The Grass Is Always Greener ((Open))

[Bartello Ruuz]

The mossy rocks and short grasses of The Reach felt pleasant under Bartello's feet. True, they were no different from the mossy rocks and short grasses of north-east Hammerfell that he had left barely an hour before, but the mere fact that he was out of his own country, away from those that had prusued him there... It brought a wave of peace over him for the first time in longer than he could remember. It had always been something affecting his life for the worst - First struggling to live in poverty with his mother, then getting over her death, even his time with the Brotherhood had been incredibly trying. And then on the run for nearly 2 years... Well, hopefully that would change now that he had crossed the border. Chapters of the Dark Brotherhood rarely opperated outwith their own regions, and even more rarely co-operated with each other. With any luck, he was safe here.

It was late afternoon, and the sun was begininng to descend ahead to Bartello's right as he headed north, fighting his way offroad to Carthwasten. At first, he had planned to go to Markarth, but that seemed a silly idea right away - If the Brotherhood did decide to look for him, the city is where they would go first. Hopefully, the smaller town would provide more cover, at least initially. He drew his dark brown, slightly worn travellers cloak tighter around his shoulders, ensuring it covered his studded leather armour and sword adequately - For now, at least, he wanted to maintain the illusion of a simple traveller, and not give away his sword-weilding past.

A sound to Bartello's left make him jump, and spin around. A collection of large rocks was not far away, along with a patch of trees not far off it. The noise must surely come from there. His arm began to move to his sword, by instinct, but he fought it off, instead raising both arms over his head, and looking around him a little more, as if he was not sure where the noise was from. "Hello?", he said, looking south, away from the rocks and trees. "Is someone there? I'm unarmed...", He turned back to face the rocks, and added as a near-silent whisper "... So far as you can tell.".

[S'kvari]

"Yeah right." A sassy female voice said from one of the trees, though the owner was nowhere to be found. "Only bandits and thieves would believe that. I, however, know that to be untrue."

The source of the voice remained hidden. Not moving or creating any other sort of noise.


(OOC:I apologize for the short post, but it's the best I've got right now XD)

[Bartello Ruuz]

Bartello suppressed a smirk. This one wasn't as stupid as he had assumed, clearly. Still, however, he had the upper hand - So long as he feigned ignorance as to where the voice came from, that is. Of course, there was no guarantee that the speaker was looking for conflict, but something from it's tone hadn't exactly spoke friendship to Bartello. Even the clear feminine edge had not set him at ease. Possibly due to several years on the run. Probably due to lessons from his time in the Brotherhood, still imbued within him.

With a sigh, he unbuckled his cloak and let it fall to the ground at his feet, revealing his armour and his sword, swinging from his waist. "Very good.", he called out, his voice immediately more controlled and confident, shrugging off any pretence of fear. "Now, are you going to come out and talk or continue to hide away? because I must say, it is rather rude if you can see me yet I can't see you..."

[S'kvari]

The voice gave a chuckle before it's source dropped from the tree. It was a Khajiit in Elven Armor. She was a little taller and bigger than most females of her race, but she still retained that distinctive Khajiit form. Her purple eyes moved to look at him better, since she didn't have a good view from the tree. "Who are you Redguard? And why exactly are you trying to convince people that you are unarmed?"

[Bartello Ruuz]

Bartello studied the Khajiit in one swift look. So far as he could tell, distinctly unremarkable - Aside, of course, from the very expensive armour adorning her body. Clearly someone who took fighting very seriously. However, with no weapon drawn, there was no immediete threat. In a happier time, Bartello would have relaxed a little, but not now, and he remained as vigilant as ever as he slowly closed the distance between them, coming to a stop about 7 feet from the Khajiit. His left hand he rested lazily on the hilt of his sword - A non-threatening motion, but prepared. His right reached to his chin and stroked his short goatee thoughtfully.

"My name is Coyle.", he lied effortlessly. It was just one of the many skills he had perfected with the brotherhood - He had always taken the role of the deciever when he and Dram had journeyed Hammerfell, gleaming information from the marks and those around them. It was not standard Brotherhood practice, but Dram had insisted upon it for many of the hits. Now, more than ever, Bartello missed his friend and mentor, but did not allow himself to dwell upon it. "I am from Elinhir, my business in Skyrim is my own. As for why I am trying to convince people I am unarmed..". He shrugged. "If someone was planning to rob me, it gives me the edge if they do not believe I will be a threat."

He lowered his hand from his chin, and raised a questioning eyebrow. "And what of you, khajiit? Do you make a habit of watching travellers from the cover of darkness?"

[S'kvari]

She gave an almost dark smirk. "No, I don't. However, when I see a suspicious figure, I investigate. Sort of my job as a Legate." She said, letting her rank be known. She never took her eyes off the Redguard, but she never made any sort of threatening motion either. It was obvious that she could fight, as she was at least good enough to wield the battle-axe on her back, she just didn't want to.