Ekali of the Frozen Heights, Book one Options

[King Coin]

I kind of feel bad for her now, she was in such a good mood when she came into the bar to meet her friends, then she just wants to be drunk afterwords. Hope she doesn't do anything she regrets while drunk.

[Saquira]

McBadgere: ^^ thank you

King Coin: The first chapter certainly doesn't contain many bright spots for Ekali, if any at all.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali met her friends at the Spotted Snow-bear after arriving in Bruma and told them about her trip into the mountains. They told her what had happened in town, a prophet speaking about someone who's going to "eat the world", and a newly arrived centurion. Hearing the name of the centurion, Ekali preceded to get drunk. Next, she wakes up.

Chapter 1.4 Crude Awakening

It was with an aching head that she awoke the following morning. Trying to get up into a sitting position, Ekali pushed the arm lying around her waist away. Clothing littered the floor, and she stood up to get hers, but necessity brought her to a bucket in the corner where she emptied her stomach of yesterdays meal.

When she was finished she looked around again, avoiding the bed and the person in it. Horror came upon her face when she spotted the small blue potion next to a pitcher on a small table and she gulped it down, barely stopping for breath before downing the water in the pitcher. Ekali then quickly gathered up her clothes and put them on before heading for the door.

A groan from the bed only got her feet moving faster when getting out through the door. She avoided looking back, and was momentarily blinded by the light in the corridor at the abrupt change. She did not face any further difficulties in getting down the stairs to the common room where a middle-aged man stood behind the counter, smiling as she approached him.

“Did you have fun?” He said with a wink.

“I've no idea.” Was the khajiits mumbled response as she groaned inwardly, knowing that if the innkeeper knew what had happened, so did her friends. She rubbed her forehead in pain, and grimaced. “You don't sell any cure potions do you?”

“No, you'll have to see an alchemist for that,” he said, still smiling. Ekali simply nodded before leaving the Spotted Snow-bear. The roads outside the inn were busy, and she had to weave through the crowd to get to the alchemists shop. The sun was shining, and the khajiit put her hand up to shield her eyes.

The alchemists shop lay only a bit further down the road from the Spotted Snow-bear, and though it was built from wood it truly stood out from the crowd. No one passed it without looking up at the building, which had given the owner a very good income.

The walls held an illusion that made them look like they were bending inwards, and the door frame was made of solid stone. The sign hanging above the door depicted a cauldron with the words “Concoctions to fulfil every need” in green coming out of it. It was a private shop, and according to legion files the owner had received training at the Synods' facilities in the Imperial City.

Ekali stepped up on the stairs and opened the door, producing a creaking sound. Inside the walls where straight and ingredients and potions where scattered everywhere. A male Altmer stood at an alchemy station behind the counter.

“Coming in a bit! Just have to finish this next step!” The man called out hurriedly in a shrill voice. The khajiit rubbed her forehead again, wincing at the high volume in which he spoke and sought out a place on the counter where it would be safe to lean as she looked around the room. The Altmer continued to fiddle some ingredients before pouring them into the boiling water he'd set up and checking the correct amount. He then wiped his hands on an already dirty cloth, and turned to the counter and the female khajiit.

“So, what may I do for you today? The restore stamina potions have been selling like mad lately, but perhaps you require something more specific. Something to increase the weight you can carry or perhaps even a weak poison to get back at a friend hmm? There is this remarkable potion made from blisterworth and troll fat that puts those afflicted into a...” When the Altmer started speaking he barely paused for breath, and the khajiit held her hand up to get him to stop.

“Sorry, but I just want a potion of cure poison,” she said and smiled apologetically.

“Oh, a hangover then? Wouldn't have picked you for one of those who drank to much.” The altmer bent down beneath the counter and soon came back up with a potion in a brown bottle. “That's 60 drakes please.”

“I don't usually drink that much,” she answered and took out her money pouch, collecting sixty drakes into her hand and handing them over. They were small coins made of copper with a small dragon printed on one side.

“Most people say that,” the Altmer answered and handed her the potion, thanking her for the business.

“I suppose most people would.” She smiled and said good bye before heading out the door and drinking the potion. The change was immediate as she relaxed and smiled up at the sun instead of covering her eyes.

As Ekali walked back to the barracks the people of Bruma continued on their way, hurrying to deliver something or simply taking a stroll. She didn't pay much attention to others, and upon reaching the barracks she scraped the snow of her boots and went inside.

A couple of off duty guards were sparring with each other, going through the fundamental motions at a high pace. Aside from them, barely anyone was on the ground floor except a Nord whom was taking a cup of mead, probably just having come back from his shift.

Ekali glanced at the men briefly before heading up the stairs, taking the steps two at a time. Several men where lying in bed sleeping when she came up the stairs and went over to her little space. It wasn't much, simply a bed and chest, but anything else would have been superfluous as she spent so little time in town.

She stripped of clothing and wrapped a tallow around her body, heading over to the water pump and the shower stalls. Grabbing three buckets, she then filled them with water and heated the water using her flame spell before stepping into one of the stalls.

[mALX]

Love the shower idea! Now that is using magic to one's advantage, lol. Great Write !!

[McBadgere]

More excellentness!!!...

Brilliant job...

Never thought of Cure Poison for Alchohol...*Applauds*... ...

God, I'm missing Oblivion now... ...

Between you and Colonel Mustard I'm going back to all my old games... ...

Nice one!... ...Well done...

[Colonel Mustard]

Liked the last two chapters, especially the application of spells and potions you're using; the cure poison for the hangover is a clever one, and the flame spell used for heating the water is nice to see as well. Always makes for a good read, little details like that.

Looking forward to more!

[King Coin]

“Did you have fun?” He said with a wink.

“I've no idea.”
I knew she was going to regret it.

I enjoyed this chapter. At first I thought she was looking for a cure disease potion though. Lol.

[Saquira]

Thanks everyone! Excuse me for almost forgetting that I intended to post an update today.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali woke up with a headache and found out she didn't spend the night alone, a prospect she did not like. Rushing out of there, she went and bought a Cure Poison potion for the hangover and then went to take a shower in the barracks. Next, she learns the true meaning of bad news.

Yes, I think I am quite evil towards my characters, at least the main ones. You didn't notice yet?

Chapter 1.5 Sell-out

Ekali just came out of the bathroom when Janus was climbing out of bed. He looked like a zombie with his hair completely messed up and a part of his face was red because he'd slept in the same position to long. He squinted with his eyes, grabbing a tunic of his bed stand and pulling it on.

“Good morning,” she purred happily as she walked to her bed and took a clean change of clothes from the chest. The only sign that Janus had heard her was a grunt, and she chuckled as she put the clothes on. “Drank to much huh?” He grunted again, and walked slowly into the bathroom to put his head beneath the pump. Ekali smiled and picked up one of the few books she had bought with her salary.

He came stumbling out a couple of minutes later, after a lot of running water and emptying of his stomach. She looked up at him as he made his way to his chest and fumbled with the cork of a bottle before downing the contents. When done, he sighed and sunk down with his back against the bed, looking at her.

“Do you remember what happened yesterday?” Janus asked with a look of confusion on his face, and Ekali sighed.

“I was hoping to ask you the same question. I don't remember anything after Neven said you were getting married. Who is it you're marrying by the way, and why? You haven't mentioned anyone,” She said, peering over at him.

“Oh, I always forget you're not into gossip as much as the others. And then you were gone for a month. Um, her name is Juliana, named for Julianos you know. We met in the chapel actually, she was looking to cure some illness she'd got when travelling and I was praying as usual. We've been going out for about a year now, I never really thought of telling anyone about her.” He looked down into the floor, fiddling with his fingers.

“I suppose you've never been one for initiating conversations. Congratulations, I hope you're happy with each other.” Ekali smiled at him.

“Thanks, I hope so to. Have you eaten yet?” he asked, putting on his clothes after drying his hair with a tallow.

“No, not yet. Bernard’s place usually serves good breakfast.” The khajiit stood up and hung her axes by her belt when she spoke.

“Or we could go to the Spotted Snow-bear,” Janus answered while hanging his sword by his side and Ekali sighed.

“I'd rather not. Besides, I'm hungry for eggs and bread, not slop.” She smiled at him.

“They don't serve slop at the Snow-bear, it's a... uh... stew. Yeah, that's right, they serve stew.” The Imperial was starting to look uncomfortable.

“Whatever makes you feel better.” Ekali chuckled and walked out of the building with Janus on her heels. They made their way through town, happily arguing over whether the Spotted Snow-bears food could actually be considered edible. In the end, they decided to go to Bernard's Unusual Cuisine.

However, just as they were to enter the establishment a runner came up to them. He wore simple clothes, so simple that one could wonder if he felt the cold, and sweat was coming of his face from the run.

“Forester Ekali? Centurion Braccus asks for you to meet with him at your earliest inco... convenience. He is staying in the castle.” With that, the runner saluted and took of again. There was a forlorn look on Ekali's face as she looked after him. Seeing it, Janus stepped up to her.

“He said you should come at you earliest convenience...” he began slowly.

“And you know as well as I what that means,” she answered, stepping away from the building after finally tearing her eyes of the lad.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, it shouldn't be anything bad. We're both part of the legion, he can't do anything. Right?” She said, trying to sound light-hearted. But worry swirled in her eyes, and her tail stayed close to her legs.

“He shouldn't,” Janus said, doubtfully. Ekali shrugged, asked him to wish her luck and left for the castle. Janus looked after her for a while before turning to the chapel and closing his eyes briefly, mumbling something beneath his breath. Then he walked into the establishment to eat.

* * *

Arturius Braccus was sitting by his desk when he heard light steps approaching his office. He had the few documents he needed in front of him, and his sword was leaned against the desk. The Imperial wore plate armour which had been polished so that it shone, except for the helmet he'd placed next to the documents. He did not know what to expect after such a long time.

“Enter,” he said when soft thuds was heard on the door from her paw, and she walked in, eyes finding him within moments. She saluted and he was once again reminded of why he considered her beautiful.

“You asked for me, sir.” Though her face was expressionless, her ears were angled slightly backwards, and he couldn't help but to notice that her tail was still. She had thicker fur than most khajiit, and its pattern reminded him of a snow leopards pelt he'd once seen. Realising that he was staring, the centurion tore his eyes away and cleared his throat.

“I'm going to get straight to the point. About a week ago a delegate arrived in the Imperial City. The delegate came from Riften in Skyrim, the Jarl to be even more precise. Apparently her son set out on an expedition into the Jerall mountains with six companions. They were found a couple of weeks ago, and she says you did it.” He looked at Ekali as understanding dawned on her face.

“What? I couldn't have. I killed a couple people, but they robbed a village, and it was just two days ago. I've been hunting them for...” She was getting rather panicky when he held up a hand.

“A month, perhaps. Do you deny that you killed seven men carrying these kinds of amulets around their necks? Do you have anyone that could vouch for you?” he asked, holding one of the amulets she'd brought in beneath the light of the candle on his desk. She shook her head, having forgotten her repulsion for him.

“I took those from the bandits, and how could I have anyone..? I didn't kill anyone I wasn't told to kill!” She continued to shake her head, as if it could make the whole ordeal come to a stop.

“The Emperor and his council does not need more trouble from Skyrim than they've already got, which is why they're handing you over to the Jarl.” He watched her as she continued to stare at the amulet, and two legionnaires stepped into the room. “You are hereby accused of the murder of Saerdur Lawgiver, to be escorted into Skyrim within two days and handed over to the guard of Riften as soon as possible. You may talk and try to convince them of your innocence, but I truly doubt the Jarl will be merciful. Take her away,” he said the last to the two legionnaires whom stepped forward.

“But why..?”

“Because you're a soldier. Your word doesn't weigh as heavily as the Jarls and in the eyes of the politicians, soldiers will always be expendable.” She looked at him with a look that made him feel responsible when the legionnaires took her by the arms and led her out the door.

Arturius Braccus sighed and sat down by his desk, putting his head into his hands. That anyone could serve in the legion for eighteen years and still be sold like a piece of meat. She was damned good at her job to. Divines have mercy on her soul, Braccus thought, rubbing his forehead.

Authors' note: Originally I was just going to use Braccus as the bringer of bad news, but now i'm considering whether or not I should have him come to Skyrim eventually as a member of the Imperial legion. That could get really complicated.

[King Coin]

“Good morning,” she purred happily as she walked to her bed and took a clean change of clothes from the chest. The only sign that Janus had heard her was a grunt, and she chuckled as she put the clothes on.

She doesn’t have to rub it in. And she was just in a worse position. Lol.

She got blamed? She killed the bandits that were responsible! Argh!

[mALX]

GAAAAH !!! We'll never know who she slept with !!! URK !!! Awesome Write !!!

[McBadgere]

OOooh blimey... ...

Now she's in for it... ...

Excellently done...*Applauds*...

Intriguing story going down there... ...

Complicated?...Pah...Go for it... ...

Nice one!... ...

[Colonel Mustard]

Ah, irony. You are a cruel, harsh and greatly amusing mistress...

[Saquira]

Last part of the year! I'm not coming back until the sixth of January, so in case I can't come online tomorrow I'd like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali talked to Janus and the two were going to eat breakfast at Bernards' when a runner came and told them that the Centurion wished to see Ekali. Upon reaching the centurions office, Ekali was told she'd been accused of murdering Saerdur Lawgiver and she was taken into custody to be shipped of to Skyrim. Next, she begins that journey, but who is following them?

Chapter 1.6 Silent night

She watched as they got the khajiit female into the carriage and headed out the city gates. The girl was hanging with her head, ears down and seemingly trying to be as small as possible. The person watching them picked some snow of her black fur before pulling the hood up over her head and heading after them. Nothing could go wrong, not when she'd already come so close. If the girl didn't reach Skyrim, a lot of people would get to pay.

She continued to follow at a distance as the carriage left the sight of the city wall, slowly being pulled into the mountains by the draft horse. She'd just have to get the girl on the right track, then Ser conscience would kick in and do the rest, or so she told herself.

The person in black fur and clothing raised her head as she spotted something moving between her and the carriage. It was crouched over, walking on all fours. The only sign of the white creature was the glinting eyes, three of them.

She drew her glass daggers from their scabbards as she crouched down and approached the snow troll. Its eyes were intent on the people in the carriage, and it did not know of her presence until it felt the sharp jab of pain in its back. The creature whirled around, casting snow all over, and she barely parried the slash of its claws.

Sliding out of the way, she slashed at the trolls arm with both daggers, and blood flowed freely from the wound. The beast growled when it tumbled down into the snow, incapable of stopping the dagger aiming for its throat.

* * *

Ekali exhaled on her hands and rubbed them together to keep the warmth up. A cloak was hanging over her shoulders, but it did little to ease the cold in the black of night. Used bowls lay by the fire in front of which she was sitting.

One of the men was sitting on his bedroll, while the other one looked out into the night. He'd stepped away from the fire to see better, but a howl from somewhere nearby caused him to go back to the fire.

“Something or someone is following us. We'll have to make sure the fire burns brightly tonight.” The man whom had been looking into the night shivered, as the other looked at him.

“Any idea what it is, or how many?”

“Couldn't tell, it always stays at the edge of my vision. Except for the wolf you just heard, he's been after us for a while now, doesn't seem like he wants to approach though.” The standing man cast a glance backwards as the dreary howl pierced the night again, closer this time.

“Could be a scavenger.” The man who was sitting cast a glance at Ekali when he finished speaking, she was hunched over as if though to keep warm.

“Don't think so. He looked much to healthy last time I saw him. I may not know much about animals, but I know a well-fed dog when I see one, and a wolf is little difference.”

“Might be a tracker then, not that I know who would want to track us. We'll kill it if it comes close enough, I don't want no one slitting my throat in the night.” Since he was still looking at the khajiit when he spoke, he saw as her head flew up, eyes fixed on him. Then her eye flew over the encampment, sticking to a spot behind him.

“Stay away,” she growled, and the soldier turned around just in time to see the wolf disappear through the snow. He got to his feet, seeing that the other man had already drawn his sword.

“He won't come back, not that close anyway. He could out-smarten a dog any time and he knows when he's not needed.” The men looked back at the woman, and the one with the sword drawn put it back in its scabbard.

She didn't look at them for long until she lowered her head again, mumbling something which the men couldn't hear even when they sat down on either side of the fire.

[McBadgere]

Excellent!!..

Nice one!!... ...

Have a nice break!... ...

Merry Xmas... ...

[King Coin]

Another Khajiit? This one sounds like she had something to do with the Ekali’s arrest.
Poor girl. Too bad she’s likely off to the block.

~~

Merry Christmas!

[mALX]

I keep wondering if that dog is a Werewolf. But then it obeyed her when she growled at it, so ... hmmmm!!! Great Write !!!!

[Saquira]

All: Hope you had a good holiday!

mALX: Where did you get that from? It never even crossed my mind.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: We met Ekali when she was taking carer of some bandits, later she returned to Bruma and spent an evening with her friends during which she got some bad news. A bad morning was soon followed by talk of her friends marriage, but as soon as they left to eat a runner came up to them and asked Ekali to go and see the Centurion Arturius Braccus whom had come to town, as it turns out to accuse her of a murder everyone knew she wouldn't commit.

Chapter 2.1 Crossing the Border

The air only got colder as the group ascended towards the pass, and the cartwheels skidded slightly on the uneven path. But the draft horse had no trouble with the climb, even when having the carriage stuck behind him.

The group consisted of three people, two men wearing the Imperial Legion armour and a khajiit woman in cotton clothing with her hands tied in front of her. She looked like she was sleeping as the men conversed, the one in the front steering the horse carefully while the other stayed close to the sleeping woman.

They continued on yet for a while, until they could see the border-pass and the sun came up over the mountains.

The females eyes fluttered open when the carriage wheel came across a rather deep hole in the road, and the face that had earlier been so peaceful took on an expression of sorrow as she looked around. She saw the old tower before anything else, the border-watch between Tamriel and Skyrim. It had been unoccupied for years, which was why she was confused at the sight of people milling about outside.

The people were divided into two groups. One consisted of Imperial soldiers clad in light armour, their female captain whom wore plate armour and a general.

The other group were all tied up just like the female khajiit. They wore some kind of ragged armour made from a mix of chain-mail and leather, with a large piece of blue cloth over their left shoulder. One of them, a man standing straighter than the others, was gagged and wore finery instead of armour. Of to the side of that group there was also another clad in a prisoners clothing, his hands also tied in front of him. All of the bound men and women were Nords.

Ekali looked at one of her escorts who shrugged in answer to her silent question. She then turned her gaze back at the soldiers, and relief washed over her when she didn't see anyone she knew.

As they came closer, they noticed that the captain and the general was talking with one of the soldiers, white condensation spilling from their mouths, and the subject became obvious to the group when they saw the soldiers two wagons of to the side of the road. One of them had two broken wheels, and they knew there was no people to be found within five miles. The remaining carriage was much to small to fit all of the prisoners.

“Halt, what is your business in Skyrim?” The captain had come up to them when they looked at the carriages and she was now awaiting an answer. Her back was straight and her voice hard, hinting that command was nothing new to her. The general was still talking to the soldier.

“We're escorting this prisoner to Riften, ma'am,” the soldier behind the reins said and saluted.

“Huh, accused by some Jarl I take it, they are the only ones the Empire would bend to on such a matter. We need this carriage, and I doubt the Jarl will care about in which state she shows up. As your superior, I command you to help us get to Helgen.” She inspected the horse and carriage as she spoke, and the soldier in the carriage gave the khajiit an apologetic look.

“Yes, ma'am,” the driver said.

“We're in a hurry, so let's just get the prisoners into the carriages and carry on,” she said to the other soldiers whom instantly got up and prepared to depart. In the carriage with the khajiit, who had once again slumbered of when they were finished, they put the gagged man, a blonde soldier and the dark haired Nord wearing rags. The soldier who had been next to the woman got a horse and rode behind them.

So the groups were joined together and continued, without the knowledge of the prisoners, towards Helgen.

[mALX]

???? Sorry

[King Coin]

Yep. To the block prisoner. Nice and easy. Still wondering about that other one watching the events unfold.

[Saquira]

mALX: Don't say sorry, I was just wondering. Didn't mean to sound offensive if I did.

King Coin: Oh, you'll see more of the other one I assure you. a manipulator at heart that one. I'll have to get further with Felias' story first though before that happens.

[McBadgere]

*Strokes chin*...Hmmmm, there's something familiar about them prisoners... ...Helgen?...*Thinks*...

Excellent story...Glad it's back...Christmas pauses indeed!... ...

Liked the description of the journey, and it just felt cool (and I don't mean Skyrim cold ) when the sun came up over the mountains...Loved that...