ESRP Chapter One

You'd be dead if i hadn't stopped them.

I pull my arrow out and the head has snapped off. I throw it to the side, disgruntled and search through the assassin's pockets. After taking what gold there is, i stand up.

Come. You have an appointment, don't you?

Continuing with his training, Cocius was getting bored. The monotony of the constant striking of the figure was growing tiresome. Apart from his mission for acceptance into the companions those years ago, Cocius never went into any legitimate danger, and he had his battle-brother there back then.


"Cocius Quarra?"


The voice boomed from up the stairs, and Cocius immediately followed it. Upstairs was Thonror, the unofficial leader of the companions. There was no true hierarchy, as everyone ruled themselves, but in any organization somebody always calls the shots, whether they admit it or not.


Yes, Thonror?


Looks like we're finally letting you off the leash. We're sending you out solo to deal with someone... We don't know what he's done, but these men are paying well. 2000 gold. If you do it well, half goes to you, and half goes to fixing the roof from Fraki's last....incident...

He looked over to Fraki, a surprisingly thin, short man. He was talented with his maces, though.


What is his name?

Aije Aebeir. He's an Altmer. Pretty talented mage, specializing in conjuration, so you'd be well-off to go in expecting an atronach, or undead. He won't let them do all the lifting, though. He's capable of throwing around a few traps and lightning bolts, and he's a clever one.

And how do you expect me to deal with him?

Kill him, and bring back his head. Our client wants proof.

I don't remember us being assassins, Thonror.

Money's tight. Now get moving, pup.

Cocius nodded, and set on his way. He brought a leather bag to hold his various necessities, as he's experienced to the point where his heavy armor does not weigh him down. He set off on the road, ready to find this Altmer mage.

Indeed I do. However, this proves to be quite an opportunity, the kind that does not come around often. Flame Atronachs are rather weak, and are very obvious to spot. But...

=He goes over to one of the two atronachs=

Begone with you.

=He atronach falls and fades into nothing. He then goes over to the body of the assassin=

Humans are much less obvious of Mage presence. And likely stronger than a Flame Atronach physically.

=His hands both glow a sickly blueish-green. He begins to make slow, flowing motions with them whilst chanting some strange incantation. He closes his eyes and thrusts his hands out towards the body=

Now... Let us see if that worked...

Cocius continued along the road for days until finally reaching the area he predicted the mage would find himself. He saw the assassin and the mage talking, and saw Aije banish his flame atronach.

I was not told there would be an ally with him....

Stealth was not Cocius' forte, so he would have to talk them up. Follow them until he can get one isolated. He was not trained enough to take on a trained assassin or mage, he would be slaughtered.

Cocius approached the two.

Hello?

=The body of the dead assassin arose from the ground and stood with a slight moan. Aije looked very pleased with his handiwork, a Dead Thrall. The undead of an assassin no less, which would most likely prove very useful. He heard a voice from behind. He swung around and nearly daul-casted Lightning=

From whence come'st thou, tell me, and wherefore?

Cocius stood unwavering, looking at him with a stony face.

I come from Whiterun. I walk this trail on occasion...And who are you?

My identity is my own, and no business of thee.

=He kept his guard up, and kept his Lightning spells at the ready=

You speak as though you have something to hide, Altmer. What would that be?

He put his hands to the grip of his axes, prepared to fight.

I speak as though my path is clear. And thou art in very real danger here.

I have not provoked you, nor do I plan to. You and I both know I am not a threat to you until I must be.


He took his hand off of his axe, standing at attention.


Do you want to make me a threat?

You take me for a fool, stranger? I am well aware of those plots against me.

And you are so certain of my intentions? I'm harmless, now. The weaponry and armor is mostly to deter threats.

He stood calmly, making sure he was not taken for a threat.

=He came out of his combat stance and rubbed his beard with one hand=

Hmm, perhaps you are. Very well, I shall not disintegrate you. But know that my trust is not won over so easily.

Nor did I expect it to be.

He holds out his hand

My name is Cocius. Cocius Quarra.

=He holds up his hand in greeting, but does not shake the newcomer's=

I am known to some as the Mahrûn.

Cocius puts down his hand.

Is that a name or a title?

It is neither, and both. Now then, I have an appointment to keep, and I must be going.

Would you mind if I accompanied you? I have nowhere else to be, and if your wariness proved anything, it is that another man on foot with you would be of assitance.

=He sighed=

Very well, but we must make haste. An meeting with a Wizard is not a thing to be late to, and I am behind as it is.

=I sped around the corner and almost tripped. I'll give the guards one thing, they're persistent. But skill can beat determination.
I slipped out of the gate, continuing to run.=

A wizard is never late.

He follows the mage through the path, curious as to the assassin's whereabouts.

"Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."

=He finished the old saying. Many hours lie on the road ahead, and by the time Riverwood was within view, the sun was coming up=

As always, Gnaeus woke up early in the morn. He stretched, still sore from mining all of the previous day. Surprisingly, he was not the first to awaken. Another miner, Svori, was already adding wood and some fire salts to the smelter. Gnaeus bowed his head slightly, in greeting, and continued into the mine.

=They walked into Riverwood as the sun rose over the treetops. The Wizard stopped just inside the main gate and turned to the warrior=

I suppose this is where we part ways.