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SPOILER INFO
This fanfic novel is largely based on the events that occurred in an actual game of Skyrim I played. Therefore, it's inevitably a spoiler.
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previous day
4-202-03-27 13:33
Jerall View Inn, Bruma, Bruma County, Cyrodiil
Stantus gives me a bounty letter that has just arrived. Those bandits in the Capstone Cave between here and Applewatch whom I told you I suspected in some kind of a corrupt agreement with the guards at the Western Watchtower – the count has decided he wants them all killed. We have some business in Applewatch anyway, so we can take care of those bandits along the way.
Outside our inn, I see the newsboy Leo and motion him to approach. I ask him if he can tell me more about the background of Cedus's accusation against Dar'taqto. He says he doesn't (or maybe is reluctant to talk) and suggests Crouches-In-Crevices might know more about such things.
The girls and I walk to the stables where I ask the proprietress Ila to do me a favor and watch Scruffy for one day, and, if possible, take care of his injuries. I mean, it's clear to me that dogs are somewhat different from horses, but still, maybe she can do something for him. The stables are outside the city walls, so I hope the poor animal won't be too unhappy there.
Then I head for Applewatch with my followers.
When I tell Gergus that Red Diamond is dead, he says it doesn't really matter much to him, and then he goes on like "well, it's a pity, of course, but it doesn't really matter so much". I just have to say that they must have been very close. (I mean, for starters, no normal person would call a horse Red Diamond.) I regret it the next moment, because Gergus breaks down completely. It's a very sad sight to see a man lose it like that. Lydia says afterwards it was fascinating, but I disagree.
We depart hastily for Capstone Cave where we succeed in killing those bandits without much trouble.
I'm testing a new kind of fire arrows. My followers still use Ice Storm staffs.
It takes time, though, so it's evening already by the time we run back to the city. The steward is no longer in the throne room. I'm not sure if it's considered proper for me to seek him out in his living quarters at this late hour. So we go and find out. No, Rignar is not offended at all. He is quite happy and in fact lets a servant fetch a clerk and we walk to the treasury where he hands me out my reward. Just like the last time, I have to sign a receipt.
Now the girls and I chill a little bit in the library lounge and browse some books.
I ask Jordis: "Who is better, Hreinn or Gryfard?"
"Hreinn," she replies without thinking. "We have much more in common. Gryfard is... I don't know. Breton men are really cool, but I feel more comfortable with someone of my own race."
"Laura doesn't seem to share that opinion," says Lydia.
Indeed, I realize I have made love to only one Breton man during my Skyrim adventure. And even that was that creep Athragar.
"I wouldn't say that," I reply. "I have certainly nothing against Breton men. It's just that I haven't met any interesting ones in Skyrim. Cyrodiil seems different. Anyway," I want to change the subject, "what's so special about Hreinn?"
"He is gentle and witty. And he knows so much. He talks a lot to travelers who visit the inn, and he has heard some amazing stories."
"So why haven't you told us?"
"If he knew where the Silver-Bloods were hiding, I would have told you. But the rest of our conversations are between us. It's something that bonds us and sets us apart from the other people."
"I agree with Laura – the Bretons in Cyrodiil seem different," says Lydia. "Ambric is truly amazing in bed."
"So is Gryfard, but that's not the most important thing."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that I doubt that I could ever have such deep connection with Gryfard as I'm having with Hreinn," explains Jordis. "Sure enough, I don't get an orgasm every time with Hreinn, but it doesn't matter. I don't mind pleasing him."
I think I know how she feels. "I have a theory that women who focus on the physical pleasure do so because they can't get the emotional one."
Jordis nods. "If a man can't fulfill your emotional needs then you want at least orgasms."
I can see that Lydia isn't getting this.
"Jenassa, what is the most important thing in a relationship?" I ask.
"Safety." I'm not surprised, considering her history, even the little I know about it. Evidently reluctant to elaborate, she asks: "Lydia?"
"Commitment. Laura?"
"Loyalty. Jordis?"
Jordis has to think for a few seconds. "Extraordinariness."
Then it's time to head back for our inn. We intend to go north tomorrow and see if Erlus of Snowstone Rest would like to have a new dog. After that, we'll proceed to Skyrim or maybe come back to the southwest and explore the Ayleid ruin Rielle, depending on my mood.
Before returning to the inn, though, we peek into the count's living quarters, but the guards make it clear to us that we are not welcome there, at least not this late in the evening. We take our leave and go out to admire the fabulous clear night sky with the stars and the smaller moon Secunda.
next awakening
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