Enter The Arena As Your Avatar -- The Spinoff!

He pulls a bag of snack out of... nowhere, open it, and begin to eat salted peanuts, taking one at a time, eating it, and then getting another one to consume.

He doesn't react to Viserys's threat nor Tanjiro's freak out, but he does look interested when Reyna start talking about a thing.

Scronch Mind showing it off ? Scronch.

Sky Haven Temple

"By the Nine..." Viserys mutters, shaking his head. "We can talk about this 'intense training session' once our... unwanted company has departed."

He draws the fiery Infinity Blade and directs a pointed look at Kakleon. While the Nord Dragonborn was admittedly surprised to see Reyna again after she'd failed to report back from Castle Volkihar, he'd address that later as well.

"Whatever you might be scheming, intruder, we'll have absolutely no part of it. So kindly piss off."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 11:21:22 AM

"I'm sure Tanjiro here can explain that," Awkeff comments.

Tanjiro pulls himself to his feet and grips his own blade.

"Okay, well, I sorta lied," Reyna admits, completely ignoring the stand-off. "It's two things. First..."

She brandishes the Red Stone of Aja. "Some guy used this rock to make himself literally unkillable. I don't understand the full details on how that happened, but it also concentrates natural light passing through it into death-lasers. Next..."

She draws the cool sword she had used◊ against Kars and co. "I made this out of shards of Galeem and Dharkon."

The Infinity Sword hums in Viserys' hand, giving off a slight pull toward the sword Reyna unsheathed.

"Do you have a name for it?" Awkeff asks.

"I dunno. It vaguely reminds me of the Tenebra great swords found back in the Old World, so I was just calling it Tenebrae."

"Tenebrae... I like it."

"Good, because I see your own sword is broken. Want this?"

"Wh-what...?" Awkeff ponders on the offer. "If... you're sure you don't need it."

"I have plenty of weapons." Reyna flips Tenebrae into the air and catches it by the blade, handing it over hilt-first to Awkeff. The Dragonborn takes the sword and steps back a bit.

No. I'm finishing my snack first.

He grab three, and eat them, then observe the trade of a sort. The sword seems to get a reaction out of him, and he observes the situation, while occasionally glancing at Tanjiro. The black blade intrigues him, and he tilt his head at the mention of Galeem and Dharkon.

That's a pretty fine blade, I might say. Smart of ya to accept it.

Edited by Bolded1 on Sep 30th 2019 at 11:33:01 AM

Sky Haven Temple

"Shor's fucking bones... why did I expect him to actually go quietly?"

Viserys' next words are short, but manage to effectively convey his point nonetheless.

"Fus... Ro Dah!"

With that Shout, he sends the iconic Unrelenting Force barreling towards Kakleon in an attempt to launch the nightclub-owning demon off of Sky Haven Temple. Regardless of whether or not he succeeds, he looks to Tanjiro, his eyes narrowed.

"Now, boy... did you seriously hurt Awkeff during this 'intense training session'? Because for what was apparently just a friendly sparring match, it sounded much more like a vicious duel to the death."

Then he looks to Reyna, having noticed that the Infinity Sword was apparently drawn to the blade she just gave to Awkeff.

"Do you mind? In case you haven't been paying attention, Reyna, this doesn't exactly seem like the best time to be flaunting your latest weapons and treasures."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 12:03:11 PM

Awkeff examines Tenebrae. Her expression hardens a little. She grits her teeth.

Tanjiro puts a hand on his chest. "My own training to become a Demon Slayer was life-or-death, a daily struggle to survive for more than an entire year! It's all I know! Blame me, if you must, but not your wife!"

Reyna recoils at the shout. "And why did you have to make it all about your suspicion towards someone who wasn't even trying to be intrusive?!" she retorts.

Edited by KiriK on Sep 30th 2019 at 2:08:29 PM

He blitz forward, and when he emerge, the ground behind him is shattered, but he remains standing, with smoke surrounding his clenched fist. He somehow overpowered/negated enough of the force not to be blown away, it seems. His other hand has a tiny barrier around it and the bag.

Nice trick. Pack a punch. he says, moving his hand to get rid of the smoke. But while l I intend to be a gracious person, I won't stand for agression. You try that again, and I won't stop at just negating the shout, ya get it ? Good.

He take some peanuts and begin to eat them, he seems to be halfway through.

You should take the woman's exemple. She's a good host.

Edited by Bolded1 on Sep 30th 2019 at 12:12:54 PM

Sky Haven Temple

"What are you even doing here at all?" Viserys asks Kakleon, more annoyed that he withstood the Unrelenting Force than anything else. "I don't remember myself or Awkeff ever inviting you, neither of us know you at all, and you certainly don't strike me as someone decent."

His gaze flickers to Tanjiro, and he raises an eyebrow.

"I... didn't say anything about blaming her."

The Nord Dovahkiin looks to Reyna, sighing exasperatedly. Figuring that it would be pointless to argue with someone as stubborn as her, he looks to Awkeff, realizing how quiet she'd gone.

"Awkeff...? Fahliil Lokaliin?"

"I've... crossed a line and deserve whatever tongue-lashing she's preparing for me, haven't I?"

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 12:48:46 PM

Awkeff sighs. "Bron Lokaliin... Thank you for being reasonable and talking it over before I had to cut in. Even if Kakleon is evil, he doesn't strike me as the actively malevolent type, and the fewer enemies we make while Farandare is still a problem, the better."

Tanjiro bows to Viserys. Repeatedly. Then he goes and gets Nezuko into her box.

Reyna goes silent and hangs back.

I heard yelling and the sounds of battle and checked it out. Then, I just got curious.

He shrugs and keep eating, rolling his eyes dismissively.

Hm, right, I'm not decent. Thank you for your sharp analysis, mister "blast you in the face because I think you're creepy". You should put up some more defenses. Maybe also react faster to fights taking place at your doorstep.

Kakleon glance at Tanjiro and Awkeff.

I'm a pretty shoddy bad guy then.

Edited by Bolded1 on Sep 30th 2019 at 12:54:32 PM

Sky Haven Temple

Viserys pointedly ignores Kakleon's snide insinuations, realizing that Awkeff had a point; the last thing they needed right now was another potential enemy for Farandare to join forces with, as if she and her sycophantic pet Ridley wasn't already enough. Right now, it seemed like just waiting for this uninvited guest to leave was his best option. So instead, he simply offers Tanjiro a reassuring smile.

"One bow will suffice, boy! I'm not a god, after all. But if I may ask, how in Oblivion did you know that Awkeff and I were even living here? I have a feeling that it wasn't Lucina or any of her friends who sent you."

The Nord Dovahkiin casts a glance at Reyna.

"My apologies, by the way, Reyna. Admittedly, I never expected to see you again after you didn't report back from Farandare's stronghold, but... it is good to see you, and the weapons you provide us with are always appreciated."

Finally, he looks to Awkeff and gives her a relieved smile, returning the Infinity Sword to its sheath.

"That new sword of yours seems like quite a formidable weapon. Perhaps you could show me what can do later."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 1:23:36 AM

"Th-thanks." Reyna looks down sheepishly. "I'll tell you about it in a bit." She creeps up to Kakleon. "So, I thought I heard something about a nightclub...?"

"Gladly," says Awkeff.

Tanjiro bows again. "I'm sorry, Sir! You see... This 'Farandare''s castle was besieged by my current commanding officer, Samus Aran. She worked together with someone from another world to try and slay the dragon Ridley, her mortal nemesis, but failed to secure a true victory against Farandare. She came back with injuries and told me I should seek you out to become stronger."

"So are you backup against Farandare?"

"I'm... not sure what I'm supposed to do, exactly."

He digs in his bag and pull out a blue card similar to the one from earlier, quietly handing it over to her.

Best place to have fun in the whole Arena. If you want to dance the night and your problems away, you're always welcome... and you've got the toughness of someone who'd fit in perfectly.

Sky Haven Temple

"Well, whatever you decide to do, give your commander my thanks for at least trying to eliminate Farandare and her slave for us," Viserys says to Tanjiro. "And if you ever require more training, Lucina and her allies should also be able to help you there. Just... don't get too intense when it comes to sparring."

His gaze flickers to Awkeff.

"Anyway, I think I'll go for a walk to help clear my head after this little incident. I shouldn't be gone for too long, Fahliil Lokaliin."

With that, he departs from Sky Haven Temple and begins roaming about the Reach. Eventually, his travels bring him to the small mining town of Karthwasten.

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 1:51:07 AM

Awkeff nods and sees Viserys off.

Reyna discreetly takes the card. "Thanks."

Tanjiro slings his box back over his shoulders. "I'll be in Morthal if you need me!" He runs off.

He nods, finishes eating, and raises his hand.

See ya.

And he's off, in one second !

Awkeff turns to Reyna. "So, about that red stone..."

Fade to black on this side of things.

As Viserys enters the village, a shudder may run down his spine as he hears a familiar voice...

The Wedding Gift

   "Congratulations on your wedding. Even though you couldn't even be bothered to invite me. How rude."   

Karthwasten

At the sound of Farandare's voice, Viserys immediately grips the hilt of the Infinity Sword as he looks around for the vampiric elf.

"My deepest apologies, Farandare. Your invitation must have been intercepted by some bandits."

"How could she have possibly known about our wedding? Easy, Viserys, don't panic; she probably just noticed your ring."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 2:52:21 AM

His gaze turns to Farandare emerging from the shadows of a nearby house, unusually not wearing her black mage robes. Instead, she wears opulent fur-lined garments and a silver circlet◊, exposing a lock of blonde hair on the side of her head. At her side is a blue curved scabbard engraved with script that resembles the Falmer tongue.

   "Our unstoppable courier, who braves the snowy wilds and the fierce beasts of Skyrim, has given in to some mere bandits? Say it isn't so,"    Farandare replies teasingly.    "Regardless, it's a good thing I found you. After all, I bring a gift for the newlyweds..."   

Edited by Arachnos on Sep 30th 2019 at 9:09:17 AM

Karthwasten

"Heh, not even the bravest of Skyrim's couriers could ever hope to overcome a pack of werebear bandits," Viserys remarks, pulling the Infinity Sword free from its scabbard. "Now tell me... what exactly is this 'gift' you speak of? The privilege of becoming your latest victim, I presume?"

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 6:45:45 AM

   "Not quite. As rudely as you've been treating me in our past few encounters, I'm still willing to be merciful and bury the hatchet. No, I'm offering... eternal happiness with the love of your life."   

The Temptation

   "I've been on the receiving end of your attacks. You may stand little to no chance against me, but I have to concede one thing. You fight together like you were made for each other. You will make her happy, Viserys. For a few fleeting moments, you will be happy."   

Unearthly charisma seeps from her voice. She almost sounds genuinely sympathetic. Is this just more trickery, or could she be speaking from experience..?

   "But the life of a human is only ephemeral. How much longer before one of the countless diseases your race suffers from claims you at last? Forty years? Fifty at most? The sand in your dial is running out, Viserys. The clock is ticking. The reaper is approaching. Awkeff will outlive you. Eventually, in time, Akatosh will call you to Sovngarde. You will leave her behind. Heartbroken, missing half of her soul. That's where I come in..."   

Farandare smiles, exposing her fangs.

Edited by Arachnos on Sep 30th 2019 at 10:01:35 AM

Karthwasten

For a moment, Viserys actually contemplates Farandare's offer. At least, until he realizes there was an important detail that she conveniently omitted from her little pitch.

"Exactly how gullible do you think I am, Farandare? The moment you sink your fangs into me, I'll become little more than a mindless servant for you to unleash upon your enemies."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Sep 30th 2019 at 7:47:30 AM

   "'Mindless' is such a strong word. Zombies are mindless. Yes, you might become a little more... receptive to seeing things my way. Especially once you behold for yourself the true beauty of the night... and the sweetness of one's life essence filling your throat. Is it not such a small sacrifice to make for a life free of sorrow? Is there not a price to be paid for happiness? For freedom of the great bane of all mortal races? In time, with your help, Awkeff too will accept my gift."   

   "Imagine a world with the three of us as its eternal, immortal guardians. Imagine a world where war is obsolete, because there exists a power that cannot be overcome. Where banditry is quashed swiftly and severely until it's eradicated entirely. A world free of the idiotic struggles for succession that so plague Tamriel, because humanity has outgrown the need for succession itself. Imagine a world where you and Awkeff can consummate your eternal love forever as god-kings... wouldn't it be wonderful..?"   

Karthwasten

"As tempting as you make such a prospect sound... is eternal peace for Tamriel really what you desire, or do you merely want to crush everyone who doesn't bend the knee and lick your boots clean beneath your heel?" Viserys replies. "And suppose I do accept this proposal; I don't have to be Hermaeus Mora to know that you would force me to attack and convert Awkeff into your next Dovahkiin slave against her will."