Simply put, the evening sky was gorgeous.
Thousands of white dots littered the cloudless ebony tinted sky like grains of sand, the pale light of the midnight moon flushing Skyrim below. The distant lands beyond the walls of Whiterun held the brilliance and reflected it from afar, the seemeing endless peaks and valleys lighting up to show their deep-rooted wrinkles. The forests and lakes reflected the light rather sharply, easily mapping out the endless streams of land as far as the eye could see. Endless opportunities, at a moment's grasp.
He felt the swift breeze sweep over his body and combe through his silky hair; a soft, chilly wind that left him both cooled and refreshed. The moonlight absorbed to his skin, resonating his blanced elven complexion to fullest, but a delicate brightness that was easy on the eyes.
And in this moment, as Jen sauntered elegntly through the market and along the road towards the main gate, he accepted the fact that this land was beautifully flawed. By day, Skyrim endured countless hardships and struggles, it's lands running red with the blood of its inhabitants and set aflame by the hundreds of battles taking place. Plagued with the sickness of war and beaten after years of conflict.
It reminded Jen of home.
The peacfully encumberebd forestland popularly called 'Tamriel's Garden';he wondered if his mother was still at home, making her delicious Helin Suilpar (Violet Soup) with fresh bread loafs and crumpled lillies. He had to trust she was alright and that the Thalmor hadn't found her out, though she was sure to still be a danger to them; he knew she could handle herself quite well, however, even in her eldership. He looked southeast. He missed her.
But time goes on it seems, with or without us.
He shook his head lightly as he was closing in on the gates, hoping to subside the thoughts and eventually, succeeding. He now thought of his steed and flooded his head with images of the creature. A dominant breed in Summerset and commnly found in Valenwood, but not so outside of the two provinces. Due to their speed and stamina, they were often bred for war and had been near exctinct after the Great war.
Luckily, Jen stumbled across Isilme (Moonlight) during the sacking of the Imperial City; he'd been trapped under a burning cart, abandoned by his rider. Ever since then, Isilme had shown a fierce likeness to Jen and had, on several occasions, disregarded his master's wishes, and physical restrictions, to intervene in closly-won battles. A brave steed no doubt, if foolishly so. Jen admired him for that.
He'd made sure to keep an eye out for the Redguard, but had yet to find him. WHen he did, hoever, he had means to ask about Farano. Dian-mie could've possesd invaluable information.
Footsteps, far off caught Jen's attention and his body tensed in response, though he kept his grace. They were fast-paced and closing in quickly and judging by the light tone, belonged to either a hurried messenger or a mer. Both weren't too popular in Whiterun as the night proved, though Jen had seen both in the tavern earlier so they were possibilities. If it was an attack, Jen would've heard the sword unsheath for afar.
He turned his head to the side expectently as the female Bosmer from the inn slowed her jog to walk beside him, making conversation. She ran awfully far and fast to talk to me. It must be urgently important.
"Hello there, I couldn't help but overhear you have need of a marksman?" A marksman? Perhaps she misheard him. It was interesting she'd listened that closely though "I'm afraid you may be barking up the wrong tree with the Breton, and I just wanted to offer my own bow to help you hunt down that bandit. I've done bounty hunter work before, so I'm sure I could be of some help, if you need it, that is."
Jen noticed her pause and waited patiently for her to continue. He respected her skill and appreciated her hospitality; another warrior like her alongside the others was a sure end for Farano.
Around this time, Jen had already calculated the numbers and, if a maximum of three other patrons joined in, he'd have to leave himself out for the payment, but it hardly bothered him. There were plenty of the lousy bandits and plenty of bounties on their heads.
Skyrim's disraught had it's advantages.
"I'll be staying the night at the Drunken Huntsman, as I said earlier, if you want to come find me in the morning." Jen nodded and began to reply, his electric blue eyes glossing over the Bosmer and absorbing every distinguishing detail of her person. He noted her hesitation and the tension in her facial expression. Nervous, but why? He hoped she wouldn't mistake his prying for flirt or sexual desires. His eyes met hers.
"Many thanks for the offer, Bosmer. As i have said earlier, Farano is not to be underestimated. He is a warrior of great skill and speed, and can be unpredictable in combat. If you say you know the blade and bow well, i'll trust you in that. But be aware of the danger ahead." He bowed his head in mid-stride. "It's good to have you with us. I advise rest. The journey in the next few days will be long, so i'd stock up on food. Practice of your skills would be advised as well, if we have that kind of time. But for now, i'll bid you farewell." He nodded to the Bosmer as she departed towards the Drunken Huntsman.
The walk to the stables was uneventful, suspicious glances and awkward stares aside. The fine beast of a steed awaited him in stall three, laying on a pile of hay in relaxation but stood to his full five foot height when he saw Jen. Isilme still retained his original muscle mass, though slightly increased likely due to daily canters. Jen checked his mouth and felt around his stomach. He hadn't been eating bad foods and hadn't been infested with worms or any other ailments by examination.
But the night had grown chilly and Isilme lacked the fur neccesary to stay warm on his own. So Jen stepped into his stall and eased him to lay down, then blanketed him with thick sheets of hay and straw as he passed into deep sleep.
And with that, Jen began to make the journey back to the inn for a hot meal and a decently warm bed.
(OOC: Sorry for the sucky quality in this one. I have a tendency to spend too much time working on posting. That said, I'm free to edit it, if needed.)