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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 2, 2008 18:08:24 GMT -5
(A post for anyone to join. Just to have something going on.)
Ariana, riding her noble steed Horse, came to the peak of a hill. She could see the Imperial City laid out in the distance like a white jewel amidst the green and blue surrounding it. It was a tainted jewel, though; she knew that. The people who lived in and ran the city were plagued with corruption and immorality. SPQC indeed. She frowned a bit as she averted her attention elsewhere. She looked to the nearby Red Ring Road, which lay at the bottom of the hill. A man was standing there, looking a bit suspicious.
It was an Orc dressed in a full suit of Orcish armor. He had out his axe, which was Daedric. The Orc’s eyes were focused down the road as if he were waiting for something or someone. Ariana recognized the look. He was a highway man waiting for his prey. However, by Imperial law, Ariana could not arrest him for standing on the road with his axe on his shoulder. He had to have committed a crime to prove it. Ariana would have to watch him.
She backed up her horse and quietly slid off. Ariana then kneeled down in the grass with her crossbow poised and ready with a bolt strung in place. Her grey eyes were focused straight on the Orc, and with each move of his body came a flick of her eyes. There was nothing that he could do that would go unseen by her. She only wondered how long she would have to remain there.
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Post by Silence on Feb 2, 2008 22:04:21 GMT -5
Shikura, on her plump grey pony, Twisty, trotted along the road, humming a song to herself.
"Oh, the Argonian went splat, With the Imperial too, And the Orc went wham, While the Khajiit stood victorious over them all..."
The Khajiit trailed off uncertainly, frowning to herself. "It was something like that, Shikura thinks. But this Khajmer can't seem to remember. Hmph."
Muttering quietly to herself, the Cat Burglar trotted along the road, quietly minding her own business, when the Orc jumped out at her. Twisty reared. Shikura shrieked.
"Pray, noble Orc, do not harm this poor Khajiit-Bosmer!" Shikura squealed, trying to calm down Twisty while sliding off the horse and running away.
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 2, 2008 22:24:45 GMT -5
Ariana witnessed the Orc's aggression towards the Khajiit. That was her cue to spring into action. Her years of training quickly kicked in and fueled her up to fight for justice. She quickly pulled the trigger on her crossbow, and it sounded with a satisfying snap as the bolt was sent through the air at blinding speeds. It caught the Orc right behind the neck, knocking him forward to his knees. He growled and immediately turned around, his attention diverted from the Khajiit woman.
Ariana then jumped to her feet, and by the time she was fully upright, she'd had another bolt slid from the bag at her waist and locked into place. He ran at her with his axe held high over his head. She shot him once more in the gap between his greaves, right in his knee. He fell flat onto the ground, and Ariana was quickly on top of him. She planted her foot at the back of his neck and picked up his heavy Daedric axe, which almost caused her to lose her balance at first.
She caught her breath for a second before stating in a formal tone, "You've violated Imperial law and are under arrest for the assault of a citizen. You will be taken into the Imperial City prison until you've fulfilled your sentence."
"But I didn't do anything!" protested the Orc. "I was just tryin' to talk to her! Really!" At that moment, the axe slipped from Ariana's grasp and fortunately for the Orc, landed with its flat side on the back of his head, rendering him unconscious instead of beheading him.
The Imperial guard then turned to the Khajiit and asked, "Citizen, are you alright?"
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Post by Silence on Feb 2, 2008 22:33:33 GMT -5
Shikura stopped trying to run away, and clambered up to sit onto Twisty's back again, trying to regain her lost dignity. This was hard, as Twisty chose to rear up at that moment, causing Shikura to wrap her arms around the pony's neck and hang on for dear life.
When Twisty finally calmed down and Shikura could sit up straight again, the Khajiit huffed, "Of course Shikura is not alright! Twisty was scared, and so is Shikura! Why must all Orcs be so bad and call Shikura 'house-cat'?"
The Khajiit scowled at the prone form of the Orc on the ground.
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 2, 2008 22:41:56 GMT -5
Ariana frowned a bit at the Khajiit's hysterics. Being a woman of the military, Ariana was used to the hard-faced, stoic mannerisms of a soldier, so she forced herself to have patience with the Khajiit.
"Well, ma'am, I was meaning your physical being, but...that's alright. I suppose," here she added a brief sigh, "that if need be, I can escort you to your destination."
Ariana silently prayed to each one of the Nine that the Khajiit would reject her Imperial style justice-provoked proposal and be just fine on her own. However, she wouldn't be entirely surprised if she ended up stuck with having to take the woman to some god-awful region of Cyrodiil for a week-old potato and maybe three septims. It would hardly be the first time her job required such sacrifices of time (and patience). Ariana folded her arms over her chest and glanced down at the unconscious Orc as she waited for the Khajiit's answer.
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Post by Silence on Feb 2, 2008 22:51:59 GMT -5
Shikura wanted escort. She really did. But if she showed up at the Thieves Guild Hideout with an grim-faced Imperial...But it would be rude to refuse. And anyway, who knew if there were more bandits lurking about? No sense of honour, those filthy bandits. Not like those of the Thieves Guild, who never steal from the poor, and don't kill. The Blood Price might have something to do with it though.
With two points in favour of having an escort and one point for no, Shikura was force to agree. The majority had spoken.
She gave patted Twisty's head gently. "Seems like we'll be having a travelling companion, Twist." She muttered in Elvish, knowing how to use that language, and well. Twisty always seemed to respond to the delicate, almost song-like language of the Bosmer better.
The Khajiit straighted. "The humble Khajiit-Bosmer thanks you. If it is no big inconvenience, Shikura would be thankful if pr-, er, noble Imperial would escort her to the Imperial City, Market District."
Shikura had been about to call the odd Imperial prey, like she did with all those not of the Thieves Guild, but wisely decided against it. She didn't want to be bludgeoned into oblivion with that axe. Even though she was a 'harmless' and 'innocent' citizen.
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 2, 2008 23:22:46 GMT -5
Ariana mentally cringed at the reply. Outwardly, she nodded and kept an unchanging face. She was thankful the Khajiit needed only to go to the Imperial City. Ariana pulled the heavy Orc over to Horse. She tied his legs together and tied him to her saddle. It wasn't exactly in the Imperial law books, but it was a method she preferred.
She then tied the Daedric axe onto the back of her saddle, next to her supply bag. She could either keep the thing or give it to the Imperial Legionnaires for a price. Ariana was definitely going to sell it. She needed the money more than she needed a used, heavy axe. She never understood why anyone would willingly use Daedric. With everything where it needed to be, she mounted Horse and gently booted his sides. He immediately began walking down the road that would eventually take them to the Imperial City. Behind, the unconscious Orc's armor made metallic grinding noises against the dirt as he was dragged along.
"May I have your name, citizen?" asked Ariana. She had to make sure the woman wasn't wanted. However, if she was, she'd be pulling two criminals into prison at once. That wasn't a feat often accomplished by one legionnaire.
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Post by Silence on Feb 2, 2008 23:28:21 GMT -5
"Eh..."Shikura thuught hard to herself. She wasn't sure if she was wanted, although Armand had paid off her last bounty. And anyway, she was sure there were quite a few Khajiits called Shikura running around, though none with a Bosmer sister called Ralen. Pity she could ask the odd Imperial then. Guards like her must have seen a lot...
"This Khajiit is called Shikura." She replied formally, deciding not to call herself Khajiit-Bosmer just this once. Perhaps having the Imperial tag along wasn't a good idea. The noises that the Orc's armor made as it was dragged along made the Khajiit grind her teeth together furiously. Her large ears flattened against her head. Twisty also seemed uncomfortable, as he flicked his ears a lot, as his shaggy tail swished.
Shikura's tail was also swishing rather madly as the noise grew louder, or so it seemed to her. She decided not to let her discomfort show yet, though. Or at least, she decided not to voice out her discomfort.
"This Khajiit wonders what the Imperial Guard is called...?"
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 3, 2008 0:05:49 GMT -5
Ariana noticed the Khajiit's discontent at hearing the noises made by dragging the Orc. Quite frankly, Ariana enjoyed them herself. Personally, she was one who got enjoyment from lawbreakers' misery. The Orc would be mighty sore when he woke up. Also, although Ariana didn't like to be racist, Ariana felt that since Shikura was a Khajiit that she was probably involved in either Skooma or thievery to some degree, maybe both.
Ariana answered Shikura's question with an authoritative voice, "I am Agent Ariana Craetius of the Imperial Legion, daughter of Arena gladiator Arsenio Craetius."
When first introducing herself, she commonly stated her parentage. It was largely because she was proud of it. Also, it was because she wanted to gage the reaction that came from people when she mentioned her father. She was on a constant lookout for those who helped to conspire against his death or her family's. Perhaps it was useless paranoia, but she still did it.
She continued, "I've loyally served for over twenty years. What line of work are you involved with, Shikura?"
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Post by Silence on Feb 3, 2008 1:37:56 GMT -5
Shikura was never one to keep up with the arena. She found it rather odd that those Imperials set up a place where insane people can go hack each other to bloody little bits. There was just nobody who revered life these days...Anyway, where did one get a lengthy title like that? Shikura preferred to call herself Shikura, not even Shikura Jalarann. Most Khajiits looked at her oddly when she said that, after all.
"Shikura apologises, but this Khajiit has never heard of Arsenio Craetius." The Khajiit stated, grinding her teeth together at the continuing noise. Both her and Twisty's ear twitched continually.
"I've loyally served for over twenty years. What line of work are you involved with, Shikura?"
The much-too formal and authoritive way Ariana voiced her occupation made Shikura want to strangle something. Huh. Arrogant little Imperials. But the Khajiit answered her question without hesitation, response perfectly rehearsed. It wasn't the first time Shikura had ran into guards, after all.
"The Khajiit wanders from place to place. Shikura likes travelling very much. She serves as a messenger when necessary. This Khajiit also performs if she must."
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 3, 2008 20:06:37 GMT -5
Ariana nodded as she listened. A little of this and that, thought she. That was a definite sign of someone who either didn’t have a job and was embarrassed about it, was a prostitute, or was a thief. Glancing at the woman, Ariana didn’t picture her as a prostitute. However, of the many she’d arrested (both male and female), none looked particularly like prostitutes either. Perhaps Ariana had the wrong idea of what prostitution meant. She didn’t necessarily care to find out what the real idea was though.
“That sounds like a neat way to make a living,” said Ariana. It was a polite comment to let the woman know she was listening. There was no meaning or genuine feeling behind it.
She then began to turn her thoughts to the Khajiit and her possible criminal background. If she turned in a thief and Hieronymus Lex caught wind, he’d definitely look her up. Sure, he was paranoid and work-obsessed, but he was a real man alright. A very small grin formed on Ariana’s face as she imagined Lex “congratulating” her on a job well done. She silently let her mind wander into regions unspeakable as the two continued onwards to the Imperial City.
(Feel free to time lapse to where they enter the city if you’ve nothing else to add.)
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Post by Silence on Feb 4, 2008 1:52:11 GMT -5
Huh. Imperials. If they do not even wish to know, why must they insist on asking? Shikura was no fool. She heard clearly what the odd Imperial guard, Ari-something-or-other hinted at. Imperials likes her, they don't know the idea of 'fun' and 'games' and 'excitement'. Shikura remembered fondly the games she had played with the other Khajiits in the Thieves Guild, betting on who would steal the most in a week. Now that was fun.
Not soon enough, they arrived at the Imperial City. Shikura wanted to go to the Waterfont first, but that was the known location of the Thieves Guild. Anyway, she had to go sell some 'honestly acquired' stuff to one of the local fences who ought to be found in the Market District right now.
With a quietly spoken command to Twisty in Elvish, Shikura guided the pony to trot towards the direction of the Market District. However, she was uable to prevent her eyes from flicking towards the Waterfont every now and then.
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Feb 4, 2008 19:38:16 GMT -5
Both women rode into the busy Market District of the Imperial City. People of all races strode through the streets, some occasionally popping out of the shops. Ariana made a point to rarely come to the place. Being in the Legion, she never needed to do shopping. Everything she could possibly need was provided for her by the forts, food, clothing, shelter, armor, anything. Of course, the choices were limited with the Legion’s wares, unlike in the Market District. Ariana was vaguely tempted to take a brief look around, but she remembered that she was on duty still, which made doing that out of the question.
“Well, Shikura, here we are. You’re safe and sound. Remember, if you ever need anything, don’t be afraid to come to the Legion. We’re—”
Ariana was suddenly distracted by a poster on a nearby wall advertising the Arena. Her brows furrowed as she was silent, her mind scattered in a thousand places. Negative thoughts raced through her head as she looked at the words.
Finally, she shook her head and finished, “—here to help.” It was a formal statement that Ariana’d been taught to use to sound congenial. She never needed it a great deal seeing as she didn’t work in the city. Her line of work usually took her to highwaymen hangouts, bandit camps, and the occasional rogue spellcaster types.
Speaking of highwaymen, she needed to get the Orc into prison. Ariana waved to Shikura before reining her horse towards the Imperial City Prison. Her fellow Legionnaires untied the unfortunate man from her horse and dragged him into a cell. She then decided to go for a walk on the Waterfront. She had two reasons for this. She expected to see Hieronymus Lex there, which would put a perk in her day, and also, she wanted to see if that Khajiit would show her face. If she did, then Ariana would have good reason to suspect the woman of being a thief. The Legionnaire slipped on a helmet and stood next to some of her brethren at the end of the docks, looking very inconspicuous.
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Post by Silence on Feb 8, 2008 1:01:36 GMT -5
"Shikura thanks you for your help." The Khajiit replied, as formally as she could. Twisty nickered and Shikura ran a hand through his tangled, scruffy mane, much like her own, only hers was more of a straw-colour. Shikura paused for a moment, trying to make up her mind whether or not to ask about her dear Bosmer sister, only to see that Ariana was already gone. Huh. Shikura never got why those Imperial's insist on keeping a 'nice' and 'honourable' and 'polite' font. Even the smallest Khajiits youngster could see through it.
Shrugging and muttering to herself, the Khajiit dismounted, and led her plump gray pony along, searching for the fence.
Some time later, Shikura finally concluded her 'business'. Whistling cheerfully to herself, she headed down to the Waterfront, thinking to check up on one of her good, good friends, Arihdja the Squeaky, although Shikura didn't know how Arihdja got the title 'the Squeaky'.
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Post by M'aiq the Liar on Mar 3, 2008 21:55:21 GMT -5
(...Okay, I'm stuck, which is why I haven't replied. Any ideas?)
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