[img]https://images.uesp.net/thumb/9/98/SR-place-Solitude_02.jpg/800px-SR-place-Solitude_02.jpg[/img]

[i]An hour before arrival.[/i]

The crisp frozen air of Skyrim had started to creep up as the Niben Wisp approached
the northern coast. Other ships, both larger and smaller were going to and fro along the same route. 
Andre watched from the starboard as the border crept closer. He was both anxious and relieved. The captain of this vessel did make him question his choice on coming to this country, but he knew that if he was to find the amulet, he would have to endure some difficulties, as was the way of all adventures. Plus he was looking forward to getting back onto land.

"We should be docked within the next hour." came the voice of a stocky man that Andre recognised, it was the captain of the Niben Wisp, an Imperial man named Argal Turius.
Andre nodded in understanding, "Thank you again for your help. You have been very generous on this venture of mine." he said as he eyed the cliffs that stood before them.
The captain waved it off, "You'd be better off thanking me for taking you away from here. I hope your reasons are worth it." said the man as he rested against a crate.
"So do I." replied Andre as he turned his attention toward their destination. 

------ 

[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=WRAlNeOHI-g][b][u]Solitude, 10th, Sundas, Midday, 4E 205[/u][/b][/url]

The docks of Solitude were busy, crates, barrels and other containers were being moved around and organised, along with the noise of workers as they tended to the usual maintenance of structures and vessels alike. The cold crisp air seemingly unaffecting them as they worked.
Andre departed from the Niben Wisp after bidding the captain farewell and made his way up to the city. Remembering the apparent mistreatment of non-nords, he pulled up his hood to try to at least hide his mer touched ears.
A couple of guards he walked past gave him a watchful glance on occasion as he ascended up the hill toward the main gate, otherwise he was unimpeded. 

"Coin for a hopeless bard?" the voice was gruff and tired, Andre turned to see a ragged and worn out old Orsimer tucked into a corner, some old bottles and an empty sack littered around him. Next to the Orc was also the two pieces of a broken lute.
"And what is your story?" Andre asked as he hesitantly withdrew his gold pouch, "After Ulfric's thugs took over Solitude, mer were demoted to second class citizens. I made a song about it, they didn't like it, and now i'm here." the Orc gestured to his broken lute, "Guess I got lucky..." he shrugged, "they could of done to me like they did to Elisi."
"Elisi?" Andre raised a brow. "A Dunmer. She made a song like mine, only it pissed them off much more. You'll see her when you enter the city. Just look right from the gate, you'll see what these Stormcloaks do to people they don't like." said the Orc.
Andre sighed and nodded in understanding, "For your troubles." he offered a few gold pieces. Suddenly the Orc pulled Andre's hand to bring him in close, and then speaking seriously with a hushed tone, "An apple drops for the bunch. Remember this phrase." he then let go of the Breton whom stumbled backward from the surprise. "You should head to the 'Winking Skeever', you may find that folks from out of town rarely drink alone there." Andre took note of the Orc's words before carefully walking away from him back up to the city.


Despite the uncomforting looks he got from the Stormcloak soldiers that were stationed just outside the gate, and that he had to state his reason for visiting, he was eventually given entry into the city.
Solitude itself was visually impressive on the outside, and more so from inside. The architecture notably different from that of High Rock Andre noted. He took a moment to look around and gaze through the crowded square before making his way through. He caught something in his peripheral, on the right he saw a couple of wooden posts, several bodies were hanging from them. He recognised that one was indeed a Dunmer woman, Andre just shook his head as he turned away from the scene.
He took up the old Orc's advice and headed for the Inn.

The Winking Skeever, despite its unusual name it wasn't too bad, though Andre had only been to at least one other inn, so he couldn't really comment. The atmosphere however was one of disquiet peace. Besides the occasional chatter between paired patrons, it was fairly quiet. Andre pulled his hood down, no-one payed him any interest as he made his way over to the innkeeper anyway. And after ordering an ale, he found a small table that was tucked away and then allowed himself to finally relax there, and soon enough someone indeed came over to join his table.
It was a Nord man who joined him, he was dressed in rather simple clothes, but was fairly well built. "So what brings a Breton to Skyrim? Especially in these trying times." asked the man in a somewhat curious tone. With a sigh, "I don't wish any trouble sir, I simply wish to rest." Andre apologetically held up a hand.
"Neither do I friend. I just figured you needed the company." said the Nord before taking a mouthful of his mead.
Andre was curious himself, "Do you often join a lone stranger's table?" he asked leaning back on his chair. "Only the ones I find interesting." the Nord chuckled as he raised his mug in respect before taking another drink. Feeling more comfortable, Andre took another sip of his own drink before continuing, "To answer your previous question, I am here to search for a missing amulet that belongs to my family. It has been in the family for generations, and two of my kin have gone to other parts of Tamriel in search of it. Skyrim is one of three locations where it may be."
"Aye, that is an interesting task." nodded the Nord, "May be a bit hard to achieve with how your kind are treated around here." he continued.

"So what should I call you friend?" he asked after. "My name is Andre Lanchenko. And yours?" he asked in return, "Aye, just call me Olgaf."
Andre let out a smile, "Well Olgaf, heres to pleasant company." The two men clunked their mugs together as they enjoyed their drinks.