Chapter 5 | Outsider
Entry posted by Stanoth in TES V: Skyrim - Lucille's journey
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OUTSIDER
When I finally regained my senses, I could only realize how messed up I was: tied up in a yoke, my feet chained together and, worst of all, the ring gag forcing my open mouth. I tried to struggle against my predicament with what little strength I had left. This caught the Legion soldier's attention behind me:
"Oh, you're awake! Good, I won't have to carry you all the way to Falkreath. I'll unlock your ankle cuffs and pour some water in you. We'll leave afterwards."
I felt so weak, dirty and numb all over. During the escort, I stumbled along the cobbled road. My bare feet were getting sore and the soldier didn't give a damn about my condition, he was too busy staring at my ass. Among my previous imprisonments, this one proved to be quite hard to stomach.
About two hours of walking later, I was delivered to the Falkreath guard barracks. Forced onto my knees, the shame growing inside me... At least no one witnessed the scene.
"The Legion is passing this prisoner on to you. She was captured in Helgen, so she falls within your authority."
"Well, you certainly had your hands full with her! What did she do?"
"She committed theft crimes in Whiterun and escaped from their prison. Now if you'll excuse me I must be going."
I was handcuffed and escorted to the cells. The female warden in charge supervised my arrival:
"Listen up, Breton. You'll be locked in the main cell with food and a bucket. If you try any tricks or bother me, you'll end up in the punishment cell, got it?"
"I understand, yes. Do you mind letting the jarl's steward know that I've dealt with Bashnag and that I'm locked up here? Please, she'll plead my case, I promise!"
"Yeah right, I'll spread the word. To the cell, now!"
I spent the day in cell, waiting for the guard to bring up my claim. I was miserable, but I didn't have to suffer the dreadful treatment from the Legion. As I contemplated my cell's void, playing with my toes, another guard burst into the room.
"Ulfric Stormcloak escaped! They say he summoned a dragon and destroyed Helgen, leaving nothing but ruins!"
"No way! Dragons are just legends, they don't exist! Oh before I forget, my captive asked for the steward, she supposed to have defeated Bashnag or something."
"Really? Damn, she's tough if that's true. I'll pass it along."
A few hours later, the warden came to open my cell door.
"Looks like it's your lucky day, Breton! The steward has paid your bounty, so you're free to go."
I was so relieved and happy that I celebrated like a child.
"Stop dancing and go meet Nenya! She's expecting you at the Dead Man's Drink Inn."
The inn was empty. Only the owner herself occupied the space, tidying up the place before customers showed up for the evening.
"Lucille, right? The steward is waiting for you upstairs. Sorry in advance but Delacourt is no longer here, he went back to the Bard Academy in Solitude. Is there anything else you need?"
"Yes, as you can see, I'm a bit dirty so I could use a bath. I also left some things here with Delacourt. Any idea where they are?
"I'll find them for you and prepare your bath in the basement. Feel free to have it when you're done with Nenya!"
"Ah, there you are! I hope your stay in our prison wasn't too hard, and I'm sorry for how it was handled. With the war on, the Legion considers themselves entitled to be above the rest."
"Judging by how they treated me, I'll give you that... Thanks for getting me out of there! By the way, why did you bail me out? Did you find Bashnag? I managed to injure him before I had to break free..."
"That's why I'm here! The town of Falkreath owes you a debt of gratitude. Please have a seat and tell me what happened."
So I recounted my quest, how I got rid of Bashnag's minions before falling captive to him. And how I escaped and survived in the mountains thanks to an abandoned shack, without mentioning Angi until Helgen and my arrest. When I finished, the Altmer elf stood up and tossed me a coin purse. My face lit up with a grin.
"Here's your reward, 250 gold coins. Half because of your bounty to clear. Bashnag tried to cross the border into Cyrodiil. From what I heard, he fought with a pickaxe stuck in his back and the guards were able to take him out! You can relax now and don't spend it all at once!"
After this good news, I went for my second treat: a bath to wash off the grime of recent events. You can't imagine how damned good it felt! Dipping your numb naked body in the bathtub's heated water, let your legs float on the surface...
"Hey, I see you staring at my feet! I don't mind, but don't forget you can also admire my pretty face, my breasts or my vagina... Stuck on my soles, aren't you? I get it, they're divine!"
I stayed for an easy half-hour. When the water turned chilly, it was time to step out. I dried off a bit with a towel left by the innkeeper. She offered to let me overnight, at half price, which I gladly accepted. Probably her way to make up for Delacourt's departure, I missed our short dates a little...
I went back upstairs to one of the single rooms. I dressed myself in the first underwear found in the dresser and collapsed like a stone into bed. My last real night's sleep had been at Angi's, nearly a week ago. Tomorrow was going to be a long day: heading off to Markarth in search of Enigma's past.
Early in the morning, I bought some provisions from the innkeeper, who had found my belongings I left behind prior to my quest. She also recommended a forest path to gain a couple of hours, meaning I could reach Markarth before nightfall.
The Falkreath's forest was lush with tall trees and dense vegetation. Occasionally, rabbits and wolves roamed around, but stayed off the trail. The innkeeper had indicated certain points of interest, and if I crossed them, I was going in the right direction like this abandoned tower in the distance. I just had to continue northeast to reach the main road.
It was around noon when I finally made it. The major routes were always signposted to help merchants and travellers move safely in the right direction. Perhaps I could find a nice little spot further away to rest and enjoy a lunch break...
The main road followed a river below. When the two met, I decided to stop. The weather was mild and beautiful, and the water seemed so pure... I took out my satchel full of coins and my shoes to dip my toes in. It would have been criminal to miss this chance...
As I'd expected, the water was cool, but once my feet were in it, it felt quite refreshing! I bent down to hydrate myself, the fresh water invigorating me after a half-day's walk. Next, I had to eat a snack.
I sat down on the small island to taste my rabbit haunch. It was a pleasant break. I cared about nothing else but the current moment, just basking in nature's glow. Plus, I could play with my dangling feet in the water! To my delight and yours, am I right?
I set off again, crossing a bridge towards Markarth. My attention focused on the roadside altar, dedicated to one of Tamriel's deities. I wasn't one of those people who believed in religion, but there were always some offerings being made...
As I approached, I recognized it stood for the goddess Dibella, symbolizing beauty, love and arts. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I snatched this precious gold from her... I'm a thief, remember? One who got herself into a lot of trouble, certainly, but I remained one.
A few steps ahead, I encountered a caravan of itinerant merchants. The Khajiits were agile, feline-headed humanoids who excelled in trade and theft. Because of that reputation, they were only allowed to sell their wares at the gates of Skyrim's cities. In a way, I could relate to them: a complete outsider to this land.
Night was falling in the Reach, so I should be close to Markarth. I had walked throughout the day and began to feel tired, especially on this climb. The person above me did it in one go, Nord's people were just built differently...
It was worth the effort, and when I reached the top, I could see the road leading down into the city. I felt astonished! In all my life, I had never seen such magnificent structures. I realized why this place had played a key political role in Tamriel's history: whoever controlled this citadel controlled the territory between Skyrim and Highrock.
At last, Markarth! Soon, my queries about my past would come to light.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
So... Lucille finally reached Markarth! Seeking answers from the city's history or its people, she'll have to be careful: Markarth is not without danger... I'm sure you already have some thoughts on what or who might be helpful for our Breton girl!
I've tried to make this chapter more environmental, taking the route from Falkreath to Markarth and figuring out what I could take as screenshots and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!
For sex enthusiasts, I'm not forgetting you, who knows, Lucille may have to get wet next... 
Edited by Stanoth
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