Silver-Blood Inn, where the residents of the stone city of Markarth go to rid themselves of the pain they get from hard work. Most of the patrons are the smelters by Cidhna Mine, bearing not only the stress of work, but also the stress of working for their condescending overseer.
I approached the bar, eager to appease my hunger. "Fair tidings, Kleppr. How is the inn?" Kleppr is a dear friend of my family, he is one of the many people who helped us build what is Gracelands today. "Lord Wostrun! Always good to see you here. Oh, still the same. Patrons come and go as often as my wife yells 'I told you so!'" I gave out a slight chuckle at his remarks. "Now now, Kleppr, don't be too harsh on her. If she really does hate you to the core like how you describe her to be, a dagger is already lodged in your throat right now." Just then his wife, Frabbi, approached us. "Despite his idiocy, I do still love him." Frabbi then turned to me, waving a finger in my face. "Now listen to me, Wostrun. You better treat that girl of yours with love and respect! Otherwise, she may regret having to marry you! Unlike someone." Kleppr interrupted with a vile tone. "They are yet to be married and you already pressure him with stuff like that! Oh how I love you, my dear wife." Frabbi gave him a snarl and headed towards the kitchen, turning to my direction midway. "I shall get you the usual, Lord Wostrun." She gave me a smile and took off.
"So, Lord Wostrun. What brings you to Markarth?" Kleppr peered over the counter, staring at my get-up and looked upon my belongings. "And you seem to be going somewhere, too." I gave him an assuring nod. "Indeed I am. Father instructed me to venture all the holds of Skyrim, learn a thing or two from the many land owners regarding their success." "Ah yes, soon you'll be the one who oversees Gracelands. Divines bless you and your travels." Frabbi then appeared, holding a platter of venison chop and an assortment of vegetables, along with a bottle of wine. "Here you go, sweetie." I gave her a nod and a smile.
As I help myself to the meal, a handful of strangers converge upon a hooded stranger sitting alone. "Kleppr, who's that lady right there?" Kleppr turned towards the stranger. "Her? I don't know much. All I heard is that she has a job petition or something. Hey, she may be a traveler too, maybe you could go with her, experience the thrill of adventure." I took a sip of wine as I look upon the lady. A companion could be beneficial, but her motives for traveling is unknown to me. I mused to myself, feeling a bit uneasy with the idea. "Well, what the heck. Gracelands was founded by daring souls anyway. To adventure!" Kleppr and I chuckled lightly as I raise the cup in my hand. I finished my meal and took a sip of liquid courage, and approached the lady.
"Fair tidings, milady, and to your fellows." I nodded to the strangers surrounding her as I spoke. "Are you a group of travelers? If one is permitted, perhaps I could join your merry band." I gave her a smile, awaiting for her response.