Chapter 8 New Beginnings
Trying to see if people are actually seeing this, but, My discord is RedTokyo95#4424
Morning came, 4 of the 5 people were awake and about with Isaiah still sleeping. The sun just shining through the far away mountains.
Birds were singing…
Flowers are blooming…
And kids like Isaiah, were still stirring in his sleep and about to be woken up by unnatural means…
(SPLASH)
"OH GOD, FUCKING WET DREAMS!" I cried out in sudden shock as I was drenched in a cold fluid that I thought was my dream… as for what I was dreaming about, I will never tell another soul…
"Jester, it is past morning, and you are still sleeping, time to get up." Hadvar said with a stern gruff.
"Hadvar! What the fuck did you do that for!?" I said with a huff.
"Early birds will aways get the worm, and it is time for us to gather our things and leave for Riverwood for supplies, and then take off to Whiterun. It will likely take us by nightfall by foot to get there if we are late." Hadvar said while going to his tent.
I groaned in annoyance at the remembrance of the long ass walk to Riverwood. I really can't envision how exhausted I was going to be after the walk to Whiterun.
As I got up, I felt the need to use the bathroom.
"I'll be back guys. Gotta take a leak." I mumbled as I went off into the woods.
"Alright, don't get killed by a bear…" Hadvar waved off as he was taking down his tent. But a thought just occurred to him. "Huh? Speaking of which, hey Ralof. Where is Nora?"
"Her? She left a while ago, something about 'picking some flowers' or something like that. Must be a girl thing. But she doesn't seem the type to do something like that…" Ralof said confusingly as he was cooking the caught fish for breakfast with Trok.
"Picking some flowers?" Hadvar thought about it for a moment. then a look of realization struck him.
"By the gods…" Hadvar said, hoping that Jester didn't-
""AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"" Two screams echoed through the woods.
…Encounter Nora…
Just then, Isaiah came running out of a few shrubs, being followed by an angry looking, red-faced Nora trying to fix up her pants with one hand with the other hand holding an axe.
"The legends are true! GIRLS DO TAKE SHITS!" Isaiah shouted while dodging a thrown axe that lodged itself into a tree.
"JESTER! I SWARE TO THE NINE GODS, I WILL DO MORE THEN JUST BREAK YOUR FUCKING LEGS!" Nora lividly said while finally fixing her pants and broke into a sprint after Isaiah, passing dumbfounded Nords and Orc with wind breaking speed.
"Uh… Should Trok be worried?" Trok asked.
"No, Trok don't bother. Nora beating Isaiah over something stupid is a normal thing. He got himself into this, he will deal with the consequences. He has got to get stronger somehow." Ralof chuckled.
"Ugh, it is too early in the morning for this…" Hadvar said while pinching the bridge of his nose…
After a severely beaten Jester was just finishing packing up his tent. He couldn't help but think about how he has been progressing. With the dragon stone in hand for the continuation of the quest, the golden claw bringing us more then our fair share of Gold septims, we are looking at good start for a start of an adventure.
If only SOMEONE would stop their constant beatings on me, I would actually be looking forward to traveling with no qualms.
"…Bitch didn't even bother to heal me…" I mumbled.
"Well, you did kinda ask for it when you were shouting bloody murder against yourself." Ralof commented as he finished packing his bag.
"Life is unfair…" I dreaded the future.
Ralof just chuckled as he joined the others who were about to take off.
As I got my stuff, and joined the others, I dreaded the walk to Riverwood.
After a few minutes of walking, I just stayed quiet, not complaining about the long walk, and sooner than later, we reached Riverwood in record time with no troubles whatsoever.
But before we entered the town, I asked Trok about any criminal records he might have, he said has none that he can recall. We entered the town with no fear.
We stopped my Lucian's shop, and he was ecstatic about having his golden claw back. He thanked us by paying us 300 gold, and we had traded for some supplies while we were there. Rations, flasks, and mending equipment. We also sold off the enchanted steel mace for a decent 100 gold septims. In profit, we got 330 gold coins in that encounter.
We stopped by Alvor's blacksmithing shop and had him repair our gear for a discount price of 100 gold for quite a few broken/damaged equipment that we surprisingly had on us. But it was going to take some time, so we just decided to stay in the Giant's Inn tavern to pass the time.
When we entered the Tavern, I can see Faendel and Sven arguing over who loves Lucian's sister, Camilla more than each other. The local Drunkard was passed out on the floor, next to the fireplace. And a few other people who are either on break from work, or just enjoying their alcohol.
"Orgnar! We have guests, need I remind you to greet them when they come in? Its bad manners as the owner of the shop!" Delphine nagged at Orgnar who begrudgingly greeted us tiredly.
"Ugh…" an annoyed sigh could be heard from Orgnar. "…Welcome to the Giant's inn, how can I help you?" Orgnar welcomed us with a fake smile.
Wow he looks really annoyed with the nagging. Like he has gone through this thousands of times. My pity goes to you my friend.
"Hey Orgnar, just the usual mead for us all. We are just here to pass time." Ralof commented as he took out a small satchel of gold and placed it on the counter. Orgnar took the bag and got out several bottles of cold Mead and handed each of us a bottle. I declined mine and gave it to Ralof.
"Whats the matter lad, you don't drink?" Ralof asked as he gave me a curious look. I just gave him a simple response.
"I'll just have Milk."
The whole tavern went quiet. The whole tavern looked at me with a look of disbelief. The arguing of Sven and Faendel stopped. Even the local drunkard got up from the floor with a questioning look.
"(Burps) Whot da ffffuk did I just hear?" The drunk man spoke in a slurring voice.
"Yeah sure, here you go kid." Orgnar said in an indifferent voice as he pulled out a jar of clear bottle of milk and handed it to me.
The hell is everyone's problem? It's just a drink.
"Thanks." I replied as I grabbed the bottle and popped the cork.
I swirled it around and took a whiff just to make sure that it wasn't spoiled or anything, but it was just like regular milk.
I can even hear my group of friends talking. Mainly Hadvar and Ralof.
"You think he is actually going to do it?" Ralof asked Hadvar.
"Well, this IS Jester we are talking about. So I don't honestly know…" Hadvar responded.
I took a sip of the jug to taste it. And honestly, I was expecting this to be a prank.
But it was JUST fresh fucking milk. Nothing out of place about it. I continued to drink the jug.
"By the gods… He is actually drinking it." I can hear Sven and
"Fucking milk drinker." I heard a side comment from the drunk as I finished the bottle.
Ooooh I see now… Fucking assholes.
I can see that everyone in my group had gone about in the tavern to just avoid talking to me. Ralof and Hadvar took off to one table after I decided to take a full swig of the bottle of milk. Nora is Nora, so I don't really care about what that bitch thinks or is doing. But EVEN TROK avoided my gaze as I looked at him as he joined Ralof and Hadvar!
What is the big fucking deal! I just don't like drinking that much and I think getting fuzzy headed isn't that good for the mindset. I don't like the bitter aftertaste of most drinks since they most taste like shit anyways… And what is wrong with milk?!
"You guys are all assholes…" I mumbled to spite them.
I can hear everyone resume their normal chat, and talking behind my back, but that isn't anything that I am not used to.
Ok, so now I have a bit of time on my hands… and an empty bottle… It is time to change up the plot of the game a little bit. And I know for a damn fact that the Blades are now useless to the dragonborn, especially when they have me as a better replacement for guiding Nora to where she needs to go.
"Hey excuse me, miss?" I waved my hand to Delphine, who had a look of annoyance, but still came.
"How can I help you, need another jug of milk?" Delphine asked... almost 'jokingly' with the 'esteem' emanating in her voice.
"No. Actually, I want a room." I asked Delphine.
"Ah, which room? I currently have 3 rooms available-"
"I want the attic room." I said with a change of change of voice.
Delphine paused for a moment.
"Heh, you are a funny one. We don't have an attic room. As you can clearly see." Delphine chuckled a bit as she gestured her hand in the air. "Now, were you being serious about that room sir? Or are you done fooling around?" Delphine hurried me.
"Hm… I guess you don't have it then…" I monotoned aloud.
"…Have what?" Delphine asked curiously.
"Ok, then how about the basement room you have?" I asked directly to her secret room.
"…There isn't… A basement room either sir…" Delphine replied with more subtley in her voice.
"Now that… Is where you are lying to me miss Delphine… But I am willing to make a compromise on room changes if you were to show me to a room please, and we can enter discussion from there." I suggested.
"Sir… Stop wasting my time..." She replied annoyed with my antics.
Looks like I am going to have to be a bit more forward…
"My, that is a sharp looking… Blade, you got there. Did you make it yourself, or is it bought?" I emphasized the 'blade' word as I can see her eyes widen a bit.
"…Let's go check out a room for you to look at, I am sure that you would be to your liking." Delphine said with a fake smile on her face.
"Lead the way." I replied as I followed.
As we got up and entered one of the side rooms and closed the door, I was held at knifepoint at the back of my neck.
"Alright, spill it. Who are you, who sent you, and how do you know I am a Blades member." Delphine rushed me as I ignored the blade in favor to sit down in a chair, with her still pointing the blade at me.
"Pulling out a blade upon an unarmed citizen, and threatening them? Now that is two felonies mam, I hope you know that." I half-jokingly said trying to ease the tension.
(POW)
I was bashed on the side of the head with the hilt, to which I clutched my head in a bit of pain, but I wasn't able to make much of a sound as her hand was over my mouth, and her dagger was up against my neck. And it was cutting into my neck.
"You are treading on thin ice. Now spill it." She said while letting loose of my mouth.
"You are no fun. FINE. Names Jester, I assume you heard of me as the guy who's gotten that bad injury at his gut from Alvor. I wasn't sent by anybody, so you don't have to worry about any Thalmor involvement if that is your concern. And as for your final question, I know a lot of things that I really shouldn't know about."
"Jester? you really expect me to believe that you are named Jester."
I gave her a flat look.
"Fine, I'll humor you, 'Jester'. What do you want from me, and how do you know I am one of the Blades." Delphine asked ignorantly.
"Well, getting straight to the point, I am here to make 2 requests for the exchange of information that I think you might find a bit interesting. One of the requests that I want is an optional 'Yes or No'. And the other, is that I want you to avoid meeting a certain someone, but we will get to that a bit later."
"I am not interested in what you know or your requests. Clean yourself up and get out of the inn. You are not welcomed here anymore." Delphine brushed me off and headed for the door.
"Oh, so I guess you don't want to see Esbern again." I sarcastically said as her hand stopped at the doorknob.
"Esbern? He is alive!?" Delphine said with a bit of excitement in her voice. "…Is he safe." Delphine then got a bit of hostility in her voice.
"Oh yes, he is alive and well, safe too. So you don't have to worry about him being in any danger as of yet." I casually said.
"Yet?" Delphine asked.
"Oh yes, the Thalmor will soon catch wind of him, and will send a small party to hunt him down. But right now? They don't even know of his existence yet." I stretched out my limbs and yawned.
"…What do you want from me?" Delphine asked, squinting her eyes
"Thought you never ask. I have two simple requests, one of which is optional. For each request granted to me, I will give you a bit of information of where to look. I want a Blades sword. And don't even try to deny that you don't have one. I know that you have one on display on a sword rack mounted to the wall that is next to the Orcish Greatsword above the corner table." I accurately guessed the location of the sword.
Delphine looked surprised at how accurate my guess was.
"How do you…" Delphine was at a loss for words.
"Like I said, I know a lot of things that I REALLY shouldn't know about. Now, that is the yes or no request. I understand if you don't want me to have one, since the Thalmor like to ask questions specifically about Talos and the Blades, but you have my word that I won't say shit to the Thalmor. I also hate them with a passion." I explained.
"Hm…let me think about it for a moment. What is the second request?"
"Oh, it's simple request."
"You will, at all costs, AVOID making ANY attempts to contact the last upcoming Dragonborn."
"W-What!?" Delphine almost yelled in surprise.
"Don't make any attempts to contact the Dragonborn when his arrival is announced in any way shape or form. In return, I will give you the information on where to start looking for your friend Esbern." I stated.
"You are aware of who the blades are meant to serve, don't you?" Delphine asked with a bit of venom in her voice.
I lazily blinked at her.
"So why then, why ask us not to find and serve our true leader?" She asked.
"That is for me to know, and for you to never find out. Now, let me ask you something. What is more important. Fangirling over someone who you never even MET before. Or finding one of your only true allies in this cruel land who will be hunted down by one of the most cruel organizations known today. And when they get their hands on him, you will lose one of your only allies in Skyrim. And they, WILL, break him." I gave the ultimatum for her to choose.
Delphine looks to be at a loss for words. As she struggled to come to a decision.
"Let me give you a push for a decision Delphine. As we both know, dragons will eventually return with the arrival of that one dragon that destroyed Helgen. The dragonborn hasn't even shown up yet, and it could be days, weeks, or even MONTHS before he shows up to combat the first of the dragons." I explained.
"All you need to do, is promise that you don't attempt to make contact with the dragonborn, and I will give you the location of where to find your friend Esbern. And you can start to deal with the dragon threat with him from there." I tempted her.
"How can you promise that he will be where you say he is?" Delphine speculated.
"That is the interesting thing. You can't. But look at what I did earlier. My pinpoint accuracy in guessing that you had an Akaviri sword in your little secret base should prove that I am enough to at least trust in my location skills. Worst case scenario, you would have just wasted your time in traveling should I be wrong and i did give you a heads up on the return of the dragonborn." Delphine had an annoyed look on her face.
"Best case scenario, you will be reunited with your friend Esbern, and you can start rebuilding your little fan club to combat the dragons that will show up." I followed up, to which she looked like she made her decision.
"Argh, FINE! I promise." She caved in to my relief.
"You promise, what exactly?" I pestered.
"I promise not to contact the dragonborn. Alright?!" Delphine promised.
"Good. Let's shake on it." I said as I extended my hand towards Delphine, to which she reluctantly did so.
"Ok, you can start your search in Riften." I told her.
…A moment passed.
"…Where in Riften?" She asked stupidly.
"Oh, that part I'm not telling." I cheekily replied.
"What, Why!? You promised to tell me exactly where Esbern was if I gave you my promise not to find the dragonborn! That was your request!" Delphine argued as she pulled out her dagger on me again.
"And that I did. However, you failed to grant ALL of my requests, and if you recall, I said for each of my request granted, I will give you part of the answer. And I have yet to get that Akaviri sword." I countered.
"Fine, I'll give you the stupid blade. Meet me in 5 minutes backside of the inn and I'll give you the sword. You better not be wrong or double cross me, or I will personally hunt you down if I don't find him." Delphine threatened me.
"Ooooo, I am soooo scared." I mocked. "Bitch, I don't lie about these things. And there is only one single mortal that I am scared of, and I am pretty sure that not even the strongest Orc that I know of can stop her even if he used all of his strength. You on the other hand, are like a tiny kitten compared to the massive she-lion I am thinking about." I waved her off.
Delphine scoffed at me and left the room.
I wrapped what remaining bandages I had left of my precious t-shirt out of my pocket and wrapped it around my neck. I didn't want anyone to know that I had a small injury. And that would lead to complications.
Complications lead to hitches in plans
Hitches lead to bitches.
And not in the good term as most would be thinking about when saying that phrase.
But as I exited out of the room, everyone was drinking and not caring about my existence. So under the aloof presence, I escaped the tavern almost unnoticed.
[4 minutes later.]
As I got out of the tavern, I waited out back for Delphine to arrive. But I cannot help but feel that I am being watched over. But I waved it off as just being another Daedric Prince looking at me from their plane of Oblivion.
Delphine soon came around the corner with light armor, a hood, and a face cover-up. There was also a cloth covered stick she was carrying. If you were to ask me, she looks like a thief about to rob someone.
Delphine speculated a moment and handed me the long white cloth covered object.
"Ok, here is the blades sword. Now, tell me where Esbern is." Delphine demanded.
I uncovered the blade and saw that it was a blades sword katana. A good weight to it, as well as a well sharpened edge. Not too long for maneuvering and will be good for a self defense weapon. Even had a detailed hilt guard that had dragons on it.
"I like it." I said as I recovered the blade in the cloth. "Ok Esbern is currently in the Ratway vaults in Riften. I would recommend talking to the barkeeper in the Ragged Flagon first to make sure that he is there just to make sure, or if he has moved out if he is no longer there. Ask if there is a crazy guy who keeps himself locked up, bring spare coin to him just to make him talk. The barkeeper is affiliated with the thieves guild there. But that should already be a given. So be careful down there."
"I know how to handle myself. You better be right. Otherwise, I will be hunting you down."
"Yeah sure whatever. Just remember to never to make contact with the dragonborn. Or there WILL be complications." I told Delphine as she scoffed and walked away.
As I was about to walk in the other direction, I literally bumped into Nora, and it just occurred to me that she is an inch taller than me.
"AHHH!" I screamed out in sudden fear.
Nora just looked at me in silence.
"Oh it's just you. Now if you will excuse me-"
"Who was that?" Nora then began to ask questions in her scary questioning voice that I was not too fond of.
"Um. W-Who was what-" I hid the sword behind my back impulsively.
"What is in your hand behind your back?" Nora asked another question, looking over my shoulder that made me lose my cool.
"Yeah-a-about this uh-" I began to back away from Nora.
"Why are you so nervous I am just asking questions Jester. I suggest that you answer them, so I don't force them out of you by putting you into an armlock." Nora just threaten me.
"Ok, THAT is going too far Nora!" I tried to argue.
"Oh, and you getting hurt and threatened in the process isn't?" She rebutted.
"Hurt? Threatened? I don't know what you are talking about Nora." I lied through my teeth.
"Oh really?" Nora then grabbed the makeshift scarf from my neck, revealing a fresh cut on my neck.
"So, you are telling me that getting possibly killed isn't going too far?" Nora continued to stare me down.
"…" I looked away, unable to come up with an excuse.
"Jester. Explain. Now." Nora told me.
"I will tell everyone after we get out of town, there are too many open ears, and too many loose tongues around here. If the Thalmor gets involved then they will be on a look out for me." I reasoned with Nora.
Nora's eyes widen.
"…Fine. I'm going back with the others. Stay out of trouble Jester." Nora healed my cut left to go back into the tavern.
After recollecting myself, I went over to Alvor's blacksmithing shop and watched him work his stuff.
I even asked him how to properly maintain a sword. Some tips on how to properly wield a sword. The small things. But after all is said and done, I am still physically shit at combat.
"Lad, while I understand your predicament, what is vital to most warriors is experience." Alvor said as he was finish sharpening Nora's axe.
"While I would like to help you, I am too busy with my business. But I know that Hadvar and Ralof will gladly show you the ropes. Don't know how you managed to survive up in Bleak Falls, but it is a miracle you did." Alvor commented as he dug into a chest full of junk.
Alvor gave me some practice wooden swords to spar against Ralof or Hadvar, since they will be good teachers and guide me on how to properly defend myself. He was also finished with everyone's equipment and handed it all to me. Honestly, I had a slight struggle to carry everything. I was barely able to see over everything over the items.
I was going to the tavern, but I was just about to drop everything, when my group had already exited from the doors, and Ralof came to my rescue.
"Woah there lad, why are you carrying all this by yourself?" Ralof asked in confusion as he got his repaired Stormcloak armor and battle axe.
"It was kinda stupid to grab all of our stuff as we were just about to get it." Hadvar followed up as he got his Imperial armor, shield and sword.
"Trok agrees." Trok added as he got a newly made steel greatsword.
Nora silently came up to me as she grabbed her war axe, steel dagger, and leather armor.
I knew what she was going to say from just her glance.
'Stupid.'
"Ok, fine. That is the last nice thing that I am going to do for you guys." I mumbled.
"Hey, what is this extra equipment?" Hadvar looked curious about the wooden practice swords.
"Wooden swords? Now this takes me back." Ralof reminisced as he took one of the swords and gave it a few swings.
"Oh this stuff? I actually going to practice swordplay in our spare time." I replied to them.
Nora's ears twitched at the word 'swordplay'.
"Oh in that case, I will be glad to take over the role as your teacher." Ralof suggested.
"I'm sorry Ralof, but what makes you think that you can be a good teacher? All you would do is teach him to rush into attacks and get killed. And I doubt that you know many defensive maneuvering tactics." Hadvar told off Ralof as he snatched the wooden sword away from Ralof..
"Oh I'm sorry, Mr. Perfect. I but remind me again who won more skirmishes back in the day, you or me. because if I recall, I won most of them by a landslide." Ralof bragged as he grabbed the other wooden sword from me.
"That was many years ago, Ralof. I am much more talented with a sword and a bow then you are." Hadvar countered.
"Want to put that theory to the Test." Ralof dangerously said.
"Better now than Never." Hadvar inclined the situation.
"Both of you, settle down." Nora said.
Ralof and Hadvar angrily glanced at Nora.
"Jester is a unique case. He cannot be taught that easily like training a normal person."
"Oi! I can hear you." I said in the background.
"And besides…" Nora then suddenly and swiftly disarmed both Hadvar and Ralof, much to their surprise, and redirected the wooden swords just at Ralof's neck and Hadvar's lower abdomen for a killing 'blow'.
"What makes you think that I want to pass up an opportunity to beat up Jester and teach him how to fight in the process?" Nora said while smiling as she returned the swords back to me.
We all began to walk out of town.
"Don't you already beat up Jester for him doing stupid stuff anyways?" Ralof asked in confusion.
"Yeah, but I would actually have a good reason for it other than him being annoying." Nora replied cheekily.
"…and you tell me not to call you a violent person…" I mumbled.
"And I am still telling you that. But don't worry sissy, I won't beat you too hard. But all joking aside, what I want to know is what happened earlier. Who was that?" Nora asked me.
"Wait, what happened?" Hadvar asked in concern as Ralof and Trok stood at attention as we crossed over the bridge.
I looked around to see if there was any other soul nearby within earshot, but nobody but us were here. So it was safe to spill information.
"Ok, so the one who I was talking to, was a Blades member." i answered Nora.
"Blades? I thought that they were all gone." Ralof questioned.
"Ah, so you do know about them. Can you tell me what you know about them, so I don't repeat any old information that you already know?" I asked the group.
"Well, as far as I know, they used to serve the empire as elite bodyguards, protectors of the emperor's throne. But after the oblivion crisis and the great war, the Thalmor killed off most of the blades and were disbanded due to the Great war's contract."
"Correctly stated, but did you also know that they were once experts at dragon hunting?"
"…That I did not know… but what does this have to do with you and the Blades?" Hadvar answered.
"Well, I basically told the blade's member to find the other member and start secretly recreate the blades organization… and to stay away from the dragonborn."
"Oh-wait, what?! Why would you tell dragon hunters not to find the dragonborn?!" Nora raised her voice in concernment.
"Uh… Trok is really confused…" Trok mumbled.
"Trok, I'll get back to you in a moment." I commented to Trok "A few reasons Nora. One, while the Blades are in fact friendly towards the Dragonborn and have good intentions to help Skyrim. However. They are narrow minded and only think of killing off evil. I recommend only talking to them when you absolutely have to." I told them.
"I don't see a reason why we have to avoid them. They sound like a useful bunch." Hadvar said thinking that I might be wrong.
"They are resourceful, they are practical, but like I said before, they are narrow minded. You will understand in due time. But for now, just trust me on this. And the second reason is because they are actively being hunted by the Thalmor. And I would rather not get involved with the Thalmor as we are now. Too dangerous and way too out of our league to even defend against if Agents of the Thalmor are sent after us for information gathering." I explained to them, to which they all nodded.
"Ok, so we all agree with that matter. Oh and Trok, you are a bit new to this group, so you probably don't know that the dragons are going to be returning." I responded to Trok.
"Oh…Trok thinks that is bad…"
"Yeah, no kidding." I said while looking ahead noticing something at a crossroad.
It was a bigger horse driven carriage with cat people on it.
"Wait, isn't that a Khajiit caravan over there?" I said pointing at a line of 3 wagons up ahead.
"Ah, Ri'Saad's group. I know him." Hadvar commented as we all called out towards the Khajiit, to which they stopped for us to catch up.
"Oh you do? Then that makes things a bit easier." I commented as we all caught up with the caravan.
As we all got to the trading wagon, an older looking Khajiit got off and greeted us.
"Good afternoon, how can Ri'Saad help you today travelers?" Ri'Saad spoke in the third person as he greeted us.
"Ri'Saad, it has been a while. Have Skyrim's roads been tough on the caravans lately?" Hadvar called out as he shook Ri'Saad's hand.
"Ah, Hadvar. Ri'Saad has been doing well with his caravan, though bandits like to target Ri'Saad's group, we often get by doing well with business." Ri'Saad replied.
"Hey uh, Ri'Saad, I have a request if you are willing to spare some time." I asked.
"Hm? A friend of Hadvar's?" Ri'Saad asked.
"Oh, This is Jester, a bit of an oddball, but a decent person." Hadvar said as I glanced at him in annoyance.
"You asked Ri'Saad of a request? It depends on the request. What does this one need of Ri'Saad?" Ri'Saad asked me.
"Well, if you are on your way to Whiterun, could you give us all a lift? I will be willing to pay if needed." I asked, and as soon as I said 'pay', I saw his ears twitch.
"Traversal is what this one requires? Along with the others, 60 septims will tempt Ri'Saad to say yes." The greedy cat offered.
"60 septims? Cut it down to 50 and I will tell you something that you and the other caravans should be aware of, and this will be affecting your trade routes after this threat gets bigger. Sound like a deal. Either way, I will still be paying if the answer is a yes or a no." I tried to barter with the Khajiit.
As much as I would like to rest my feet and be lazy, I always liked the Khajiit people. They were quirky in their own rights, and I loved them for it. But Business is business. And I need to learn how to barter better in case I need to do this by myself in the future.
"Isn't this one a bit green? Bartering with promise of information that affects trade routes, and is still willing to pay afterwards if the information is useless? Respectful, but a bit too honest. This one has much to learn when bartering with information on the line." Ri'Saad told me.
I was a bit lost for words when he told me that. Was I just complimented or insulted?
"Ri'Saad is curious though. Tell Ri'Saad the information first, and then Ri'Saad will decide if the information is already known to Ri'Saad." Ri'Saad asked.
"Did you hear about Helgen being destroyed?" I asked.
Ri'Saad's eyes widen in surprise. Looks like this would be an easy bet.
"Yeah, still a bit hard for us to believe too. We just came from Helgen which was destroyed by a single dragon about two days ago we are the survivors. Dragons will soon be roaming the open skies."
Ri'Saad stood silent in shock for a moment at the big bomb of information that I dropped. He looked at Hadvar for conformation, to which he sadly nodded.
"Ri'Saad sees…"
"So, that information worth the 10 gold pieces off?" I asked.
"While this one still has a lot to learn, the information was worth hundreds. I will spread the words to the other caravans. This one has Ri'Saad's thanks. You don't have to pay. The only reason why Ri'Saad says this, is because Hadvar helps out other Khajiit trading caravans get out of a few sticky situations around Skyrim, and you brought us valuable time to think about future planning for our routes." Ri'Saad slightly bowed his head as thanks.
"Wait Hadvar, I thought you were in the Imperial army training and stuff. When did you have time to help them?" I looked over to Hadvar in confusion.
"Hey, we get our own free days at the cities that we are stationed at. I use my free days trading and working with the Khajiit. They aren't bad people as the rumors say they are." Hadvar responded.
"Climb abord on the last cart. We have plenty of room." Ri'Saad invited us.
"Ok, lets hop aboard to Whiterun!" I shouted as I took out a pouch full of my gold and started to count out 60 coins… Which was just about all the gold I had on me.
"Damn. Oh well, life could be a lot worse." I said aloud as I handed the satchel filled purse to confused Ri'Saad.
"Uh… Ri'Saad is a bit confused. Ri'Saad was playing a small trick and a free bartering lesson. This one knows that, right?" Ri'Saad asked still confused.
"Oh I know. But in any real situation you could have put on a façade and lied about not knowing, which you could have done, being a master merchant after everything is said and done." The cat merchant looked a bit surprised at my statement and knowledge of bartering.
In the end, I think having connections with you is going to be vital on my journey. Treat this small bag of coin as a… Future investment to your services."
"(Chuckles) This one really is an oddball... Ri'Saad will definitely keep you in mind, Jester. Is that your actual name?" Ri'Saad questioned.
"I go by that name, yes." I flashed a smiled as I got on the carriage.
As we gone into the carriage, I cannot help but noticed that Trok has been really quiet. Uneasy. Nervous. It may just be me, but I don't think that Trok is very much comfortable with traveling with us, maybe I will have a talk with him one on one and see what is troubling him.
But until then, we are traveling to Whiterun by cart!
{Chapter End}
[Authors notes]
Oh god, I get tired of writing, reading, and speaking the same damn-Oh shit-WE'RE ON!? FUCK!
I mean, Thank you all for reading if you haven't lost interest so far. From here, we will be starting the second arc for the A Jester's Guide to Skyrim!
Thank you all for supporting me and my story telling so far, I would have never thought that I would have gotten this good at writing and storytelling. Either that, or I am a horrible writer with shit plot devices and you guys have an awful taste in stories.
But hey! I'm not complaining!
Joking aside, many of you are probably wondering what made me want to write this story, or what gave me inspiration to write this piece of garbage of a story.
Well, I will tell you now that I got inspiration from the story "Kicking the Storm." By rapidporcupin80 And damn it did I fucking love it. I still do to this day. So if you have time, check it out if you have time.
Sure, it was a bit of a mess at first with some of the grammatical errors, but I was more into the plot then anything. And the unique twist, is that he had a modded version of Skyrim that added Bullshit levels of unfairness/fairness, He wasn't the dragonborn, he was weak as shit(But not like the levels of my character weak as he still hasn't killed anything yet) but calculating in how to tackle some problems. But more importantly, His story was funny. I loved the interactions with his companions. Mainly Leone, who had a really interesting backstory with her lineage. Leone was the main inspiration that gave creation to the dragon-bitch Nora that we all know and love to hate on.
And if you still don't like Nora now, you will definitely have a change of heart later. So brace yourselves for when the time comes.
So back to the story I was talking about, the real reason why wrote this story, is because That story stopped when it was just getting really good.
A bit petty on my side, but I was just imagining one thing after another, what it could have been like. How I imagined it happening. What would have happened if I were to adopt the story?
And a year later or 4 months after I first started as an author on this site, poof, chapter one of this story came out. and I don't plan on stopping without further notice for you guys.
But I have been rambling enough about this story that I don't even own long enough, its time for me to end this.
Thank you all for reading, and if you like what I have written, let me know down in the reviews, let me know your thoughts on the matter so far, and give me criticism on how I can make my story better than it already is, and lets start a conversation about it.
Also, I will go ahead and give you the Skyrim stats on Jester'/Isaiah and extra information. If you want to see more, let me know down in the reviews. As I will do one character for each chapter at the end of the story.
Name: Isaiah
Race: Human
Level: 2
Magicka: 0
Health: 150
Stamina: 110
Affiliations: None
Magic affinity for all schools: N/A
One handed: 20
Two handed: 8
Light armor: 19
Heavy armor: 5
Blocking: 2
Archery: 6
Smithing: 5
Pickpocketing: 1
Sneaking: 20
Lockpicking: 32
Speech: 86
Alchemy: 1
Additional notes: Daedric Champion of Quin.
Hope this makes things a bit more clear on what Jester is good at, and what he is not. If y'all have any questions/concerns, let me know. Oh and keep in mind, 'Human' race is different than the Nord, Breton, and Imperial races. With that being said, this is RedTokyo95, signing out.
{End Of Transmission}