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Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 16 2014, 04:53 AM

OOC: This is the journey to Winterhold for Grits, King Coin, and I. SInce there are only three players, I don't see the point of makin a discussion thread, especially sine we all know our characters, besides Channah, but that's just me, lol. This can certainly be changed, if y'all wish.

To clarify to you two, we can pilot any of the NPCs that we wish. Now, since I wasn't "in charge" of the Lost Knife thing, anyone who's RP'ed with me will tell you that I'm a huge fan of surprises. I like to toss unexpected situations at the people. If it's going to be a major inconvenience, I'll ask first (Life, death, injury, stealing, etc) but otherwise, get ready for surprises lol. And feel free to toss something at me, as well. I hate hate HATE every little thing being planned. I like free-form roaming games, hence why I enjoy this franchise so very, very much.

Once we're there, we can interact with each other if we wish. I'm NOT making it mandatory to constantly be around each other. If we want to go on adventures and show a little character development, it's totally allowed. Just try to make it intt one long post, or several posts. It can be a little backstory revealed or whatever, as long as it's pertaining to what's going on at that moment. For example, if Aravi or Channah are investigating some weird noises under the stairs and find a group of students performing necromancy on a rat, eh,s so be it. Romance is cool. Friendships with other students or teachers is cool. I don't care. Have fun, make it interesting, or boring, whatever you want! I enjoy reading that kind of stuff.

Now, without further ado, here we go, y'all!



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=






The journey through Lost Knife had shown Kayla a bit of perspective. Firstly, it was that while chitin armor was sleek and stylish, the spaces between the plates were a weak spot. Granted, it was much better than her old regular leather armor, which she had left back in the Wobbly Goblet. She supposed that whomever had ended up with it might sell it for a few septims, though it was pretty worn.

Secondly, she was tougher than she thought. She had survived not only an arrow through the chest, which alone should have killed her, but the icy torrents of the water in the cave hadn't broken her body beyond repair.

And, last of all, she had a new outlook on her friend that traveled with her. The small Khajiit, dwarfed by the Altmer's already stunning height of seven feet, turned into a werewolf every full moons. She had felt a bit protective of Aravi when they had first met, feeling that due to her small size she was quick, but didn't strike hard enough. She was wrong.

She remembered the lumbering beast that snarled and roared at the three trapped in the cage in the cave. Aravi and another woman, an Imperial mercenary named Vera, had transformed out of necessity. The bandits had trapped them in, planning on taking them out like fish in a barrel.

With a sideways glance, masked as an attempt to scratch the ride side of her head, Kayla glanced at the Khajiit on her left. She sighed and ran her fingers through her auburn hair and looked ahead, shifting her pack on her shoulder.

"If my memory serves me correctly, there should be a small mill up ahead. We can probably get a bed for the night and a hot meal if we offer a service like cooking or chopping wood." She stopped momentarily and looked around as she adjusted her sword on her hip. "Or we can pass it up. It's still pretty early, we can probably reach..." she stopped herself.

"Nevermind. We should probably avoid Windhelm." Kayla was sure Aravi was aware of the racism that shrouded Skyrim against anyone not a Nord. Even though Altmer were shunned and accused as spies for the Aldmeri Dominion, she was at least allowed in the cities. Khajiit were not. She turned to her deceptively small comrade.

"I think we can make it to the mill and rest for the night, gather our wits and map out what road we can take, then head out early in the morning. I don't know about you, but I think a night's rest in a bed sounds wonderful."

Posted by: Grits Feb 16 2014, 02:50 PM

OOC: OK, free-roaming, no plan. I can do that.

http://i.imgur.com/6ZVCaGP.png stomped the snow from her boots and stepped into the Frozen Hearth. Warmth hit her face like a dry slap. The innkeeper was engaged in discussion with Nelacar the resident wizard. Channah hung up her fur cloak and hood while they finished.

“It was a minor miscalculation,” Nelacar said. His tone was somewhat less than apologetic. “I have already corrected it for future experiments.”

Ugh, thought Channah. That doesn’t sound good.

Dagur seemed to agree with her. “This,” the innkeeper fumed, “This is why people have a problem with your College.”

Channah walked forward before Nelacar could begin protesting his association with the College. Over the last three days staying at the inn Channah had heard it enough.

Dagur held his position leaning on the bar. “Ah,” he said to Channah. “You’re back. Any luck today?”

Channah sat down on a barstool. “If I had any luck I’d be packing up and moving in. Not today, though. It was that Faralda wench again. Why does she want me to cast Fury at the ground? I’m not here to learn Illusion spells.”

“Ah,” Dagur said again. “Well.”

Channah took that as his best advice. She sighed. “Another night, please, Dagur.” She slid the coins across the bar. “And some hot cider and whatever I smell baking. Is that pumpkin pie?”

Dagur made the exchange. “It’s pumpkin something. What are you going to do today?”

Channah made a face. “I don’t know. My blades are sharp, my mail is clean, and my leathers won’t take any more balm.”

“Sounds like you’re ready to go kill something.”

Channah laughed. Spoken like a Nord. “Perhaps I’ll start with a mage.”

Dagur picked up his cloth and began polishing a tankard. As far as Channah could tell it was the same one he had been cleaning for the last three days. She supposed she was not the only one who needed to keep her hands busy.

“There’s no wizard at the Jarl’s court, but you could always try Windhelm,” he suggested.

Channah gave her cider an appreciative sniff. “It’s the principle. I’m not going to mess with folks’ minds. That’s just not right.” She waited a full minute before taking a sip of cider. She had all day to finish it. And Dagur had all day to watch her.

She sighed again. “That’s a good idea, Dagur. If I can’t get in tomorrow maybe I’ll try it.”

Posted by: King Coin Feb 16 2014, 05:21 PM

The past few days had been a fearful mix of highs and lows for Aravi.

First, joy at finding out that there may be a chance for her to be a mother sometime in the future. It would require some experiments, and an operation, but it was possible. And illegal. To make this happen, her friends needed soul gems filled with energy.

Which lead to the previous excursion. She brought her friends Kayla and Darnand, a mercenary Vera, and then a relatively unknown bard. That’s when things started to go bad.

Kayla took an arrow in the chest and nearly died.

She was horrified when it happened. That wasn’t what was supposed to happen. She felt guilt, and then torn between calling off the whole thing and continuing to look for her friend. Ultimately she couldn’t abandon Kayla, and it turned out well. But what if she had doomed the rest of the party?

She cut off that line of thought. It had turned out well, and Kayla was here at her side. Darnand and Vera were on their way to Cyrodiil each with a sack of gems and gold respectively.

The joy of finding Kayla again was again replaced by horror. Bandits swarmed into the cave, and she and Vera were forced to become monsters to prevent them from all being killed. Beast blood was usually a secret best kept at all costs. Again, there was joy when it was all over and her friends didn’t abandon her, didn’t try to kill her, didn’t try to take her to a cell.

Now she was happy that all she had to do for the next few days was just put one foot in front of the other. She kept up with Kayla’s long strides easily. She was used to walking or running everywhere.

Kayla mentioned stopping at a mill, or continuing to Windhelm. Then she remembered Windhelm’s culture.

“I don't know about you, but I think a night's rest in a bed sounds wonderful.”

Aravi groaned just imaging a soft mattress. “And a hot meal, with mead.” She had grown fond of the sweet beverage. She only needed to be careful, the Nords tended to brew it stronger than her small body could easily handle.

“I’ve been to Windhelm before.” She grimaced, showing her pointed teeth. “But let’s stop at the mill. I can chop wood. If they want someone to cook, that will be on you. I’m pretty bad. Kharjo is the cook.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 17 2014, 12:19 AM

Kayla laughed loudly. "We'll be thrown out at the end of the night if they expect me to cook. I can kill it and skin it and put salt on it. That's it."

She looked to her left and cocked her head. "Hear that running water? We'll follow the creek until it turns into a river, and it'll lead us to the mill." She steered Aravi into the right direction, leading the way. She avoided the obvious questions.

How did it happen?

What's it like?

Does it hurt?

Can you cure it?

Kayla knew almost nothing about Lycanthropy, except there were different types of were-people. As far as she knew, werewolves and werebears were the only two that turned into anything that resembles a man and a wolf twisted and mangled together. Then again, wereboars and werefoxes were rare to find. There wasn't a lot of desire to catch lives specimens of werewolves and study them. Especially if they were anything like Vera.

Ugh. Kayla preferred if her thoughts did not turn towards the Imperial. She was curt, short with words, and had an air of conceit that didn't settle with Kayla. Their first meeting went awfully, when she killed a thrall that Kayla had wanted to save, that Kayla had said she'd save. and their second meeting wasn't too much better.

It wasn't that the mission went badly. It had at first, and it was no fault of Vera's. It was, perhaps, in Kayla's eyes, that Vera had all of that conceit because of her ability. That she might think she was better because of her Lycanthropy. Kayla had resolved to be civil to Vera, even before knowing what she was. Revealing her other nature had given the elf a bit of perspective on the Imperial.

And if that's the way she wanted to be, then so be it. Vera was on her way back to Cyrodiil, and Kayla and her friend were heading in the opposite direction. The more distance, the better. Eventually, Vera would be nothing more than a memory, and Kayla would forget. Kayla felt petty, even being upset at Vera for anything. She realized a few miles back it was a common theme in her life; Nords thought they were better because they were Nords, other Altmer thought they were better because they knew the language and the culture better.


They hit the stream and began following the river northeast. She pointed to the mill.

"There. See? Oh, it looks...unkempt. I hope it's not abandoned." She looked at her map. "I think the woman called this place Mixwater Mill. Come on."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 17 2014, 02:19 AM

Aravi smiled at Kayla’s good humor, and allowed the high elf to lead them towards the mill. She watched her friend’s expression change. Aravi could guess at what she was thinking.

She was about to ask Kayla, when the Altmer pointed ahead.

“There. See? Oh, it looks...unkempt. I hope it's not abandoned. I think the woman called this place Mixwater Mill. Come on.”

Aravi approached the mill with Kayla. Aravi’s hopes fell as they drew nearer. Her hands drifted to her swords. Something in the back of her mind was making her feel jumpy.

“Hello?!” Aravi called to the silent buildings. “Anyone there?”

No light in the windows. Only a wisp of smoke came out of one chimney.

What happened here?

Aravi looked at Kayla, and shrugged.

She slowly crept forward, unsheathing a sword silently. The steel in her hand gave her some confidence. She knew Kayla was behind her, with magic and that bright sword of hers. If something happened, she wasn’t alone.

The door wasn’t locked when she tested it. Her body coiled like a spring, she eased the door open slowly, ready to leap aside.

A sickly odor emanated from the house, and Aravi’s tail bushed out.

She pulled the door shut and backed away. “There are dead in there,” she said to Kayla. "What do you want to do?"

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 17 2014, 03:09 AM

Kayla looked upset. Her stomach tightened at the stench, and Aravi's face and words confirmed it.

"Count them, then dig graves. No matter who they are, they deserve burials. Did you see anything else? Odd shadows, anything out of the corner of your eye?"

Vampires are masters at disguising themselves as shadows. And they're too quick for us to see sometimes.

"Did you...smell any vampires? Can you do that?"

Posted by: King Coin Feb 17 2014, 03:33 AM

Aravi would have preferred to just leave, right now. They would get to Windhelm and spend the night there, and leave early in the morning. They would tell the guards of what they found here of course. Now whether or not they would investigate on the words of a Khajiit and an Altmer is another matter…

“No I didn’t see anything, and my nose is no better than any other Khajiit’s. All I could smell was death.”

The door opened, a thin Nord man stood, bracing himself against the doorframe.

A deep voice that must have boomed at one time, merely sounded shallow now.

“You should leave this place now. A great fever has taken us all. Go now before you get it.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 17 2014, 03:40 AM

OOC: Wat



-



Kayla frowned, the pull in her gut turning into a dreading feeling.

"A fever? Sir, I'm an alchemist. I have many remedies in my bag, and can brew up more. Please, let me help." She took a step towards the man, her right arm outstretched with her palm upwards.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 17 2014, 04:20 AM

OOC: It's a plague!

--

“NO! Stop! Don’t come near! We've tried potions, this is beyond them. It only slows it down. Do you have a priest of the Ni-Eight? ”

Aravi grabbed Kayla’s arm. “I’m protected. Let me bring them any potions.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 17 2014, 04:42 AM

Kayla looked uncertain. "Pray to your gods-all of them," she said to the man. She didn't mention she was raised as a NOrd, as that would have little comfort for the man at the moment. She handed Aravi several cure disease potions and other remedies, as well as salves and ointments.

"This one," she held a small jar up, "Is for any blisters or boils you might have. It numbs and pulls the infection out. Wipe it off with a wet rag once the ooze is out. And this one," she held out a different bottle, with a thin, clear liquid in it. "If you're in pain, take it. It'll put you to sleep for a few hours. The rest are cures. How many are in there?"

Posted by: King Coin Feb 17 2014, 05:03 AM

Aravi collected the potions Kayla produced. The beast blood would protect her from any disease, even the dreaded vampire’s disease.

”How many are in there?”

The man answered. “There are seven of us. Four have gone to Sovngarde, and one is nearly there.”

Aravi asked, “Have they been buried?” She already knew the answer from the smell at the house.

The Nord’s face fell. “No, I’ve tried, but strength has fled my limbs.”

Aravi looked at Kayla. She kept her voice low, “I could get the bodies out, if we can convince them to let me in.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 17 2014, 10:43 PM

Kayla nodded discreetly at Aravi. "Plagues are spread through the bodies of the infected dead as well as being around the infected while alive. I'm resistant to disease, but if you can't get infected, I've got a strength potion for you to use."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 17 2014, 11:46 PM

OOC: We'll go with Aravi's idea unless Kayla thinks of something more convincing. And if you want you can jump us to after Aravi's brought out the dead. I have a solution in mind, but they can't do it here.

--

“Right. Thanks, I will need the potion.” She added it to the collection Kayla already showed the miller.

“We just need to convince them to let me in. I have this Amulet of Mara,” she lifted it out of her shirt so that it rested on her chest, “Do you think they will believe it will protect me?”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 18 2014, 07:29 PM

"It might. I can't think of anything else to try short of force."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 18 2014, 08:22 PM

Aravi frowned. “I’ll try this. I could probably force my way in, but I would much rather avoid that. Find a shovel and start digging the graves please.”

Ultimately, it was the man’s remorse for the dead and Aravi’s forceful attitude rather any true belief that Aravi was protected that allowed her inside the house.

She couldn’t help but cringe at the terrible smell of the dead and human waste. Urns and buckets were emptied regularly, but not everyone seemed to have made it. At least she could remove the dead. She dreaded mopping up the mess.

She looked around inside as well, and took note of their firewood and food stores. Both were dwindling.

There ought to be plenty of firewood outside, we could just bring some in. Food is another question. We could buy it in Windhelm, or hunt.

She passed out Kayla’s healing potions, and drank one of strength for herself. Then she proceeded on dragged the bodies outside as gently and respectfully as she could while Kayla dug out graves. Two of the disease’s victims were only children.

When the bodies were outside, Aravi returned to the house and cleaned up the various messes. She resupplied them with firewood, and built a much stronger blaze in their fireplace.

She went back outside to Kayla and told her about the food problem. And she had an idea of someone that may be able to help them.

“In Dawnstar there is a priest of Mara. He has a temple in an old tower, just outside of the city. It’s out of our way to Winterhold, but perhaps he could help.”

Posted by: Grits Feb 20 2014, 02:58 AM

The Palace of the Kings loomed like some bitter old mountain under the cloudy sky. The walk from Winterhold to Windhelm had been invigorating. Now Channah had a pouch full of ice wraith teeth to trade.

She hoped the Stormcloak guards would let her through without recruiting her or arresting her for being only half Nord. So far she had gotten a lot of crossed arms and blank stares, but no hassle. Actually she couldn’t really evaluate the stares. They just felt blank because of the guards’ closed helmets.

Channah took a deep breath and walked through the massive doors.

Blue carpeting and banners decorated a long, high hall. Jarl Ulfric’s throne stood at the far end. Channah could see his Thanes and she assumed other members of court clustered around him. With luck she would escape their notice.

The door guard crossed his arms. “No lollygagging.”

“Which way to the court wizard?” Channah asked him.

“Upstairs down the South Corridor.” The guard illustrated his remark with a nod.

“Thanks.”

“But you won’t find him there. Bastard necromancer’s rotting in the dungeon.”

Channah felt a chill race over her skin. She had been told that she would meet her end in a necromancer’s lair.

I hardly think this will be the one. She pulled off her gloves before her palms could sweat too much. “Can I go see him?”

The guard nodded toward the right. “Suit yourself.”

In the dungeon Channah found an old man in a hooded robe standing in one of the cells. The robe was blue trimmed with gold. She supposed he kept his skull-head attire for wearing in caves and the like.

“Were you the court mage, necromancer?” She asked him.

“I am the court mage. I am a member of the College of Winterhold. I am not a necromancer!”

I bet that’s what they all say. “Well, do you have a Fury spell tome you could sell me? Or a scroll? I have some ice wraith teeth to trade.”

The mage tugged on his beard. “Do I look like I’m open for trade? You should be worried there’s a murderer on the loose! Has the whole city lost their brains?”

Channah watched him for a moment as he paced his tiny cell. “So, is that a yes or a no?”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 23 2014, 02:44 PM

OOC: I am so, so sorry, y'all. My computer isn't connected to the internet anymore. I need a new computer now.

--

Kayla dug up the graves, wiping sweat from her face once in a while. She kept her emotions in check until she got to the children. While Aravi was inside, cleaning, she grabbed a few flowers and set them on the graves. By the time Aravi came back out, her face wasn't red from tears anymore.

She nodded, an unsure look on her face. "If you think we can make it, let's go. I'll give them the rest of my rations, and we can hunt on the way up there."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 12:45 AM

Aravi sensed the other woman had been in tears. She pretended to not notice. If Kayla wanted her to know, she would have showed it.

Aravi looked to the west. Magnus was still high, but quickly sinking to the Nirn. Orange already tinged the afternoon sky.

“I don’t think we can make it there before nightfall,” she said gloomily. That leaves Windhelm. A knot formed in her stomach. It wasn’t always safe there for other races, and Khajiit seemed to be almost universally despised. If there was an altercation, she would surely be taken to the jail just for who she was.

And if Kayla was correct, she might be turned away at the gate. She was able to get in before, but that was nearly a year ago. A lot can change in a year.

And if she didn’t find shelter somewhere, she would freeze to death.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 24 2014, 12:54 AM

"Windhelm it is. Listen, before I ever go in, I'll make sure you have somewhere safe to stay. The beast races there stick together and look out for each other. And if there's a caravan there, you're even more lucky. I've heard they'll take in travelers, especially their own race."

Kayla stuck the shovel in the dirt next to a grave and looked briefly at the smaller graves. She took in a deep breath, and let it out shakily.

Hold it together...

She cleared her throat and swallowed. "Worst comes to worst, we make a snow cave and spend the night together again. And you know I'm good at making those." She gave Aravi a weaker version of one of her grins.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 01:19 AM

Aravi was grateful for the other woman’s loyalty. She returned the forced grin with a smile of her own.

Then she looked at the fresh graves. Kayla had been quick about getting them covered. Aravi expected to help with the last one. She was relieved.

She didn’t know these people, and she didn’t shed any tears for the dead. She hadn’t known them. She felt sympathy for those grieving though. Is that strange?

“Let’s go.”

--------

Magnus had just slipped behind the mountains to the west when they arrived at Windhelm. To Aravi’s disappointment, there was no Khajiit caravan camped outside of the walls. Fresh tracks suggested they had been here the day before, but have since moved on.

She exchanged a look with Kayla.

They both proceeded over the bridge to the city gates. Guards stood in front of the gates, blocking entrance.

“You should do the talking…” Aravi said nervously as they approached. She fell half a step behind Kayla.

Maybe they won’t notice me back here…

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 24 2014, 01:36 AM

"Halt!"

One of the guards took a few steps forward. "By decree of Jarl Ulfric, no beasts allowed inside the city."

Kayla was taken aback at the sheer gall of the guard. The last she had visited, it was rumored and not said aloud that beasts weren't permitted in the city. She took a deep breath.

"Look, we're-"

"No, YOU look," the guard stepped closer until his helmet was nearly nose-to-nose with her. "No beast races inside the city, period, elf! You're lucky I'm even letting your kind in!"

Something inside Kayla's head snapped, and she saw red. She took in a deep breath and pointed her finger at the guard's nose.

"Look here, Nord, we've traveled all the way from Chorrol just to come to the College, and we're TIRED! we're trying to find help for a family of Nords who've been stranded in their home, and we're getting supplies for them! So you and your little guard friend are going to let us inside so we can help those poor people DYING out there!"

The guard hesitated. "How many people?"

"Roughly about eight. We gave them half of our rations and we need a priest so they can be healed."

"You're in luck. The Temple of Talos has two healers." He shot a look at Aravi. "You can go in, elf, but the beast stays out here. She can find shelter with the lizards."

Kayla fumed again and opened her mouth to say something.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 02:18 AM

Before Aravi knew it, Kayla and the guard were in a shouting match over her.

Divines this is bad…

Kayla was about to unleash another onslaught on the guard. Aravi grabbed her arm and yanked her away before she could say more.

It occurred to her as she led Kayla away that it may have been painful.

When they were out of earshot, she said, “Sorry if that hurt.”

In a lower voice she continued, “I noticed the ice is solid. I think I can get in through the harbor. The wall there is in poor repair, or at least it was the last time I was here. I’ll wait for nightfall, and then go over the ice and sneak through the wall there. That leads into the Grey Quarter. I’ll try to get a room at the Corner Club. It’s a dump without a sign, but you should be able to find it. If I’m not there then well…” She looked over her shoulder at the stable. “I’ll be with the horses hopefully...”

…And not at the bottom of the river.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 24 2014, 02:26 AM

Kayla's surprised look was seen by Aravi, and she apologized as if she had hurt her. Kayla was more surprised than anything that Aravi could lift a spoon, much less yank the much bigger Altmer.

She shook her head at Aravi's plan. "No, this isn't right. You shouldn't have to sneak into the city like you've done something wrong! You're not a criminal, you're...you're Aravi!"

Kayla unclenched her fists and huffed. "This isn't right. What did Khajiit ever to to Ulfric?"She snapped her fingers.

"We disguise you as an old lady! No, that won't work..."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 02:41 AM

Aravi shrugged.

“No it isn’t right, but we aren’t getting into a fight with the guards either. We won’t win.”

“We disguise you as an old lady! No, that won't work...”

“No that won’t,” she agreed.

A chill wind rose while they stood on the bridge, penetrating Aravi’s furs. She shivered.

“I’m pretty sure I can get in. It’s getting dark and I’m quiet. As long as I don’t run into a patrol or something I should be fine.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 24 2014, 02:46 AM

Kayla wrung her hands, looking torn. On one hand, she felt horrid for leaving Aravi outside the gates, but on the other, if Aravi was so sure she could get inside...

"Two hours. You have two hours to get in. If you don't get there, then I'm coming back out."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 03:07 AM

“Give me three. It won’t be dark enough for another hour, and then I will need time to sneak in.”

She gave Kayla what she hoped was a confident look. “I can do this.”

Blue energy leapt from her fingers and settled into her canvas wrapped feet. They glowed blue briefly before the energy faded into invisibility. Perhaps this show would help convince the Altmer she could go.

Aravi was quiet, even without the muffle spell. Good enough to get behind a bored bandit for a quiet strike, but not good enough usually to get into a camp, and out, without being noticed.

This night would be a test of her skill and patience. Assuming Kayla went for it.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 24 2014, 03:14 AM

Kayla let out an impatient and helpless noise.

"Fine. Three hours. I know you're more capable than I give you credit for. I just...you're my friend,and I don't want you to get hurt. Besdies, nearly no one in Skyrim can swim, and if you drop into the water, you're gone, and that's terrifying!"

She blew out a breath to calm herself. "I'll be waiting at the...the what club? Corner Club? I'll meet you there. Should I go now?"

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 03:32 AM

Aravi didn’t want to think about what would happen if the ice broke. She would drown or freeze to death if she managed to pull herself out.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’m light. Here,” she shrugged off her pack and handed it to Kayla, “take that for me.”

“Yes it’s the Corner Club. It’s the only place you can stay in the Grey Quarter.”

She gave Kayla a quick hug. “Get a warm bed for me.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 24 2014, 03:54 AM

Kayla hugged Aravi tightly and headed into the city, which was much easier the second time without her. She could feel the guards' eyes boring into her through the helmets as she passed by, even on the streets. Outside, a handsome Nord regarded her wearily, and someone called him Captain Lonely-Gale. He frowned and turned his head away from her, and she kept walking towards the Corner Club.

She found the dingy building easily enough, though the other Altmer who saw her go in turned their noses up at her. She got them a room and waited on Aravi.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 24 2014, 04:55 AM

Aravi let go of Kayla and ran back over the bridge, away from the city.

---------

A weather system rolled in from the north while Aravi waited for the day’s last light to fade from the sky. At first she was glad, the clouds would block out the light of the moons and stars.

Then it started sleeting. Aravi swore like the crudest Nord.

She was hunched against the weather down by the bank of the river. Tiny ice crystals blew into her face, stinging her pink nose. It was earlier than she wanted to go, but in this weather, who would be able to see her? She could hardly see the city walls. Who would see her?

Her claws clacked quietly over the ice. It groaned eerily in a few places, but she kept moving. She made straight for the city walls, then followed them around to the opposite end.

Her heart leapt into her throat once when her foot crashed through the ice and into the freezing water. She pitched forward of her own accord, landing on her stomach to spread her weight over more of the ice. Then she pulled herself away from the break with her claws, sliding on her belly.

When she thought she was sufficient distance away from the break, she got up on her knees, then feet. Always ready to dive forward again.

Thankfully she didn’t have to.

The guards in the harbor were easy to slip by. They kept to predicable paths, making their required rounds as fast as they could.

She went straight for the crumbling spot in the wall. It was still there she saw with some relief. In better weather, this would be child’s play to get to.

Now ice was forming over the stone. She needed to get up quickly.

Using her claws, she exploited crevices in the weathered stone walls. She was almost to the top when she slipped. Her claws started scrapping and she pushed off, landing behind a warehouse.

“What was that?”

Aravi lifted herself onto a stack of crates and laid flat.

She heard the crunch of his boots over snow. She held her breath.

He moved on. He must not have looked up. Claw marks could be seen where she slid.

She tried again, just a little to the side this time. She started to slip again at the same height but held on. She pushed up with her claws and got her hands over the side, and pulled herself up.

I’m in!

Getting to the Corner Club will be easy. The hovels the Dunmer lived in were built right up to the wall. Numerous alleys would allow her to avoid the roving patrols. Nobody else was out in this weather.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 25 2014, 03:04 AM

Kayla decided that Aravi had taken long enough, even though it wasn't quite three hours yet. She got up from the single-bed with questionable sheets ("Well, if you want clean sheets in this city, you're better off waiting a few weeks," the proprietor had chuckled to Kayla, earning him a disgusted look.) and walked out the door, glancing around. She hugged her cloak to her body, thinking that Windhelm was correctly named as she began walking out the door. A glass bottled shattered near her head, and she jumped and put her hand on the hilt of Dawnbreaker. A very obviously drunk Nord man laughed loudly, nearly falling as he stumbled backwards slightly.

"Damn greyskins better stay-oh, you're a snooty snoot high elf. Well...o back to the Thalmor Embassy and tells 'em Rolff Stone-Fist says hello!" He waved his hand, twisted into a rude gesture. Kayla rolled her eyes.

"That's classy."

"You're a dark-elf lover, ain't you? You filthy piece of trash, get out of our city?"

Kayla's temper flamed again, but she kept it capped this time. She still needed to find Aravi, and with this guy standing outside the Corner Club, Aravi would never risk trying to run inside.

"You've got a terrible attitude for so early in the evening."

"Don't like it? Too bad. This is our city. Ours!"

"Yeah, okay."

" Don't think I can take you?"

"I never said-"

"One hundred septims says I can punch you back where you came from."

That's a mighty short punch, "Yeah, okay." She walked down the steps and shed her cloak. He cracked his knuckles and neck.

"All right. Fists only. And none of that magic stuff, either. Let's go!"

He swung first. Kayla always let her opponent swing first, especially when there were witnesses around. The contest was over easily, as the man was quite drunk, and Kayla only needed to drop to her knees, the bring her fist up sharply. The uppercut knocked him off his feet by a few inches, and he fell like a tree.

Hard.

She looked around. wondering if anyone saw that. Behind her the owner of the inn clapped.

"Bravo!" The Dunmer, who had introduced himself as Ambarys earlier, crowed in glee. "That man has harrassed us night after night for so long. Your room is discounted."

Kayla grabbed her cloak. "Really?"

"Yes. Has your friend arrived yet?"

Kayla shook her head. "No. I'm getting worried."

"Well, there'll be a bowl of milk for her."

"Uhhh...why a bowl?"

"Our cups are dirty. That wasn't meant to be offensive. I'll go clean a cup." He hurried inside.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 25 2014, 03:48 AM

She was getting close, she knew it this time. She had gotten turned around in one of the alleys and went in the wrong direction for ten minutes before catching herself.

And then she was almost caught by a patrol. Quick feet and foul weather got her away from them before they could decide what she was and if they should chase her.

Now she was there, behind the building. There was no back door she could use, she would have to risk the streets. There shouldn’t be any problems once she got inside. Her septims were just as good as anyone else’s at that point.

She peeked into the street.

Kayla, and a prone form occupied the street. Nobody else was about at the moment. She broke from her hiding place and ran to the High Elf.

“What happened?!”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 25 2014, 03:57 AM

Kayla jumped and turned around, then grinned, her arms out.

"You're alive, and not frozen into a cat-sicle!" She hugged Aravi, lifting her off the ground. She put her down and pulled her into the Corner Club.

"He challenged me to a fist-fight. That bastard had the nerve to tell me no magick. I had to knock him out so you could come inside. Ambarys, this is my friend."

The Dunmer was pouring milk from a bowl into a mug, and he cursed when it spilled as he glanced over to her.

"Hello! Nice to finally meet you, Aravi. You need blankets? I'm pulling out the GOOD sheets for you and your friend."

Oh thank gods... Kayla thought.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 25 2014, 04:44 AM

“Yes, I’m – AH!”

Her toes left the frozen ground as she was given a fierce hug. Then before she could say anything more, she was hauled into the Corner Club.

She listened to what transpired with the knocked out man.

“I hope he doesn’t get the guards. Or freeze.” Either way, guards will search this place and I’ll be found.

The Dark Elf that ran the place greeted her much more cheerfully than she expected. She came here prepared to bribe him to let her stay a night.

She shivered. “Yes, I would love some blankets.”

Good sheets?

“Told you I could get in,” she looked at Kalya. She left out the part where she almost fell through the ice.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 25 2014, 04:53 AM

It suddenly occurred to Kayla that they had left a man outside in the cold. When she vocalized it, the Dunmer waved her concerns away.

"They'll see the bottle pieces and put it together. He's passed out several times here. He's found fairly quickly and we're never really bothered."

"That's great. So, those good sheets...?"

"Ah, yes, let me change those out for you..." He disappeared, then came back out of their room.

"No baths here, but there's a washbasin. It's all we an afford, unfortunately."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 25 2014, 05:10 AM

Oh good. He won’t freeze then.

Aravi took a peek in the bed and saw what Kayla was talking about.

Her face was neutral again when Ambarys returned with new sheets and a couple of extra blankets.

He changed their sheets quickly after telling them of the wash basin. Aravi wasn’t interested, she was cold and tired. Her furs were soaking wet. The sleet that covered her melted. Cold drops dripped down her back.

There was a fireplace in their room, but it was empty. “Could we have a couple of logs?”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 25 2014, 05:19 AM

The owner nodded. "Of course. One moment." He disappeared for a little bit, and Kayla went into the room and began searching through her bags. the fistfight had put her in a good mood, and she was sure Aravi was used to her odd sense of humor when she was in a chirpy mood. Frisky, Ma'dat had called her once.

"What do you need logs for? We can keep each other warm." She turned around and gave Aravi an exaggerated wink, causing Ambarys to freeze.

"Oh." he began unloading logs, and Kayla burst into giggles.

"Dunmer blush purple?!"

Posted by: King Coin Feb 25 2014, 05:44 AM

What? Then she saw Kayla’s expression. Oh!

She made a playful growl sound for effect. The Dunmer’s face was a deep shade.

Aravi grinned while Kayla giggled.

The Dunmer hurriedly built their fire and left. Aravi checked that the door was pulled shut.

“He’ll be peeking through the keyhole tonight for sure.”

She looked at the bed.

“Unless you want to sleep on the floor, it looks like we will be keeping each other warm.” At least its big enough that we will have some space.

Aravi grabbed one of the extra blankets and turned away from Kayla. She took off her wet furs and wrapped herself in the blanket. It was warm, as if it had been sitting by a fire before it was brought in to her. She sighed happily, then laid out her furs by their own fire to dry.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 26 2014, 12:51 AM

Kayla gave aravi a look filled with mock ust and growled back.

"Oh, darling!" she giggled.

"He'll be sorely disappointed if he peeks through, as I'm not drunk enough to touch a woman." She laughed once he left. "And I don't think you swing that way." She followed Aravi's lead and turned as she undressed, thankful that her pack was thick enough to shield most of her clothing from the snow. She sorely wished for a hot bath, but at least the washbasin wasn't frozen over, and the fire was roaring.

She then slid on her nightclothes, sighing in relief as the thick warm cloth warmed her skin. "And why do I have to be the one on the floor, huh?" She teased, poking Aravi's ribs gently. "For all I know, you find the floor comfortable. Though I doubt it." She sat by the fire, putting her feet near it.

"I'm fine with sharing a bed. It's not like we haven't slept close by each other while out there. Though be warned, I'm a cuddler."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 26 2014, 03:56 AM

Aravi sat next to Kayla by the fire. She now had the blanket wrapped all around her and over her head. She knew she looked ludicrous, and she didn’t care. It was so nice and warm.

“I am not sleeping on the floor because I had to walk on ice, climb over walls, and dodge patrols to get here. Someone else got to just walk in through the gates like they owned the place,” Aravi said rolling her eyes and teasing her friend.

“But seriously, look at my claws!” She held a hand in front of her, showing her chipped claws. One point was completely broken. Sliding down the ice encrusted stone was hard on her claws.

“I’m fine with sharing. If you cuddle too much I'll push you onto the floor.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 26 2014, 04:31 AM

"Don't do that," Kayla said as she inspected Aravi's claws. She suddenly felt a little jealous.

"These must be super useful in a fight."

Posted by: King Coin Feb 26 2014, 04:41 AM

“They can be. It’s been a while since I’ve used them like that.” As long as you don’t count when I was a werewolf. “And surprisingly, not many people expect them either.”

“I’m thirsty. Think I can get a drink like this?” She smiled a little.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 26 2014, 12:32 PM

"Make sure you pant a little, make it look like we were busy." Kayla giggled.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 26 2014, 02:56 PM

She pushed her blanket hood off of her head, then messed her hair up.

"How's that?" Aravi asked.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 26 2014, 03:09 PM

"If I wore lipstick, I'd put lip prints on your face!" Kayla giggled harder, falling over.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 26 2014, 03:24 PM

Aravi left and returned again with two drinks.

“He insisted you have a drink as well. He said something about needing to keep hydrated.” Aravi set Kayla’s next to her and sat down. She got milk for some reason, and didn’t even ask for it.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 26 2014, 07:02 PM

Kayla laughed at Aravi's statement, then laughed harder as the milk.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 27 2014, 04:09 AM

Aravi looked at the other woman and took a drink of her milk.

The blazing fire was delightful, and the last of the Windhelm’s chill was chased away. Even the blatant racism from earlier couldn’t dampen her mood at the moment.

She suddenly had the odd urge to ask Kayla a question. “Did you ever know your parents?” Where did that come from?

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 28 2014, 03:01 AM

(OOC: I would've answered earlier, but I fell asleep at 4 pm yesterday and didn't wake up until my alarm went off at five this morning...)

Kayla was a little taken aback at the question.

"My parents? You mean my elf parents? No. I never knew them." she swirled her drink around before taking a drink. She was delighted to find it was spiced mead.

"Mmmm, this is delicious." She took another drink. "No, I didn't know them," she repeated. "My mother, my Nord mother, said she found me wrapped up nice and tight and blue from the snow. There was a carriage wreck, but no sign of any people. My father thinks a frost troll got them. Bandits would have left bodies, but trolls would have left bones." She shrugged.

"Anyways, they took me in, warmed me up, and kept me. They treated me like I was their blood.They got a lot of sideways looks, especially since people blame magick users for the Oblivion Crisis, and elves are the ones who use magick the most, especially Altmer." She took another drink. "They raised me with Nord ideals, and I mostly consider myself a Nord. It's only when others remind me that I remember I'm not."

She shifted on the floor and stretched, putting her drink down. She touched her toes, easily reaching them at the end of her long legs, and groaned in delight.

"Oooh, I love stretching after a long day. what about you?" she cracked her neck, then stretched her arms. "Did you ever know your parents?"

Posted by: Grits Feb 28 2014, 03:20 AM

The blonde woman behind the counter crossed her arms under her bust. She stared at Channah through narrowed eyes. “Maybe you should just move along.”

Channah ground her teeth. It had taken far too long to get this wench’s attention only to be turned away without food or drink. Here was a woman in bad need of a beating, but the end result would be Channah’s own backside in jail. At least then I’d have a room.

Instead of smacking the innkeeper, Channah stepped back out into the sleet and ice. The fire pots offered little warmth, but a half-naked beggar woman stood near one anyway. “A coin for a poor old woman?” she asked.

Channah flipped up her hood and walked over. “Don’t you remember me? I gave you a Septim about an hour ago.”

“Oh. Right. You people all look the same. Divines bless your kind heart!”

Channah snorted. “Where are the inns? I guess the Candlehearth Hall is a Nords only establishment.”

The beggar pointed the way. Channah headed into the dark alleys of the Grey Quarter, still fuming over the bitchy innkeeper. Damned Stormcloak fetching no kind of hospitality who does she think she is anyway probably half Breton I have more Nord blood than she does I’d wager—

Channah felt a sharp tug on her scalp, and her head was pulled backward.

“Hey!” Her right hand found a wrist and grasped. She stomped a heel down hard on her attacker’s foot, then with a duck and twist freed herself. Something metal clanged away into the bushes. “You fetcher! You pulled my hair!” Channah gave the scrabbling figure a kick while she checked her dreads for damage. Sleet began to run down her neck.

“By order of the Jarl, stop right there!” someone shouted.

Channah turned around to find a torch in her face. She guessed she must be addressing a guard. She got a view of his uniform when he seized her arm. “You have committed crimes against Skyrim and her people,” he continued. “What say you in your defense?”

“What the hells? I’m not the criminal! That man grabbed me! Uh, before I knocked him down and kicked him. He pulled my hair! You do NOT touch the hair.” Channah glared at the guard’s hand on her arm. And if you weren’t a guard, you’d be cradling a stump. “He’s getting away! Look, isn’t the Palace of Kings in that direction? What if he attacks the Jarl?” She cringed at her nonsense, but it was the first thing that came to mind. If the guard would only leave she might still find the man and kick the skitt out of him. Double damn, why did I leave my gear at the stable?

The guard let go and crossed his arms. He began in a lecturing tone. “The Palace is well protec—”

“Shouldn’t you chase him? He’s running like he stole something!” Channah checked her coin purse. It was still there.

The guard stood staring at her, or at least his face plate looked like he was staring.

Channah sighed. He’s long gone. Now I just need to get this one to leave me alone. “Help!” she cried. “Guards!”

That got the guard moving. Channah waited until he rounded the corner before searching under the dead looking shrubbery. It only took a moment to find the dagger. A straight, double-edged steel blade. It glistened slightly with arcane power.

“Thanks, fetcher,” she muttered and tucked it into her belt. “Now I need to get a room and dry my hair.”

Posted by: King Coin Feb 28 2014, 05:54 AM

(OOC: Added a little more so that it wasn't as lame)

She saw Kayla’s reaction and was about to apologize when Kayla started telling her.

Not surprisingly, she was asked the same question.

“Nords are a strange people… Sorry. I’m glad you were taken in. You did have a family. That also explains why you act more like a Nord than an elf.”

She took a drink of her milk.

“I don’t remember my parents very well. A memory, an image. They were travelers, and I was born on the road. When I was young we were attacked. We were all taken into Morrowind and I never saw them again.”

Posted by: Grits Feb 28 2014, 02:33 PM

OOC: I’m not sure when I’ll get to post again over the weekend, so I’m going ahead with Channah. You guys take as much time as you want with the sleepover, I’m not trying to rush you. Liz if you were joking about the murder thing just ignore it.

Channah woke to pots clanging and the smell of hackle-lo smoke. She had slept fully dressed in her own bedroll under the stairs at the New Gnisis Cornerclub for a bargain price. Ambarys had even included a bucket of water and breakfast in the deal. Channah guessed that he must dislike Redguards a little less than he disliked Nords. At least he hadn’t insulted her to her face. She stretched and cracked the ice on her wash water. Next time I’ll ask him to keep the fires going overnight.

She didn’t feel like changing her undertunic in front of the dozen dark elves that kept stepping over her on their way through to the tavern. After a quick splash in the water bucket she unwrapped her hair. I guess I’ll pee after breakfast.

In the tavern Channah took a seat at the bar. Malthyr slid a plate and mug in front of her. “Mazte,” he said. “It’ll lift the chill.”

Channah let out a croak, then cleared her throat and tried again. “Thanks. And good morning.”

Malthyr grabbed a broom. “Well anyway it’s morning.”

Channah took a sip of mazte and eyed the insect abdomen that filled her plate. By the Nine, why do they bother importing bugs? I’d murder for a sweetroll. She blinked. Damn, this stuff is strong. But I guess I’d want to be drunk first thing in the morning if I was a Dunmer.

She placed the dagger on the bar and cracked open her breakfast’s exoskeleton. Maybe one of these elves will be able to read the enchantment. Or if not I know where I can find the court wizard. He’s not going anywhere.

Channah listened to the chatter while she picked meat out of the ash hopper shell. Most of the talk was in Dunmeris, but someone spoke Tamrielic with an Argonian’s hissing undertone. “What was the fuss last night?”

“Apparently another Nord woman was murdered,” said Ambarys. “Not sure why I should care.”

“Hssss. Another killing? I thought they caught the murderer.”

Channah spoke up. “The court wizard mentioned there was a murderer on the loose.” Something began to tickle Channah’s mind, but she couldn’t put a finger on it.

The Argonian answered her. “The court wizard is the murderer! He was arrested for his crimes. The guards down at the docks have all been talking about it.”

Channah shrugged. “Well he’s locked up, anyway. Or at least yesterday I saw him in the dungeon. Maybe he conjured himself out.” She frowned and glanced down at her new dagger.

“None of that matters to me,” Ambarys declared. “Until someone takes a Dunmer, I let Windhelm deal with its own problems.”

The mazte was working its magic. Warmth spread all the way down to Channah’s toes. She took another bite of bug meat. Tastes kind of like chicken.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 1 2014, 12:05 AM

"Morrowind? Why-" She caught herself. "...would you go to Cyrodiil and not Elswyr?"

Idiot, she said she was captured. Listen!

She drank more of her mead, feeling pleasantly warm. She crossed her legs and wiggled her toes, listening intently to Aravi.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 1 2014, 12:59 AM

Aravi shrugged.

“I act more like a human than I do a Khajiit. I fit in better with them.” Being with Kharjo made that very obvious to her in some ways. “I guess we are alike in that way.” She smiled faintly.

“I have thought about going to Elsweyr. Maybe I will sometime. Kharjo wants to take me, I think he has friends and family there. I have things I need to do before going however.”

“I’ve heard you speak of Ma’Dat. Who is he?”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 1 2014, 02:24 AM

Kayla finished her mead, making a disappointed noise.

"After my parents died, I was taken in by the Cult of Meridia. I told you that part. One of my mentors was Ma'dat, a young Khajiit man. He trained me in hand to hand. He was a master. I can show you how to make the cream he put on his claws to strengthen them, if you'd like." She grinned at Aravi, then yawned.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 1 2014, 05:57 AM

Aravi’s ears flattened a little in sympathy, but listened with interest.

“A cream?” She looked at her worn, broken, and split claws. “I would like to see this. Is it difficult to make?”

Kayla’s yawn was contagious, and she too yawned. “Perhaps tomorrow though.”

She stood up and stretched her aching limbs. Her legs had a perpetual ache in them now from a life of constant travel. Their fire was burning low by now, and she fed the dying embers another log. That would give them another hour or two of flickering light and warmth.

“Coming to bed sweetie?” she said, continuing the joke.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 1 2014, 01:44 PM

"Of course, my darling. Perhaps we can go another round before bed!" She laughed and slid between the sheets after standing up. Her knees popped when she did so, and she groaned. She let Aravi pick the aide of the bed she preferred and yawned again as she fell asleep.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 1 2014, 08:59 PM

Aravi got in the side of the bed that was closest to the fire, and closed her eyes. She felt the mattress beside her dip as the high elf climbed in. Exhaustion took her moments later.

***

She woke up terrified and gasping for breath. It was a nightmare. It was similar in flavor as all the ones she had since she became a werewolf. She didn’t know why, but they wanted to kill her. In the dream she saw them hang someone, she didn’t know who. They strung him in a tree and disemboweled the poor man. Then they spotted her, despite how well hidden she was.

As always they eventually catch her. The rope around her neck, tightening, strangling. Then her feet leave the ground. The sword plunges into her, she feels the steel slide through her midsection.

The room was dark. It was not yet morning. She turned and drifted back to sleep. More pleasant dreams that she will never know the details of kept her company until sunup.

***

Consciousness slowly returned in the morning. The warm form next to her smelled different. Where..? who..? Oh gods!

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 1 2014, 09:14 PM

During the night Kayla awoke to Aravi making pitiful noises. she had gotten used to it over their travels, and had developed a method that seemed to soothe her for a short time. She quietly sang to Aravi and scratched behind her ears and the top of her head, running her fingers through her fur. It worked on nearly every race she had come across, with Orcs being the exception. She gently pulled Aravi closer to her body and fell asleep again.

That was how she woke up, except the small Khajiit was wriggling a little. Kayla blinked and realized she didn't just have the smaller woman close, but pulled against her body, with both arms around her body in an intimate embrace and her long leg over Aravi's hip. She sniffed and sat up, her auburn hair sticking up in odd places.

"Morning, sunshine." She sleepily grinned.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 2 2014, 02:47 AM

Is Kayla spooning me? The high elf’s arms were wrapped around her, holding her against the woman’s chest. Added to that, a long, bare leg was thrown over her hip.

She suddenly felt uncomfortable and began to wiggle out.

“Uh, Kayla… ?” She didn’t know what else to say. If she didn’t have fur, her face would be on fire now.

The other woman released her and sat up, clearly not embarrassed.

“Morning, sunshine.”

Aravi got out of bed. Her tail was stuck under Kayla’s rump. A she pulled it out.

“Good morning,” she said as she stretched. She was still feeling awkward about the rather intimate way they woke, and wasn’t sure what else to say. Her tail was all tingly as feeling returned to it.

“You weren’t joking about being a cuddler,” she finally said.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 2 2014, 02:56 AM

"Nope," Kayla said, the grin still on her face. "At least this time I was sober. Otherwise I would've stripped down." She stretched, her back popping, and she groaned in satisfaction.

"Beds are wonderful. I missed beds. By the way, you had another nightmare. I never can tell what it is, though."

Posted by: King Coin Mar 2 2014, 04:09 AM

At least Aravi’s blanket was still wrapped around her, else she would only be in her underwear. That would have been even more awkward.

Then Kayla told her she had a nightmare.

“I’m sorry for waking you. Ever since I fought vampires in Cyrodiil, it seems like I have hardly gone more than a few days without nightmares. Don’t worry, I know what you are thinking. It isn’t that, at least not any more. The werewolf took care of that for me.”

She turned away from Kayla and dropped the blanket she wore and put on her dry furs. A cold chill raced through her unpleasantly.

“Ever since I became a werewolf, the dreams changed.” She grimaced. “They are a little more tolerable, but not much.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 2 2014, 04:12 AM

"I understand. I've been infected so many times and come close to turning several times. The nightmares are horrifying." She slid her clothes on.

(OOC: Not really sure where to go from here. KC, if you wanna get together with Channah, go ahead. Kayla will follow)

Posted by: King Coin Mar 2 2014, 06:45 AM

(OOC: Aravi got chatty. They can move on if Kayla doesn't have much to say.)

“So you get them too.”

It felt good to be able to finally talk to someone, and someone that she knew understood what she had experienced, what she was experiencing. Kharjo was the only other she felt she was free to talk about this with, but he never went through the hell that vampire hunting entailed.

“I was infected many times too, except the potions I took to stop the disease became less and less effective. Eventually I was taking them every day, and then several times a day just to stay ahead. The nightmares were the worst then.

There was one day I was traveling. I think it was on the Gold Road.” Doesn’t matter where, she told herself. “It was cloudy all morning, and as I was walking midday the clouds parted. When Magnus’ rays touched me, I began to burn. I abandoned my assignment and came north soon after that. The cold slowed that particular strand down.”

She was silent a moment.

“Do you ever regret it? Do you ever wish you did something else with your life?”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 4 2014, 04:08 AM

The question struck Kayla as odd. Not because she had never imagined her life differently, but because no one had ever asked her before. No one was every curious enough about her to ask. But that's what friends do, she supposed.

Instead of answering right away, she grinned at Aravi.

"You're awfully chatty this morning. But, we DID wake up in a bed and not on the ground." She widened her smile, then let it falter.

"I wouldn't say I regret it, but maybe...wonder what my life would have been like had my parents lived. Who would I be if I had elf parents? Gods, what if a different cult had found me? What would Molag-Bal do with a child?" she shuddered.

"I can't imagine doing anything else. Despite my wonderings, I think that maybe I was made for this. Maybe that's why I've survived so long."

Her stomach growled. "Ugh, I'm starving. I think it's time for food." She slid out from under the covers and began dressing.

"Do you think we'll reach your priest friend before nightfall?"

Posted by: King Coin Mar 4 2014, 05:25 PM

Aravi listened to Kayla’s answer. There seemed to be little doubt in the High Elf’s mind about her life.

Aravi often wished things had gone differently for her. What if she had never gone through that door at the Imperial City? She would have never been a vampire hunter, and she wouldn’t be here now.

She would not have Kharjo, or the friends she has now. But she also wouldn’t be a monster. She wouldn’t have been infected with vampirism, and she would not have needed to come to Skyrim. Becoming a werewolf would have never have been an option that she would even consider, much less take.

Would she make that trade if she could?

She didn’t know.

I need to get rid of this curse.

She realized that Kayla asked her a question.

“Sorry, I was thinking. Yes we should be able to reach him by nightfall, as long as we leave soon.”

They left their room. There were people already in the tavern. She knew the Dunmer probably wouldn’t turn her in to the guards, but she still disliked being seen by so many people. They sat a few places down from a Redguard woman eating what looked like a giant bug.

If that’s breakfast, I’m skipping.

Posted by: Grits Mar 6 2014, 02:20 PM

The tavern filled up as guests and locals shuffled in for breakfast. Another auburn-haired Altmer entered with a slender Khajiit woman. Channah glanced between the new elf and the other one seated at the end of the bar. Niranye. I wonder if they know each other. There weren’t many high elves bold enough to linger in Jarl Ulfric’s city.

The newcomers seated themselves near Channah. She wouldn’t wager money on it, but it seemed that the Khajiit cast a dubious glance at Channah’s plate.

“Morning,” Channah said to them. She tilted her head at the steaming bug parts. “It’s better than it looks. Really.”

The barman walked over, probably to take more orders. Channah placed her new dagger on the bar and caught his attention before he passed. “Do you know anyone who can read enchantments?” she asked. “I don’t have much gold, but I’ll pay.”

OOC: It’s a soul trap enchantment, in case K or A can read it.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 6 2014, 04:18 PM

(OOC: K can. Kc, if you want to post, go ahead, otherwise I'm reserving this spot for my response. I'm feeling I'll today and will post after work)

Posted by: King Coin Mar 9 2014, 07:22 AM

“Good morning,” Aravi replied to the Redguard. She hoped it would be a better day than yesterday anyways.

“I will have to take your word for it on the ash hopper.” She’d seen them before, though she never had the desire to eat one.

The barman gave Aravi a cup of milk, again without her ordering one, and then asked if they would like breakfast. She received a frown when she asked about something other than an ash hopper and had one placed in front of her anyways.

She wrinkled her nose. I’m not eating this.

The Redguard asked about enchantments. Aravi definitely couldn’t read enchantments. She wondered if Kayla could, but didn’t volunteer her friend.

“Where did you get the dagger?”

A potentially awkward question if it was stolen, but a good thief would lie.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 10 2014, 04:34 AM

(Sorry, y'all. My husband thought it would be funny to hide my computer for three days. he was the only one laughing.)

Kayla leaned over and looked at the dagger. "May I?" She asked the Redguard, and carefully touched the blade. A sharp intake of breath caused her to hiss as she felt the spell leap out to bind her.

"Soul trap. Gods have mercy on whomever you use this on. Soul trap is painful to experience."

Luckily the spell only took hold onto those who were cut by it. She kept her fingers away from the sharp edges as she retracted her long limbs. Aravi had asked a question as Kayla read the spell.

"I don't think that's our business, Aravi." She said quietly to the other woman. "Come on, eat the gross bug thing so we can head to the College."

Posted by: Grits Mar 10 2014, 11:39 AM

“Picked it up last night after some fetcher tried to poke me with it. A guard caught me kicking the skitt out of him and tried to arrest me. While we were discussing the matter he got away.”

The Altmer made a hiss. “Soul trap. Gods have mercy on whomever you use this on. Soul trap is painful to experience.”

Channah shoved the dagger away in disgust. “Dammit! I was going to sell it, but now I’ll have to throw the wretched thing into the sea.” Then she had a thought. “Gods damn that swag-bellied slop sucker! He was going to soul trap me!” She jumped to her feet then sat back down again. There was a lot of goo still left in the ash hopper, and she was still hungry.

The Altmer murmured to her friend.

“Don’t worry about it,” Channah said. “Just making conversation. It’s good to hear a friendly voice in this city. I guess there are only two races here, Nords and Not Nords.” The elf sounded like a Nord by her talk, but Channah decided not to mention it.

“I’m Channah,” she said. “You’re heading to the College? I was just there. Trying to get past that goldenro— er, Altmer gatekeeper. She wants me to cast Fury for her. Silly woman. I’m heading back there as soon as I find someone who can teach me the spell.” Channah took another gulp of mazte. “Anyway if you head up the coast, watch out for ice wraiths. I might not have gotten them all.” She glanced back at the high elf. “Thanks for reading the enchantment for me. What do I owe you?” Channah grinned and lifted her breakfast. “Can I buy you a bug?”

OOC: I added a sentence in the edit.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 11 2014, 03:42 AM

Kayla nearly choked when Channah used the popular slur for Altmer, but it was with laughter and not contempt.

"Niranye has a reputation for asking non-Altmer to do silly things. She can be a little bit of a...what's a good word for her?" Heat rushed into her own cheeks when she thought of a suitable word.

"Nevermind. I'm taking my friend Aravi to the College because Niranye wouldn't dare to request something so silly as a Frenzy spell or summoning an Ice Atronach on a beginner. I would actually like to see someone cast a Frenzy spell on her, then beat the tar out of her when she attacks." She burst into laughter. "'We elves need to stick together.' Please. The two of you probably have more magickal abilities in your pinkies than I do in my whole body." She laughed. "I can set things on fire, and that's about it."

She gave Channah a toothy, genuine smile. "I'm Kayla, and this is Aravi. And if you buy us breakfast, Ash Hopper is not what we would choose. Did he give you more milk, Aravi?"Kayla peered into Aravi's cup.

"I was joking when I said you loved milk. Sorry."

Posted by: Grits Mar 12 2014, 10:00 PM

Channah flagged down the barman. “These two need some real breakfast. Do you have anything sweet? Or at least with fewer legs?”

“Rolls with comberry jelly…”

“Yeah, that sounds great.”

“… and kwama eggs with scuttle and fried nix-hound belly.”

Channah picked an ash hopper sensilla out of her teeth. “Uh, how about just the first part?” She glanced at her new friends. “That all right with you? I don’t know what scuttle is. It sounds like it might be squishy.”

Posted by: King Coin Mar 15 2014, 05:53 AM

Kayla declared the dagger bore a soul trap enchantment. That peaked Aravi’s interest. A dagger like that could be useful if Darnand needed more energy.

“I don't think that's our business, Aravi. Come on, eat the gross bug thing so we can head to the College” Kayla murmured to Aravi.

Aravi wrinkled her nose and was about to say something when the Redguard violently shoved the dagger away.

She decided against showing interest in the dagger. The one she had with her should suffice anyways.

The Redguard introduced herself as Channah and offered to get them something for breakfast. Kayla introduced the two of them.

The alternative breakfast sounded better, except the scuttle.

“That’s much better than… this.” She peered at the dead bug on her plate. “No scuttle for me. It’s made out of beetles. It’s greasy too. Thank you!”

To Kayla she said, “I like milk. At least he didn’t give it to me in a bowl. Some people think they're funny.”

Posted by: Grits Mar 15 2014, 01:47 PM

The barman brought food that looked more like a proper breakfast. After he set down the plates Channah passed him some coins. She had to grin at the bowl of milk. It was the sort of prank she would pull, but only on a friend.

She turned her attention to Kayla. “So you know that woman at the College? I don’t use many spells. Just the Healing spell everyone’s Ma teaches them, and I can start a fire with Flames when the kindling is damp. I’d like to learn some magical armor from the school of Alteration. I don’t want metal armor that would slow me down, but I’m even less fond of getting my bones broken.”

Channah thought for a moment. Fortune favors the bold.

She addressed both of them. “Do you mind if I tag along on your journey? I can fight and shoot, and three folks gathering wood is always better than two. You never know when a storm is going to blow in off the sea. Uh, unless you have a spell for that. Anyway, my gear is at the stable. I don’t need any provisions or anything, just the company.”

She glanced at Aravi’s abandoned ash hopper. “Are you going to eat that? I haven’t thrown mine up yet, so I wouldn’t mind another.”

Posted by: King Coin Mar 15 2014, 03:50 PM

Aravi looked at Kayla and nodded to Channah. She looked like she could fight.

“We would be happy to have you along, though just so you know we are going to Dawnstar first. We came across some very sick people at one of the mills and they need a priest. There’s a priest of Mara there.” she said between bites of a roll. Channah expressed interest in the giant dead bug sitting on the counter near Aravi. She was more than happy to push it over to Channah.

(OOC I am not planning on doing the dream quest with Erander unless you all want to. We can even completely skip Dawnstar and just say we did it and appear at Winterhold.)

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 15 2014, 08:27 PM

(OOC: I would very much like to get to the actual nitty ritty of the roleplay, lol. Let's appear in Winterhold.)

Kayla snickered as Aravi pushed the plate over to Channah.

"It really is much better than it looks, but then again, it looks disgusting. Our gear is in the other room. We'll have less trouble escaping the city than we did getting in."

Posted by: Grits Mar 15 2014, 08:48 PM

Channah’s brows went up at Kayla’s remark. Escaping..?

“Oh, right. Because they don’t allow Khajiit in the cities.” She gave Aravi a rueful smile. “Sorry, I forgot about that. I’ll get armored up and meet you on the road.”

Channah did as promised, and before she knew it she stood in the snow in the ruins of once-great Winterhold.

OOC: Bring on the nitty gritty!

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 15 2014, 10:50 PM

(Finally!!!)



They trudged upwards and onwards, towards the broken town and damaged College. Pieces of the old buildings still stood, large beams and solid foundations with strong hearths dotted all along the main road to the College. Kayla pulled her thick black cloak around her body, and saw the other two follow in suit as she lead the way to the College of Winterhold. The snow stung her face as she trudged on.

Once they reached the base of the steps, she turned to the other two women.

"I have something for you two," She hollered over the wind, digging through her bag. She handed them each a potion.

"It boosts your magickal skill for twenty minutes in all fields, but it makes you really, REALLY hungry. I haven't found a way to balance it out yet," she said loudly. A harsh gust of wind nearly knocked her down.

"Drink it, and hopefully she talks fast, because we'll only have fifteen minutes. It's a five minute walk up there. Drink it and come on." She turned and didn't watch if they drank the potions. the Altmer in the pig-tails regarded them cautiously.

"Halt," she said in a commanding tone. Her accent wasn't as if she was from Summerset, but perhaps Cyrodiil? "I recognize you," she said to Kayla, "but not these two."

"They wish to join the College, and learn."

"Learn? Hmmm. I think it's time for a test of skill. Just to see if you're worthy." She turned to Channah.

"You, Redguard. Why don't you summon a Spriggan?"

"A Spriggan? Faralda, I'm not even able to conjure a Spriggan, and I've been studying at the College for two years. This isn't a test of skill, and you know it."

The blonde Altmer sniffed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"J'zhargo told me you asked him to summon a Dremora. Come on."

Faralda flushed. "That doesn't mean any-"

"Do you think the Arch Mage would appreciate you keeping prospective learners away from the college based on your personal prejudices? So they're not elves and Bretons, big deal. They're willing to learn, and that should be enough."

"I'm simply weeding out the unworthy."

"And gaining coin from it, I'll wager?"

Faralda flushed a darker red and she gritted her teeth visibly. "I'm providing a service."

"Cut it out, Faralda. I can vouch for them. Let them in, or I'll tell Savos about the little tollbooth you're running."

"He knows!"

Kayla barked a laugh. "Not about you selling spells, though. Thirty septims per book? Really? That's a ripoff. I can go down to the goods store twenty feet that way and get it for ten, and they're starving!"

"Fine!" Faralda snapped, stepping aside. She looked the other two women up and down. "I can tell they possess some ability. Maybe they're alchemists. I don't care. Just quit annoying me!"

She led them to the gates, grumbling the whole way, and opened them. The entire treacherous walk, Kayla looked back once in a while and grinned at them with a knowing look. She was proud.

"Go see Mirabelle. I'm sure she," she jabbed a finger at Kayla, "will tell you all about everything." She kicked up snow as she returned to her post at the end of the broken walkway. Kayla sighed in relief.

"That was close. Did you see how she almost didn't let you in? I would have lost it! All this way, and nothing!" She looked around.

"The great thing about this place is there is so many different schools to learn, even ones that aren't the norm. You want to learn, it's probably here. It isn't bogged down by the politics of the Mages Guild." She talked as she headed towards the large building in the center.

(OOC;we can skip introductions and cut straight to class. Assume we have rooms and such. We can start "questing" and learning. I left the schools open because I remember Grits has some neat extra schools in her fic, and I was thinking of adding a few myself. Feel free to quest, make friends, etc.)

Posted by: Grits Mar 16 2014, 01:34 PM

Channah shook out the folds of her new college robe. It was surprisingly warm, and the boots felt like wearing house slippers. A blade would go right through this. Even with mage armor spells I’m not going into a fight wearing a nightgown. She wondered if there were any spellsword or battlemage instructors at the College. So far she hadn’t seen anything resembling armor.

To her surprise instead of directing them to a spell vendor the Master Wizard had enrolled her in the College as an Apprentice. She stood now in her own chamber, her gear neatly stowed in the cupboards and wardrobes. Her attendance was expected soon at some sort of class. So far no one had mentioned payment. Well, it’s warm enough in here but I wouldn’t mind a room with a door.

She checked her appearance again before heading back outdoors. The robe’s mantle did nothing to flatter her chest, but at least her backside looked good. She tucked the novice hood into her belt. There was no way her hair was going to fit under it, but most of the students seemed to be wearing them. She would bring hers along just in case.

Channah cast a longing glance at the basket full of bottled mead in the corner. Later, she promised. Later you will be mine.

“This room used to be Borvir’s,” said a voice.

Channah jumped a little. A slim dark elf girl stood in her doorway. “Damn, you have quiet feet,” Channah said. “Or is that a spell?” She put out her arm. “I’m Channah. I’m supposed to go to class. Do you know how that works?”

Rather than gripping Channah’s forearm in a warrior’s clasp, the Dunmer folded her hands and bowed her head slightly. “Brelyna Maryon of House Telvani. First of my family to leave Morrowind in a long time. Now I’m here to study Conjuration. That’s what’s important.”

Channah opened her mouth to reply.

Brelyna kept talking. “Before you even ask, yes I have an ancestry steeped in magic, and no I don’t want to talk about it. Yes, I know Winterhold used to be full of my kind, and no I don’t care that they’re all gone now. Does that cover everything?”

Channah blinked. “Um, not really. Do you know where I should go to class? That’s real interesting about your ancestors and all, but I don’t want to be late. It’s my first day.”

Brelyna’s cheeks darkened. “Of course. I didn’t mean to assume. Here, I’ll show you. I’m heading that way myself.”

Channah glanced through the open doorways into the other apprentice rooms as they walked toward the door. Some students had hung blankets or hides over them for privacy. I wonder where Aravi’s room is. She hadn’t seen where Mirabelle had taken her new friends. Aravi moved so quietly, she might have the room next door and Channah wouldn’t have heard her. She guessed that as a second-year student Kayla might be housed somewhere else.

“Say,” she said to Brelyna. “Do you suppose Borvir will mind if we drink his mead? He left a whole basket of full bottles. I’ll pay him back later if he wants me too.”

A swirl of snowflakes gusted in when Channah opened the door.

“I don’t think so,” said Brelyna. “Borvir was in the last class of apprentices. No one has seen him for ages.”

Posted by: King Coin Mar 16 2014, 04:26 PM

Kayla stepped up to Faralda and got them inside the College. As Faralda ‘escorted’ them inside, Kayla kept looking back at Aravi with triumph written all over her face. Aravi kept her face straight, but she was laughing on the inside. The last thing they needed was for her to start laughing and anger Faralda.

When Faralda left them, she let the smile she’d been hiding grace her features.

***

“Thanks for the room, but –”

“Excellent. Put on your robe and you will be expected at class shortly.”

Mirabelle was gone with a wave of her hand before Aravi could utter another word.

Where am I supposed to change? The lack of doors on everyone’s room prevented any privacy.

I don’t even know what class I’m going to. She had no intention of becoming an apprentice of magic when she arrived, but now that she was here, she was excited at the opportunity of learning more.

She didn’t hold any illusions about how well she would do in any of the lessons however. She just gained the use of magic less than a decade ago, where everyone else here has been exposed to at least a little of it since the day they could walk and talk.

That thought soured her mood and squashed her excitement. She didn’t bother unpacking her bag. I should just find someone that knows the spells I need and learn them.

She took a last look at the robes and boots she was given and decided she would just go to class without changing. After class, she could find out where she could change without giving every passer-by a show.

Outside her room, she spotted Channah walking with one of the other apprentices. I’ll follow them.

“Borvir was in the last class of apprentices. No one has seen him for ages,” she heard the Dark Elf say when she caught up. Who is Borvir?

She saved her questions for the moment, not wanting to interrupt them.

Posted by: Grits Mar 16 2014, 06:35 PM

Aravi appeared as they went through the door. Thank the gods, a friendly face. Channah grinned at her. “Aravi, meet Brelyna. Brelyna, this is my friend Aravi. Brelyna is showing me where to go for class.”

“I’m going there, too,” the Dunmer explained. “Most of the lectures are open to whoever thinks they might benefit from them. Tolfdir is in charge of my group, so I make sure to attend all of his lessons.”

They walked through the snowy courtyard. Wind howled around the battlements but couldn’t find a way inside.

“I’m not sure how much I’ll benefit,” Channah said. “I’m just here to learn a few spells. At least I hope I can learn them. It’s probably not whatever Tolfdir happens to be talking about today.”

“What spells?” asked Brelyna.

“An Armor spell and Heal Other. Do you know who I should talk to about that? And about how much it will cost?” Channah’s coin purse was flat. She might need to pick up a few jobs before she was through here.

“You’re in luck, Tolfdir is a Master Alteration trainer. He can sell you the spell tomes and teach you a few things if you have the coin. Lectures are free but private training will cost you. Colette Marence is the one to see about Restoration magic.”

“Thanks.” Channah held the Hall of the Elements door open for Aravi. “Well, here we go. I’ve never been in a college before,” she confided. “Good luck to us! I hope there’s as much after-hours drinking and carrying on as the bards’ tales say. I’m half Nord, so I’m already good at that.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 16 2014, 08:06 PM

Kayla didn't bother with her room. Not at first, anyways. Her first thought was to make sure she knew who was doing what classes. The other two women were separated from her, as Colette knew beforehand she was a student.

Before the town had collapsed into the sea, she remembered one of the teachers telling her that the college had stayed mostly intact. Mostly. There was another dormitory for students that had fallen into the sea, as well as another learning hall. She saw the dormitories were empty as she unstrapped Dawnbreaker from her hip and shoved it under the bed.

"This one wonders at the sword she carries," a familiar voice hissed. Kayla turned her head to see J'zargo with his arms crossed, leaning lazily against her frame. His tail wagged easily behind him.

"This one trusts that your mission was..successful?"

"I don't speak Ta'agra," Kayla said, standing up.

"But you understand it."

"No one needs to know that. I'm trying to keep a low profile here."

"The Khajiit you arrived with. She is-"

"Married. To a giant bodyguard."

J'zargo's ears flattened. "That is J'zargo's luck."

Kayla laughed, and the sound echoed through the hall. "Turn around and guard the door. I need to change."

"This one would gladly turn his head from your hairless body," he teased before turning around. She slid her armor off, shivering in the cold air, and quickly put her warm robes on. She hated leaving Dawnbreaker in her room, especially nearly unprotected, but most of the students were "out of sight, out of mind," if they so much as saw a twinkle from her sword, they'd want to read the enchantment. As long as she kept it out of the way, they wouldn't know about it.

"Done." She slid her hood on, and braced herself as they headed to the large center building. Among the heads, Kayla felt her cheeks flush as she stood head-to-shoulders taller than the others, even Onmund. She saw his broad shoulders from the door, and she blushed deeper. He turned his head, and his blue eyes ran over her form, then turned back without acknowledgement.

He's still so handsome!

The crowd shifted, and among the twenty-or-so students, one reached over and grabbed his hand. Her heart fell.

Oh.

She turned her head back to see if Aravi and Channah had found their way into he hall yet.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 17 2014, 01:04 AM

Aravi listened to the other two talk as they walked to the lecture hall.

Her interest was piqued when Channah mentioned the spells she needed. “I’m looking for nearly the same things. I need some more powerful healing spells, and I was going to see if I could learn some illusion spells as well. An armor spell would be wonderful though.”

Then she wouldn’t have to rely on using her elven set all of the time.

“I won’t be doing much after hours drinking. I can’t take much. I wonder where Kayla is?”

As if in answer, she spotted the tall Altmer standing with a Khajiit. Another Khajiit? Her kind were few and far between so she was interested in meeting him.

She waved to them.

Posted by: Grits Mar 17 2014, 12:53 PM

Channah was delighted to hear that she might have a chance to learn alongside Aravi. Her respect for the Khajiit had grown each time they fought together on the journey, but even more she simply enjoyed Aravi’s company.

“Don’t worry,” Channah said, “you can always tip your extra ale into my tankard.” She gave Aravi a wink.

The lecture hall held nearly two dozen students with room for many times that number. Channah looked at all of the tall, hooded forms. Skeever nuts. Should have known there would be a bunch of Altmers at a mage school. There was no way she could tell which one was Kayla.

Aravi did not have that problem. She waved to one who was standing by a Khajiit. That has to be Kayla.

An elderly Breton stepped up onto the chamber’s highest level. Chatter ceased and heads turned toward him.

“Is that Tolfdir?” Channah whispered to Brelyna.

The mage turned her hooded head and shushed Channah. It was not Brelyna.

Channah tugged on the woman’s sleeve anyway. “Well, is it?”

“Yes!” the woman hissed. “Now shut it!”

Tolfdir began to speak. Within a minute Channah felt her eyelids getting heavy. She stared up at the high ceiling to keep them open. Gods, I’m already bored.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 18 2014, 07:07 PM

Aravi stood with the other two as the lecture began. She listened as best she could, but several taller students blocked her view of Tolfdir. She hated crowds precisely because she was short and could never see.

Naturally, she didn’t understand much of what Tolfdir was talking about. She felt out of her depth.

She turned to ask for clarification, and saw the other woman’s eyes were glazed over. No help there.

She elbowed her gently to wake her up.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 19 2014, 01:13 AM

Kayla's mind drifted off as Tolfdir droned on. She looked around as an audible yawn was heard, and was startled, to her chagrin, to see others staring at her. She lowered her hand from her open mouth and cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing.

"Yes, well, I suppose that is my cue," the elderly man said with a slight hint of amusement. "I see our adventuring student is bored by mundane lectures."

A few more students turned and looked at Kayla, sizing her up and down.

That old coot knows I hate attention.

The crowd dispersed, and one of the Altmer women handed her a pamphlet, saying something in Aldmeris. Kayla took the pamphlet and looked at it. It was a list of classes and the teachers.

"I'm sorry, I don't speak Aldmeris," she said in an apologetic tone. The young woman shrugged and walked off, handing out more pamphlets. She took a look at the list as she walked over to Channah and Aravi.

"And what is the elf taking, hmm?"

Kayla jumped at J'zargo's voice.

"Furball! Alchemy for sure."

"Not many ingredients out here. I wonder how you will learn?"

Kayla looked unsure. "I hope it's not too much reading. Stop making that noise."

"But your friend is so...lithe, like a dancer."

"I've seen her trip and fall into mammoth dung."

The two of them walked over to Channah and Aravi.

"See anything you're interested in yet?" She asked the women.

"Yes," J'zargo said.

Kayla rolled her eyes.

Posted by: Grits Mar 19 2014, 01:50 AM

Aravi brought Channah’s attention back to the room with a gentle nudge. Not a moment too soon. If she had stood any longer in a slack-jawed stupor she might have started to drool. She gave Aravi a grateful little smile.

The lecture ended. “Did you get any of that?” Channah asked Aravi. “He might as well have been speaking Jel.” She shook her head. “If I can’t find an Apprentice class or trainer I’ll just earn some coin and head back somewhere warm.”

Kayla walked over talking with the Khajiit. He looked at Aravi like she was food.

“See anything you're interested in yet?” Kayla asked.

Kayla held some sort of brochure in her hands. No doubt she was talking about classes.

Channah’s eyes went to a good-looking Nord walking by. “Yep.”

Posted by: King Coin Mar 19 2014, 02:04 AM

Aravi sighed in frustration at Channah’s question. “No not really.”

Aravi thumbed through a pamphlet that was thrust into her hands by a passing High Elf.

“See anything you're interested in yet?”

“Yep.”

“Yes.”

Aravi looked up when she heard the voices. Kayla and the Khajiit had made their way over when the class ended.

“I’m not sure yet. There are a lot of classes. Are they all this… dry? I thought there would be more magic in the lessons.”

Her attention shifted to the Khajiit. “Hello, I’m Aravi.” She was excited to meet another Khajiit. He wasn’t as big as Kharjo was, and he had a mustache in the human style that she thought looked funny. “Are you a new student too?”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 19 2014, 02:53 AM

"J'zargo is pleased to make your acquaintance. No, this one is not a new student, three years has this one been here."

"J'zargo is one of the best Destruction students here," Kayla said absently as she flipped through the pamphlet. "J'zargo..." she trailed off as she became lost in thought while reading. To their right, two small Bosmer twins began arguing fervently in Cyrodiliic.

"I want to take practical Magick!"

"No, I want to take it!"

Kayla looked confused. "I wonder why they can't both take it."

"The bickerings between the littermates are loud and occur quite often," J'zargo said. "It is best if they are separated."

"Wait," Kayla frowned. "What's Earth Magick?"

Posted by: King Coin Mar 19 2014, 04:39 AM

“The best at destruction? That’s impressive. I can only manage a small flame. Are you from Elsweyr?”

She heard the Bosmer fighting and J’zargo’s comments. She tended to agree.

“I’m not taking any classes with them.”

Posted by: Grits Mar 19 2014, 11:14 AM

Channah glanced over the course offerings. “Magickal Defense Seminar looks promising. Oh wait, that’s for advanced students only. I’m a beginner.” She gave J’zargo an appraising look. She couldn’t see any obvious burns or scars. One of the best Destruction students. Mages never look like what they are.

“Sorry, Kayla, I don’t know about the Earth thing. Dirt spells, maybe? Say, is Collette here? Otherwise I should go talk to Tolfdir.” There was a crowd of students around the instructor.

Channah sighed. “I guess I’ll wait.”

The jabbering Bosmers didn’t bother Channah. Sibling rivalry sounded the same in any language, and at least these two were far below her ear level. Her policy with annoyances was to punch or ignore, and it seemed a bad idea to deck her fellow students on the first day.

Aravi chatted with J’zargo. Channah didn’t want to interrupt. She angled her body to the side so she and Kayla wouldn’t talk over their conversation.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 20 2014, 08:08 PM

"That is a grand idea," J'zargo said to Aravi. "What classes are you interested in?"

Kayla pulled her hood down and scratched lightly at her scalp. "Did they show you two the sauna, Channah?" She stuck the course pamphlet between the front of her robes and looked over at Onmund.

"I'm thinking about Destruction," she said as Onmund leaned down and kissed a hooded woman.

I'm not jealous.

"I wonder what's in the mess hall tonight for food," she said purposefully, trying to keep her thoughts organized.

Is Channah talking?

"I'm sorry, what?" She looked over at Channah.

Posted by: Grits Mar 21 2014, 11:50 AM

“I said I’m going to go talk to Tolfdir.” Channah gave Kayla and the two Khajiit a little farewell wave and started through the thinning crowd. “Oh,” she said, turning back. “I found some mead. Party in my chamber tonight. After chow.”

A few other students were still waiting for Tolfdir. Channah quietly introduced herself while he talked with a Dunmer.

At last it was her turn. “I’d like to learn some mage armor spells,” she told him.

“We’ll be covering those in depth during Magickal Defense Seminar,” he said.

“Yeah, I’m not sure I’m qualified for that class.”

“Have you met the prerequisites?”

Channah blinked. The what now? “Uh…”

“Have you mastered a basic Ward spell?”

Channah shook her head. “No. I carry two blades, so I don’t have a hand free to cast.”

A few heads turned in their direction.

Tolfdir crossed his arms and gave her a once-over. “It sounds as if your practical experience may be an adequate substitute for the introductory coursework. If you see me during office hours I will give you a formal evaluation.”

“Yeah, thanks. What if I just want to buy the spells?”

Tolfdir quoted a price that made her heart sink.

“All right,” Channah said. “Say, is there any work you need done for the college? Some way to earn coin?”

“Indeed. In fact, I…” Toldir leaned in and lowered his voice. The surrounding students leaned in, too. “I seem to have misplaced something. My alembic. If you find, I shall give you a reward.”

“Your ambelic? What, did it fall off the base or something?” Channah could mix a few simple potions, but her experience was limited to the fixed alchemy tables sometimes found in public houses.

Tolfdir chuckled. “No, my dear. We keep the students’ apparatus immobile to prevent their unauthorized removal, but I can assure you that I have no such problem with my personal alchemy set.”

Channah’s brows went up. “Yeah, but yours is missing anyway.” Uh. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that.

To her relief Tolfdir only looked amused. “I take your point. Blame an old mage’s distraction. If you find it, the reward is yours.”

Several of the other students were giving Channah the eye. She decided her time must be up. “Thanks, um, sir. I’ll do what you said.” Old mage my foot. He could probably turn us all inside-out with a word. It’s the old ones that are the most dangerous. She stepped back and glanced over to see what her friends were doing.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 21 2014, 02:39 PM

“I should take a class in restoration and alteration. I’m interested in illusion spells too.” She noticed J’zargo avoided answering her question about his origins. She didn’t press. “Do you know the instructors for those classes?” She looked at Kayla too who seemed to be distracted. Did she say something about a sauna? She will make sure to ask about that later. That sounded wonderful.

Channah left. Aravi saw her talking to Tolfdir, probably about defensive spells. When she returned Aravi asked, “What did he say about the prerequisites?” If Channah was let in, perhaps she would be too.

Posted by: Grits Mar 21 2014, 02:59 PM

“He said…” Channah’s eyes rolled up as she thought. “I think he said that surviving actual fights might be enough to get us in. That’s not how he said it, though. I got some looks when I mentioned wielding two blades. Hah! If they ever get to see you fight, their eyes will pop out!”

The trip to Dawnstar and back had been relatively peaceful, but even a walk to the pub could turn deadly in the Pale. Aravi’s speed and agility had been impressive.

“Anyway,” Channah continued, “I got the sense that combat experience might make up for a lack of their school work. Which probably means that most mage defense students have never been hit for real. Tolfdir is going to give me a test in his office and let me know. Want to come along? I have to find Collette, too, and see how much gold I’m going to have to scrape up before I get a spell from her.”

Posted by: King Coin Mar 21 2014, 03:27 PM

“How much are the spells?” Her purse had been getting alarmingly light. She suspected that she had less than a hundred septims to her name at the moment. Money goes fast when you are hiring mercenaries.

“I wonder what this test is going to involve. I mean, we aren’t going to be hitting him, right? I’ll go with you to find Collette.”

Posted by: Grits Mar 21 2014, 04:29 PM

“The Novice spell was forty-four Septims and the Apprentice one was ninety-five, but Adept level and the training to get there will cost hundreds. I don’t think a spell called Oakflesh will do much against dragon teeth. Maybe make me into a toothpick for it. Anyway I want some real protection. It’s going to cost me.”

Channah sighed.

“Maybe the Jarl has a bounty out on some bandits or something. Tolfdir said he’d give me a reward if I found his alchemy stuff, but I doubt it will be a fortune. I’m not much for tomb-raiding, but one of these scholars might need hired swords to keep the draugr off their neck.”

She shrugged.

“Anyway, Kayla said something about a mess hall and a sauna, so I don’t mind staying here for a bit while I earn some coin. Maybe Collette will be having a sale. I’m not sure which to get first, a spell so I don’t get hit as hard or one to fix my bones afterward.”

Channah smiled at Aravi. “I’m glad you’re coming with me for the test and to find Collete. I hope we don’t have to hit the old fetcher. I kind of like him, and if he’s lived this long he can probably kick my backside to the floor with his magic. Oh, and he asked if I’d mastered a basic Ward spell. I haven’t. Have you? It might get you into the class if you have.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 22 2014, 08:39 PM

When Channah had wandered off, tossing back an invitation of some drinking in her chambers, Kayla left Aravi with J'zargo and made her way to the library. Instead of the old, grizzled Orc, there as a younger Orc woman sitting in his spot. She looked up when Kayla walked in, and Kayla blinked.

She has the bluest eyes I've ever seen.

The woman didn't get up.

"Yes?" Her voice was deep, yet feminine, like other Orc women. Her face was smooth of any blemishes. Her thick, raven-black hair tumbled around her shoulders and around the plain blue dress she wore. Kayla envied her thick locks, and ran her fingers through her own auburn tresses.

"Oh, I'm looking for-"

"He's not here." The woman cut her off. "Not at this moment. He's eating his lunch."

"He doesn't eat in here anymore?"

"Not since one of the students read while he ate. My father hates smudged pages."

"Oh," Kayla shifted on her feet. "You're Urak's daughter."

"Urag. And yes. And before you ask, no, my mother wasn't an Orc. She was a Nord, which is why I'm still ugly."

"You're not...I mean, not as...Oh..." Kayla groaned. "Can we start over?"

"What for?"

"Can I borrow a book, then? On conjuration?"

"Sure." The young woman gave her a book and sat back down. Kayla made one last attempt.

"So, you like books like your father?"

The look the woman gave her made her scurry out the door and towards the mess hall.

Posted by: Grits Mar 24 2014, 03:33 PM

Channah and Aravi were directed to the second floor of the Hall of Countenance. They found a mage pacing and fuming in Collette’s office.

“You consider Restoration a valid school of magic, worthy of study, don’t you?” she demanded. “Don’t you?”

Channah glanced over her shoulder, but it seemed the woman was addressing them. “Uh, sure. Are you Collette Marence?”

“Good, good,” said the woman. “Not that I require validation, of course. There are just some — and I shan’t name names — who would disagree. It can make life difficult when one’s colleagues fail to recognize the research one engages in.”

Channah took the lack of denial as assent. “All right then. I’m Channah and this is Aravi. We’re new students and we—”

Collette wagged a finger in the air. “It’s not just healing cuts and bruises, you know. The undead are a very real, very dangerous threat and Restoration magicks can keep them at bay. Not to mention the benefit of wards! How can they continually overlook wards! It’s baffling!”

“Yeah,” Channah agreed. She decided to go along with the tirade in hope that it would pass. “And also you probably have a spell that would make my bust look bigger in this robe. That would be useful. No wait, that would be Illusion. Well I’m sure you have one for when you’re with a guy and he’s a little too excited and it’s all over before you get yours. You know.”

Collette stopped pacing. From the look on her face Channah guessed that she did not know.

She tried again. “Or how about one for when you get back to your room and the fellow just doesn’t measure up. Like if he’s an Imperial or Breton.”

Channah noticed another student standing in the doorway. She recognized him as one she had met while waiting for Tolfdir. “Oh, hey there, Tristan. I didn’t see you. Say, have you met my friend Aravi?” Channah turned her attention back to Collette while Tristan greeted Aravi. “Anyway, I guess that would be from the school of Alteration.”

Collette closed her eyes and began massaging her temples. Tristan slowly shook his head.

Channah sighed. Her ideas did not sound great after all once she had given them voice. “Or the spells you said sound really important. Even though the best way to deal with undead is to kill them again, not make them run away so you have to chase after them.”

Collette’s mouth was still open, but she didn’t speak.

Channah looked at Aravi to see what she might think.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 27 2014, 02:37 AM

Aravi was still getting used to Channah’s ways with people when they went to see Collette. Once again, Aravi wished her friend would have just not said anything while they were still ahead. She absent mindedly greeted someone while Channah dug their hole deeper.

She tried to keep her face neutral, but she knew she didn’t succeed. Try not to look too embarrassed.

“Uh…” She didn’t know what to say.

What can I say?

“Are you accepting students still?”

Collette frowned at them. “I am, but why should I take you two as students? It sounds like you both would benefit more from that old man Tolfdir.”

Posted by: Grits Mar 27 2014, 01:02 PM

Colette frowned when Aravi asked if she was accepting new students. “I am, but why should I take you two as students? It sounds like you both would benefit more from that old man Tolfdir.” She furrowed her brows at Channah. “As a Redguard you should have a natural affinity for Alteration magic.”

“Well my Da’s a Nord so I mostly have a way with blades,” Channah said. “I got my mother’s Redguard looks, thank the gods. I wouldn’t want to be a thin-lipped pasty-face with stringy hair, pinched little nostrils and a –” Channah had a thought. “Um, no offense. You don’t look that way at all. Anyway, I got my Da’s ice brain too, so… Yeah, never mind. If you expect me to be Hammerfell smart you’ll be disappointed.”

She doubted that she was advancing their cause to become Colette’s students. Channah glanced over at Aravi. Her friend seemed to be experiencing a pain. Skitt on a stick, am I embarrassing her? She opened her mouth to apologize.

Tristan spoke first. “I’m here to get my recommendation for Defensive Magicks Seminar,” he said to Colette. He flourished a rolled scroll as if in explanation.

“Oh course, dear,” Colette replied. She waved glittering fingers over Tristan’s extended scroll. The two exchanged nods. Tristan turned to leave.

“Party in my chamber tonight,” Channah whispered as he passed. “Bring wine if you have it.”

Tristan shot a grin over his shoulder once he had removed himself from Colette’s sight line. He made a silent gesture indicating that he would be there.

Channah considered. I should try to act more serious like a student. She returned her attention to Colette.

The Restoration trainer was reciting the same prices to Aravi that Tolfdir had given Channah.

“How can we get into the Defense seminar?” Channah asked. They would not be charged for taking that class, and it seemed that Colette had something to do with it as well as Tolfdir.

“You need to have mastered the basics of combat casting,” she said. “We teach those rudimentary spells in the introductory classes. If you can cast a ward or armor spell while under attack, your experience will be deemed sufficient.” Colette raised her brows at the two of them.

Channah shook her head. These were the spells she was here to learn. She wondered if healing herself with a spell while still on fire would count. She had gotten pretty good at doing that.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Mar 28 2014, 05:46 PM

Kayla scurried down the steps of the library and headed towards dorms. She burst through the doors and ran smack into solid mass.

"Oof!"

"EUGH!"

She looked down at the figure sprawled before her and blinked. A hood was pulled over the figure's face, and she saw scattered papers and scrolls.

"I'm so sorry!" She put her book on the floor, (Gods, don't let Shub walk our right now...) and knelt to help the other person with their papers. She froze when the hood was lifted.

"You know, the last time you were here, you set my robes on fire," Onmund said with a slight grin.

"Hehe, I mean, I know." Kayla held her hand out to give him the papers, but most of them slid from her grasp and went flying behind him. She sighed.

"That was lovely," she mumbled.

"You can grip a sword, but not papers?" He teased lightly as he rose to his knees and helped her pick his papers up. They stood up and she handed him a stack.

"Thank you," he said, looking up at her. "I forgot how tall you were," he laughed, and she blushed, laughing weakly. Heat rushed to her face as he leaned forward a little.

"So, I hear there's a party in your friend's chambers tonight?"

"Oh! Yes. Channah really likes to blow off steam, and she's really good at holding her drink."

"I wonder if she would want to have a drinking challenge?"

"Probably," Kayla snorted. "She's part Nord."

"Tell her I challenge her to a round!"

"A round of...of what?"

Onmun shrugged. "I'll think of something. Will you be there?"

"Probably. Maybe. Why?" She coughed. "Yeah, I'll be there."

"Then until then," he waved and walked up the stairs. Kayla blew out a hard breath through her mouth and went to her chambers.

Posted by: King Coin Mar 29 2014, 04:33 PM

“I can heal myself and others of minor wounds, but I want to learn some of the more powerful healing spells. Sometimes my weak spells are just not up to the task,” Aravi said to Colette. She looked at Channah. “Both of us can heal ourselves mid-combat. Would that be sufficient? We traveled here with a 3rd year student who could vouch for us.”

Posted by: Grits Apr 2 2014, 02:18 AM

Colette crossed her arms and appeared to consider Aravi’s words. “The best predictor of success is combat experience, but I must insist that you come to class already prepared with the basic spells. Lesser Ward and Oakflesh at the bare minimum. The other students will have practiced them for hours, and we cannot expect them to wait while you two learn them in an advanced class.”

Channah nodded. “Fair enough.”

“I suggest simply reading the spell tomes to begin,” Colette said. “If you can heal under duress I should expect you to pick up the Novice level spells quite easily. You must already have the concentration required, and you certainly have the magicka.”

Channah glanced at Aravi. “All right,” she said to Colette. “It might take me a couple of days to raise enough coin for two tomes.” Kayla said something about Faralda selling them for thirty gold, she thought. Maybe I can get in on that.

“I do hope you will both join the seminar,” Colette said. She looked serious and a little eager. “It will be so helpful to have students who have been in a real fight, not to mention who know how to inflict a variety of injuries in our practice sessions.”

Channah opened her mouth and then closed it again. Damn. I’m not sure what to make of that.

Colette waved her hands in a dismissive gesture. “You have a few days before the next session begins. Use them wisely and I hope to see you in class!”

“I guess I didn’t have any more questions,” Channah said. She turned sideways and rolled her eyes at Aravi. Mages.

Posted by: Grits Apr 3 2014, 04:15 PM

After dinner Channah headed back to her chamber. She had swiped a pouch full of bread, cheese, and apples to put out for her guests, mostly for appearances. And in case she didn’t wake up in time for breakfast.

The central lounge was already full of students. Most carried at least two bottles. One girl had a drum and she could hear someone tuning a lute.

“Free mead!” Channah called. “Let’s get this party started!”

Within moments her room was heaving with robed bodies. Her mead basket quickly emptied but more bottles began arriving by the bucket full. Channah knocked the lid off of a storage barrel for the empties. No doubt these mages knew a spell to magick their bottles back to the brewery, but she didn’t.

“Say, who knows a Cure Disease spell?” Channah called out over the music. She took note of those whose hands were not raised. I will not be sleeping with you, or you, or you.

Channah turned around to find Tristan at her elbow.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey back. Is that how you Bretons say hello?”

Tristan took a swig from his wine bottle. “I know that spell,” he said. “Do you have a disease?”

Channah laughed. “Not yet. Say, I’m glad you came tonight after what I said at Colette’s. Thanks for not holding a grudge. Most guys would be insulted by the notion they had a small stick.”

Tristan’s eyebrows went up. “I took it as a suggestion that you might have a big kitten.”

Channah snorted mead through her nose. I like this fetcher.

“Are you joining Colette and Tolfdir’s defense seminar?” Tristan asked.

“I don’t know. I’d like to but I don’t have the spells yet.”

Tristan blew the hair out of his eyes. “Seriously, you can’t cast a ward or an armor spell? How did you get past Faralda?”

“My friend Kayla, and I will kick your ass a dozen ways if you need a demonstration. I can handle myself.”

“Whoa.” Tristan help up his hands, palms out. The effect was somewhat spoiled by the wine bottle in each. “I was going to say, maybe we could help each other out. If you join the class. You and me and Aravi, we could practice together and promise not to make each other look bad. You don’t stab me too much, I don’t burn you very badly, that sort of thing. You can’t trust most of these fetchers. What do you say?”

Channah considered. “Can you teach me the spells I need to get in? For free? And my friend, too?”

Tristan rolled his eyes, or at least the one she could see under his floppy hair. “Of course.”

“You have yourself a deal.” Channah discovered that she also held a drink in each hand. She put out her pinky and shook Tristan’s. “I can’t speak for Aravi, but you can trust whatever she says.”

Posted by: Grits Apr 4 2014, 01:36 PM

Channah woke warm but uncomfortable. A dull ache pulsed behind her eyes. Her tongue felt like it might crack. And while she had somehow managed to change into her nightclothes, the someone else in her new bed still had their shoes on. One was wedged between her knees.

She woke him while untangling herself. A tousled head popped out of the covers like a sand owl emerging from its burrow.

Tristan. Memory returned. Channah hid her smile.

The Breton blinked until his eyes seemed to focus. A series of emotions passed over his face. “Did we..?”

“Gods, yes,” Channah said. She made her eyes wide. “You were like a minotaur! I’m going to be bowlegged for days. I hope I won’t need to sit down any time soon. I think I need a healing spell.”

Tristan’s jaw dropped. Then he slumped back and threw an arm over his face. “You’re jesting.”

“Yeah. You passed out with your head under the bed long before Mirabelle broke up the party. I just dragged you up here so you wouldn’t get stepped on. But I’ll stick with the minotaur story if you like.”

“No, but thanks.”

Channah squeezed her eyes shut and focused until her hands filled with healing light. Thank Stendarr, I remember those spells he showed me. “Can I practice on you? I don’t think I can make you feel worse. And I can see Brelyna’s awake across the lounge. She can fix you if I really screw up.”

Tristan moved his arm and squinted through one crusty eye. “All right, but promise you’ll get me some water when you’re through. And leave Brelyna out of it. The last time she cast a spell on me I woke up sniffing my own backside. I could do without a repeat of that experience.”

Channah decided that if he could reach that far he should be glad he didn’t wake up doing something worse. Best not to mention it.

Tristan turned on his side and pulled the covers back up while Channah cast a healing spell on him. “You look so cute curled up like a little puppy,” she said.

Tristan groaned.

“Oh skitt, did the spell hurt you?”

“No,” Tristan said, his voice muffled by blankets and a fair amount of phlegm. “It’s just that cute puppies don’t get much action.”

“Yeah, it’s too late for that,” Channah said. “Besides, it’s for the best. I never sleep with people I like any more. That way when it all goes sour I don’t lose a friend.”

Tristan gave her a puffy-eyed look. “That is messed up.”

Channah agreed. “So now that you know are we done? Or do you want to be real friends?”

Tristan appeared to be considering. “All right, friends. But you can pay for your own meals and buy your own wine when we go out. And you should know I will ditch you in a heartbeat if there’s a chance I might get laid.”

“Fair enough,” said Channah. She started pushing on him with her feet. “Now get up and go fart in your own bed. I’m not done sleeping yet.”

Tristan staggered around for a moment getting himself fully upright. “Why do you sleep with that thing on your head?”

“It’s a tukwi. An Alik’r headwrap. I wear it so my locks don’t get fuzzy.” She gave his messy hair a pointed look. “You might consider getting one.”

Tristan crawled under a chair and retrieved his hood. He donned it with a lopsided flourish. “There. The Breton’s headwrap. And mine fortifies my magicka.” He half-drained a water skin in one breath then tossed it to her.

Channah finished the water. She flopped back down and arranged her covers. “I think I’ll enchant mine with Repel Breton. See you later.”

It sounded as if Tristan kicked some empty bottles and bounced off the door frame on his way out. “Good party,” he said. “Thanks. And see you later.”

Channah cast a healing spell. Her headache faded with the glittering light. Mirabelle, she remembered. Mirabelle was here last night. The Master Wizard had some choice words about noise level, disruptions, and a fine.

Oh skitt, Channah thought. I have the spells but now I need gold for my fine.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Apr 11 2014, 04:00 PM

Kayla coughed, the cotton-y feeling in the back of her throat threatening to make her dry-heave. She sniffled and groaned loudly. She was lying on her side, facing her wardrobe. She saw that it was open, and someone had made an effigy of Colette made from brooms, someone's robes, and even had a melon as the head. There was even a note pinned, saying "THE LOUDER I AM, THE RIGHTER I AM"

Someone moved next to her, and she felt a hand graze her bare shoulder. She turned and balked at the face.

"Who are you?!"

"My name is Nuradil," The handsome Altmer man said. His eyes were a clear, light green, and his hair a dark brown. Someone moved on the other side of him.

"Who is THAT?!"

"Shhh!" Another Altmer hissed. She rubbed her eyes and said something in a cutting tone in the Summerset language. Kayla recognized her as the one who tried to hand her a pamphlet, but didn't speak Nordic. She also had red hair, Kayla noticed, and her eyes were a bright blue.

"What happened last night?!"

"You were quite frisky," Nuradil said, a grin on his face. "As was Elinolinwe."

"Ele-what? Don't tell me we all..."

"Of course not. We took turns."

Kayla felt her face drain of color and she threw the sheets off of them and, in spite of her throbbing head, jumped from the bed and threw on the nearest set of robes she could find. She didn't notice the garment only came to her knees, and the naked rear of one of the Bosmer twins stuck from under the bed. She barely registered the drawings of eyes and a mouth on her cheeks, which would not be noticed by the poor Bosmer girl. She rushed to her chambers, only to find people passed on her bed.

She cursed and ran to the lavatories.

Where is Aravi?? And Channah??