An Anxious Introduction (S'kvari)

[Cyrano]

Castle Dour was quieter than usual, the hurried conversations of the many Legionnaires stationed there calmed. For once there wasn't a terrible threat looming just over the horizon at that moment, and everyone had taken the chance to take a bit of time to themselves.

Everyone but the tall Orsimer pacing back and forth in the front hall.

Cyrano's hand was glued to his chin, scratching incessantly at his tightly trimmed beard out of nervousness. He wasn't usually so uncomfortable when meeting new people, even his superiors, but this was far from the usual. He had heard rumors about the Legate, and plenty of his own theories were buzzing about in his head. Now, of course, wasn't the time to deal with any of these questions or ideas. It was the time to make the best impression he'd ever made in his life, for no matter what she was sure to figure large in any plans he formed.

Of course, he had also heard she had a fairly... specific personality. he knew he'd have to work hard to get in her favor. With a deep sigh he slowed his pacing, taking one last swallow before letting a confident smile spread across his face, standing still with his arms folded. "Diligence, Cyrano, don't slip. No weakness, no disrespect." He muttered to himself, turning from the door in an effort to look less impatient.

[S'kvari]

The doors to Castle Dour were suddenly thrown open, light flooding in around the Khajiit silhouette at the door. Slowly, the Elven-Armored cat walked in, slamming the doors closed behind her. Her jet black fur was ruffled by the wind the door created and the white, triangle-shaped patched of fur under her eyes drew attention to the deep amethyst pools. She stopped a few paces from the door and looked around, her stance screaming Nord. Finally, in a harsh Imperial accent, she spoke. "Which one of you is it that I'm suppose to be meeting?"

[Cyrano]

Cyrano turned in a practiced and dashing way, as though surprised she was there. The very Imperial outfit he wore seemed to be designed for this, swooshing impressively as he spun. His smile faded only slightly when he took a look at her, but he looked as confidant as ever. He raised his hand slowly, tipping his head to her and making eye contact. "Cyrano D'urkol, at your service Legate. I arrived a few days ago to mediate, I'm sure you've been given some documents about it." He said, nodding his head again, deeper this time.

He approached her a few paces, still looking over her stance a little curiously. Nonetheless he flashed her a grin, rubbing at his beard again in thought. "To be honest, I know very little about you... S'kvari, right? I had heard you were one of the strongest the Empire had to offer, and I can see that is very true." He said, unable to pull the charmer tone out of his voice. Deep down he was cursing at himself, determined to be more professional from here on out. He straightened out his walleyed fox skin impulsively, but kept his eyes on hers.

[S'kvari]

"Documents?" She snorted, crossing her arms, ignoring his outstreched hand. "They have learned not to give me documents. And quit acting like I'm someone you have to suck up to. You are nothing impressive as of yet." They probably forgot to warn him that she can be a cold woman. Oh well. Not her problem. "Do you fight? Or are you just another useless creature the General hired to keep everyone inline while I'm gone?"

[Cyrano]

He opened his mouth, but then thought better of his first comment and gave a resigned sort of sigh. "I am a capable badesman, but I feel my skills are more focused off of the battlefield. If the time comes I will fight for the Empire, but if it can be prevented, I will be the one to prevent it." He said, lifting his head slightly. "And I'm hardly here to keep anyone 'in line', I'm more suited to assist in diplomatic ventures, with the Thalmor or the Stormcloaks." He put one hand on his hip and pursed his lip, wondering how to proceed.

"I am also here to seek the assistance of the... recently emerged folk heroes. I believe that they are called Dragonborn, or Dovahkiin. I feel that, whether prophetic or not, they will certainly be able to help re-unite Skyrim and the Empire." He said, nodding. Seeing this woman's Nordic stance and attitude, he had hoped she would know more about the local legend. He realized after mentioning it that she didn't seem the type to deal in fantasy or fairy tales.

[S'kvari]

"Follow me, Orc. I hate being here for extended periods of time. Besides, I have a cave I need to clear out." She said, not even waiting for his response. The Khajiit turned and proceeded out of the castle and eventually out of Solitude.

Once they were a good walk away from Solitude, she looked to see that he was following her still. "Alright, it should be safe to talk out here." She said, stopping and leaning up against a tree. "What do you know of the Dovahkiin? You aren't one as far as I can tell."

[Cyrano]

Cyrano looked at her a little sideways, arms folded more from the chill in the air than defiance. "I know the legends. I made it my business to do my research before I came here." He said, taking a more relaxed stance and looking up as he thought. "Dohvakiin, Dohvakiin, by his honor is sworn... It's a long poem. I know that they are meant to carry the Nord magic called Thu'um, and that supposedly one or more have made their appearance shortly after dragons began to reappear. I'm not sure just how much I believe in the legends, but the people certainly do, and that's what's important."

He paced slightly as he talked to her. "If a person carrying such a title were to join with us, it would be very advantageous. The Nords believe very strongly in it, and many would be enticed to follow the side he chose." He then chuckled. "And of course I'm not... I am not a Nord, or any sort of hero. Just a politician." He said, shooting her another grin.

[S'kvari]

"Alright look, you need to keep this quiet, but-" However she was cut short by the familiar roar of a dragon. The Khajiit immediately looked up. A blood dragon swooped down, landing in front of them. It took a breath before letting out a stream of fire at the two. S'kvari, being very quick on her toes, jumped in front of Cyrano, blocking the fire from burning his not-battle-ready attire. However, she was affected by it. With a small grunt of pain, she drew her weapon. The dragon however, tried to take off to avoid getting hit. "Oh no you don't. JOOR, ZAH FRUL!" The Shout hit it dead on, forcing the large lizard back to the ground and keeping it there. With that, the Khajiit rushed forward, swinging her battle axe at it while dodging its attempts to bite her.

[Cyrano]

It took a moment for the reality of the situation to hit Cyrano full force, about the time he felt the flames licking close to him. As the Legate rushed forward, he payed little attention as he wrenched both blades from their overly decorative scabbards, the weapons themselves being sturdy and reliable iron. He turned to look at the fight just as the thunderous voice had passed, feeling the true fear of battle for the first time in a very long time. Despite his imperial exterior, deep beneath his skin his blood bubbled, an Orcish barbarian hiding somewhere inside him.

He shook off his daze and rushed forward, stumbling as the monster's tail swept towards him inadvertently as it was attacking the Legate. His eyes flicked over it's form quickly, trying to calculate if he'd be any help at all. Finally, he dove forward and let his body twist with a whirl of his blades, aiming his force at the thin membrane of the dragon's wing. If he couldn't kill it, he could certainly try to ground it.

[S'kvari]

It gave an angry roar and turned toward the Orc, now focused on trying to eat the one attacking it's wings.S'kvari took the opportunity and backed up. Getting a running start, she jumped up on it's head, easily keeping her balance as it tried to throw her off. She gave it several good smacks to the sides of it's head before jumping up and imbedding her battle axe in the dead-center of it's head. It roared one last time before falling down, slowly dying. When she jumped off of it's head, it spoke to her, almost begging. "Dovah...kiin... A-Aaz... mercy..." It's said voice thundered. S'kvari nodded, raising up her battleaxe and ending the dragon's suffering.

Slowly the dragon began to burn away, it's soul flowing into the Legate. Once the power stopped flowing, she flexed her hand a few times before returning her weapon to her back. "As I was saying... keep this quiet. I don't want the other soldiers to know." She said, her voice serious.

[Cyrano]

Cyrano slapped at his shoulder to extinguish an ember there, then stared at her as she spoke. He nodded, then shook his head. "... Why? Don't you understand what this would mean? You... You're the single thing that we need to quell this uprising and you're hiding it? Why?" He asked again, standing up straight and slowly putting away his weapons. He then sighed and scratched vigorously at his chin.

"I don't understand... But I feel that I won't be able to change your mind about it." he said, not waiting for her reply. "I'll respect your wishes, Legate, but I hope you'll think about it deeply." He finished, before turning to the dragon and running his hand across the clean skull. He winced and pulled his hand away from the flame heated bone before turning back to her. "So it's all truth then. Nine save you, these monsters seem unstoppable." he mumbled, mostly speaking to himself.

[S'kvari]

"I want this to stay quiet because I don't want the soldiers believing that I am something mystical. If they think that I am just another solider, they keep their head in the game." She stated, leaning back up against a tree. "I am Dovahkiin. Not just any Dovahkiin though. I am one of The Three. The three chosen to stop Alduin and save Skyrim. Talos guide the three of us, as our differences may be the end of the harsh beautiful land. An Imperial, a Sellsword, and a Stormcloak. What a ragtag bunch we are."

[Cyrano]

The Orc thought for a moment. "The end, or the savior of it. Setting aside this Alduin character, who I was certain was fictitious, with such varied 'heroes', any camaraderie between you will certainly help to unify the forces at work against each other." He grinned again. "This is exactly as I'd hoped... as I said I'll respect your wishes, but you can't deny this is an amazing opportunity." He turned back to her and gave her his trademark roguish smile. "You are exactly what I'd hoped for, if you excuse my boldness. An Imperial who is a Nord to her core, and a being of higher power to boot!" He slapped his fist into his open palm.

"I should hope I'll be able to deal with you closely in the future, to assist you in knowing the right time to reveal yourself to the people and your troops. The timing will be absolutely crucial..." His words slowly dissolved into distracted mumbling, pacing as he went over ideas to himself.

[S'kvari]

"Now, something else you need to know. Stop treating me like I'm some kind of hero. I am no hero yet. Once Wilhelm, Grim, and I save the world, then treat me like that all you want. I am very easily angered and one of the quickest ways to get on my bad side is to treat me like something I'm not." She said, her typical harsh tone returning. "They will learn when they learn. No sooner, no later."

[Cyrano]

He sighed. "Excuse me for trying to convince you to work to your strengths." He said a little snappily, before rubbing his forehead and waving one hand. "I apologize sir. It's just been a very long time since I've had to deal with military, and the Thalmor don't appreciate being under-sold." He stopped his pacing and looked back at her. "How are your relations with the Stormcloak? That's the one we need to become friends with, perhaps I should arrange a meeting with them.." he mused, nodding.

"Though... to be frank, you just killed a dragon in front of me. I'd call that heroic if you yelled at it or not." He said, giving her an honest smile. "I suppose that's why I was brought here though, to patch up any diplomatic problems caused by your... more direct methods. Methods I am very thankful for, mind you." He added, not wanting to offend someone as powerful as her.