bopdog111: We're back for another chapter of this.
Ulrich362: True, Noel had months of time learning how to handle himself in Tamriel thanks to Potema Septim and now he's heading to Markarth.
bopdog111: In this version Markarth hasn't been touched by the Dragonborn yet so Noel will take over for him starting with a assassination attempt at the market.
Ulrich362: Well to be fair the Dragonborn is currently on his way to be executed so... not exactly able to help. Enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim but we own the OCs!
Noel entered the city of Markarth looking around to actually being in the ancient Dwemer Ruin now built as a city all thanks to Potema. He smiled before noticing a white shirt man pulled out a dagger, and knows what is gonna happen so he charged an Ice Spike, and right before the assassin can strike.
"ICE SPIKE!"
The man who wasn't expecting it gasped as the woman he tried assassinating turned around gasping as she sees a spike of ice protruding from his chest before he dropped to his knees laying on his back revealing Noel with his out stretched hand as the one who saved her life.
"I die for my people..." the man rasped before dying.
"Saved her in time." Noel grinned in his mind before looking at his hand, "That was my first time truly killing someone... this rushing feeling... feels good but only cause I had too not I want too."
"By the Divines, the Forsworn are here in the city!"
A Guard rushes to the man's body telling everyone, "Everyone stay back. The Markarth city guard has this all under control. There are no Forsworn here."
The woman who was nearly killed turned to Noel saying, "By the gods, that man nearly killed me. You saved my life. Thank you. Here, I was going to bring this to my sister, but I think you should have it." He hands him a silver necklace at this.
Noel took the necklace as the gathered crowd slowly spread out while a man approached him.
"Forsworn huh, scary stuff wouldn't you agree?" the man asked before holding out a piece of paper. "In the confusion, you must have dropped this."
Noel took the note before asking him, "Do you know anything about the attack?"
"No. I was just getting some fresh air. Had one too many pints of mead at the Silver-Blood Inn." the man said to not be suspicious before nodding walking off.
Noel watches as he does before reading the note that says, "Go to the Shrine of Talos". He walks around Markarth for a bit before finding the Shrine's door entering it seeing the man who was waiting as he looked over before gesturing him over with a handwave.
"You came, I had a feeling you would." the man mentioned. "So you're wondering about them too, the Forsworn."
"I'm sorry to drag you into Markarth's problems, but after that attack in the market, I'm running out of time." the man added before looking him over, "You're an outsider. You're dangerous-looking. You'll do."
"Gee thanks." Noel said sarcastically before asking, "So what the hell happened back there?"
"You want answers? Well so do I. So does everyone in this city. A man goes crazy in the market. Everyone knows he's a Forsworn agent. Guards do nothing. Nothing but clean up the mess." the man shook his head fed up with this.
"And you want me to find out why."
The man nodded at this saying, "This has been going on for years. And all I've been able to find is murder and blood. I need help. Please. You find out why that woman was attacked, who's behind Weylin and the Forsworn, and I'll pay you for any information you bring me."
"Alright, if we're gonna be investigating them together we should know each other first. I'm Noel, just a traveler around here." Noel introduced himself.
"My name's Eltrys." the man mentioned. "Be careful, there's no telling who we can or can't trust."
Noel nodded at this before asking, "So what do you know so far? Tell me about the Forsworn."
"They're remnants of the old rulers of Markarth. Natives of the Reach. Followers of the old ways. The Nords drove them out of the city. Ulfric Stormcloak and his men. That was about 20 years ago. But somehow they're still here, and they're killing people." Eltrys explained to him.
Noel nodded at this before saying, "Do you know where Weylin lives?"
"The Warrens right below town, that's where the miners live."
With that Noel walked down to the Warrens arriving where a man was at standing with crossed arms before looking at him saying, "The Warrens isn't a place for your type. What do you want?"
"Weylin." Noel answered, "Do you know him?"
"So what if I do?" the man asked.
"I need the keys to his room."
"Sorry, but you don't exactly belong here." the man told him.
Noel only told him, "It's important. Trust me."
The man stares before nodding, "Trust is hard to come by, but all right." He hands a key as Noel takes it.
With it he walks entering a room looking over before finding a note looking into it saying, "Weylin,
You've been chosen to strike fear in the heart of the Nords. Go to the market tomorrow. You will know what to do.
- N"
"N..." Noel trailed off knowing who that is. He takes the note in his pocket walking out of the Warrens only to be confronted by someone.
"You've been digging around where you don't belong. It's time you learned a lesson." the man told Noel.
Noel only grinned at this daring, "You first."
The man grunted before throwing a punch at Noel's head.
Noel ducked before landing a punch at the side which the man tried to counter with a elbow strike but Noel spin his body to the right landing a knee at the man's stomach who cough spit. He tried to land a double-ax but Noel blocked before countering with a kick to the leg before giving a solid punch to his cheek before the man attempted to punch him but Noel grabbed his hand as they struggled for dominance before pulling him landing a hard strike of a knee at his stomach again before punching him again which knocked him to the ground winning the brawl while Noel brushes his hands off while the man slowly, and painfully gets up spat, "Ugh. You mangy piece of pit-bait!"
"Well now tell me exactly who sent you to take care of me, or your gonna have worst then that." Noel told him with a glare crossing his arms.
The man grunted at that. "My name's Dryston, I was sent by Nepos the Nose. The old man hands out the orders. He told me to make sure you didn't get in the way. That's all I know, I swear!"
"Alright get out of here." Noel said as Dryston quickly ran off from this he then looked at his hand again, "Well... this is getting useful. Gotta thank her again when we meet up."
He walked finding the woman who was called Margret who notices him before saying, "Oh it's you. The one from the market."
"You doing alright?"
"I'm alright, everything's dizzy."
"Well what are you doing here in Markarth?" Noel asked her straight to the point.
Margret at this told him, "Just visiting. I had some business here. That's all."
"Your hiding something." Noel said simply crossing his arms.
Margret frowned, "Was is that obvious? Damn. I must be losing my touch." She relented telling him, "I'm one of General Tullius's agents. I was sent to investigate the Treasury House and the Silver-Blood family. They own Cidhna Mine, one of the toughest jails in Skyrim. I was hoping I could buy or steal the deed, but I don't think that's how things work here. Mark my words. Thonar Silver-Blood was behind that attack in the market. Somehow."
Noel frowned, and nodded walking out only to see a Guard was there waiting for him, "Something you want sir?"
"I've seen you snooping around. Asking questions." the Guard said coldly to him, "Back off. You don't want to know what happens to troublemakers here."
Noel only glared saying, "I'm not looking for trouble."
"You're finding it. That's bad enough." the Guard pointed out before warning, "This is your last warning, outsider. We keep the peace, here. Stay out of our business."
"Whatever." Noel scoffed walking off deciding for Nepos the Nose first entering a house, and encountered a woman.
"Excuse me, what's your business here?" the woman questioned suspiciously.
"I'm here to see Nepos the Nose miss." Noel answered while using his manners.
"We haven't been expecting you, and the old man needs his rest. Come back some other time." the woman told him.
Suddenly an elder voice cut in saying, "Wait. It's okay, my dear. Send him in."
The woman frowned before telling Noel, "You heard him. Go on in."
Noel nodded bowing before walking over seeing a elder man writing in a book who he knows as Nepos walking over who notices him approaching.
"I'm sorry about my housekeeper. She's a little protective of me. Now, what is it you want?" Nepos asked him calmly.
"Straight to the point. All that you sent Dryston to me, you ordered Weylin to do the murder, and your a Forsworn." Noel answered simply.
Nepos at this sighed before admitting, "Ah, yes. You've proven to be a real bloodhound. Well, you've sniffed me out. I've been playing this game for almost 20 years. Sending the young to their deaths. All in the name of the Forsworn. And I'm tired. So tired."
"Why exactly are you doing this?" Noel asked him.
"Because my king told me to. Madanach. When the uprising fell at the hands of the Nords, they threw him in the mines. I don't know how, but he lives. I get his messages, and I hand out his orders without question." Nepos answered.
"Madanach..." Noel trailed before then asking him, "So why exactly are you telling me this freely? I thought that you would keep something like that a secret."
"My dear boy, what makes you think you're getting out of here alive? You were seen coming in. The girl at the door is a Forsworn agent masquerading as a maid. You aren't the first one to have gotten this far. You won't be the last." Nepos answered.
Hearing that Noel looked around seeing the inhabitants in the house drawing their weapons while Nepos stands up before Noel turned to Nepos telling him, "Actually Nepos, I think we can work something out without bloodshed."
"Oh?" Nepos inquired hearing that.
"Yeah. The point being is that I know all about the Forsworn. You guys were kicked out of your home, here in Markarth shortly after the Stormcloaks came in." Noel told him before saying, "I have a plan in set to start an Empire, but to begin I need the help of the Forsworn. If everything goes well not only will Madanach be free from Cidhna Mines but Ulfric, and the Stormcloaks will think twice before messing with the Forsworn. You, and the Forsworn want to take back Markarth, I want your help. So if I break Madanach out, and help you reclaim Markarth, the Forsworn will aid me in what I want. In addition, you can finally stop sending the young to die." He then offered a hand to Nepos, "Interested?"
Nepos looked at Noel curiously. "You really think you can pull off something like that?"
"I have no doubt. Because I have the guidance, and will of Potema Septim, the Wolf Queen herself by my side, and I am looking to bring her back to the living." Noel answered simply.
Nepos still looked unsure before nodding. "Alright, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now. Worst case you end up dead anyway."
Noel nodded as the inhabitants slowly lowered their weapons, "Alright, then we're in a mutual agreement here. You help me, I'd break Madanach out, and we will take back Markarth. See you then."
With that he walked out leaving them to their thoughts as he sighed before looking around, "Next is... that bastard Thonar." With that he walked asking for directions before entering a small house for the Silver-Bloods as he approached a woman, "Excuse me?"
"I'm just a servant. Don't pay me any mind." the woman told him.
"I need to see Thonar Silver-Blood." Noel stated simply.
"I'm afraid he's asked to not be disturbed. He has important business." the woman answered.
"He's expecting me." Noel mentioned to her.
"No. He isn't." the woman pointed out.
Noel frowned at this, 'It worked for Margret... Guess I'll just use this.' He then said said softly to her, "It concerns Eltrys, your husband."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"He's asked for my help to uncover the murders by the Forsworn. If you help me by getting to Thonar, you, him, and your child will be safe here in Markarth." Noel told her softly making sure only she hears, "We're close to the answer, and now I need to get evidence from Thonar."
"That..." she started before closing her eyes. "Ok."
Noel nodded as he walked after being directing walking before opening a door where a red fine clothes man turned over from what he's doing with annoyance evident on his face.
"What are you doing here? I told them no visitors." he said coldly.
"Here on business, and pleasure Thonar Silver-Blood, I take it?" Noel asked with a glare, "And it starts with Margret."
"The Imperial agent? That's right. I knew. How many dogs is the Empire going to send after me? This is my business. My city. You Empire lovers should learn to stay out of it. Now get out." Thonar snapped.
Suddenly hearing a scream the two turned before running just in time to see two of the inhabitants are attacking the house while the woman ran for cover while Thonar screamed in shock, "Betrid!"
Noel grunted, 'I don't want to do this but no other choice... I hope this doesn't compromise my promise.' He charges it calling, "Bound Sword!" A purple energy sword appears in his hand as the two turned just in time as he called, "Sorry for this you two! Ha!" He slashed the two down killing both as they dropped down while the sword vanishes before turning where Thonar was checking on Betrid but finds no pulse while the woman slowly gets out of her hiding place.
"Betrid." Thonar whispered holding her body.
"My wife. They killed her. Damn Madanach. Damn his Forsworn backside." he added growling standing up.
Noel only glared telling him, "You deserve what you got."
Thonar turned to him. "Shut up. Only the gods can judge me. You want to know what the Forsworn really are? They're my puppets. I have their "king" rotting in Cidhna Mine. He was supposed to keep them under control."
"And that's exactly why these murders are happening, cause of your deal with Madanach." Noel glared before saying, "By the time this blows over, you will find yourself asking why you would do something as stupid as that."
With that he walked out before sighing, "I better head back to Eltrys, and tell him all I found." He walked back to the Shrine of Talos entering saying, "Eltrys, I managed-" His eyes widen in shock seeing several Guards were there over a murdered Eltrys, "Eltrys!" He ran as the Guards turned before he glared as one of the Guards said, "We warned you, but you just had to go and cause trouble." He the sighed shaking his head, "Now we have to pin all these recent murders on you. Silence witnesses. Work. Work. Work."
"What did you do to him!?" Noel yelled.
"Same thing we do with all the other natives who want to change things around here." the Guard stated as two more walked in behind Noel as he looked before the Guard told him, "We had a nice little deal going between Thonar and Madanach until you and Eltrys started snooping around. Well, you wanted to find the man responsible for those killings?" Noel turned back as the Guard finished, "You'll have plenty of time with the King in Rags while you're in Cidhna Mines."
Noel only glared before letting out a breath, 'I can fight these guys... But I wouldn't break Madanach out that way...' "Alright, you got me... I'll go quietly."
"You'll never see the sun again, you hear me? No one escapes Cidhna Mine." the Guard stated as they take Noel's arms, "No one."
With that they dragged him off to a mine ridding himself of what he was wearing, and wearing Prisoner clothes before throwing him in a cell with an armored orc woman who looked stern.
"All right, prisoner. Eyes front. You're in Cidhna Mine, now. And we expect you to earn your keep. There's no resting your hide in a cell in this prison. Here, you work. You'll mine ore until you start throwing up silver bars. You got it?" the orc told him.
Deciding to have some fun with her Noel grinned pointing at one ear, "I'm sorry. I'm a little deaf in this ear."
"Oh, you think you're funny?" she questioned grabbing his prison shirt.
"Why yes I do." Noel grinned to her.
She glared at him before throwing Noel to the ground. "All right. Open her up. Now, you. Get down there."
Noel only walked down seeing the ground before noticing an Orc at the door, 'That must be where Madanach is... I need to have it confirmed.' He sat down beside the man by the fire who asked him, "What are you in for, new blood?"
"Nothing. I'm innocent." Noel answered to him.
"Innocent? So was I, for the first one. The other murders were all me, though." the man replied calmly.
"My advice? Serve your time at the pickaxe and get out. You don't want to end up getting a shiv in the guts over a bottle of Skooma." He added to him.
Getting to the point Noel asked him, "Where is Madanach?"
"If you're asking, that means you're the new lifer. Tough luck, friend. Those guards sold you out but good. No one talks to Madanach, I'm afraid. Not without getting past Borkul the Beast... And you don't want to talk to Borkul the Beast." the man told him.
'Guess that confirms it.' Noel thought before he then asked, "Who's Borkul the Beast?"
"Madanach's guard. Big, even for an Orc. Heard he ripped a man's arm off and beat him to death with it. He's old-fashioned like that." he replied.
'Oh I need him with me, and Potema.' Noel grinned in his mind before telling the man, "I'm not afraid."
With that he walked towards them as Borkul notices him approaching.
"The new meat. So soft. Tender. What was it like killing your first one, huh?" Borkul inquired with a chuckle.
"Being completely honest..." Noel looked at his hand remembering Weylin, "While I had too since I didn't had a choice, the feeling of killing... feels incredible. Something, I would enjoy if I need too."
Borkul nodded at that. "A true killer, like me. The gods put us here to fill their halls with souls. You'll fit in fine down here."
Noel then looked at Borkul, "I heard that Madanach is in the room your guarding. I need to see him."
"You want to talk to the King in Rags? Fine. But first you got to pay the toll. How about you get me a shiv? Not that I need one, but it's nice to have in case I need to do some "shaving." Ha ha." Borkul taunted.
Noel only grinned to him before saying, "I got a better idea... I heard that you beat a man to death with his own arm, and I got a plan in mind that involves you. Why don't you show me your skills?" The other prisoners listening in looked shocked at seeing the new prisoner challenging Borkul to a brawl before turning to the Orc for what he thinks.
"You think you're tough, alright then." Borkul smirked raising his fists. "Let's see how tough you are."
(Cue Theme: Battle with Zavok (Sonic Forces))
With that the two brawler readied while Noel examines Borkul before Borkul launches a right hook which Noel dodges before moving to kick but Borkul moves to evade before swiping his hand backhanding Noel's face who turned physically on his knees grunting, "Ah... shit!"
He wipes his mouth seeing blood as he looked at Borkul before he stood up grinning, "Don't think you'll take me down that easily!" He moved to attack with a punch but Borkul avoids moving to punch but Noel blocks with his arm, and moves with a knee but Borkul dodges before moving with a low kick which Noel jumped to avoid before doing a backflip grinning to Borkul before the two moved punching, and kicking each other while blocking each other's attacks. Noel feels a bit of aching but is impressed with Borkul's fighting abilities. He is SO wanting Borkul on his side by the time his plan finishes.
Soon after moving back to strategize their next attack Noel grinned to Borkul, "Your pretty good Borkul! I haven't fought someone like you before, and this is making my blood pump. Hope your ready for more!"
"I was about to say the same thing." Borkul laughed. "You're a better fighter than most of the people down here, you self taught?"
"Trained by a loved one actually." Noel answered before calling, "Alright here comes some more!"
With that the fight continued as the two punches, and kick each other while Noel lands a double-ax on Borkul's head before moving to kick but Borkul grabbed his leg throwing up against the wall as Noel gasped a bit dropping down, and shakes his head despite the ache in his body grinning at Borkul before moving to attack with a right hook while the Orc dodged moving to knee him in the gut but Noel evaded the attack spinning his body to punch his side which connected that pushed Borkul a little back but the Orc ignores the pain moving to attack with a punch which Noel blocked before jumping back. Then charging in as Borkul lands a punch Noel dodged before he cried out giving a hard punch to the side of Borkul's face which pushed the Orc back a foot away on his back which shocks the prisoners.
Noel grunted feeling numbness in his arm, 'Damn... I always wondered what Orcs feel like... He feels like a block of stone!' He shakes his arm while Borkul slowly stands tasting something familiar in his mouth.
Spitting out some blood Borkul grunted. "It's been so long since I tasted my own blood. Sour."
Noel grunted before turning to Borkul with a grin, "I gotta admit, your pretty tough. Your really gonna be helpful in the future. Does this mean, I can talk with Madanach now?"
"Yeah, yeah. Go on in." Borkul nodded as he gave Noel a key before he walks to the door.
Ulrich362: It looks like Noel's already trying to build his and Potema's empire right Bopdog?
bopdog111: Yeah, and the results of his training with Potema helped him against Madanach's guard.
Ulrich362: That said it's obvious things are much different than if the Dragonborn was involved... and things will only get more interesting moving forward right?
bopdog111: Yeah. Next will be an alliance which will be the start of the Empire with Madanach's help.
Ulrich362: True, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!