Across The Pond

Strillian walked through the north gates of the city of Bruma, his horse in the town's stables. Bruma was a large city, not as large as the capital but bigger than most holds. The city of Bruma was built one an incline so the city's layout was unique. For one, there were no alleyways, the buildings were close together. Each street was higher in altitude than the previous due to the natural incline it was built on. Since Strillian had entered through the north gate he didn't have to ascend any of the large cobblestone staircases that could be found throughout the city.

Once inside, Strillian made his way to the castle to speak with the town's Count. He had been coming down once a week to keep up a good relation with the town since most of the food Cloud Ruler Temple received was from the city of Bruma.

Strillian walked past a few city guards who looked at him worriedly but stood aside as they usually do when he comes into the town. 'Well that's a bit unusual' Strillian thought.

As Strillian walked through the large doors he found himself in the familiar hall that the count addressed visitors in. It had a very ceiling, doors to random rooms and hallways could be found on both sides of the long room. There were six pillars that ran the length of the room, they had wide, square bases and arched out at the top to help support the heavy stone above. Yellow banners and lit torches adorned each of the pillars. There were three of these pillars on either side of a long yellow rug that went from the large doors to a throne.

"Count Adrian" Strillian said with a smile and a light bow.

Count Adrian was a kind old man. He was very reasonable and always had the best intentions of the people of his city in mind. Strillian feared the day Count Adrian died, leaving only the nine knows in charge. Count Adrian had greying brown hair. His hair had become more and more grey with each visit but even though his hair showed his age the Count certainly didn't act it. Count Adrian was the sort of man that could act childish with his children but could become very serious when it was needed.

As Strillian rose from his short bow he looked at the Count in an attempt to judge what kind of mood he was in. Count Adrian's face gave no insight though.

"How is the Temple fairing?" asked Count Adrian, his face remaining neutral.

"It's fine, we are currently hosting a few guest to our land but it is nothing to worry about" Strillian told Count Adrian.

"Oh really? Nothing to worry about. Well would like to explain why two of you guest and two Blades came through town at one in the morning? They damn neared woke up the entire town" the Count said calmly, his eyes now closed in frustration.

"I was unaware of this, though I figured they may have stopped in town. I will put stricter rules in place to make sure it doesn't happen again. As for their visit, is there anything I should know about their behavior? I did see them on their way to Cloud Ruler Temple so I know who was involved" Strillian said.

"Well the rainbow one was flying haphazardly, knocking more than a few store signs from their chains before crashed through a window of the church. The pink walked into the local bakery after the baker came out to see what the commotion was about and just started making muffins, without even asking mind. The baker probably would have done something but I can only assume he was too stunned to move at that point. One of your Blades was tossing cheese at a few of the guards and taunting them. The other was just running around and screaming something. My guards couldn't make out what it was but i don't think it matters at this point" the Count was now frowning, staring at Strillian who didn't quite know how to respond.

After a moment Count Adrian finally said "I'm not asking you punished them but perhaps keep them under better watch when they drink, hmm?"

"Of course, and I will be keeping the guest out of the city. And I supposed that's why your guards where giving me strange looks" Strillian replied with a weak smile.

"Oh that's not necessary Strillian. Just keep them under control" Count Adrian said with a light smile.

"So anything noteworthy happen in the past week besides last nights incident?" Strillian asked, glad the conversation was a little lighter and the Count wasn't too upset about what had happened. So why did Count Adrian seem so distant.

"Well actually some rather grave news arrived about an hour ago. No doubt a message meant personally for you is on it's way but it is something, noteworthy, as you put it" the Count said.

"Well?" Strillian asked.

There were a few moments of silence before Count Adrian motioned for his guards to leave the main hall. Once they had done so he let out a long sigh and looked up to Strillian.

"I'm sure you've heard of the Thalmor gaining influence over the southern most reaches of Tamriel. Well now that they have gotten a good foothold on the mainland they sent a letter to Emperor Titus Mede II" Count Adrian began.

"And?" Strillian said, motioning for him to continue.

"And, the letter contained an ultimatum. If Emperor Titus Mede II does not step down as Emperor of Tamriel then we are looking at a war with the Thalmor. The letter that was sent to me simply stated what I have told you and for me to prepare my hold for the worst. Since we are on the precipice of a great war I am ordering my guards to be more prepared for invasions. If what happens last night happens again I can't guarantee their safety." Count Adrian said, ending it with an apologetic smile.

"I completely understand. Though do you really think the Aldmeri Dominion will be able to get all the way up here?" asked Strillian.

"I'm not sure, though I know the Thalmor are not to be underestimated" Count Adrian said. "Now go, no doubt as head of the Blades you will have new orders with this unfortunate change of events. Unfortunately our weekly meeting will probably end with your reassignment. So until we meet again, goodbye old friend." Count Adrian said with a sincere smile as he stood up.

Count Adrian made his way over to Strillian and shook his hand. Strillian gave returned the old man's firm handshake and said "Goodbye for now Adrian." Then Strillian began his short trip back to Cloud Ruler Temple.