Character loadouts:

Traysek:

Age: 26

Weapons: Ebony Scimitar, twin ruby daggers, Mikhail crossbow (with Ruby bolts 100x) Smoke bomb and grenades 50X, Ebony battlestaff, 2x dwarven pistols, (Sun ammo 70X Reg. Ammo 50X)

Armor/Accessories: Sand assassin armor (Crimson) Contractor Armor (long coat variant), chronomancer's wraps, Dwemer scouter, red headband. Enchanted ink (body tattoo 3) mage backpack (large)

Equipment: lockpicks (150x), rope, bomb crafting gear, scroll paper and ink, Journal, Haven bag, waterskin, compass. Fishing net, Oil lantern, bear traps (5x)

Spells: 250 (modded spells mainly)

Dragonshouts: 35 (vanilla and modded)

Inigo:

Age: Not specified (probably mid to late twenties)

Weapons: Inigo's ebony bow (ebony arrows 150x), ebony 1H sword, dwarven pistol, (reg. ammo 50x) smoke bomb (100x) staff of turn undead, dawnbreaker, ebony dagger.

Armor/Accessories: Sand assassin armor (Grey), Ebony armor, Green hide cloak, Green headband. Leather backpack (medium)

Equipment: Rope, Hunting snare (10x), waterskin, Mr. dragonfly, bear traps (3x), Lockpicks (200x) torch.

Spells: None

Recorder:

Age: Classified (by the academy)

Weapons: Twin ebony swords, Aetherium bow (100x glass arrows), Dwarven rifle (Shock ammo 100x Reg. ammo 75x) Staff of fireballs, throwing knives (50x)

Armor/accessories: Default outfit, White headband, Rogue thief armor . Leather backpack (large)

Equipment: Records on dragonborn, recording device, waterskin, binoculars, rope

Spells: None

Lucien Flavius:

Age: 24

Weapons: Dwarven 1H sword, Dwarven beam dagger, firebolt rifle (firebolt rounds 100x) Dwarven pistol, ( 75x) oil pot (45x)

Armor/accessories: netch leather armor, Pathfinder armor, Dwemer goggles, mage backpack (medium)

Equipment: waterskin, resonate sphere, alchemy set, rope, mini Dwarven drone

Spells: 40 (both vanilla and modded)

Erik the Slayer:

Age: 22

Weapons: silver 1H axe, branded iron shield, silver battle staff, steel dagger, grenade(20x) throwing axe (35x)

Armor: full-banded iron armor, wandering knight armor, tan headband. Large leather backpack

Equipment: waterskin, woodcutting ax, skinning knife, snares (20) Tripwire (5x)

Spells: None.

Unknown location, base camp...

"How is he...?" A deep voice asked, making him stir a bit in the dark.

"Most of his injuries have been healed, just has yet to wake up." Another voice added in.

"...Good, let me know when he does, I'll go check on his friends."

Heavy boots seemed to get further away until they were no longer heard. Traysek managed to finally open both of his eyes, although things seemed to be blurry for him.

"I see someone's finally awake, quite the timing too... the boss just walked out the room." He heard someone next to him say, causing him to jump in the direction of. However, his injuries reminded him just how injured he still was.

"Oww..." He groaned, regretting his jump. The voice next to him chuckled.

"You shouldn't move around so quickly, you'll open those wounds back up again."

Traysek turned to that direction without jumping this time and barely could make out the man talking to him. However, his sandy blonde hair could be seen. "Where am I? I can barely see."

"Your sight should clear in moments, can't be helped with the head injury you took." The blond man nodded, "Here's some water, it'll probably help." Offering the Redguard a waterskin.

As blurry as his sight was, he could see offered water in front of him and took it. Traysek took a drink from it and even poured some in his eyes to help clear his sight. When his vision began to clear up, Traysek could see that he was in a tent with bandages on his arms, torso, and head. His right arm was in a cast giving an indication that it had been broken. Lastly, he could finally make out the mess of blond hair talking to him. A Teen with sandy blonde hair and glasses with a blue cloak watched over him.

The Redguard rose an eyebrow at the young man, "Who...are you? and.." Looking around the tent, "Where am I?"

The teen gave a small smile, "Your vision has returned, good. I am Kin, A mage of the Black dogs. As for where you are, you happen to be at our camp."

"Camp huh? that explains the little love tent." Traysek joked, sitting up as kin chuckled.

"When you consider the size, I can see why you'd think that." kin said, reaching into his bag and coming up with a blue balm. "After you guys crashed near our battlefield, we found you and your friends barely alive in the wreckage."

Traysek eyed the balm in the mage's hand until it registered what he just said, "Wait... my crew's alive...? Gods, and here I thought I was lucky to survive. Where are they now?"

Kin waved him down, "All in good time, but they're alright for the most part. Our leader went to see them now, I was to inform him as soon as you woke up."

"Right yer' leader... must be the other voice I heard. Well if that's the case, I would like to talk to him." Traysek said, earning a nod from the other.

"Alright, but after I apply this on your bruises." Kin nodded, motioning him to turn his back to him.

Traysek complied and turned around, wincing at the cold sensation on his bruises, "What is that? it's cold and slimy..."

"Something for the pain, it'll help you get around now that you're awake." the mage said, as he continued to coat the sores. The odd markings from the Redguard's tattoo intrigued Kin, he's never seen anything like it. What's more, is that they seemed to flicker slightly every time he went over it with the balm. Kin put the cream away and nodded.

"Ok, I'm finished. As I agreed I'll now fetch the boss." He said, walking to the exit of the tent.

"Wait... can I at least look around outside? it feels pretty cramped in here..."

The mage sighed and shrugged, "If it was up to me, I'd let you but, that's up to our boss. And he doesn't let people he doesn't know wonder around. you can understand that."

Traysek narrowed his eyes at the healer, before letting out a defeated sigh, "No I get it, if I had someone new that was unconscious when I found them, I wouldn't let them wander around either without talking to them first."

"I'm glad you understand, I won't be gone long." Kin waved over his shoulder as he walked out.

"Yeah no problem, I'll just be back here," Traysek called out, with a hint of Sarcasm.

After the mage left the room, The Dragonborn let out a relieved sigh, 'So everyone made it after all, I'm glad to hear it but just who are these guys?' He mused as he looked around the tiny tent. He then glanced back at his broken arm and shook his head. "Looks like this arm isn't going to be used for a while."

The Redguard took the time to try to recount the events that happened, from the storm to now...wherever he was. Where did the storm take them? Surely it's probably somewhere in another province, He just didn't know which one. However before he could continue his thoughts, two sets of footsteps were approaching the tiny hut-like tent, the same heavy boots he heard while waking up.

The tent opens up with Kin and another large man walking behind him in. Traysek got a good look at the other man, he had short brown hair and tan skin with a scar on his above his left eyebrow. His outfit consisted of a dull gray sleeveless shirt, maroon scarf and brown pants with plated gloves and boots. An emblem of a what seemed like a dog snarling with a blade under it, decorated the red plating on his shoulder, and finally on his back was large greatsword that nearly touched the floor.

The Redguard eyed him up and down as he walked toward him in the tent and took a seat near him. As first impressions go, The man didn't seem all that intimidating despite his appearance, at least to Traysek's standards. Regardless he still noted that large sword on his back and how well he could move with it on.

"Well I'll be damned, Look who's back from the dead." The other man joked, "I told kin you'd be up in few hours, Kin thought it would take three days."

Traysek gave a bitter chuckle, "Here I thought I was never waking up again after that. The last thing I remember was me going head first into my ship's wheel." rubbing the side of his head.

"I figured that was the factor too, you had blood leaking from your head when I found you. Your arm was also twisted up in the wheel of your ship."

The Redguard went slackjawed, "That explains the broken arm..." He said in a low tone, glancing at his broken limb, "It's a wonder I didn't go flying during all that or lose the arm..."

The other man gave laugh, "As gruesome it was, it kept you anchored onboard. Some of the men wanted to me to remove it the quick way, but I thought against that, Assuming you'd miss it or bleed to death."

Traysek gave him smile, "I'm glad you didn't, that would've been a career-ending move right there, despite the storm nearly doing that itself." giving the merc a nod. "Thank you for not butchering my arm."

"Not a problem," He smiled back, "It's good to be appreciated, even if it's hard to get these days," the leader said, adding disdain to that last part.

Traysek blinked at him, smirking at that last part, "Sounds like you've got some shitty employers," The Redguard chuckled, making the merc leader frown, "But if it means anything... I'm grateful for you guys, and that appreciation means more than probably the people that hired you." Putting a smile back on his face.

"To some extent it does, although the head benefactor is pleased with me at the moment and that's always good." The other man said, before his face took on a lecherous smile, "Not to mention she's got her... Assets."

Traysek rose an eyebrow at that, shrugging it off after, "So... you must be..." He trailed off before the large man widened his eyes.

"Oh right! where are my manners?" He joked, putting a fist up to his chest, "I am Vault, leader of the black dogs. You can call me captain or Vault, anything but sir."

Traysek gave a chuckle with a nod, "Right, I'll keep that in mind, Vault" The Redguard said, clearing his throat, "Since you gave me your name, guess I better return the favor. I'm Captain Traysek of the Red dragon crew, it's good to meet you."

"Likewise Traysek," Volt grinned, putting his arm around the younger man, "This here is Kin, he's our brains around here as well as our Doctor."

Traysek nodded, "Yeah I've met the kid already, gave me some medicine that helped with the pain. Has been a cool customer so far."

Kin smiled, "Glad to know, it took a couple of hours to fix your arm up to that point and that's with magic."

"Right, you told me you were a mage, must be pretty skilled in magic to pull this feat." Traysek praised, looking at his arm.

Kin nodded with a grin, "That I am, but not a master, not yet anyway, but I'm getting there."

"Ah don't worry about it kid," Volt smiled, "You'll get there someday, not that you aren't good enough already."

"Really, I mean considering the work done on this wing, you did a good job." Traysek nodded, "I know some magic too, pretty good at it actually. If you need advice I can probably help you out."

The young mage pondered that for a moment, coming back up with a grin, "That sounds grand, it would be nice talking to another mage, maybe we can compare knowledge sometime."

"It'll have to be when I'm not all wrapped up," Traysek joked, earning some chuckles from both men.

"I'm glad you're getting along," Volt nodded with a grin before his face turned serious, "But it's time for business now," Turning to the young mage, "Leave us."

Kin nodded in confirmation before turning his head and nodded at the Redguard, "It was nice meeting you Traysek, I hope to speak to you later," Stepping out of the tent.

"Look forward to it," Traysek waved as he watched the young mage leave the tent. When he was gone, The Redguard directed his attention back to the veteran who had poured himself a drink.

"So I reckon you didn't come here for a social call, I'm guessing?" Traysek said, earning a nod from the man.

"You guessed right," Volt said, pouring a second cup, offering it to the Captain, "You a drinker?"

Traysek blinked at him for a moment, "Offering an injured man who's just waking up alcohol?" He said with a raised eyebrow, before it turned to a smile, "I like this place already! usually healers tend to get all kinds of angry with me when I suggest it." Taking the offered tankard, taking a few gulps before putting it back down, "Thanks for that, I was feeling a bit parched."

"I figured it would...help with the mood."

"Ooooh~ careful big guy, That... almost sounds like a date." Traysek joked, "I mean, you're pretty to look at, but you aren't my type."

"Aww, now there I go getting my hopes up," He chuckled along with the Redguard, his face taking a serious expression once more, "But seriously, we need to talk."

Traysek nodded with a small grin, "Yeah, you're right. Besides, I had some questions myself but you can go first."

Vault took a drink from his tankard, taking a deep sigh when he put it down, "It's not every day a flying ship comes crashing down like that, better yet, right into our battlefield," He began with, "I must say, it's a damn fine vessel. I should be happy about your untimely arrival, it brought down the enemies numbers."

Traysek narrowed his eyes at him, "I feel a big "But" coming"

"But in doing so, some of our men were also run down with it, along with the heavy weapons they manned," Narrowing his eyes at the Redguard now, "Those were good men we lost, not to mention those weapons aren't easily replaceable."

The Redguard frowned at him, "Well, it's not like I intended to crash on your parade pal, We were busy ourselves that day. We had a celebration to go to until the storm took us. I don't even know where I even ended up or if this is even the same province anymore, I'm sorry about the men, but that really wasn't intentional"

Vault nodded, "Oh we knew already that when we pulled your unconscious asses out, had it not been for that, we'd be less forgiving. That said, your friends seem interesting enough, especially that strange beast kin with you, the blue one."

Traysek sat his drink down, a slight glare evident on his face, "Right... where are my friends, Vault?"

Vault waved him down, "We'll get to that in a bit, the issue regarding your little interference is at hand. For a second, we thought this was an air assault from Olga, but seeing as how it wiped out most of the demon army and forced them to retreat, it couldn't have been. Then we find you five, on the brink of death along with all the shipment on board... You have enough weapons on there to supply a small army, you arms dealers? smugglers maybe? or perhaps something more... illegal?"

Traysek rubbed his chin, studying the older man, "Why is my profession an interest for you? telling you isn't going to do you any good."

"It could help, especially in this situation."

The Redguard went quiet, pondering, 'it's not like telling him is going to get me killed, most people are criminals and mercenaries these days,' Looking him over 'Looking at him, it almost seems like he's not exactly a "knight of honor." I guess it can't hurt, I just won't tell him what he doesn't need to know.'

"Well, I wouldn't say one profession exactly, you could say, we're a crew of adventurers. we tend to take on jobs from bounty hunting to thieving, to assassination. We also take war contracts too as mercenaries from time to time, not that I enjoy war but it pays well. Our work isn't always 'legal' or 'clean', but that doesn't stop those from hiring us." Traysek explained smirking, "As for my ship, it makes travel very convenient, especially when it comes to long-distance travel, or raiding enemy forts."

"Hmm," Vault pondered, "So you and your crew are the freelancing types that'll take on any job?"

"For the most part, yes. Long as it doesn't conflict with my morals."

Volt rubbed his chin for a moment, raising an eyebrow, "You said, you'd even take war contracts too right?"

"If the payment is worth it, then yes," Traysek nodded, taking a drink from his tankard, "Again, the idea of war doesn't sit too well, but gold is gold."

"I couldn't agree more," Pouring himself another cup, "Well, I think your professions just made things a bit easier for you,"

"Is that so?"

Volt nodded, "Indeed, perhaps there's a way we can FINALLY win this damn war, after all, not everyday a blessing like that comes out of the sky, literally."

"War huh? what kind of war? is it a Civil war? like the imperials and stormcloaks? or is it an actual war?" Traysek asked with a raised eyebrow, "You keep mentioning it as if I should know about it. Maybe if you told me, I MAY decide to lend a hand."

The other merc gave him a disbelieving stare, finally nodding after, "So, you really don't know about the war that rages across the land?"

Traysek shook his head, "The only war I know about that's currently the talk in Tamriel, is the civil war in Skyrim, which I have completely turned my back on. This... is still Tamriel, right?"

Vault had a confused expression on his face, "I don't know about a civil war or what "Tamriel" is, but the land you're in is called Eostia."

"Wait... so we're not in Tamriel?" Traysek asked wide-eyed.

The older man shook his head, "Pour yourself another glass, we're going to be here for a while,"

Meanwhile...

Kin walked past a couple of passing mercs who all gave him a nod. He comes up to a large green tent and takes deep inhale, opening it. When he stepped in, he was treated to five people who were sitting around covered in bandages. Recorder looked up and noticed the mage in the entryway of the tent, frowning at him.

"Hello everyone, I trust you are all doing well, yes?" Kin greeted, earning some scowls and frowns from the group. Inigo sat up and yawned before standing up.

"Hello Kin, it is good to see you again, we thought you forgot about us back here," Inigo said, grinning at him.

Recorder stretched and stood up, "We almost considered barging our way out of here, No one's telling us anything, and we haven't seen or heard anything from the dra- er... Captain, I hope you just came from there, everyone in here is pretty anxious right now."

The teen mage nodded, "Indeed, I've come bearing good news. Your Captain is finally awake, he's talking to our leader now about an engagement."

Erik rose an eyebrow, "Engagement?" He said while adjusting the straps on his boots, "You don't mean by marriage do you?"

Inigo shook his head with a chuckle, "No Erik, this type of engagement is business, I think..." Getting quiet, before giving the mage a worried look "It is, right?"

"That's correct my blue friend," Kin nodded, "Depending on how things go, depends where you all end up,"

The young Nord frowned at that, "Right, because a group of unconscious people poses a threat," Erik remarked sarcastically, "A few hours in this encampment and already I feel like a prisoner."

"Oh, calm down chap," Lucien said, giving Erik a tap in the shoulders, "Besides I don't think we're prisoners; it's more like being held for a time. The hospitality we've been shown here isn't something you'd treat a prisoner with" Lucien explained, turning to face Kin, "Apologies, my armored friend here can be crass at times, comes with being a Nord and all."

"Hey! watch it there Imperial," Erik warned, getting waved down by Lucien,

"As I was saying, my friend here is just concerned about our Defacto leader. To be honest, we are all anxious about his whereabouts at the moment. We mean no disrespect, thank you for treating our injuries and letting us know that he's awake." He smiled, giving a bow.

That made Kin smile, "Don't worry about it, you're probably all confused, bandaged and you haven't heard anything from your boss. I'd say you've got a right to your irritation and anger. But you will be rewarded for your patience, I assure you."

"God I hope so," Recorder started with, "The suspense is killing me, and the academy is going crazy about it right now."

Inigo smirked at her, "And...?"

"And what?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That's all? just 'records' huh?"

Record sighed and nodded, "Fine... Maybe I do miss him a little bit," Frowning at her own words, "Alright, maybe I do a lot and that's as far as I'm going."

Erik rose an eyebrow, "Weren't you two an item, anyway?"

"Shhhh!" Recorder shushed, covering his mouth, "Academy protocol has made it illegal to fall in love with the heroes we follow, how I feel about isn't allowed Erik, so hush! But you're right... we were... romantically involved" Blushing at a memory, shaking her head after.

Lucien chuckled, "Does that explain the whips and chains in the dungeon then...?"

"Shut up, damn you!" Record roared with a bright red blush, throwing a half-eaten sweet roll at the dwemer scholar, which bonked him upside the head.

"Ow...Rude!" Lucien said, with a narrowed-eyed glare, rubbing the side of head he was hit at.

Inigo looked at the cream from the sweet-roll, rubbing his furry chin, "So much cream, all thick, creamy...and white." Smirking afterward, ducking from the thrown book. "Hahaha, you have to do better than that my friend~"

Record gave a frustrated yell, which added to the trio's laughter. Kin was chuckling as well but cleared his throat after to get their attention.

"Interesting," He said, eyeing up Recorder, "For crash victims, you seem like a merry bunch, I'd be still be shaken up from it."

"Well, it's not the first time we've crash-landed some unknown area," She said, taking a step back from Kin, "I guess it just comes naturally "

Kin kept his eyes locked on her olive-green bra, "It does indeed..."Adjusting his glasses after.

Recorder covered her chest, as Erik stood between Recorder and the young mage, with a slight disapproving glare, "Yeah, alright, but that doesn't answer our question... When can we see our boss?"

Kin gave Erik a hardened look for stepping in between, straightening his face to the pleasant expression he had before, "Right, well, he'll show up with our leader, but that's after negotiations."

Lucien perked up at that, "They're having a negotiation? By all means, take me there, I'm a skilled diplomat and I'm sure Traysek could use my expertise."

Kin shook his head, "I'm sorry... Lucien is it?"

"Correct," Lucien responded with.

"Right, listen Lucien, we're keeping you and your boss separate because we don't know your allegiance yet. We don't believe that you're with the enemy, since they tend to hate humans anyway. Despite that, we still need to know where you're from and who you work for before you can be trusted, it can't be helped since your ship killed a few of ours and destroyed equipment"

Erik scowled at him, "As if we did that on purpose, you can't blame us for-" Before Lucien threw a hand up, cutting him off.

"We understand that, believe me, we don't exactly take chances with unknown parties either. Just like you don't trust us yet, the same could be said, Vice-versa. Perhaps if everyone took the time to warm up to each other, then maybe there wouldn't be a need for any of this. If we did kill a few of yours crashing here, know that ourselves and our Captain will do what we can to make up for it, you have my word." Lucien finished, earning a raised eyebrow from Both Erik and Kin.

The young mage studied the older scholar, a smile slowly finding itself on his face, "Well, it's good to know there's a voice of reason within this group," Kin said, giving Erik a quick glance, before looking back at Lucien, "I think you and me are going to get along here, Lucien."

Inigo rose an eyebrow, "Oh, I haven't been reasonable...?" Tail twitching in agitation.

"Of course you have my fuzzy blue friend, I mean that towards certain people..." Giving Erik another hard glance.

Erik gave a scoff and took a seat as Lucien nodded, "I sure hope so, you do seem like a very intelligent chap, maybe when hostilities in our groups dissolve we can chat sometime?"

Kin nodded, "I'd love to,"

"For the love of the gods, marry him already Lucien," Erik groaned, rolling his eyes.

Lucien and Kin glared holes into the warrior until the younger mage sighed, "I should go, this was nice. Hopefully, the next time I show up it'll be with your boss."

"Goodbye for now." Inigo waved, as the mage left the tent, giving Erik one last nasty glare before leaving the tent.

Erik sighed, "Well the air just got cleaner, I'm usually friendly but I just Reeeeeallly don't like that guy."

"Yeah but Traysek's awake now, that means we can get some air from this tented prison," Inigo said, standing up, stretching his arms and tail.

Recorder shuddered at mage's gaze earlier, "That was creepy even by my standards. Thanks for the cover-up Erik, yeesh..." Uncovering her chest.

"Yeah sure, no I could feel that creepy coming off, ugh... I think he was licking his lips too, better watch out for that one." Erik said nodding.

"Agreed," she said, putting on her top.

Lucien grabbed his boots and put them on, "I really hope our boss is doing alright, I wonder if he knows we're even alive."

Inigo walked up to Lucien, "I'm sure he does, just like we now know he is. Right now though, we should all be wondering what they did with all our gear and weapons."

Recorder huffed at that, "Yeah...Jerks, they didn't have to take my records too!"

"You'll get them back as soon as we know where everything is," Lucien waved off, "Hopefully, that comes sooner than later."

Erik nodded, "I heard you there, So what do we until then?"

Everyone pondered on that thought, Recorder broke the dead silence that hung over their tent, "Well, if we had our playing cards, it would be a lot easier to pass the time."

Inigo rubbed his furry chin for a moment until a thought hit him, "Hold on, just a moment." Searching through the pockets of his armor until he found a pack in his inner pocket, pulling out a pack of cards. "Here they are, I forgot I was the last one that had them."

Lucien grinned along with the other three, "Marvelous! now we won't die of boredom, what game shall we play I wonder?"

"What about the battle of heroes?" Erik recommended, earning a headshake from the khajiit.

"No way, besides I keep getting my hands tied," Inigo complained.

Recorder frowned at him, "Maybe because you keep trying to cheat...?"

"What? Me? cheat? I don't know what you're talking about," Inigo said, with innocence which earned him narrowed eyed glares from others.

Outside of the tent, Kin listened in on them as they bickered on what card game to play. He gave a smirk before he made his way toward the tent Vault was in with their captain.

Back in the other tent, Traysek took a long pull from his cigar, blowing out the smoke after with a sigh. Vault watched him for any reaction after explaining the war. The pirate took a deep sigh, putting out the blunt.

"Ok Vault, Here's the deal... Normally I would reject a war like this, break out of here, take my friends and teleport back home. My magic is working again as you can see," As the tattoos on his body began to glow a fluorescent blue, widening the eyes of the merc. "But-" His glow stopping, "I'm not a man who forgets his debt, and you did save our lives by pulling us out, we would've died if it wasn't for you. So... I propose something else..." He said, taking a gulp of his drink, "I'll only to agree to help you, but the whereabouts of my friends come first. I need to see how well they are under your company."

Vault studied him with a puzzled look, "Huh? despite what you say, it seems you don't trust me."

Traysek gave chuckle, "Trust is a two-way road my friend, Just as you don't trust us... I trust you even less."

"Hmm... that's fair I suppose. Can't say I blame you from the way I kept you from everyone. Alright, so after you see your crew, you'll join us?

"Yes, as an ally. We get our weapons and gear back too," Traysek added in, making the older merc laugh.

"Yes yes, of course, don't worry the men didn't touch your shipment, but we took what you had off of you to prevent a problem.

The Redguard gave a sigh of relief, giving a small grin "I'm glad you finally get it... Understand I want to trust your word, but experience has given me trust issues... can't be too trusting in these times."

"I understand that more than anything, even expected things to go bad myself, glad I don't I have to worry then," Volt said nodding, "So, to your friends then?" He said, standing up after.

Traysek nodded, "Yeah, we should get to that," Trying to stand up, before a hand was offered by the older man.

"Need some help?" Vault asked, as Traysek took the hand, and pulled himself up.

"Yeah and thank you," The pirate said, shivering as a chill hit him, "Wish I had a jacket or something, I can feel the chill from in here."

Vault gave gruff hearty laugh, "Not a man of the cold eh? luckily for you, your garb is right there folded up," Pointing at the folded crimson and leather top, "We decided to leave you with your pants."

"Good idea" Traysek chuckled, lifting up his garb, "Then again I didn't exactly have you a pegged for playing on the same team," He remarked before his eyes made it to the garb, frowning at it before the garb again, "This is going harder than I thought..."

The older man rose an eyebrow until it dawned on him, "Oh... oops... I didn't think that out did I? you uh...need help with that too I'm guessing?"

Traysek blinked twice with a blank stare, until he gave a shrug, "No it's ok, I've got this..." opening the garb up, sliding his left arm in while he threw the other sleeve over his other shoulder to keep the garb on.

Vault nodded, "Guess It'll have to do until that arm heals up good."

"I'm hoping it's before I go into battle, it'll be a problem then," Traysek said, as feet could be heard at the tent before it opens.

"Ahh, Kin! good time my friend, we were just about to head to where his friends were kept, I have good news too." Vault greeted, grinning.

"Well now, that's Very good news, I just came back from that area, your crew is doing well," Kin grinned, taking note of the redguard's frown.

"So Volt here tells me... I'm just making sure for our arrangement... If things go good, we can talk."

Vault nodded, "You heard him, let's go see his friends."

Kin also nodded in agreement, "Right you are sir," Giving the pirate a nod, "Come on, they're right this way..." Leading both leaders to the other tent.

"Gah! damn you Recorder!" Erik growled slamming his cards down with bared teeth.

"Hahahaha~ Too bad for you big man, that's the entire top of that armor, strip" Recorder said with a grin.

Inigo and Lucien were cheering it on, missing the tops of their armors and pants, "Strip, strip, strip, strip,"

"You guys are assholes! Fine!" Erik roared, Taking off the top of his armor, earning a cheer from the other two men.

"Whoo-hoo!" Inigo cheered, "Erik has joined the skin side!"

Lucien gave a pound to his chest, "Hoorah! brother! welcome to the skin side!"

"No matter how you word you that, that WILL always come out WRONG, just remember me saying that." The young nord deadpanned, as both Khajiit and imperial men laugh at that.

Recorder walked up to him and crouched down to look at his stomach, "Hmm..."

Erik had a nervous look on his face, "W-what are you doing?"

"I think I see a couple of abs growing here," She said, staring at it intently,

"Well, I HAVE been working out," Erik flirted, flexing one of his biceps, "Being able to wield a shield, does wonders to an adventurer such as myself. Then again you HAVE seen me giving it a few swings..."

Lucien was taking sips from his wine, shaking his head, while the Khajiit gagged...

"Erik please stop, I'll commit suicide out of protest if that continues," Inigo complained, his ears laying back on his head.

"Just hating on this... nordic... swagger," The young Nord smirked, as the woman under him laughed, "Wait what's funny...?"

Recorder sighed shaking her head, "I regret teaching you the word "Swagger" Error on my part. Why I'm laughing though... is because how are you ripped? but with two abs?"

At that, Lucien spat out the wine in his mouth gasping for air, as Inigo was holding his sides, both roaring in laughter.

Erik gave her a narrowed-eyed look, "Just had to kick while I was down didn't you? and what's worse... is that you lifted up my spirit first..."

Recorder gave his ab a tickling poke, "Oh don't be a spoiled sport... you're still ticklish," Giving him another poke which made him jump.

"Stop, stop it!" Erik squealed out, running from her, as the other two got up and surrounded him to prevent him from escaping.

As this was happening, multiple footsteps were heard at the entrance, stopping their horse-playing. The tent opens up and Vault and Kin stood their with smiles.

Inigo's ears rose at the appearance of the older mercenary, "Oh it's you again, please tell me you bring good news," like the other three stood ready to jump.

Vault gave a laugh, before nodding, "I have that and more, go on Captain... show yourself."

Both Kin and Vault moved out of the way as another figure walked in the tent, widening the eyes of the four people inside.

"Hey kids, did ya miss me?" Traysek greeted, grinning at them with a lit joint in his hand, while the other was cast over.

Inigo was the first to pounce him, "Traysek my friend! you're alive!" Hugging into him as the pirate leader hollered going down.

"Good to you see you too Inigo..." The Redguard greeted back, voice and face completely strained, "Now please... get off before the others-" Before he could even finish said statement, it was already too late... The other three dogpiled him before he could contemplate the meaning of escape, adding pressure to the weight, "Gah...! lack of air...! on my broken arm...! Arrrgh! FUS, RO DAH!" He shouted, sending them off into different directions, Erik outside of the tent... "Knock it off, you idiots! do you not see this busted wing here?! enough!"

"Oww... I'm okay!" He called back in, as the others sighed in relief, "Why outside sir?"

Traysek frowned at the entrance, "Same logic applies to put pressure on a broken limb, genius!"

Inigo chuckled nervously, "Sorry about that, my friend. When we woke up in this place, they told us they didn't know when you'd ever wake up again."

"Well, all things considering, we came out much better than we thought we would." Traysek chuckled, looking at his arm, "Unfortunately... my sword arm is out of commission."

Recorder stood up with Lucien, frowning at the cast, "How'd that happen anyway?"

"Arm got caught in the captain's wheel, I'm just grateful I was already knocked out when it happened." The Redguard chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

Lucien winced, taking not of how swollen it is "Would've been painful I imagine, how are you feeling now?"

"I'm alright, I get the occasional sharp pains that kick from time to time, but I can still manage just fine," Traysek said, glancing at his bandaged limb.

Volt grinned, watching the scene, "Aww it's like a family reunion, I'm a little jealous, to be honest."

Inigo rose an eyebrow, "With as many soldiers as you have here? I don't see how."

"There's a difference between soldiers welcoming a commander home and then there's being welcomed home like family. This is more towards the latter... I'm getting a sense of nostalgia from watching you five." The older mercenary admitted, raising some eyebrows.

"What? you had a small crew like this?" Recorder asked, fixing the straps to her boots.

Volt nodded at the woman, "Yeah, something like that... but that was decades ago...' seemingly spacing out after, as if remembering something.

Erik walked back in the tent, going over to the torso of his armor, picking it up, "You guys should see it out there, the place is a base camp with aisles of tents."

"Noted my friend, although maybe next time, don't take the quick way out," Inigo joked, earning a scowl from the young Nord."

"Ha! haha... you're hilarious Inigo, really..." Erik sarcastically clapped as the Khajiit stuck his tongue at him.

Volt smiled, clearing his throat, "As nice as this is," His expression turning serious, "The matter of business is still at hand."

Traysek turned back around, "Yeah, our deal," He said, giving him his full attention, "You really did keep your end of the bargain. I should thank you and... apologize, for being difficult about things back there."

"Don't mention it, again would've felt the same if I woke up in some unknown camp, I can relate very well," The older merc chuckled, offering his hand out again, "So...?"

The Pirate captain grinned at him, slowly nodding, "Yeah Volt, we'll help with your war," completing the handshake.

"Well it's not really "MY" war, but regardless I appreciate it, The older man said, "Luckily for you, we're going home after today's battle, just going to debrief everyone and then we leave by morning."

Traysek nodded, "Sounds good, I need a few words with my people and then I'll join you for it," Taking note of their confused frowns, "Gotta bring everyone up to speed."

"Take your time," Volt said turning to Kin, "go tell the men that the captain lives and that the weapons are no longer up for grabs."

Kin gave a bow, "Consider it done, I'll have everything ready for you all when you get to it," He said, walking out of the tent.

Volt walked towards the exit but stopped short, "And Traysek?"

"Yeah?" He answered, not expecting him to stop.

"Good to have you with us, all of you..." The older man said, nodding to the group.

Trayek gave a nod back, "We'll see, but I have the feeling we'll get along."

Volt waved as he left the tent, leaving the five in there to themselves. When the older merc was gone for certain, Traysek turned around and sighed, "I know you all have questions on what that was..."

"We might... so we're black dogs now...?" Erik asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you were against joining big groups like this?"

Traysek picked up the joint that he dropped and relit it with fire magic, taking a deep pull, "I am, but I don't forget the debts I owe to others, and I hate being In debt. This clears that up."

Recorder stood up, tapping her the toes of her boots on the ground, "I get that, but what was the deal on? what war...?"

"A war that has lasted longer than the alliance war and the great war combined... Let's just say we're all in for a long ride of our lives." Traysek said, taking another pull.

Lucien rose an eyebrow, "A war longer than those combined? my word... I've never heard of conflict lasting that long, ever..."

"It's a first for everything it seems, like joining a bigger army for one." The redguard said, putting out the joint.

"How much do you trust that guy?" Inigo asked, studying Traysek's expression.

The Redguard said nothing for a moment, until he sighed, "As far as I can throw the him, but... again, I owe a debt to him and I intend to pay it," He finished with, "For now, keep your wits about you... there's something odd with that one, and I don't like it..."

"I think we know what you mean," Recorder agreed, remembering the gazes she was getting from Kin earlier, "Yeah, that might be a safe option, atleast I know not to be anywhere alone in this place."

"See to it that you aren't," Traysek said, noticing the cards on the floor, "I see you've brought the cards with you, what're we playing?"

"Strip poker as first, but I think a change of game might be wise..." Lucien said, looking towards the entrace of their tent.

The pirate captain glanced at the entrance before nodding in agreement, "Yeah, that's not something we play in unknown territory," Sitting down in front of them, picking up the cards and shuffling them, "Since you brought the cards, I brought the dice, anyone fancy battle of heroes?"

Inigo and Erik rose their hands, "Yes please! we keep losing our clothes to her!" The blue khajitt complained, earning a stuck tongue from the woman.

Traysek gave a hearty laugh, "Alright, alright, we'll go with that then, but Inigo... no cheating..." He said, leaning into him.

"Of course not my friend, scouts honor." Inigo grinned nervously.

"Good then let's get started," The Redguard said, dealing cards as everyone sat back down around him...

At Volt's command tent...

Both Volt and Kin walked into the main tent of the camp and sat across from each other. The mercenary leader pulled out two tankards and a wine bottle, pouring into both cups, handing Kin one.

"So Kin, you were right, he did join our cause, even if it's as an ally," Volt said, taking gulps of his drink after.

"Call it intuition, but why did you have me hold back on healing that arm of his completely...?" Kin asked, raising his eyebrow, "If we needed him for this battle, wouldn't it be better for him to be at his best?"

The older merc nodded, "Ideally yes, but I have yet to trust this guy... on the chance that he would've betrayed us, I had you hold off on it for a while. We'll see just how much we can trust each other before we talk about fully healing it."

"I see, then that was wise of you," Kin said, taking another sip of his drink.

"Did you get their gear and weapons ready for them at least?"

"Yeah, the men are putting everything back together as we speak."

"Good, all that's left is to debrief and then we head back home to our benefactors," Volt said, before standing up, "Have someone monitor that room, we have to keep tabs on our new 'allies'. "

Kin gave a small nod, getting up, "I'll talk to hicks about getting someone to keep an eye on things, especially that girl with them..."

"Ah yes, what was her name again? Reeco or something?"

"Recorder," Kin answered, as if the name rolled off the tongue, "I'll be keeping a close eye on that one personally."

Volt raised an eyebrow, his face curving into a lecherous smile, "Already have eyes on that one? I can see why too, but tread carefully kin, those other men seem to value her."

"Yes I've noticed... does he know about the plans are after this?"

"No... and we're to keep that to ourselves until that presents itself, then we'll go from there." Volt grinned, "who knows? maybe he'll actually be on board with this and you could get your chance with that girl you fancy so much."

Kin chuckled with an equally perverted grin, "Well it is as they say... All good things come to those that wait"

"True words to live by..."

Both of them chuckled darkly, as they left the tent...

Chapter 2 end...

Author's note: So nothing really action-packed in this chapter, I know... this was supposed to be just a meeting between them, the excitement is happening next chapter. For now, enjoy this final piece my brother threw together... he heavily insists that this goes in there so here it is...

(Somewhere in another unknown universe lingered a fleeting civilization of people who seek the desires of any lustful acts and courageous sexual antics. These people exist and their very worlds were separated by a solid single thin pane of glass. That either gender on either side could no longer reach. This became permanent.

Day in. Day out.

DAY IN AND DAY OUT!

As the new way of life became decrepit mentally, physically, and spiritually. To soothe their deepest desires they would find any sport and mission to conclude their own backhanded wants. slaying a monster on their side in a large arena, outright desperately sharing desires within each others self gender. And for the desperate, slinging themselves against the glass while each sides genders pitifully threw items of their cultures approval at the transparent wall. It was what the era of their time called "tough". To solidify the failure of pleasure they desired, the people kept themselves dreaming to be closer together in hopes that one day the people can all be relieved of the glass pane that kept them away from each other. Only a few children managed to escape to a new understanding of life before they were separated. Those children hated everyone. Cause they already knew the answer. It was the parent's fault. But they gave in too. Only one did not. And he hoped one day a woman would approach the glass and simply smile. He had found her it seemed once. But after he awoke from a nap on the glass. Her hand was in her pants and she was topless. Alas. He sought the woman of his dreams with failure on many accounts. Until one day...

he had no control of this. If he didn't put this in his next update. I was going to completely take over the entire world. JK)

I'll see you all next chapter, may the gods watch over your battles and stories friends!