It wasn’t that hard to find Viola’s house. All I’d had to do was walk with the Grey Quarter at my back and watch as the streets transformed from murky alleyways to well-maintained passageways. From there it was only a matter of time until I found the narrow house surrounded by hawk statues.
I now stood before the building, trying to think of a way inside. I’d never been any good at sneaking and picking locks was out of the question. I’d just as likely break the lock as unlock it. That left me only a few options; perhaps I could…
My thoughts were interrupted by an irritating voice. ‘You, Dark Elf. What are you doing in front of my house?’
‘Perfect.’ The word left my mouth before I realised. Fixing an uncertain smile onto my face, I turned to look at the source of the voice. It was an aging female Imperial, who looked as though she enjoyed sticking her nose into the business of others.
‘Uh… I… I’m looking for Viola, Viola Giordana. I was told she lives here.’ Hopefully my voice sounded timid enough that she would think I wasn’t much threat. That is, as little threat as someone with a greatsword strapped to their back could pose.
‘Humph, is that so? Well I’ll have you know that I am Viola Giordana, and if you don’t tell me what you’re really doing, I’ll call for the guards.’
Yes, perfect indeed.
‘Calm.’ With a wave of my hand, a green pulse struck Viola and she visibly relaxed.
‘What was that? Spe…’ Her words trailed off as the spell took full effect, leaving her standing in front of me with her mouth hanging open. After a moment, life seemed to return to her and she shut her mouth. Looking around, she noticed that I was still standing before her and she spoke:
‘I’m sorry, I’m not sure what came over me. What were we talking about?’ She gave me a weak smile, which was the best the spell would allow.
Returning her smile I responded, ‘That’s quite alright. We were just discussing the events of the past few days, and you had just suggested we continue our chat inside.’ Now that she was under the effect of my spell, I had no need for the timid façade. No matter what, she would do as I said.
Almost on cue, she spoke up. ‘Ah yes, that was it. Well then if you would follow me, I’ll unlock the door.’
*****
The cold struck me like a hammer as I left Viola’s house. Once she’d led me inside, it hadn’t been that difficult to convince her she needed a rest. And once she was in bed, it had only been a matter of finding a place to leave her ring where she would find it easily.
Now with that completed, all I needed to do was return to Sadri and tell him how it went. But before that, I had seen a market area while looking for Viola’s house. Now might just be the perfect chance to have a look around and ask a few questions.
Following the path back the way I had come, I soon found myself standing on the edge of an open space filled with market stalls. Looking around I scanned the three stalls that were closest to me. The one furthest stall was manned by a female Altmer, who like most of her kind was looking at everyone else as though she was better than them. She was currently engaged in conversation with a male Altmer, wearing a strange red and black striped tunic.
The stall next to that was run by a Nord woman, and was littered with a variety of vegetables. Behind the final stall stood a male Dunmer, who seemed to be selling an assortment of meats.
Deciding that the Dunmer was the most likely to talk to me, I walked over to him and caught his attention with a bright smile.
‘Good day, are you interested in anything you see before you? If so just let me know.’ His tone made it obvious that he hadn’t had many customers today, and from what Brunwulf had said I wasn’t very surprised that a Dunmer merchant was finding it hard in this city.
Maintaining my smile, I spent some time scanning his merchandise. The variety of meats was actually quite astounding. His stock even including several cuts of mammoth. While I inspected his stall I spoke up. ‘Perhaps, but mainly I’m just glad to see a friendly face in this city. I was starting to worry that no-one would be willing to talk to me.’
As I finished talking, I looked up to see his reaction. His expression simply served to confirm what I had been told and what I had seen about the situation here.
Before he could say anything, I started talking again. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve heard any interesting rumours recently?’
My question seemed to surprise him. I suppose he wasn’t the type to usually be asked about the local rumours; either way, he had stopped to think.
‘Well I don’t know why you’re asking and this isn’t much of a rumour, but there’s the Shrine to Azura some of our brethren built after we fled from Red Mountain. It’s up north-west of here. Although it’s quite the climb.’ He paused as though thinking some more and then continued, ‘Oh, and there’s that boy. Aventus, I think his name was. People have been saying he’s trying to summon the Dark Brotherhood in his family home near the Grey Quarter. I’d stay away from that if I were you. It will only bring trouble, just you wait.’
Taking a moment to digest what I had been told, I continued to look around his stall. The Shrine to Azura might be worth a visit. She is one of the three after all. Then there was this Aventus. I’d heard some claim my Master was involved with the Dark Brotherhood. So it may be a good idea to keep an eye on the situation in case he is successful. Who knows; they may know something about the Blade.
‘Thank you for the warning. I’ll be sure to keep my distance from that house. Unfortunately I’m currently low on funds, so I won’t be able to buy anything. I am however on my way to receive payment for a job, so I’ll be back shortly.’
He nodded at this, his expression saying that he doubted I would be back at all. That did not matter; instead my mind was focussed on what I should do next.
Turning around, I spotted the strangely-dressed Altmer leaving the market with an Orc I who I had not seen earlier. For a moment I thought about talking to the elf running the stall, but decided against it. I already had a lead to look into, and if need be I could come back later. Instead, I made my way back towards Sadri’s Used Wares.
I was greeted by a feeling of warmth as I stepped inside the store. As feeling started to return to my limbs, I let out a sigh and made my way over to the counter.
As soon as Sadri noticed me, his mouth burst open. ‘Well? Did you manage it? Please tell me you did—I don’t think I can go another day worrying about it.’
I took a moment to let the last of the feeling return to my hands before I started talking. ‘You no longer have anything to worry about. Now, I believe you owe me some gold and some lessons.’
At my words he looked like he would collapse. In fact, he started to wobble before catching himself on the counter.
‘Thank you. Thank you, I… I don’t know what else to say.’ The words were almost spilling from his mouth as relief overtook him.
‘Ah I almost forgot, your payment—I have it right here.’
Chapter 1 ~~ TOC ~~ N/A
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