The Cave Bear's Cub

[Tana Little-Bear]

There really wasn't much in life that was as terrible-smelling than burning flesh and hair.

A cave that had once smelled of sizzling rabbit and greens and garlic now stunk of the sudden and swift horribleness of a troll on fire. A TROLL ON FIRE.

With wide eyes, Tana stumbled back, the skillet sent flying as she scrambled away from the flailing creature. One hand went to the hilt of her dagger, and the other held tightly to the scruff of Tiberius's neck, pulling him forcefully with her and out of the way as Matea moved towards the creature. It roared and wailed, screeching calls that were growled and gurgled in intense pain. The Nord girl knew well enough that she was no match for such a monster, even if it was ablaze, and retreated closer to the cave's mouth.

A wild swipe of the troll's arms elicited a frantic cry from Tana.

"Watch out!!"

[Darruk gro-Khazgur]

The Imperial phalanx was quick to make gains, charging through the final length of the cave to its northern terminus. Forming up to a two abreast formation as the tunnel narrowed, the legionaries filed through the bottleneck, once again arraying five across as they denied the troll a way back. Now all they had to do was to occupy the northern cave mouth.

"Flank!"

The back row of five legionaries peeled off along the cave wall, keeping well-clear of the troll until they had again formed up at the cave's mouth. One Legionary grabbed Tana and threw her aside, hoping to keep her clear from the fight as ten gladii unsheathed in unison and began to close around the troll with singular purpose. It was a foregone conclusion now. The beast reared back to pounce, and the tightening noose of Legionaries each put a sword into the troll twice, mutilating it with frightening efficiency. Matea's warhammer was the final blow, caving in the troll skull as the bloodied and burned carcass fell with a moan.

[Matea Antriius]

She caught a glance at the Imperial legionaries as they filed out like ants from the narrow passageway, swarming into the cave entrance and surrounding the beast. She sidestepped the swiping claws of the creature as best she could, bringing her warhammer to bear against its skull as she did so. The creature let out a dying sound and crumpled, the silence following more than awkward, it was dangerous. She was all but encircled by the heavily armed and trained soldiers just a step outside of their ranks that had formed around the troll. Tana had been thrown to the cave entrance and Tiberius was standing over her protectively, fur raised along his back as he silently watched the legionaries. She briefly considered fleeing, grabbing Tiberius, possibly Tana if she could manage and running off into the snow as quickly as she could, though she expected that was far more suicidal than attempting a diplomatic approach.

One thing was for certain, this was not a situation she had wanted to be in. Ever. She moved to re-sling her warhammer slowly, deliberate in her actions so the legionaries could be sure she didn't mean to attack them. "We thank you for your fortuitous timing, kind sirs. Who knows what that Oblivion-spawned beast would have done to us had you not arrived when you did." She turned to Tana, and motioned her towards her, making sure that she patted her leg softly with her other hand, prompting Tiberius to nuzzle into the girl's side and try and rouse her. "My sister and I are in your debt, we had just made camp for the evening to avoid the weather." Matea very, very much hoped Tana was a smart girl. A family settling down for an evening with their pet looked far less suspicious than the reality of their situation.

[Tana Little-Bear]

Her chest rose and fell with rapid heartbeats. The troll had been a shock, but now - surrounded by soldiers of the Empire...

Her grip on the dagger stuffed in her belt tightened even more, but it was Matea's words that drew her back to the realities that stared them in the face. Tana blinked, licked her lips, and slowly let her hand fall away from her weapon as she slowly picked herself up from where the Legionary had thrown her. Her eyes darted from one battle-hardened face to the next, and the girl let out a long breath, trying to still her immediate desire of bloodletting.

Her gaze finally fell to the massive Orc, and she stared unabashedly up at him with wide, blue eyes.

Unmoving for but a moment, she felt hot tears begin to well up as unbidden memories pushed their way to the surface; memories of Imperial soldiers ransacking her home as her mother cried and her father yelled curses at them until his head was taken, followed closely by her mother's.

A step back.

And before she knew it, Tana whirled around, her feet taking her out of the cave's mouth and into the falling snow on a frantic path down the pass.

[Kazahan]

Just a ways down the path leading out of the pass and overlooking the salty cold marshes of Morthal Hold, there was a small hunters' camp; simply two Nords with bows and quivers on their backs, sitting by a fire.

As Tana bolted around the sharp turn into the pass, the two Nords were speaking with a large Khajiit, with dark fur and lightly armored; he looked far different with his more flamboyant garb. All three of them turned to look at the girl in curiosity.

"Be careful," the Khajiit said, standing and looking beyond her and pulling what looked to be an Imperial bow of some kind off his back. "Frost trolls roam the upper reaches of that pass."

[Darruk gro-Khazgur]

"Your sister, you say?"

Darruk's severe expression shifted slightly as the young Nord girl took flight - possibly overcome by the scene she'd just witnessed, but possibly something else. He looked up to two of his legionaries, dispatching them after her with a slight jerk of his head before looking back to Matea once more. The woman's face was obscured by a mask, but her accent was unmistakable in its proper inflections as Imperial. A curious sisterhood indeed.

"You've chosen a poor area to travel. These parts are dangerous enough normally, but they are also thick with Stormcloak rebels."

He dropped that revelation casually. Behind the mask, it wouldn't be readily apparent to see if she reacted, but there were other ways to respond.

"We can give you escort to Morthal in the morning, but I would advise not to repeat this mistake."

[Matea Antriius]

She was never trying to help anyone again. She'd gone out of her way to try and deceive a way out of this situation on both of their behalf only for the fool Nord to run off into the night. That was the problems with Nords, It was act first, think second. If at all. If ever. If she wasn't busy continuing to try and get them out of this, she'd have hunted the girl down herself and demonstrated just how upset she was, Tiberius' reaction to it be cursed. The legionaire wasn't discounting her story so far, at least. Though the mention of Stormcloaks brought an audible 'tsk' from her lips, head and shoulders turning away slightly in disgust. She had never been fond of politics, and even less so of this war business.

The offer of an escort would almost be appreciated. Almost. There were a few issues with it however. That Daedra-damned Nord girl who couldn't be trusted to play her role, her supplies were already dangerously low, and she didn't trust traveling alongside trained soldiers and killers while that hung over her head, and the problem of morning. It wasn't that she couldn't travel during the day, it was just that she rather hated doing so.

"Thank you, no. Our journey takes us towards Solitude by way of Dragon's Bridge - and a further delay north to Morthal simply isn't opportune. My sister may be a bit flighty, but I assure you, kind sirs, I am of sterner stock. We'll be alright."

[Tana Little-Bear]

Stumbling in the snow, Tana managed to stay on her feet for only a few seconds more before tumbling down into a rolling heap. Coming to rest on her side, she looked up in time to see the unmistakable forms of soldiers in pursuit, and scrambling back up, the Nord girl was off once more, heading for the small camp and its' inhabitants. One, a towering Khajiit with bow in hand, seemed to be looking past her, and she had her dagger in hand even as she turned to give another glance over her shoulder at the Imperials.

If they managed to pick the lock of her chest, they'd find all of what she held dear - her father's Stormcloak helm and the few mementos that she'd been able to salvage from the husk of the farmhouse that had once been home. It was better for her to simply run now, hoping to hide well enough in the wilds until the Imperials were gone. A stranger's camp wasn't ideal, but it was something. Tana offered a fleeting prayer to Talos even as she lost her footing once more, rolling to a stop at the mountainous Khajiit's feet and staring up at him, her chest heaving with exertion and her eyes wide and pleading.

[Kazahan]

Kazahan met her gaze for a moment, before looking and seeing Imperial soldiers marching down the pass to the camp. At least it hadn't seemed like they'd seen the girl yet; they hadn't made the last sharp turn that brought it completely into view. He eyes sought out the Nord girl again.

"Khajiit suggests you follow," he said, turning around and nodding at the hunters. They could barely spare a return of the gesture; they were busy making sure that all their pelts and kills looked above board and not poached. "Unless this one is mistaken and you are not running from Imperial soldiers."

[Darruk gro-Khazgur]

"The way to Haafingar is clear of Stormcloaks, at least, though banditry is still a danger."

Of course, travel in any direction in Skyrim off the main roads merited its own unique dangers. There were few avenues of safe passage these days.

"What brings you to this place?"

The Imperial looked capable of handling herself, but the Nord girl had a hardscrabble hand-to-mouth look of her. The state of their camp lent doubt that this was an organized excursion.

[Matea Antriius]

She lowered her hood, letting the soft torch light, and campfire dance off her helmet, finger tapping the Dawnguard emblem worked into the metal on her forehead. "We are traveling from Dayspring Canyon. I had been called to Fort Dawnguard and didn't have time to get an appropriate guardian for my sister before I had to leave. I knew she would be safest with my brothers and sisters in arms while I attended to my duties. Now, my tasks complete we are returning home."

She could almost hear Tiberius scoff, assuming dogs can scoff, at the lie. Her former role with the Dawnguard had gotten her out of some terrible predicaments in the past, and she could only hope that her bluff would be successful once more.

[Tana Little-Bear]

A quick glance in the direction that the Khajiit looked, and Tana set about scrambling up to her feet, furiously swiping at the snow that clung to her clothing. No words needed to be said, and the little Nord moved quickly towards the encampment. There was no time to offer thanks; that would be better saved till later. There was a pang of sudden regret at leaving Matea, but now it was too late.

Gripping her dagger just a little tighter, Tana moved to crouch behind a large chest, venturing a peak from the side only as the crunching sound of feet tromping through snow became louder.

[Kazahan]

The Khajiit and others, having prepped the camp as much as they could before the advance party of Imperials arrived at the camp, sat and continued what they were doing before the interruption. Kazahan picked up a pale shaft that was obviously the haft of a bow though its material was indeterminate, and taking a small knife, began etching into it. Already the designs were becoming intricate and evocative.

"Scrimshaw is an intensely personal act, Khajiit," one of the hunters said. "It reflects the person, the individual. It's rare enough to find one of those bows around, though shops may carry them once in a pair of full moons, but however you came upon it, you should make it your own. To use another's scrimshaw bow without making it your own — it's simply not right."

By this time, the advance party of Imperials had trudged up into the firelight, and were looking at the three archers suspiciously.

"We're looking for a little girl. Nord, about this high," one soldier held his hand up around his shoulder. "Skin clothing."

"Khajiit has seen such a one," Kazahan said, still mostly focused on the bow in front of him. "Ran past and down the slope to Morthal, it seems."

[Darruk gro-Khazgur]

Darruk nodded guardedly at Matea's explanation.

"I see."

The Dawnguard were by all accounts a band of well-coined mercenaries, but their cause was such that even the Legates did little to rein them in. Vampires were, after all, abominations that should be driven from civilized realms and hunted down. Not even the Stormcloaks would find parlay with their cursed ilk.

Just as Darruk was about to dismiss the Imperial from further questions, his Legionaries returned from their pursuit.

"Centurion, we encountered a hunting party down the slope some distance. They spotted the Nord girl matching our description given, by all accounts headed to Morthal."

Not acknowledging his subordinates words, Darruk instead turned to the Dawnguard hunter, raising a ponderous brow at this turn of events.

"Perhaps your sister has gotten lost."

It wasn't a question. He'd caught Matea in enough of a contradiction to fully arouse his suspicions. Only now did he speak to his Legionary.

"Mount your horses and ride her down. If she resists, kill her."

[Matea Antriius]

What was that accursed Nord girl doing? Just how big of a fool was she, running the way she had from the Legionaries was stupid enough, but running all the way to Morthal was absolute madness. Worse yet it made her entire story suspect. What sister would flee to town and leave their sibling in the hands of others? She quickly considered her options. She could attempt to flee down the passageway the Legionaries had filed out of, but they had already trekked through those caverns and she hadn't. There was no way of knowing if all of their regiment had come through, or if she would encounter resistance, and she had no desire to be hunted from behind and ahead.

She could lie further, but that could just set up a further trap if the girl continued to act in ways contrary to what would be expected. Of course she could always tell this man the truth, HAH. She had to fight the urge to chortle at the notion. The truth would see her head from her shoulders before the words finished spilling from her lips. Waiting however, wasn't an option as she had conserved her rations so tightly that trying to see it through until the end was simply an impossibility. She would need to feed again soon, or this entire situation would become even more dire.

She swore a curse under her breath towards every Nord child born with more muscle than brain, as Tana had clearly been, and let her shoulders slump. She'd have to rely on kindness from this Legionary, if there were any to be found. A measure of half-truth may see her out of this.

She spoke softly, apologetically. "Good Legionary, I have misled you. I came across this girl on my travels, and took pity upon her, fearing for her safety as she was alone. When you came through so startlingly chasing the troll, she seemed so upset I wanted to spare her further trauma from being made to answer Imperial inquiry at such a young age. I sought to call her my sister so that I may do the talking on her behalf, the truth is I do not know the girl, beyond her name. I am, however, as I have said an agent of the Dawnguard, and a citizen of Solitude. A loyal citizen of the Empire. I can only throw myself upon your mercy to find forgiveness for my deception, as it was done with noble intention."

[Darruk gro-Khazgur]

At last, something that smelled of truth. Had she truly believed he would take the pair for sisters? Still, the response merited nothing but a draconian scowl and a low growl.

"Chose who you lie to more wisely next time, vampire hunter."

Still, clapping a member of the Dawnguard in irons was an annoyance Darruk was loathe to endure. He'd hear no end of the trouble it would cause from Quentin Cipius, who would have to deal with the ramifications, and likely be called to Castle Dour itself to explain the incident.

Darruk's legionaries began the work of policing through the ramshackle camp and its luggage, coming to a locked crate adjacent to the fire. A quick work of a lockpick and the crate swung free. Immediately, a cry of "Centurion!" came forth, which drew Darruk's attention to the opened chest and the contents within. His scowl did not relent, and the Orc stooped down to pick through the contents, pulling out the most incriminating article, which he tossed to Matea.

"You may wish to rethink with whom you place your trust."

The stormcloak helmet caught the glinting light of the fire, a confirmation of all of Darruk's suspicions.

[Tana Little-Bear]

From her hiding spot behind the chest, Tana had watched as the Khajiit sent the Imperials back, with words of her fleeing to Morthal.

Once the soldiers were gone, the girl rose to stand, still clutching her dagger, her chest still rising and falling in a mixture of exertion, fear, and adrenaline. Her head tilted up to look at the snowy expanse of the pass that rose up above them all, at what had once been her home, now being overrun by Imperials. The Nord gave a silent snarl at the thought, and a hot tear formed in her eye before cutting an evil trail down her cheek. Wiping it with the back of an arm, Tana let out a sniff as her eyes went to the Khajiit.

[Kazahan]

"Why do you stand there staring at me?" Kazahan asked, still mostly focused on carving a design into the pale bow. "Sit. Speak. This one has lied to Imperial soldiers for you, and your name seems a fair trade for such a deed, no?"

He paused, glancing up at the human girl, his eyes glinting in the firelight, framed by the night in a seemingly featureless black furred face. After a moment of study, he returned to his task, using not a small knife in his work, but his claws.

"Or do not. Know the Imperials will come back this way. Flee, if you wish."

[Matea Antriius]

She caught the helmet with some measure of annoyance, though she hid it behind her helmet, not even a breath escaping her lips. Tiberius whined and she considered scolding the dog for having such horrible taste in company. She'd have been out of this cave and away from being associated with, what a Stormcloak? At her age? At least some sort of sympathizer, if nothing else. She didn't particular care for the war, or either side in it, but she was an Imperial, and these rebellious Nords were annoying in their tenacity, if nothing else.

"Point taken." She rumbled low, turning over the helmet in her hand, before looking up at the Orc. "Am I to be brought in for questioning then?" No point in avoiding the Mammoth in the room. If she were going to need to flee, it would be best to prepare for that scenario, and begin working on an exit strategy now, rather than wait.

[Darruk gro-Khazgur]

"Should I be questioning you further?"

He was willing to leave it as was, and the hunter's query was either an outburst of injury or a sign that more remained hidden. Letting his gaze fall on her for just a moment, Darruk shook his head, waving a hand at the notion dismissively.

"No, I'm inclined to believe you. Your order has a reputation for plain dealing, and to be honest, I'm not some damned constable of a hold who can be bothered with every little nuisance. There is a war on, after all."

The orc seemed to chew on his thoughts, jaw shifting a bit as he looked to the helmet in Matea's hands.

"Although, perhaps we can find a mutual benefit. If you're in need of gold and don't mind a night as a sellsword, there's a hundred septims for you if you ride with me and find this girl and her friends. That is, if the fabled Dawnguard are as capable of hunting the living as they are the dead."