Private Potema (The Wolf Queen) Rises

[Dar'Aava]

It is a cold, still night out side Wolf Skull Cave. A lone slender figured Argonian stands by the mouth his black robes covering most of his face. Suddenly there is a shout.

"Move it girl!"

The Argonian looks to his right as two armored bandits moving toward him each holding a young bound and gagged girl by her arms. The girl squirms and struggles to get free but to no avail as they prove to much for her.

"Squirmy little bitch aint she?"

One of the bandits states before pushing her down in front of the Argonian. The girl picks her self up off the cold ground kneeling before the Argonian starring helplessly up at him, he returns the stare with his red eyes gazing down upon the creature.

"It took you two long enough. I was starting to lose my patients."

He says, his voice as bitter cold as the icy Skyrim winds that blow. He looks up, turning his gaze to the bandits.

"Shut it lizard, you told us the girl would be alone!"

"Oh, did I?"

The Argonian says, his lips curling into a chilling smirk. The bandit on the left steps closer.

"Yes you did! Now would you like to explain why we had to fight off this girls family losing two of ours in the process!?"

The Argonian's smirk is soon followed by a sinister laugh.

"It's all apart of her grand design my friend. You played your parts well I commend you both."

The other bandit scuffs.

"Save your praise Argonian. We Want our pay now!"

The Argonian slowly reaches up revealing his hands from his long sleeves, he Removes his hood.

"As I promised. I would give you the greatest treasure within my ability to give. Its worth is greater than any gold you have ever feasted your mortal eyes on."

The Argonian raises his left hand launching a long spear of ice threw the first bandits chest. He falls over next to the girl, the spell killed him instantly by piercing his heart. The other bandit stares shocked for a minute.

"You...You lying bastard!"

He shouts drawing his weapon. But before he can charge to strike him three skeletons rush out from the shadows garbing and penning him down. He struggles to get free.

"I did not lie my friend I am giving you the greatest honor in the world. You and your comrade's will be among the first to serve under Potema in her undertaking of Tamriel."

Just then one of the skeletons grab his sword stabbing the bandit multiple times. As the bandit is being butchered The Argonian picks the girl up and drags her into the cave kicking and screaming. After awhile they come to the tall pillar in the middle of the cave. He straps her down on a stone slap at the top. He places the skull of potema next to her head. He then positions him self drawing his sacrificial dagger holding it at his side.

"Hear me you poor lost soul wandering the depths of oblivion! I your loyal servant Jayven call your damned soul back from the nether!"

A soft glow starts to fill the room and soft whispers could be heard spoken but not understood.

"I implore you Potema. Queen of wolves... Commander of the Damned.... Harbinger of death! Return to this forsaken world to take your rightfull place as overlord of all you see!"

He takes a step toward the stone slab lifting his hand over potema's skull, he slashes it open letting the blood pour over it.

"let my Argonian blood be the drink that sustains you during your trip from the depths."

He slowly brings his hands up above his head. The glow has now turned into a bright flare of blindly white light filling the whole cave.

"Let my wretched soul be the beacon that guide you!"

He clenches the dagger with both hands looking down at the girl.

"And let this sacrifice be the vessel the sparks the coming of your rule. I command you..... RISE!!"

Jayven suddenly all the light from the room pulls into the dagger causing it to go pitch black once again. But as Jayven thrusts down stabbing the dagger into the woman's chest all the light shot into her in a bright flash. The force of the transfer causes a heavy wind to blow knocking Jayven several feet back penning him to the floor. Jayven lifts his hand trying to protect his eyes form as much of the light as possible. Soon the bright flash is gone and all that remains is a womanly shaped figure of light walking toward him. Jayven sits speechless as she stands before him. She leans down to him revealing her beautiful face tho the rest of her body remains shrouded in light.

"You are the one who brought me back?"

She says her voice as soft and soothing as honey milk being poured into his ears. suddenly tears fill his eyes and he kneels before her.

"Yes my queen."

She tilts her head looking down on him.

"You dare to command me mortal?"

"No my queen."

He quickly interjects.

"I wish only to serve, and help set this world to the flame!"

Potema giggles and grabs his chin lifting his head up. The crawling up his face as if it were devouring him. She gives him a sinister smile and speaks.

"Good."

 

[Minstrel]

Sita throws her empty bottle of mead to the counter.

'Get me another bottle!' She splutters to the Nord at the counter as she throws her head around carelessly

'I think you have had a bit too much, love.' He says as calmly as possible.

'Don't be silly, you make your money off of people like me.'

The Nord walks around the counter and stands beside her.

'Not here at the Winking Skeever.'

He places one hand onto her shoulder but before he can say another word Sita's hand meets with his and she grips in tightly. The Nord winces in pain as she stands from her chair and twists his arm around to his back.

'Do I look drunk?' She whispers in his ear.

'No.' He says, as if in a trance.

There was along pause.

'Good.'

She kisses him on the cheek and pulls her head away from his. His arm drops limply back down to his side. Not one person had noticed their confrontation. Sita smiles and she goes to sit back down on her seat, her head still spinning from all the bottles of mead she had knocked back. Of course she was drunk, she could barely stand up, the only thing that allowed her reflexes to be so sharp was the adrenaline surging through her veins.

Taking one step towards her seat, she saw what was coming. One leg crossed over the other and she fell comically to the floor.

'plops!' She exclaimed. Now that, the pub had noticed.

 

[dunklunk]

After a long day on the road, Doonkur sees what he's been thinking of and craving. The Winking Skeever is open for business. A bottle of mead is quickly consumed, and a second bottle is immediately placed in front of him. He gives the waitress a long, cold stare as she walks away.

I don't remember ordering this, he thinks to himself. He shrugs, reminding himself that he'd probably order another anyway. This he finds amusing, as he thinks,

Right. You know you're gonna order at least three more after this one, Doonk. So really, who are you trying to fool?

As he's waiting for his meal of a horker loaf, grilled leeks, cheese, and bread, his stomach starts to "grumble" yet again, and he can feel his mouth watering at the mere thought of the hot meal on its way.

How long has it been since I've had a decent, hot, or even warm, meal served to me, he wonders silently.

Just then a commotion at the bar catches his attention. All thoughts of food are replaced in an instant. A female at the bar seems to be in an argument with the Nord barkeep. His right hand stealthily grips his ebony dagger, hidden under his cloak.

Trouble already? he thinks to himself. Dammit, I just got here, people. I haven't even felt the effects from the mead yet. She appears to be able to take care of herself, he concludes. A peck on the cheek? They must know each other, though his hand never lets go of the dagger.

Trying to get back to her seat, the female stumbles and falls, emitting a rather unladylike exclamation. Not my problem, Doonkur thinks to himself. Someone else can help her up, as his eyes light up at the sight of the waitress coming his way with a tray full of food and more mead. Both hands will be needed for this "job."

 

[Minstrel]

'Hey, mate. Aren't you going to help me up?' Sita said, her words were slow and slurred.

There was no reply, the Khajiit she was talking to just continued to eat his meal and drink his mead. He had obviously heard her though. She was readying herself to get up when the Nord came to her side and helped her to her feet.

'This is the fourth time this week you have been in here and got drunk. Heck, you almost burnt down the entire inn with your stupid 'fire arrow' trick.'

'And how many times have I been in this pub.' Sita said with a drunken smile on her face.

'Four times, you have only ever been to this pub four times. You know, you are the smartest woman I have ever met in my life when you are sober but-'

'Blah blah, I only listen to the compliments.'

The Nord helped her to her feet and then sent her to her room. But she didn't want to leave without talking to that stupid, inconsiderate khajiit.

She walked over to him, only just managing to walk in a straight line. She came up behind him and whispered in his ear.

'Don't ignore me next time or i'll cut your tail off.'

But the Khajiit ignored her and continued to eat. She walked off to her room but not before she said one last thing.

'You bastard!' She shouted for the whole inn to hear.

 

[dunklunk]

Bastard?! Was she talking to me or the Nord? thought Doonkur. Get a hold of yourself, cat. What's it matter anyway, even if she was saying it to you? She did smell nice though, aside from the mead breath.

With his appetite and thirst quenched, Doonkur couldn't help but think of how long it'd been since he was in the arms of a woman.

Too long, he thought. But this woman?

He pondered that image for a while, then began to nod. Yes, I can definitely see myself waking up next to her. If you take out the fact that she threatened to cut my tail off and possibly called me a bastard, he concluded.

Sleep was now vying for his attention. He got up, having already paid his bill, and flipped an extra coin to the waitress and the Nord. He smiled to himself, with the thought and vision of a nice, warm bed waiting for him upstairs.

 

[Minstrel]

The next morning Sita awoke with a painful headache. The pain was made worse by the fact that she could remember exactly how she had treated the Khajiit last night, that poor guy. She had threatened to cut his tail off. What was she thinking.

She talked to the Nord at the counter the next morning and found out what room the Khajiit was staying in. She practically ran to his room. Once there she waited a minute readying herself; That consisted of sorting out her hair.

She knocked on the door. There was no reply. She knocked again. Still no reply. Forget this she though. I'm just going to walk in their and tell him how sorry I am.

She slowly opened the door to his room and walked inside. He woke up almost instantly. Oh god, I didn't mean to wake him up. He probably thinks I'm a crazy woman. Especially after last night.

Sita blushed as the Khajiit looked up at her with a confused expression.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. I just came to apologise, you know for being drunk last night. I'm not usually like that. I've had a tough week. Life gets me down sometimes and-'

What am I doing I don't even know his name and I'm tripping over my words like an idiot.

'... Sorry, I'm Sita. What's your name?'

 

[dunklunk]

Doonkur, I replied. A pleasure to meet you, Sita. No apologies necessary as we all need to let off some steam at times. I hope your hangover isn't as severe as I think it might be. Wait a minute, you're not here to cut off my tail are you?

I've always found it nice to have a dagger nearby, I thought, still eyeing Sita suspiciously and cautiously. And under my pillow is near enough for me.

 

[Minstrel]

Doonkur. That's a nice name Sita though to herself. She began loose herself in her imagination when suddenly she realised... I've completely let my guard down. I promised myself I would never let my guard down.

Sita walked closer to Doonkur. By now he had probably noticed a change in her behaviour.

'I hope your not planning to use that knife under you pillow.' She said cautiously. 'I didn't mean what I said about cutting your tail of last night, but I sure will if you provoke me.'

 

[dunklunk]

You'll get no provocation from me, I said. And thank you for leaving my tail alone.

Use the knife on you? I asked. No, it's just there for protection. When you spend as much time on the road as I do, I find it best to always keep a weapon nearby.

Last night was my first night in a city for quite some time, I continued. That hot meal tasted so good, and that ice-cold mead to wash it down tasted even better. This bed by far tops them both. Sleeping on the ground around Skyrim is not my idea of comfort after all, I said.

 

[Minstrel]

'I haven't spent much time in a a proper bed for a while either. We seem to have a lot in common.' Sita said as she pulled a small elven dagger from behind her back 'We should talk sometime.'

Sita strode over to the door and then turned back towards Doonkur.

'I'm really am sorry for my behaviour last night.'

She walked out of the door and closed it behind her. You looked like a complete idiot she thought. Next time I see him you better act like you know what you are doing.

 

[dunklunk]

That was interesting, Doonkur thought, following Sita's exit. After a few more hours of sleep, Doonkur got up, dressed, then headed downstairs for breakfast. That last thought put a smile on Doonkur's face, already looking forward to another hot meal. A new day beckoned.

 

[Jerund Rashi Kine]

"That's five septims less than what you gave me for it last time.You've really been dropping your prices lately."

"It's the supply and demand, little lady. People want less of them, so I have to make them more affordable. And, of course, I can't pay you more than what they'll pay me."

Mesirir took a deep breath and sighed. "You know what'll become of you if I find out you've been selling me short. No guild, brotherhood, or companionship stands between me and someone who's gotten under my skin."

"Of course not. I think the only person I fear more than you in all of Skyrim is Maven. That of course, even you understand."

"Here." Mesiri handed the box of jewelery over to the argonian who in turn handed her a bag fat with coins.

"Don't spend it all in one place, unless that place is here."

Mesiri nodded, then started thinking about what she wanted for breakfast. At first baked potatoes sounded good, but then so did Elyswer fondue, then apple cabbage stew, then horker loaf, then chicken. Finally she decided to leave it up to the barkeeper. She looked away from the lizard and then saw a familiar face.

"Well I'll be."

She walked over to the woman with a smile on her face, ready to talk about old times.

"Helden, my old friend!" she said to the red-headed Imperial. "How long has it been? Fifteen or twenty years I think! By the gods, old and new, you look like you haven't aged a bit! Come on and speak, don't be a stranger to an old friend!"

 

[dunklunk]

Walking down the stairs, feeling as refreshed and rested as he's ever been in, what is it by now? A year? Two years? Three? Refusing to come to a definitive answer, Doonkur sidles up to the bar with his order for breakfast.

After last night, he thinks, the biggest bowl they have of vegetable soup should be right at the top of my "what to eat this morning list." And at least three cups of their most strongest coffee.

Having placed his order, Doonkur suddenly became aware of the exchange between an Imperial with fire for hair, and a. . .a. . .by Talos, is that a Drow Elf? he asks himself. Craving another glance, yet not trying to stare, he sneaks a peek at the Drow Elf. A female Drow Elf, he reminds himself.

Really, I do so need that bowl of soup right now, agonizes Doonkur.

 

[Dar'Aava]

Ukthrall opens the door to the Winking Skeever, The soft morning breeze blowing his long hair to the side. He Stares into the inn examining the other patrons. He lets out a soft growl to himself before steeping inside and making his way to a table, The sound of his massive steps like small thunder claps filling the room. As he takes a seat he rest's his arm on the table laying his head down upon his fist eyeing the door carefully. Suddenly the inn keeper makes his way over to him.

"Well, If it isn't Ukthrall himself, Blessing my humble inn with his awesome presence."

He says with a smile, and sarcastic tone.

"You should know better than to mock me by now."

He says in a deep booming voice, not turning his gaze from the door. The innkeeper laughs cleaning the inside of a pint.

"Easy now. I don't want any trouble old friend. What brings you all the way to solitude?"

Ukthrall growls once again and remains silent.

"Ah I see. Well why you wait for Tullius how about i get you something to drink other than that putrid bile you normally drink"

Ukthrall turns his icy gaze toward him starring deep into his eyes saying not a word but to the inn keeper the message was clear.

"Alright, alright."

The inn keeper turns around walking back to mind the front. As leaves Uktrall looks back to the door resting his head back down on his fist.

 

[Minstrel]

Sita made her way to the door of the Winking Skeever hoping to catch some early morning game and maybe rob a few lone travellers of their goods along the way. She hated to rob innocent people but without that money her parents would be dead by next fall. As she reluctantly moved aside for a large Orc who had just entered she was approached by... A Drow Elf? Maybe it was just her hangover taking its full effect.

'Helden, my old friend!' The elf said with an unfamiliar smile. 'How long has it been? Fifteen or twenty years I think! By the gods, old and new, you look like you haven't aged a bit! Come on and speak, don't be a stranger to an old friend!'

Sita looked her up and down, she was sure she didn't know any Drow Elves. Come to think of it she had never been called Helden before either.

'I'm sorry, but I think you have got the wrong person.' Sita said as politely as possible.

 

[Jerund Rashi Kine]

"Hm? Wrong person? But you... It can't be though. You look just like my old friend Helden. Of course, I guess it would make sense now. You humans...age very quickly if I recall. Heh, guess it's been so long since I've seen a familiar face my mind's deciding who looks familiar now. Well, no harm in introducing myself then. I am Mesiri." She extended her hand in greeting. "Nice to meet you, not-Helden."

 

[Minstrel]

Sita let out a light laugh and bent over slightly to shake Mesiri's hand. She only looked nine years old, of course Sita had heard that Drow Elves age differently to other races but she had never seen one that looked so young.

'Nice to meet you too Mesiri, my name is Sita. I have only been in Solitude for a few days but I'm sure you will hear all about me.' She said with a slightly embarrassed smile. '... don't listen to a word of it.'

 

[Jerund Rashi Kine]

"But if I don't listen to a word, how will I know it's about you Miss Sita?" Mesiri laughed. "Sorry. Letting it out again. Well, you must be either quite ambitious or have something to back your words, neh? Of course, you could never hope to be more famous than I. No, the most one can hope for is to be mentioned alongside my name once it is written down in history." She chuckled again. "A little humor there. No one really knows me. I come and go. Are you hungry? I sure could go for a hearty breakfast right now. I'm so hungry I could eat a draugr. Would you like something to eat as well?"

 

[Minstrel]

'Sure, I could do with a bit of roasted Horker meat and a bottle of strong m-' Sita stopped herself remembering what happened last time she had a bottle of mead.

Just one she had told her self last night. But soon came, one more can't really hurt can it? After the second, each bottle of mead began to blur into the next and before she knew it she was threatening to cut Khajiit's tails off.

'- A bit of Horker meat and some strong coffee would suit me just fine.' she said, completely ignoring her plans to go hunting.

Maybe I could use a friend in this cruel world.

Sita smiled at Misiri 'What would you like to eat, I'll pay. It's been along time since I've had my meal prepared by someone else and eaten them with someone I already consider to be a friend.'

 

[Jerund Rashi Kine]

Mesiri licked her lips. "Sounds good Miss Sita, but as a word of warning, you'll need to set a limit on that offer or you may go broke. I've been known to have the appetite of a starved troll. Let's see..."

As she pondered more on what to eat, she noticed a khajiit looking at her. At first she felt like there was something wrong, then she just felt plain watched.

"Oi, that kitty over there's giving me quite the stare. I ain't grown up any I'm sure. What's his problem?"