Naenya looked on at the stranger curiously as he talked in a rather upfront matter – not that she was at all concerned about his lack of tact, what with embracing such blunt conversations quite often herself. She did, however, find his wording most curious.
“Well… why not both?” She queried after he had finished. “Perhaps I’ve seen battle, but was also victim to a horrendous attack. Maybe they happened at different times – or simultaneously. Would I still be classified as a victim then? When does a horrendous attack turn into a battle? If one fights back? Would one then be seen as a victim, for taking up arms? Interesting to think about, yes?” She paused then, content smile set on her face – talking about such random matters easily took her mind off the situation at hand. “Of course, I have seen battle. Not quite horrendous or victimising though – although I suppose the goblins would think differently to that.” She paused once more, now frowning lightly in thought. “At least, they would think that if they were alive. Killed them, of course. Maybe they are still thinking in some strange, goblin after-life. Do you think the monsters have their own versions of life after death? That’s another interesting thing to think about.”
Trailing off, Naenya gazed at one of the stained-glass windows ahead of her musingly. It was really quite pretty, with all the colours dancing from the flickering flames outside. Eyes darting back to the man in front of her, now smiling in a familiar sort of manner, she took stock at the lack of blade at his side. There weren’t any hilts or bows peeking out from his back, nor tucked away in his boot. A magic user then? There was no way an unarmed fellow wouldn’t get very far without magic – unless they were very good at sneaking. In which case, they were likely a thief, and wouldn’t be very much help in the current situation.
Before Naenya was able to comment on the man’s rather abnormally towering height, a commotion from outside drew her attention. Indeed, everyone’s head seemed to whip towards the only working doors; the guards stood by the stairs readied their weapons, nervously awaiting what was on the other side to break through. Naenya sprang to her feet as well, Bobo fluttering away from her hand as it reached for her staff – her smile had disappeared for now. For all her interest in Daedra, she couldn’t deny their monstrous natures… and she had no interest in dying today, regardless of potential research.
Especially not in a broken chapel surrounded by strangers.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the door didn’t burst open in an explosion of flames; rather, some hurried knocking and panicked words. Sharing an incredulous glance among each other, the guard in charge somewhat reluctantly stepped forward, one hand outstretched for the handle. The knocking became more insistent; knuckles turned white around the Chapel as people clutched onto various things – mothers onto children, mages to their staves and warriors to their blades. In a sudden flurry of movement, the female guard swung open the door and brandished her sword, only for two people to stumble inside. A fireball followed them, luckily missing everyone and just brushing past the smaller of the pair’s hair, singeing it slightly. Slamming the door shut, the guard looked on at the two, clearly surprised at the sight of two very normal, and very alive people.
“Well… that was a close one!” Said the small one in a strangely bright voice, slapping at her blond hair to put out the embers there. The larger one – a man – didn’t say anything, and was peering around the room almost feverishly, as if looking for someone. He was a ridiculous contrast to the woman – where everything about her was small and slim, he was huge. Bulging with muscles, and easily scraping the 6’10’’ mark; your stereotypical Nord. The woman – an Imperial, by the looks of her - gave him a light dig in the ribs with a grin. “Thanks for getting me through that crowd, big guy. I didn’t think you’d get over that wall at one point though.”
“Did… did you both come from outside the walls?” The guard interjected, the beginnings of hope springing in her eyes. “The gate’s closed?!”
“The gate?” The Nord frowned, pausing in his search of the room to look back at the guard. “No – we found an unguarded bit of wall, scaled over it.”
“The guard Captain outside did recommend it –” The Imperial began, then chuckled incredulously. The noise seemed out of place in the sombre chapel. “But that’d be suicide, going into that thing! I – well, both of us – just needed to get into the city to look for some people.” She said, her own eyes now scanning the meagre amount of bodies stood in the shadows. The Nord appeared to find what he was looking for – striding to the back of the dark chapel and gathering a woman and child into his arms, clearly sobbing in relief.
“There isn’t a fellow called Martin around here, is there?” The Imperial asked cheerfully, clearly unperturbed by the number of dark eyes locked onto her bright smile. It did seem to be somewhat strained, and her eyes kept darting towards the door. Clearly, she didn’t want to stay for very long.
As the only priest stepped forward – clearly Martin – and the Imperial motioned him towards a dark corner of the Chapel, the lull seemed to return to the room. Naenya looked at the pair curiously, before turning back towards the rather tall Breton.
“Well… that was unexpected. I was wondering how a massive Nord and his female sidekick managed to close that portal outside; Nords aren’t known for their brains, and it’d take more than muscle to close one of those things, that’s for sure. No wonder they avoided the gate.” Her gaze went upwards, wondering where Bobo had flown off to. “Although, that does leave us all in the same predicament. We’re not all going to be able to climb over those walls.”
The conversation between Martin and the Imperial didn’t last very long; nor did it remain very quiet. He walked away looking fairly shaken, but a firm look to his eye.
“I’m not going to run away like some coward and leave these people to their fate; if the gate is still open, I’m staying right here.” He snapped at the clearly irritated woman as she pulled on his arm, hoping the action would somehow change his mind.
“How on Mundas am I supposed to close that thing by myself? If I had a bit more help than Wimpy the Barbarian over there, then I’d be happy to give it a go. However, I don’t see anyone volunteering!” The words had come out in a slightly loud whisper, more hissed than hushed. “These people aren’t more important than you.” Martin’s gaze hardened even more, and he pulled his arm from her grasp.
“You’re wrong. If… I am who you say I am, then I will not start this new chapter in my life by abandoning innocents to the slaughter.” His eyes cast across the room as he said this, no doubt noticing the many stares directed towards them both. Naenya watched on, tapping her fingers very lightly on her wooden staff. The Imperial seemed to give up now, stepping away with a somewhat lost expression on her face. Martin looked equally as lost – and Naenya’s curiosity was extremely piqued now. What had they discussed? Something to do with the gate, probably? Deciding there was only one way to find out, she stepped over to the Imperial woman, tapping her lightly on the arm.
“Good afternoon! Or… evening? I’ve lost track of the time, I’m afraid. Anyway, I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation – if you’re looking for help in closing the gate, I’d be happy to offer my services.” She offered with what she hoped looked like a helpful smile. The Imperial looked as though this was the last thing she wanted – no doubt leaving stealthily would be far easier than closing the gate and freeing everybody. Martin, however, looked far more approving of the offer, although not saying anything. “I’ve done some research into Daedra, and might be able to traverse the realm with a bit more ease than others. Or perhaps not – there’s only so much books and interviews with some dubious looking characters will tell you, after all. Still, it’s better than nothing.” At that, Bobo fluttered down onto her shoulder, nipping her pointed ear lightly. “There you are! Don’t worry, I won’t take you in there with me.” She said fondly to the bird, stroking his blue-black feathers lightly.
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