The Meaning of Life Options

[ShraX]

Hello.

Most likely don't know me but I have this habit where I write something, take a needlessly-long break, then come back and continue it, expecting everyone to still understand what's going on. Anyway, I wrote 3 fanfics about Gaenor that originated on the official TES forums, then migrated here for some reason. Now, having had my fill of annoying elf-related stories, I began something new that I want to continue, and the only way I'll do that is if I post it and people are interested enough to want more.

It might be in bad taste to request something from the potential readers of this new story, but it's only fair; if you read this and think that something doesn't flow or could be improved upon (not content, but structure), I would greatly appreciate any and all criticism you have.. please, don't hold back. If what you want to say seems like it shouldn't be displayed on this thread, send me a PM. I'll never get better if I don't get criticism, and I want to get better. Then again, you don't have to say anything at all.

Sorry for the long introduction. Here's to what I hope will be a fun fanfic for all!

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The Meaning of Life

There was no more to be said. I stood and took my leave of the Meeting tent, the heavy iron plating my legs disturbing awkwardly the peace of night in the encampment. We'd been discussing the threat from the Jeralls for hours after eating, and the sun's light crept above the mountainous horizon with foreboding quickness. I fixed my eyes to the dirt and felt my mouth droop to a frown. It had been decided and set for me to settle this restless darkness of yet-unknown depth, as I'd proven myself in years past as formidable with the axe and shield when confronted with those who would wish life torn from body for purpose of self gain. In six hours I would depart in fresh snow, and my destiny would arrive at last to the fruitful conclusion of its long hunt.

It was difficult sleeping, not with the cold but with thoughts my young mind failed to silence. I gave empty answers to questions no one could satisfy, and they all reminded me of how unprepared I truly was for the looming hardships yet to be crossed, patient in their undoubted fatality. My muscles tensed of their own will, perhaps reacting to the subtle worries building in my subconscious, for I tried with all concentration to banish them there so that I may have focused on less frightening prospects. I hushed the quiet candle beside me and remembered Grumir's words.

"I'll have these ready before ye set off, and leave 'em outside yer tent. I've worked overnight plenty before, and the clangin' don't seem to bother no one!"

I knew him long, since I was old enough to wield a weapon and bring it back to him for repair. I've never known his face without it tilting down, something he did both to playfully mock my considerably shorter stature and because he honestly was unable to see me unless he did so. Each time he did it, and it was every time he spoke to me, even when we sat and our eyes were level, I couldn't help but let out a short chuckle of mild disbelief. He never seemed to notice, which was not surprising. In his more drunken episodes in the evenings, he'd ramble on about his adventures in Elswyr when he was younger, and of the "filth-ridden coat-bags" he'd slain. I took no offense, largely because I could never figure out what exactly a "coat-bag" was and why it was an insult to my people, according to Grumir. In his sober heart however, he grew to appreciate my presence, as out-of-place as it always seemed to me.

Despite my physical appearance, the shear amount of time I spent with these people led them to accept me as one of their own, which I always was, in essence. I am unsure as to who my parents are, or were, but I am Khajiit for certain. I've seen others rarely during hunting raids and sojournings into the Imperial City for trade, and after comparing looks, I began to develop a mindset for my race. We are Khajiit, or at least they are. I am Khajiit to those who see me; those who know me would think twice. The Nords in my encampment knew me very well, and respected me as a warrior and friend. Although, the physical differences were impossible to ignore. Their armor had no ear holes, and my feet refused to stuff themselves into their thin-toed boots. Their chairs forced me to curl my tail into my lap in a most uncomfortable position, and I often contemplated eating on the floor, but always dismissed the idea as I feared being related to a house cat in the most humiliating way apart from relieving myself in a box of sand.

Trivialities aside, I lived in their encampment all my life, since being left naked in the cold twenty years ago outside the ancient hut of our chieftan, who has now passed. They cared for me and trained me in the combat arts of Skyrim, and I adapted my agile form to master new techniques which set me apart from the other boys. I became most proficient with the axe, and later, learned to balance offense with the defense of a shield. Seven years littered with exploits deemed heroic by those they aimed to benefit have birthed a fine fighter, in my humble opinion, and I attempted to direct the memories of my greatest victories as a stampede over thoughts of the task that lay before me. It was pointless; even looking in the direction of the cave I was to enter discouraged my steps, and my knees weakened. All I could do now was tie the blindfold of courage around my eyes and pray the little sleep I did manage would be enough to carry me back there the next day in triumph.

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[ShraX]

"Firstly, I would have you know of me.. physicality is often the blackest blindfold. Though bipedal in appearance, I stand not on legs. This cowl hides naught but shadow. I have no place. What you see is what you will, uncontrollable. I say without speaking, move without motion. I am not, yet I sit before you in belief. In senses I reside.

"From where I originated I will attempt to explain. Understand life as nothing more than the tangible essence of existence. All things contain life. In turn, all things must retain balance, for life is never without death. All things must die, and it is for this reason I have taken up residence on this plane. I have broken the laws of being to mend them. Existence is threatened by one it calls its' own.

"She has refused death. The physical constitution of her race shows a regular pattern of death by age; eighty-seven years. Nine-thousand she has lived through neither magic nor natural reason. It is unclear, and I suspect nothing. Such gross misuse of the gift of life will remain uninterrupted no longer. I have come to end it by any means necessary."

He took no breaths between sentences, and he showed no emotion or change in tone with his words, but I felt them stronger than any I'd heard. He stood slowly, sleeves concealing any notion of skin as they collapsed at his sides. I had heard all the peoples of Tamriel speak at one time or another, but I was unable to match them to this man. Something was telling me it was a man, anyway. Popular reference to gender forces me still to speak of the being as "he", but I'll never be certain.

"I doubt not your courage, but fear has no place here. Forgive my inability to acquaint myself.. it is not possible without personality or a face." A short chuckle escaped my mouth and I prayed he took no offense, and he said nothing. "Please," I replied warily, "it is difficult to understand your story. I came here in search of the beast named enemy by my people, and to slay it for our better." I had reached the base of his throne and he stepped closer, but I held my ground. If he spoke truth, I would be safer displaying trust over distrust. He had no smell, and he seemed immune to the freezing cold which held the cavern. He turned slightly to his left and my eyes followed.

"See there," he said, "the cleft." He paused, and I examined the icy ledge he motioned towards. It was heavily laiden with bones and sinew from what appeared to be some enormous creature. The remaining ribs on its spine cast deep shadows on the narrow bridge I'd just crossed, and they hung what seemed to be a mile away in the hollowed mountain. Its skull had been halved, and from the thick ice collected there, I posed to myself how many years it had been, and who had slain such a monster. "'Twas no monster, Ri'jzirr," he replied to my thoughts. "You are not yet experienced enough in this world to seal your mind shut.. something that aids our situation. The skeleton was of that which you came here to slay." I looked back to the cloaked figure in astounded confusion and hidden relief.

"You will find that all things in your history have played their part in our meeting. This confrontation is the meaning of life."

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