So Yay! New Chapter...Sorry it took so long but I was majorly stuck and I had a few people message and help me. Speaking of...
Cyntrmiraak and Written-in-Sand I dedicate this chapter to you and then next one as well.
I also warn you ahead of time, a lot of this chapter is an information dump about somethings.
I am working on another chapter right now and seeing as it continuing from this chapter it should be up sometime in the next week...I may finish it tonight who knows.
Of course the normal. I don't own and I never will...I just play with them for a while :)
"Speaking"
"Dovah"
"Khuzdul"
Story
Any Comments for information
"Comments interrupting the story."
++++++++++++++++Start Story++++++++++++++++++++++
I woke before any of the dwarves and quickly packed everything I brought with me.
"Lucien can you go get Overshadow for me please?" The spectral assassin nodded and took off at breakneck speed.
Lucien Lechance had been with me since my days as the Dark Brotherhood's Listener. I was given his spell for killing Vittoria Vici during her wedding speech. The fun I had then...
"Mindovah? Why are you awake?" (Teacher) Thorin's voice met my ears and I turned my head with a smile.
He snorted and laid his head on my shoulder like he used to. "You have no idea how much I missed you Sigrid."
I turned my head to look at him but his grip on my waist tightened so i just leaned into him.
"Thorin?" He raised his head in acknowledgment to my voice and I looked him straight in the eye. "Zu'u fen kos neh lif hi jahaal ontzons. Zuu lor hi lost dilon ahrk zuu vust ni nunt lor do koraav hi waan zuu unt wah siiv hi." (I will never leave you willingly again. I thought you dead and I could not bare the thought of not seeing you if I tried to find you. )
Thorin looked a little shocked but nodded in agreement and we both went back inside to wake the others.
"WAKE UP YOU LOUTS! Time to get going!" I jumped on Frerin and his yelp woke everyone up.
"Saak Briinah!" (Big Sister) He whined as he stood and everyone laughed.
Bifur gave me a glare and a few choice words in Khuzdul that caused everyone to crack up a little bit.
"Alright everybody pack up, grab something to eat, and let's get going." I gently pushed both Kili and Fili awake.
I threw together some food and tossed it out to the others before we left the hobbit hole.
Lucien was waiting with Shadowmere on the other side of the fence and all the dwarves were looking at him in awe and shock.
"Lucien! Thank you for retrieving Shadowmere for me. Would you like to stay or you can return to the Void if you wish?"
"I shall return Listener." He bowed and I returned it.
"I thank you for you help Speaker." Lucien shared a look with Shadowmere and then vanished.
"Who was that? It looked like a spirit." Balin asked as everyone mounted their ponies and I nodded.
"Yep that was Lucien Lechance former Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood." I pulled up along side him and everyone looked at me.
"What was the Dark Brotherhood?" Thorin asked with a hint of something in his voice.
"I never told you the story? Odd..." I threw my hand up quickly and everyone paused. "There is something coming."
Gandalf chuckled from beside me."I believe that would be our dear Hobbit that finally woke up."
"WAAAAAAIIIIIIITTTTTTTTT!" An out of breath hobbit came running from behind us and into the middle of the herd of ponies. "I...s-signed...i-it!"
Poor thing was out of breath and Balin took the contract from his hands. "Everything seems to be in order...Welcome to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield Master Baggins."
There was a loud cheer and Thorin looked a little put out. "Give him a pony!"
"Oh there is not need for that, I'm sure that I can keep up. I walked as far as Frongmorten once..." Bilbo yelped as Fili and Kili lifted him up and placed him on the pack pony.
There was a bit of an argument in the back but I was paying more attention to the road in front of me. Something seemed a little off and I had traveled this road so many times before.
"Sigrid you were going to tell us a story?" Frerin asked pulling along side me and I turned to him confused. "The Dark Brotherhood?"
"Oh right...Is everyone listening then? I won't start again if you can't hear me." Everyone's head turned toward me and a small chuckle escaped.
"I was born on the continent of Tamriel or Taazokaan. There are Nine provinces in the Empire: High Rock, Hammerfell, the Summerset Isles, Valenwood, Elsweyr, Black Marsh, Morrowind, Cyrodill and my home country of Skyrim." Ori had a journal out and was scribbling away.
"So are there different races that come from each province?" Balin asked and Ori nodded in agreement.
"Yes. High Rock had Brentons. They are said to have both human and elven ancestry, and are excellent mages with amazing magical resistance. They are considered abstract thinkers and are thought to carry Aldmer blood. They also happen to be a little bit shorter then the Nords that populate Skyrim.
Hammerfell has the Redguards. They are amazing warriors and are seen as the most fierce and versatile. They are most effictive as scouts and in small units. Dark skin and dark hair...think like the Haaradric."
"So they are a desert people?" Dwalin asked and I nodded. "What weapons do they use?"
"I had a feeling you would ask that question...Scimitars mostly, Destruction and Restoration spells are the only ones I've ever seen a Redguard use."
"What about the Summerset Isles?" Ori asked quietly.
"Okay so the Summerset Isles, Valenwood, and Morrowind are all Elvish countries. The Altmer, or High Elves, are from the Summerset Isles and the most magically inclined of the Mer races. They also have sticks up their collective asses." That startled a snort from everyone and I smiled. "They're Blonde Haired with Golden skin...pointed ears. Bosmer, or Wood Elves, are from Valenwood. I've never met a Bosmer that cannot out shoot anyone, seeing as they are hunters. Agile, quick, and super light on their feet. The Dunmer, or Dark Elves, are from Morrowind. Dark skinned and red eyed, they make the best mages and assassins. The Dunmer have their own version of the Dark Brotherhood called the Morag Tong."
Everyone's attention was on me and stopped for a few minuets to take a breath and a drink.
"This is really interesting. I didn't even know some of this." Gandalf spoke up from where he and Bilbo were riding.
"And to think I haven't even got to your questions yet!" I smirked and Gandalf smiled.
"Continue then my dear."
"There is another Mer race called Orsimer, or Orc, but they aren't in a certain country. Yes Thorin they are different then the Orcs you are used to." He shut his mouth rather quickly and so did the older dwarrows.
"Elsweyr have the Khajiit. Honestly the only way to describe them is walking, bipedal cats. They are the best merchants and make extremely good thieves. They are nomadic and if you travel Skyrim you'll see caravans of Khajiit selling their wears. Black Marsh have the Argonians, which are a bipedal reptilians. They can breath underwater and are great explorers for unknown areas. Imperials are native to Cyrodiil, the capital of the Empire. They are more inclined to academics and Spells then fights. Then there is my home: Skyrim."
"Skyrim is home to many races but the Nords are the main group. Nords, or Kul Do Od-Sons of Snow, are a hardy people. We have the Sea of Ghosts to the North, The Island of Solstheim to the North-East, Morrowind to the East, Cyrodiil to the South, Hammerfell to the South-West, and High Rock to the West. It is freezing most of the year around and the weather is as unpredictable as the people. There are Nine Holds that make up Skyrim and each is governed by a Jarl, kinda like the head of a clan. The Jarl has the ability to appoint Thanes in his court and they are granted House Carls. I have one with me but she stayed at home for a while."
"So you're a Thane?" Kili asked and I nodded.
"In all Nine holds. I did a lot of things to help each Jarl and they all granted me the titles. Don't look at me like that!" I whined at everyone's look.
"What are the Holds?" Bilbo piped up from the back and I sighed in relief.
"Eastmarch and its capital Windhelm; Falkreath who's capital is Falkreath; Haafingar Capital Solitude, which also happens to the Capital of Skyrim its self; Hjaalmarch with Morthal as its capital; The Pale, Capital Dawnstar; The Reach, Capital Markarth; The Rift, Capital Riften; Winterhold, Capital Winterhold; and Whiterun, Capital Whiterun."
"What are the cities known for?" Nori asked.
"Windhelm is the Palace of Kings. Falkreath for the Biggest Graveyard in Tamriel and the densest forests. Haafingar is known for Dragon Bridge, a bridge that spans a huge gorge that has dragon skulls as designs. Hjaalmarch is marshy and infested with all sorts of creatures, never travel it at night. The Pale has a few shrines to the Deadra and holds the Dark Brotherhood's meeting place. The Reach is known for being one of places you cannot travel without at least running across a couple of the Foresworn. They will attack without mercy. Markarth is also made in an old Dwarven ruin. The Rift has Riften, the home of the Thieves Guild and home of the Black-Briar Meadery. Winterhold has the College. The Mages College actually and is the harshest of the Holds to live in. Whiterun has Dragons Reach where Olaf One-Eye capture the Dragon Numinex and held him there until he died. Whiterun is also the Home of the Companions, a sell sword guild with honor. Haafingar also has the Temple of the Divines, Bard's College, The Blue Palace, The East Empire Trading Company, and the headquarters of the Thalmor." I spit the last word and everyone looked at me in shock.
"The Thalmor?" Thorin asked and I looked at him. "You say that word like I say elf."
"They are elves, high elves and boy are they bastards. That's another story though, I'll get to it at some point. Anyway...I was looking for some work and asked the bar maid in Candlehearth Hall if she had heard anything. Best way to find information though ask a bar maid.
-FLASH BACK-
"Sweet Mother, sweet mother, send your child onto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear." A boys voice echoed from upstairs and I followed the voice up. Aventus was reading from the book and reciting again and again.
I walked up behind the boy on quiet feet and he turned in fear when I tapped his shoulder.
"You've come at last! I knew you would!" He shouted when he calmed down and I took a step back.
"Are you all right?" I asked slowly and he shook his head.
"It worked! I knew you'd come, I knew it! I did the Black Sacrament, over and over. With the body, and the...the things. And then you came! An assassin from the Dark Brotherhood!"
I tilted my head to look at him and he was bouncing from foot to foot.
"I'm sorry kid, but I'm not who you think I am."
"Of course you are! I prayed, and you came, and now you'll accept my contract!"
"Contract?" Now mind you I was confused at this point.
"My mother, she...she died. I...I'm all alone now. So they sent me to that terrible orphanage in Riften. Honorhall."
Everyone hates Honorhall and every kid that had every been there had run away because of Grelod the Kind, Crazy women she was.
"The headmistress is an evil, cruel woman."
See point made!
"They call her Grelod the Kind, but she's not kind. She's terrible. To all of us. So I ran away, and came home. And preformed the Black Sacrament. Now you're here! And you can kill Grelod the Kind!"
I nodded my assent and left his house. Riften took about four days to get to from Windhelm and I wanted to get this done.
When I arrive in Riften, it was late at night and not many people were around. I went inside quietly and just listened for a while.
"Those who shirk their duties will get an extra beating. Do I make myself clear?" An old womans voice grated at my ears and I hissed.
"Yes, Grelod." The children chimed.
"And one more thing! I will hear no more talk of adoptions! None of you riff-raff is getting adopted. Ever! Nobody needs you, nobody wants you. That, my darlings, is why you're here. Why you will always be here, until the day you come of age and get thrown into that wide, horrible world."
"That Bitch! She's actually telling Children this?"
"Bofur shut up!"
"Sorry!"
"We love you, Grelod. Thank you for your kindness." The kids chimed and I was shocked.
"That's better. Now scurry off, my little guttersnipes."
Yeah I felt bad at first but now I don't. I drew my bow and aimed across the room before releasing it.
The helper screamed and hid while the children ran over to Grelod's side.
"She's dead! Grelod's dead!" One of the kids started laughing.
"Aventus did it!"
Well okay then. I walked out pretty quickly and bolted out of Riften. Guards were not my friend at all.
I returned to Windhelm and went back to Aventus to tell him that the deed was done. When I walked up the stairs, he popped out of no where laughing.
"I heard! You killed Grelod! I knew the Dark Brotherhood would save me!" He handed me a family heirloom and thanked me again and again.
A few days later, I was in Winterhold when a courier caught up to me.
"I've been looking for you. Got something I'm supposed to deliver. For your hands only."
"From who?"
"I don't know. Creepy fellow, dark robe, couldn't see his face. Paid me a pretty sum to get that to your hands."
He took off and I opened the note, a little bit worried.
There was a black hand with the words "We Know"
Now that scared me, but I went to sleep anyway.
I woke sometime later, dizzy and uncoordinated in a shack.
"Sleep well?"A female voice asked and my head shot in her direction.
"What?! Where am I? Who are you?"
"Does it matter? You're warm, dry, and still very much 's more then can be said for old Grelod hm?" Her voice has a quality to it that I had never heard before but was interesting.
"You know about that?" I asked and her eyes glinted behind the mask.
"Half of Skyrim knows. Old hag get butchered in her own orphanage? Things like that tend to get around. Oh but don't misunderstand...I'm not criticizing. It was a good kill. Old crone had it coming and you saved a group of urchins to boot. But there is a slight...problem."
I remained silent keeping an eye on the woman in front of me. Something about her armor was familiar to me but I couldn't place it.
"You see that little Aretino boy was looking for the Dark Brotherhood. For me and my associates. Grelod the Kind was, by all rights, a Dark Brotherhood contract. A kill that you stole. A kill you must repay."
Can anyone say Oh Crap?
"You want me to murder someone else? Who?"
"Well now, funny you should ask. If you turn around, you'll notice my guests. I've collected them from well...that's not really important...the here and now, that's what matters. You see there's a contract out on one of them and that person can't leave this room alive. But, which one? Go on, see if you can figure it out. Make your choice, make your kill. I just want to observe and admire."
I again staid silent and she seemed to harden a little bit.
"Am I to take your silence as acceptance? Then you know where we stand. Make your kill and we're square. Repayment of your debt is but a discreet knife thrust away."
I walked silently over to the three captives and nudged the Khajiit.
"Whoever this is, clearly we got off on the wrong foot. Ahh, but no worries this is not the first time I have been Bagged and Dragged.
"Who are you?"
"Ahh, Vasha at your service. Obtainer of goods, taker of lives and defiler of daughters. Have you not heard of me? Perhaps I will have my people carve my name on your corpse as a reminder."
I growled and moved to the woman.
"Get these things off of me!"
"Who are you?"
"None of your damn business who I am! If you're going to kill me just do it already! As Mara is my witness, If I didn't have this hood on right now I would spit right in your face."
Well damn woman okay...These people were assholes.
"Why would someone pay to have you killed?"
"Excuse me? What kind of question is that?"
"A good one? Ow What was that for Fili?"
"Shut up Sigird's still telling the story!"
"Sorry Sigrid!"
"It's alright. Just tell me what I need to know." I persuaded her quietly.
"I'm a woman living in Skyrim with six children and no husband. I don't have the time or the patience to be...nice. Do some people look down on me? Have I made some enemies? You're damn right."
I moved onto the male at the end and he began speaking quickly.
"I...I can hear you talking out there. Please let me go! I've done nothing to you."
"Who are you?" I asked quietly with Vasha and the women nattering in the background.
"My name is Fultheim. I'm a soldier, well mercenary really. You know a...a...a sell sword. I've lived in Skyrim all my life. That's all, I'm a nobody really! So can't you just let me go?"
"Would someone pay to have you killed?"
"What? Oh Gods I...I don't want to die!"
"Shh...Don't be afraid. You can tell me." Geezer all that persuading in one day.
"Okay well...I guess it's possible. I've been selling my sword arm for years now, killed a lot of people, could be someone wanted revenge. But...eh..But you're not going to kill me...right?"
All three of them were pissing me off, so I killed all three of them.
"Well, well. Aren't we the overachiever. Three possibilities, three victims. Must have been one of them, right? So why take chance..."
I just looked up at her and staid silent.
"Hmph. When most would speak, you listen. You think. You understand that the only thing that matters is you following my orders. To kill."
"So...I'm free to go?"
"Of course. And you've repaid your debt, in full. Here's the key to the shack. But why stop here? I say we take our relationship to the next level. I would like to officially extend to you an invitation to join my Family. The Dark Brotherhood. In the southwest reaches of Skyrim, in the Pine Forest, you'll find the entrance to our Sanctuary. It's just beneath the road, hidden from view. When questioned by the Black Door, answer with this correct passphrase: "Silence, My Brother." Then you're in. And your new life begins. I'll see you at home."
So here is the chapter...as you can tell I'm not doing a run of the mill part of this story and seeing as Thorin isn't as much of a butt as he normally is...
Anyway please review...If you have any questions please PM me I don't mind answering anything.
Thanks for reading.
