Chapter XVI – Waterfront Stalking

Bishop and Aeyrin spent another night at the West Weald Inn, recuperating a little more after all their ordeals.

When the morning came, after their luxurious breakfast which they could easily afford, they set off on the road again.

It was different, traveling along the roads of Cyrodiil. Unlike in Skyrim, patrols there were plentiful and they didn't really have to worry about any dangers they might encounter there. There were no bandits to ambush them, no wild animals straying too close to the roads, no soldiers that would even think twice about stopping them and questioning them about anything. Travelers on the roads were plentiful, along with caravans and couriers. The soldiers would have their work cut out for them if they were to stop everyone.

A big portion of their day was spent traveling the last parts of the Gold Road towards Lake Rumare. There they turned to the Red Ring Road that spanned around the lake and continued north towards Weye.

The village was always bustling with life. All the travelers stopped there, some to try and trade without having to deal with the prices in the Imperial City, though it was hardly any better, some to make use of the cheaper Wawnet Inn. Some just needed a break there after long travels before they headed into the city proper.

There were market stalls all along the road and people called out to travelers, peddling all their goods eagerly. Bishop and Aeyrin may have had plenty of coins to spare, but for now, they were saving those to enjoy themselves in the City – after they took care of any unpleasantness that was tied to the clan.

It was already late afternoon – evening was almost upon them. They could easily make it across the towering bridge before them to enter the city full of splendor. But Bishop had some valid concerns. If the clan was running rampart all over the City, it would be for the best to enter well rested and prepared. They were quite tired after their journey after all, even if it was uneventful.

So instead, they would hold off on the anticipated luxuries and spend one night at Wawnet Inn along with the other weary travelers.

The inn was just as lively as the village. There was music playing, people dancing and drinking. It was almost like there was some sort of festival happening. But there were no special occasions.

Unfortunately, just then, it was a little too much merriment for the two of them after the long travels. So instead, they ordered some food and drink to take into their room and retreated there for some more peace and quiet.

It didn't exactly work. The sounds of the merry tavern were not entirely muffled by the door and walls separating them. Still, it was preferable to the full blast.

Their bed was quite small, nothing for two people, but it was the only room they could get. And to be fair, they didn't really mind sleeping in a cramped space together.

They lounged on the bed lazily, letting their muscles relax after the travels. Aeyrin was wrapped around Bishop's flank, nuzzling into his neck and painting lazy circles on his pecs with her finger. The relaxation was doing her good. She was feeling better after the horrible ordeal. She didn't even feel the darkness at the back of her mind most of the time. There were flashes when it returned and the worried thoughts invaded her head again, but she always tried to remind herself that it was just fleeting. That this was all passing, all getting gradually better. It worked, even though with some considerable delay, but she focused on the fact that the better part of her days now was spent feeling… normal. Like she used to before the skooma. And it was something that she was overcoming. She was starting to feel more and more confident that it really just needed time. The thought of it didn't make her uncertain anymore about her own feelings – she was back again to knowing full well that she wanted nothing to do with that poison. It was just sometimes hard when she was forced to think that these fleeting feelings would never fully go away.

But others have managed before her – addicts who had struggled much more than she ever did. She would make it through as well.

Now she was concentrated more on what lay ahead.

"So… have you thought about it some more?" She prodded Bishop gently. "About what you'll do when you see them again?"

"Not really," Bishop sighed. He had no idea what to even expect, to be honest. "I don't even know who I'll run into. I'm probably not just gonna slaughter Ost or Duful in the streets if it's them. Though they might actually do the same to me for killing Torban," he scoffed.

"You really think so?" Aeyrin scowled in concern.

"I don't know," he let out a resigned sigh again. "They were his loyal lapdogs, but they also wanted to be him. Getting rid of him is the first step. But in either case, I killed Torban, they're likely going to see me as a threat. And… I'm not sure if the others won't too."

"But Kari came to you for help. You don't think the others want help too?" Aeyrin asked in confusion. She wanted help for the rest of the clan, right? Maybe they were the ones to ask her to go find Bishop.

"Kari's not exactly all there, in case you didn't notice," he growled. "She gets ideas into her head about 'the right path' or what 'Arkay demands' and she learned by now not to spew that shit at the rest of us too much. Nobody listens to it. It's… possible she decided to chase me here all on her own. Without telling them. And in that case, I can't even imagine what they would think about me being back."

"But they all hated Torban, didn't they?" Aeyrin still found this all a little confusing. He presumed hostility when he freed them from a tyrant.

"Of course they did," he nodded. "But Torban also kept them alive, in a way. A lot of them were convinced they wouldn't be able to support themselves without his schemes. And they were probably right. They also hate each other, most of them at least, but here we are. The clan is still together. Like they have no other options. Maybe they don't. All I mean is… I have no idea what any of them had been through during the decade I was gone. I can't know how they'll react. And it's not like they exactly liked me before. Not most of them anyway."

"Maybe Kari will be there too. We did get… delayed," Aeyrin suggested. She really hoped the clan wasn't going to outright be hostile to him, after all this searching and after he voluntarily came here to help. To help people he claimed to hate.

"We'll see," Bishop nodded. "One thing though, we've talked about this before, but… it's really safer if you're not around."

"Are you sure? I… I get so worried. You said you don't even know how they'd react and…" she tried to convince him. It was so dangerous. She wanted to be there with him. For him. "I… I don't have to come with you but… can I just be around?"

"You wanna stalk me?" He chuckled.

"Kind of…" she bit her lip wryly. "Is that bad?"

"No. I get it. Not like I wouldn't do the same, I just might not tell you about it," he smirked back at her. It's not like he hadn't done that before when he thought she was in danger.

"I wouldn't have told you either, but I'm pretty sure you'd notice me," she scoffed. She was definitely not made for being subtle. But they would just be in the City – she could just act as a… citizen.

"Alright. Just keep in the distance while I look through the Waterfront. We'll see if I find something. Or someone to talk to."

He didn't really have any better plans.

He still had no idea what kind of a mess he had gotten them into by agreeing to this.

…

They set off right after breakfast again.

Bishop was pretty sure that it was too late to see any of the clan members awake, but then again, they might still be up. Or maybe some of them were operating in the mornings now too. It was hard to say after all this time. But before, they usually used the cover of the night to their advantage.

Just as they crossed the long bridge across Lake Rumare, the familiar walls greeted the both of them. Every time one entered the Imperial City, it was like stepping into a wholly separate world. The tall light-grey walls ensured that nothing would be seen from any part of the City – just the walls and the sky. Some people called it a prison – with the Legion and the Thalmor prowling the streets, keeping order – but others saw it as the ultimate hub of culture and commerce. There were people everywhere, walking the streets in a rush to get somewhere, and some just strolling around idly. No matter what time of day, the Imperial City was busy. Only at night, it was a very different sort of 'busy' – with drunken stragglers and clever thieves walking the streets, trying not to attract too much attention from the patrols.

The Tiber Septim Plaza welcomed them when they entered – with the grand statue of a dragon right there to greet anyone stepping into the City. The Empire and their dragons, the symbol of their perseverance and strength. If only they also knew how to persevere against the actual dragons. Or at least the vipers in their midst, commanding their every move under the guise of cooperation and peace treaties.

But the City looked as it had always looked – majestic and busy. Every gaze at the White Gold Tower ahead only emphasized its grandeur. It was the place to be seen from anywhere one looked throughout the entire Province – and it was almost asking people to come see it from up-close.

But the actual Tower was of no interest. Not that anyone could even enter.

Their first stop was to dispose of their heavy packs and find a place to rest. For more than one night, likely. It wasn't a good idea to be walking around the City with all that equipment all the time – especially in the Waterfront. Someone would try to rob them.

They decided not to stay near the Waterfront, as a precaution, and to get lost in the crowds of citizens and travelers in the City instead. Even the Temple district was a little too close and the Tiber Septim Plaza was really expensive. Not that they should mind just then, but it was a ripe target for the clan. Aeyrin suggested the Elven Gardens instead and the King and Queen Tavern – her favorite play to stay in the Imperial City. It was the perfect balance of enjoying the luxuries of the capital while also not spending outrageous amounts of money for it. Not too outrageous at least. And she always liked the Elven Gardens. People there really cared to preserve the lush greenery in between the large houses.

They paid for three nights there in advance and discarded their things. Though last time didn't work out well for them, it was still a very bad idea to be walking around armed and armored. People like that were just asking for trouble and they were hardly subtle. Bishop did take his knife this time and a lot of lockpicks hidden around his pockets, belt pouches and boots. Unless they got some more hidden weapons though, there was not much more they could arm themselves with without attracting attention.

When they were done and their things were safely locked in their room, they enacted their 'plan'. It wasn't really that complicated. Bishop just walked ahead while Aeyrin followed some distance away. There were plenty of people in the streets – none of what they were doing would seem out of the ordinary.

It only got a little more strange when they traversed the Temple District this way and emerged outside of the City walls again, at the Waterfront. The traffic there was considerably diminished. Of course, the Waterfront was a busy district any day, but… more later in the day. It was the busiest district during the night. And the mornings… they were mostly spent nursing hangovers or finding one's way home or to their ships from wherever they had ended up.

Aeyrin kept a little more distance, but at least it was easy to see Bishop without the crowds. That was until she noticed where he was heading. She had only been in the slums behind the wall once and she didn't see much of them. People didn't usually go there. Not unless they lived there or wanted to do some unscrupulous business. There were a lot of narrow alleys and she had no idea how she could even 'subtly' follow him in that place.

But, Bishop could scream if something happened. She kind of had to count on that. And she might actually be more suspicious even walking behind the wall. So instead, with a resigned sigh, she remained on the paved street at the other side of it. There were plenty of posters and notices plastered all over the wall and she could look busy when she would just occupy herself with those.

Bishop would only be on the other side of the giant wall after all.

She walked by the posters, observing them idly. There were some women and men in very ineffective and skimpy armors, with the invitation above to 'Come to the Arena'. She had never visited the Arena, but she doubted that anyone was wearing armors like these in there.

There were other notices there, selling things, asking for things, even some angry notes complaining about the state of the Waterfront. Then there were plenty of crude drawings around.

Aeyrin walked around a bit more before she noticed movement by the other exit from behind the wall. It was Bishop again. He traversed the slums and now he emerged on the other side. He clearly didn't find anyone familiar there.

But now he was heading over to a nearby ship.

Oh wait. The Bloated Float. Aeyrin had almost forgotten about it. She'd only been there once too – a permanently docked ship in the Waterfront that served as a tavern and an inn. It was a rowdy place, full of music, sailors and other people from the district.

Maybe Bishop thought he would find more information there.

Aeyrin waited for a while, still walking by the wall uncertainly, before she figured it wouldn't be too strange to enter the floating tavern as well. She would just get a table and a meal, as if she was going in for breakfast. Another breakfast, but she really didn't mind that.

Why would she ever mind more food?

…

Bishop recognized the man behind the bar.

It was fortunate. He walked around the slums with palpable tension and discomfort. He really didn't like the place – he'd spent a lot of time there before, mostly being beaten and tormented by Torban and trying to survive along with his equally dickish siblings and whore of a mother. The only nice memories of it were those of Jules.

The Waterfront was 'home' to the clan several times over. They came, they ran, then they came back when the dust settled. Bishop knew the alleys well. In the morning, there was not much to see. A few stragglers were walking around, mostly looking tired and confused. And there were the beggars, of course, without a roof over their heads, they were always out and about, although some of them were asleep.

Bishop was looking for signs of his family, he was still a little reluctant to talk to anyone. Not just yet. Waltzing into the slums with somewhat quality clothes and a bunch of questions would possibly not earn him any trust. So when he crossed the slums with no luck of seeing anyone from the clan, he headed to the next best place.

The Bloated Float.

This was the place to always get information. Torban used to pay the barkeep there for anything he needed and he often sent his kids for the information. So when Bishop stepped onto the lower deck which held the bar and saw the man there, he recognized him instantly. And he started to get hopeful.

That guy was always forthcoming. And friendly. And he was always helping the family.

Bishop wasn't sure if the man recognized him in turn – it's been around thirteen years. But he did narrow his eyes as he looked Bishop over.

"Mornin'," Bishop nodded and headed straight to the bar. The tavern was almost empty – there were only a few people there and all of them were either passed out on the tables, or leaning on their chairs with their eyes closed. Everyone was too tired to even notice anyone new coming in.

"Mornin'," the barkeep nodded back at Bishop and waited for him to act.

Bishop sat on one of the barstools and made himself comfortable. "Ale," he ordered and the barkeep promptly fished below the bar for a bottle of ale. It would be stale, Bishop knew that, but that was fine. He wasn't here to enjoy his drink.

"Do I know you?" The barkeep finally asked. He had been eyeing Bishop the entire time.

"Actually, yeah," Bishop smirked. "It's been a while though. Over a decade. I'm here looking for… my family." He hoped that was enough. And clearly it was. The man's face lit up with recognition.

"Right! I remember you. You're one of the older ones, right? All you older ones disappeared there. What was the name?" The barkeeper prodded.

"Bishop," he smirked at him. Right. All the older ones disappeared. Jack left, then got killed. Aces was leaving at every opportunity. He hadn't seen her even longer than this man, actually. But the younger ones mostly stayed as far as he knew. And according to what Kari said too.

"Right. Shit, there's so many of you buggers, who's supposed to remember it all?" The barkeeper chuckled at Bishop.

"You're telling me?" Bishop snickered back at him. If only there were significantly less of them.

"So, you're look-…" the barkeeper started to ask again as he poured Bishop's ale into a tankard, but they were interrupted by the door opening again. This time it was Aeyrin who walked in. She looked kind of nervous, but she only gave Bishop a brief glance, as well as the rest of the tavern. She then approached the bar with quick steps, clearly eager to just order and get away from Bishop not to do anything suspicious.

"Uhm… some wine and… got something left for breakfast?" She asked uncertainly.

"'Left'? Girl, I haven't even started to prep breakfast. Everyone's still asleep. You can have yesterday's bread if you want," the barkeeper scoffed.

"Oh," Aeyrin looked again at the passed out people around the tables. Some of them were mumbling something, some of them were there clearly together and tried to communicate tiredly, but other than that, there was not much living going on yet. "Just… just the wine then."

The barkeeper nodded at her and pulled out a half-empty bottle of uncorked wine. It had no label and he clearly didn't bother corking it to keep it from going stale. She was already bracing herself for an unpleasant drink.

She couldn't help but give Bishop another glance as she took the goblet and moved towards the corner of the lower deck where she could sit alone and away from them. Bishop was very likely getting information from the barkeep and she didn't want to ruin that. Still, from there, she could see them interact and see if the man tried to attack or something. She wouldn't put it past anyone in this place.

As Aeyrin walked away, Bishop turned back to the barkeeper promptly.

"So… yeah, I'm looking for them. I've been told they were here."

"Boy, you're looking for them now? How long have you been gone?" The barkeeper narrowed his eyes at him.

"Long," Bishop sighed. "Eleven years if you can believe that. But… I met one of my sisters and she told me some shit… I don't know, I just wanna see them, you know?" Bishop tried to play on the man's sense of… what was it even, camaraderie? He did know the man always had a soft spot for when the siblings looked out for each other. It wasn't often. But it happened sometimes.

"Shit, boy. After all this time?" The man sighed. "Look, I don't know, I know you lot have a lot of bad blood between you all. I don't want you to come settling scores or shit, be blamed for telling you their whereabouts, you know?"

"Pfft, I get that," Bishop growled. "Hey, believe me, some of those assholes are just… well, you know." The man nodded at him in understanding. "Look, you remember Liesl?"

"Of course, boy. She's not the one who left," the barkeeper scoffed.

"Yeah, well… I heard she's… not doing too well. I just… I just wanna see her. She wasn't… all bad," Bishop shrugged. It wasn't technically a lie. And he knew he could sell it better if he was at least a little honest.

"Yeah, I remember you and that little rug-rat coming here with her sometimes when you were still little. But she don't look like she's unwell, boy. You're not pulling wool over my eyes, are ya?" He narrowed his eyes again.

"No. Really. Maybe she's fine, fuck, I don't know. I just… wanna make sure," Bishop sighed. "She was the only one still worth making sure for, you know?"

"Yeah. That little cocktease can worm her way into your head," the man chuckled.

'Cocktease'? Really, man?

Bishop suppressed a disgusted groan and he only nodded. Whatever. As long as he got some information.

"So… you talk like she's around," Bishop looked at him hopefully.

"Not anymore, boy. They left. Again. Few weeks back. They didn't stay here long at all, just stopping by, they said, for some… profits."

Shit. Seriously? Not again!

Bishop had been counting on them staying put for at least a few months. They usually did. If not a year or so. It depended on how well or how badly things went, how many people they pissed off. He really didn't think they'd be gone from the City already.

"Do you know where they moved onto?" Bishop prodded. It seemed like the search would just have to continue elsewhere. Again. Well, they were surely closing in. Whatever the next destination was, hopefully they would be staying there already.

"Uhm… I don't know, boy," the barkeep sighed. He clearly knew. But he was clearly still nervous about divulging information. And he kept looking behind Bishop. Why?

"I get it," Bishop sighed, though he did get suspicious over the looks behind him. What was that about? He was ready to look back, but instead, the barkeep hissed at him quietly.

"I think that girl over there's been watching us. You know, sometimes people poke around for the clan. Bounty collectors or even lawmen and such," he nodded meaningfully.

Oh. Aeyrin. He wasn't saying anything because of her. He was worried that she would follow Bishop wherever he went after the clan. Which was… actually true, but that wasn't important. For the purposes of this shit, they didn't know each other.

Bishop looked behind his shoulder briefly, casually, before he turned back to the innkeeper with a smirk. Aeyrin hadn't been looking at him at that time, but she moved her head so abruptly that it was clear that she had been doing just that before. She was so fucking cute when she tried to be inconspicuous. "I think she's just checking me out," Bishop chuckled. He could play it this way. Convince the innkeep that it was the only reason why Aeyrin would look at him, not as some investigator after the clan.

"Pfft, you wish," the barkeeper scoffed at him.

"No, really. You think I can't tell?" Bishop smirked. "Watch her. See if she checks me out," he urged the barkeeper quietly. He really hoped she would look at him just then, but he was pretty sure that she would. After all, he would be doing something she wouldn't expect and that would surely alert her.

Bishop stood up from the barstool a little and leaned over the bar languidly, as if he was taking something there. This was kinda fun. He couldn't see her, but he knew the barkeeper was watching. Then when he sat back down, he made a show of rolling his shoulders and stretching them a bit after the movement. Only one thing was left. He looked behind his shoulder again with a smirk and he winked at her. This time, she was staring right at him, confused about his antics. And when she noticed him looking back, her face quickly went red and she averted her eyes once more, playing with her goblet of wine nervously. Anyone would think that she just got caught staring wantonly, not that she just got caught being obvious as fuck in her subtle mission.

"So?" Bishop chuckled at the barkeep when he turned his attention back to the man.

"Son of a bitch, I think you're right," the man scoffed in slight relief and disbelief.

Heh, it was kind of funny, Bishop wondered if Aeyrin really just looked at him because he was doing something she didn't see coming, or if she really let herself get distracted and checked him out. He definitely hoped for the latter. He sure as fuck got into that particular situation with her way too often.

"You got that right," Bishop smirked. "On both accounts. Especially the bitch part." That was actually one of the kinder words anyone could call his mother. But that was not important right now.

The barkeeper chuckled at him, but he still looked a little nervous. He needed some more reassurance to actually tell Bishop where the clan went. Alright. Fine. Bishop could provide. If the man was nervous about the stranger staring at them, he just had to get rid of Aeyrin and convince the man that this was all just about some lustful gazes in a tavern. Nothing more.

"You know what?" Bishop looked behind his shoulder again, almost catching her in the act once more.

Sweetheart, he's the one who's not supposed to see you looking. Not me.

"I think I'm gonna go over to her," he continued with a pondering tone in his voice. "I could use some fun after all this pointless traipsing around after those fuckers." It wasn't even a lie.

"Still… be careful, boy," the man cringed at him a little. Maybe he had seen the Thrice-Banished watched like this before. He seemed to have experience with that. Ah well, Bishop would dispel those fears soon.

"Pfft, you're a paranoid fuck," Bishop scoffed. "You'll see. Just get me two spirits. And a room key." He quickly fished out some drakes from his pouch.

The barkeep took another bottle that had no label and Bishop had no idea what was in it, and he poured two tankards of it for Bishop. They were only half-full so it was probably something strong. Then he pulled out a key from under the bar and inclined his head above him – to one of the rooms on the upper deck.

Bishop grabbed everything and moved towards Aeyrin promptly. She looked particularly startled and she quickly averted her eyes, as if she hadn't noticed him at all. That was even more obvious. Who wouldn't notice someone walking over in plain sight like this? So fucking cute.

He stopped by her table and looked down at her pointedly with a smirk. This time she really had to look at him at last.

"So… someone tells me there's a girl watching me," Bishop spoke quietly not to be overheard, but he was sure their expressions would do most of the talking anyway. He did smirk at her confidently right then.

Aeyrin instantly blushed in embarrassment again and she bit her lower lip. Perfect. She could sell this charade without even trying.

"Heh, see, I told him that she was definitely just checking me out. I mean… who wouldn't?" He chuckled and Aeyrin gave him a nervous smile in return. "So she better act like she's being seduced right now. Not that that will be hard." He sat himself down in the chair opposite her and he placed the drinks on her table. He promptly slid one of them towards her in an urging gesture.

"Sorry I'm making this difficult," she chuckled nervously. It was comforting that Bishop didn't seem upset, but she still felt so bad over being such a hindrance.

"Not at all. It's just gonna make him more comfortable if I dispel his paranoia. Besides, you're so fucking adorable when you try to be subtle, princess," he smirked again and he reached out with his hand to brush a lock of her hair behind her ear in a gentle suggestive gesture. "Now drink. Down in one."

Aeyrin looked uncertainly at the tankard, but she was certainly not going to ruin his ruse now by refusing his drink. She took the tankard and let him clank his against it, then she tried to down the drink. It burned a little in her throat, but she was surprised at how mild it felt. The years in Skyrim and at the cornerclub in Windhelm had certainly prepared her for worse.

When they both finished the drink, Bishop promptly leaned over to her and brushed her hair behind her ear again, this time to whisper into it.

"Now, I think you're properly seduced, don't you?"

"So quickly? Really?" Aeyrin's brows creased a bit. After a few minutes?

"Princess, you've been checking me out for a while now, don't play hard to get," he chuckled at her. "Nobody's gonna believe it."

"Pfft," she pulled away from him, but only slightly. She could feel the fierce blush on her cheeks and the almost involuntary smile forming on her lips.

"Come on, I got a room," he inclined his head towards the upper deck at the other side of the boat.

"Wait, you did?" Aeyrin's brows shot up in surprise. He was taking this 'seduction' ruse seriously.

"Yup. Of course I did. To seduce you," he winked and he stood up from his chair again. He extended his hand to her, urging her to take it.

"Uhm… alright," she nodded and took his hand. He clearly had a plan here.

Bishop led her past the bar and towards that room. He unlocked the door promptly, still holding onto her hand with his other one, and he moved into the room along with her right after, closing the door behind them.

Aeyrin stepped towards the foot of the bed before she turned towards him again. Was she supposed to wait here for him?

"Alright," she nodded. "What now?"

Instead of an answer, she got a push into her shoulders and with that unexpected motion, she promptly fell flat on her back onto the bed.

"What kind of a question is that?" Bishop chuckled at her. He didn't wait for an answer before he placed himself on top of her, pinning her down to the bed and eliciting a surprised gasp from her.

"What? R-really?" Aeyrin looked at him in shock. She thought he was eager to find out about the clan, this seemed like a delay they could leave for later. And elsewhere. But Bishop seemed adamant.

"You bet," she smirked while his hand snuck up along her body and to her breast, squeezing her in his palm eagerly. "Gotta make this shit believable, right?"

Well… she couldn't really argue with that logic.

She only dipped her head back when he began to kiss her neck. The innkeeper would surely have the same information later.

Everything else could wait.

…

Bishop left Aeyrin behind in the room to wait a while before she left the tavern entirely. It was a reasonable thing to do to keep up the charade of a chance encounter.

He walked back to the bar, finding the place in pretty much the same state as they were when he left. The barkeep looked relieved to see him emerge alive though.

"Huh, guess you were right," he nodded at him thoughtfully.

"I always am," Bishop smirked. He couldn't really complain about the man's suspicions if it led to this. Now he just had to continue playing it right and making sure this all just appeared as a casual hook-up. Hopefully the man would be willing to talk once Aeyrin left for good.

"Yeah… I heard," the barkeep smirked as he looked up, as if towards the room Bishop had just emerged from. Of course he heard. The boat didn't exactly have thick walls, not to mention that the room was right above the man's head. It was good that Aeyrin didn't hear what he just said though.

"Heh, she was kinda loud," Bishop chuckled. It wasn't really a complaint, he always strived to make her moan as much as he could. But he knew how he should talk about this in front of the man. "Good fuck though," he shrugged.

"I bet," the barkeep smiled somewhat wistfully. "I was with a Wood Elf once. So fucking tight…"

"You don't have to tell me," Bishop laughed, interrupting him. Seriously, don't tell me. He really wasn't interested in hearing about his sex life.

Fortunately the man stopped the second the door above his head creaked open and Aeyrin walked out. Her hair was still ruffled and her clothes were clearly only hastily thrown on. Her face was still flushed, though Bishop wasn't sure if it was from their previous exploits or from the embarrassment of approaching again.

She stepped closer to Bishop, still nervously fiddling with her clothes.

"So… uhm… I'm gonna…" she pointed towards the door behind her leading outside.

"Alright," Bishop nodded. "It was fun. Maybe some other time, if we run into each other," he shrugged, as if it didn't really matter to him at all.

"Sure. That'd be… fun," Aeyrin only answered curtly. The less she spoke the better. "See you around," her hand raised in an awkward wave and she quickly turned on her heel to leave. Lest she would ruin his cover again. Bishop did grab her buttocks with one hand before she actually made a step and he squeezed her with an amused 'see ya'. He was really having too much fun with this.

Well… alright, it was kind of fun. Pretending to be strangers like this made her feel a little excited. As long as he stilled looked at her like she was his world when they were alone.

She let out another soft chuckle before she finally bolted out of the door for good. They agreed to meet back at the King and Queen. The clan wasn't here and Bishop wasn't in danger. It was for the best.

"Damn," the barkeep still stared at the closed door after Aeyrin left when Bishop turned back to him. "She let you fuck that ass?"

"I… didn't ask," Bishop muttered. Seriously, stop already, man.

"Shame, boy. Wasted opportunities," he sighed wistfully once more.

This was really not the direction Bishop wanted the conversation to go.

"Maybe if I run into her again," he shrugged, intent on quickly changing the subject. "So, are you still a paranoid nutter or can you tell me where I can find my sister?"

"Alright, boy, it's not on my head anyways," the man nodded resolutely. "See, I don't know where they're staying. I only know where they went to stop by. I was… sending the message to meet for them. They didn't want the letter to be followed from them. I sent it to Cheydinhal."

Cheydinhal? Seriously? Another city to traipse to and they weren't even there?

"You don't know where they went after?" Bishop scowled. If they were just stopping by, it was unlikely Bishop would catch up with them. They had weeks' head start.

"Nah, sorry, boy. But the gal they met with might know."

"Who was that?" Bishop pried. It was his only lead. Well… as long as Kari still didn't know. But he really didn't want to go back to her cult and wait for one of his asshole brothers to show up to drag her back. He needed to be the one to find them and catch them off guard if need be.

"Some old Bosmer lady. Name's Ganredhel. Don't know anything more, sorry."

Bishop had never heard of this woman. It certainly wasn't any old contact he would recall. That made things even more complicated.

Fuck this chase was getting tiresome. He really hoped that this woman would finally hold some answers for him.

"You look like you need another drink," the barkeep smirked at his forlorn expression.

"Fine. Just a quick one," Bishop nodded, eager to get to Aeyrin and tell her the scoop. She was probably going to be annoyed too. Or maybe not. She definitely enjoyed seeing all these places again. And being here with her, he enjoyed this too.

He would just enjoy it much more if this clan shit wasn't constantly looming over his head.