After leaving Ongar's house, her stolen housewares off her hands, Rina's happiness began to wear off.

She had to talk to the Countess today. She couldn't bear to disappoint Martin again, besides the danger she was putting everyone in by delaying it.

She tried to think rationally. The chances that anything major would go wrong during the battle were slim. Rina would be there to protect Martin, and he was a surprisingly good fighter for having been a priest most of his life. Perhaps it was something he learned during his… Daedra-worshipping days.

He was also going to have the Armor of Tiber Septim, which was sturdy and would surely keep him from being severely wounded. Of course, it was old, and entirely possible that it would become damaged in the battle, and he would not be protected-

Once she realized that she was beginning to worry again, she forced her thoughts to come back under her control.

Everything would be alright in the end. If she kept telling herself that, eventually she would believe it.

The Bruma castle was tall and foreboding, not welcoming at all. Rina approached the guard outside, who was standing idly, not paying much attention to everyone coming and going.

"Is the Countess holding audience?" she asked him.

He snapped to attention, obviously embarrassed.

'Y-yes, you may speak with her now if she is not already engaged," he stammered, opening the door for her.

Inside, it was so dark that Rina could barely see. What kind of nobility sits like a spider in a web, waiting for prey in a dark, dank place like this?

The Countess sat on her throne, staring moodily at an empty display case.

She was a rather tan, stocky woman who had an air of haughtiness about her. Rina swallowed, bracing herself. If she's rude, don't take it personally. It's kind of understandable why she wouldn't jump at the chance to put her entire city in danger of total destruction. Still, she looks like a difficult one.

Rina cleared her throat. "Countess Carvain? My name is Rina. I-"

The countess clapped her hands delightedly. "Rina! How delightful. You must be here because I summoned you. Are you familiar with Akaviri artifacts?"

"No, I- I had received your invitation, but I come now on behalf of Martin Septim, heir to the throne. He would like to request an audience with you concerning urgent military matters," Rina said, forcing herself to speak slowly and deliberately, not betraying how frightened she was feeling.

"Heir? Impossible! Everyone knows there were no imperial heirs left. Whoever this "Martin" is, he cannot be a Septim. What could he possibly want to talk to me about?"

Rina almost drew her sword. Calm, stay calm. "I- I was with the Emperor when- when he was assassinated. Martin is his son, and the true heir. The Blades have accepted him and are in his service. S-Surely there could be no objection when his claim has been validated by those who were most loyal to Uriel Septim," she said, choosing her words carefully. To insult the Countess would probably result in getting tossed into prison, not to mention that she certainly would not consider holding an audience with Martin.

The Countess seemed to think on what Rina had said. "What is the nature of his business in my city?" she asked.

"I trust you are familiar with the history and use of the Amulet of Kings?" Rina inquired.

"Yes, I have read the definitive book on the subject."

"The Amulet of Kings is needed to stop the Oblivion invasion, and the only way to get it is to infiltrate Mankar Camoran's- the leader of the Mythic Dawn cult that murdered the emperor- realm. In order to access it, we must have the Great Sigil Stone. This is the anchor for the Great Gate, which can only open once three smaller gates have opened as well, according to the spies' plans that were intercepted some time ago. There is no other choice," Rina explained, as much saying it to herself as to the Countess. Carvain thought for a moment.

"You cannot possibly think that this course of action would work!" the Countess exclaimed, her eyebrows shooting up.

"It- it is the only way. "Camoran disappeared with the Amulet before I could catch him. The best opportunity to obtain this Great Sigil stone would be to allow the previously planned attack on Bruma to commence. Martin Septim would like to speak with you about possible plans for this battle."

"I still do not see why my city must be put in danger, but tell this Martin that I will speak to him. I will meet him at the Chapel of Talos as soon as possible. Have him send you first, so I know when I must leave. Good day." She immediately turned to speak to one of her bodyguards.

Dismissed, Rina left the hall. Nobility. So… haughty, arrogant, frustrating. At least Martin isn't like that. Definitely the opposite! On her walk back to the Temple, Rina looked at her hands and noticed that she was shaking. If Carvain approved of the plan, there would be no going back.

Out of frustration, anxiety, and emotions she couldn't name, Rina kicked the nearest rock.

A mistake.

Her foot felt like it was exploding. Immediately taking off her shoe and sock, she saw that her smallest toe was already rapidly swelling, turning an angry red. It was at a rather odd sort of angle as well. She turned and wretched off to the side of the trail, hoping nobody was coming up below. Not going to cry not going to cry, by the gods, I am not going to cry!She put her boot back on, prepared to crawl if she had to.

She did.

Never before did the trail up seem so long and steep… or covered in snow. Near the top, Rina was almost completely drenched, shivering and angry beyond reason. That was completely preventable! Why oh why did I do that? Why can't I find some healthy, safe outlet? Like… destruction magic? With no energy left, Rina pounded on the large, heavy doors and slumped fully onto the ground. If he says anything about this, I swear I'll…I don't know. Something. Something unpleasant. Maybe I'll cook him dinner.

To her surprise, it was Martin who opened the doors.

"Ow!" he heard. "It hit me!"

"Rina?" he called as he stepped out, spotting her immediately. "What happened to you? Come inside at once!" he cried. He rushed over to her. What did she do to herself? Did she crawlback here? he thought., noticing her now-muddy, torn, soaked gown.

"I, um, can't really do that, Martin," came her muffled reply. She was still face down in the snow, too embarrassed to move.

"What-"

"I kicked a rock and now I have a broken toe. Um… would you mind helping me up?" I really hate for him to see me like this. Ugh. I must be a mess. Her voice was small and pleading.

"Of course. Here," he said, extending his hand to her. "Are you okay now? Can you walk?" he asked, concern in his voice. She tried to get up, and promptly fell down again. "Apparently, no," he added. She couldn't help smiling at that. Martin helped her to stand and supported her as they made their way up the stairs and into the Great Hall. She sat down in the nearest chair.

"Do you mind if I take a look at it and see what I can do?" he asked her, kneeling down on the floor.

"No, go ahead." He eased her boot off, and she tried to distract herself from the pain by talking. "I saw the Countess today. She's a- urk- rather unpleasant sort- mmph- but she agreed to see you- ow," she said between exclamations of pain. Rina watched in amazement as he tore a strip of fabric off the hem of his robe.

"Where and when will she speak with me?" he murmured as he wound the makeshift bandage around Rina's foot.

"As soon as possible in the- urgh- Chapel of Talos. She- requested that I am sent ahead to herald your arrival." Suddenly, a faint blue glow enveloped Rina's foot. Her foot tingled, but once that subsided, most of the pain left her. "How did you do that?" she inquired, looking at him.

"Convalescence. A very basic spell. I can teach it to you if you want to learn it," he answered. He rose from the floor, brushing the dust off his robe. "You should be okay for now. Can you walk on it?"

Rina stood. It still hurt, but nowhere near like it had before. "Wow," she said, vaguely amazed. "I really don't know how to thank you."

"No need to. You should probably go get changed. I still can't believe you crawled all that way. How did you do it?" he asked her.

"LOTS of Potions of Respite. Strong ones," she called over her shoulder as she limped off to her room.