We were not even a half a day out of Dawnstar when the snow started falling, it wasn't a blizzard, but decreased our visability, we were in the tree's when they hit, three of the Chiss. The mage was the biggest problem, throwing spells at us faster than we could dodge, the sharp coldness of ice spikes slowed me down as I went after the mage. The other two disappeared into what looked like a cloud of black birds and reappeared one on either side of Navitas.
I had to turn my concentration to the mage as he hit me with another powerful spell, I had a thought and ducked behind a tree for a moment and felt in my pouch for one of the rings that I had looted and that the Priest of Mara said was an amulet of magic resistance and then I dug down deep inside and called all the rage energy an Orc has and ran at the mag as fast as I could.
The Nordic Greatsword I had taken off of one of the Bandit's lopped off the mages head in one slice. I then ran back to Navitas, who was on the ground, both Chiss closing in. I placed myself between them and her, it was hard to keep my eye's on them, as they used some kind of magic to cloud themselves. I ignored where they went and concentrated on where they wanted to go, I stayed by Navitas.
Luck held as a patrol came across us, two members of the Dawnguard and a Vigilant of Stendar. When the Chiss attackers were dead, the Vigilant went over to Navitas and offered her a potion and used a healing spell and she soon looked a little less pale.
I and the two Dawnguard members rummaged through the dead Chiss and then went back to where Navitas and the Vigilant were sitting. The Vigilant laid out a cloak and we dumped everything except the bloody armor and weapons, those we placed beside the cloak.
One of the Dawnguard, a Dunmer that looked old enough to be a contemporary of my Father, which meant old enough to have known my Great-great Grandfather, picked up all the letters and upon opening one grimaced and then pulled a ring out of his pouch. At the same time the Vigilant waved a hand over the small items, which included a lot of jewelry, she gasped then started sorting things out in different piles.
When the Dunmer was finished reading he asked if I would like to read the letters myself or just wanted him to give us a brief summary. I told him he could read the letters, he laughed and said just as well, he wasn't sure the Translation ring would work on someone with little magic.
"Well ...hmmm. " He looked at Navitas and asked if that was her name, when she replied yes, he went on. " It seems your traveling companion really made the Chiss Admiral angry and angry may be to mild a word. He has put out a "death on sight" bounty to all Chiss, but only to his own people so far. Young Lady you need to tell Isran about this, I know you have been put on special projects, but he still needs to know. They have already attacked some of the Dawnguard and Vigilants, but from what I have heard anyone is fair game to these people. "
The Vigilant explained which jewelry was enchanted and with what, their was a translation enchant on one of the rings, so I kept that one, even if it didn't work for me, I could get someone else to use it. We split the value of the items between us, though because of the horses, Navitas and I took the weapons and armor.
The third Dawnguard member had been setting up camp, the tent they had plus ours, was big enough that we could share and had a partition so that the ladies could have a bit of privacy. Around the fire that night we talked about these invaders and where they might have come from. Navitas told the story of how she had helped a young Chiss girl get away from the Admiral, she had been a spy posing as a servant girl.
The Stendar Vigilant gave us some of her observations about them, that they always traveled in groups three or larger and almost always had a mage or spellsword type with them. Her advice was to hire a mage, because it was often the case of the best way to fight fire, was with ice.
We helped with cleaning up the camp the next morning and then left, making it to Windhelm just before nightfall.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
Nightmares Chapter 8
Navitas made the suggestion after we had taken care of the house to travel to Dawnstar and talk to the Jarl that owned the land in the area I wanted to put the Strong hold in. I figured we could find a bounty or two in that Hold maybe another kind of job. It was short trip up the mountain to get to the house, it sat on a trail that was near Iverstead, so that might be a good town to do some trading in, order supplies from the local hunter.
Two days saw the house to rights, Navitas said that we had it as clean as we could, we draped the furniture in dust cloths again and left. The trip to Dawnstar took two weeks, bandit's attacking slowed us down, but assured we entered town with enough loot to add coin to our purses. We traded that off and bought some better furs than we had come north with, the thinner ones we had selling right away to a group that was heading to Solitude for a wedding.
The Jarl would not speak with us, the steward saying that all business other than the Civil War was to be put on hold until such a time as someone did something about the Nightmares everyone was having. So we went to the Inn and rented a room, with two beds, then went out and listened to some of the local women complain about their nightmares to a Priest.
We watched them walk away, not happy with the answers he was able to give. I picked up my dinner and walked to our room and ate at the table in there, I wanted to think without the local Bard caterwauling in my ear..
From what the women had said, the nightmares just started, they had not mentioned anything that would cause people to have bad dreams, so. The Priest was giving them the run around, not really answering their questions, just reassuring them. He knew something, but what? Not a Divine... huh, a Deadric Prince? Yeah, that sounded about right, which meant he had a solution or something that he wanted to try, but maybe needed a strong sword arm for. I would ask him in the morning.
I found out the next morning and wished I had not asked, because this Priest of Mara not only wanted my help, but as we stood in front of the place he called Night Caller Temple, he told me all of the truth he had hidden the day before and also said that Navitas could not come with us.
Two hours later I was even more unhappy with him, he was not a warrior at all, the mace he carried was more for show. The Bandit's that had been gassed to sleep along with the worshipers of Namira, were none to happy to see either of us. The Worshipers and Priests were as inept as Eurander and easy to deal with. The Orc Bandit's, they on the other hand were warriors and much harder to deal with.
He destroyed a Staff that had been used as a Locus for the Deadric Prince to spread nightmares and then said he would be more than happy to help me in any way he could. I thanked him and then headed out of the Temple, where Navitas was waiting.
"Well Kurdan, I love your new armor, it's all spiky, you could always run into any enemies and impale them on it." I grunted as I dug into Shyla's pack for a healing potion. " Of course you could have your old armor back if you want it, a bandit ran out of the Temple with a sack of loot, including your armor and sword. I'm not sure I even want to ask." I guzzled down the potion and grimaced at the foul taste, but I could already feel the small cuts knitting together.
"That Priest was no kind of warrior and it's Mara's own Luck that neither of us were killed." I looked over and grabbed the bag that Navitas was holding out and then rummaged through my gear for some underclothing. Damn only one set left and I know I had blood smeared neck to toe. I stuffed my cloths in the bag with my armor and tied it to Shayla's saddle. " Navitas, I think a bath in Dawnstar before I put on my armor." with that I sung onto Shayla and headed to town.
"Sounds good to me" I could hear the laughter in her voice, It wasn't bad armor, the craftsmanship was excellent, but it was heavy and I had no where near the flexibility of my own armor. I would clean it then sell it.
We sat in one of the tubs, hot water to the neck, warm mead in tankards with food ordered for when we got out. The other tub's dirty water was draining, the Innkeeper had said to wash in one tub and soak in the other. While I was at it and after Navitas had finished cleaning and was soaking, I had washed myself and my underclothes. I would wear soft breech's and a loose shirt til the morning.
"Navitas, once we talk to the Jarl in the Morning and if he is agreeable to sell the land, I think it is time to start talking to the Stronghold chiefs. While I don't need their approval, I do need their good will so that I can draw in some good warriors." I heard her sigh and the water splash just a bit.
"Sound's like a plan, we can sell the thing's you looted and then get a good days rest while we re-provision and then head out the next day, barring bad weather.
Two days saw the house to rights, Navitas said that we had it as clean as we could, we draped the furniture in dust cloths again and left. The trip to Dawnstar took two weeks, bandit's attacking slowed us down, but assured we entered town with enough loot to add coin to our purses. We traded that off and bought some better furs than we had come north with, the thinner ones we had selling right away to a group that was heading to Solitude for a wedding.
The Jarl would not speak with us, the steward saying that all business other than the Civil War was to be put on hold until such a time as someone did something about the Nightmares everyone was having. So we went to the Inn and rented a room, with two beds, then went out and listened to some of the local women complain about their nightmares to a Priest.
We watched them walk away, not happy with the answers he was able to give. I picked up my dinner and walked to our room and ate at the table in there, I wanted to think without the local Bard caterwauling in my ear..
From what the women had said, the nightmares just started, they had not mentioned anything that would cause people to have bad dreams, so. The Priest was giving them the run around, not really answering their questions, just reassuring them. He knew something, but what? Not a Divine... huh, a Deadric Prince? Yeah, that sounded about right, which meant he had a solution or something that he wanted to try, but maybe needed a strong sword arm for. I would ask him in the morning.
I found out the next morning and wished I had not asked, because this Priest of Mara not only wanted my help, but as we stood in front of the place he called Night Caller Temple, he told me all of the truth he had hidden the day before and also said that Navitas could not come with us.
Two hours later I was even more unhappy with him, he was not a warrior at all, the mace he carried was more for show. The Bandit's that had been gassed to sleep along with the worshipers of Namira, were none to happy to see either of us. The Worshipers and Priests were as inept as Eurander and easy to deal with. The Orc Bandit's, they on the other hand were warriors and much harder to deal with.
He destroyed a Staff that had been used as a Locus for the Deadric Prince to spread nightmares and then said he would be more than happy to help me in any way he could. I thanked him and then headed out of the Temple, where Navitas was waiting.
"Well Kurdan, I love your new armor, it's all spiky, you could always run into any enemies and impale them on it." I grunted as I dug into Shyla's pack for a healing potion. " Of course you could have your old armor back if you want it, a bandit ran out of the Temple with a sack of loot, including your armor and sword. I'm not sure I even want to ask." I guzzled down the potion and grimaced at the foul taste, but I could already feel the small cuts knitting together.
"That Priest was no kind of warrior and it's Mara's own Luck that neither of us were killed." I looked over and grabbed the bag that Navitas was holding out and then rummaged through my gear for some underclothing. Damn only one set left and I know I had blood smeared neck to toe. I stuffed my cloths in the bag with my armor and tied it to Shayla's saddle. " Navitas, I think a bath in Dawnstar before I put on my armor." with that I sung onto Shayla and headed to town.
"Sounds good to me" I could hear the laughter in her voice, It wasn't bad armor, the craftsmanship was excellent, but it was heavy and I had no where near the flexibility of my own armor. I would clean it then sell it.
We sat in one of the tubs, hot water to the neck, warm mead in tankards with food ordered for when we got out. The other tub's dirty water was draining, the Innkeeper had said to wash in one tub and soak in the other. While I was at it and after Navitas had finished cleaning and was soaking, I had washed myself and my underclothes. I would wear soft breech's and a loose shirt til the morning.
"Navitas, once we talk to the Jarl in the Morning and if he is agreeable to sell the land, I think it is time to start talking to the Stronghold chiefs. While I don't need their approval, I do need their good will so that I can draw in some good warriors." I heard her sigh and the water splash just a bit.
"Sound's like a plan, we can sell the thing's you looted and then get a good days rest while we re-provision and then head out the next day, barring bad weather.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Preparations pg 7
Kurdan Gro-Olar,
I hope this letter finds you well. Your Birth Mother and I are almost at our wit's end, the males have taken to raiding more and more. They are outside the Law, they say they wish your brother to go on raid's, as a look out only, but still they would take him outside the Law before he is at the age of consent.
I have slowly shipped off all the females to other strongholds to foster, that were young enough that your brother could not arrange a marriage. The other females here are all either Guards, Hunters or your Brothers wives. Those that are guards and hunters are only staying because I ask. We are asking that you find us some kind of home, something that will shelter us and offer protection from the elements. The guards and hunters will see us to this home and if their is enough room, perhaps stay and keep to the duties that they know best.
If it is in a city, so be it, though we both would prefer the wilds. We will make the best of it, until you are able to build your Stronghold.
Keenya Gra-Olar,
I re-read the short letter and then passed it to Navitas to read. She grunted as she finished the letter and handed it back. I knew I did not yet have enough gold to buy one of the City homes, the Steward had quoted me a price on the one in Whiterun and it was a small home.
"Kurdan? If you will, Nic inherited a home, it is not down on the plains, but up in the wooded cliff's. She suggested that it might make a good place for your family if they had to come before you build your Stronghold. As long as a few hunters and guards stay, your family would be safe. The home has wall's on two sides and mountain on the other two. " I stood their looking down at her for a moment, thinking if this would be a good thing.
"But will Nic not want her home when she returns? I do not know how long it will take to win favor and buy the land for the Stronghold, let alone build the Stockade and at least one stone building where all may sleep." I could see the twinkle in her eye's as she answered that.
"Oh yes, I am sure she will, but she and Azul will not be coming strait back from getting the cure for Azul. Nic wishes to see the Walking Tree's in Velenwood again and visit family. It will be a while before they come back, you will have time to at least do the minimum. Besides which, she can stay with friends here or at the Families Tree in Falkreath. "
" I will except the offer and say thank you to you...as your Sister of the Heart is not here. Do you think we should go look at it before I write to my Birth and Heart Mother's?"
"No, write them, send Gold with a courier and mayhap some supplies for their travels, but left at the Hunter's camp that you told me of. Then tomorrow we will go and look at the house and see to any repairs and cleaning that needs to be done. We can order food stuff to be delivered when you have a date around when they might arrive."
Mother of my Heart and Mother of my Birth,
I have a house that you may come to and live, for a time until I may have our Strong hold built. Their is enough room for Guards and Hunters, though they may have to share space. Come as you may, I will be leaving to do any cleaning and needed repairs to the house. When you get to Markarth, please feel free to stay a day or so, but send a courier to Whiterun and I will know to return and await your arrival.
This courier has gold and has left supplies at a hunters camp I marked on the map he will give you. Go to markarth, as I am afraid my Brother may take the money that I am giving to him to give to you, I will leave enough there for you for lodging and food and to make the trip to Whiterun.
Please be safe and make your best speed here.
Kurdan Gro-Olar
Navitas and I left for Nic's house, after I arranged with a courier for him to procure the supplies, along with a few pack horses and as I told him, gold that would be hidden inside the packs, so that when my Brother took the gold he would give to my Birth-Mother, she would have some. He would arrange for the supplies and pack horses in Markarth and then lead My Mothers back to Markarth from the Hunters camp.
I hope this letter finds you well. Your Birth Mother and I are almost at our wit's end, the males have taken to raiding more and more. They are outside the Law, they say they wish your brother to go on raid's, as a look out only, but still they would take him outside the Law before he is at the age of consent.
I have slowly shipped off all the females to other strongholds to foster, that were young enough that your brother could not arrange a marriage. The other females here are all either Guards, Hunters or your Brothers wives. Those that are guards and hunters are only staying because I ask. We are asking that you find us some kind of home, something that will shelter us and offer protection from the elements. The guards and hunters will see us to this home and if their is enough room, perhaps stay and keep to the duties that they know best.
If it is in a city, so be it, though we both would prefer the wilds. We will make the best of it, until you are able to build your Stronghold.
Keenya Gra-Olar,
I re-read the short letter and then passed it to Navitas to read. She grunted as she finished the letter and handed it back. I knew I did not yet have enough gold to buy one of the City homes, the Steward had quoted me a price on the one in Whiterun and it was a small home.
"Kurdan? If you will, Nic inherited a home, it is not down on the plains, but up in the wooded cliff's. She suggested that it might make a good place for your family if they had to come before you build your Stronghold. As long as a few hunters and guards stay, your family would be safe. The home has wall's on two sides and mountain on the other two. " I stood their looking down at her for a moment, thinking if this would be a good thing.
"But will Nic not want her home when she returns? I do not know how long it will take to win favor and buy the land for the Stronghold, let alone build the Stockade and at least one stone building where all may sleep." I could see the twinkle in her eye's as she answered that.
"Oh yes, I am sure she will, but she and Azul will not be coming strait back from getting the cure for Azul. Nic wishes to see the Walking Tree's in Velenwood again and visit family. It will be a while before they come back, you will have time to at least do the minimum. Besides which, she can stay with friends here or at the Families Tree in Falkreath. "
" I will except the offer and say thank you to you...as your Sister of the Heart is not here. Do you think we should go look at it before I write to my Birth and Heart Mother's?"
"No, write them, send Gold with a courier and mayhap some supplies for their travels, but left at the Hunter's camp that you told me of. Then tomorrow we will go and look at the house and see to any repairs and cleaning that needs to be done. We can order food stuff to be delivered when you have a date around when they might arrive."
Mother of my Heart and Mother of my Birth,
I have a house that you may come to and live, for a time until I may have our Strong hold built. Their is enough room for Guards and Hunters, though they may have to share space. Come as you may, I will be leaving to do any cleaning and needed repairs to the house. When you get to Markarth, please feel free to stay a day or so, but send a courier to Whiterun and I will know to return and await your arrival.
This courier has gold and has left supplies at a hunters camp I marked on the map he will give you. Go to markarth, as I am afraid my Brother may take the money that I am giving to him to give to you, I will leave enough there for you for lodging and food and to make the trip to Whiterun.
Please be safe and make your best speed here.
Kurdan Gro-Olar
Navitas and I left for Nic's house, after I arranged with a courier for him to procure the supplies, along with a few pack horses and as I told him, gold that would be hidden inside the packs, so that when my Brother took the gold he would give to my Birth-Mother, she would have some. He would arrange for the supplies and pack horses in Markarth and then lead My Mothers back to Markarth from the Hunters camp.
The house was everything that Navitas had said, the wall's would not keep out a determined force, but it would still be easy to defend. It was large enough to work for a couple months to a year, but the longer it was the more strained it would be for the Ladies. I would work quicker, take more bounties, I wasn't sure but I had to do something.
Monday, May 9, 2016
More Bounties and a Letter Home Page 6
We sat on the step's of Half-moon Camp, all the bandit's were meeting which ever God they served. Our pack's were full of loot and there was still item's that we both knew we could sell for a good profit. Neither of us wanted to leave item's of value behind, but knew we could carry only so much. We had been debating the merit's of one item over the other, weight verses possible selling price and re-packing.
I finally got up and put all the excess items in a sack and hid them in a rock were we might be able to find them again and if not, not. Navitas handed me a plate of food and said better to travel in the stomach than on the back. I sat chewing on a piece of tender meat and looked out over the Tundra. This was the kind of view I wanted.
I thought of all the thing's Navitas had said, The men fought, strongest, most clever or meanest winning the right to be Chief and have multiple wives and children. The women though, the stronger ones left, leaving the weaker willed and lesser females to marry. This of course meant eventually even the males would become weaker, less strong willed and more likely less intelligent.
But our whole way of being, our culture revolved around the Strong-holds and Malacath's strictures. I'm not sure I could set aside the culture, family history and my belief's in Malacath to change so mush. What really needs changing though, bad breeding. Even the breeders of dog's know that strong male to strong female is the way to go, each having the trait's one desires. So if we are breeding strong males to weak females, then that is one of the main things that needs to change.
"Navitas, how much change do you think that a new Strong-hold can absorb?" She looked thoughtful for a few minutes and I let her think.
" I think a new Stronghold, with a strong leader, having picked the right followers from the start could absorb much more than an established stronghold. Why, what where you thinking?"
"I think you are right about only the weaker females staying with the strongholds, most strong females leaving. So I would need to entice strong females, but I don't think one chief could have more than one strong willed mate, unless it was her choice. On the other side, only having one male and one female having children would soon make the Stronghold's population decrease quickly." I paused for a second and went on.
" That would mean more than one male with a mate, just those two things are a huge change. But I do want some things to stay the same, independence being top of the list. We need to be a strong independent People, some of our traditions are good. We have the finest Blacksmiths and alchemist's on Nirn, but if the best of our women are leaving, then we will eventually loose the finest of our crafts people. " I gathered my thoughts and turned so that I was looking her strait in the eyes.
"So I am asking you, what would it take to entice a strong woman, someone as strong minded, battle tested and Intelligent as you to come back to or join a Stronghold?" I will not say I held my breath, but I watched her closely to make sure she wasn't planning on pulling her sword because I insulted her. She did not look angry, which was good, just thoughtful.
"I am no smith to want to be Forge Wife, nor am I good enough with Herbs and Potions to be a Wise Woman, I have no desire to care for all the children in the Stronghold or spend my days in front of a hot oven, so Hearth Wife is also out. I do not have the disposition to be a Chief's plaything and last wife and quite frankly I can have lovers or a husband outside the Stronghold, so being a guard and celibate in one, also would not suit." She looked at me hard and then down at the steps between our feet.
" I think our traditions are good, though and would consider a Stronghold and husband that would let me be me, not have to worry about being something I am not. I would consider joining a stronghold that had traditional values, but with out all the restrictions that women are under. I think if you truly want a home for your younger Brother to prosper and not worry about fighting or being killed to prevent him from challenging and you wish a home for your Heart and Birth Mother's, you should build a stronghold."
"But I think you should start as you mean to go along. What I mean is, here you must buy or be granted land from the Jarl, with favors done for that Jarl, you can become a Thane, then the Land isn't like other Orc Strongholds, it won't be up for the strongest to win a fight. Of course I myself would never settle anywhere the Sister's of my Heart would not be welcome with their families, so I am not sure a Stronghold would be the place for me anyway."
"You are talking something more like a military Fort, a Stronghold and a small village all mixed together?" I went on when she nodded. " That is not really a bad idea, the discipline of a Fort, the Training and hmmm make it non leathal, competition of a Stronghold and the community of a small village. I have stayed in villages back home that the people were mixed in the races, but each family true to their race, it was a very friendly place and it's what made me want something better. You have given me much to think on, "
We made it to Whiterun not long before the shop's closed for the night, but sold off everything without to much loss of coin, when we didn't haggle. We decided to wait til morning to see the Steward, as he might have another job for us.
The gossip we heard that night about the Chiss gave me pause about bringing my family here until our Stronghold was built and strong, but I would let my Birth-Mother know and she could choose the when of coming.
Brie Gra-Olar
Beloved Mother of my Birth and Heart, I have made it to Skyrin and found the province full of potential, but also full of chaos, the perfect place for a strong Orc to make a name. I have not as yet made enough of a name for myself to ask the advice of the Chief's of the Strongholds here. I have met a female Orc and we are helping each other while her Heart-Sisters are away to their homes. She is the kind of female that I would want for a Wife, but she like many of our strongest young females has no use for a traditional Stronghold. In this I can not say that I blame her, as I think she feel's the same as you.
The land has so many dangers, that I am wondering when a good time will be to bring you here, I know I would prefer when the Stronghold defenses are at least built, better to live in-side the wall's in tent's than in separate buildings that are not completely defensable. Also, we will need at least one stone walled and fire-proff building, it seem's that dragons have returned and wood buildings would not be the best place for the frail and young to take shelter.
I have decided to buy the land and earn the right to do so from the Jarl's of this province. This seem's the best way for me to "own" the land and make the changes that I would like. I will write more, when I get further along.
You have my Heart and prayers, keep safe.
Kurdan Gro-Olar
I finally got up and put all the excess items in a sack and hid them in a rock were we might be able to find them again and if not, not. Navitas handed me a plate of food and said better to travel in the stomach than on the back. I sat chewing on a piece of tender meat and looked out over the Tundra. This was the kind of view I wanted.
I thought of all the thing's Navitas had said, The men fought, strongest, most clever or meanest winning the right to be Chief and have multiple wives and children. The women though, the stronger ones left, leaving the weaker willed and lesser females to marry. This of course meant eventually even the males would become weaker, less strong willed and more likely less intelligent.
But our whole way of being, our culture revolved around the Strong-holds and Malacath's strictures. I'm not sure I could set aside the culture, family history and my belief's in Malacath to change so mush. What really needs changing though, bad breeding. Even the breeders of dog's know that strong male to strong female is the way to go, each having the trait's one desires. So if we are breeding strong males to weak females, then that is one of the main things that needs to change.
"Navitas, how much change do you think that a new Strong-hold can absorb?" She looked thoughtful for a few minutes and I let her think.
" I think a new Stronghold, with a strong leader, having picked the right followers from the start could absorb much more than an established stronghold. Why, what where you thinking?"
"I think you are right about only the weaker females staying with the strongholds, most strong females leaving. So I would need to entice strong females, but I don't think one chief could have more than one strong willed mate, unless it was her choice. On the other side, only having one male and one female having children would soon make the Stronghold's population decrease quickly." I paused for a second and went on.
" That would mean more than one male with a mate, just those two things are a huge change. But I do want some things to stay the same, independence being top of the list. We need to be a strong independent People, some of our traditions are good. We have the finest Blacksmiths and alchemist's on Nirn, but if the best of our women are leaving, then we will eventually loose the finest of our crafts people. " I gathered my thoughts and turned so that I was looking her strait in the eyes.
"So I am asking you, what would it take to entice a strong woman, someone as strong minded, battle tested and Intelligent as you to come back to or join a Stronghold?" I will not say I held my breath, but I watched her closely to make sure she wasn't planning on pulling her sword because I insulted her. She did not look angry, which was good, just thoughtful.
"I am no smith to want to be Forge Wife, nor am I good enough with Herbs and Potions to be a Wise Woman, I have no desire to care for all the children in the Stronghold or spend my days in front of a hot oven, so Hearth Wife is also out. I do not have the disposition to be a Chief's plaything and last wife and quite frankly I can have lovers or a husband outside the Stronghold, so being a guard and celibate in one, also would not suit." She looked at me hard and then down at the steps between our feet.
" I think our traditions are good, though and would consider a Stronghold and husband that would let me be me, not have to worry about being something I am not. I would consider joining a stronghold that had traditional values, but with out all the restrictions that women are under. I think if you truly want a home for your younger Brother to prosper and not worry about fighting or being killed to prevent him from challenging and you wish a home for your Heart and Birth Mother's, you should build a stronghold."
"But I think you should start as you mean to go along. What I mean is, here you must buy or be granted land from the Jarl, with favors done for that Jarl, you can become a Thane, then the Land isn't like other Orc Strongholds, it won't be up for the strongest to win a fight. Of course I myself would never settle anywhere the Sister's of my Heart would not be welcome with their families, so I am not sure a Stronghold would be the place for me anyway."
"You are talking something more like a military Fort, a Stronghold and a small village all mixed together?" I went on when she nodded. " That is not really a bad idea, the discipline of a Fort, the Training and hmmm make it non leathal, competition of a Stronghold and the community of a small village. I have stayed in villages back home that the people were mixed in the races, but each family true to their race, it was a very friendly place and it's what made me want something better. You have given me much to think on, "
We made it to Whiterun not long before the shop's closed for the night, but sold off everything without to much loss of coin, when we didn't haggle. We decided to wait til morning to see the Steward, as he might have another job for us.
The gossip we heard that night about the Chiss gave me pause about bringing my family here until our Stronghold was built and strong, but I would let my Birth-Mother know and she could choose the when of coming.
Brie Gra-Olar
Beloved Mother of my Birth and Heart, I have made it to Skyrin and found the province full of potential, but also full of chaos, the perfect place for a strong Orc to make a name. I have not as yet made enough of a name for myself to ask the advice of the Chief's of the Strongholds here. I have met a female Orc and we are helping each other while her Heart-Sisters are away to their homes. She is the kind of female that I would want for a Wife, but she like many of our strongest young females has no use for a traditional Stronghold. In this I can not say that I blame her, as I think she feel's the same as you.
The land has so many dangers, that I am wondering when a good time will be to bring you here, I know I would prefer when the Stronghold defenses are at least built, better to live in-side the wall's in tent's than in separate buildings that are not completely defensable. Also, we will need at least one stone walled and fire-proff building, it seem's that dragons have returned and wood buildings would not be the best place for the frail and young to take shelter.
I have decided to buy the land and earn the right to do so from the Jarl's of this province. This seem's the best way for me to "own" the land and make the changes that I would like. I will write more, when I get further along.
You have my Heart and prayers, keep safe.
Kurdan Gro-Olar
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Collecting Bounties page 5
I had fallen asleep right in the middle of my thoughts, but that was fine, the next day dawned sunny and cold, but no ice lingered on the ground. We were able to leave the tower and head back to Whiterun. The pack's of loot we carried were heavy and I missed Shyla, but it wasn't a long walk and it gave more time to think.
I liked the Tundra, the wide open vistas, the grassland would be perfect for a small horse herd. I would have to see about some land, but first find the right area. Water, good soil for planting. a good ore vein for mining, wood for harvesting and easily defensible, that was very important. I would keep my eye's open.
We stopped as we rounded a bend, two mages were fighting each other, one throwing firebolts the other ice spikes. Navitas stopped right beside me and chuckled, then said five septim's on the fire mage wining. So we watched as the two went back and forth, neither seeming to get the upper hand. About the time we both started shifting, getting tired of waiting a roar from above drew our attention.
The dragon flew in from over the mountain and hovered above the two mages and spat a green goo at the two of them. The Ice mage as slightly quicker and put up a shield that caused the goo to pass around him, the Fire mage was covered and soon fell to the ground dead.
Navitas and I looked at each other and backed up slowly, trying not to draw the dragon's attention. We made it to a huge hollowed log when we heard the dragon coming closer, Navitas hurried into the log, pushing her pack ahead of her. I went in backwards and kept my pack in front of me in case the dragon landed, I could protect us at least partly.
When I felt her hand on my hip I stopped and hunkered down. When the dragon flew overhead, I watched and then crawled toward the opening and watched as it swooped down by the river and then kept flying in that direction. I sat down where I was and rested my head against the tree.
Navitas crawled up beside me and looked out. We both heard the dragon in the far distance, I moved to get out and then helped her out also. When we got to where the mages were we looked at them both, Naviatas elbowed me in the rib's and said the Ice Mage lasted longer, I laughed when she handed over the five septims. We hurried on our way to Whiterun, walls may not stop a dragon from flying overhead, but they would make us both feel a bit safer.
We sold off our loot, went and got the bounty money for the bandit's and told the Steward about the Chiss being there. He shook his head and said he would let the Jarl know, but was glad we had taken care of them, as they were worse than the bandit's.
I grunted at the prospect of another night on the floor when Hulda said she only had one room, but it would be warm and dry if not the most comfortable. We took our meal on the balcony that overlooked the common room and talked about what we needed to do. Running or hiding was not an Orc's way to deal with anything, but in that case it was the prudent thing to do, Navitas agreed with that, though I still felt the coward.
We decided to work on our armor and to get some charm's and wards against the things that we felt the dragons might use. Fire, Frost, Lightning and Poison, we had seen that one in action. Those would of course help us with mages also.
We came out from our bargaining with the Court Wizard and I had to laugh we both had more gold, silver and jewel's hanging off our bodies than a Chief's favorite wife. Navitas had even had her ear's pierced to get more charms. I felt the fool enough with what I was wearing, but the wizard said each charm had to touch the body and should not be to close to another. Well most mercenaries did carry their wealth around their neck's, what wasn't invested in armor and weapons. We were acting the Mercenary by taking bounties, so.
We left town with another bounty and hope that we would not run into anymore dragons. I had never seen any at home and how many of the large beast's could Skyrim carry and not be stripped of game?
I liked the Tundra, the wide open vistas, the grassland would be perfect for a small horse herd. I would have to see about some land, but first find the right area. Water, good soil for planting. a good ore vein for mining, wood for harvesting and easily defensible, that was very important. I would keep my eye's open.
We stopped as we rounded a bend, two mages were fighting each other, one throwing firebolts the other ice spikes. Navitas stopped right beside me and chuckled, then said five septim's on the fire mage wining. So we watched as the two went back and forth, neither seeming to get the upper hand. About the time we both started shifting, getting tired of waiting a roar from above drew our attention.
The dragon flew in from over the mountain and hovered above the two mages and spat a green goo at the two of them. The Ice mage as slightly quicker and put up a shield that caused the goo to pass around him, the Fire mage was covered and soon fell to the ground dead.
Navitas and I looked at each other and backed up slowly, trying not to draw the dragon's attention. We made it to a huge hollowed log when we heard the dragon coming closer, Navitas hurried into the log, pushing her pack ahead of her. I went in backwards and kept my pack in front of me in case the dragon landed, I could protect us at least partly.
When I felt her hand on my hip I stopped and hunkered down. When the dragon flew overhead, I watched and then crawled toward the opening and watched as it swooped down by the river and then kept flying in that direction. I sat down where I was and rested my head against the tree.
Navitas crawled up beside me and looked out. We both heard the dragon in the far distance, I moved to get out and then helped her out also. When we got to where the mages were we looked at them both, Naviatas elbowed me in the rib's and said the Ice Mage lasted longer, I laughed when she handed over the five septims. We hurried on our way to Whiterun, walls may not stop a dragon from flying overhead, but they would make us both feel a bit safer.
We sold off our loot, went and got the bounty money for the bandit's and told the Steward about the Chiss being there. He shook his head and said he would let the Jarl know, but was glad we had taken care of them, as they were worse than the bandit's.
I grunted at the prospect of another night on the floor when Hulda said she only had one room, but it would be warm and dry if not the most comfortable. We took our meal on the balcony that overlooked the common room and talked about what we needed to do. Running or hiding was not an Orc's way to deal with anything, but in that case it was the prudent thing to do, Navitas agreed with that, though I still felt the coward.
We decided to work on our armor and to get some charm's and wards against the things that we felt the dragons might use. Fire, Frost, Lightning and Poison, we had seen that one in action. Those would of course help us with mages also.
We came out from our bargaining with the Court Wizard and I had to laugh we both had more gold, silver and jewel's hanging off our bodies than a Chief's favorite wife. Navitas had even had her ear's pierced to get more charms. I felt the fool enough with what I was wearing, but the wizard said each charm had to touch the body and should not be to close to another. Well most mercenaries did carry their wealth around their neck's, what wasn't invested in armor and weapons. We were acting the Mercenary by taking bounties, so.
We left town with another bounty and hope that we would not run into anymore dragons. I had never seen any at home and how many of the large beast's could Skyrim carry and not be stripped of game?
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Working Together pg 4
After speaking to the Steward and getting my bounty money, I stopped and talked to the Jarl's brother Hrongar. We discussed the arrival of these Chiss, he and his brother were both worried about them, though the Jarl had more pressing matter's on his hands. He and a few others were tasked with keeping an eye and ear out to see what they were up to, he asked me to do the same and let him know.
I was about to take my leave when a female Orc walked up, she was wearing the armor of the Dawnguard. Hrongar introduced us and when Navitas told him that is was actually me she wished to speak with, he took his leave. I asked what it was I could do for her.
She like I needed someone to watch her back, the Chiss were attacking travelers indiscriminately and it was getting so that they were more dangerous than the Vampires that she was hunting for the bounties. It turned out the her "Sister of the heart" had been turned and she along with another of her Heart Sisters had been bounty hunting, like me. The three of them doing very well, but now, the other two were headed for Cyrodill Azul knew someone there that knew of a cure, she did not trust the man in Morthal.
They would be back, but it might take some time, with the Empire stopping everyone at the border. We came up with a plan, they had already gotten a bounty, some bandits hold up in a fort that was meant to safe-guard the road where harassing travelers for a toll. The four of us would go clear the tower, but the other two would hang back and only help if Navitas and I needed the help.
A strange sight, we stood off at a distance and watched the Chiss attack the bandits. I rolled my shoulders and looked back at the Ladies and asked Navitas what she thought. She lifted one shoulder elegantly and dropped it, then said that we should give them a moment and then approach the tower, if they attacked, well the bounty did say "clear the tower".
And attack they did, even though I held my hand's up and tried not to startle the man turned, with his weapon drawn and came at me with blood in his eye for Orc. Navitas stepped out to the side and put a crossbow bolt right between his eyes and then the real fight began.
The Nic and Azul hung back, Nic firing arrow's at the Chiss across the bridge in the other tower, Azul lobbed fire balls at them. My swords dripped red blood by the time not a Chiss breathed. I did not feel bad about it and helped the women to loot the corpses and pack up the items. Nic and Azul took the lightest of the loot, as they had a far piece to travel.
Navitas and I hunkered down, the other two thought they could make Darkwater Crossing, before a storm we could see on the horizon hit. Then, they were heading in the direction the storm was going, we in the one it was coming from.
I stood in the doorway and watched as the storm rolled in off the plains, it was fierce and I only hoped the other two made it to town or a good cave, the lightning was striking hard. Navitas had made us some dinner and I ate it with gratitude, but quickly as I could feel the air getting damp and cooler and did not want the food cold. When finished I thanked her and picked both our plates up and washed them in a bucket of water.
We both looked at the bed with a grimace, neither of us wanted to chance the vermin that might be crawling around in it. So I found an ax, battle axe and chopped it to pieces. She had found a broom and swept the area and then threw some kind of herb around, said it would deter the bugs. We spread our bedrolls out and the storm hit, if felt like the temperature dropped to near freezing.
I walked back to the doorway and watched for a moment, what had started as a light rain, was now a mix of rain and ice. I thought for a moment and felt Navitas come up beside me and look out at the storm. We stood there for a good long time, she said she hoped her friends were warm and dry at an Inn. I looked down at her and nodded, when she said she thought it would be snowing before mid-night.
We might be dry, but it would be freezing before morning. I thought about that for a moment, the walls were stone, but the floors old dry half rotted wood. Obviously lighting a fire on the wood wasn't a good idea, but the first floor with the stone floor, was a stream. The fire needed to be off the wood, I had an idea. I gathered the items I wanted.
First thing I did was put down some leather and some of the plates I found around down, upside-down, then nestled a large shield so that it was stable and the "bowl" was up. I filled that with water and placed a large kettle in the bowl, the feet kept the kettle out of the water. I lit the fire inside the kettle, which was not far from where our feet would be.
Navitas looked at the fire and nodded, saying that was a clever way to keep us warm. It left a warm glow in the pit of my stomach to know that she approved of my innovation, not everyone would.
"You are not a traditional Orc?" I thought about that for a moment, what was tradition.
"No, I don't suppose I am, not in the way of most Strongholds." But I wanted a stronghold of my own, didn't I? I mulled over that in the silence, watching the shadow's play on the ceiling as the fire flickered.
"So Kurdan Gro-Olar, why did you come to Skyrim?" That was an easier question, but the answer was no simpler.
" I came to make a name for myself, so that I could provide a home for my Heart-Mother and youngest brother. I have no doubt that I could, in the traditional manner kill my older brothers, but I have no desire to do so. That is not what I want to do. " She was quiet a minute and then said.
" Kurdan, at least you are thinking. Do you know what is most wrong with the Strong-holds? The Males fight, the strongest or most clever male is chief and has the right to take wives. But the most strong willed females, leave, sometimes to return, but more often than not the best of us don't"
I thought about that, she was right, how many Orc females left the Strong-hold, because they had no wish to be a third of fourth wife and treated like trash by their mate. I would not want that for a sister or a daughter, so where did that leave me? I got up and put more wood in the kettle and laid back down.
"Kurdan, other Mer and the Humans the males live together, with one chief or as they call them Jarl's, he rules but allows other males to have wives, if the woman will have him. I would not mind being part of a Strong-hold that allowed me to choose my own mate, weather it be the chief or a guard."
"That's a lot to think about, but I think you are right. All of my sisters left the strong-hold, most of my Aunts. My Oldest brother had two wives, both of them from other Strong-holds, neither very strong willed. My Birth-Mother and Heart-Mother were the most Strong-willed and they were both younger daughters of other Chiefs that had been brought up to want to be wives, have children."
She nodded and rolled over so that she was facing one of the doors and I rolled so I was facing the other. I didn't fall to sleep right away. I had much to think on, I wanted my Birth-Mother and younger brother to come to my home, but would she come to a non-traditional Strong-hold? I know it would be better for my Brother if he didn't have to fight me to get all those things we males were brought up to want to expect. If he was knew, because he saw, that he could earn those things on his own.
It would require much thought.... The Code of Malacath, this is something I would have to think about. We Stronghold bred and raised Orc's were the strongest of our peoples, of most peoples really. We fought for everything, that is the way we where raised, is it the right way. I did not want to change our people, I wanted them to be strong, but I also wanted a home that I could leave and not worry that I had to fight kin to get back into.
Huh.... that was something, my oldest brother couldn't leave the strong-hold unless he took the other two with him, for fear that they would set a trap on his return, but at the same time he had to take other warriors with him, that were loyal to him, so that neither brother could kill him. This is exactly the thing I did not want in my home.
Hmmm Also, my home Strong-hold was dying because the game had been over-hunted. My strong-hold or fort would need to be more self-sustaining. Just mining wasn't really working, Farm? Yes farm, not just food to eat, but also food to sell and herbs. We Orc's had some of the best alchemists in our wise-women, why could they not, if they had enough ingredients , sell potions to help along with healing,
I was about to take my leave when a female Orc walked up, she was wearing the armor of the Dawnguard. Hrongar introduced us and when Navitas told him that is was actually me she wished to speak with, he took his leave. I asked what it was I could do for her.
She like I needed someone to watch her back, the Chiss were attacking travelers indiscriminately and it was getting so that they were more dangerous than the Vampires that she was hunting for the bounties. It turned out the her "Sister of the heart" had been turned and she along with another of her Heart Sisters had been bounty hunting, like me. The three of them doing very well, but now, the other two were headed for Cyrodill Azul knew someone there that knew of a cure, she did not trust the man in Morthal.
They would be back, but it might take some time, with the Empire stopping everyone at the border. We came up with a plan, they had already gotten a bounty, some bandits hold up in a fort that was meant to safe-guard the road where harassing travelers for a toll. The four of us would go clear the tower, but the other two would hang back and only help if Navitas and I needed the help.
A strange sight, we stood off at a distance and watched the Chiss attack the bandits. I rolled my shoulders and looked back at the Ladies and asked Navitas what she thought. She lifted one shoulder elegantly and dropped it, then said that we should give them a moment and then approach the tower, if they attacked, well the bounty did say "clear the tower".
And attack they did, even though I held my hand's up and tried not to startle the man turned, with his weapon drawn and came at me with blood in his eye for Orc. Navitas stepped out to the side and put a crossbow bolt right between his eyes and then the real fight began.
The Nic and Azul hung back, Nic firing arrow's at the Chiss across the bridge in the other tower, Azul lobbed fire balls at them. My swords dripped red blood by the time not a Chiss breathed. I did not feel bad about it and helped the women to loot the corpses and pack up the items. Nic and Azul took the lightest of the loot, as they had a far piece to travel.
Navitas and I hunkered down, the other two thought they could make Darkwater Crossing, before a storm we could see on the horizon hit. Then, they were heading in the direction the storm was going, we in the one it was coming from.
I stood in the doorway and watched as the storm rolled in off the plains, it was fierce and I only hoped the other two made it to town or a good cave, the lightning was striking hard. Navitas had made us some dinner and I ate it with gratitude, but quickly as I could feel the air getting damp and cooler and did not want the food cold. When finished I thanked her and picked both our plates up and washed them in a bucket of water.
We both looked at the bed with a grimace, neither of us wanted to chance the vermin that might be crawling around in it. So I found an ax, battle axe and chopped it to pieces. She had found a broom and swept the area and then threw some kind of herb around, said it would deter the bugs. We spread our bedrolls out and the storm hit, if felt like the temperature dropped to near freezing.
I walked back to the doorway and watched for a moment, what had started as a light rain, was now a mix of rain and ice. I thought for a moment and felt Navitas come up beside me and look out at the storm. We stood there for a good long time, she said she hoped her friends were warm and dry at an Inn. I looked down at her and nodded, when she said she thought it would be snowing before mid-night.
We might be dry, but it would be freezing before morning. I thought about that for a moment, the walls were stone, but the floors old dry half rotted wood. Obviously lighting a fire on the wood wasn't a good idea, but the first floor with the stone floor, was a stream. The fire needed to be off the wood, I had an idea. I gathered the items I wanted.
First thing I did was put down some leather and some of the plates I found around down, upside-down, then nestled a large shield so that it was stable and the "bowl" was up. I filled that with water and placed a large kettle in the bowl, the feet kept the kettle out of the water. I lit the fire inside the kettle, which was not far from where our feet would be.
Navitas looked at the fire and nodded, saying that was a clever way to keep us warm. It left a warm glow in the pit of my stomach to know that she approved of my innovation, not everyone would.
"You are not a traditional Orc?" I thought about that for a moment, what was tradition.
"No, I don't suppose I am, not in the way of most Strongholds." But I wanted a stronghold of my own, didn't I? I mulled over that in the silence, watching the shadow's play on the ceiling as the fire flickered.
"So Kurdan Gro-Olar, why did you come to Skyrim?" That was an easier question, but the answer was no simpler.
" I came to make a name for myself, so that I could provide a home for my Heart-Mother and youngest brother. I have no doubt that I could, in the traditional manner kill my older brothers, but I have no desire to do so. That is not what I want to do. " She was quiet a minute and then said.
" Kurdan, at least you are thinking. Do you know what is most wrong with the Strong-holds? The Males fight, the strongest or most clever male is chief and has the right to take wives. But the most strong willed females, leave, sometimes to return, but more often than not the best of us don't"
I thought about that, she was right, how many Orc females left the Strong-hold, because they had no wish to be a third of fourth wife and treated like trash by their mate. I would not want that for a sister or a daughter, so where did that leave me? I got up and put more wood in the kettle and laid back down.
"Kurdan, other Mer and the Humans the males live together, with one chief or as they call them Jarl's, he rules but allows other males to have wives, if the woman will have him. I would not mind being part of a Strong-hold that allowed me to choose my own mate, weather it be the chief or a guard."
"That's a lot to think about, but I think you are right. All of my sisters left the strong-hold, most of my Aunts. My Oldest brother had two wives, both of them from other Strong-holds, neither very strong willed. My Birth-Mother and Heart-Mother were the most Strong-willed and they were both younger daughters of other Chiefs that had been brought up to want to be wives, have children."
She nodded and rolled over so that she was facing one of the doors and I rolled so I was facing the other. I didn't fall to sleep right away. I had much to think on, I wanted my Birth-Mother and younger brother to come to my home, but would she come to a non-traditional Strong-hold? I know it would be better for my Brother if he didn't have to fight me to get all those things we males were brought up to want to expect. If he was knew, because he saw, that he could earn those things on his own.
It would require much thought.... The Code of Malacath, this is something I would have to think about. We Stronghold bred and raised Orc's were the strongest of our peoples, of most peoples really. We fought for everything, that is the way we where raised, is it the right way. I did not want to change our people, I wanted them to be strong, but I also wanted a home that I could leave and not worry that I had to fight kin to get back into.
Huh.... that was something, my oldest brother couldn't leave the strong-hold unless he took the other two with him, for fear that they would set a trap on his return, but at the same time he had to take other warriors with him, that were loyal to him, so that neither brother could kill him. This is exactly the thing I did not want in my home.
Hmmm Also, my home Strong-hold was dying because the game had been over-hunted. My strong-hold or fort would need to be more self-sustaining. Just mining wasn't really working, Farm? Yes farm, not just food to eat, but also food to sell and herbs. We Orc's had some of the best alchemists in our wise-women, why could they not, if they had enough ingredients , sell potions to help along with healing,
Monday, April 11, 2016
My First Days in Skyrim
I had been in Skyrim ten days, from the first look to now, the dangers had only gotten worse. And what a first look, one of the old barrow's, I had seen movement and thought that humans were down there up-keeping the tomb's of their ancestors. I was wrong, almost dead wrong, what I had seen was the walking dead. These Nord's should burn their honored dead and place the ashes in tombs, that way they stay were they belong.
I had removed their head's from their shoulders and then burned them, as I did not know which tomb they belonged to . The dead should stay dead. I never entered the Barrow, so I can only hope those dead aren't walking around.
Shyla and I camped not to far from the barrow, but as I had hoped far enough away that we were not disturbed during the night. Markarth was the closest town according to my map and that is where I had went first. I did not like the feel of the town and listened to the Innkeeper as I ate dinner and drank some ale slowly. I went over what I had heard as I lay on the hard bed, I did not like any of it. I did not think this was the Hold for me and my family, with one Orc Strong-hold already here and problem's with the people called Frosworn it did not look like a good prospect.
A civil war and two Set's of invading people, I had thought about joining the Legion, but I wanted more information on these others before I signed with the Empire. I got a description from one of the local Mercenaries, who also told me that doing bounties was a good way to make a name with the Jarls. He told me these Chiss, were as blue as I was green. This was an odd thing, as I had never heard of a people with a blue tinged skin tone.
Were these people from Atmora perhaps? It had been long, a century or two since the last invaders from there. I looked at my map first thing in the morning and decided that Whiterun would be the best place to go and listen for information, The town was central to the province, trade many travelers would go through the town. Plus I had heard that the Jarl was neutral in the civil war and he above others was trying to keep his people out of needless wars.
It was a beautiful land and I found the wide open space of the tundra to my liking, Shyla seemed to like it also, it gave her the room and flat land to run full out and she did, when I let her have her head. Her nose to the wind, her ear's flicking back and forth, listening for me to tell her to slow. I let her slow on her own, as we came up one of the watch towers and I didn't think a run into town was a good idea.
I put Shyla at the stables giving the man enough coin to give her grain for the next few days. I walked around the town and got the lay of it, listening to the locals talk. Their seemed to be at least two different guards here in town. I asked one of the men with what looked like the Jarl's crest on his uniform and he said the others where Dawnguard, they were specialized vampire hunters. Their would be more of them at night, but a few always on guard during the day, as a few different types of vampires could walk during the day.
That gave me food for thought, as that might also be a good way to earn a Name among the people. I hung around town for a day or two just listening to the peoples gossip and deciding what it is I should do. It was expensive though and I needed to get some work. I decided that the next day I would go and speak to the Jarl's steward.
The bounty the Steward gave me was simple enough and I found that some of my people had turned bandit here as well. The Bandit Chief I had been sent to eliminate was a fellow Orc. On my way out their I had noticed some Giant's and a couple Mammoths and having never seen either up close I decided to cut across the Tundra and get as close as those massive being's would allow.
Good choice or bad, I can't say, but as I got closer to them some people attacked me, they were four to my one and two of them were magic users. I felt as well as heard the arrows that hit Shyla and her scream of pain wrenched my heart. I jumped off and hoped that they would turn their fire to me as I hit her on the rump and she took off at a limping run.
I never got my sword drawn, as I was hit with two arrow's and two separate spells. As I started blacking out, I could only think of my Birth-Mother and younger brother and how I had failed them. I felt the ground shake as the Mammoth charged at the intruders to it's territory and hoped it would not trample me before I lost consciousness.
I woke to soft lips ruffling my hair and opened my eye's to see Shyla's head fill my whole vision. She whuuufed at me and I struggled to sit up. I looked around and saw by the sun that it was early morning, I had been out the whole of the night. Off a bit to my right I saw a huge bon-fire and one of the Giant's standing near it, I could hear the breathing of one of the Mammoth's close by.
I slowly climbed my way up Shyla's stirrup til I was standing, Using her has a crutch I walked around her and looked at the two arrow wounds. I pulled them out and she almost jerked me off my feet both times, but I persisted and then dug into my packs and got two bottles of healing potions out. I rubbed some on the wound's themselves and then made her drink the other, she was not happy about it. When I downed the other, I knew why, they tasted awful.
I saw one of the bodies laying on the ground and winced at the state of it, the man's head was crushed, as was his chest. Not much was salvageable from his pack, except a few trinkets and some papers, I put those in my pack and then went to the next body that I saw, it lay at the bottom of a huge boulder and from the blood stain high up, I could only assume that a giant or Mammoth had slung him there. I got more item's from her, but the armor and weapon's were broken and no good to anyone.
I did not see the other two, the mages, but I didn't look in the direction of the Giant's camp and their was a good bit of ground in that direction where they could be or they may have gotten away. I leaned against Shyla and read the papers that I had found. They were looking for someone, that was evident, but it didn't say who.
I am not sure why these Chiss would attack me and I didn't want to stop one and ask them. I'm an Orc, we are outcast enough, I could see that I would need some one to watch my back, these people didn't mind an ambush and that is something I couldn't always be prepared for.
I lead Shyla back to town, I would get my bounty money from the Steward after I sold the item's I had salvaged. Then I would look around and find someone to watch my back.
I had removed their head's from their shoulders and then burned them, as I did not know which tomb they belonged to . The dead should stay dead. I never entered the Barrow, so I can only hope those dead aren't walking around.
Shyla and I camped not to far from the barrow, but as I had hoped far enough away that we were not disturbed during the night. Markarth was the closest town according to my map and that is where I had went first. I did not like the feel of the town and listened to the Innkeeper as I ate dinner and drank some ale slowly. I went over what I had heard as I lay on the hard bed, I did not like any of it. I did not think this was the Hold for me and my family, with one Orc Strong-hold already here and problem's with the people called Frosworn it did not look like a good prospect.
A civil war and two Set's of invading people, I had thought about joining the Legion, but I wanted more information on these others before I signed with the Empire. I got a description from one of the local Mercenaries, who also told me that doing bounties was a good way to make a name with the Jarls. He told me these Chiss, were as blue as I was green. This was an odd thing, as I had never heard of a people with a blue tinged skin tone.
Were these people from Atmora perhaps? It had been long, a century or two since the last invaders from there. I looked at my map first thing in the morning and decided that Whiterun would be the best place to go and listen for information, The town was central to the province, trade many travelers would go through the town. Plus I had heard that the Jarl was neutral in the civil war and he above others was trying to keep his people out of needless wars.
It was a beautiful land and I found the wide open space of the tundra to my liking, Shyla seemed to like it also, it gave her the room and flat land to run full out and she did, when I let her have her head. Her nose to the wind, her ear's flicking back and forth, listening for me to tell her to slow. I let her slow on her own, as we came up one of the watch towers and I didn't think a run into town was a good idea.
I put Shyla at the stables giving the man enough coin to give her grain for the next few days. I walked around the town and got the lay of it, listening to the locals talk. Their seemed to be at least two different guards here in town. I asked one of the men with what looked like the Jarl's crest on his uniform and he said the others where Dawnguard, they were specialized vampire hunters. Their would be more of them at night, but a few always on guard during the day, as a few different types of vampires could walk during the day.
That gave me food for thought, as that might also be a good way to earn a Name among the people. I hung around town for a day or two just listening to the peoples gossip and deciding what it is I should do. It was expensive though and I needed to get some work. I decided that the next day I would go and speak to the Jarl's steward.
The bounty the Steward gave me was simple enough and I found that some of my people had turned bandit here as well. The Bandit Chief I had been sent to eliminate was a fellow Orc. On my way out their I had noticed some Giant's and a couple Mammoths and having never seen either up close I decided to cut across the Tundra and get as close as those massive being's would allow.
Good choice or bad, I can't say, but as I got closer to them some people attacked me, they were four to my one and two of them were magic users. I felt as well as heard the arrows that hit Shyla and her scream of pain wrenched my heart. I jumped off and hoped that they would turn their fire to me as I hit her on the rump and she took off at a limping run.
I never got my sword drawn, as I was hit with two arrow's and two separate spells. As I started blacking out, I could only think of my Birth-Mother and younger brother and how I had failed them. I felt the ground shake as the Mammoth charged at the intruders to it's territory and hoped it would not trample me before I lost consciousness.
I woke to soft lips ruffling my hair and opened my eye's to see Shyla's head fill my whole vision. She whuuufed at me and I struggled to sit up. I looked around and saw by the sun that it was early morning, I had been out the whole of the night. Off a bit to my right I saw a huge bon-fire and one of the Giant's standing near it, I could hear the breathing of one of the Mammoth's close by.
I slowly climbed my way up Shyla's stirrup til I was standing, Using her has a crutch I walked around her and looked at the two arrow wounds. I pulled them out and she almost jerked me off my feet both times, but I persisted and then dug into my packs and got two bottles of healing potions out. I rubbed some on the wound's themselves and then made her drink the other, she was not happy about it. When I downed the other, I knew why, they tasted awful.
I saw one of the bodies laying on the ground and winced at the state of it, the man's head was crushed, as was his chest. Not much was salvageable from his pack, except a few trinkets and some papers, I put those in my pack and then went to the next body that I saw, it lay at the bottom of a huge boulder and from the blood stain high up, I could only assume that a giant or Mammoth had slung him there. I got more item's from her, but the armor and weapon's were broken and no good to anyone.
I did not see the other two, the mages, but I didn't look in the direction of the Giant's camp and their was a good bit of ground in that direction where they could be or they may have gotten away. I leaned against Shyla and read the papers that I had found. They were looking for someone, that was evident, but it didn't say who.
I am not sure why these Chiss would attack me and I didn't want to stop one and ask them. I'm an Orc, we are outcast enough, I could see that I would need some one to watch my back, these people didn't mind an ambush and that is something I couldn't always be prepared for.
I lead Shyla back to town, I would get my bounty money from the Steward after I sold the item's I had salvaged. Then I would look around and find someone to watch my back.
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