Log of Larrius Varro, an Imperial Soldier: Part I

Log of Larrius Varro, an Imperial Soldier, is rated M, for violence, language, and sexuality.

First Seed 20

            I was awoken in the early morning hours by Commander Arcadia.  This morning there were reports of a suspicious Argonian along the Morrowind border.  Our unit was to survey the area southeast of Windhelm.

            I soon joined my comrades in the Legion dining area eating a swift breakfast of bread and mutton.  In half an hour, we moved through the fort’s gate, on a course that would take us into the Dunmeth Pass. 

            All throughout the day, we heard and saw nothing.  It is the end of my day.  I shall write again if something is seen.

First Seed 29

            We have now just returned to the fort.  We saw no sign of the Argonian.  As my unit returned during the late afternoon, we were informed of an attack on the Imperial City.  The attack had occurred on the 21^st of First Seed, only 8 days ago, by an orc tribe.  The Captain of the 7^th Battalion of the Imperial City was currently planning a retaliatory attack.  The Captain of our garrison pledged two units for assistance in the retaliation.

            Our orders were to move to Hofgard, a small village on the southern Skyrim border.  We would set up camp there, and await orders from the Imperial City.  From there, we would either receive an order to return to Windhelm, or an order to come at once to the Imperial City.

Rain’s Hand 6

            I am weary this evening, as our company has only just arrived on the outskirts of the small mountain village along the cliffs of the Jerall Mountains, along the southern border of Skyrim.  It’s been 8 days of travel.  We have come, two units from Windhelm, 12 soldiers in the first unit, 13 in the second. 

            I hunker down in my small, white tent, writing this log.  My commander informed us that tomorrow we can go out to the village and relax from our journey, and find a bed to sleep in.  However, he told us to watch our backs, as the locals here were not particularly fond of the Empire, or the Imperial Legion for that matter.

            I think I shall do just this, go to the village, and relax in the tavern with a mug of ale, spend some gold on a book or two, and read.

Rain’s Hand 7

            I would not have written a log this day if not for the events of the day.  This morning, half of the troops set out for the village, called Hofgard Village.  I set out alone late that morning, around noon.  I had slept most of the morning to catch up on the sleep I had lost on our rigorous journey, as we had slept in less than comfortable conditions.

            I crossed a bridge over a small mountain stream, and began moving into the village, along the stairways that allowed one to traverse the steep sides of the mountains.  The buildings were built on mountain alcoves.

            I was hungry, being tired of Legion food, so I set out for the nearest tavern.  I entered a place I thought was a tavern, though when I saw the man with a bloody apron, and raw meat on a table, I knew I must have walked into the wrong place. 

            I apologized, but before I could leave, the man in the bloody apron called my name, but in a questioning tone.  “Larrius?  Larrius Varro?”

            I paused, and turned around, immediately asking who he was.

            The man laughed, and told me his name was Langley, and that him and my father were good friends, and that he had met me many years ago, when I was but 13.  It was funny I did not remember him, and still did not, but I played along anyway.

            He said, “So, a soldier now, in the Imperial Army.  Your father would be proud.”

            My father was dead, having been gone 2 years now, so I responded, “I have been in the Legion for three years.  My father is proud.”

            The butcher then said, “Sadly, I had not been able to pay my respects at the moment, as we had lost touch for many years.”

            I said, “That is my fault I’m afraid, sir.  I should have written you.”

            The butcher said, “No, no, not your fault my young friend.  Your life in the Legion had certainly taken a toll on your memory.  But, enough speaking of past sorrows.  You must come to my house tonight, and be my guest for dinner.”

            I said, “That is very kind of you, sir.  But, I’m afraid I’ll be taking my dinner in the tavern tonight.”

            Langley then said, “The taverns will have been taken by your companions, and you’ll be forced to take Legion food.  So, I insist.  You’ll also have a comfortable bed to sleep in.”

            I argued with him no further.  I accepted his invitation, and he told me to return that evening, and he would lead me to his home.

            Langley’s house stood on one of the higher alcoves, reached by several flights of stairs.  We arrived at his house at dusk.  He opened the door, and let me inside.  The air was immediately warm, as there was a fire in the hearth.  Also, I could smell the aroma of chicken cooking. 

            Langley shouted out someone’s name, a name I was vaguely familiar with, but a face I could not place to the name.  Before long, a young woman who looked to be my age, was walking toward us.  She wore an old dress, had long, dark hair that ran all the way down her back, and over her shoulders, covering opposite sides of her breasts.

            Langley introduced me, or rather reintroduced me to his niece.  Her name was Rielle  And, now, the memories flooded my mind, memories of meeting her at 13.  I knew her to be 2 years younger than I, as she was 11 at the time.  I remember having something of a liking for the girl, as she was very pretty.  Like her uncle, she was dark-skinned, not as dark-skinned as a Redguard, but definitely carried a darkish, honey texture, and this feature had only made her prettier.  She was now a woman of 22 I guessed, and radiant with beauty. 

After her uncle reintroduced us, and we shared greetings, he told Rielle to go upstairs and put on something a bit more fitting for in the presence of a soldier.  She nodded, and smiled at me, and turned and walked up the stairs.

When she reappeared, she was wearing a nice, light purple dress, which only enhanced her features.  Langley and I sat at the table, while she finished preparing dinner.  It was only about 15 minutes before dinner was ready.

Langley had taken the girl in when she was 10, as her family had perished from a plague that ravaged their village.  She had an elder brother, Gerich, who was serving in the Imperial Legion at the time, and according to Langley at the dinner table, was still stationed in the Imperial City.  Her parents just couldn’t ask him to turn from his duties to care for his sister, as they were very proud of their heritage as Imperials, not proud of the Empire as it had become, but out of their loyalty to Talos. They believed that though the Empire was corrupt and falling apart, Talos desired that the Empire continue, and believed everything would one day be put back into place, that one day, somehow, a Septim would one day rise again to the throne.  Before long, Langley’s niece was setting plates and utensils before us, and serving up a fine portion of chicken and potatoes, and joined us at the table.  The food was very good.

Rielle did not speak much at dinner, and only looked at me with a fleeting smile.

Langley opened the conversation, “So, if I may ask, what are soldiers doing here in Hofgard?”

I told him that I was stationed in Windhelm, and was now on a course for the Imperial City.

He then said, “So that’s why you’re here.  I heard about the attack.  It was orcs, was it not?”

I replied, “Yes it was.  We are heading there, to…to back up the garrison there.”  I paused, but only for a brief moment.  My mission was secret; not to mention, I did not want to cause concern for my life.  Rielle asked, “Is my brother alright?”

I said, “I’m sure he is.  We have not though heard any details of injuries or casualties yet.”

Langley said, “Well, I hope Mede punishes Orsinium, and for good, not that I like the Emperor.  In fact, perhaps maybe it would be best if the damn city was wiped clean off Tamriel.  Those bastards can’t be trusted.  Savage barbarians, they are.”

I replied, “We don’t think Orsinium was part of it.  There’s some evidence suggesting it is some independent orc tribe.”

Langley said, “Well, Mede better punish them, and punish them severely.  And I assure you.  Orsinum is behind it in some way.”  Silence passed at the table, allowing us to finish eating.

The butcher said, “You know, Larrius, my niece’s cooking is considered the finest in Hofgard.”

The young woman blushed as I replied, “I wouldn’t doubt it.  The food has been very delicious.”

Langley said, “I’ve been looking for a fine lad for my niece.  There does not seem to be many in this village.  At least I don’t approve of the lads here.  There’s not many Imperial lads to say the least.” 

Now, if it wasn’t already hinted before, now I was almost certain that Langley

was trying to market his niece to me. 

Langley continued, “You know, I remember that time you and your father came by so many years ago.  You and my niece got along so well, me and your father used to share a joke that perhaps you and her would some day be married.”  Langley then let out quite a haughty laugh.

Laughing to myself and looking toward the woman, she immediately lowered her smiling gaze while picking at her meat.  I returned my gaze toward Langley and he said, “Anyway lad, how long do you think you’ll be here?”

I said, “It depends.  The Captain says we are waiting for word from the Imperial City, on whether they need us.  After we receive the message, I’ll either be returning to my post at Windhelm or on a course for the Imperial City.”

Langley said, “Well, I have a guest bed upstairs all made up.  I hope you’ll be staying with us.”

I replied that I would, and excused myself, telling them I was still tired from my march here.  They bid me goodnight and Langley showed me to my room.

The room is rather small, but contains a small desk where I sit in the candlelight, writing this log entry.  Tomorrow is a new day, and I must now rest.