Well, here we go guys, chapter 3. Didn't take me that long to write it, as i'm making the fanfic alongside my playthrough, which is very fun :) This is, by far the most fun chapter i got to write, as i'm not bound by the main quest. I'd just like to thank those who've been keeping up with the story, (if there are any XD) as i promise it's bound to get more interesting. Oh, and no reviews since chapter 1? Cmon guys, help me out a bit :/ your choice though. Alright, I shall not keep you any further, on to the story.
I finally arrived in Windhelm. It was kind of late, at night. About 11 in the evening, I'd guess. I just got out of the carriage, and was making my way to the city entrances.
Truthfully, I was glad to be out of there, I was starting to get sick of the guy repeatedly singing his painful rendition of Ragnar the Red. I passed a city guard as I was nearing the doors. "Talk to Galmar, If you're looking to join the Stormcloaks, traveler." He said to me, as I passed him.
Not now. All I want is a warm bed.
As soon as I enter the city walls, I get a glimpse of the great Candlehearth Hall, in front of me. I walk towards it, and I notice that there aren't many people out anymore, probably at home, in bed. I head for the entrance, and open the doors.
I enter the Inn, facing a staircase. A bar was at the far-end of the room. I took a seat.
"Another dark elf. Just what Windhelm needs." The innkeeper says to me as I take my seat. I have to admit, I was this close to drawing my dagger, but I decided to compose myself.
"I'd like to rent a room." I said, ignoring her rude remark.
"Sure thing, it's yours for a day." she says, as if have recited this line millions of times.
I remained silent as she led me to my room, still angry at the way she had greeted me. "Let me know if there's anything else you need." she said, arriving in my room. I don't even acknowledge her as I lie down in my bed and slowly close my eyes, drifting away into the dream world.
I woke up to the noises of a fully operational inn.
A bard, repeatedly strumming its lute and singing a song that's been covered numerous times. I have to say I was glad to finally be free. The liveliness of the inn got to me, and it filled my soul with content. I approach the innkeeper and take a seat.
"You don't happen to have any Cyrodiilic Brandy, do you?" I ask the lady. "We do actually." she said. "One final bottle. Probably meant for you."
"I'll take it then." She hands me the bottle and I take a nice, refreshing swig. I looked around the place. There was a fair share of people, I must say. No one of note, but there was a ton of townsfolk. I took one last gulp of my brandy as I stood up, and got ready to leave. I leave the innkeeper a horrible tip, about 2 freaking septims as was on my way.
I stepped out of the inn, into the cold Windhelm weather. It's winter here, as always, and some people could be seen warming their hands over the numerous fireplaces that were scattered across town.
I go down the steps, and head towards the Gray Quarter.
As I approached the main gates, a little girl, no older than eight or nine, walked up to me and asked. "Hey, mister." In the cutest voice. "Wanna buy some flowers?" I was at a loss for words. She was the absolute cutest thing he'd ever laid eyes on.
"Alright." I said. "What do you got?"
"Not much." she replied. "But I hope you like them."
I took a look at her selection. Some mountain flowers, a few stems of Nightshade and some Lavenders. I decided to help the girl out. I bought them all.
"Really?" she asked, in shock.
I smiled. "Least I can do for a hardworking little girl, like you."
"Wow, thanks mister, you're the best!" she said, as I handed over her payment.
"Might I ask though, where are your parents?" I asked.
Her face went from a shiny grin, to a sad, and hurt pout. "They're… they're dead." she explained, as she began her sorrowful tale. "My mama died when I was little, I don't remember her very well. And my father was a soldier in the Stormcloak army. One day he left and, he didn't come back." She explained,using every last bit of her little strength, to try and hold back tears.
I have to admit. That blasted girl was getting me too. I had to pinch my ass just to remind myself not to spill my tears.
She continued with her, tragic story. "I'm all alone. I try to sell flowers so I could buy food. It's not much but, what else can I do?" she said, letting one small tear, drip down her face.
I pretend to cough, as I wipe off my tears with my gauntlets. I really have no idea, why no one has the heart to give this poor girl a home. It just bothered me. Are the Nords really that full of themselves? That's a darn shame, if they are. I don't care who it is, or if they're important or not. But you must be a complete jerk, not wanting to give this girl a hand. I wish I could.
"You be safe, sweetheart. And don't give up." I say, embracing her, as she cried on my shoulder. I may have the ability to slaughter someone without remorse, but any sane man would take pity, on a helpless soul. I hand her 50 septims as I turned to leave. I was on my way to Gray Quarter when I heard her call out to me.
"Thanks mister, thanks for talking to me."
I entered the Cornerclub with a grin. I haven't seen Ambarys in the longest time. I walk up to him, and as soon as he sees me he waves his current customer away, walks towards me and gives me a hug. "Myrkrkio! By Azura, what brings you to Windhelm?" he asked, releasing himself for the embrace.
"Just staying here for a while, getting myself organized after… Well." I took a seat.
"What?" he asked me. I didn't answer.
"Let's just say, I took care of business." I hesitantly said.
"Alright." He answered. "Come on, let's fix you up" he says, passing me a jar of some fine Sujamma, and taking the seat beside me.
I gaze, dumbfounded, and as thirsty as a vampire. I was shocked. "Goodness! I thought you had to take a boat back to Morrowind just to get one of these babies." I said, before taking a jumbo gulp.
Ambarys laughed at my enjoyment. "I guess there are a few perks of having the Nords resent us. Only a third of the towns enjoying our stuff." He told me.
"Well the barbarians don't know what their missing out on." I said chuckling. "Better than that honey liquor they always make."
"Mead?" he asks. "Yup." I reply.
"Nothing like a newborn jar of Sujamma, huh?" he said.
"You don't even know, pal." I told him, laughing. We spent the next couple of hours, joking around, sharing stories, and just basking in the enjoyment of some good company, all the while gulping down loads of some top notch Sujamma.
It all ended when I offered one question.
"So, how's the guild, hear any news?" I asked, not knowing what to expect.
His face turned glum. "Here." He said, taking a piece of paper out of his pocket. "It came yesterday. It's a letter from… Feng." He handed me the letter.
"Feng?" I asked, playing dumb. I read its contents.
To all Guild Members,
This letter contains sensitive information that should be read STRICTLY by Guild Members only. I send you this letter, with the purpose of informing you of some tragic news. I had just received word that our dearest and honored Grandmaster has finally joined our dear lady Mephala in her realm. Grandmaster Shengda was found murdered in his room, in the inn that he was staying at the time, bloodied and with a stabmark on his throat. Not much is known about the murder, and we've done the best we can, to identify the killer. But as of now, sadly no such luck. Fear not, however. Our Grandmaster may have fallen, but our cause still lives on. A meeting is in order to determine the new Grandmaster. It will take place on the 13th of Frostfall, Lady Mephala's summoning date, in the Shrine of Azura near Winterhold. There, we will summon Lady Mephala, and have her decide the new leader. I hope to see the Guild soon.
Mephala guide us.
I look up in shock and in utter disbelief. My plan had failed, an now I had to take a different route. But where? Where did it go wrong? I look back on that day and review the events.
Just to avoid confusion, in case you aren't aware of the Morag Tong, they're an assassin's guild from back in ES 3, and not just from the DB DLC. You guys can find it on the ES Wiki. Thanks guys! See you next chapter.
