura emanating from the man and knew his underhand purchasing tactics were unlikely to work here. The blacksmith looked up as Deezgul stopped a few paces away from the building but he didn't stop working. This man is in a rush.

"Excuse me," Deezgul said tentatively, not wanting to anger the blacksmith.

"Yes," was the reply from the blacksmith, who continued to work on the breastplate he was moulding. Deezgul suddenly felt like an intruder.

"I would like to buy a sword from you," he continued, "You are open for business isn't you?" Deezgul asked the question but feared the answer. The blacksmith was working at a ferocious pace with a look of determination carved onto his face and here he was asking him to stop and haggle.

"I'm busy." The blacksmith eyed Deezgul for a moment, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as if he thought the Argonian would attack him at any moment. Deezgul was familiar with the stare he was receiving from the blacksmith; he had seen it so many times before since arriving in Skyrim. It was a look of fear, a look of suspicion and a look of hatred.

"I can see that my friend, I would simply like to buy one of your finely made swords and I shall leave you to your work." Deezgul hoped his subtle compliment would entice the blacksmith into negotiations but the big man just carried on working on the breastplate. The Argonian stood his ground for a few moments, deciding on the next action to take, while the sharp ring of hammer on metal echoed around the buildings of Falkreath. Deezgul considered unsheathing his dagger; it would certainly get the blacksmiths attention but it may also result in him losing his own head. He was sure that the only reason the blacksmith wasn't selling the sword was because he didn't want to do business with an Argonian. Most Nordic folk agreed that business dealings with one of Deezguls kind would only lead to trouble; Argonians had a terrible reputation for being sneaky.

"I can come back later, if that is easier for you," Deezgul enquired. This time, the blacksmith stopped working and approached Deezgul. The Argonian remained as still as a statue, keeping his green, scaly hand away from his dagger. The blacksmith stepped down from his workshop and onto the same ground as Deezgul, his hammer still gripped tightly in his hand. Deezgul became very aware of his lack of armour as the large man stepped towards him; studded armour covered his lower half and leather braces adorned his wrists, while the iron armour over his torso was in serious need of repair. To Deezguls surprise, the blacksmith stopped three paces short of him and began to talk.

"You know the Dead Man's Drink?" Deezgul was aware of the local tavern although he was yet to visit it. He had hoped to avoid paying for a bed there tonight but it looked like he might just have to thanks to the blacksmiths unwillingness to sell him a new sword.

"I know it, yes".

"Meet me there at sundown. Bring gold."

"Could I possibly have your name? It would be pretty hard to do business if I have to call you stranger during our...negotiations." Deezgul was pushing his luck and he knew it. The blacksmith had already been pushed into doing business with an Argonian; it was unlikely that he would want to become friendly with one too. Perhaps Deezgul had gone about things the right way this time though, as the blacksmiths hard face softened and his scowl disappeared. With a neutral look on his face, the man didn't look half as threatening.

"Lod."

"My name is Deezgul, it is a pleasure to meet you Lod." The big blacksmith wasn't hanging around to exchange pleasantries though and he had returned to hammering his breastplate before Deezgul could even finish his sentence. The Argonian concluded that the conversation was over but he was happy enough with the result. He would have to pay for a room tonight in an unwelcoming town, he would have to overpay to obtain a new sword and he would have to suffer through awkward conversation with Lod once again but it didn't matter; by morning he would have a sword and his journey to Solitude could continue...