#FV_Maurice | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

shinglescat · 5 years

Text

Previous or all stories at once.

I wanted to make separate parts, but guess what.

They left their horses near the cave under the embassy in the sake of convenience and security; Visenya was left in charge of their horses, hidden in tall bushes. She was told to stay at home, but instead caught up with them past Dragon Bridge later. The trio talked her into going back to her parents, naively thinking she'd be there safe and away from the trouble, but she foolishly did the exact opposite, tailing them instead. They had to come up with with an important mission then, such as keeping the horses safe, "as they will need their steeds in the best shape to escape soon", when in reality no one really wanted to babysit the girl. According the plan, Meltem went on her own, listening to the reports from the men through some crystal shards from the Void that Mark happened to know how to make. He went to that odd place and recovered three pieces for everyone except Visenya. Because Visenya should've been out of picture. But she's not. - How do these shards work exactly? - he heard from Aspen numerous times along the way. - Do I look like a scientist? - Mark replied every time in annoyed tone, - Quantum entanglement, I believe. Before Aspen could open his mouth one more time, elf groaned, interrupting him altogether. - Listen, smartass, if you want to study these rocks, be my guest. They just work, and I don't care how exactly they do it. They had a good laugh back at home with these things: all three separated, dispersing throughout the city, just to test their connection and to actually learn how to use the pieces. The shards required squeezing in hand to go online, warming up in the process. One doesn't have to actually talk with their mouth during the session, just think the message for it to be transported to the receiver; all three pieces are also connected between each other, so it doesn't really matter who the actual addressee is. "Meltem, would you be so kind to get that sweet roll for me?" Mark thought, another thought appearing in the background then, as he reached out to his butt, "Fuck my ass is itchy...", he instantly caught the thought, closing his eyes with his hand, face red, too late to do anything about that, as he heard an explosion of laughter somewhere in the distance. "Don't worry, I've got some hair growing on my boobs, it's worse if you see it," was heard in return, to which he snickered, "...I... I didn't mean to send that". Obviously the shards caught and forwarded all the thoughts they could hear. The men went inside with Maurice's invitation, ready to guide Meltem through. It was also in their interest to keep anyone from discovering a break in should the things go south. They both agreed on splitting up inside, covering twice more ground than together. One should be monitoring the inner courtyard, while the other stays in the main building, being on lookout for any sound of trouble for Meltem. - Fuck, you look gorgeous, - the elf noted, looking over his companion once again. Gods won't let him lie, the man looked magnificent and regal. Compared to Mark's plain attire of black dress, cape and veil, Aspen's outfit was majestic, more suitable to a breton prince. - Thanks, - the man replied, adding, - No need to say that in nineteenth time. - I seriously can't get over it, fuck me, - Mark just couldn't shut up, totally lovestruck, - Wait, did you really count that? - and the man just shrugged his shoulders, only nodding once in answer.

The guard at the gate checked their invitations, making sure they're genuine: a couple right before them got apprehended for handing over forged papers; the lady started screaming and demanding to meet the emissary herself, but was arrested instead; her companion managed to keep his cool, however both were led somewhere from the view. Probably for interrogation. Hopefully not for their demise. Mark got nervous, but didn't let that show. - Welcome to the Masquerade, gentlemen, - the soldier had a fake smile of sheer politeness, handing the papers back to Mark, ordering the guards behind him to open the gate for them. Elf made the first step inside the outer courtyard, followed by the man behind. The amount of guard there was insane, more suitable for a very important international meeting than to a simple masquerade party. He tried to look around himself as discreetly as possible, counting the number of guards and noting possible places to use as a cover if something goes wrong. - What's with the guard? - he asked quietly in the air, as the man caught up with him, - Twenty soldiers here, three wizard. It's overkill for a party. - Why do you even bother? - A bit suspicious, don't you think? - elf looked back at Aspen, - Like if they are expecting someone of importance or even looking for trouble. - You are being paranoid, - Mark received a condescending pat on the shoulder, winching at the man, before stopping altogether to studying the embassy from the bottom to the top. There was nothing worth of attention.

It was already crowded inside, ladies and gents dancing around the hall in their exquisite masks and party dresses, gossiping and laughing to each other; servants running around them. Where did the emissary even managed to find all these people? They definitely belong to either Cyrodiil or High Rock, but definitely not Skyrim. - Care to dance? - he heard from the nonchalant man. Elf grunted. - Yeah, two dudes dancing together, a sight to behold, - Mark hissed, - Dance to that old lady in the corner instead, - he pointed at one of the fancy looking ladies, seemingly bored with everything, - I'll eavesdrop a little.

- Your loss, - Aspen said, moving towards the said lady, asking her for a dance. Mark found a place to sit near the drinks, people already drunk. He heard them talk some gibberish, mostly lewd stuff, and he couldn't care less if he hadn't heard a familiar name. Esmir. What was about her? He relaxed, leaning against the wall, trying to understand their nonsense, picking up random lines. "She's got a nice ass", he heard, "And a nice set of tits for an old hag," the drunkard told to his buddy, hanging on his shoulders, "And the, eh, that walking cupboard?" his buddy asked, "I'll fuck him in his ear, the fuckhead asks for it," he gulped his poison, before continuing, "Bet I'll bend her over her desk this night, spread her cheeks real good and..." Ew. Mark couldn't listen to this anymore, concern growing rapidly. It's not like the chat between two drunkards would hurt his feeling considering they were talking about his grandmother and her bodyguard, it was just... too lewd for his taste. He couldn't handle this talk with his friends without blushing into Oblivion, and now this. Even worse. Even worse if he imagines it. He felt pity towards Orlan, imagining him getting wrecked into the ear Mark managed to bite off ages ago. Before he got back to his feet, Mark reached to the inner pocket, squeezing the shard in his hand. It went warm right away, allowing him to transfer newly found information to Meltem. - Esmir's here somewhere, lapdog with her, - he addressed to the woman, sneaking somewhere in another building. - I know, - he heard in his head in return, - Just saw them going outside. - Did you find the archives yet? It's probably somewhere upstairs. - No, I'm yet to get there. I have to go. With that connection ended, and shard went cold. Aspen probably heard their conversation too; elf noticed him near the same woman that's been whispering something into his ear with a lewd expression on her face. Something twisted unpleasantly in his stomach as he approached the pair.

- Can I borrow him? - Mark uttered, smiling to the lady with a fake smile, making a bow before her. - Oh! Look at you, sweetheart! Of course! Just don't forget to bring him back, we still have a matter to discuss, - a vulgar smile on her face as she slapped bottom of the ashen haired man with her hand. The elf opened his mouth and closed it again in disbelief, as Aspen himself dragged him away into the crowd, swaying him gently.

- Did you offer her to bend her over a table too? - he hissed at the man. - Excuse me? Jealous much? Mark shook his head in disbelief.

- I've heard some drunkards talk about my grandmother a moment ago, - elf explained quietly, looking at the man, - This was the reason I... borrowed you from your lady over there, - he looked over Aspen's shoulder, standing on his tippy toes: she waved her fingers at him, sending an air kiss, - that's incluned on bending you over a table instead, ew, - elf took him by his arm and away from her view, - My grandmother is here somewhere.

- I heard that. What's your plan then? - As before, you go to the inner courtyard and monitor the situation from there. - "I" go? - Aspen smirked. - Yes, unless you want to get raped in a closet, - Mark pointed at the closet door nearby, squinting angrily, - You heard Meltem, Esmir's somewhere outside. - That esteemed woman actually proposed an orgy after the party, - he said nonchalantly, as the elf in front of him let out another "EW!" sound, - Whatever you say, boss, - the man grinned, patting the elf on the shoulder before heading to the exit to the inner courtyard.

Mark was left alone in the room full of strangers.

...

The crowd outside cheered as fireworks went off, loud clapping and joyous howling all around; masks sparkling and twinkling under the dark night skies that were filled with the most beautiful adornment today, somehow even more magnificent that ever - stars. She's yet to see a masquerade more beautiful that this, no, even better - this was the best night she's ever seen. She hurried into the crowd, blending in with dancing people, spinning round with merry men and women, as the music went on and on. Marvelous atmosphere made her drunk, crave for more, as she was carried around in this living, shining current of hundreds and thousands of gleaming faces. The girl couldn't believe her friends wanted her to miss all of this, such a celebration.

She laughed as someone took her by her hands, taking her deeper and deeper into the eye of the storm. She danced like she's never danced before, feeling alive, yet unreal. Dozens of hands reaching out to her like if she was a distant bright star, illuminating the darkness with the light of her heart. The brightness, the happiness; she was radiating it all, making everyone around her cheer with overwhelming love. She's never been more happy than today, forgetting her worries under thousands of lights, intoxicated with everlasting joy.

"Visenya," - she heard someone call her name, - "Visenya," - she turned her head around, smiling to caressing hands, feeling tired already with a pleasant bliss. The white haired man, like a prince, stood out among the crowd, reaching out for her. She stretched her arm to him, letting him to carry her away from the joyous storm and into the quiet of the night.

She couldn't think of how she missed the fresh air, breathing in until until her lungs started aching. The drunkenness soon began to fade, as she recognized the concerned man in front of her, still smiling at him. - Are you alright? - he asked, still holding her by her hands. - Are you my knight? - she giggled, - Yes, I am, - she couldn't hold back herself anymore, bursting with a strong feeling of love for everyone around her; she hugged him, going limp, - I've never been better, - the girl snuggled into Aspen's shoulder, breathing in his scent.

- You were told to wait us with the horses, - he said, barely catching the limp girl, - You shouldn't be here. - But it's... so amazing here, I couldn't wait any longer...

The man lowered himself to look the girl in the eyes.

- You are drugged..., - her pupils dilated, not reacting to light anymore, - Let's go, hold on to me. He was about to carry her, but someone took him by his arm, effectively stopping in his tracks.

- Hello, young man, - the woman smiled at them wickedly, - young lady, - she bowed with her head, - Do you mind to make me a company this lone yet charming evening?

- I must apologize, my lady, - Aspen refused, - My companion is not feeling well, we have to go, - he picked her up, carrying in his arms, but someone big appeared right in front of him.

- I'm afraid you are not going anywhere, - the woman behind him said, reaching for his shoulder and turning him around; he had to let go of the girl gently lowering her on her feet. Elf lady signed to someone, as the two were forcefully grabbed and taken after the her. It took a long minute for Aspen to realize who was this woman.

Esmir.

He tried to reach to the Void shard in his pocket, to warn his companions, but a soldier suddenly yanked Aspen's arm too hard, and it fell on the ground, shattering on the impact, shiny stone becoming dull in a blink of a eye.

...

She tried to interrogate the girl first, but it didn't work out - the kid was drunk with that drug those noble asshats managed to spray all around the courtyard - instead she switched over to the man that seemingly cared for her in his own way, a total stranger wouldn't give a dog's shit about some random intoxicated girl roaming the party.

- How does he look? His costume. Mask. Answer, - the woman crossed her arms on her chest, looking at Aspen. She asked this for the fourth time already, no reaction whatsoever, - Orlan? - she looked at the giant wood elf, making a nod with her head.

The elf took hold of the girl, twisting her arm, grabbing one of her fingers. - Talk. Otherwise he'll break them one by one. The man stayed silent, not looking at the girl, probably calculating their chances of survival. - Is it really worth dying for a petty kid? - the general asked nobody. A loud sound of crack followed shortly after. Visenya screamed in pain.

- Think again if you're going to be silent this long night, - Esmir rounded the table, grabbing weeping girl by her jaw, - Costume? Mask? Or maybe I should ask her again? - she looked at Visenya, all of a sudden getting a knife out of nowhere, stabbing her in her injured hand. The girl cried even louder, her scream probably echoing all around the embassy. The woman waited a moment, before twisting the knife in girl's stabbing wound, elf holding her steadily.

- He wears a veil, - the man finally spoke, looking at the grimace of agony on Visenya's face, - Black dress, black and red cape with a silver chain, - he sighed. Esmir looked at her general. - Bring him here, now, - and the giant cupboard of an elf left the room, - Anyone else with you? - "no," was heard in return, - Alright then, - she pulled the girl off the floor, taking a good look of her face, - Who was this dumb of you to take the girl with you? I can recognize this face from miles away, be damn that old punk, - Esmir shoved her to the side, making her way to Aspen, grabbing him by his jaw, - Shame, you have a good set of genes even for a human. You'd be a good Altmer otherwise. You are going to be a great addition to our breeding facility. Visenya was barely conscious from the pain in her hand, drugs still lingering in her bloodstream, intoxication made everything harder for her. She looked at her hand one more time, wincing, before pulling the blade out. She cried aloud, as it felt to the floor; the elf lady glanced at her, diverting her attention back to the man again, speaking of vile; so open and careless, totally unprotected without that monster of hers. The girl could've swore the drunkenness made he bold, as she quietly picked up the knife back in her good hand. Visenya moved slowly, nauseous from all that's happened to her in within a span of an hour, before rushing forward, blade pointed somewhere in the center of old hag's back. The woman stopped her mid flight, catching her by her hand, magic cracking in the air. Esmir snatched knife from her hands in one swift move, driving it into girl's belly, violently pushing it forward. She pulled it out then, thrusting it instead in the side of her neck, leaving it there. Visenya whined, choking on her blood as it escaped her mouth, life fading from her eyes. The man couldn't do anything but watch her die, frozen in space by the unleashed magic, as the body of the girl fell to the floor.

Anger filled Esmir. She kicked the lying body into the side time and time again, losing herself for a moment of frenzy. - Get them out of here! - she shrieked, commanding to someone behind the door, wrath fuming around her, as four soldiers carried both of them out of the room, trail of blood following Visenya's body, - And keep the girl alive for a couple more hours, I am going to need her, - Esmir tucked loose hair back into place, her breathing erratic, - Insolent little bitch...

She took a sit behind her table, trying to relax. She preferred Orlan getting his hands bloody for her, but still enjoyed bloodletting herself. It reminded her of her old days, when she used to do it all herself. The girl's move was reckless, she could've gotten out of here in one piece and alive. But she had to try to attack her from behind. How quaint. Esmir would lie if she said she didn't enjoy it though, however she would've liked to avoid unnecessary confrontation, otherwise her grandson wouldn't follow her back to Summerset. She can't afford herself to lose another grandchild, now that Livaen was kidnapped. The Prince becomes more and more desperate. She caught her thoughts drifting towards the red headed whore once more. Oh, if it wasn't for Markus, she'd gut her right there with her own hands, skin her alive. The woman smiled to the thought. - Sire, - she heard, and Orlan dragged someone inside the room, face familiar yet unknown; skin of gold, eyes of silver, brows knitted; high cheekbones, sharp jawline, plump yet small lips. She didn't let it known, but she was highly impressed: her grandson's grown up looking rather princely. And what a pleasant surprise, he was actually wearing the colors and style of her house.

Esmir smiled. - Hello, Markus, - she raised her hands in greetings, - I wouldn't ever guess you've grown up to be such an exemplar of our race, - her voice sounded more satisfied than she'd like it to be, - Would you enlighten me, what brought you here?

The elf looked around the room, noticing a trail of blood, heart starting to race in his chest. Who did she injured? - Whose blood this is? - he asked instead, voice cold.

- Oh, this is? Don't bother yourself, it's of no importance, - Esmir got to her feet, making her way to Mark, - You definitely didn't get here in full parade just to hug your grandmother, did you? - she reached his face with her hand, stroking the cheekbone.

- Livaen, where is she? - Mark preferred not to waste their time with courtesies, choosing rather a direct approach. The look on Esmir's face changed. She was more concerned now against her own volition. - She's fine, - the only thing she said, voice stern. - Yeah, - he looked her straight into the eyes, - Talk of bullshit. Esmir made a growling sound, alien for her behavior. This night was definitely too bizarre for her liking. - Ever wondered about your parents? - she smirked, changing the subject in a completely different direction. Mark raised his brow in question, trying to seem ignorant, yet shiver running down his spine. He was ready to ask what this has to do with Livaen's disappearance, but was interrupted with crystal shard from the Void getting warm in his inner pocket. "Mark, we have an emergency", he heard in his head a voice, “We had to leave you behind", Meltem sounded distressed, “I have Livaen's whereabouts, but you're on your own now. Get out of there. Go to Riften and lay low, wait for us and don't do anything stupid, we will get to you when we can... I'm sorry”, she said with unmanageable sadness in her voice. What was that all about? He was about to open his mouth, when Esmir continued her speech. - My poor child, you still have no idea, have you?, - she snickered, but when she was about to say something else, some lieutenant has entered the room, breathing heavily.

- Someone broke in into the archives, sire. They stole the dossier. The prisoners are also gone. Esmir fell silent, processing the information she's just received, emotions on her face changing quickly. It was the right moment to escape, Mark thought to himself, backing off a little.

- Where are you going? - Orlan spoke, still keeping the kid in place with his giant palms. It was now or never. Mark turned around, facing the elf. He stretched out his arm, trying to reach his face. Orlan was confused, unaware of what's about to happen. The closer kid's hand got, the more sparks formed around it. - Knock him out, you idiot! - Esmir suddenly shouted at her general, as the bosmer grabbed kid's arm only to be bit through the glove as the spell went off. It was too late to do anything about that. The woman barely had any time set up a ward, as the explosion hit hard, sending everyone in the room in the air, stone crumbling, wood and fabric catching flames. She was stupid enough to forget about this rather annoying ability of her grandson to make explosions out of any magic outbursts. She should've cut this potential when he was too young to do anything about it.

The flames engulfed the building, as Mark rushed down the stairs, his head aching. The explosion has thrown him out of the room, helping with getting out of there in a way. He didn't met much resistance yet on his way out, mostly because he caught everyone here off guard. The explosion probably hadn't killed Orlan, and his death wasn't his goal, he simply wanted to set the place on fire, to get himself proper distraction and barrier against the soldiers that are about to chase him at any moment; they will definitely run towards Esmir's office first where they will actually receive their catch and retrieve order.

He heard shouts. The soldiers were on his trail. He couldn't just escape to the Void, he needed some time to prepare. There was also no place for him to hide, as the trail of Orlan's blood marked his path. The best option was to run forward and never look back, make the dungeon collapse behind him too, he thought to himself as he fell of the ladder to the cave under the Embassy.

The adrenaline was still rushing down his veins as he made another turn in the cave. The same turn it seemed. He was lost; the dread was quickly devouring him, his senses crying out loud to stop and give up, surrender to the pursuers. Panic overtook him, thoughts running around his head like roaches as shouts and footsteps were getting closer. There is no way out of here, he thought again, succumbing to the terror. But he needs to go forward, he said to himself again, his cousin needs him, especially now that Meltem has the information about her. He can't give up now, not yet. He didn't notice how he got on the ground; his mind becoming clearer with each new breath, tunnel vision starting to disappear. The sounds of chase weren't so close actually, and he could swear he heard a sea somewhere near. Mark got to his feet, still trembling in horror, making slow steps towards the sound; he wanted to speed up, his legs unable to produce any more power now that the adrenaline is washing out . They actually started aching badly, and his whole body hurt from the explosion - he managed to hit a corner with the nape of his neck when the shock wave knocked him from his feet, and that fall of the ladder - he probably injured something too. The sound of waves was getting closer; after one last corner and one last push through the throbbing pain in his muscles he exited the cave, collapsing on the beach. He heard a neigh near him, but his whole body just refused to move yet.

They left a horse for him to get out at least. - Hey, neigh-neigh, fuck, come here, - he called the horse, unable to come up with horse noises, - Yeah, come here, - he smiled as the animal obediently approached him. Mark reached out for the saddle, pulling himself in place. It was hard as the horse kept moving around, probably scared with the explosion and shouts coming from the embassy. He finally got in the seat, almost lying one the horse's back with no energy left. - Just go, - he told the animal, getting the reins in hands, heels kicking it into its sides, commanding the horse to run. Mark couldn't hold any longer, losing and gaining his consciousness every couple of minutes.

...

- Meltem, I'm so sorry, - the woman lowered her head to look at the girl in her arms, her voice faint. The bandage on her neck already soaked in red. The bumpy road must've woken her up. She felt tingling in her nose again, tears filling her eyelids.

- Shhhh, don't talk, - Meltem said, grabbing her firmer, pressing her to herself, smiling as softly as she could, - Don't talk, - she tried to disguise her shaking voice, as she was ready to burst to tears. But she can't let herself do it, not in front of the poor girl. She must not see her cry. The woman found them in the torture chamber, through which she attempted to escape. No one noticed her presence yet, so she had to hurry. She had no time to warn anyone, nor search for her companions. But it happened she came across two of them. For some unknown reason they both were in a cage, with an elven mage casting spells upon Visenya. What was she doing in there when she had to guard the horses, Meltem questioned herself. The closer she got, the more concerned she became. She crouched in shadows closer to the guard, suddenly grabbing him by his throat, making him stop whatever he's been doing. - Let him go, - she heard a familiar voice, belonging to the ashen haired man. She allowed herself to look down at him, him pointing at Visenya covered in blood, her skin pale, lips completely drained of color. She couldn't hold herself, letting loose of the mage. Meltem dropped to her knees, barely able to contain herself. The elf resumed sustaining her while Aspen seemingly tended to her mortal wounds, trying to stitch cut flesh together with a thread and a needle. Te man told her of what happened to them both. Meltem got quickly got angered, yelling at him in desperation for making her suffer, but ultimately she knew he's not the one to blame here, but the girl herself, who refused to listen to anyone, her own foolishness brought her to her demise. Meltem let a single tear run down his cheek, as she commanded Aspen to take the mage hostage to keep the girl alive for the time being. They weren't wizards, nor possessed any kind of magic; Mark was nowhere to be found, and he was the only one who could keep her alive with those explosions of his, so all that was left for them is to take the thalmor elf prisoner and hope for the best. There was a physician in Solitude, who used to tend to wounds worse than that. Now she was their the only beacon in this sea of darkness, their Polaris. She nearly forgot to tell Mark that their mission was over, and they had to leave him in a hurry. As they were almost out of sight of the embassy, they heard a loud bang, fire erupting from the hill. She wanted to reach out to him if he was okay, he couldn't loose another kid, but her hands were already busy with dying girl. Aspen couldn't contact him either, his shard shattered upon encounter with the guard. - I don't wanna die, - was heard again in a seemingly quiet night, so that even Aspen turned around to look at the girl, - I so don't wanna die, - Visenya cried with dry tears, blood running down her mouth. The woman couldn't hold back herself anymore, hugging her, pressing her closely to herself. She pressed her forehead against hers, feeling cold of her skin. She tried to breath steadily, to warm her frozen face at least for a tiny bit, tears falling on pale skin. Meltem took hold of her good hand, already cold as severe winter, squeezing it gently, feeling barely noticeable heartbeat. - Hold on just a little while longer, - she sang quietly with a smile, voice trembling, loudly swallowing her tears, - Everything will be alright, - Meltem kissed her, not willing to let her go. She squeezed her gently once again, letting go of horse reins, holding on the back of the running animal with only legs, just to calm the girl, to comfort her. The woman let her go, looking at her face again, only to find out, Visenya was already gone. She didn’t hold back herself anymore.

...

Mark woke up in a moving carriage, sun bursting through the windows. He had no idea how he got there, nor who picked him up. The last thing he remembered is passing out on a horse on somewhere along the road to Dragon Bridge.

- Ah, I see you've awaken, - he heard someone's familiar cheerful voice and looked into speaker's direction. The dark elf was situated in front of him, completely covered in furs. Only now Mark has noticed how cold it was inside. He looked around himself, puzzled, - Oh, don't look so confused, I've picked you up on my way from the party, - Maurice smiled, passing a bottle of something to Mark. He had to sniff it before drinking whatever's inside, to what dunmer noticed with a smirk on his lips, - Worry not! It's not poisoned. - It's not what I meant, - he said in low and hoarse voice, wheezing sounds heard from his throat, sick from being exposed to the cold for a long time. He sniffed it again, only to find notes of honey, berries and alcohol. Mark winced, handing over the drink back to dunmer. - Well, alright then, - the elf shrugged his shoulders, taking a sip from the bottle. Mark covered himself better with furs, noticing the wild pain in his bones. He could probably guess the amount of bruises he had after the explosion. His whole body was throbbing as if someone tried to beat him to death, slightest move making his muscles ache. - Where..., - he wanted to ask something, but his throat got dried out, - Where are we?

- The Pale, - answered elf, getting himself comfy, - You did quite a mess up there, I had to change plans quick, - Mark glanced at him, question in his eyes, - Thalmor patrols everywhere in imperial-controlled holds, looking for you and your friends, - Maurice answered darkly, - You don't want to get in trouble, do you? - Mark looked outside again. There was a town in the distance, but it wasn't their goal apparently, - We barely made it out of Haafingar and Hjaalmarch. - Thanks for picking me up, - elf said, closing the eyes again. He really meant it.

#skyrim screenshots #SC_Storytime #very post wow long #SC_Mark #SC_MeltemEsteban #SC_Visenya #SC_EsmirSorano #SC_OrlanAmaerylKaran #FV_Maurice #FV_Aspen #it's a fucking opus magnus jeez

18 notes · View notes

shinglescat · 5 years

Text

Previous or all stories at once.

- So, did you catch your murderer?

- Yep, a bunch of them actually. Your payment is on the table, by the way, - Mark answered, lying on the floor with eyes closed, pointing somewhere in the air with his leg, continuing in small voice, - My guess about body explosives was right; if we haven't brought the body to you, there would be mayhem in this very city, - he frowned, - We barely managed to get to their lair in time, - his tone dark, - They already placed a few corpses behind the keep; one actually went off ahead of its time, making a giant hole in the city wall, - he took a deep breath, - I don't want to admit it, my mater is a legionnaire, but...

- The Legion has a hand in this? What jarl is going to do with them? - Aspen took a sit near the table.

- Well, yeah, - elf let out a shaky sigh, - I'm afraid how rebels will respond to this. What a fucking mess. Wonder what mater would say, - he thought aloud, imagining her in front of her. She’d probably say the Legion has no connection with this attack… but she’s a war hero just as much as war criminal with blood on innocents on her hands, she’d try to justify their action, - Anyways. The jarl has them interrogated them at this very moment. They will probably either be thrown in jail or executed, not that anyone would care. The jarl also thanks you for your contribution and wants you to become the coroner for the city, - the elf fell silent for a moment before continuing his speech, - I have another matter to discuss. My sister.

- They want me to gut bodies for them, don't they? - the man shook his head, chuckling, - Sister? I've seen her an hour ago running around that dark elf she've met: she really liked that elf, probably a new idol of hers.

- Not that sister, - he sounded annoyed, - I meant my blood related sister, cousin. She's in trouble I think.

- How many sisters do you actually have? - the ashen haired man raised his brow in question.

- Two, but I'm adopted, you know, - the elf raised from the floor, stretching his arms to the ceiling, moving towards the table. He glanced at the fireplace near him before speaking again, Livaen's voice echoing in his head, - You remember when we had a sleepover back in the Void?

He heard a snicker.

- That's what you call it now?

- Ugh, - he grumbled something under his nose, getting his ass on the table, - I had a dream with her involved, she sounded distressed. Said she's cold, alone, broken; somewhere in a place where fire burns with ice, something along those lines, and then there's a monster that watches her, I dunno. Not much of a help. Any thoughts?

The man leaned closer.

- That dream, when you told me, - his voice thoughtful, low, - you couldn't sleep because I was snoring?

Mark groaned.

- Yes, you do snore.

- I wouldn’t be snoring if someone...

- Can you shove it up your ass? - Mark cut him mid sentence, pain on his face, - This isn't really the time for jokes.

- You really need to do something about that stick up your ass instead, - was heard in return, as he was dragged down in the lap.

- Don't start a fight you cannot win.

- Because you're not so witty? Boo-hoo. You have no idea how funny you are to mess with, have you? - elf groaned ever louder, rolling the eyes, - So what was that about your cousin?

The door creaked open.

- Get a room! - someone hollered, - You are the disgrace!

Visenya, her new found friend and Meltem have entered the building. The girl glanced at men disapprovingly, before moving to the bedroom nearby, crashing on the bed. The new guy followed her sheepishly, possibly afraid to offend the kid with rejection.

- What's with the long faces? - Meltem asked, getting into the vacant chair near the table, - Did we interrupt something?

Mark sighed.

- What a fucking circus. No, you're the person I wanted to talk to, - he adjusted himself, getting comfortable in other man's lap, - There's a problem I need to solve that involves my cousin. She might be in danger, but I have no idea where to find her. Our grandmother would know about her whereabouts, but I haven't seen her in ages and I have no intention on seeing her any time soon.

- Don't think we can ask Narandil to help us out? - Meltem suggested, thinking about the possibilities, - He could help us, he used to date your grandmother after all.

- I thought you're suggesting whether or not he knows where to find Livaen, - Mark snickered, - That'd be a very dumb suggestion of you, definitely worthy of Visenya. But that old witch is on Summerset, I don't see her roaming Skyrim for any reason.

Meltem looked at the window, ideas running around her head like cockroaches, none’s the right one.

- You know, - a moment of silence later, - we should ask those Thalmor agents, - Aspen chimed in, - If your cousin is in trouble, they must have a file on her, especially if she's a noble.

Mark glanced at the man, astonishment in his eyes.

- You are actually right, - he spoke, nearly whispering, looking back at Meltem, - They must have a file regarding her whether she disappeared or not in that embassy. Esmir won't leave her precious granddaughter behind, especially her only heir.

- But there is a problem, you know, - the woman said, - You can't go in there, you're on their most wanted list. I can't go in there either, I'm not exactly a low-profile person after the old man. Narandil can't go too, they have bounty on him that worth a fortune. Visenya is not that smart in the field, - Meltem was interrupted with girl’s “HEY!”, - You could go, - she addressed Aspen, - but with ear prosthetics and makeup.

The trio went silent, thinking about their chances of getting into the embassy unnoticed and safely getting out of there. Mark definitely wasn't an option to go there, he would be captured on sight, put down and sent back to Summerset to his eagerly awaiting grandmother. Meltem could go, but they don't like redguards much, and she definitely doesn't look like a wench or a dancer. Narandil would blow up their entire mission regardless, he's not the one to hold back. Visenya would be better in a support position, because should she fail during the infiltration, she'd be another captive at best that would be successfully exchanged on Mark. Aspen would work fine with a decent amount of yellow paint on top, but that requires a master artisan.

- I'm sorry, I happened to overhear your conversation, - the dark elf snatched them out of their thoughts, - I might know how to help you, - Maurice smiled, getting close to them, - There is going be a masquerade at the embassy soon, that would be your best chance to get in and get out unnoticed.

The woman looked at him dumbfounded.

- How do you know that? - Meltem asked.

- I'm on the guest list! - he smiled charmingly, - And I know a way for you to get on the guest list too. I'm willing to sell two invitations for the evening. The rest you'd need is a costume and a mask.

Mark didn't think long before reaching to his pockets.

- How much?

- A thousand for each, - the elf pulled the invitations from somewhere, waving them in front of the trio.

- Sure, - it was definitely a lot more that he would pay under normal circumstances, but he had no other safe choice to get there. He climbed off the lap, marching down to the cellar. Meltem half expected him to return with a sword to threaten Maurice into giving the invitations for free, but he instead brought two pouches of gold with him, - Are you going to count this? - he handed the pouches to the dunmer, getting the invitations in exchange.

- Let's say it's not good for a long-term friendship, - to that Meltem grunted: Mark is a bad negotiator, he does what's expected of him without trying to get a better deal for himself, and the dunmer could've easily gifted said invitations without any payment if it was the friendship he wanted, - I understand that you're unhappy with the deal, - Maurice said in an apologizing tone, noticing discontent in Meltem’s eyes, - It was difficult to get these. I appreciate that you didn't take them by force.

The woman’s facial expression changed, bitterness leaving her as she felt ashamed instead, allowing herself to be so obvious in her grudges. The elf seemed genuine, she would do exactly the same if she was in his shoes. Now that he put her to shame, she was actually glad Mark didn't resort to violence, for once happy with his straightforward approach when dealing with problems.

- So whom are you going to take to the party, Marki-Mark? - Visenya suddenly yelled from the bedroom.

- Mark, you are not going anywhere, - Meltem interjected, knowing damn well he's not going to listen to her nagging.

- I... don't actually know, - he answered, sounding lost, - Anyone who's got something to wear I guess.

- Can I go? - the girl in the back jumped at the thought, getting from the bed, - Can I go, pretty please?

The woman glanced at the elf.

- No, you can't, - Mark answered, - I... actually need some time to think, - with that he exited the house through the balcony.

...

Mark was sitting on the wooden floor, his back leaning on the railing, looking at the ships in the distance, thoughts racing in his mind, papers lying on the wooden floor with schematics for the Thalmor Embassy he purchased not so long ago from Thieves Guild. The route he has already planned seemed like a real deal: get in through the main entrance, blend in with the crowd, dance and drink to seem like a normal person, then sneak behind everyone's back into the secondary building. The emissary should keep all her files somewhere on the upper floor, probably in the archives. Though Meltem would certainly be against this plan.

There was another thing: he has to pick his companions. It's not a hard deal, since Visenya's essentially going to stay out of this affair. The girl is unpredictable and unstable, most suitable to stay away from this. She would be distracted inside, and that'd be enough to blow up the entire mission; she is a liability most of the times. And he can't just risk her.

His current plan consisted of two getting inside with invitations he bought from Maurice, third getting on their own: there is a cavern under the embassy, but he needs to do some reconnaissance before going in blind when the date's due.

Who'd go inside with invitations - Mark had no idea. And there was another matter of getting Aspen into this whole mess, because he ultimately didn't hear his agreement for this mission; Meltem is going to get her hands dirty anyways.

The woman has good knowledge of nobles and etiquette, so it shouldn't be a problem for her to navigate through the crowd inside. But she's quite peculiar, and getting her blended in would require a lot of work. On the other side he could just send her on her own, she's a master thief after all, but he had a doubt about sending her alone. It's not that she'd blow up this whole mission or anything, he just had a bad feeling about this. And should the trouble begin, she can't change her clothes and pretend to be an elf. She can fight well though and can definitely defend herself, however that will make the break in obvious for the emissary, and she would surely send a squad after them.

Aspen was a dark horse out of all three, Mark had no idea what the man's capable of. Sending him on his own would be a mistake at best, though he had a feeling the man'd be in place among the nobles. It also would probably be the best to use him as a distraction, to have him monitor the party on the inside. Yeah, they need to get him a proper dress for the masquerade... and actually ask if he wants to take part in this affair.

Mark himself could do it both ways, with and without invitation, though sneaking is not entirely his virtue when compared to Meltem. In the end would be just a matter of staying incognito during the party. He could probably go in together with Aspen, then leave the man to observe the situation in the main building, while he himself stays in the courtyard. Or the other way around. Should things go south, he could always use Aspen as a distraction, make him talk to the woman in charge and keep her from doing anything for as long as possible. Elf can't do this himself, he's too high profile for such interactions, he'd have to run to Meltem. There also will be the dark elf, Maurice, but they can't use him in any way.

Something like that? He has to ask his companions for their thoughts before committing to anything.

#sc_storytime #SC_Mark #SC_MeltemEsteban #SC_Visenya #FV_Aspen #FV_Maurice

12 notes · View notes