The Ghost Prince

Wander aimless on my shores. Hear my song and sing no more. Call the beacon back again. In blood you were made my dearest friend. Hoist the banner. Raze the sign. No man shall want while the crown is mine. |Blog: TES (4th Era) rp. | Open to any TES RP | NOT Dovahkiin. | NOT AFFILIATED WITH 'SHIPYARD' | CAUTION: Content may be NSFW.|

[rieldunai]

This app tells you your personality by looking at your Tumblr account. You should really check it out. This is my result:

ENTP PERSONALITY The ENTP personality type is the ultimate devil's advocate, thriving on the process of shredding arguments and beliefs and letting the ribbons drift in the wind for all to see. Unlike their more determined Judging (J) counterparts, ENTPs don't do this because they are trying to achieve some deeper purpose or strategic goal, but for the simple reason that it's fun. No one loves the process of mental sparring more than ENTPs, as it gives them a chance to exercise their effortlessly quick wit, broad accumulated knowledge base, and capacity for connecting disparate ideas to prove their points.

[rieldunai]

..... So....

Not sure how many of my followers are still acting or paying attention but... here goes: I made a decision today. Gonna delete all of Rieldunai's blog content and start over. He'll be the same stupid pirate, and none of his head canons or back story will change. But, it'll all be new from the moment he steps off the boat in Windhelm. It ALSO means I'm not keeping any of the events that happened before in roleplay (unless my old partners contact me to keep our interactions canon.) And thus not anchor him down to any one event or situation or.... anything. The great part is? I'll be writing again! Rieldunai refuses to sit silently in a corner while my art block and writer's block eats away at my soul... so, just warning everyone now. The dumb, sexy Dunmer pirate is coming back. 83

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Prelude…]

Nothing was difficult when you were ready, and willing, to get your hands dirty. When your entire body screamed of putting one foot forward and getting the job done to its absolute conclusion. Closing the chapter on their little scout was easy enough when he’d been taken en route to his camp by three Dark Brotherhood agents. Together Belwas and Rieldunai decided that nothing short of opening a font of wholesale slaughter was going to get their dilemma resolved - which, thankfully, the two were more than capable of doing.

The scout, of course, never saw a thing; blindfolded and left tied to a tree while the entire ordeal occurred he was oblivious to the identities of his saviors. So delighted was he that he’d been saved he hardly made an effort to gleam the motives and true selves of the warrior and mage that had come to his aid. When the last assassin hit the ground dead Belwas and Rieldunai moved to the scout - fed him lie after lie in an effort to create the illusion he was safe and amongst like minded men. Friends of the Dominion. Swords tipped with the golden grace of supremacy and entitlement. Rieldunai played the act better than Belwas thought possible even adopting some Altmeri words to his dialogue which put the scout at ease.  

The river rats have been dealt with…

The assassins killed our healer…

We will have our revenge…

Do not fear dear friend.

Report back what has happened.

The Dark Brotherhood has been sent here.

They know of us.

Our location…

Abandon it.

Do not fear.

Lies. Painted and said with such gesture that not once did the scout think it odd that his blindfold never came off. Not once did he, in all his praise over his ‘allies’, wonder of their sudden departure. He was lead to camp. Lead to safety. The scout cared only for his life and was fool enough to believe that his heroes were well-to-do Thalmor operatives working - like he - in secret. The murder of three assassins was no great weight on the conscious of the two dunmer males and without another thought their feet began to lead them back to camp. Back to the home they’d come to know in recent months.

…

The Khajiit healer was found by both the scout and her companions dead the very next morning - alongside a pile of burnt bodies. Bodies thrown on what appeared to have been a vessel of somesort. With the help of their own assassin the party managed a clever ruse. To the camp… they were dead and the Dark Brotherhood had been summoned to take their own. It would not last, their devious little lie, but for now they were free to move forward.

Free to follow the river elsewhere.

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Master Post]

[0]

Time moves in only two ways when traveling by water - be it river or sea - it moves quickly leaving very little room to breathe; let alone time to allow the mind to wander. Just as easily it can move slowly leaving one aching for something to go wrong. Some change to break away from the tedium and stiffness of standing still, of drifting. Such was the case to some along their travels.

While Rieldunai busied himself with preparing their boat for the winding, quickly turning, Ruver Druadac which spaced itself between The Reach’s tall and sharp mountains. From time to time the crew hurried along the deck scrambling to tie this or that down so that the sudden drops did not send their belongings overboard. While at other times Emaarion and Veren both were armed to the teeth and ready for any forsworn that might try to ambush them from the mountain walls that flanked their vessel. Rieldunai was at ease - strangely enough - and minded his own affairs with an air of nonchalance. All was well.

“Okay now steady, you don’t want to make any sudden movements. The slightest jerk and you’ll send us off course along the flow of the river.” He said as he guided Alavesa’s hand along the rutter. “Easy now, okay just a few degrees to our port side.”

----

Vyldrakas sat on the rooftop of their cabin watching every cloud and natural land bridge pass overhead with some thought. To think the world of Mundus was so abundant in decay yet still appeared alive - it made her wonder on how Veren would see things if he knew the truth of himself. Would he still cling to the understanding of his mortal life or would he see this wretched state of decay and stink just as clearly as she? Sighing to herself she rolled onto her side and grinned when the sight of her ghal ohtlyr came into view.

[0]

I never venture too far from Vyldrakas and today is no exception. I’m always aware of where she is, she’s almost always in my line of sight. I watch Rieldunai and Alavesa and think what a happy couple they seem to be. It’s almost nauseating, but, as I’ve said repeatedly, I’m anything but a romantic. I don’t really have the stomach for it. Does she actually care about piloting a boat or is she just being polite because he loves it and she loves him? Is that what love is?

I catch sight of Vyldrakas on top of the cabin and envy her position. I consider myself lucky to have her. Well, as much as I do, anyway, all things considered. I don’t have to pretend with her. I don’t have to bring her flowers. My love is etched in the flesh of our enemies. It bleeds from their veins. It is voiced in their screams. I’ve no need for fancy words or the ability to express them eloquently. My silent offerings suffice. There is no fear in belonging to her. No mortal man can come between us. I have no need of jealousy so I can enjoy her games all the more. No need to comment or give her warning looks when she speaks of other men because I, alone, hold her heart, quite literally, in my hands.

I look ahead again, watching the river. I don’t trust rivers. I don’t trust water. I don’t trust much at all really. I trust the shadows least of all. Markarth looms ahead, rising out of the mountains like a behemoth of marble and gold. There is a collective sigh of relief. I feel the tension rise off the others like a blanket being lifted. Activity increases as we put to shore, gather our things and began the trek to the city gates that are adorned with wanted posters calling for the heads or skins of the bandits that have been wreaking havoc on the river. I snatch one off the gates as we head inside, for posterity of course. For my amusement. If they only knew. The voice of the city guard rings in my ears as he falls behind us. ‘The safest city in the Reach’.

I laugh. Safest city in the Reach, my ass.

[0]

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Master Post]

[0]

“Oh, yes. I’ve no doubt it will be incredibly boring,” Alavesa scoffed. The boys didn’t look anymore convinced than she sounded.

Emaarion shook his head in response to the dunmer woman. “Finding Wyll’s brother will probably be the most boring part of all. He lives in the warrens, but I won’t have to go there to find him. When he’s in Markarth, he spends most of his time at the inn looking for work. He’s also a mercenary.”

[0]

Vyldrakas looks over at Rieldunai; her body leans forward resting her forearms on her knees in a casual stance. “Does my contract prohibit me from seeking small employment while we’re ashore?”

Rieldunai shook his head. “No. Just don’t go too far - two days there tops. Three if I can manage a new bilge and rutter.” He added after a quick glance around their vessel.

Striding over to where Alavesa sat he unceremoniously ‘fell’ onto the seat next to her and after placing a kiss on her shoulder (while also managing to steal some of her bacon) he clicked his tongue. “Oh ye of little faith. I can manage a day in town without seeing the other side of a set of bars. Or, you know, manage to spend our earnings ‘redecorating’ a tavern with someone’s teeth.”

[0]

“That is, of course, assuming you manage to walk into town on your own two feet rather than being flung over the city wall,” Vesa replied, laughing. “Please. You didn’t even manage to get into Riften before becoming a household name there,” she added, shaking her head.

Emaarion looked back out toward the water. He had the feeling that three days was the more likely scenario. If he didn’t have business in Markarth, he could simply continue on to Solitude, but Wyll’s brother had to be dealt with and a report delivered to the Markarth agent.

----

The day is peaceful enough. Everyone’s getting along and Rieldunai is actually managing to engage in a conversation that includes Emaarion without actually antagonizing the altmer. Oh, but we are the most talented of liars. I have a feeling that Emaarion’s going to be hard pressed to slip away from us in Markarth, should he try at all. I have a feeling Vyldrakas and I will be shadowing his every solitary step and sleep is less of a guarantee for some of us than others. I don’t believe for a second that this will be boring and uneventful. Especially in Markarth. In many ways, Markarth is even more dangerous than Riften.

I’m not interested in getting dirt on Em or having something to hold over him (not that I’d mind). I just want an answer one way or another. I don’t like unknown variables. I know about the Aureal. I know about Vyldrakas. I’ll know about the possible Thalmor in our midst as well. After all, knowledge is power and forewarned is forearmed. Or something like that.

I look over at Vyldrakas wondering what kind of ‘small employment’ she has in mind, then I look to Rieldunai wondering if he’s telling the truth about his intentions to keep this little foray boring and quick. Boring isn’t his style. But I think it’s Alavesa that proves the biggest mystery. We’re going to her home, stepping into the world in which she was raised. Time will tell what this new element will reveal of her.

I can’t wait.

[0]

[cozypumpkinlatte-deactivated201]

[veren-tes-deactivated20181205]

((The body needs a little more tweaking.  I’m thinking the neck’s too narrow and the shoulders are a little boney, but beyond that, his skin is done and I’m ridiculously happy with it.  Coming next, Dunmer!Veren.))

[rieldunai]

[check out Rieldunai's hot best friend Veren! Okay so its a human version of the dunmer lad but still. Sexay...]

[championgaelle]

[I accidentally drew smutty smuts…..]

[Rieldunai finally puts that silver tongue to good use.]

Read More

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Master Post]

[0]

“I thank you then; this visit will be my first trip to Markarth. Don’t want to land in any prisons on my first day.” She said grinning.

Rieldunai chuckled. “I’ve always fancied the Warrens. Best drink, best fighting pits, and the women there arrrrr -” He stopped. Completely. Eyes looking to Alavesa before clearing his throat and sitting upright on the railing. “You know. I think I’m going to stay away from the familiar places hmm? Let’s keep this trip steady on course.”

Vyldrakas laughed shaking her head. “The pirate seems nervous. Is the leash on too tight or do people know you there?”

Not funny. You know why!

All the better to test your resolve with my prince.

[0]

Alavesa rolled her eyes. “Markarth isn’t that bad.”

Bel huffed. “Not if you live in the right district anyway. The warrens not being one of them, though I’m sure Zanain spends more than his fair share of time down there.”

Veren nodded in affirmation. “He does a bit of business, there. And there are… well, let’s just say he often has cause to find himself there.”

Alavesa arched a brow in Rieldunai’s direction when he mentioned the Warrens women. “Are all Afflicted?” she offered for him. She smiled at Vyldrakas. “Oh, it’s not the leash he’s worried about, though I have no doubt he knows everyone there.”

Bel chuckled. “Redheads are notorious for nothing if not their tempers.” He looked over at Rieldunai. “Or their even more dangerous silences.”

Emaarion nodded to Vyldrakas. “Markarth thrives on blood and silver, so the saying goes. However, if you should happen to find yourself in the mines, it’s a simple matter of greasing the right palms to get you out. We won’t let you linger overly long.” He looked over at Rieldunai. “If you’re that familiar with the warrens, you might actually have met Wyll’s brother, though I doubt it was a pleasant encounter. He’s much more vocal about his feelings regarding mer than Wyll ever was.”

[0]

“Never ran with their crew m’fraid. Kept to ‘Rat’s End’ and lower than that sometimes - water runs deep in there. Through the mountains.” He slid off the railing and tipped his hat to allow his eyes to be fully visible. “Don’t worry Alavesa, I’ll be a good little scoundrel while we’re there. Make myself busy with ship repairs and gathering supplies. In and out. Nice and boring.”

I have a terribly strong desire to remind you of the last time you promised a boring rendezvous.

Vyldrakas? Shut it. This is different now.

As you wish...

“Not that some target practice while you spry ones spring me loose doesn’t come with its own rewards.” Said the heavily accented Dunmer mercenary. “Pray tell then - if the trip is to be quick and boring will you be needing some assistance in getting to Wyll’s brother?”  

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Master Post]

[0]

“Makes it so we don’t have to put up with anyone’s shit - most sensible people leave men alone when they’re wandering around in their breeches and nothin’ else.” He sighed thinking of the correspondence he’d sent to Zanain some time ago. “Actually, no, I think I’ll be staying in Alavesa’s who knows what sort of trouble I’d get into if I was left alone with the hammer and the mischief maker.”

Vyldrakas stepped out from her post - the port side where most of the treeline was beginning to get sparse and broken up by mountainous terrain and hills. Boredom was not something she felt easily, especially when there seemed so little point in standing still. Pushing herself off of the railing she crossed the deck and sat beside Emaarion.

“Nothing to add on the matter of where you shall be resting your head? Or have you an inn in mind that does not put us in an awkward place...” She glanced over at Veren. “Or a potentially hazardous place?”

Oooh. Small talk exercise with golden rod?

............... No. I am simply attempting to ascertain where he shall be hanging his skin. It is of no consequence.

Tsk. Ahuh.

[0]

Alavesa laughed at Rieldunai’s comment regarding where he would be staying. “Oh, well. If that isn’t the first sensible decision you’ve made since I met you.” She grinned at Veren. “Listen to who’s worried about getting in trouble.”

Veren smiled and shook his head. “I guess it’s true there’s a first time for everything.”

Emaarion glanced over at the little dunmer woman when she spoke to him, as surprised as everyone else, then shook his head in response to her question and looked ahead at the water before them.

“Wyll’s brother lives in Markarth. I’ll be searching him out. Delivering the news. The city guards claim that Markarth is the safest city in the Reach. If that’s true, it doesn’t bode well for the other cities. It’s certainly not safe in regards to most other cities in Skyrim. Not much better than Riften in terms of corruption and blood spilled on a daily basis. The Silver Blood Inn is at least close to the gates and far from the warrens, but it’s run by the city’s most prominent family, as is most everything else of note, such as the mine where they house their prisoners and people who just generally piss off the wrong people.” He looked at Rieldunai and couldn’t help but add, “Try not to get caught pissing off the wrong people. The mine is a bitch to break out of.”

“You sound like you know that from experience,” Bel commented.

Em nodded and took a sip of his ale. “I’ve seen the inside of it, yes.”

Emaarion thought about the time he spent in the warrens with Wyll and his brother; dirty, disgusting, disease ridden place that it was. While they were there, he knew he’d have to visit the Thalmor quarters inside the keep and deliver another report. He looked back at the mercenary.

“Between the war and the Forsworn, the place is a virtual powderkeg. I’d rather stay at the Inn. Listen to the travelers and the locals. Ear to the ground and all that.”

Veren leaned back on his elbows listening to Emaarion and Vyldrakas. “I think the Inn sounds like a plan. Not enough exits in those houses for me to be comfortable.”

Emaarion nodded to Veren. “I can’t argue with that.”

[0]

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Master Post]

In the two days that followed their successful getaway, Rieldunai busied himself with anything that kept his mind from replaying the events of their attack. Anything sufficed. From alcohol to overworking, to meditating... on some level anyway. Still he woke in the night and looked upon the banks half expecting to see his old friend following alongside their vessel. He held onto a few apples and carrots with all the mind to share them with Artax only to realize he wasn’t there. He was never going to be there. His mood, however, did not allow his sorrow to win the day. Despite his routine he never could truly let himself mourn for anyone... he simply didn’t know how.

He’d taken the night shift, feeling comfortable with sitting alongside his beloved while most of the crew slept and sharing the night sky with her. Talking of constellations and teaching her how to read the sky for their direction, the weather for their travels, and the way of the water for their chance of heading. She loved to learn and sharing his naval talents with her made him feel overjoyed. His family had grown smaller to some degree but what he had gained now; Alavesa and Veren were like parts of his core. How could he ever think to part with them now?

When Belwas spoke he’d been laying on the boat’s railing with one hand dragging against the water while the other balanced a large bottle of (extremely stolen) mead on his stomach. One eye peeking from under his hat the corner of his lip curled up into a crooked grin.

“Pass up the chance to finally rest in a proper bed? Kick my feet up and walk around in my underwear? I think its just a dream waiting to be made no?” He said half jesting.

[0]

Veren looked over at Rieldunai when he spoke, actually turning his head. He didn’t worry about Zanain hearing about his untimely demise. After all, who would tell him? Aside from his brother, the only people that gave half a shit about him were right here on this boat. Outside of them, he figured no one really would talk about it, would consider it newsworthy. It might be sad if it were someone else, but for Veren, it was just the way he liked it.

“Zanain’s supposed to meet us there, isn’t he?” He asked, despite knowing the answer. “He keeps a house there, too.”

Alavesa laughed and nodded. “If you don’t mind staying in an abandoned work site with some questionable relics in the cellar.”

Bel shook his head. “As long as the Vigilants stay away, who cares?”

Alavesa smiled in Bel’s direction. “Particularly since it’s right across the street from the tavern?”

Bel smiled broadly. “Is it now? Well, then, I might be inclined to stay there myself.”

Alavesa looked back at Rieldunai. “What is it with men always wanting to walk around in their underwear? My father used to say the same thing.”

[rieldunai]

[Just the Dawn]

[Master Post]

{LISTEN} | 19 Evening Star 4E202

Two days later and Emaarion’s mood wasn’t showing any signs of improving.  He’d been seen at the Dominion camp hiring the healer and now their party was believed dead along with the khajit.  It was only a matter of time before word of his ‘untimely demise’ reached his brother and, more importantly, his sister.  It was this that caused him the greatest distress, primarily because there was nothing he could do about it.  They would never reach Solitude before the news did even if they weren’t stopping in Markarth first.  The best he could do was send word himself from the next courier station, but even that wouldn’t do anything to save her the anguish and sorrow.  It wasn’t the first time his death would be erroneously reported, but he hoped like hell it would be the last.  He kept to himself and mostly away from the rest of the party while silently focusing his thoughts on the constant prayers he made to his people’s gods that something would keep the news from reaching her at all.  When he could find the privacy, he diligently recorded everything that had transpired along his trip in a bound leather journal between the pages of which he kept a plaited lock of blond hair; his collection of unsent letters to her which he would give her when they saw each other again.

“You know,” Belwas remarked to Veren as they sat on the deck in the midday sun enjoying what passed as lunch for some and breakfast for others, “if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Wyll’s loss hit him pretty hard.”

Veren had heard plenty about the suspicions surrounding the altmer and couldn’t particularly bring himself to care.  Even if Em was Dominion, was it any worse of a secret than any other secret here?  Glass houses and all that.  “Maybe he’s just sick of smelling you.”

Belwas snorted.  “Can’t really blame him on that count.”

Veren watched the treeline along the riverbanks, wondering what lurked in the forest beyond.  Were there any more assassins following them as they moved along the river, running along the riverbank just beyond the trees?  He thought often about that day and wondered what would have happened if he’d been with one of the others, how it would’ve turned out.  His eyes drifted to Vyldrakas, though no movement of his head gave him away.  On the subject of the Dunmer mercenary and their affiliation, he’d chosen to keep quiet.  He didn’t feel obligated to tell anyone anything and he had no problem telling them it wasn’t their business.  Not even Vesa bothered trying to pry it out of him anymore.  He kept the heart packed away among his things; something else he thought of often.  Something else no one needed to know about.

Alavesa sat next to Bel and the two of them talked about Markarth.  “We can stay at my family’s house,” Vesa told Bel who nodded in agreement.  

“Ancestors know it doesn’t get much more comfortable than that,” Bel replied.  He turned his attention to Rieldunai.  “What do you think of that, Captain?”

[0]

[rieldunai]

[Revealing Embers]

[rieldunai]

|Master Post

[0]

Rieldunai set his armor down, let the folds fall over his knees as he adjusted his weight on the ground. More and more Veren was beginning to see something of a predatory nature to the way his friend walked, sat, and altogether moved really. It could all be attributed to Vyldrakas though she herself did not seem entirely primal. Then again, it could be something older than the curse that forever attached him to a dremora’s soul. For a short while Rieldunai was silent; a face of stone unmoving was all that Veren had to look at before his features broke into a smile and the silence was torn away by laughter.

“You sound more fucked up and insane than I do.” He said through his laughter though he kept his words hushed so that only the two of them could hear. “Anyone but me would be checking you for Sheogorath’s touch. Careful with who you pour your heart out on.” He teased before shoving Veren’s shoulder hard enough to send the coal eyed mer to his back.

“Belwas has an Aureal... er... Golden Saint, trapped inside of some old ring. Its a trinket he didn’t make but the daedra inside of it will serve him without question until its chains are broken or the ring falls under a new master. Belwas already knows about me - well, he’s hearing his little pet’s whispers. There’s still no proof. Without that there’s deniability. After all, Vyldrakas was once in a trinket.” He sighed brushing back his half hair. “More careful...” He muttered to himself as if the word were a wound.

“I’m not worried about you not being like other mer - here’s what I know.”

His eyes came across like hidden gems glistening with their own fire and set inside of ash covered stone. They were a surreal and altogether off putting vision to bear but they were the very reflection of Rieldunai’s soul. The very truth of him. Bastard prince and all.

“We’re brothers. Here and now. When your time comes, you’re going nowhere because its with me that you’re home. You got that? Take it however you want to take it but I’m your shore brother. I’m your ground. Vyldrakas and I have three shadows. One of them just isn’t sharing the same foundation. Savvy?” He winked and stood up. “Rest up, I hate going off without my shadow.”

[0]

“Yeah, well, maybe that’s why I haven’t told anyone but you.”

Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up. Just kept it to myself until I see Zanain again. ‘Some old ring’ he says. Is he being cute or has it really escaped him that the ‘old ring’ in question is an engagement ring? It’s hardly a trinket and how the hell can he make such a decisive statement about whether Bel made it? ‘His little pet’. As if daedra of any rank are so easy to dismiss.

The idea raises my hackles for a moment. I’m not sure why it affects me like it does, but there is an instance of pure rage that dies as quickly as it ignited. I look away from him before he can see it and listen to him talk while he dresses.

I prop my head up on my elbow and pick at the ragged edge of the pelt covering me. “Now you sound like Zanain. Except for the foundation nonsense.” I look over my shoulder at him. “Is that your decree, then? When I die, you’ll decide the fate of my soul? I don’t know that my ancestors are going to agree with you.”

Why is he even bringing this up? It’s a hell of a time to talk about dying. What happens to me upon death is hardly the most pressing issue on my mind right now. Avoiding it, however, is another matter. “I’m resting as fast as I can, but.. if it’s Brotherhood you’re going to deal with, then I should be involved.” Fuck this. I should be.

I push the furs off me and sit up. “Get me some fucking armor. I’m not lying around while you run off and have all the fun. Belwas, or no, though he’s welcome to come along. And I’m sure he suspects all kinds of things at this juncture.”

[0]

“Nope. You get to stay and recuperate - besides Alavesa would never... ever allow it. Ever.”

Rieldunai finished tying on the last of his armor and headed out of the tent - Veren would be pissed about it later, let him be. He’d rather that than strain the mer anymore than necessary or even angering his fire haired lover. Better to just seem a dismissive ass. Nodding to Belwas as he walked toward Alavesa he leaned over to whisper in her ear.

“We’ll be back shortly. Bit of unfinished business - I might’ve woken up Veren.” Kissing her on the tip of her ear he then approached Belwas. “Ready?”

[0]

An irritated Veren followed Rieldunai out of the tent only to be headed off by an even more stubborn Alavesa as Belwas left camp with Rieldunai. She wasn’t about to let Veren go charging into another fight, but she was agreeable to letting him sit by the fire with her and Emaarion.

Emaarion watched Belwas and Rieldunai leave as Veren took a seat near the fire. When they were out of sight, he shook his head and turned his attention back to his armor. Veren and Vesa both could feel Emaarion’s tension and wondered at it.

“You want help with that?” Veren asked, watching Emaarion. “I know what I’m doing.”

Emaarion looked over at Veren, somewhat surprised as much by the offer as by Veren’s apparent experience. “I didn’t expect you to. Not with steel plate, anyway.”

Veren shook his head. “I’m amazingly versatile.”

“And agile,” Em said smiling as he nodded. “Sure. I’d appreciate the time saved, actually.”

Alavesa watched as Veren moved closer to Em and the two of them began working in silence. After a few minutes, she interrupted the quiet, placing a hand on Em’s arm to get his attention. “What’s wrong? I mean, beyond the obvious.”

Em stopped what he was doing, his eyes moving to her hand, then along her arm, over her shoulder and finally to her face. He considered everything he could tell her about the state of things, about her pirate, about how she deserved better, could do better. He could ask her what the hell she thought was wrong, what wasn’t wrong with this particular day. Ultimately, he knew it was a waste of his breath. She was self destructive. He wasn’t. She was impulsive where he was thoughtful. And if he was being honest, she was somewhat self centered where he was more focused on the greater good. He looked back at her hand which had moved to cover his.

Grey flesh pressed against gold.

His smile was sardonic. He returned to what he was doing, causing her to pull her hand away. It was intentional, but it wasn’t obvious.

“It’s been a long day, Vesa, and it has the potential to be a long night.”

Alavesa knew there were things Emaarion wasn’t saying and she felt like she no longer had the right to pry, not that she ever did to begin with. She clasped her hands, nodding. “I’m sorry about Wyll.”

Em shook his head. “No one’s sorry about Wyll, but thank you for at least playing the part. Wyll wasn’t a good man, Alavesa. He doesn’t deserve your sympathy.”

“Oh, it’s not him I’m sympathizing with,” she replied, watching him more closely than she meant to.

“I don’t need it. Save it for Rieldunai. He lost much more today than I did.”

Veren looked over, listening to the two of them talk, and knew Emaarion was referring to Artax. “He lost a horse,” Veren interjected, mostly just to see what the response was. He was gifted with a scathing look from Alavesa. “A horse that fought very valiantly…” Veren amended.

Em shook his head. “You spend enough time with your horse, fight enough battles on his back, and he’s not just a horse after a while.”

Veren’s reply to that was to laugh outright and shake his head. “How do you do it? All that armor must be burdensome as fuck and hard as hell to carry around all the time. How do you make yourself say the most understanding things when you want so badly to punch him in the mouth?”

Em knew Veren wasn’t talking about his physical armor. “Because I have to,” was all he said.

Alavesa and Veren exchanged a curious look and Veren looked back at Em. “Because you’re a soldier? Because you’re that disciplined? Is it in your blood, Em?”

Em sighed and shook his head. “It’s in my upbringing. Why do you engage in social niceties you, in reality, have no use or patience for?” He looked over at Veren. “Because whether we like it or not, other people’s opinions do matter and the better the opinion, the better we can do our jobs and live our lives.”

Veren’s black eyes reflected the firelight as he looked back at Emaarion. “And keeps us off the list of suspects.”

Emaarion nodded. “And keeps society from falling into anarchy.”

Veren smiled again. “Or, in this case, our party.” He shook his head and focused on the armor he was holding.

Alavesa had long since decided she had no idea what they were talking about. She’d been keeping up for a while, but eventually, it became clear that there was more being said in this discussion than she could translate. Finally giving up, she stood and walked towards her tent.

“I’m going to try and get some sleep. Don’t let Veren go after them.”

Em glanced at Veren who started to say something, but feeling Vyldraka’s weight press in on him, changed his mind. He shrugged instead. “I’m not going anywhere. I wouldn’t want to deal with Vesa when I got back.”

Em nodded and went back to cleaning his cuirass. “So, who’s the girl?” he asked Veren, referring to the Dunmer mercenary.

Veren smiled. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

[0]

[rieldunai]

[Revealing Embers]

[rieldunai]

|Master Post

[0]

“Fuck you, of course you don’t get presents.” Rieldunai half heartedly says this as he’s too busy running over his friend’s admittance and general behavior.

Sliding the parcel onto his lap he sighs a moment and looks over to him before taking a small side long glance toward the tent’s entrance. We’re going to be together forever my brother, of that you can be certain of. In what condition however, I’ll never truly know.

“I’ll tell you this....” He flicked his elongated canines with his tongue before continuing. “Dremora are made by design. All Daedra are really but Dremora can grow - evolve is more like it - in their capacity. They call it ‘dynamics’ which is to say they’re more complex than their weaker counterparts. Meaning simply this: The more powerful they are the more capable, and to them power doesn’t come from their physical prowess. Not the smart ones at least.” His smile was warm because it was the first time in his life he was sharing any of this with anyone - any of the knowledge he had. Intimate as it was and where it came from. Sharing it was one thing but knowing he would not be judged for it... that was a luxurious reward indeed. “She loves you because she can though, well... you know its nothing like the love I have for Alavesa... any mortal love really. Its complicated.” He shook his head laughing when Veren gave him the ‘you think?’ look.

“The healer had a Dominion scout trailing her - male bosmer - he went back to camp when he saw our vessel but was immediately stopped by three nords. One of them a woman, the other two men. They’re not going to let the Bosmer tell his superiors about us because they’re brotherhood. Don’t worry. Belwas and I are handling it while the others stay here. I’ve ordered Vyldrakas to kill the healer if she makes a move to run for it, and the rest I’m leaving up to Alavesa and Emaarion.” He began to untie the string from his parcel as he spoke. “Belwas, I think, suspects there’s something up with me - which, whatever... You and Vyldrakas need to play at whatever role you’ve decided without including me in it. Just to be safe she’s staying in that guise at least until Markarth.”

Ripping open the last of it Rieldunai pulled out what appeared to be a leathery tunic of some pearlescent coloration - like metal heated for too long and dipped in water. The tunic would hang low on him though not nearly as low as his coat of armor. From that same parcel he pulled out two metal pauldrons; scaled and appearing like sectioned plates of bone. There was something familiar about it to Veren’s senses. Something wholly comfortable... something akin to the feeling he had when holding his daedric daggers, or even the daedric ‘heart’ given to him by Vyldrakas.

“Teach a dragon to fuck with a daedric caster hmm?” Rieldunai muttered with a vicious smile towards Veren.

[0]

Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised. After all, isn’t there a story about some daughter of Molag Bal who was romantically involved with some storm or frost atronach? If an atronach has the capacity for romantic relationships, why wouldn’t a Dremora? I really hate the word ‘romantic’.

“You need to be more careful. We’re not surrounded by stupid, harmless people. We’re surrounded by highly intelligent people who see everything and pretend to see nothing until it serves them. We can see what they do, but we can’t read their minds. And Belwas…”

What about Belwas? Well, he has that ring, that’s what. The ring that feels like Rieldunai when Vyldrakas is nested snugly within him, that feels like the heart in my hands and the armor in Riel’s. I sigh because I have to talk about this. I have to explain it. I was going to have to at some point anyway.

Raking my hand through my hair and lowering my voice, I begin.

“Look.. I’m not.. like.. other people. I’ve always been a little different but not all that different from any other boy that takes up murder as a career. Lately, though, something’s changed. I’ve changed. It started a couple of months ago with this recurring dream I have and it’s getting worse. I hear things when I’m asleep or unconscious. They started out as chattering voices but now I’m starting to understand them. I know things I shouldn’t know, that I never knew before. Like.. suddenly I can understand Daedric and apparently speak it. Vyldrakas can’t hide herself from me because I feel her. I’m not talking like.. sensing her. I mean I actually feel the weight of her.”

I laugh and I think, momentarily, that I sound like I’m losing my mind. “I mean.. like when I met her. Any other day, I would’ve taken to the shadows and run like a little bitch, but that day? I couldn’t stop myself, Rieldunai. I tried, but I couldn’t. I had to challenge her. It was like I wasn’t even in control of myself. I have this switch in my head and it just.. flipped. That happens sometimes. Turns me into something else. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s just.. me. And I can talk to her in my head, like you do. Granted, that one she had to teach me, but still. I can do it to other people, too. Like the vampire. I did it to the vampire. In Daedric. I have this recently discovered bloodlust, too, that we don’t need to get into. The point is.. it’s kind of fucking scary so I’ve been ignoring it. Like I’ve been ignoring some things you’ve said, things she’s said. So, anyway.. I can feel her. I could feel her the night we met. I could feel her presence around you when we were alone. When no one else could. And when I met her, she just felt so damn.. familiar. Like.. the, uh.. creatures I feel skittering around on the edge of my consciousness when I’m swimming in blackness.”

You know.. they say confession is good for the soul, but damned if it doesn’t sound even crazier out loud than it did in my head.

“I feel her and she leaves me empty when she pulls away. It’s the same with Belwas’ ring. I mean, that I can feel it. Something in it. Something that feels similar to Vyldrakas.”

I nod toward the shiny new armor. “I can feel that, too, but it’s different. It’s like.. it draws me to it. There are other things, but.. they aren’t as important.”

There. I’m done. It’s out and I wait for either the look of concern slash pity or the riotous laughter. I really hope he laughs.

[0]

[rieldunai]

[Revealing Embers]

[rieldunai]

|Master Post

[0]

“Whoa. No, what I’m not apologizing for being ambushed and tortured - no that’s all your fault. I’m apologizing for giving up, even a little bit back there. I was done. Not anymore though... I’m too invested in this life, and in my family.” When he spoke the word family his eyes told Veren exactly what he meant by it - and who. “What I’m promising is to never give up like that again. Ever.” Despite himself, how desperately he tried, his body hung heavy the sorrow of losing Artax was enough to feel like lead weight on his shoulders.

It was that he had of home. All that reminded him and represented the ‘good life’ he was waiting to reclaim. Artax was more than a companion, a friend, and a guardian. The damned horse was a memory too... and Skyrim had taken that from him. Like it had so very many things.

With every bit of good this land gives me it takes something precious away from me.

“I’d sooner see the world burn before I let myself slip like that again.” He promised.

Rieldunai reached over and grabbed the small deadric metal that Vyldrakas had, no doubt, created for Veren. Turning over this way and that he let the small gift fall to Veren’s hand before smiling and patting him on the shoulder.

“Dremora like to collect trophies - when they are offered trophies as tokens, gifts, and all the sort they make a decision. To respect the offering or praise the offering. When they praise the offering they tend to put something of theirs into it and offer it back. So... in case it was lost on you I think she just told you she loves you.”

Finally looking over to his armor and clicking his tongue he shoved the garment aside and pulled out a small parcel from inside of his backpack. I really didn’t want to use this... but I can’t take any chances inside of that camp.

[0]

I know I’m going to sound like a complete prick when I say what I say next, but I do it out of love. Because that’s the truth. I love him like a brother. There are times I can’t even say that about Zanain. Not because of him or anything between us. But because of me and who I am. Love is a feeling and my feelings tend to come and go. I love him like a brother one day and the next, he could be a stranger for all the feeling I have for him. But with Rieldunai, it’s different. It doesn’t come, it doesn’t go. It just is. And it’s for this reason that I can’t let him go on like he is.

“You don’t apologize for ‘giving up for a little bit there’. That’s ridiculous. Because ultimately, you didn’t give up altogether. You didn’t when it was most important. We didn’t suffer any more or less because of it. In the end, you giving up even just a little bit was essentially meaningless and all that matters is the end result and that we’re alive now. I don’t care about anything else and you shouldn’t either. But.. you know.. if it makes you feel better..”

I have to smile because I am who I am and we are who we are. “Go kill me something and bring me it’s heart because that’s how true warriors do things apparently.”

I take the heart when he gives it to me and turn it over in my hands. I didn’t realize she was giving it back to me. I didn’t really realize the significance of any of it at the time. But I wasn’t exactly working overtime to try and understand, either. I listen to what he has to say about it and suddenly it takes on a whole new meaning, as well it should. But what he says after… I don’t even know how to respond.

“Yeah. It was totally lost on me. Because I’m an idiot, relationships are completely alien to me and I honestly didn’t think Dremora could feel like that.”

I’m in awe. I’m overwhelmed. I look at Rieldunai and I can’t hide my own feelings about what he’s told me, about Vyldrakas. I’m going to say the words. Words I’ve never said about anyone or ever thought I would. I just might choke on them in the process, they are so strange and otherworldly to me.

“I love her, too.” When did I realize it? I’m still not sure. If I had any doubts, they were cleared up for me tied to that chair while she was in that prison being humiliated. The words themselves aren’t anything special. Just three little words that people say all the time. What makes them special and meaningful is that I’m the one saying them and who I’m saying them about. They came easier than I expected, but not so easy as to be without meaning.

“You know.. not that I’d say that to her. Not out loud in words, anyway, because I kind of value my heart and would like to keep it beating in my chest.”

I look down at the heart I’m holding in my hands and realize that’s what she’s given me. Her heart, at least in the way mortals see such a gesture, and I’m overwhelmed again. I don’t feel worthy of her.

“How black my heart, roasting fiercely.”

There’s so much I could say to him about her, about the promise I made her and the promises I made myself should I lose either of them, but we’re not people who talk about things like that. Even what Rieldunai has said so far is more than we normally would. Instead, I just sit there looking at the daedric heart in my hands. I don’t trust my voice. I feel like I could shatter if a wind blew strongly enough.

Then he draws my attention with his movements and pulls something out of his backpack. I burst out laughing.

“Oh, man. Tell me you’re not giving me presents, too, now.”

[0]

[rieldunai]

[Revealing Embers]

[rieldunai]

|Master Post

[0]

“A little daedra told me so.” He replied equally as nonchalantly.

[0]

Belwas smiled and raked his damp hair from his forehead. “Well, that gives you a bit of an unfair advantage over the rest of us, doesn’t it?”

[0]

“No more than your little unfair advantage over a certain someone.”

Having finally reached their camp Rieldunai took a small look around; Emaarion was making himself busy with cleaning and maintaining his armor, the supplies of which were strewn all around him in a neat order for easy reach. Alavesa was working tirelessly on her journal, likely something to distract herself or simply ensure a precise account of their events was in order. Rieldunai need only take a small glance in the direction of his tent to know that Veren was sound asleep and comfortably, for once. Off to their easternmost end was the healer’s tent. All clear there.

“What ‘certain someone’?”

The question made Rieldunai pause in his advance, one clearly being made toward Alavesa, and turn to face him from over his shoulder. “I’m walking into this blind where you’ve got experience on your side - not that I mean to interrogate you on what makes Alavesa tick.” He replied in a hushed manner.

[0]

If Belwas looked surprised by Rieldunai’s response, it’s because he was, but he recovered within a fraction of a second and shook his head. “That is a discussion for another time and one that could take a while. I might not answer all of your questions, but you’re free to ask,” he whispered back. Leaving Rieldunai’s side, he walked over to Emaarion and nudged him, waiting for the Altmer to look acknowledge him before he spoke.

“When we get back, I’ll take the night watch. You need the sleep.”

Emaarion nodded in response but didn’t speak. He simply went back to what he was doing leaving Belwas to observe him for a moment. The Altmer had been on this trip much longer than originally anticipated, considering he was originally only supposed to ensure Vesa, Soren and Ray made it to Markarth. He couldn’t help but wonder when the last time Emaarion saw home was and for that reason alone, he had to admit to having some small bit of sympathy for him.

Alavesa looked up from her journal when Belwas walked into the camp and watched him with Emaarion for a moment before looking over at Rieldunai.

“He’s sleeping,” she said quietly. “He should be fine in the morning. And… what happened to your hair?” she asked, tilting her head.

[0]

“Belwas and I got into a catfight while bathing. You should’ve been there.” He said smiling before turning away and heading quietly into his tent.

Tip toeing around Veren was as pointless as tits on a guar so though he made some effort to keep it quiet enough for the mer to sleep it ultimately proved futile when he felt a warm hand grasp his ankle. He was in the midst of reaching over to grab his backpack when the suddenness of Veren’s actions came to bear, nevertheless, it did not startle him.

“Shhh. You’re supposed to be sleeping and I’m supposed to be quietly sneaking around you.” He whispered.

[0]

“Hmmph.” Vesa snorted. “Then why does he still have all his hair?” It wasn’t a question meant to be answered nor did she wait for one. She smiled, shaking her head and went back to her writing.

Inside the tent, Veren was a little more vocal. “You sneak like a whore fucks,” he whispered back, smirking up at Rieldunai as he watched him through his coal black eyes that glinted with amusement. “Loudly.” Rolling over on his side, turning his back to his friend, he continued. “We’re going to have to work on that.” He was silent for a moment before speaking again and this time the smile could be heard in his tone. “By the way, I’ve been forgiven.”

[0]

Rieldunai shot Veren a mock pout. “Aww. Gimme more credit than that...” He thought for a moment rolling his lip ring with his tongue and went toward rummaging through his gear - no longer caring about being silent.

“ ‘sides, you can hear the dead decay don’t even tell me I could ever sneak past you.” Chuckling for a moment he stopped what he was doing and looked over to Veren, spotting the daedric ‘heart’ that was now beside the coal-eyed mer. “Veren I...” His words caught in his throat as he slumped down, legs tucked underneath him and his hands still on his torn and useless armor. “It won’t happen again.”

[0]

“Ha! Hearing the dead decay isn’t a special talent when you’ve lived with Zanain. Trust me on that.”

I thought that comment was funny, but what he says next makes me roll back over and look at him like I’m concerned for his mind.

‘It won’t happen again’? What is he.. is he crazy? Well, of course he’s crazy. But this apologizing thing that I know he’s doing does not work for me. It’s not just crazy. It’s fucking insane. He’s trying to apologize to me. Like he’s the one that somehow fucked up or it was somehow his responsibility or his fault. I have to sit up for this, so I do.

“Look.. don’t do that. Don’t act like it’s your fault or something. I’d actually be pretty damn happy to just forget this whole day, even. It’s not exactly one of my crowning achievements, you know? Hell, if anyone should be apologizing, it’s me.”

[jakesjohnson-deactivated2016090]

[rieldunai]

me...

[This is why Riel-Mod seems to be missing. That, and honestly I got nothing in me worth telling that relates to Skyrim at the moment. THIS and THIS have essentially stolen my muse. I shall continue to (try) and update Rieldunai's most current chapters... Once a day or twice a day at least. To those who love this character - fear not, he and the others will return. Seeing how loud they are I gather they won't stay quiet for long.]