At the crack of dawn, I was up and about- getting all the neccessities for the coming travel in order.
Speaking of necessities- a bundle at the foot of my straw bed draws my gaze.
I'd be foolish not to cash in this 'mission' and get rid of all traces linking me back to the dead adventurer, Lex.
At that time, I saw his belongings as a renewer of my flickering lifeline- they saved me back then, I agree.
But not so much anymore, now that they'd plunged me into the middle of a huge conspiracy- heck! I could lose my neck.
Just a while longer and I'll be free of worry, free of fear - It has become so tiring, constantly looking over my back.
Not anymore!
With that said, I put on my linen undershirt then a coat over it.
Around my waist, I tie the utility belt- its pouches still empty save for a glass vial or two, filled with concoctions I have no idea of what their function might be.
I hadn't tested them out either- and I wouldn't
I'm neither naive nor stupid enough to use myself as a test subject.
That's too risky.
My rusty daggers come in next- they sheath with a shing into their old and worn out scabbards.
They'll do for now, until I get the coin to commission new ones- not anytime soon, judging by the state of my coin pouch.
With all preparation in order, I bend over, lacing my boots - the grey cloak snugly hugs my figure- covering everything from head to just below my knees.
~exhales~
The floorboards creak as I descend- down into the tavern hall.
Unsurprisingly, its already packed, even at this hour!
I wonder if Irena gets some rest, if at all- seeing the tavern is always packed to its capacity.
She's racking quite the coin- perks of having monopoly, and running a thriving business.
Its all worth the trouble.
Maybe after all this is done I can start a business of my own.
>>Heh! If knew what's coming<<
Squeezing through the hall, my gaze lands on the door- my exit
[Finally!]
The loud talks and cheers emerging from the tavern gradually trail off as I move further and further away.
A while later, only the rhythmic cruch of snow beneath my feet remained- counting out the occasional barks of stray mutts.
The prickling scent of fermenting dung cued my arrival at the stables.
The man in charge gives me a questioning look- bear in mind the hour.
Silent, I hand him a note.
Puzzled, he looks down, leaning towards a flickering torch , pinned to the wall.
An amused smile slowly creeps in-
The stable hand tenses, his pupils narrowing, he burst in action, grabbing the torch.
"This way sire!"
Respectful all of a suddden.
A chuckle escapes my lips, following behind.
Stretching and gesturing his hands before the Ashva he speaks
"Take your pick young lord."
Huh, a puzzled expression shows, only for a split second.
It seems the poor guy has mistaken me for someone else.
My gaze sweeps across the stables, scanning the Ashva before me- soundly munching at stacks of hay.
To say I was in the presence of noble beasts would be an overstatement.
All of them majestic and standing tall, ignoring my presence with their lazy chewing.
Lots of choices to make...each more majestic than the last.
Noticing my hesitated selection, the stable hand awkwardly speaks up
"Uhm, perhaps you could-"
"I have made my choice" I cut in pointing at a brown mare,
The man is visibly confused.
Who would Choose a brown and unassuming mare before such majestic beasts?
I know that's the question running in his mind.
That would be me. I wasn't trying to get robbed.
Taking the other Ashva would only draw more attention to me.
It'd be plain stupid for a man of my stature.
No thank you! I'll settle with good 'ol brown on any day.
Not questioning my weird choice, the man promptly saddles the mare.
Handing me the reigns once he'd led the horse outside.
A quick swing and I was atop the ashva, comfortably nestled into the saddle.
I stir her up and off we ride, through the gates.
Halt!
"Identify yourself!" A guard shouts, stopping me in my tracks.
"That's Rain ye' dimwit!" A familiar voice cuts in,
"Hey there brother, " he greets.
"Hello, Allen." I respond, handing out the note from Cap'n Harlan.
Looking around, I recognize some of the guards.
Recruits we train together- heads nodding as they fought off sleep.
I chuckle, seeing their drowsy selves.
"Let him through." Allen shouts, handing back the note.
Cruising through the gates, I glance back at smoke curling out of chimneys.
The town was waking up, merchants opening stalls and a few random townfolk moving about.
The mare's steps echo aganist the cobbled path, slowly at first but gradually increasing her speed as we approached the open road.
The refreshing scent of nature calms my spirit, losing myself in the soothing feel of freedom.
A few minutes had just passed and I was deep into the outlands.
At this pace, I'll be in Winterhold a little bit past noon.
[Splendid]
( The gates, a few minutes after Rain's departure)
A silhouette quietly approaches the gates silently walks through.
His steps smooth, gliding through, you would think his feet are floating just inches from touching the ground.
The guards look forward into the fields beyond, paying no mind nor attention to the figure.
As if him being there was the most 'ordinary' thing within the sky.
A faint breeze blows, carrying the silhouette within its embrace.
No footprint, no trace that there had been someone standing there for a couple of seconds or so.
The receding silhouette glides into town, stopping for a few seconds at a time, as if searching.
Creak ! Creak ! Creak!
A draft of cold wind blows by, shaking a hanging sign.
The silhouette abruptly halts, his gaze locked onto the swinging sign
[Jivin' Crow Tavern]