» Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:52 am The good life, indeed.
But that all changed the day Iona became my Housecarl. Sure, she seemed nice enough. Couldn't seem to wait to get out there fighting by my side...but I really just prefer to work alone. At most I'll call on my Spectral Assassin and/or trusty steed. During the tougher battles I may even break out an Atronach scroll. But a companion? They just seem to get in my way, slow me down and generally aggravate me with their senseless banter.
So, I continually kept Iona at arm's length. Stay put, I'd tell her. Hold down the fort...keep the thieves at bay. After all, my reputation was beginning to snowball. Why, just the other day a guard made a quip about being onto me being part of the Riften Riff-Raff. (That reminds me...he'll need to be 'spoken to') It stands to reason that the local thieves who, perhaps, don't have the honour among thieves that some might believe still exists...well, they could attempt to score an easy haul by breaking into my little home.
Iona being there kept my worries at bay.
Then it happened. Someone mentioned that getting married would be a gosh darn good idea. I thought the idea crazy at the time, but this guy seemed to have all the answers. He talked a good game. I usually go my own way, but I was admittedly curious as to how this would pan out for me. Maybe marriage would be good for me.
But who to wed?
My answer came shortly after my next trip home. I guess Iona caught wind that this guy had spoken to me...and suggested we wed. I was still unconvinced, though. Not really into mixing business with pleasure...other than taking pleasure from the business I do.
In the end, I agreed to marry the girl. A choice I would come to quickly regret. Oh, sure, the home cooked meals were nice...though she definitely wasn't the versatile cook I had become. And the steady income was welcomed, though I suppose I was already pretty well off. I've got homes all over Skyrim and more assets I could sell off than I know what to do with. My jewelry collection alone could keep me going for years.
Alas...I suppose the companionship was nice to come home to. Unfortunately, she was a bit on the needy side. If I spent time out on my back porch, she felt neglected...but refused to come with me. Sometimes I'd insist she come sit and enjoy the outdoors, but all she did was go on and on about her shop (which I've yet to see).
The time came when I had to go on a fairly lengthy trip. Iona wasn't impressed at my decision to leave her behind. I conceded and agreed to have her accompany me. At least I'd finally be able to see how well she could handle herself out in the wild.
In battle, she performed at an acceptable level. Traveling with her, though...just maddening! After all the adventures I'd told her about...how could she not realize that yes, I know puzzles need to be figured out and yes, I know there's trouble ahead...I can smell an ambush better than her bland cooking! And for Sithis' sake, YES, I see the cave...could you possibly keep your voice down, woman?
*sigh*
Once we got home...all she could talk about was the next time we could go out together again. I honestly don't think I could possibly handle another 'outing' with this woman. Married life wasn't working out for me. At least...not with this particular mate. She annoyed me. Pestered me. Smothered me. The good life was no longer quite so good.
What to do?
On one of my excursions...I had come across a cult. They caught me on a bad day, however...I likely could have approached them, but I was in the mood to watch my arrows rip through the hearts of anyone I came across. I sent my Assassin over as a distraction, then let fly my finest Dwarven arrows as one by one they dropped to the cold stone beneath them.
Shouldering my bow, I wandered over to revel in my handywork. I was stopped by a reseurrected Cultist. I won't go into too much detail here...but let's just say that when the Daedric speak, I listen. I respect their love of chaos...it represents order to me. And in this case, it represented a cure for what ailed me.
The Pillar of Sacrifice.
A trusted companion was all I needed. As it happens...I had one. Iona was elated to know she was coming with me on yet another adventure. Unbeknownst to me, she had gone into my chest and grabbed a rather high quality Ebony Bow. It was one of my favourites...I had not seen another like it. I proudly stole it right out of the Thieve's Guild. She had it all wrapped up on her back as we set out. I guess she was anxious to show me what she could do with a little magic at her disposal. She never even got the chance to use it.
We arrived at the Pillar just after dusk. The sky was beautiful. Clear, starry...a perfect night, really. Iona seemed captivated by the Pillar. She asked me what it was. I told her I finally had something for her to be a part of that would make me proud of her...that we finally had something we could share. Together. I told her to go ahead and touch the stone. She looked unsure...but she trusted me.
The silly girl.
As her fingers reached out, the Pillar pulled her hard against the stone. As she was held there, facing me...fear in her eyes...I walked over to her. Smiling, I whispered to her.
"I think we should see other people."
She was speechless as I walked back a bit, deciding on whether to use an arrow or a dagger...perhaps one of the sacrificial daggers I found on a cultist. I decided to go to my Bow of Soulfood. Her body I would leave here to the wolves...but her soul would stay with me in some form or another.
Drawing a single Daedric arrow (at least I gave her the respect of using only my finest arrows), I sent the tip into her heart. It was already broken...I could do no more damage to it.
My new friend was pleased...as was I. He sent me off for a prize, which I have since acquired. It's not really my style, but I'm thinking of learning how to use it properly down the road sometime.
I probably should have given Iona a proper burial...but as I've mentioned, I just couldn't tolerate another 'outing' with that woman.
