10:00 PM, 14th of Frostfall, The Gray Quarter, Windhelm
Jackson Pollock would have been jealous of Windhelm, for Dunmeri blood and bodies were arranged in artistic forms similar to those of his, only these were more.. elaborate. Soldiers of the cold north, were piled on top of each other, in small cemetery like areas. Not the Dunmer though, they were left In the most grizzly position possible, many times missing more than two or three limbs. How could Ulfric possibly continue on? He'd lose eventually, especially with the entire Legion pouring through his walls.
Even as they walked serenely, cries of war could be overheard not too far away. Probably behind the city walls, which weren't even completely present anymore. Fires had raged on for weeks, though Corvus preferred to imagine a different world, where there wasn't this constant death and need for spilling blood every waking moment if the day.
The Gray Quarter had turned out to be where the most battle had been had, Corvus had noticed this almost too well.
The Imperial hung his head back, placing his right hand gently over his collarbone, almost massaging himself, before looking back towards the dreary path ahead. Vorian continued just behind the wealthy businessmen they had met earlier and the two animalistic creatures, followed just behind him, leaving Corvus in the back.
Suddenly, the leading man simply stopped, reading the faded sign in front of an old tavern or inn, and entered it, clearly knowing exactly what he was doing. Vorian followed, hesitantly, but he did.
They found themselves, in a Dunmeri slaughterhouse. Not because the place was suited for a butcher, but because Dunmer lay lined all across the floor, and each of their heads, sat on the table in front of them.
Behind the table, a small portion of the wall slid down, allowing a portion of what appeared to be a Bosmer face to be visible as he spoke, "What is the name of a man's greatest weakness?"
The businessman whispered something, not allowing for anyone else to hear it.
The elf rejoiced," Ah, please come in, Mr. Quintilius! I assume you're here to check this month' profits? I can promise, that war has brought many customers..."
The man held a deep scowl as he spoke, "No, no not this time, Malborn. This time, I have new customers, some that may.. benefit from coming here.."
Malborn nodded, and pulled the sliding wall more, allowing entrance for everyone.
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The casino was dotted with boisterous gamblers, chuckling mockingly at those that lost their money. Drinks were scattered around tables, the Black-Briars in particular had the most influence here. Guards, probably bribed, stood by each of the entrances and exits, surveying the vacuum of time and Septims.
"Calixto, where is it? Where is the knife, I have come so far to find? You realize, it was illegal for me to even cross the border, yet I did it, in the promise of acquiring the knife, so where in Oblivion is it?" Vorian growled passionately, something that Corvus had never seen him do, normally the Altmer was so calm, it was almost frightening at times, really.
"Vorian, old friend, you know I'd never stab you in the back, but I don't have it. Besides, Keening is useless on its own, can't do much. Unless you're going after the bloody heart, which just so you know, is not in Skyrim. I have checked all over, and it is not here. Probably somewhere in Morrowind. But, if you're still going to continue on about this Keening business, I can tell you that someone recently robbed me of it."
Vorian's face suddenly transformed into a revolting grimace, "By a fish's beard, Calixto! I gave you one job. One job, and somehow you managed to screw it all up-"
"Calm down, master," interjected Corvus, "I understand you must want to find Keening, and that this man certainly did mess up, but it wasn't his fault, it's been stolen for Sithis' sake. Either way, we'll get it back.. don't worry," Corvus cocked his head towards Calixto, "in the meantime, what did the thieves look like? If you know where they were headed, that'd be good too."
Calixto shifted uneasily in his seat," Well there were two of them. One was an Orc, pale green skin, orange eyes. She wore a particular suit of armor. In fact, on the pauldron, she bore the brand of an ancient regiment; a shield embalmed in bright fire. I can't remember the name of the group right now.. but I don't know how she would have obtained the armor, the group dissolved eras ago. I may have some more information on them at my home..."
"And the second thief?" demanded Vorian.
"Ah yes, the second thief wore the same armor, but he was of much different origin. He was a Redguard, not too old at all. Short black hair, a thin beard, too. That's all I remember though... the two stormed my home during an Imperial attack. While the guards were fighting and distracted, they pillaged my shop. Although, they only took a few things."
"What else did they take?"
"Took most of my money. They also stole a nifty device that I bought from old Septimus Sigmus, an Essence Extractor, just like a syringe, except made specifically for elves. Why they would want that is beyond me, it doesn't hold too much actual purpose, maybe for surgeons and such, but that's all."
Calixto raised his arms, stretching his spine before rising out of his chair. Corvus eyed him cautiously, almost worried that he might do something violent, but the old man didn't look the type to kill or assault others. If he was, they wouldn't have stolen from him.
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Calixto's finger raced across the pages of the old text. First the Haafingar section, then Whiterun, then the Reach. Finally, he made it to the that of the Rift. His eyes widened, passing over the literate answer to his dilemma.
"The armor belonged to the infamous vampire hunters of Riften; the Dawnguard. They disbanded a long, long time ago. From what I've read here, there's no definitive answer why. While it's known that before they fully disappeared, they were working in a secret location, due to being banished by the Jarl of Riften, it doesn't explain where they are now. Some believe that they become vampires after realizing how much power it could give them, but no one actually knows."
Vorian paced angrily around the shop as he spoke in a frustrated tone," Do you know where they operate out of? Perhaps it's been established again."
"Unfortunately, all we know is that it's somewhere on the edges of the Rift. That, however, spans miles if you search thoroughly. There has been talk though, that it has been unofficially reforming, but that of course is just rumor. There are no actual facts. I'm sorry Vorian, but that's all I can do for you. If it's any help, you should ask around town, maybe someone else has seen them. Wait, actually, there was someone noteworthy that visited around the same time as them. A Dwemer researcher by the name of Calcelmo. He was working with the Court Wizard not too long ago, setting up a research expedition to Afltand, left the same day as the thieves too. If I were you, I'd ask about that. It's more than a little suspicious that a pair of thieves from an ancient organization come and go as the same time as a Dwemer Researcher, AND steal a famed Dwemer item."
Corvus nearly jumped out of his seat," By the Nine, I think he's right! It surely can't be a coincidence. We should head to the Palace Of Ysgramor, and ask the Court Wizard, or at least those that work with him about the expedition."
Vorian hid a slight grin," Perhaps yes. Thank you very much Calixto... but don't think I'll forget about this mess any time soon. Come now, Corvus, it's time we interrogate the figureheads of the Stormcloak Rebellion.
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