Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter CXLV - No Good Deed

Aeyrin let out a satisfied groan as she plopped down on the bed.

This wasn't even their most challenging adventure, not by a long shot, but she still felt quite exhausted. She still kept thinking about it. What kind of deal could the Jarl have going on with those monsters? Did he let them live if they avoided his citizens and supplied lumber? But they didn't really avoid his citizens, did they? Though granted, that woman by the watchtower could have just been a traveler. But that wasn't any better! Why should travelers through the Hold be subjected to this threat?

And what if it was a different deal? Sacrifice one every now and then to keep the lumber flowing?

It all just left a bad taste in her mouth.

At least they did get a few hundred for their loot. That was encouraging – they really needed some to be able to stay at the inn longer. The claymore really was enchanted and it fetched a good price. And the leather armor was of a decent value too.

She sprawled herself on the bed, kicking her leather boots off and curling herself on the blankets. Her muscles still ached, more from their stay by the Lady Stone than the battles, but it was a pleasant sort of ache with those memories still vivid in her mind.

Bishop stayed by the door for a while, tinkering with the Dwemer trap. He didn't have any poison left to dip the dart that hit the assassin in it again. It was a waste, since Karnwyr had killed that man right away. But still, he had one last poisoned dart left and that one was going to guard them through the night. It proved to be a decent tactic. Even if the poison didn't affect any assailants right away, they managed to stop them for a bit in shock and the sound of the trap gave the two of them a chance to react. He tended to leave his knife under the pillow every single time now, even outside when they were in their bedroll. This time, he would be able to get it quickly even in the darkness.

This was all just a precaution, hopefully. They were safer here in the city than outside. Assassins would have a much harder time staying inconspicuous here. Especially with the Penitus agents around.

At least they assumed there were some around. There was no way to tell with so many soldiers in the city.

Those soldiers. They were still out there, constantly mobilizing. At least tonight they hadn't barged into the tavern to draft people forcibly, but Bishop and Aeyrin were sure it wasn't the last time they saw the unpleasant spectacle.

When he was finally done with the trap, he took off his boots as well and draped his shirt over his head.

It was pretty late, but they could still have some fun before the much deserved rest.

He jumped onto the bed next to her and stretched himself out on it with a groan as well. Aeyrin instantly shuffled on the sheets to snuggle herself to his side before she rested her head on his shoulder and placed her hand on his chest, rubbing him idly and playing with his hair there.

"So, any other surprises planned for tomorrow?" she chuckled at him. She certainly wouldn't mind making more pleasant memories in this place.

"Heh, no, unfortunately not," Bishop smirked. They could always return to the island at some point though, whenever they needed a respite from overbearing Imperials and vampires.

"Hmm, so where do we go? We could check out that notice board. Or ask around..." she mused, already wondering what kind of places were here to explore in the lush forests. Or hopefully outside the forests too. That was still a more comfortable prospect.

"I don't know," Bishop shrugged a little before he shuffled on the bed and turned himself on his side, facing her. "We'll figure it out tomorrow, princess. There's no rush." He leaned in, placing a languid kiss on her lips and nipping at her bottom lip teasingly. "Right now, we should really concentrate on something much more fun."