Stand and Deliver [Open]

[Erthor Hassildor .]

Stand and Deliver

Thick, white clouds clung to the skies creating an expanse of dullness that merged seamlessly with the snowy peaks of the mountains on the horizon. The sun was nowhere to be seen but still Erthor’s skin tingled with heat. He had not fed in two days.

The journey from Winterhold to Rorikstead had lasted twice that long as Erthor had become lost on several occasions and had spent an entire night hiding from a small troika of Stormcloak Guards after freeing one of their prisoners.

Erthor had sustained a modest graze across the knee from the scuffle that had ensued and he was beginning to find it difficult to walk. Ordinarily he would've healed himself with a potion or incantation, but he had ran out of supplies and his concentration waned when in the sunlight. He would have to bear it.

He found himself on the road again, though he wasn't entirely sure where he was anymore. He knew that High Hrothgar was behind him, which meant that he was heading West, but other than that he couldn't be sure.

"Hold it!"

Erthor froze and turned around slowly. Three men; possibly Nords, were surrounding him. He knew they were bandits by their stench, though they appeared to be surprisingly well armed, carrying weapons of sharp steel. The road was situated next to a river and it would be impossible to escape the men on foot.

"Well isn't this a surprise?"

The bandit leader was by far the ugliest. He didn't need to know that though, so Erthor kept his mouth shut and his hand on the hilt of his sword, though he knew that a mere silver sword would not be enough in a situation like this. Especially not in the daylight.

"Is it?"

Erthor needed to buy himself some time to regain his concentration. With any luck the sun would fall behind a particularly dense cloud and he would be able to conjure up enough strength to-

"Take his sword..."

The bandit leader motioned towards one of his companions and they both approached, slightly wary with their weapons raised. One of them clubbed Erthor to his knees whilst the other took his sword from it's scabbard.

"What do we do with him now?"

One of the lesser bandits clutched his axe excitedly whilst the other handed Erthor's sword to the leader.

"Cut him. Stick him. Bash his skull to pieces, I don't care. Just bring me anything else he's carrying that's worth half a septim."

Erthor shut his eyes. He tried to ignore the sunlight. He tried to ignore the heavy breathing of the man standing next to him as he raised his axe. He tried to channel some magic into his fists but he could not concentrate. Time. He just needed more time.
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[Alarice Frozen-Heart .]

Alarice is on her way towards the nearest city. She has collected a few items that she wants to sell. It's mainly furs that she has to sell. She had spent about a week in solitude, hunting wild animals and simply surviving in the forest. Her bag was heavy and she needs to sell a few things. Alarice doesn't like following the paths, but she has to if she wants to reach a village or town. As she was walking she can hear something in the distance. 'What could that be?' She thought as she continued to walk along the road. The sky was dark thanks to the many clouds covering the sun. It smells like it's going to rain soon.

Take his sword. Upon hearing that sentence Alarice stopped dead in her tracks. Her faithful companion Aryr stopped and looked up at her. The wolf too can hear people but he didn't quite get it why Alarice stopped dead in her tracks. Alarice signaled for him to go in stealth mode. Alarice reached for her bow and arrow. She quickly crouched down and walked off of the road. She continued to listen to what was going on. It's clearly a set of bandits. It sounded like they are trying to steal every last septim of someone. Alarice having dealt with many bandits before knew that stealth was the key. Bandits usually traveled in groups.

Aryr, her companion wolf moved the other side. It was like when they went out hunting. One would go one side and the other would take the opposite side. As she got closer she saw four men. One was standing and watching everything. 'That must be the leader.' She thought as she sneaked forward. Another man walked back to the guy that was on his knees. Alarice continued to watch, though she slowly inched closer. She wasn't surprised at the words of the leader.

They were going to kill the man. Alarice has three options. First would be sit here and watch everything happen then continue to the city. Her second option would be to save the man and her third option would be to wait for the bandits to kill the man then she can make a move and kill the bandits. Alarice glanced at Aryr, the wolf was ready for action. Alarice looked back at the situation, she has to make a decision now if she wants to save the man's life. Seeing the man raise his axe, Alarice was quick to use her bow and arrow. She aimed at the man's heart, this all took her a few seconds. When she released the bow, it flew from the bushes straight into one of the bandit's back.

Alarice just gave away her position but there would be two left to handle. Two is a piece of cake. She quickly reached for another arrow, she stood up tall showing herself and aimed the arrow right at the second bandit that was standing next to the knelt man. Let the man go bandits![/color] She shouted out. She was being generous, she was giving the two remaining bandits a chance to run. If they choose to fight, then they will lose their lives. Alarice has a feeling that they are going to fight, most men doubt women to be good at anything other than being a wife and cooking. Alarice is glad to show these bandits, especially that ugly bandit leader how good she really is with the bow and arrow.