The trip back to Belkarth Guard not going to be as quick as getting to Fang Lair, a few days into my trip taken slower than I first came from civilization. I wasn't injured but my body was not going to be getting enough rest to be in top shape. Being protected while sleeping was important and I couldn't let myself get into too deep of a sleep while in the wild. While my odds were not in high for getting attacked in the expansive wilds of Tamriel, the chance would undoubtedly rise as I pulled the eye of Tharn more on me over time.
"It would help if I had something to help keep me comfortable. It is bound to get worse in weather." A few days into my time back and I wasn't feeling myself get any less exhausted. In fact, it only seemed like it was going to get harder before it got better. Nonetheless, the outside was unfortunately already feeling more familiar than it had been for a long while. It wasn't unusual for me to have days or weeks of time in the outdoors when I was a soldier. I could say I was more comfortable with the best way to keep warm or camouflaged over the feel of linen overnight.
"It seems that you are well chosen, Tenyin." A disembodied voice drifted through my thoughts and I jumped at the sudden intrusion. The light sleep that I had going was broken by a familiar voice, but it didn't make the stretch of the silence of my ethereal companion any less sudden when she made her presence known once again. The light had just barely broken the horizon, my surroundings still heavily shadowed.
"Ria, could you wait until I am at least conscious before speaking?" My tone was low, and I couldn't help but sound aggressive with the suggestion. There was no way of telling how the unliving spirit would react other than the sound of the words said to me.
"I would but each day Jagar Tharn is able to keep the throne, the more Tamriel is damaged. I as well cannot keep myself connected to this world forever, I have to convey what I can at the earliest time possible." It was a little infuriating at how accurate Ria was. I wasn't out of Hammerfell yet, although the time to move along was coming quickly.
"I understand that, but I do have my limitations. Anyway, what is happening?" There was silence for a moment, quite the extended moment despite what Ria had just said about her time to preserve what she had left. Possibly it was something about the limitations on magic, something I had no interest in personally utilizing apart from enchanted items.
"I sense that you have won the first piece of the staff. That in and of itself is not a simple task. Tharn, it seems, is not as concerned with you as I had thought he would be. Perhaps he thinks you dead or lost in the sewers from which you escaped. That is best, for I have discovered the second piece's location."
"You told me before that the pieces were spread to all the provinces by Tharn, if I remember correctly?"
"That is correct. Jagar Tharn was wise to not make his downfall easy to achieve. Now, onto the next piece of the Staff of Chaos. There was once a great maze, built by the Archmagus Shalidor to guard what he called Glamorill, the elven term for 'The Secret of Life'. This great maze is called Labyrinthian, but I know not the location of it apart from it is somewhere in the frozen norths, the province of Skyrim. Somewhere in its twisted corridors lies the second piece of the Staff of Chaos. Shalidor, according to the old texts, made his home in the Fortress of Ice. A person of intelligence of an Archmagus would not have built their own creation far from home. I would highly recommend continuing your search in Skyrim for the location to more of the downfall of the traitor battlemage. I wish you well and have to keep what link I have to the mortal plane at rest, I apologize." The sensation of Ria's presence wasn't overwhelming, but the feeling of her watching me unseen to being alone again was a difference. Then again, I have been alone on my quest so far and it might be getting to me, as well. The want to speak freely was countered by the fact I couldn't tell who could be an agent of the fake Emperor. Fortunately, I was woken up as the sun broke over the horizon and the shadowed terrain began to show its colors for the day to come. I could say one advantage to my situation are the sights that didn't look as gorgeous with the wall taking up a portion of the image.
The next stretch of days passed without any ethereal voice of Ria, only the sounds of nature keeping me awake and as a lullaby for me to sleep to. With how close I was towards Cyrodil and Skyrim, I was not having to deal with the biting sand tornadoes of the western deserts of the province. The sands of Hammerfell were expansive, but it was to be expected that they would be taken over by the temperate temperatures that existed on the border of Skyrim and Cyrodil. Even as a born and raise Redguard, I was not a fan of the punishing environment that others eagerly called home.
It was a little less than another week of constant walking, albeit a slower pace to gather what I could for food and fresh water. I did not have enough to satisfy my cravings, but those thoughts were easily pushed aside for instead the thoughts of getting back to relative safety.
"Hm, didn't think those stone barricades would be inviting. Not a lot, but enough to justify calling them secure. Hope my room isn't rented out." When the grey, stone walls of Belkarth Guard came into view, my pace increased into a hastened walk and a smile spread on my face. Being alone seemed odd, even though Cherry was my only companion for most of my time being what is essentially an unknown agent for the missing Emperor. The descending sun was positioned a fair height over the gray walls of the city, the gates still open to travelers or citizens. It would make quite the piece of art with a skilled painter.
Although I could feel my body groaning for comfort and a true night's rest, I missed the company of my unexpectedly favorite partner. Sleeping beside and greeting the morning with someone, even if that isn't necessarily a humanoid, made me apparently see Cherry as more than just a mount. Fancy that string of events.
The stable was easy to notice out of a crowd. Not for the flow of business or the sound of busy workers, rather the biggest indication of its presence being the distinct foreign style of architecture and decoration. Unnecessarily large for the environment and over-decorated when compared to the neighboring buildings, something I noticed was less native to this province of Tamriel. The woman of the business probably had more pull in the end when it came to decisions. If being in the in the Imperial City for years taught me anything, it is that the men of Tamriel didn't put much thought behind the image of the buildings, only giving attention to functionality. Businesses they had a knack for putting far above the image of the establishment.
"Welcome back! It is good to see you are okay. How was your time out?" Unlike my first time, this was not the grumpy Nord man. The upbeat face of Kindra was working at the front desk, undoubtedly the better choice to show as the first impression of the stable.
"It was a…time. I can't complain, other than being tired of nature for a long while. Where is your…work partner?" It only occurred to me after speaking that I didn't know how these two were related. It was possible they were in a relationship or simply business partners. Nonetheless, saying a very general relationship was my best assumption.
"You do look a little more ragged than when you dropped off your friend. You still look very good, though!" Kindra bounced, her short, blonde hair following her movements just a bit. What I wouldn't give to have that level of enthusiasm again. "You must be talking about my brother. He is working with our friends. He is really good at keeping them tame, even if he acts like he is some unshakeable rock around people. It's easy to tell where he is most comfortable. Come on!" Kindra circled around the counter between her and I towards the only other method of exit besides where I had entered. Her outfit was surprisingly immaculate, at least when it came to where she was working. It was a dress that hugged her figure to her hips where it then got loose enough to walk in comfortably, white in color and reaching her ankles. Her footwear looked as if they were slippers, most likely reinforced leather soles for structure and elegant fabric for the remaining portions. Along the edges of the dress was a strip of some gold material that kept the material from fraying. Around Kindra's waist was a crimson sash, tied at her side that followed the form of the fabric it was laying on. As the joyful girl turned her back to me, a black, blazing sign that I knew all too well was very pronounced on the white material. Taking up what would be a large portion of the upper-back of the dress was the familiar sigil of the empire, the angular dragon that not long ago I was constantly looking at. A burgundy cloud outlined the marking also brought attention to it to whoever gazed upon this young girl's back. Despite her attractive qualities, eyes would be immediately drawn to the pride of the Imperials undoubtedly. It may have been that after seeing the icon so long myself constantly that it was a surprise to see it here proudly displayed by someone. It was doubtful that Kindra had any ties to the Empire other than that she was an Imperial, but something that was so easy to see could lead to problems with the tarnished reputation that came with Jagar Tharn as well as how hard it was for the true Emperor to deal with a continent of problems.
"Are you okay with having that dress showing what it does? I'm not judging, I have no room to, but showing the sign of the Empire so…freely is not typically liked after what is happening." I followed Kindra as she happily stepped to the door opposite of the entrance. Her step didn't falter as I asked, but she definitely answered me differently than I was expecting.
"I am okay with it, of course! I am not going to act like I am anything less than what I was born as, but I am embarrassed about it right now. Thankfully, the people here don't seem to be bothered by it." Okay with it but embarrassed about it, that's a peculiar combination of feelings. Oddly, I am more secretly the same way in a sense. Not Imperial and okay with that but if anybody knew who I was before, it would be more than embarrassing for me. Then again, there might be some that do and one immediately jumped to my mind as a culprit that isn't showing themselves to be dangerous, just eerily helpful.
The door that was opened, unsurprisingly, led outside to somewhere that I had apparently missed on my travels so far. Whether it is somehow still in the city walls or just not too close to the city gates, a corral marked immediately by fences to my left and right presented itself. The sight was something impressive, especially since this was probably quite peaceful nature compared to things that could be encountered in the wild. An uneven land of green went beyond the fenced area, rocks decorating the landscape, and some large trees that were probably kept healthier than others made the scenery look exactly as natural as expected. It went far as well, I couldn't quite see where it was ending coming from the door. The last curious oddity was a couple large, wooden structures that didn't connect but drew the eyes to the for being clearly built. Kindra stopped a few steps from the door, leaving me to watch as she looked around the area. She sprinted, surprisingly gracefully in her outfit, to the left and right of the perimeter of the fence with a huff after coming back. I wasn't sure if she wanted me to follow, assuming she didn't, so I kept myself planted in place until she came back to look at me again.
"Okay, so Bejorn isn't tending to any of our friends in the field. He is probably keeping himself hidden in one of the stables, trying to keep the 'tough guy' façade up. You'll see, just be quiet and we can catch him!" Kindra giggled and turned again, showing me the symbol of the usurped Empire. She started into a jog that I was quick to follow. I hadn't rested properly yet, but I was a little more invigorated than was to be expected.
A long couple minutes of jogging and the stables were within reach. Kindra had a big smile and took my hand out of nowhere, causing me to recoil just a bit. Not out of fear or discomfort, more so the surprise of the action. Putting a finger to her lips, she gave me the sign to be quiet that I didn't see a reason to oppose. The stables showed their wear, with a couple planks used to construct it looking like they were beginning to rot. Others were newly attached that undoubtedly had previously been on the brink of falling apart. The size of the structures kept whoever was to repair on their toes, looking to be able to fit at least a half a dozen or more mounts comfortably. Every profession from the hard-working farmer to the very Emperor of Tamriel, the real one, had an upkeep that was not permanent. It was always fascinating to see what others had to deal with, putting into perspective how much other people mattered in keeping the land in motion.
"Is that okay for you? You have such a beautiful coat, I don't want to damage it in any way. Your owner should be coming back soon, I hope. You've been here for a few weeks, it would be a shame to have to sell you when you deserve more than that." The voice was coming from neither myself or Kindra and, if not knowing that it was only Kindra and her apparent brother, I could have been fooled in thinking that another hand was taking care of the steeds. The voice was soft, definitely deep enough to be unquestionably male, and could be thought to be coming from a body that was not one used to hard work or personal troubles. It was close to Bejorn in tone, but compared to how he spoke before, sounded like a completely different person in attitude and words. A beautiful coat, caring about the animal, not wanting to see it given away. This was going to be very embarrassing for the man.
The view as I peeked into the stable was not unexpected for what was heard previously. Bejorn was indeed speaking to a horse, one that I didn't recognize as Cherry, running a brush along its mane. The inside of the structure was not better than the outside, as the stable was not layered. It seemed to only keep the weather off the animals when in the field. Used straw was thrown about used, hopefully not eaten or else there could be quite several sick animals. I had used mounts in my youth, but I was never interested enough to learn how to care for them or properly satisfy their needs, that was the jobs of other soldiers. This display by the man who put on such a stoic and closed-off personality changing completely while in the presence of such a gentle beast made me wonder if there were any other hardened soldiers who had a different side when doing certain actions.
Kindra pulled me behind the structure out of sight again, just now letting my hand free of hers. "I love showing people this side of him, it's so adorable and he tries to act like the toughest guy in Hammerfell. Wait here, watch this." Kindra whispered very softly the words, almost making them nothing more than inaudible lip movements. It was not surprising that a girl like this could be quite stealthy, her form and actions were akin to a pleasant rogue. Taking quick but light steps, it only lasted a few steps before a quick sprint and a leap followed.
"What? Who the hell is that?!" Bejorn froze at the sudden presence on his back, unknown on what exactly had jumped onto him. Kindra was visibly pulled up some the back of Bejorn until their eyes met. It was but a second before Kinda slid down the back of the man some, the fist releasing Kindra.
"What have I told you about doing that? You are so immature for your age." Bejorn shook himself a bit but Kindra was stuck tight to him.
"And your too grumpy for yours. Where is Cherry?" It was a pretty slick comeback, wittier than I would have thought in the second it took. I wonder if age really did give wisdom…
"The one woman's horse? Yea, she's outside running the fields last time I saw her. Are we needing to find her a new owner?" It was a viable question but nonetheless stung a bit to go to that assumption first.
"No, just wondering. You heard 'im, she's somewhere around here. No other little places like this around, so good luck!" Kindra dropped while speaking, Bejorn looking at her with confusion. I took that as my cue to reveal myself, stepping out from really the only 'hiding place' that was out of view of the man. Speaking of, I got narrowed eyes looking at me that I could only take as either suspicion or questioning without words.
"Uh, right. It shouldn't be that hard…I don't think." Taking a quick pace to either end of the open structure, Bejorn soon couldn't technically see me but…I had a feeling he could sense me or something. It was when I was a good distance of a few minutes away when I felt like I wasn't being watched any longer. The end of the field opposite of the town was within sight. This really was quite the area for just horses, at least what I thought as only horses. Really, there could be any number of mounts in the world. There were even rumors of the Khajiit using other Khajiit as mounts, but no one had ever seen it done before without some funny image coming up over what was probably supposed to be a terrifying sight.
The fence that probably surrounded the entirety of what the stable owned that was facing the untamed wild was a lot different than the opposite. What I was looking at now looked more like a wall and really had more stone than wood. The posts that made up what I assumed was repeating barrier were carved stone, not intricate but it looked like it could stop a ghoul without any troubles. The horizontal 'bars' of the fence were tightly packed impressive logs of wood with little room between. The entire….well, wall was quite tall as well, probably to dissuade anyone from trying to come in without a lot of struggle.
It was another minute or so before I found who I was looking for, herself looking quite happy to be able to trot freely. It was an endearing sight to behold for anyone that might have happened upon it. Even with what seemed like never ending isolation, it was refreshing in so many ways to feel calm in relative safety. I made a path straight to her, intending to stay with her for a while until having to leave else I get into trouble with the downtrodden of the night. I wouldn't be leaving the city again for a little while, needing to get my rest in between the next undoubtedly life-threatening trip. This time it was just enemies but going north, I would have to contend with the cold and the combat. I wasn't too sure if Cherry would be suited for the colder weather, she didn't' have the extra coverage that the mounts of the north have adapted. It would be a couple weeks before I felt it was time to leave my homeland and go to completely unknown lands. My 'job' for the real Emperor did take me to a few other locations not based around where I represented, but they were never for a tour but rather some lucrative business that had to be kept a secret. Although I wasn't lucky enough to have the luxury of figuring out how the snow felt in the perpetual cold of Skyrim so far.
The next couple of weeks I spent in Belkarth Guard were not nearly as exciting as delving through a legendary mine or fighting through demons and murderous mages. I was happy to have time to myself, visiting Cherry, bartering with the items and treasures found in the long-lost mine, and getting back with the other people I knew. Not much had changed with most of the people, I wasn't gone too long even though it felt like it was months. Before this whole…unexpected journey, I was getting accustomed to a more sheltered and comfortable life where days passed without conflict but it was easy to tell. Being out in nature, having to count the passing of time using the rise and fall of the sun and such was something I haven't had to do since I was a lot younger. It wasn't until I was sitting on a bench near the river flowing through the town that I really took into how things were with a normal life. No political positions or dangerous worries, just a life of taking things day by day with the most pressing matter being what one felt like eating that day. There was some small talk of the Empire running a bit worse, at least compared to how it usually ran. I knew why, of course, in that Jagar Tharn had no clue how to run an empire but then again, I wasn't too sure that he had any inclination to. I was only around to know that the throne was stolen and it was doubtful Ria had any information past that, not that I could get her to say more than she had time for in her borrowed time. Jagar Tharn wasn't an emperor, he didn't have that blood running through him, so what he was doing with the throne as it was now reflected in the population. In the skin of the true Emperor Uriel Septim VII, the name was being run through the mud as the Empire falling apart. Hearing that from the population and, from what I knew, the only one that knew the truth, it was some the motivation I needed to keep the thought of my overall goal in mind. The longer I kept the fake Emperor alive, the worse the situation all across Tamriel would get.
I had Cherry out for a day, letting her get some time outside of the typical stable and experiencing some calm, Redguard civilization that wasn't desert. It was mild weather, having the cold climate of Skyrim to the northeast and the moist air of High Rock to the northwest. Holding the reins of Cherry with enough for that she couldn't get away from me if she ran, she made no pull to do so. I figured I could let her go completely and she'd stay by my side while I walked, but I didn't want to test it out just yet. It was not the lack of trust in her but rather the lack of trust in other people. With that said, it was when we stopped at a freshwater creek to rest and cool off when something unfortunate happened.
It was similar to when Ria spoke to me in my head but this…this was not done with care. I gripped my head and a voice spoke, a voice filled with malice and hate. This was not Ria, this was someone different. Even in my pained mental state, I had an idea of who this was. A certain battlemage of extreme power and boldness.
"I do not know who you are but you have made a fatal mistake. Ria Silmane and her feeble powers are no protection for you. I should have discorporated her when I had change. I will not make the same mistake again. I will use the same dream bridge that she uses, sending my minions across time and space. Already they arrive, ones worthy of the attention you deserve. They will relieve you of the burden of the staff piece you now hold. Give it to them and I will order your death painless and quick. Resist and I shall see you in such suffering that you will grovel for the sweet release of death." The threat was clear but it wasn't too intimidating if the person delivering it was having someone do the work they wanted finished. Jagar Tharn had a voice as slimy as he was deceitful, but it didn't make a difference to me. I was prepared for something for beginning this, I just wasn't expecting it to be done in the same way as Ria spoke to me.
"Try your worst, you will pay for your treachery when I complete my quest." Whether he could hear me or not, the pain was present until I was finished speaking, then it subsided. Looking around me, I was not seeing anything out of the ordinary. I didn't have my scroll, either… Cherry suddenly reared, her front legs going high in the air opposite of where I was looking. Quickly turning my head to the direction, I was met with the black figure of a familiar being coming at me from seemingly nowhere.
"A hell hound, of course." Even in the day, the hell hound has a terrifying visage. While in the darkness of the dungeon, it made sense it had an advantage and was cloaked in darkness, it was no different during the day. It didn't have surprise but even with the sunlight hitting it directly, the beast still had a body as black as the night. In fact, the space around it almost seemed to lose the light and go to a deep, black mist. Red eyes stared and white teeth showing had me at a disadvantage, I had to think of something, it was seconds from reaching me.
I got into a solid stance, ready to move when it leaped. Red flames came from the mouth, licking the side of the snout, of course it wasn't going to leap first! A fireball came at me but the slightly longer distance gave me enough time to dodge effortlessly. Cherry was already putting distance between herself and the battle thankfully and the beast wanted me, so she would be fine. As the fireball passed me, the heat was still felt at least, and that was when the beast leaped. Fortunately, I was already moving, so I leaned more into the jump and ended up in a roll. It ended a bit shaky to get to my feet, but I never was one for being the most flexible or agile in my life. Without weapons and armor, I was at a major disadvantage and really, had no way of fleeing without probably getting caught or hurt. I had to do something…
The beast was thrown sideways as Cherry gave it a solid galloping charge. Whatever I may have come up with in the seconds I had, it was entirely moot as the beast landed directly in the water that we had stopped nearby. It wasn't deep but it still did enough that the hell hound was thrashing and some steam was coming from the body.
"Right, reckless and not what I wanted but okay! It doesn't look like it's going to be permanent, I'm going to hope for the best here." Not having a weapon on me, I rushed where the hell hound was thrashing as it was looking to get back on its feet somewhat. I didn't want it to change its target to Cherry, she was too much in danger already. Ignoring that my shoes and pants were going to be probably soaked after this, I waded into the water until I was a foot or less away from the body of the beast. I held my hand out to my side, even height with my shoulder and imagined the elven blade appearing in my hand with the tip facing the beast. I couldn't feel it, the weapon wasn't appearing but I couldn't stop right away. I continued with my motions, rearing my arm back as if there was something there. It wasn't until I was thrusting forward that I felt a pressure on my thumb that I thought something had come. Not looking to see what it might have been, I tightened my grip. It was solid, whatever I was holding was solid and had some weight to it as I finished my thrust forward, eyes trained on the neck of the beast. The flash of metal and the sound of a blade cutting into a body came next, ending with the body of the hell hound becoming just that, a body. The thrashing stopped and steam continued to come from the body as more of it was touching the water.
"I guess…it did work after all." Looking to the weapon I had apparently used and it was indeed the familiar Elven blade with the masterwork that came with it. It slid out of the body effortlessly and had no traces of blood, confirming to me that these weren't beasts in the traditional sense. Stepping from the water, Cherry was waiting on the bank and came in for a nuzzle when I was on land again. "Yes, yes, you did really good. I'm going to have to remember that in case something like this happens again. I guess Tharn isn't playing around, I might have to contend with worse as time goes on and I get more pieces. Who knows what the madman has access to…" The sword fell from my grip, going end first into the dirt that was still untouched by the water. If just getting one was giving me something that I really only killed due to being in the right environment, it's possible the future could have a lot bigger than a 'simple' canine from Oblivion. Maybe I should get a little more active when it came to embracing my older self, I have gotten quite lethargic in my life of ease. Concentrating again, with no disruptions or danger this time, and the weapon was gone, only the remaining thin blade mold remaining that would be replaced with more dirt well before the end of the day. "Yea, I'm thinking I should get back to learning. I wonder if I can find anybody in Skyrim or the road there, the Nords are always looking for a fight and no one in this province will pass up the opportunity."
The Crimson Chasm was empty, apart from the four relaxing on either side of the counter. Tankards of a rather tasty ale, although not given out to the public at all. I was lucky enough to get to know what the expensive stuff was like and it was worth it. Sader was leaning on the counter, shoulders slumped and clearly relaxed. The Innkeeper even looked a little different, losing the typical clothes he wore while serving and getting on a casual outfit. Lastly, I was able to convince the Craftsman to leave his forge and take a load off for a day. It took a lot of work and even some promises that would eventually be fulfilled, but he got a cotton tanktop on and was enjoying a tankard of his own.
"Leaving already? You've barely stayed and barely did anything while here." The Craftsman wasn't wrong, I wasn't exactly sure how long it had been but long it was not.
"I got you out of your lair of fire, that is something." I shot back, the alcohol possibly making me a bit more sassy than normal.
"You owe me a lot for it. Anyway, where are you heading out to?" The Craftsman emptied his tankard but refused a refill when offered.
"Pretty far away, at least compared to where most people would go other than merchants. Heading to the cold, have to get some things done in Skyrim." I wasn't going to lie about it, at least not about the general details. I knew where the limits were in revealing my quest.
"Wow, Skyrim. Nords are not the easiest to get along with, are you sure you can't just stay around Hammerfell?" Sader picked up the questioning this time. I didn't know a whole lot about Sader still, he wasn't too talkative about personal topics.
"Not this time, I have a few places to go and none of them are places I can stay for a while. When this is all over, I very well might have visited all of Tamriel." It was posed as a possibility but Ria had told me Tharn threw all the pieces of the staff in a different province. I would be crossing all the borders.
"Visit everywhere? That could take years! Are you sure this goal of yours is worth it?" Reasonable question by someone in the dark like Sader, obvious answer to me.
"It has to be done, that's basically it. I will be heading out to Nimbel Moor tomorrow, have to get a move on before I start growing roots." It was a little saddening for me to have to say it and even worse to hear what I was fearing from someone else. This had to be done and it could take…well, maybe more than a decade if I wasn't smart about my time. Jagar Tharn couldn't sit as a pretender on the ruby throne that long. He would destroy what the line of Emperors had grown over the era's. I was still hoping that Uriel was okay, wherever he was.
"Do you need anything? I think you have a pretty hefty gold pouch but you can't pay nature to keep you fed. I would be happy to give you some rations that can last for a while, you've done more for me than I can thank you for." The Innkeeper finally spoke up himself, he was a lot less business oriented in the evening. I knew that he was not asking for more than my safety and the thought hadn't quite occurred to me until he brought it up just now. I didn't pack any food that wouldn't spoil, I wasn't sure how my scroll would take to food. Even when I was in the wild coming back from Fang Lair, I was able to pick up some game along the way, I didn't pack anything for the extended time.
"That would be sweet to do, I could use some salted meats or some dry food if you can spare it." I was not afraid to ask for assistance when I needed it, I just wasn't going to go up to someone like a beggar and ask for a castle.
"Then before you leave, get yourself here and I'll get you packed up." Gratefully, I nodded and the rest of the night went smooth. It was not rowdy or some scandalous event, it was a good time to relax, Divines know I need it before having to deal with what was basically a new land. Nords weren't a harmful race but they were not known for being soft-spoken. They were loud and very direct when they had an opinion or a concern. It would be a bit of a challenge to go to the more controlled temper of the Redguard to where making a scene was a common place. The Craftsman ended up using a bed, free of charge this time, so he wouldn't have to risk the dangers of the night. The more Tharn let Tamriel fall into a decline, the bolder the scum of the night became.
"I get to Nimbel Moor, then to Elinhir to get into Skyrim by the southern paths of Falcrenth." Standing at the front gate of Belkarth Guard with my scroll is hand, checking through my map to see where I was going exactly. I could get the entire map of Tamriel and individual provinces, down to knowing the names of places if I needed to know it. Whatever work of magic this was, it was beyond mortal means in every way but it seemed necessary to my quest. "Okay, let's get going and get ourselves to Skyrim. Hopefully not too far north, that might be a problem for us that are used to the desert sands, huh?" Adjusting the scroll on my hip as normal, I gave Cherry's snout a nuzzle before carefully getting onto her back. She had reins like any other horse but they seemed to be less and less needed as we traveled together. I could give her a bit of a pat and direct her with some subtle pats to either side of her when she started, although it would be common for her to know to which path to follow. The main routes in and out of cities, towns, and villages were obvious due to their consistency of travel. Letting Cherry direct herself, the two of us kept our eyes forward with supplies and a goal. Tharn now knew he was in danger, sending whatever he could to eliminate me but it was for naught. One piece of the staff was securely with me and the next was on its way to be found.