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Flame-Child: Part Two Chapter Ten: Conflict


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Flame-Child: Part Two
Chapter Ten: Conflict

 

Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2777-flame-child-part-two-chapter-nine-forces/
Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2801-flame-child-part-two-chapter-eleven-conflict-2/

 

Carciel

 


“Hu’la bing me ’nother bottle.”

 

The innkeeper sighed as she poured the Breton another drink. “Carciel dear, I think you should slow down. You’ve been in here for a full day, drinking nonstop. Maybe you—”

 

Carciel slammed the mug down and glared at Hulda. “Ale. Now!”
Pt2_Chp10_001.jpgHulda threw her hands into the air, gave the Breton her poison and went off to deal with her other patrons.

 

As Carciel gulped down what mush have been her third drink in the last hour she was amazed that she hadn’t died or passed out yet. It had been twenty six hours since the kiss that sent electricity through her veins and made her feel more alive than she ever had, and each hour since she had had two bottles of ale. It wasn’t to wash down the taste, because even now she could feel Niyleen’s lips against hers, she could still hear herself taking the Halfling’s breath away, still smell, still taste, still crave the Redguard to the point that it was all that filled her mind. That was what the drinks were for.
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“Hun’ng blu swill, fawking weak sheet…” But the drinks weren’t working, and if she went back to that den and met Niyleen… “GAAAAAAWDS!” She bawled, making everyone turn to face her. “I shunt dun dat, I shunt kissser… Why… Hu’la, why I dint it?”
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Hulda smiled nervously and approached Carciel slowly. “I-I think you’ve had enough dear,” she said as she grabbed the bottle from her. “How about you—”

 

“NO!” Carciel jumped from her seat and wrenched back to punch the Nord before she suddenly found herself well acquainted with the wooden floor. Twenty six hours and fifty three drinks later, her equilibrium was gone. (Can’t I just blackout already?)Pt2_Chp10_004.jpg

 

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Everything would be so much easier if she could. She could face Niyleen, tell her everything she truly felt, not feel ashamed or embarrassed about it, and she wouldn’t even remember doing it! But unlike her equilibrium, her consciousness was still with her and Carciel couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at her actions, even more so because no one had laughed about it. If they had, she could pass it off as a drunken incident, but now it’s as if she had a problem. A problem not even Carciel knew how to fix. How was she supposed to get over the first person besides her sister that she had ever loved?
Pt2_Chp10_009.jpgAs she was struggling to get up, Sinmir walked over and said while extending his hand, “Drunken fool, need a hand up?”

 

Carciel spat and swatted it away. “Taak ta me like dat? Youuuusless N’rd trash. Leaf da fawking inn ‘fore ya jug me!”Pt2_Chp10_011.jpg

 

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Rage flashed on Sinmir’s face. “No good belligerent wench! You’ll pay for—”
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“FUS RO!”

 

Suddenly Sinmir was flung across the inn and silence followed, except from Carciel who was busy shouting unintelligible words and rolling about on the floor. When she finally got her bearings and the ringing in her ears lessened, Carciel—like everyone else in attendance—stood wide eyed at the source of that deafening shout.Pt2_Chp10_014.jpg

 

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(Dragonborn…) “Soreeeerica?” Carciel hiccupped. “I’ve gaahta *hic* be drunk… Slayer’san Imperial?”Pt2_Chp10_020.jpg

 

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At once everyone began gossiping among themselves and in the commotion Carciel was swept off her feet and out of the inn.
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The cool air sobered Carciel up a bit and her thoughts were torn between Niyleen and this sudden development. “I can’t believe… Sorerica is… Dragonborn… gods be praised…”

 

“So it’s not only me…” An unfamiliar voice said to her right.
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“Fine, whatever. Now all of Skyrim’s gonna know,” a familiar voice said with a sigh. “Just don’t go around and start treating me different. Okay?”

 

“Never, Thane Sorerica. I shall still treat you as I’ve always done.”`

 

“Jordis…”Pt2_Chp10_024.jpg

 

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“…me down…”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Put me down! I’m gonna… I’M GONNA—!”

 

Quickly the Nord put Carciel down and after taking a few steps, those drinks finally caught up to and came out of her. After what seemed like forever, she finally finished and staggered back to the duo and looked at them with glazed eyes. Sorerica, the short haired Nord with the warpaint was the same one she’d met in Markarth when Niyleen had gone missing. There were a few questions she wanted to ask, but talking seemed to be a bit mush at this point.Pt2_Chp10_027.jpg

 

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So Sorerica took the lead. “One too many huh?”

 

Just thinking about how many drinks she had had almost made Carciel throw up again.

 

Seeing Carciel’s reaction Jordis gave Sorerica a fierce look. “My Thane!”

 

Sorerica shrugged. “Happens to the best of us. Anyway, how’d we get here? I mean, to this.”
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Carciel knew what she was really asking. What happened to get you in such a state? Feeling her legs give out, Carciel took a seat. “…Niyleen,” she was finally able to say after a prolonged silence.
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“Niyleen?” Sorerica said, raising her voice. “Ah that Redguar-er, I mean, Halfling chick you were looking for in Markarth?” Carciel nodded. “Well I’ll be… you found her. That’s wonderful news!”
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And just like that Carciel began crying. (And I just as easily lost her. How can I face her after that? What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to act? There’s no way we can go back to being just friends… I don’t want to burden her with doing things… acting differently because of how I may react. This isn’t fair. THIS ISN’T FAIR!)
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“W-whoa! W-what’s wrong? Did I—”

 

Jordis stepped in and shook her head. “Sometimes, my Thane, it is best for a maiden to just cleanse herself of her burdens else she be shackled by them.”

 

“But I—”
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Jordis looked at her sternly. “This is a matter of the heart. Please don’t make this more difficult for her.”

 

Sorerica looked like she was about to protest, but let it go and the duo let Carciel cry until she had had her fill. When she finally stopped she felt refreshed and her mind felt clear. “I’m sorry,” were the first words to part her lips. She wasn’t exactly saying it to the two Nords, but rather to herself and everyone she had offended over the last day.
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“Apology accepted,” Sorerica said with a grin.

 

Carciel gave her one in return. “So what are you guys doing here in Whiterun?”

 

Sorerica shrugged. “Official Imperial business.”
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Carciel blinked, and remembered the garb her friend was wearing. “Since… since when?”
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Sorerica was about to respond, but was stopped by Jordis. “Ever since my Thane made her intentions clear to the people of Solitude over a month ago to be at the forefront of this war and single handedly be the instrument that ends it.”

 

Carciel smirked at Sorerica who rolled her eyes. “An… instrument to end the war?”

 

“I’m sick of my home being wrapped up in a madman’s war. A freelance Slayer can only do so much, whereas an honor bound Hero can do much more.”

 

Carciel nodded. She may not have been a part of the war, but she could clearly see its effects on the land as a whole. Families divided, torn apart, children being orphaned. It was enough to make one sick. Getting to her feet, the Breton was still off tilt, but decided it was better than letting her legs fall asleep. “And I guess a… Dragonborn… can actually put your words into action.”
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Sorerica narrowed her eyes. “Hi dahmaan? So you actually remember that? That I’m Dovahkiin? Dragonborn?”

 

“Aye, I do.”
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Silence engulfed the two and again Carciel was able to gather her thoughts. (The Daedric Princes want Niyleen and the Dragonborn. Sorerica is the Dragonborn! But if that’s the case…) A lingering thought about Niyleen ruined the Breton’s concentration and blew her thoughts away. (…She tasted so sweet… like a crostata…)

 

“So where are you lodging,” Sorerica said making Carciel refocus her thoughts. “Is it back at the Bannered Mare?”

 

Carciel shook her head, a bit too fast, and had to swallow hard to prevent herself from vomiting on the Nords. “Out… town,” she said trying to hold it down.
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“My Thane, we should escort her there,” Jordis said. “It would be the right thing to do for anyone in her predicament.”

 

Sorerica nodded. “Well then—”

 

“Eeek!” Carciel yelped as she was suddenly swooped off of her feet.

 

“Now no fussing,” Sorerica said with a warm nurturing tone that didn’t exactly fit her. “Let me do the walking while you do the talking. Deal?”

 

Carciel struggled a bit to free herself from the Nord’s grasp, but when it proved ineffective, she bore down and allowed herself to be carried off like a damsel as she shared what she knew with the two Nords.Pt2_Chp10_041.jpg

 

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Nyleine

 


“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry,” Nyleine wept alone in the den. “Please Big Sis… come back… I don’t want to be alone…” she said reaching for the den’s entrance.Pt2_Chp10_045.jpg

 

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STAY HEREIPt2_Chp9_085.jpg

 

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She drew her hand back terrified. Nyleine, after all she had went through with her father as a child, had never seen herself as a submissive person although she had once followed all of her father’s instructions to the letter. But those two words, that one command shattered all the independence, dominance, and confidence that Nyleine had once prided herself in. It wasn’t the command itself but rather what it entailed when it was spoken. Stay here or else I’ll do worse to you than shove you to the ground. It was a threat, a warning, a promise that if Niyleen didn’t comply there’s no telling what may befall her.
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I’m going out on an assignment.
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A lie. Nyleine knew it from the moment it was spoken, but it was confirmed by her absence still. All of Niyleen’s assignments had only been roughly six hours each the longest taking half a day, yet over a day has gone by and here she was, still alone. She knew where her sister went off to. To play the good sister and try to make things right with Carciel, but it shouldn’t take this long. Not unless…

 

I think it’s best if the three of us cool our heads for the time being.
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(What if Big Sis didn’t choose either of us…) It was a thought that Nyleine didn’t want to entertain, but what if things went wrong when Niyleen went to make amends with Carciel and now Carciel hated both the sisters equally? “I don’t want that…” she said softer than a whisper, but it echoed louder than a lion. “I only want my sister… I’m not dumb… I see… I know what her dreams foretold… I just—” The words got caught in her throat and she couldn’t let them or any other escape. (I could have protected you, no, I would have protected you from Men and Daedric Princes alike. Why couldn’t you see that? Why couldn’t you see that we are all that we need?)
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The entrance of the den flew open and almost made Nyleine jump out of her skin with its suddenness. Turning, she saw a figure clad in black and smiled. “Niylee—!!”
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Suddenly she was pushed to the ground and was face to face with her assailant. A blonde, fair skinned, green haired assassin stared back at her, her lower mouth cover but Nyleine could make out the malice and venom her eyes were shooting out toward her. Using her normally sharp mind, Nyleine quickly sifted through all information the current predicament yielded and was left with blanks.

 

“Dirty necromancer,” the woman seethed. “You’ve used your vile powers for the last time!”
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Nyleine noticed something about her—her ears—that made everything instant piece together. “You’re Sorene…”

 

The Altmer assassin blinked in confusion, but then narrowed her gaze. “How do you know that name?”
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Nyleine smirked. “Telind, my precious thrall told me all about you and how you were to be wed. That is, before I killed him.”

 

The Halfling had never been thrown before, and she hoped that she never would. Her body screamed in pain after she landed from her flight. Before she could get to her feet, the Altmer lifted her off the ground by the collar and said, “That name belonged to a simple Altmer girl with high hopes and big dreams. The woman you see before you has had her eyes opened by the Lady of Infinite Energies. You, more than any other living necromancer or lich are a blight upon Nirn. You have done me wrong, you have done my fiancé wrong, you have done countless others wrong, but most of all, you have spat in the face of all creation. And for that…”Pt2_Chp10_053.jpg

 

Pt2_Chp10_054.jpgThe Altmer wrapped herself in darkness and Nyleine could feel herself being suffocated by it. (I… I need to get out…)

 

“You will die!” The next thing Nyleine knew she was in a fight.
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Through the blows she was taking, Nyleine noticed that like Telind before her, this Altmer had been given a Daedric Prince’s boon. Unlike Telind however, she wasn’t stiff, she wasn’t arrogant, and she was completely bloodthirsty. Nyleine couldn’t get a blow in edgewise and didn’t have enough time to even cast the simplest of spells. After tossing her about the den like a ragdoll, the assassin drug her out of the den and into the fresh air.

 

It was a cool afternoon, one where Nyleine would normally enjoy collecting ingredients that would be brewed into one of many different potions and poisons that would aid her sister. She could not, would not enjoy this day. Nyleine could only take the beating that was she was due, the one she knew was coming to her for years now. As a necromancer she knew that there would be a day where she would have to do battle with either Vigilants, Vampires, or servants of Meridia that would ultimately overpower her to the point where there was nothing she could do. She just didn’t think it would be so soon, and so fierce.Pt2_Chp10_056.jpg

 

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(If only I could get thirty seconds… If… only…) But time was not on her side. Beaten, battered, and dominated, Nyleine could barely stand and with one final blow the world swayed and went dark for the Halfling. As she went down, she could have sworn she hear a familiar voice, but everything turned into nothingness once her head met the ground.Pt2_Chp10_063.jpg

 

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Carciel (part 2)

 


Carciel had finally managed to break free from the Dragonborn’s grasp by the time they passed the stables and she had also managed to sober herself up a bit via healing magic so she was walking beside the two Nords as they headed to the Halflings’ den, but her vision was still blurry and her equilibrium was still off. When they got off the main road Carciel heard a scream and the terror showed on her face. (Is that Nyleine? O-or is it Niyleen? Damn the gods for them sounding the same!)
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Pt2_Chp10_068.jpgThe trio picked up their pace and were soon met with the sight of a creature clad in metal standing over a dark skinned woman with dark hair clad in black. Before Carciel could piece together a coherent thought, Jordis charged forth and yelled, “DIE YOU MONSTER!” The housecarl got to the monster and attacked with a flurry of blows.Pt2_Chp10_069.jpg

 

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The ‘monster’ didn’t flinch, didn’t even acknowledge the Nord’s presence, and continued to glower at its victim. It was only when Jordis put herself between them that ‘the monster’ noticed her. With a deafening roar, the ‘monster’ went at Jordis with claws that seemingly jutted out of its metallic shell.Pt2_Chp10_075.jpg

 

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As Carciel tried to comprehend what was happening, she could hear Sorerica muttering to her side, “That style… it can’t be…”
Pt2_Chp10_074.jpg“Y-you know this beast?” Carciel turning to face her friend. “W-why don’t you stop them?”

 

Sorerica sighed and continued to gaze upon the fight. “If that’s who I think it is, then that woman must be the one she was talking about when we last spoke. The one who was torturing her fiancé.” She frowned as she saw how hard a time her housecarl was having. “At least recognize who in Oblivion you’re fighting…” She took a deep breath and then yelled, “SORENE!”Pt2_Chp10_081.jpg

 

Pt2_Chp10_082.jpg(Sorene!?! Her friend from Markarth??) Carciel looked from the beast to Sorerica, the confusion evident in her eyes.

 

The creature knocked Jordis to the ground and looked toward the Dragonborn. It removed its… helmet(?) and revealed a Altmer with a familiar haircut who was staring daggers through her. “What are you doing here Sorerica?”
Pt2_Chp10_085.jpg“I was hoping to find you to be honest,” Sorerica said stepping forward. She motioned for Jordis to back down and stood face to face with the Altmer. “It’s good to see you.”
Pt2_Chp10_086.jpg“Indeed,” Sorene nodded. “But why are you here? Why do you… prevent me from ridding the world of this menace?”

 

Sorerica sighed. “You can’t go around killing people when it tickles your fancy. Do you want to become a murderer?”

 

“There’s only one person I wish to kill and it’s that thing over there.”
Pt2_Chp10_087.jpgIt was then that Carciel rushed toward the fallen woman and felt her stomach turn when she saw that it was the younger sister. (How did this happen? Where is Niyleen? Why didn’t she protect her? How—)

 

“Get away from her!” Sorene roared. Sorerica stood between them and Sorene spat. “So you are here to stop me from killing her. WHY DO YOU TAKE HER SIDE!!?”

 

“You’re not going to kill anyone today,” Carciel said. Her voice was shaky and a bit slurred, but she could tell that they knew how serious she was.Pt2_Chp10_088.jpg

 

Pt2_Chp10_089.jpg“A drunken Breton is supposed to stop me?” Sorene said with a laugh. “Why does the Lady of Infinite Energies test me so?”

 

(Lady of Energies?) Carciel could not remember anyone that went by that moniker. (Is that code for—)

 

“You worship Meridia?” Sorerica asked.

 

(!!! Another worshipper of a Daedric Prince! Damn it Niyleen. Where are you?)
Pt2_Chp10_090.jpg“I’ve always hated the undead and could relate to her wish to eradicate them from the world.”

 

“Nyleine’s not even a necromancer anymore,” Carciel said standing to meet Sorene’s eyes. “What do you have against—”

 

“Not a necromancer?” Sorene couldn’t contain the anger boiling within her. “Just this week that bitch had a thrall under her command. And you tell me she’s still not a necromancer? She’ll defile someone else’s body in due time. Her kind can’t help but practice their craft.”
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Pt2_Chp10_092.jpgCarciel looked from Nyleine to Sorene. She wanted to say something, anything, to prove the Altmer wrong, but nothing was coming to mind. Instead she wielded her blade and could have sworn she heard Sorerica laugh, but ignored it. “No matter what you or I might feel towards her, I can’t have you killing Niyleen’s sister. How could I ever face her if I let you—”
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Pt2_Chp10_094.jpg“You think I give a damn about how you would feel?” Sorene glared at Carciel and pushed Sorerica aside. “I’ll kill you if it means I can kill that filth. You may have meant something to me in Markath but now you’re noting but a hindrance.” She put on her helmet and looked at Sorerica. “When I’m done with her, if you interfere, gifted by the Gods or not, I’ll take you down as well.”

 

Sorerica shrugged and motioned Jordis to her. “No worries. I won’t interfere regardless of the outcome. But Sorene,” she gave the Altmer a warm look. “Please don’t be controlled by your power.”
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Pt2_Chp10_096.jpgSorene scoffed and immediately attacked Carciel…Pt2_Chp10_097.jpg


Niyleen

 


Having changed from her mercenary armor into something she had retrieved off of a bandit that had crossed her path Niyleen felt less conspicuous and more at home as she traveled in search of Lucari. In order to complete her disguise, she even went as far as putting a blindfold over her left eye again. She even went and did something, but not much, to her hair. As she came upon three belligerent bandits a small smile crept on her face. (Looks like the ‘Raging Inferno of the Reach’ is back.)

 

She wanted to simply kill the three of them but thought better of it when one of them began talking about a subject that piqued her interests.
Pt2_Chp10_098.jpg“So how long you been working for your sick boss?” one of them asked.

 

The one being asked laughed. “That bitch ain’t sick. Hell, she’s in the best health I’ve ever seen someone be in in a long time.”Pt2_Chp10_099.jpg

 

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“Then what’s the deal with her?” the third one asked. “She’s so pale and I never have seen her go outside of that fucking cave once.”

 

The second bandit rolled his eyes. “That’s because she’s a vampire you fucking morons. Shor’s bones. Piece shit together for yourselves for a change.”

 

“A vampire!?” The two bandits said simultaneously.Pt2_Chp10_101.jpg

 

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Pt2_Chp10_103.jpg“Yeah,” the second bandit said. “And like a month ago she brought in this hot, but unruly broad that was thrashing about in a tattered shirt that left little to the imagination. By the gods was she my kind of woman. That blonde hair and that fair skin was something to die for. But the bitch was a bloodsucker too. Seems like the boss was trying to break her in. Last I saw, the blonde had become completely docile and this is after the boss did all sorts of… things to—”
Pt2_Chp10_104.jpgNiyleen had heard enough. Without giving the bandits a chance to retaliate she slaughtered them, hesitation and remorse was lost upon her. Looking down at her work, her anger boiled over and she continued to slash at the bandit’s corpses. (If she’s hurt… If that bitch did anything to her… I’ll kill her… I’ll kill all those damn bloodsuckers!) She continued slashing them up until her arms gave out, but her anger was not abated. She kicked their corpses a couple of times until she could feel herself cooling off and was about to start off again when she heard laughter from behind her. Turning with her blade drawn she shouted, “Who’s there?”Pt2_Chp10_105.jpg

 

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“You’ve never managed to disappoint, softgut.”

 

For a moment Niyleen was borderline incensed, but when she took a good look at the person before her she couldn’t stop the smile that formed on her face. “A skeleton from my past… you old crone! What’s going on, Malacath’s Chosen?”
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A nickname that belonged to the best outlaw that Niyleen had ever had the pleasure of double-crossing. Duraza gra-Morbak. An outlaw so well renowned for her stealth and precision that not only had she been actively sought out by the Thieves Guild, but she had also been contracted by them on various occasions. Before they had met, Niyleen could never imagine an Orc being a thief, never mind being better at it than her, but she had learned so much from Duraza that she owed much of her success and infamy to Duraza.

 

Duraza returned Niyleen’s smile. “Still haven’t learned any manners have you?”

 

Niyleen grinned like a fool. “Nope!”Pt2_Chp10_132.jpg

 

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The Orc rolled her eyes. “You still have that baby faced way about you. Still going on with that ‘Raging Inferno of the Reach’ nonsense?”

 

Niyleen blanched. “Y-you heard about that?”
Pt2_Chp10_134.jpgDuraza bellowed a laugh so loud that it reminded Niyleen why she thought Orcs would make piss poor thieves. They were louder than stampeding mammoths. “Heard about it? I saw it. By Malacath, all of the Reach and even those as far as Solitude saw it. I even knew a guy that said he was in Rorikstead when that nonsense happened. Shame what happened to him.”

 

Niyleen arched her eyebrows. “What did happen to him?”

 

“I slit his throat for cheating me out of three bags of coin,” Duraza said nonchalantly. “I mean, I told the bastard that he’d regret ever cheating me, but he had to test me.” Duraza rolled her eyes. “Honestly, why can’t bandits be more like you and me eh? Be upfront about double crossing people. The whole ‘no honor among thieves’ thing doesn’t have to be implemented in practice does it?”
Pt2_Chp10_135.jpgAnd that’s why Duraza was so respected throughout Skyrim’s criminal community. She never double crossed anyone without them being able to see it coming and being able to do something about it. When Niyleen had first heard about it, she thought it was an insane line of thought. It’s a kill or be killed kind of world for bandits after all. However, after seeing it in practice she at least respected it, which is why Niyleen gave Duraza prior warning when she was going to cross her and is also why she was still alive after doing so.

 

(I may have called her an old crone but… she’s still beautiful… By the standards of Men anyway…) Niyleen remembered one time when she asked if Duraza was a Halfling like herself after an male Orc scoffed at Duraza’s appearance, and she could still remember the beating—both verbal and physical—she was given. “So,” Niyleen said slowly, bringing herself back to the current situation. She was taking her time in order to take note of the Orc’s actions. “Why are you here?”
Pt2_Chp10_136.jpgDuraza shrugged. “No clue. I was going to kill these idiots for trying to hold up one of my contract from the Guild. But you did that for me, so I guess I was just wasting time.” She narrowed her eyes and grinned. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I-” Niyleen contemplated lying, but there was something refraining her from doing so. Probably respect, definitely not reason. “I-I… I’m looking for someone.”

 

“A milkdrinker vampire, about yea high with blonde hair?”
Pt2_Chp10_137.jpg“You’ve seen her!”

 

The grin on the Orc’s face widened and Niyleen knew she had fucked up. “I could take you to where she is. It’s not that far.” She said winking at Niyleen.

 

The Halfing tensed. There it was, Duraza’s trademark you’re fucked gesture. (Shit! Why did I give myself away…) This was a setup, it was as evident as Duraza’s green skin. Everything wasn’t within the Orc’s calculations however, the bandits were legit idiots and it’s obvious that their meeting was happenstance. However, going with Duraza was a sure path to her demise. If the Dragonborn didn’t know what was going with the Daedric Princes on this may well be Niyleen’s final cycle. Niyleen sighed. “So that’s how it’s going to be, Duraza?”
Pt2_Chp10_138.jpg“That’s how it’s going to be.” Duraza began walking off. “Come on softgut. Let’s hurry and get this over with.” Hearing Niyleen draw her weapon the Orc stopped. “You know me better than that. Your life is still yours until I get you to your vampire lover.”
Pt2_Chp10_139.jpg

 

Pt2_Chp10_140.jpgNiyleen almost dropped her weapon. “H-how much do you know?”
Pt2_Chp10_141.jpgDuraza laughed. “Seven years ago you honorably double crossed me, and quite successfully I may say. Five years ago you were captured, raped, found your first love, and set the Karth ablaze. Four years and eight months ago that Breton girl began tracking you. A few months ago you met that Nord and began catching feelings for her. You met your sister over a month ago. Yesterday that Breton kissed you and left you wanting more.” She turned and saw Niyleen’s terrified face. “I’ve been following you since the day you left greenhorn, and just like the Breton you had no idea until it was too late. Unlike that other amateur I didn’t blow my top and have a scuffle with you because you wronged me, like it’d be much of a fight anyway. So shut up, put those weapons away, and follow me.” Duraza began walking off again.
Pt2_Chp10_142.jpgSay something. SAY SOMETHING DAMMIT! Don’t let her punk you like this!

 

Niyleen sheathed her weapon and lowered her eyes.
Pt2_Chp10_143.jpgNo. No! NOOOO! Just leave! Find the Nord your own way! Don’t—

 

“Hurry up,” Duraza called not slowing her pace. “You know what happens when you make me wait.”

 

Suddenly Niyleen was eleven again and the fledgling bandit that she was, the one that hung on every word Duraza said implored her to immediately set off after Duraza, and she did; ready to accept whatever fate lay at the end of their journey.Pt2_Chp10_144.jpg

 

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