"I'm telling you Umak I really chilled, like, the entire afternoon with a bear in the woods last Morndas."
"I'll believe it when I see it Ragnar."
"Where else would I have been for like six hours?"
"Hell if I know, I just don't particularly care."
"Hmph. Regardless, what are we searching for again?"
It had been days since my afternoon with the mama bear, and now Umak and I were traversing the surrounding wilderness. He had asked for help earlier this morning and it's been a couple of hours since.
"Some new alchemical ingredients. I already have most of the stuff in our immediate area, and a lot of quality mushrooms from the cairn, but if I want to build up my experience and knowledge then I'm going to have to experiment with new ingredients. Oh yeah that reminds me, thanks for those antlers, I'll make good use of them."
"Yeah no problem Umak. Say, how can you tell if something is a usable ingredient? That blue flower patch back by the fallen tree seemed to be what you usually get."
"The color of the stems weren't the right shade. Those were either regular blue flowers or they're what I usually use but just blooming. You can't take those out of the ground until the stems turn into a more pine green."
"Huh, the more you know. Hey, where'd you learn so much about alchemy anyways?"
Umak bent down to inspect some moss on a rock we just came up to, "What do you mean?
I opened a small bag and gently placed the moss he handed me into it, "I'm just curious of where you learned it."
Umak tilted the rock over and roamed his eyes over the bugs under it, shaking his head he carefully placed the large rock back, stood up, and continued forward.
"I learned from my teachers back in Riften."
I blinked and followed him, "You were taught in Riften? I thought Orcs in Skyrim mostly lived in the strongholds."
"I actually spent most of my life in Riften, I did live in a stronghold back when I was a child, but it's been gone for a while now."
"Oh shit I'm sorr-"
"Hm? No need to apologize Ragnar, you were just curious and couldn't have known. Honestly, it's been years since it's happened, I've moved on from being sensitive to the subject."
"…So you learned alchemy from someone in Riften?"
"Yeah! When I first arrived in the city I was lost, didn't really have anywhere to go. They saw me alone on the canal, took a chance and took me in. I learned under them for years, I was even allowed to brew some potions for their shop. Granted, I was only allowed to make some tier 1 potions but it was really fun."
"Tier 1?"
"Oh yeah you wouldn't know, honestly this is kind of exciting for me. No one in the crew has really asked me about the finer points of alchemy."
Umak cleared his throat, "Anyways, in the practice of alchemy there are five tiers of potions: tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, tier 4, and tier 5. To customers and non-practitioners, they have a different name. As an example, for healing potions they would be categorized as such: Minor healing, Healing, Plentiful healing, Extreme healing, and Ultimate healing. Though, that last one is only there for honorary reasons."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Tier 5 potions are mostly there because they're what every alchemist aspires to create. The recipes for them have never been recorded, and the Syndicate of Alchemical practice in Cyrodiil – the organization that essentially runs alchemist culture – recognizes anyone who can create such potions with the title of a Master Alchemist. It's a title that any true practitioner of the art aspires to be, though that hasn't happened in decades, and it has never been achieved with a healing potion. The only recorded ultimate potion being brewed by an alchemist has been Ultimate Magicka potions."
Umak and I slowly made our way down a slope towards some dead wolves, Umak bending down and carefully removing their fangs.
"Is that what you wish to accomplish Umak?"
He turned his head up towards me, a determined gleam shined in his eyes and his voice full of passion, "That's exactly right Ragnar. I want to be the first person in recorded history to unlock the secret of the ultimate healing potion. I still have a long way to go, but I can already brew tier 2 healing potions. And my knowledge will just keep increasing the more I practice and experiment!"
My lips moved before my brain could catch up, "Why'd you leave Riften then? I imagine you could have learned more from your teachers than out here."
Umak let out a bitter chuckle at my insensitive question.
"Shit man I'm sorry I wasn't even thin-"
"Relax boss, it's fine. Besides, maybe I should confide in someone. Could be good to get it off my chest."
"Umak sat back, cleaning his hands with a rag and a wooden canteen of water from the wolf saliva. "Happened five weeks or so ago. I was learning under master Hafjorg and his wife when a woman named Ignun came in hoping to learn more about alchemy. They took her under their wing and began teaching her everything they could. At first, we never really interacted with each other, I was focused more on healing and stamina potions while she was dedicated to making poisons. But eventually we warmed up to each other on day when we were made to work together to pass our novice exam to become apprentices, and became fast friends over our shared love of the art."
"Over the years, that friendship had eventually turned into something more, we began to see each other in secret. Her mother would never approve of such a union, not between her daughter and an orc. We never actually did anything other than some pecks on the cheek, but it was a first for the both of us, and that was enough at the time. In the end, her mother caught us together when she came to check up on her daughter at the shop. Man Ragnar, she was furious! Honestly in that moment she seemed more like a wolf than a human, biting and snarling at me, dragging away her daughter back to her house."
He sighed, "She came in the next day and threatened my masters to stop teaching me, and for me to leave the city. My teachers, bless them, at first tried to argue against it, but I knew they couldn't afford to keep me, not with the woman's extreme influence over the Jarl and the guardsmen. I made the executive decision to leave, I said my heartfelt goodbyes to my masters and left in the dead of night after one last secret meeting with Ignun."
Umak went silent, and I kept quiet. Eventually, he got up and we started to continue our trek through the forest.
"I had left Riften some three weeks ago. During my travels I had managed to run into Gavnuk. We were both heading the same way and we decided to travel together, and that eventually spiraled into us meeting Ghunzul and the rest of them. And like that, the rest is history."
He let out a deep sigh, "Wow that feels good, thanks for listening Ragnar, I needed to get all that off my chest."
"Her mom sounds like a piece of work; did you ever learn her name?"
Umak snorted in amusement, "Yeah, some bitch named Maven Blackbriar, never learned why she was so important to Riften. I mean, all she owns is a mead company, right?"
A tusk filled grin drew across his face, "Now, lets get a move on! I think I saw some nightshade by that big Nordic lookin structure in that little pocket over by the mountain, if we're lucky we can also find some deathbell too!."
(-)
I passed through the…city? The city of Falkreath, backpack secured to my back. I waved at the locals and stopped to chat with some of the more friendly and social citizens, mostly small children and their parents. I waved at Sod and Helena, smiled at Thadgeir who waved me down. We talked briefly before I continued my way through Falkreath. I walked through the bustling streets until I saw my destination.
As I approached the door, a familiar elvish woman stepped out the door. Our eyes met briefly, something flashed in her eyes, though I couldn't tell you what it was, but she averted her gaze and quietly and quickly excused herself. Confused, I shrugged my shoulder to adjust the bag and made my way inside the Sunken Ship. The familiar decor and scent of burning incense, this time honey, met my senses as I strode up to the counter where Amelia sat, reading some fancy looking parchment. A frown on her face as her eyes roamed the page. Grinning, I swung my back off my back and plopped it on the countertop. The sudden sound caused Amelia to jump back in shock, the most adorable, surprised squeak passed her lips as her eyes found mine.
"Ragnar?! Don't scare me like that!"
"Gehehehe"
"You have a stupid laugh"
"Oi!"
"Paybacks a bitch, anyways what you doing here so early? I've just started working."
I patted my backpack, "I came to bring some silver for our deal, though I don't really have much to do now so I figured I'd come by and hang with my favorite Jeweler."
A delighted toothy grin grew on her face, "Hey that's awesome! Great timing too, I recently ran out of that silver you gave me last time. The citizens have been loving the new rings and medallions I create with them, and I'd love to hang out! Though you'll be stuck here for the afternoon…"
"Eh, that's fine. I don't really got much to do at the moment, well I do have one thing I came here for other than to see you, but that honestly could be done at any time today."
"What you need to do? Maybe I could help."
"Gunna go around later and offer the homeless a job mining, or maybe something else that my team does. I got a guy named Umak who grows alchemical ingredients, maybe some wouldn't mind being foragers."
And to, ya know, make me look better. But she doesn't need to know that part.
"Oh wow that's awfully kind of you Ragnar!"
"Eh, if you say so."
"Well, I'm sorry but I don't really know where most of the homeless hang out beyond the two that sit around by the food markets. You'd have to search around town or ask someone that does know."
"Meh, it's alright. Anyways, I got about 14 Silver ingots here to trade if you'd be willing to buy?"
The boys and I had actually dug up more than that, but I figured it would be in our (my) best interests to just carry at a maximum of 15 ingots in my backpack. After all, we don't have a cart or any other means of transporting a large amount of goods to Falkreath. That and we can stock up on the ingots we don't sell in case we hit a dry spot in the mine.
"Fantastic! Wait here, I'll get the money and then after that we can hang out for a couple of hours while I work, todays lookin like a slow day anyways so I might be able to close up shop earlier anyways!"
(?)
It's been a few months since I've been hiding out in Falkreath. So far I've managed to behave myself, but it's been getting harder and harder with each passing day. Damn this curse, damn the ring! It was supposed to make the urges go away!
Even now, as I walk home in the afternoon sun from working diligently at the inn, the curse urges me. It's hungry, it wants…to feed. But I won't let it! I won't let it sink its fangs into that small child, tearing into their soft flesh and feasting on her delectable hea-
I shake my head furiously, earning more than a few stares in confusion, but its better than the alternative. I hurried my pace home, cutting through the narrower routes back home to avoid the people. Can't give the beast any eye candy, can't let it get hungry.
I spot my small home just a down the street. I speed towards it, stumbling slightly in my desperation, but I manage to open the door and shut it, locking it behind me. I grip my head in between my hands as I collapse to the floor, my vision rimming with red, blurry unless I focused hard enough on the floor. My fingers dig into my skull, slightly formed claws scratching my head slightly, but not anything new. Certainly nothing to cause more suspicion with the neighbors. I let out gasps of labored breathes, trying to reel in the beast as it attempts to break free.
After what felt like hours, I got a grip on the beast and regained control. I let out a gasp I didn't know I was holding, sweat dripping down my body as I shakily take in heaps of air. I can't stay here, that much is certain, but where would I stay? I don't have anywhere to go, and certainly not enough money to take care of myself. I grit my teeth in anger and stare furiously at the mocking face of the ring that rests of my finger, but I don't dare take it off. If I do, there's no telling what could happen.
My stomach grumbles in hunger, but I can't leave just yet. Not when I only have a tentative grasp over the beast, and certainly not with this many people out and about. I'll have to wait a couple of hours before heading out, skipping lunch isn't anything new, I'll just need a large supper.
Hours passed by as I stayed in my home, reading books to pass the time as I regained my composure and humanity. But when the room began to darken, I peeked out my window and noticed the orange sky. Perfect, I can hopefully get to the Margrets stall and get a dinner to take home before she closes. I grabbed a plate and bowl from my pantry and set out to the market square.
I made my way through the mostly empty street, keeping my head down and moving at a somewhat speedy pace. My ear twitched at the sound of a door opening ahead. Against my better judgement I glanced up and saw a tall Nord with long hair walk out of Amelia's shop. He turned back to the door and held his arms out. A pair of arms came to hug him, presumably Amelia herself. The man laughed, let go, and left the store towards the main market district, exactly where I was going. Great.
I kept my previous speed, passing the large Nord as he lumbered behind my faster pace. Once I got to the square, I made a beeline for Margret's stall. I stood in line behind the other large muscular men that just came back from their jobs. Thank Mara for Margret, she really knows that not all men have someone to come home to with a meal waiting for them, so she makes the food instead for a cheap price. Though, you do pay more to take a plate or bowl, so I always bring my own.
Once it was my turn, I handed Margret a handful of silver septims and graciously took my venison stew and bread slice. I thanked her quietly and carefully made my trek home, dipping the bread in the stew and eating it as I walked, closing my eyes briefly as I enjoyed the gammy meat.
A sudden force hit my shoulder and jerked the plate and bowl out of my grasp and knocked me to the ground. I snapped my eyes open as I saw my meal fly into the air. Miraculously, a large hand snapped into the air and caught the bowl before it could get too high, and the plate as it came down.
"PHEW! By the nine my heart leapt into my throat for hot second. That's my bad man, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, you okay?"
My eyes found the deeply voiced Nord from before. Holding the meal that I thought I was going to lose out on in his outstretched hands, his other stretching out to help me up. In stunned silence, I just grasped his hand with mine and he hoisted me up with no effort. I shook my head briefly to clear my mind after I stood up and met his eyes, a mumbled "thanks" came passed my lips.
"Ah no worries, it was my fault anyways so least I could do. Oh! Here's your food…?"
"..Sinding, and thanks…?"
I missed the flash of recognition in his eyes as my attention focused on my reacquired food.
"Ranger, and like I said don't mention it."
"Oh, you're Ragnar?"
A satisfied smile came to his face, "Oh? You've heard of me?"
"I work at the inn, my boss was in the day you told Thadgeir that the ashes were delivered, she talked about it to me the next day. Helena also talks about you whenever she comes and orders from us."
"Good to see my reputation proceeds me!"
"That's not…nevermind. Thank you again for catching my food."
"Don't mention it Sinding, pleasu…"
His voice trailed off as his eyes drifted down to my hand. A cold feeling gripped my heart as his gaze intensified on my hand, met my eyes again, and back to my hand. He knows, oh by the gods he knows.
"Hey…."
If I make a break for it now I can make it to the end of the road, even if he calls the guards I'll…I'll just have to transform and hopefully the beast is smart enough to make a break for it.
"Ah shit you're scared. Fuck, man I- . . . Hahhh, just listen okay? Nod if you heard me."
Against my better judgement, I gave a shaky nod.
"Okay, okay listen. I do know what that ring is f- calm down! Calm down, calm down, okay? Just listen. I know what that ring is for, and I know what you're going throug-"
"You could never unde-"
"No I meant like intellectually not empathetically. I know you've contracted Lycanthropy, and I know that ring is meant to control the transformation, but it isn't, is it?"
"N-no, it's not, it's terrible! The whole reason I took the ring in the first place was to live a normal life, I can't live like this!"
"Listen man, I get it. The urges are getting too much for you to handle right?"
"Y-yeah…"
"Okay…listen, I know why the ring is cursed. You stole it, didn't you?"
"N-..yes, I stole the ring from this man in the mountains northeast of Solitude, while we was sleeping."
"Okay see? That is the whole reason you're having trouble with it, hircine is the daedric prince of the hunt, what you did was just thievery. If you had earned the ring another way I'm sure you would have been fine, but as it is the ring is amplifying the beastly urges."
"Then what am I supposed to do! I don't want to leave but I know I have to, I can't get rid of the ring because it's bound to me unless someone else voluntarily takes it from me, and if they do I'm stuck as a werewolf! I won't be able to stay here!"
Frustrated tears gathered in the corners of my eyes, "I worked so, so hard for the life I have right now. So many trials and tribulations just to leave it all behind? I don't want to do that, I don't want to leave the friends I've made behind. I like my job, my boss, my home! To give all of that up after everything I've done…? I just can't…"
I closed my eyes in shame, a man doesn't show his emotions. But I can't just keep the stupid things in check. I felt Ragnars hand gently guide me by the shoulder, and I feel my legs move, but at this point I just don't care. I keep my eyes closed, head down to the ground as the sound of our steps gently caressed my ears. We walked in silence until I was forced to stop. I opened my eyes and saw that Ragnar had taken us to another spot in Falkreath. We were at Dengeirs Tree, the oldest tree in the entire hold, and we were in front of a bench in the empty area.
We sat down, and Ragnar handed me my unfinished meal. I muttered a quiet thanks and slowly ate my troubles away, the food tasting much better than it has in the past few days. Minutes passed in silence as I ate my dinner, and when the bowl was empty Ragnar gently took the plate and bowl away from me and placed it beside himself. He didn't offer any words, and I never gave any back. Our silence was comforting, as we sat under the shade of the old tree, the gentle breeze caressed our faces and made the leaves sing.
"You'll be fine, you know?"
I chucked bitterly, "Thanks for the vote of encouragement, but I know I need to leave soon. If I don't, I'll hurt someone. I can't let that happen, not when I know I wouldn't be able to cure the ring in time."
"…you know how to cure the ring?"
"W-well I mean…it's more of a guess than anything, I was going to seek out Hircine himself and beg for forgiveness for my arrogance, but the only clue that I have is that he appears as a white stag in the forests of Falkreath. I haven't had the time to dedicate myself to a search, so I've just been holding out hope for the few times that I do get out that I'll get lucky."
My lips trembled, "Guess it just wasn't meant to be, huh. Thinking about it now, it was probably avoiding me on purpose, letting me stew in the consequences of my own actions."
"…I'll help you."
"What?"
Ragnar stood up and turned his head down at me, a smile on his face. "I said I'll help you, I got a plan okay?"
I stood up and shook my head, "No, I couldn't possibly ask that of you. Even if we were friends for years, I wouldn't want to burden you with this."
"Good thing then that you're not asking and this is more of a 'I'm doing it with or without your approval.'"
I gaped at his bold words, and he grinned challengingly back at me. I let out an exasperated sigh, but gave him a shaky, grateful smile.
"Okay, what's your plan?"
(Ragnar)
Sinding and I walked back to the exit I frequently use, silent, but determined. Once we made it out of the city and down the main road we detoured slightly into the woods until we were far enough away from the pathway.
"You ready, Sinding?"
His shaky sigh echoed into the silent night, "Y-yeah. Just a little nervous."
I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Listen, you'll still be in control, okay? The beast is just being amplified by the ring, you won't have those intense urges."
"It's easier to hear that than to accept it okay?"
"I get it, I really do, but you'll be fine. I promise."
A quick inhale and exhale met my words
"Alright, I'm ready. You said to head to a cave called Bloated Mans Grotto, right?"
"Yeah, wait for me there, okay? Now, hand me the ring."
Instead of a verbal response, Sinding quickly grabbed the ring, yanked his hand back, and slapped it into my palm. Immediately, he hunched over and let out a primal roar as his form grew larger and larger. His clothes exploded off his body, fur growing rapidly all over. His hands extended into claws, nose became snout, and his jaw filled with razor sharp teeth. Hircines ring was then suddenly on my ring finger, firmly in place with nowhere to go. Werewolf Sinding's head slowly turned towards me, his animal eyes boring straight into my unflinching gaze.
"Thank..you."
"No problem Sinding. Now get moving before the guards come to investigate."
He nodded, got on all fours and sped off into the forest, heading to the grove he would have originally gone to in the game. I quickly made myself scarce, and back onto the main road. Once the road was clear, I finally let loose the uproarious laugh that had been building up since Sinding agreed to my plan.
I pumped my fist into the sky, the ring on my finger shining in the moonlight. I brought it back down and gazed victoriously at my hand. It was truly a stroke of monumental luck to find Sinding this early, I figured I'd have to search for months before I found the man. But it appears that fortune favor the bold, or in my case, the bored.
The smile on my face fell into a comfortable smirk, and I continued my walk back home with purposed steps. If I'm right, then the ring should have absolutely no effect on me, I'm not a werebeast after all. So, I should be having zero problems while this thing is bound to me, which means I'm in no rush to find Hircine. Not that I won't find him as fast as I can, I need to in order to get the ball rolling, but its nice to know that there isn't some impending consequence looming over my shoulder while I attempt to find him.
Besides, Sinding should have enough wild animals in that grove to last him a while. He can wait a month or so if need be, not that I'll make him of course.
(Guruk)
"No no your stance is all wrong. If someone hit you while you were positioned like that you'd be knocked down instantly."
"Sorry sir!"
"It's alright Brojlic, you're still new. Now, with your shield sword combo you're gunna want to bend your knee like this on your front leg, and have your back leg like this. This way you can take more force from a frontal attack. And you're sword shouldn't be right behind the shield, it'll take too much time to get a proper attack in if you do it like that."
"Got it sir!"
"Good! Now Joric, you're still swinging your knives too far out. Keep them close and tight, not out and loose."
"Yes captain!"
"Malacath damn it I told you not to call me tha- whatever."
My eyes rolled over the rest of the men as they continued to train. I made my way over and corrected their techniques when I needed to (which was often) and praised them when they succeeded to hammer in the techniques into their thick skulls.
Hours passed, but I could see great improvement with the guys. Granted, any success will be monumental from where they started, but they were quick learners. Given a few more days of training like this I'm confident we can take on a low priority target like a traveling merchant.
I clapped my hands loudly. The grunts scrambled to stop and pay attention to me.
"Alright everyone, training's over! Daylight is passing, so its time to prep dinner! Erwan it's your turn to make food today, get going."
Soon, the men went inside our tower base and got ready to break down for the day. Sighing, I made my way towards the bottom area, grabbed my whetstone on the side table, and sat on the steps of the entrance. Greatsword in hand as I carefully sharpened my weapon. The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs made my pointed ears flicker, and based on the weight of the footsteps that means it's…
"What do you want, Brojlic?"
"How'd you know it was me boss?"
"Boss…hm.."
"Boss?"
"Hm? Oh, it was the weight of your steps. You're the heaviest of the men here, your steps produce a much louder and deeper sound as you walk."
"Wow…I hope to learn a skill like that one day."
"No. No you don't."
"…did I step too far?"
I sighed, "What did you come down here for exactly Brojlic?"
I heard him shuffle around, "Well, I just wanted to know when do you think we're going to attack those fuckers at knifepoint ridge."
"This again? I told you we attack when Ragnar says we do. No sooner nor later."
"But why?! We're making such good progress, and with you leading us we could take them on!"
I stood up, turned around and loomed over him. To his credit, he stared defiantly back at me.
"Because, Brojlic, I trust that what Ragnar says is for the best for the group."
"Why do you trust him so much that you'll listen to his every word! Have you known him for that long that you'll just do whatever he says?"
I chuckled, "truth be told I've only known him for two or three weeks."
Brojlic sputtered in shock. "If you don't know him all that well then why in Maras name do you listen to him?"
"Why do you listen to me, Brojlic?"
"…"
"I listen to Ragnar for the same reason you listen to me. You follow my orders because I'm the key to getting what you want. I'm the same, Ragnar has the key to something that I want."
"..and what's that?"
I turned around, gazing at the forest and the orange sky setting above it. Listening to the tranquil sounds around me.
"To be apart of something more than myself. To be thought of by others, to not be alone. To go down in history, take your pick really. But all of that stems from the fact that what I really want is to have purpose. And following Ragnars vision will get me that."
I gazed back at my underling. "But if he loses that ambition? That vision? I'm gone. Ragnar has my trust because I deem his vision worthy of it, not the man himself. Don't confuse the two, understand?"
A pause, and then a small nod from the man gave the affirmation I requested.
"Good, now get back upstairs with the others. We can discuss your revenge boner later, right now I gotta attend to something real quick."
A small, embarrassed blush blossomed on his face at my crass words as he hurried upstairs. I allowed a small chuckle to pass my tusks as I gazed out into the woods.
"You can come out now, Morbrukk, I can see your bow sticking out of the trees."
Morbrukk didn't come out for some time, but in the end the soft sound of footsteps met my ears as his form came into view. We stood opposed to each other, unblinking.
"I take it you heard everything I said?"
"…yes."
"..What did you think of it?"
He stayed silent a few moments. "…as always, I'll follow you."
I broke our staredown with an exasperated huff, "Really Morbrukk you don't have to agree with everything I say."
"..but it's my choice."
"Ah whatever, anyways, what'd you come here for?"
"Ragnar has acquired the ring he spoke of when he went over the plan. You were right, I should have taken him seriously back then."
"See? I told you he wasn't full of himself, the weight to his words wouldn't allow such a failure."
"Hmph, well then you'll be happy to know I'll be more cooperative. I must be on my way now, it'll almost be time to eat."
"Man, as much as I like having the authority over these guys I can reluctantly admit that Ragnar's cooking is much better than what I'm having these days."
A small smirk grew on Morbrukks face. "What a shame for you, I must be off now. I'll be sure to tell you all about the food next time we meet."
"Oi! When the hell did you learn to sass!"
Name: Ragnar
Race: Nord
Level: 9
EXP: 220/ 500
Health: 200 Magicka: 270 Stamina: 190
STR: 16 (17)
INT: 25 (27)
END: 18 (20)
DEX: 16 (19)
SP: 0
PP: 4
Land Controlled:
-Cracked Tusk Keep (+2 END)
-Halldir's Cairn (+2 INT)
-Bannermist Tower (+1 STR)
People under your leadership:
Happy: 7
Neutral: 5
Unhappy: 0
