Huntsman of the White Stag [GQ] Private

[Confused Insanity]

Quest Creator: Confused Insanity
Quest Name: Huntsman of the White Stag
Quest Giver: Regulus Terentius, Count of Bravil via The Fighter's Guild
Location(s): Fighters Guild of Bravil, Charcoal Cave
Information:
xxxxxA letter has been circulating the various Fighter's Guilds of Tamriel and has even made it to the chapterless Imperial City in search of willing quest-goers. It reads as follows:

"The Great Count of Bravil has commissioned the Fighter's Guild to take down a suspected group of poachers holed up to the north, in Charcoal Cave. They recently have been infringing on his lands and killing his deer - a serious insult to his Lordship. There could only be a few hunkered down in such a cave; a mere one or two of your Fighters should be able to handle it."

xxxxxThe Guild assures its fighters that they are still searching for willing participants - the letter having been looked upon with no small amount of distaste. It seems as if none of its members are particularly keen on helping the Pompous a** of a Count kill "poachers" who are, more often than not, desolate families who only need food. The Fighter's Guild would not be endeavoring for volunteers if this were the case. There have also been reports of bandit activity in the area. That, and strangely torn bodies have been cropping up around Charcoal cave and, even more disturbing, at the nearby shrine of Hircine. The Fighters can draw their own conclusions from this. Only know, that this is, indeed, something we feel needs looked in on.

Expected Resistance: Estimated 4-6 lightly armored poachers/hunters and one or two very large dogs
Goal(s): Investigate the cave. If necessary, kill its contents.
Treasure Type & Amount: TBD
Specific Treasure Information: TBD

Participants:
1. Bareok Kayle (Confused Insanity)
2. Lady Thalia Tirel (thepoisonedmuffin)

 

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxBareok liked the Tiber Septim Hotel. Sure, he had a room in his father’s house nearby that he could stay in free of charge, but it was rarely used. People were here. Dinners were had, wine flowed freely, rich women came and went, and new friends could be made. That was the plan, anyway. At best, he acquired connections that were tentative at best. Daughters of farmers and shopkeepers, however, loved that he stayed there, loved that he gave them a chance to stay at the Tiber Septim. It was the most popular safe haven in Tamriel. They got to eat the food, drink the wine, and sleep in the most comfortable beds in the land - one of them, anyway. His. That was why Bareok was sprawled in that very bed at the crack of noon. Women, however, had been sparse recently. More accurately, the Imperial hadn’t been trying recently. The truth of it was that Bareok was growing disquieted with his recent life. Unfortunately, this particular man had the tendency to sulk around his room instead of doing anything about his predicament. This fact necessitated another aspect of his life. Another person in his life. This person burst into this particular scene with an unrolled parchment thrust into the face of her “employer.”


xxxxxxxxxxxx"The Great Count of Bravil has commissioned the Fighter's Guild to take down a suspected group of poachers holed up to the north, in Charcoal Cave. They recently have been infringing on his lands and killing his deer - a serious insult to his Lordship. There could only be a few hunkered down in such a cave; a mere one or two of your Fighters should be able to handle it." He read aloud. Bareok looked up at the face of the intruder. The Dunmer woman’s pretty face was set into a resolute glare. “Selene, this looks like a horrible quest.” He told her frankly.
“There was another note attached to this one. The wind blew it away outside and I couldn’t be troubled to retrieve it. Said that the Guild thought this quest had some merit to it. Something about mangled bodies. Bandits.” Selene explained.
“Oh good. That’s better, then.” Bareok let the parchment fall to the floor and rolled onto his back.
“You have to get back out there. Or I’m going to strangle you. Or you me. A man can’t keep himself locked up in a hotel for a month. Hell go stir-crazy.” The imperial felt the bed shift as his companion sat beside him.
Bareok frowned. “I’ll decide what’s good for me, nursemaid.” he said to the canopy of the bed.
Suddenly his naked body was deposited onto the seemingly freezing cold floor, and a red-eyed elf leaned over him with a murderous gaze. His eyes narrowed at her. Maybe it was true. Maybe he'd been cooped up for too long. Usually he didn't seriously consider punching his friend in her pretty face. "Fine." He said.

xxxxxxxxxxxxWith that, Selene helped the Imperial get ready for the ride down to Bravil where he would hopefully meet up with another fighter or two to help him clear out those caves. Selene didn't travel with him, which meant that he would have to find someone else to help him with his cumbersome armor. There was no way in Oblivion he was going to ride any distance and potentially sleep in his armor. No fighter who used heavy armor would. His trip down was predictably uneventful. Bandits wouldn't attack an Imperial man on the main road during the middle of the day. He walked straight to the Guild house after stabling "his" horse. The man whistled while he walked, and felt much better than he had that morning. Now that he was out of that Inn, he wondered why he didn't realize sooner that he needed an good adventure. He felt like it was going to be a good one.

||Health: Untouched ||Magika: Untapped ||Mood: Optimistic ||Location: Bravil Fighter's Guild

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Guild Members ● [ location ] Fighter's Guild, Bravil

Thalia woke up early in her father's estate. The sheets were clean and her room was tidy. She had books scattering the shelves and her armor cleaned the day before still on it's stand. Her weapon was sheathed in it's scabbard. The polished blade had an intricate flowing guard that protected her hand. Feeling the cold morning tiles on her bare feet, she moved around the room to fix a suitable attire for the day to come. She had planned on visiting in another city since The Imperial City had none within it's walls. After she had a bowl of fruit with fried eggs and a small piece of venison, she left her house and was on her way to church for her morning psalms, accompanied by Boros. As soon as their hymns were finished, she took Boros back to the estate and started to think that of her own coin purse was beginning to run slim and she didn't want to rely on going to the Arena to find a source of income. If she could she would much rather rely on helping someone instead of trying to not kill someone.

As soon as they reached the front gate, a messenger was waiting outside. He looked young with a gaunt face that was filthy. Chapped lips, dirty attire and a tangled mess for his hair let Thalia know he wasn't royalty himself. And the small parchment sealed with the Fighters Guild emblem let her know that he was a messenger. ''Good morning, Ser and Lady,'' he said bowing his head ''But you wouldn't happen to be the Lady Thalia?'' he asked the girl in front of him. She just nodded her head and spoke softly ''This is true, yes. Come hither and beseech thine message.'' His face lit up. ''Finally, l've been searching for days for you M'lady! Here l have this message for you. It's from the Fighters Guild.'' Taking the scroll from his hand, ''My thanks. May the Nine protect thee and taketh this for thine trouble.'' Thalia opened it and began to read it's contents once he was set on his way with a small coin given to him.

She felt disgusted that the Count of Bravil as asked her to bring unneeded punishment to what was probably villagers attempting to capture wild game. The two stepped inside. ''What right has he to summon me for such a task.'' she said aloud as she gave her father the scroll to read. ''My Thalia, dearest do not think so ill of the situation. Perchance thee were meant to go. Search out the truth before others take thine chance to. Make sure justice is served instead.'' Thalia couldn't see the fault in her father's words. ''Thou speak the truth. Perhaps l will accept. l must be off then. l shall return father.'' she kissed his cheek and made her way upstairs to retrieve her gear. After packing her steed she made her way to Bravil to see who else would be accompanying her.

The road was timid. Even though she dressed as a noble, there wasn't an attempt on her life or her purse while she traveled. It was a calm ride from one city to the next. When she arrived she stabled her horse and took her bag that was filled with her armor, her sword still by her side. The streets weren't as crowded as the Imperial City's market district but it was quite lively. Peddlers of trinkets and oddities tried to vendor off their goods to her though to their dismay she declined and kept on her way to the Hall. She looked up at the building's wooden banner that held her guild's sigil. Opening the door to the hall, she walked in and greeted whomever was sitting at the desk. She explained why she had arrived and he smiled at her while nodding, some how reluctant that she had chosen to accept the quest. Or that she was looking to much into it, for all she knew he was just a gleeful person. Once in the common room she sat down near a hearth and started looked around at the other occupants and started to ponder who was going to be her colleague. She hadn't done much work for the guild before but was hoping to eventually rise to the top and change things for the better.

[ Health ] Untouched
[ Wearing ] Clothes
[ Equipped ]
[ Carrying ] Steel Longsword

[ OOC ] wordsandstuff  

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxBravil wasn't the best city in Tamriel, Bareok felt. In fact, the Imperial tried to avoid it whenever he could. It was depressing within the walls of the river town. Houses were more like shacks – the people here couldn't afford much else. The whole area itself more often than not the smelled strongly of the rancid swamp that settled nearby. Not to mention how wet that swamp made everything. Bareok had never experienced a time when mud didn't line the cobblestone roads. He'd been here before to visit the Fighter's Guild. Initiates were encouraged to tour every Guild house in Tamriel, stay for a week or two, and become familiar with their fellow fighters. Bareok's family could easily afford the pilgrimage, and the young Bareok didn't have much better to do at the time. That had been the first and last time Bareok came to the city – until now, of course. Now, he was determined to meet up with any members willing to go with him on the quest and get the hell out of the swamp. This is why he barely even glanced at another person as he walked brusquely through the street, over the bridge, and into the chapter house. There were peddlers, beggars, and probably even a pretty woman or two who tried to talk to him, but they went completely unnoticed. 

xxxxxxxxxxxxEvening was almost upon him as he opened the door and stepped inside the warm building of his guild. Only the apprentice at the front desk was visible. Most of them were in the next room eating dinner and talking amongst themselves. Most, meaning the monk Khajiit who was guildmaster, and the smith. That meant no luck for Bareok in the adventuring party department. All three of these people needed to be at or around the guild house unless there was an emergency. He only sort of knew these people, even considering the week he spent at the guild house. Admittedly, he spent little time doing what he was supposed to be doing and a lot of time drinking to forget the awful place he was staying at. They looked at him the vague recognition. Had it been any other time, they might have not welcomed him so readily. They were more than happy to put him up in the room upstairs as soon as they discovered that he was there for the quest. 
“I'll wait here a day or two, I guess,” he explained to the cat woman. “If no one else shows up then I'll just go myself. The Duke said there wasn't going to be too much resistance, right?” 
She didn't look too convinced on that subject, but let it pass by merely thanking Baroek for his initiative. There wasn't much to do there afterwards except wash the road off his body, eat a small dinner, and go to sleep in his temporary room. 

xxxxxxxxxxxxThe next morning – or, more accurately, the next afternoon, Bareok was awoken by the apprentice. “Sir, there is another guild member here. She said she was here for the quest!” 
Bareok looked bleary-eyed at the boy who barged into his room. “Another guild member?” he mumbled almost inaudibly. “She?” Judging by Bareok's voice, the knowledge of her gender was much more interesting than the fact that she was here to help. “What sort of she?” 
This got him a rather flat look from the kid. The apprentice deigned not to answer Bareok's question. Instead, he backed out of the room and shut the door behind him. 

xxxxxxxxxxxxBareok dressed in his normal fine attire with a newfound interest in the world. “She's” were perpetually interesting. Unless, of course, if they were anything like some of the haggard women he met more often than not within the fighter's guild. Well, there was always a chance someone would break the stereotype. He walked quickly down the stairs and into the main room, where he found the She sitting at the dining table with a searching look in her eyes. He put on his most charming smile and said, “You break the mould very well, my lady. I am Bareok Kayle. I was told we share a purpose.”

||Health: Untouched ||Magika: Untapped ||Mood: Optimistic ||Location: Bravil Fighter's Guild

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Bareok Kayle ● [ location ] Fighter's Guild, Bravil

Thalia sat in the hall as a small fire cracked, though calling it that would be over exaggerating what it was when in fact in was little more then a charred log still smoldering as if brimstone laid on the pyre, perpetually burning till it was doused. And the state of this run down city it was bound to happen within the day. Thick fumes of the muddy water lingered through whenever someone would open the door to the outside. It didn't bother her much but the sound of beggars is what did. Their pitiful pleas mimic the sounds of dying soldiers, though instead of wails for home and their families they cried out for any currency or a loaf of bread. This place was truly lost to it's addiction. The whole city festered with it. Rotting wood buildings that were rented to skooma addicts daily. The lowest of the low lived here, and even if she tried to cure everyone the line of people to help would never end. She wasn't disgusted by this place but on the contrary felt pity for it's inhabitants. There is only a handful of times she can recall visiting this place and every time she emptied her pockets of septims to the starving children. Little Argonians who's scales haven't fully matured and cub Khajiit, with patches of fur missing. The first time she had ever saw a Khajiit was in this place. He was young, probably a few years younger then she was at the time, which was around fifteen. His golden mane was covered in filth and some spots were missing, patches of it were probably ripped out and small scratched lingered his tail. And when he explained he was alone she fell to her knees and caressing him as she couldn't stop sobbing. Her father at the time had to pull her off of him during her hysterics.

In her absent minded thoughts, dreams of the past, she was broken out of her reminiscent state when a voice called out. ''You break the mould very well, my lady. I am Bareok Kayle. I was told we share a purpose.'' Her eyes gazed upon his person, trying to figure who he was. A clean smile with teeth that weren't rotting, a fine attire that wasn't loose, tailored for him, no visible dirt either. Someone of wealth and if it wasn't obvious a guild member since he spoke as if they were to work together. Not many people from the streets are allowed this far into the hall and she has her doubts that the Count would send a messenger so well composed just to send for her. No if that were the case then it would be nothing more then an errand boy, this man is not that.

His words seemed suave and well thought out. He carefully picked them to seem charming. She stood up and did a small curtsy for him. ''My thanks, Bareok Kayle. l am Lady Thalia Tirel. l hope thee hast not been kept waiting long. l hath journeyed from the Imperial City. l arrived only but an hour ago.'' Though as she was starting to notice the time of the day, she was beginning to ponder if this man had been asleep most of the day and just now awakening. Laziness isn't one of her traits and would hope that her companion, if this was him indeed, wasn't such either. Even though his fraternizing was humble to say the least she would hope it was only a momentary blip that he had just overslept. Though that was being presumptuous, she would at least give him the benefit of the doubt. ''l do hope thee has slept well and ready to depart. Tis is ous task to seek the poachers, is it not? lf that be true l wish to seeketh them as soon as thou art ready.'' She placed her hand on her ornament hilt to signal that she was ready to leave. Though still in her semi-formal attire, she wasn't going to lollygag to equip her armor. It was heavy, and loud. And the few things about poachers she knew was that they are keen to large metal figures trotting around in the woods. Best to keep a low profile as best as they could.

[ Health ] Untouched
[ Wearing ] Clothes
[ Equipped ]
[ Carrying ] Steel Longsword

[ OOC ] l do hope l got the spelling for her speech right and used it correctly. Edited the ''Sooneth'' due to you being right. l was really tired posting that and glad you fixed my error miss.  

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxHe had to admit, he was rather chagrined by Lady Tirel's lack of response to his mould comment. Usually such an observation began a conversation that ended with flattery and general friendliness on the woman's behalf. Though his preliminary plans faltered, his charming smile did not. There was plenty of opportunity for flattery, especially since they were on a quest together now. The walk up to the caverns would take a good amount of time.

xxxxxxxxxxxx“No need for such formality, my Lady Tirel. We're all brothers and sisters here in the fighters guild.” Brothers who, on this day, intended to chase sisters into bed if they could. Bareok ignored the unfortunate implications of his speech. “Tirel. I think I recognize the name. You have a Knight in your family, do you not? Based out of Imperial City?” Bareok had a passing knowledge of families within the Imperial walls - mostly because of his father's obsessive knowledge of anyone remotely in power within the city. That was one thing that Lord Kayle insisted on imparting on young Bareok's mind. One day Kayle the younger would be mobilized as his father's pawn, and family knowledge would be important. Bareok knew this and was fine with it, as long as there was plenty of money, drink, and women. He wasn't thinking about any of this, of course. At the moment, all he was thinking of was the pretty blonde in front of him. That, and the interesting way she spoke. It was like one of those productions some of the middle-class people would put on for the socialites. All 'thees' and 'thous' and -eths. Such an archaic form of speech hailed from a time commonly know for its prudish refinery. He really, really hoped that this wasn't a reflection of Lady Tirel's personality.

xxxxxxxxxxxx“-But I suppose we have time to chat later.” Bareok said almost directly after commenting on her family. He remembered that she wanted to get going as soon as possible, and agreed that he didn't want to be caught in bandit territory after dark. “I'm afraid I'm not quite ready to go. I only came down here to make sure you were actually here for the quest. I didn't want to put on my armor only to be told it was for nothing.” He turned and headed toward the stairs. Before he made it, however, he paused and turned back around. “I don't suppose you'd be willing to help? I don't know if you're familiar with how long it takes to don plate armor by oneself.” It was true; it would be extremely useful to have an extra pair of hands to get him fighting ready. He'd much rather those hands be hers instead of the apprentice boy who was sitting at the front desk. The last time he tried to get a woman he just met to help with his armor she flat-out refused. That obviously didn't stop Bareok from trying again. He'd never stop trying.

||Health: Untouched ||Magika: Untapped ||Mood: Optimistic ||Location: Bravil Fighter's Guild
||OOC: The only thing I can think of is the affix '-eth'. I believe it only goes after a verb. This would make "sooneth" incorrect.

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Bareok Kayle ● [ location ] Fighter's Guild, Bravil

Pondering for a moment as Bareok spoke of her speaking in formal manner. ''Does my tongue offend?'' she asked. Usually she would get a few odd looks from her speech but rarely did someone come out anything about it. Though he didn't say he was bothered by it, just that it was formal. A small smile flickered on her face as this Bareok spoke of her 'father'. Most surnames don't really bring attention to most common folk. Though her initial idea of him coming from wealth was to be proven right. It was often found in families of power, wealth and most certainly royalty knew of it's equals in the social ladder, or rather competitors really. Her father Boros told her of the other families and their sigils. She tended to slack off during those courses and at times regretted it, and this would be one of those times. From his surname Kayle she could only picture the sigil of a ram with a chipped horn, though she knows that's not correct due to that belonging to another family whos name escapes her this moment. ''Yes, my father, Ser Boros Tirel. Do thee knoweth of him? l apologize, l do not knoweth thine kin. My sincere apology.'' she said looking down towards her toes, feeling ashamed.


Thalia wasn't sure on how intelligent, or how well Bareok's short term memory was though more likely his reasoning skills. She did say she traveled from the Imperial City. Though it would be intrusive to make an early judgement upon someone after just meeting them. Perhaps the way she spoke threw him off guard or perhaps it was a guise to present intelligence. She wasn't being rude about that last part though. Just an observation. ''Yes, we hail from the Imperial City. The Temple District. Father and l visiteth the church often.'' Though at Bareok's next comment she only nodded. There would be more time to speak later. She would like to talk more. It was a nice escape from where she was. The city seemed to always be in the recesses of her mind while her. Everything seemed to allure her to help though she knew it would take more then one person to do anything that actually helped. ''Then thee better make haste.''

As Baroek began to walk away she couldn't help but watch as he did. Such a vice it was to a young woman to watch a fit male to walk. The way his clothes were knitted made an acute swaying that made her imagination walk with him. But as soon as he stopped she broke eye contact from his lower back and up to his face. Thalia couldn't help but blush at his remark. She tried to regain her figure quickly. ''Don't be brash! How thee speak of such nonsense! Acquire a page to doeth thine labour!'' Her voice carried through the hall, gathering the attention of one of the locals. Though seeing as he was going to put on his armor it was only wise that she would equip her own. Turning her back from him, she took hold of her bag and took a quick stride upstairs and went into the first abandoned room she found.

After she secured the lock she began to undress out of her regular attire and started to slip on a battle smock before a slim fitting pair of jeans. Pinning up her hair momentarily, her next step was her armor. After been trained to put it on in as short time as she had to just in case there had been another Oblivion crisis or just a raid on the city from a neighboring providence, she put on her armor. Starting with her chestguard , she moved down to her greaves, then her sabatons. After fastening them tightly, she slipped on her bracers, securing them one at a time, starting with the left and then the right. Lastly was her gauntlets, which took the most time. Once her ornamented armor was on, she tied around her belt and fastened it. Her scabbard hung on her left hip. Picking up her shield and helm, she headed down the flight of stairs to find Bareok or wait for Bareok.

[ Health ] Untouched
[ Wearing ] Steel Armor
[ Equipped ] Steel Shield
[ Carrying ] Steel Longsword

[ OOC ] Thank you for pointing out the ''-eth'' affix. l corrected it in the prior post and noted that l did in the OOC. Also l did have a section on the ''mould'' part in my earlier draft of my last post. But took it out due to it making her seem dumb.  

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxThalia replied to his comments and carried on the conversation further. In the spirit of getting ready as soon as possible, Bareok only replied, “I don't think it's possible for me to find you offensive, My Lady Tirel.” Pretty women could be forgiven a lot, in Bareok's book. They could be completely awful to him and he'd still try to flirt with them as if they were being perfectly civil. Often that was what happened, especially with women who were unimpressed with his looks or his wealth. A couple got especially uncivil when he was obviously amused by their dislike of him. Thankfully, in his circle, the worst that ever happened was a slap to the face.

xxxxxxxxxxxxBareok chuckled at his companion's outburst, though he thought it more than a little on the dramatic side. It wasn't as if either of them would be naked or touching 'inappropriately' at any moment. He didn't try to argue in his favor, lest he be considered desperate. Instead, he grabbed the arm of the apprentice boy who was now approaching to offer his services. It wasn't as if the kid has anything better to do. Fighter's Guild life in Bravil was never very exciting. The two traveled upstairs and put Bareok together in short order. Heavy armor like Bareok's was really meant to have two sets of hands to don properly. After the boy left, he stood in front of the little mirror in the room. He rubbed out a couple of the scuff-marks that accrued throughout his journey to Bravil and smoothed down his hair into its familiar neat ponytail. Only after he was satisfied with his appearance, the Imperial man left his temporary room and marched back down the stairs into the main room. The room held the apprentice, and Lady Tirel was not there yet. Bareok soon found out why.

xxxxxxxxxxxxHe could hear her coming down the stairs with that familiar metallic clank of heavy armor, though she managed it much more quietly than he did. She probably had more practice than he. After all, he'd only been wearing the stuff for the past two years. As she came into sight, a vision in shining armor that could only lift the spirits of any who saw her, he spoke up, “I hadn't had you figured for a wearer of heavy armor.” His voice was light and friendly, maybe even impressed. Though really, he'd hoped for something more revealing. Then again, he always hoped for revealing armor. “I'm ready to head out when you are.” He turned to address the Guild master who was standing nearby to see her fellow guild members out. “Thank you for letting me stay.“ The cat woman nodded graciously. “Some food for your travels, for you and Thalia,” she replied before handing him some bread and cheese. “Good hunting.”

||Health: Untouched ||Magika: Untapped ||Mood: Optimistic ||Location: Bravil Fighter's Guild
||OOC: Sorry it's a bit short and late. A certain husband of mine decided to get sick everywhere last night. Guess who got to deal with it.

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Bareok Kayle ● [ location ] Fighter's Guild, Bravil

Thalia's footsteps seemed to not be as loud as Bareok when he walked about. It wasn't too noticeable unless you had practice listening for other people clobbering around in heavy armor. The sound of plate clanging against each other started to ring when she was walking down the hall. Though it was generally heavy, years of wearing it the armor has become something of a second skin. Sure it still was noticeable when she wearing it to herself though she could go for a week straight wearing it if she had to. Growing up with a Knighted ''father'' who wanted his ''daughter'' to be able to protect herself and follow in his footsteps did help herself grow accustomed to armor for long periods at a time. Though he gave her a code to live by. It was simple really: Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that the nine may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. And even though it has been years that she had herself been knighted, she hasn't forgot her oath. She does work for the Fighter's Guild on her off time, though if she is ever called to fight for the providence of Cyrodiil she would answer the call with haste.

''Forsooth l did not want to wear it. It's cumbersome, loud and will attracteth their attention. Though seeing as thy art to wear then l shalt too.'' she said as she adjusted her armor a bit, making sure the fit was well. ''Then let us maketh haste.'' she said as she started to lead the way out when a Khajiit came up to them and offered them food for their travels. ''My thanks.'' she smiled and bowed her head, trying to give the woman respect. Outside the dirt floor was muddy. Wet from the lingering moisture in the air no doubt. Her feet left large tracks where she was walking. The mud tracked on her metal greaves though she paid little attention to it. The day was still in the mid drift. There would still be a few hours left of sun and by then they would be at their destination. She didn't really want to be walking around blind in the forest looking for the poachers, but she really didn't see another option. The night gave them some secrecy though it made it harder to find them. If they were to be lucky though then they might be able to either catch them in the act or stumble upon their camp. A crackling fire at the base of the their camp should be too hard to find in the dark. That is if they weren't hold up in some cave. This place was littering with them. She was starting to think the task wasn't worth the trouble.

She stayed quite for most of the walk through the city. The city life seemed to depress her more then usual though she did her best not to show it. Children running around playing with rotten wooden swords, beggars asking for coin just for another dose of skooma. All this solace made her want to just hold her pet khajiit, Sif. Though as mean and cruel as that sounds to have a pet Khajiit, he was born during the Masser Waning Phase when Secunda was full, resulting in him being born a Alfiq. He was nothing more then a common house cat. So she took him in and raised him.

Once outside the gates of the city she looked over her companion. ''Thy hast an idea of where to beginnan?'' She looked over at the horizon and saw the swamp and beyond that more foliage that house plenty of hiding spots for a poacher. She hadn't had the faintest idea of where to actually start. Probably with the most recent spot they had found a dead beast and then start to scavenge the area around that. That would have to be their best bet of finding a hideout, camp or a house, whichever they would find first.

[ Health ] Untouched
[ Wearing ] Steel Armor
[ Equipped ] Steel Buckler
[ Carrying ] Steel Longsword

[ OOC ] Dun take her archaic form of speech!  

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxBareok turned and walked out of the guild as soon as Thalia came down and looked ready. As he walked, he gave her half of the bread and cheese. “They may hear me a mile off, but let’s see them do anything about it.” Bareok said as he thumped his chest plate. He walked normally thought the city for only the next couple of paces before the atmosphere sapped the spring from his step. His mood was a little more visibly soured than his companion’s, though he tried to hide it. When he thought no one was looking, he flipped a septim at a little grey-skinned Dunmer child who had her hands outstretched toward him. She probably wasn’t going to run right back to her orphanage and give it to the caretaker there. That caretaker probably wouldn’t use it for moonsugar. His mouth turned downward slightly in disbelief of his own thoughts. “I hate this place.” He said in a low grumble. “It stinks.”


xxxxxxxxxxxxHe felt a little better as they walked through the gates that led to the green road. He turned briefly to his companion when she asked him where they were to start. “I don’t know where charcoal cave is, but the quest the Guild posted said that they had found torn bodies up at the Shrine of Hircine. I figure we can go up there and ask around. Might have to camp there with the followers to see if there’s any truth to the reports. If anything happens, it will be at night.” He had had ample time to read through the whole report the night before when he was waiting for someone to show up. Plenty of time to plan out what needed to be done, too.

xxxxxxxxxxxxWhatever they decided, thy still had to get up north to where the ‘poachers’ were. After he put forward his bit, he began walking again. “Whatever we do, I don’t want to bring our horses.” He made a quick stop at the stables to pat his horse on the nose and mumble consoling words to it before leading the way on the road again. “I don’t like the sound of leaving them tied up in the middle of the night when there are bodies being torn and left places.” It was a complex decision he made, and not entirely selfless. Sure, he’d have to walk all the way to Hircine’s Shrine and who knows where else, but he much preferred the thought of getting to ride Poison further distances in the future. It didn’t matter how rich his father was, Lord Kayle wasn’t going to provide a second horse for his son. Especially since, strictly speaking, Poison wasn’t supposed to be Bareok’s in the first place. "Anyway, do you have any thoughts on the matter?"

||Health: Untouched ||Magika: Untapped ||Mood: Optimistic ||Location: Green Road
||OOC: MUST RESIST!

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Bareok Kayle ● [ location ] Green Road

The thick swamp air musk filled her nostrils almost as soon as the pair of them walked out of the city. It rolled in like a specter, seeping it's ways to her lungs. It filled like her lungs were being filled with mucus and disease. The smell of muck and muddy water lingered the air with the scent of mold. This place should be habitable. But it was. The significance never arose to her of why people lived here aside from the cheap cost of living. The price must have been significantly low to have to deal with such living conditions. It was as if only the desperate flocked to this bog, hoping to find a better life. With it only came more despair. The townsfolk never seemed to smile whenever she were her. Their solace faces crept with hungry and strife at her while she strut around, healthy and vigorous. Bravil flourished with pickpockets and thieves, addicts and the unwanted. The town was an eyesore and rarely received help from others. Out of sight and out of everyone's mind. Though she could never forget this place.

''l too loath this place.'' she admitted as she looked back into the city. ''We best goest. This place giveth me heartache.'' She couldn't understand how someone who knew about other wealthy houses could care so little for the well being of others. Coin and women was probably all he knew. It was their place as the privileged to help those in need, not sit idle in their manors and live a comfortable life. He was born into luxury and was used to it; why would he care for the less fortunate when he had his parents coin. The thought of that made her stomach turn. She would hope he would have some redeeming qualities and hope that his charming side was just an act to woo women.

She hadn't remembered about the shrine and the mangled bodies they had found there. Hicrine was the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, as well as the father to lycanthropes, the manbeast. And odd thought appeared in her mind that involved the were creatures though none have been sighted in Cyrodiil so she put the idea out of her mind. Possibly it was just a pack of crazed bandits trying to ward off potential guards. It would be good to ask around those parts for the location of the cave and of any possible information they could also give them but one would have to take the said information with a grain of salt. These people weren't the most honest bunch. She knew where the shrine was but not the cave. The Shrine of Hircine was a landmark to the quagmire. It was a bit down the road. But luckily not too far.


''My sentiment as well.'' Thalia replied when Bareok spoke of their horses. She loved her beast and did not wish ill fortune up on while they could not be around. It was nice to hear that Bareok wanted to know of what she thought of what they should do. ''l believe we should seeketh The Shrine of Hicrine and asketh it's patrons of what they knoweth. If we needeth to camp there for night then we should taketh shifts. l shalt goest first if thy wishes.'' If he would to agree to going there then she would start making her way there.

[ Health ] Untouched
[ Wearing ] Steel Armor
[ Equipped ] Steel Buckler
[ Carrying ] Steel Longsword

[ OOC ] Gah everything l tried to write up made it sound like l was meta gaming! So much revision had to be done! Also sorry for the delay on my post!  

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxBareok glanced over to his companion as she turned to regard the city. She voiced an opinion that he, in fact, felt. Albeit to a lesser degree. What distress he did feel he forced as far from the front of his mind as possible. Why feel bad about something that was neither your fault nor under your control? If Bareok walked through the streets throwing septims like confetti, he would only be funding the debauchery of the people - the moonsugar and skooma dens, the prostitution, the child labor. A revival of this city would take more resources than were at the fingertips of Lord Kayle himself. Even if Bareok had a philanthropist for a father, it's doubtful that the Count would accept such assistance in the first place. The Empire knew Count Regulus Terentius to be a very proud man. Yes, Bareok was just helpless enough in his financial situation to feel little guilt about how little he did to help such a city.

xxxxxxxxxxxxHe walked and listened to Thalia as she essentially repeated his thoughts on the matter of discovering the poachers. It was well that they were of the same opinion. They needed no disagreements betwixt them if they wanted the quest to succeed. As she finished her short speech, Bareok nodded. Then the journey became rather more silent than he preferred. He wasn't the best at dealing with silence between strangers. Especially when those strangers were pretty women. “So...” he began, “What do you specialize in, aside from heavy armor, shields, and... is that a longsword?” That sort of this was usually a good start to a conversation, and it had the added benefit of actually being helpful to know if they were going to be fighting beside each other.

xxxxxxxxxxxxThere wasn't much time for Thalia to reply, however. In fact, almost as soon as the Imperial man got his question out, he was hit by something heavy that caused him to stumble toward his companion. All he could hear was the feral snarls half-starved wolves. One such animal clung to Bareok and snapped at his uncovered and decidedly fleshy face. The heavily armored man managed to stay upright initially. He easily outweighed a scraggly wolf when he wore full iron. Bareok was, however, having a bit of trouble doing anything about his wolfy surprise in such close quarters. His balance quickly faltered, which caused him to tumble to the ground locked in a wrestling match with his furry, stinking opponent.

xxxxxxxxxxxxThis happened in mere moments. The largest wolf on Bareok had jumped out first, quickly followed by three other obviously starved cannines that fanned out in the attempt to surround the small party. None could get in on the battle with Bareok, so they turned to face Thalia.

||Health: Slightly Bruised ||Magika: Untapped ||Mood: Surprised ||Location: Green Road

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Bareok Kayle; Wolves ● [ location ] Green Road

The road was quite. Bareok kept silent for the time being and Thalia was enjoying the sound of nature. The wind rustled the foliage and she could get the smell of grass after the bog had dissipated. Thalia could see that the calm walk was starting to annoy Bareok, not her though. She grew up in a solemn ruin and found comfort in the absence of words. The lack of verbal speech was a blanket she could curl up in and just think; meditating in her thoughts. It wasn't that she despised talking, much to the contrary she enjoyed conversation but quiescence was familiar and natural for her. Conversing seemed forced at times and right now it didn't feel like it needed words. The beautiful scenes of nature and the fresh air in their lungs was all she needed to be content. Her blond locks blew with a gust that sung songs with the trees. Small woodland creatures could be heard in the distance; their lullabies carried with the wind. It was calm and she enjoyed it.

Even their armor clanged with each step they took giving off the sound of metal slapping against each other did ruin the peace and tranquility that she had been feeling. Yet she was able to over look the sound and mentally hum a tune to it, making the distraction into a song herself. It wasn't the most complex song but it made the short trot into something slightly more enjoyable. Thalia enjoyed the outdoors. It was pastoral most of the time. But it could also be unforgiving. Walking outside of ones home could be a gamble. The comfort and protection four walls seemed to give was absurd to believe that it made you completely invulnerable. Kingdoms have fallen and would be a testament to the fact that large walls weren't as protective as one may think. They only delay the inevitable.

When her mind was drifting into the landscape and beauty it presented she heard Bareok speak. He asked what she was proficient at. A simple question she was about to reply to when the sound of someone being mauled cut her off even before she could speak. Loud paws jumping onto metal sheets of armor. The snarling uproar of multiple wolves circling them, appearing from almost nowhere. Yet there they were. She held up her shield, waiting for the first one to make it's move, circling with them, hoping to catch one when it was about to make it's move. When she had done a 180 with the beast, she saw Bareok on the floor wrestling with one of them. Putting her own life in danger she rushed to his aid. She knew she couldn't do much aside from help him get the upper hand before having to turn her attention back to the other ones. So Thalia acted quickly.

Sprinting to Bareok's position of the dirt path, she stabbed the first while running to kick the beast before she heard the other three take after her. She knew how they attacked, at once to make the most out of a single attack. If it didn't work the first time they would retreat, circle around and try again. As soon as he foot pushed the wolf attacking Bareok she felt two of the four wolves bite down onto her armor. Their teeth trying to bend the metal with a feeble attempt. Wiping around, a third jumped and clamped down on her right forearm. Pushing it aside she used her drawn sword to slash at it. Though it had already run out of her range. The other two pulled at her shins and made her collapse underneath the weight of her armor. Trying to kick them off she managed to knee one of them then kicked down on the side of it's skull. The beast whimpered before going to bite again. With haste, she used her free foot to kick off the third one gnawing at her ankle then went to quickly sit up. But by the time she was able to sit up the first one, the one that she had missed with her sword that had attacked her arm, had returned. Pushing it aside with her shield she could hear the sound of it's jaw fracture as she bashed it. The whimper caused the other pair to back off for the time being giving her time to get to her feet. As she was able to take a good look at them mangy canines, Thalia could see how their fur ribboned around their ribs causing canons and valleys to be seen. They weren't as vicious as they were. Just desperate and starving. Nonetheless they were attacking humans.

The one with the broken jaw only paced in the back behind the pair who seemed intent on going for another assault. Though readied for them Thalia was able to observe their movements with ease. Unaware how Bareok was doing she stayed focus on her current task at hand. With a blink the two were after her. Their snarls ended feebly as she bashed away the first and impaled the other; it's body went limp and fell to the ground giving off no death rattle just collapsing under it's own weight and letting gravity take effect. Turning to see where the one she hit and the one with the broken jaw went Thalia noticed they turned toward Bareok. She counted her blessing

[ Health ] Bruised; slight bleeding
[ Magicka ] Untouched
[ Wearing ] Steel Armor
[ Equipped ] Steel Buckler; Steel Longsword
[ Carrying ]

[ OOC ] A side note wolves would overwhelm and conquer Bareok while he is on the ground not go after Thalia.  

[Confused Insanity]

Bareok Kayle

xxxxxxxxxxxxThe battle on the road was a duet of feral snarls as both man and beast gave in to their savage natures and let instinct take over. Unlucky for the wolf, part of the man's instinct included magicka. Bareok surged his strongest drain health spell through his hands that dug into the starving wolf's mane. The animal sagged slightly before fighting harder than ever, the knowledge of immanent death incensing it. Teeth and claws managed to draw blood the only place they could: Bareok's face. The Imperial dandy went into a rage with his fist pounding into the thing that very quickly became but a lump of flesh and fur. He kicked it off of him, rolled over, and physically tackled a smaller wolf that had just turned its attention to him. This time Bareok was not without claws of his own – more specifically, a dagger. Said dagger quickly found its place in the broken jawed animal's heart. The last beast found out too late that pouncing on a man like Bareok was very bad for one's health. Especially when that man had just enough magicka resources to channel one last drain spell as soon as contact was made. Had it not already been injured, the beast would have likely survived this assault. Thalia, however, had managed to weaken it enough that Bareok's spell finished it off. It slumped to the ground in an unconscious stupor that lead quickly to its final breath.

xxxxxxxxxxxxBareok then didn't even attempt to stand. He only scrabbled at the padded pouch at his waist and pulled out a small vial of red liquid. This was administered directly to his clawed and bitten face by way of unceremonious splash. Thalia would barely be able to tell though the blood that caked the man's face, but his wounds closed seamlessly. He was lucky that such wounds were so minor, otherwise that would have been a multiple potion job. After this was finished he still didn't bother to stand. Instead, he appeared to be trying to regain control of himself. What an image his companion must have had of him; wild and slightly bloody ebony locks splayed across dirt smudged and similarly bloody armor whose wearer found it necessary to brace himself against the body-littered ground. It was probably for the best that his hair covered the wild, almost euphoric grin on his face.

xxxxxxxxxxxxAh, what a battle. It was good to make things hurt. To get blood everywhere. To kill. He'd missed that in the past couple months he had idled in that crowded Imperial City. He wanted to laugh out loud, but he fought the urge valiantly. Had he been alone, he would have indulged himself. But there was still a chance that he won't blow it with Thalia, and he was pretty sure that open laughter after such an ordeal would be off-putting. It was bad enough that he now had blood all over his face. Thalia seemed the type of woman to overlook such a thing. That wouldn't stop Bareok from finding the closest little pool and dunking his head in it. As soon as he could pull himself together...

||Health: Slightly Bruised ||Magika: 14% ||Mood: Euphoric ||Location: Green Road
||OOC: They also wouldn't normally attack two people on the main road in broad daylight.

 

[thepoisonedmuffin]

xxxxxx

0oLady Thalia Tirelxxxxxx

[ effects ] none ● [ company ] Bareok ● [ location ] The Green Road

Thalia stood ready for another attack. The wolves seemed to be intent on going after her companion. But as soon as he was able to quickly rule the first one out, the second decided to run away while it still had the chance. Letting her guard down and relaxing her composure she watched it trail off. She started to feel her scratches and bite marks for the first time since they had happened. The wounds weren't deep but did cause some discomfort. Gazing around to see if the wolf had actually left she could barely see it making it's way away from them, not looking back but just running. She took a deep breath and sighed from the fight. It wasn't a long one but it did seem to take a much more amount of time then she would have likes. Dealing with wolves was never fun when there was a decent pack like that.

Sheathing her sword she could see that Bareok was in worse condition then she was in. A small drought of a healing elixir was administered to his wounds. Putting her shield on her back she paced over to Bareok. She saw the gashes on him and wanted to help, even though his sexual advances were starting to get a bit annoying. Placing her hands on either side of his cheeks, they hovered an inch from them. ''Thee shalt hold still.'' As she closed her eyes her hands started to glow in a brilliant bright light that was yellow and white. She could feel her mana starting to drain being used to heal his wounds.

As they were starting to close she didn't want to waste all of her reserves on one simple spell. ''This is my specialty, the art of restoration.'' She took a step back and looked at him. Thalia could see that his wounds were almost all but gone. Pleased with their fortune that they were not too injured she gave him time to gather himself before starting to depart. ''l apologize for not being able to telleth this information earlier.'' The road was calling their name and a simple hostility between the wolves and them, a small dogfight, if you pardon the expression, should only be a delay for the moment.

[ Health ] Bruised; slight bleeding
[ Magicka ] Moderate
[ Wearing ] Steel Armor
[ Equipped ] Nothing
[ Carrying ] Steel Buckler; Steel Longsword

[ OOC ] sorry it was short; really tired.