Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-3293219-20141029134758/@comment-24449631-20141029163111

(Why's everything going so fast damnit!)

As the last leaves of the perpetually orange trees started to feather down by themselves, the city of Riften was preparing for winter.

It was mid-frostfall. And as the name of the month so clearly suggests it is the time of year Skyrim gets that especially chilly.

Trade could stagnate because of the oversnowed roads that make it impossible for merchents to pass through. One would need a Nord guide who knows these lands like the wrinkles on palm of his hand. Otherwise a merry stroll into Skyrim's wilderness could end fatally, even more so than other times of the year. As the regular bears or wolves dissapear to hibernate or care after their young ones in warm holes and caves, the more ferocious and hardy equivalents of said animals dominate the land outside of the city walls. Not only that, but the recent surge of bandit terror across the kingdom has also completely disrupted the faint merits and vestiges of safe travel. And many people, especially native Nords, know this. So that is why all major cities now partake in the large stock-up.

Before the grounds turn cold and unworkable, the lakes freeze and trap the fish and boats within and the birds leave for three whole months the windy and unhospitable air. Citizens and farmers alike start stocking up on wheat, crops, fish and meat.

Floki, who had just passed Snow-Shod's farm on his trusty steed, arrived at the gates of Riften. Now adorned by lovely wood carvings of Mara. With the bolts of the giant doors cleverly disguised as seeds of fertility.

"Ah, Floki. You're back!" A purple guard hailed. Now wearing a warm cape just like Floki. A new idea to keep the cold at bay. Since guard duty especially outside of the gate meant standing still for a long while, and it could cool the body off to unpleasent degrees.

The Nord, who was somewhat in his late 30's, dismounted his Grey horse. Who's mane had grown thick and to a certain extend: wooly.

"Ja I am, Bjarnin... is it?" He then asked the guardsman.

The guard simply nodded. Small clouds of hot air escaped from the darkend mouthpiece of his helmet. The air was indeed getting chilly.

"Go right in then. The Felund's probably waiting."

"Thanks, do you care to watch my horse?" Floki asked Bjarnin then with an exhausted tone. It seemed he hadn't slept last night. probably a reason for his speedy return.

"It would be my pleasure friend." The guard said as he gently padded the horse on it's nose and held it's face with the other hand.

-

Rowan looked up. He and another Nord were once again on the roof of some house, adding decorative pieces to the ridges.

"Those clouds... Definatly going to be snowfall tonight or tomorrow."

"Ja... probably." The nord with whom he was working with agreed after he also looked up for a brief moment.

"Maybe even this evening." He added before placed a nail ready.

"I guess we won't be working on the roofs anymore then."

"Chances are very good."

Rowan smiled.

"We'll probably get paid then, tomorrow."

"Can't wait to have some days all to myself. And my family."

The other nord looked up, showing a quizetive frown.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. Show Fridrik the traits of Fishing on a frozen lake. It can be quite hard if you don't know where to look" Rowan said with some pride.

"... And done." his companion said after he had hammered the last nail in.

"We've got another one ready!"

-

Floki smiled as he saw two nords finish another ridge ornament up on the roof of the blacksmith's house. But he had more important things to attend to.

The tired Nord climbed the steps of the Keep and entered Mistveil.

Inside, the Jarl"s family, her Steward and captain of the guard: Felund and Unmid, her trusty Housecarl sat down at the warm fire and ate lushely and plenty.

Floki could hear his stomach grumble out of desire when his nostrils caught the sent of roasted chicken and other divine goodness. But he didn't waste time and walked up to his jarl.

"My jarl, I bring news from Dead Crone Rock, also known as the Regulators headquarters."

The jarl finished her sip of some Colovian wine and nodded.

"Proceed"

"Sebastian de Rochefort welcomes your aid, and will sent someone of his own kin to negotiate on the terms, price and agreements"

"Excellent. Riften has some fine warriors. I am sure they will be of use to his, nay... OUR cause. For too long has Skyrim suffered. Ever since king Torygg was killed, Skyrim has bled. I want to see justice prevail. This power vacuum has to be closed, for it is only a matter of time before the Aldmeri Dominion realises we are weak and defenseless. We need to clear our domestic problems first, before we go looking elsewhere, beyond our borders."

"hear hear." Unmid said approving as he lifted his drink, followed by Harrald, her eldest son, and Felund.

"But, thank you, Floki. You may go now."