The Last Holy-Scale: Book One: Part 12:
Sailing On
Where oh where have we gone now? The Holy-Scales, gone. My oldest friend, still living. My purpose, renewed by a Hist that wouldn't speak to me until now. I've never really understood my life's paths. I might never understand them...but I definitely can adapt to them. I traveled the swamps in order to get to the southern shore of Black Marsh...
The swamps are humid and mild. It's raining...the sound of each raindrop hitting the limbs of tress puts my mind at ease. The smell of wet earth rising into my nostrils gives me life. It had been so very long since I've just taken a walk through Black Marsh....it was peaceful.
Though not many would agree with me. It was late, so I took refuge under a nearby tree and rested my eyes. It must've been a few hours of me sleeping before I heard rustling behind me. I awoke and sat up and looked at my surroundings.
My senses are stronger than most other's, but my sense of smell is well above my others. But the creatures that crawl on the grounds of Black Marsh are much tougher and much smarter than alot of other places. They can conceal their presences and their smell.
But their life aura? Surely not. I cast Detect Life and scanned my proximity...it wasn't until I looked behind me that there was a tail hanging from my tree. I slowly looked up to see a giant Wamasu with a Fleshfly in its mouth. When I looked at the beast, I felt pins and needles.
It was about to try and shock me. The beast leaped from its branch and on top of me, mouth wipe open. I held it by each jaw trying to keep my head on. The stench of all sorts of things this Wamasu has eaten brought tears to my eyes.
That Fleshfly wasn't eaten all the way and a piece of its eye plopped on my chest. "EEUGH NASTY!!" I yelled before throwing that overgrown skink away from me. Now I stood about three yards from my enemy and my weapons are behind the thing; and I set them near the tree.
I had naught but my bare hands and magic to fend off this thing. I didn't want to use magic because it would draw too much unnecessary attention to myself. The nighttime rain is Naga territory, and they always travel in packs.
The Wamasu lunged at me, then I swung my fist down at its skull, which knocked it to the ground. In that window of opportunity I hopped on its back and wrapped my tail around its waistline. The beast was rolling around consistently to try and get me off its back.
I took it by the mouth, keeping it shut, and slammed its head against the tree repeatedly until it was groggy. I punched it one more time in the face for good effect. I used the advantage to go and get my new multi-purpose short-hammer. Before I could get around the tree, I'm tackled by another Wamasu.
Now I'm back at square one, trying to keep a Wamasu from biting my head off. Turns out this thing ate the same leftover of the last Wamasu...the damn Fleshfly! It stunk just as bad, but I had no choice, I used Fiery Touch and took hold of the beast's tongue.
The flesh was burning and the Wamasu was screeching in agonizing pain. In no more than a few seconds, the things tongue was nothing but a bubbling grease. That Wamasu wouldn't dare try to fight me again. But the old one was still out there.
I had lost sight of it, so I looked up to see if it would try to attack from above again. I was right, when I did look up the Wamasu was already on its way down on my face. I grabbed the beast's mouth shut, then by its tail and slammed the thing as hard as I could on the ground.
I let out a massive grunt of effort on the slam...which I didn't want to do. It was loud and it even echoed through the swamps. I dashed to my weapon and shield, but the Wamasu shot electricity at my feet, making me fall down. I rolled over and the beast was at my feet ready to bite down on them.
I reeled back and the bite missed my feet thankfully. I got to my feet as fast as I could, then the Wamasu jumped on me and dug its claws into my arms and legs. "GAAH!!!" I screamed, before I shut my mouth to silence myself. The Wamasu was going to town on my body with its claws to try and wear me down.
I can admire this things perseverance though; it will not give up attacking me, even though I'm pretty damn tall now. My short-hammer is right next to me, but this Wamasu is right on top of me. I reach for my weapon anyway and as quickly as I could blink, Blessed Sun kisses the beast's bottom jaw.
I swear the jaw breaking was louder than my screams, because when my hammer hit the thing, it rung like a bell. I didn't make my hammer to do that. With all the noise I've been making, I knew I had to kill this Wamasu quickly then get the hell out of there!
I stood up and transmuted from Blessed Sun to Pure Soul. Like I had thought would happen, the Wamasu is already back on the attack. "I hope this blade is strong." I thought. Then I plunged Pure Soul right between that beast's eyes. I felt some of my magicka leave my body after stabbing it...which was a sign that the blade works as it should.
I heard heavy footsteps as well...they were running...at me. I took my shield and ran from the site, but not without a surprise. With the magicka implanted in the dead Wamasu, I made it a Fire Rune. And sure enough, when the Naga herd arrived, the Wamasu corpse exploded with fire and flesh.
I knew I was safe for now, but for certain, more Naga would show up, and wouldn't know from where. So I booked it to the coast...I knew I'd be safe there. I could smell the Naga from where I was at, I needed to run faster.
Three hours of running non-stop later...I'm at the coast. I am panting heavily and sweat is almost pouring out of me. I find a nearby Hist tree and fall on it. It was still raining when I fell asleep, but my mind was still set on what fate would hand me at this place.
I had a dream that night. It was a dream where I stood in blank gray space, with waist-high fog rolling on the ground. I looked around, not knowing where I was. Then about six blaack, amorphous masses emerged from the ground.
I squinted to see if I could identify them. Then they began to take shape...they were Shavra, Rekuuk, Jumps, Stands, and Semkil!!!
I ran to them on happiness, thinking I had died, and tried to hug Shavra. Then I was hit in the face by a shield. The dream Rekuuk had thrown a shield at my face, and took another one out, as if to fight me. I remember pleading for them to stop, because they were all attacking me!
I also remember a shadowy figure behind them all...laughing. I was being overwhelmed by the Holy-Scales, and before Shavra could deliver the final strike, I awoke, frightened.
When I did, I felt around my body to see if I was still in one piece...and I was, but it was by far my worst had nightmare. It was almost noon and the rain had subsided. It was so very humid and hot, not my favorite kind of weather.
I stood up and stretched my back out; it popped like 13 times, and OH MY HIST...it felt great. My eyes were still weary and my mouth was dry. I was near an inlet on the southeastern side of Black Marsh. Right across from me I can see the city known as Lilmoth.
I glared at the Imperial-controlled city and thought of how many Archeins made that city their home. Archeins are traitors to all Argonians...more-so a demon than I was considered to be back then.
I walked over to the water, knelt down, and took a sip. After I got up I heard in the far distance, "HI HO HIST PISS!!" I swear I furrowed my eyebrows so hard they could've shot off my forehead.
I turned around to hear the same line, "HI HO HIST PISS!!" I looked to see that a massive ship was on its way into the inlet. "A ship?" I said, "Why is there a ship down here...certainly not Imperial given the flag." The flag on the ship was pitch black, and had a circle of all the races' skulls on it.
I thought for certain that this was a pirate ship, but why it was here I couldn't know. I think that one of them saw me on the shore, because the ship turned starboard side...towards me.
When the ship stopped near shore, a rope-led harpoon shot into a nearby tree. It almost hit me, though I knew it wouldn't based on its trajectory and position of fire, as well as the wind on that day. Then, a man hopped on the rope and slip down it.
He jumped off and landed in front of me. He looked up at me and said...
Pirate: You seem like a lost lizard...without no meanin'...don't ya boy.
Rezmor: What?
Pirate: (puts hands on hips) I'm the captain of this here fine vessel, meet The Gloamrider.
Rezmor: Gloamrider eh. You seem to have failed to introduce yourself.
Pirate: As smart and well-mannered as you are big, commendable. I am Captian Junos Gall of High Rock. And these fine gentlemen that you see, (points to crew on the ship) are my crew. We are the Shadowmist Pirates.
Rezmor: A pleasure Captain Junos. I am Rezmorziriik...but you can say Rezmor for short.
Junos: A lengthy name for even an Argonian i'dn't it.
Rezmor: It is.
Junos: No matter. Say. How would you like to have a purpose?
Rezmor: (focuses on Junos) What did you say?
Junos: A purpose...do ya want one?
Rezmor: Well...I can't pass up that opportunity can I?
Junos: Excellent! Welcome to the Shadowmists lad. I can call you that now because yer on mah crew.
Rezmor: I prefer lad over lizard.
Junos: Haha, fine by me lad. (jumps on the rope) Come on...you should meet your new family.
Rezmor: (gags) *hesitantly* My...new family?
Junos: Yep. (walks on the rope to the ship)
Rezmor: (grabs the rope and pulls the ship in closer to shore)
When I pulled the ship in closer, every crew-member was incredibly surprised by my strength. When the ship was almost land-bourne, I simply jumped onto the hull and climbed up to the deck.
The Gloamrider was a fairly massive ship...equivalent to that of an Imperial Navy Man'o'War. This is probably a salvaged ship, but I wouldn't ask. The Gloamrider was a dark purple color, with black stripes and other etches along the hull. It looked like it came from High Rock...so it probably wasn't a salvaged Imperial ship.
When I climbed aboard, I was greeted by two other men not including Junos. He said that they were his crew...I thought little of them though.
Junos: I'm gonna introduce ya to the family. Here we have Jarik (pronounced "yar-ick)
Jarik was as much a Nord as any could see. He was about 7'4 in height and a good 300 pounds probably. He had long, shaggy, blonde hair and a scruff of a beard, also blonde, on his chin. He had a moderately deep voice.
He wasn't wearing a shirt, but he had a massive bronze belt on, adorned with a bear's head. He was also wearing some loose-armored pants and sported a huge battle axe. The axe was beauty, it was made of Malachite and was engraved by Nordic runes.
Jarik: (waves at Rezmor) How goes it Argonian?
Rezmor: Alive and well.
Jarik: I'd'nt that what matters, haha.
Junos: You two might seem to get along nicely. Jarik is our...well...our second largest member of the crew. You don't wanna stand in the blade end his axe's sweep.
Rezmor: Dually noted.
Junos: And here we have Kirkland.
Kirkland was a short little Redguard man, about 5'6 and maybe 120 pounds. He was extraordinarily dark, almost pitch black. He was wearing a hood as well as very stealthy armor. His eyes were very easy to see though, they were bright bright green.
He had several daggers and throwing knives strapped to parts of his body. And he had a sword strapped to his back, it was made of ebony, but glowed red like blood. It was a thin, short, but strong daedric sword.
Junos: He don't speak much but-
Kirkland: You have a sinister mien about you.
Rezmor: No less sinister than tragedy.
Kirkland: I thought so.
Junos: Wow you got Kirkland to talk to ya...impressive.
Rezmor: Mayhaps so.
Junos: Next we have...uh...where is she?
Then a wily girl swung in from a rope and landed on the mast. She jumped down from that height unscathed and introduced herself in a very spunky way.
Girl: Hello new brother, the name's Keth'ar.
Keth'ar, in case you can't tell from the name, is a Khajit lass. She had gray fur with golden and red stripes along her body. Her ears stood up tall and had tufts of hair sticking up. She also had several golden earrings lining the outside rim of her ears.
The phrase "cats alway land on their feet" was well-used here. She was clad in leather strap armor and had a blood-red head band on. She also had a sword sheathed on her left side and had a crossbow on her back. The sword was made of Flint and bone, while the crossbow just seemed to be made of bone.
She was about 5'10 in height and maybe 100 pounds...yeah...she was THIN. Her tail was even pierced, but not with jewelry...with a damn dagger! She was probably a maniac.
Junos: You always make a flashy entrance Keth'ar.
Keth'ar: When I saw him coming on the ship, I had to do that...a good first impression is always crucial captain!
Junos: Yeah yeah.
Keth'ar: It's very nice to meet you...uh...what's your name?
Rezmor: Rezmorziriik, but you can use Rezmor for short. And it's very nice to meet you as well Keth'ar.
Keth'ar: *high-pitched* EEEE!!! He's nice too!!
Rezmor: (flinches from the noise) Ow-yeah...*softly* haha...you seem like a nice girl.
Keth'ar: You know I honestly thought there wasn't going to be another beast race on this ship, but I'm happy that there is.
Junos: And I thought he and Jarik would get along nicely good Lords.
Rezmor and Keth'ar: Haha.
Junos: (sneers at Rezmor and Keth'ar) Anyways, come with me to the lower deck.
We traversed down to the lower deck of The Gloamrider to a very dark and hot place. It only got hotter the further in we got, eventually we reached a forge room. I'm excited ok, so I freaked out when I saw how masterful this room looked.
Junos didn't know why I almost had an orgasm upon looking at a forge, he only said the person he's about to introduce me to had the same reaction. The forge was square, it had a very large bellows and used a well-placed hole in the bottom of the ship to cool the metal.
There were copious metals and ores and skins lining the room. The flames were hot hot hot, I felt very at home in this place.
Junos: Now if you've stopped acting like a child, I'd like to introduce you to Durz.
Durz was a massive Orc, about 8'3 and maybe 400 pounds. He was a moderately fat blacksmith. He and I would get really well along...for good reason. He was bald, but had a glorious Fu-Manchu that was white.
He was donned in a green, sleeveless Blacksmith's apron; he also had hammer in hand, working on what looked like a blade.
Junos: I feel as if you two will be very good friends...damn...yer makin' friends all over the ship...and you just got here.
Rezmor: Just charm I guess.
Junos: Whatever, Durz is normally sour...so it's good to see him happy.
Durz: It's nice to see another valiant smith haha! How would you describe your skill as a smith my boy.
Rezmor: I'd much rather show you.
Durz: HA! And I'd like to see for myself! But you should go up to see the others.
Rezmor: Right. How many more are there?
Durz: How many have you met?
Rezmor: Five so far...including Captain Junos.
Durz: Then you have two more to meet.
Rezmor: Awesome. (he and Junos leave)
Junos and I walked up to the main deck where two people, one man, one girl, very short too, greeted us. Junos said that they couldn't've had better timing. They were two Bosmer...brothr and sister by the looks of them.
The man was maybe 5'8 and maybe 135 pounds. He had luscious brown hair and brown skin. His eyes were pitch black and he had tattoos all over his face and he was clad in light armor made of moonstone and animal skins.
The woman was maybe 5'4 and maybe 95 pounds. She also had luscious brown hair, but much longer, and brown skin.. Her eyes, also, were pitch black and ha few tattoos on her face. She was clad in a similar armor as her brother.
Junos: Haha you two are always full of surprises. Anyways, we have a new crew member.
Bosmers: Hi
Rezmor: In sync as well...almost scary.
Bosmer Man: I'm Raesal.
Bosmer Girl: I'm Saesal.
Rezmor: Nice to meet you two.
Both: (smiling) Same.
Rezmor: Haha...I like the two of ya.
Junos: (chuckles) Well now that you've met everyone, you should go see Durz in the forge.
Rezmor: I'm way ahead of you for that. (darts for the forge)
Junos: Hmhm...he'll do nicely in this crew.
Raesal: I think he'll do fine.
Junos: We're gonna have a good time.
To Be continued
