The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla saw the reaction the boy had. She was used to people edging away from her, but that didn't mean it didn't sting still.

"If I survive, I'll most likely collect my things and be on my way. Like usual." She said, looking down at her meal. She continued to eat.

[Saquira]

Patting Ceylye's neck one last time after having spent some time in the box, Fedura left her and the stables and once again headed up to the main building. She scraped her boots of by the door before opening it and walking through, silently noting the Altmer woman sitting by the bar and the young Dunmer who stood behind it.

“Do you think you'll be staying here again tonight?” the young Dunmer was saying just then with a wide-eyed expression on his face, and Fedura sat down a few seats away from the Altmer, making sure she wasn't interrupting anyone when she next spoke.

“Could I have a Nibenese Breakfast, thank you,” she said, assuming since the boy was the only person present of the staff, that he was the one who'd take the orders for the moment.

[Grits]

Lleris

The Dunmer woman sat down at the bar. “Could I have a Nibenese Breakfast, thank you,” she said.

The Altmer did not look pleased with him. Kayla, Lleris remembered her name. He felt bad for offending her, but no less nervous. “I hope you don’t get hurt, miss Kayla. I hope you get back safe and stay for dinner.”

The Dunmer guest’s words finally registered.

“Sweetrolls!” Lleris exclaimed. “I’ll be right back with berries and sweetrolls. Help yourself to the drinks, if you please.” He backed away toward the kitchen, stumbling when his heel caught on the door frame. “I’ll be right back!”

[Grits]

Abiene

Abiene had learned to keep shock and horror off her face, but her stomach lurched at Aravi’s words. How could someone inflict such a thing upon a young girl? Reasons why that might have been done came to mind. None of them were good.

“Aravi, I hope with all of my heart that I will be able to help you. First I need to cast a spell that will allow me to assess your condition. The spell is completely painless but it is intrusive, so I need your consent. Then we will discuss what I find.” I wonder how they did that to her? Surgery? If she agrees I will know soon enough.

Abiene stretched her hands across the table where Aravi could reach them if she chose. “My findings will be completely confidential, between only the two of us. I do work for the chapel, but as for now they are not involved in your case. Your privacy is safe with me.”

[King Coin]

Intrusive. That word made her hesitate. How much would she find about me? There are things I want to share with no one. She looked at the Breton’s face. Especially those I like and respect. How much would she learn? She looked at the woman’s hands. Decide. She really wanted to know if she could be cured. If she backed away now, and never found out, she would regret it for the rest of her life.

She lifted her hands out of her lap and placed them in the Breton’s open palms. Her stomach lurched a little and she waited.

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Castius Desselius, the former gladiator and current champion of Hircine, kicked the covers from his bed and swung his feet over the edge, flexing them on the wooden floor. He tilted his head from side to side; straining to ease the knots in his heavily muscled neck and broad shoulders.

He rose with an audible grunt. Taking a long deep breath, he exhaled slowly, taking his arms up high above his head as he stretched his full two-meter height. Lycus felt the sharp pop-pop-pop of every vertebrae along his spine loosen as he extended himself with a stretch. Then he held his arms in the air, and after the pleasant feeling he lowered them.

He scooped up his sword that lay beside the bed, the dwemer weapon felt familiar in his grip. Solid.

Barefoot and naked, Lycus began to practice the aggressive forms of sword combat. He moved in a variety of sequences and movements. Slash. Feint. Thrust. Block. He battled imaginary opponents as if they were out trying to kill him. Though he was centuries old he still was an imposing figure. The powerful muscles built during a youth spent working as a slave in the mines and fighting as a gladiator in Morrowind rippled underneath his skin, flexing with each slash and impale with his sword.

He moved again, blade arcing above his head before coming down in a firm chop that would be enough to chop an unarmored foe in two. Though his methods were brutal, Lycus still moved with ferocious grace and certain intensity but it was a fraction less of what it was over a hundred years ago. The aging process of his Lycanthropy was subtle, but inescapable. He accepted this; what he would lose in strength and speed he could easily makeup for with wisdom, experience and knowledge throughout what he would consider a more peaceful time. A time where he could devote his life to something else.

The man moved again with his sword but failed to block a fast incoming pillow that hit him softly in the back of his head. His sword swung too soon. The soft fabric bounced off his head and collapsed to the floor.

Lycus turned his head to the source of the attack and saw Vera sitting up in the same bed, body exposed from thigh to head. She smiled and yawned. “Damn too early to be swinging that thing about. Why don’t you put that sword of yours away if you’re not giving it your best."

“I thought we agreed we wouldn’t show each other our weapons when I nearly expire from travel," Lycus noted with a raised brow. "I thought you still asleep."

"You know I never get a good night's sleep, no matter what. We’re good partners, love. Both in armor and out of it.” Vera replied as she pulled away the sheet covering the lower half of her body. Her lithe form, bearing the minor scars of battle, seemed to shine in the light of the sun that shun through the window. Her golden hair seemed to glow. "Perhaps this night will be better."

She was an attractive woman and Lycus was glad he married all those years ago. But it wasn’t her looks alone that lured him to her. It was her passion, her ferocity in combat and in life and her strong spirit and will that was much like his own, yet she had her fragile moments as every woman had. Would it upon a day that he could offer her something more than a life stained with blood and battle; a child. An heir to continue the Castius line and a home. For eighty of those centuries Oblivion would not be a place to make and raise a child, and in present day where the Thalmor are about and the Vigilantes of Stendarr and the Silver Hand walk the land, raising a child would be difficult. But Lycus knew that hardships forged the hardest soul and there would be no greater time to raise a warrior. But would that be the path he would desire for his son or daughter? It was not yet written in the stars.

“We have time to try some other day. I will go get breakfast,” Lycus said as he pulled brown sackcloth shorts over his waist. “Do you want anything?”

“Get something for yourself. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” She yawned, and stretched while still in the soft bed.

Lycus left the room, closed the door and headed down the stairs.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 26 2013, 09:58 PM

[Grits]

Abiene

Aravi hesitated for a time without speaking. Then she simply placed her hands in Abiene’s.

Abiene gave her an encouraging smile, then closed her eyes and began the spell.

First she emptied her mind of distraction, most importantly her own ambition. She slipped away from herself and concentrated on Aravi.

The discovery was instant and as shocking as a claw seizing her by the throat. She’s a lycanthrope! Her hands convulsed on Aravi’s.

Even as her heart began to pound, Abiene’s training took over. She drew a slow breath and relaxed her grip, holding Aravi’s hands gently again. But her mind still raced.

Do the others know? Of course not! Wouldn’t she have told me if they did? Wouldn’t they have mentioned it? No, none of them would betray a confidence. What should I do?

Another breath. Her heart answered.

She trusts you. She trusts you. She trusts you.

Abiene focused her attention again, first bringing her thoughts together to a point inside her chest. Then she sent that awareness out, down through her hands and back into Aravi.

First, understand.

She couldn’t tell if it had been an hour or a minute, but finally she knew. Abiene felt tears cooling her cheeks as she returned to herself. She let go of Aravi’s hands and wiped her eyes.

“Aravi, I am honored and grateful for your trust. And now I must trust you in return. The healing I have learned from the Mages Guild and chapel could not restore fertility to you. You have been damaged and scarred, but that is not the main issue. We women, human and Khajiit, are born with every egg that will eventually ripen when we come of age. Yours have been taken from you.”

Abiene’s heart began to pound again. She hoped Aravi would not turn away in disgust, or even report her to the chapel.

“The Restoration magicks taught by the Mages Guild and practiced in the temples simply heal wounds upon the body the way the body heals itself, only far more rapidly. Well, it’s far from simple, but that’s how it works. The body cannot replace a missing eye or grow back a limb, and neither can the accepted practice of Restoration.”

Abiene paused, wishing for a cup of kahve or perhaps a shot of whiskey to settle her nerves.

“I’m saying that what I will propose is outside what most might find to be acceptable. We would be on our own. Are you certain you want to know more?”

.

This post has been edited by Grits: May 26 2013, 11:47 PM

[King Coin]

Aravi felt the Breton’s hands close around her own, and there was nothing but silence for a few minutes. Her body felt warm and she felt like she was being watched. Aravi wasn’t sure what to expect next, but when Abiene’s hands suddenly closed painfully over hers, she was afraid. She could feel the other woman’s pulse in her hands. She found the wolf. I should leave. She wanted to get out of her seat and run from the room, the inn. Would she tell anyone? The legionnaire would attempt to arrest or kill her. She briefly considered threatening her to keep her quiet. No, she mentally shook her head. What should I do? She couldn’t think of anything. Abiene didn’t get up and shout for help, instead her composure returned, and her grip loosened.

Nothing, Aravi knew the risk when she asked for help. I’ll just have to wait and see.

The warm feeling returned. She sat in silence for maybe ten minutes. At some point, tears formed in the Breton’s eyes. Does that mean I can’t be cured? Aravi wasn’t sure about anything at this point. The warmth receded from her body and traveled out of her hands. For a brief moment she felt thoughts and emotions that were not her own. Then the healer spoke. Aravi’s heart sank with Abiene’s words. I am broken beyond repair. But then the Breton continued speaking. There may be hope, but then it sounds like there was risk too.

“You are willing to take that risk for me?” Aravi asked quietly.

[Darkness Eternal]

Irvana ignored the guard’s advice to stay on the road. She ventured into the forest at night, trusting this would be an ordinary stroll in the wilderness. In the past she walked the wilds of Cyrodiil and the night proved to be a leisurely stroll. The nearest village or tavern seemed miles away from her location but she knew each step she would be closer. But each of those steps only made her walk deeper into the darkness of the forest where creatures of legends and nightmarish stories dwell. She paid no heed. She had somewhere to go. A place to be. Nothing would attack her.

Until that moment where the night’s insects ceased their joyous songs and the only sound was of the wind rustling the black fabric of her hood and the rain that began pouring not too long ago. She was being hunted. She knew it. Possessed of a sudden fearful premonition, Irvana spun from her spot and ran off with the torch in her hands. Her shoes trampled over the muddy tracks she previously left in the dirt, as she sprinted through the wilderness as far as he legs allowed her to go. Over the years Irvana learned to trust her instincts, and her instincts told her to run.

As she ran she heard a laugh, and a hiss and more laughter coming from the throat of what she understood was hungry men out for her blood. And soon she learned that it was the case. They were behind her, chasing her with ravenous appetite. But it was beyond the lust of common men.

“Come here, my darling!” one said.

“Blood! I need your blood!” cried the other. “You can’t run forever and neither can you hide!”

That can’t possibly be a good sign, she thought.

Her hand reached one of the sabers dangling from her hip. She unsheathed the blade, and her feet trampled upon an overturned log. The torch flung from her fingers, and her shoes from her feet. Her face fell to the dirt, and she groaned out a pained cry.

She felt them. Right there. Behind her. Her hands scrambled for her sword, and by instinct and what one would see as fear, she turned her body around. Her back sliding to the tree and near a moss-encrusted stone. All she did was hold out the sword in front of her as a shield to guard her precious life. Her eyes closed but she felt the blade move. She felt it pierce something. Her eyes opened shortly after as pain flared in her neck, and in her stomach. The creature sank his fangs into her flesh and drew out blood, but not before the effects of the silver end of her sword began to burn away his flesh. Skin and meat receded to dust, and in an instant that creature was undone. Reduced to nothing.

Irvana blinked. The creature, so thirsty for her blood, had been too feral and too absent minded in his attacks that he simply fell upon her to drain her dry. He failed, and thus lost his short immortal life. Irvana managed a chuckle that was sprinkled with what the other vampire saw was fear.

That was . . . easy!

She got to her feet, and stood there. Underneath her bare feet was a pile of black dust and the remains of the slain vampire. “I killed it!” She said. “I killed it!”

Crows screeched in the branches above, and Irvana looked up to see another figure standing there. A dark silhouette with red glowing eyes staring right back at her. Irvana unsheathed her second blade despite the urge to put pressure on her neck wound.

“Do it!” Irvana shouted in rage. “I challenge you to try and make an attempt on my life. Do it!”
The figure did not move. If he was amused, fearful or curious about her threat he gave no clear indication of it. He only dropped down from the tree, and backed away into the darkness without so much as a word. Rain pelted her body, and Irvana flung her heavy cloak over her shoulders and cried for help.

****

Irvana blinked in the shadows of her room. No candles were lit. No torches. No sunlight came in her room. It was only her alone with her memories of what happened last night and a young Stefania by her side to keep her company and warm in the night. That was it. Nothing personal or romantically close. She served her purpose.

But those night fiends she encountered? They served no purpose, and they must be eradicated. They're a threat to society and Irvana couldn't even imagine what they could potentially do to the local villages! They would kill the innocent people or worse . . . turn them into more abominations. Irvana couldn't have that. She wouldn't accept it. Something had to be done, and she thanked the deities she encountered a vampire hunter in the inn. Otherwise she'd be forced to do it herself and she wasn't exactly the prime candidate for the task.

I know why they're here, she thought. And they must be killed.

Stefania was still asleep, and Irvana stared at the black ceiling and thought for a long moment before going back to her slumber. The hunters will do their job . . . even feral vampires are no match for one who's life is to hunt down the children of the night.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 27 2013, 12:52 AM

[Grits]

Abiene

“You are willing to take that risk for me?” Aravi asked quietly.

Abiene nodded. “Yes.”

Aravi’s tail twitched. The tension was also in her voice. “Then please, tell me.”

Butterflies filled Abiene’s stomach. Will she think I’m touched by Sheogorath? I’ve only explained this once before. She might not believe me.

She took a deep breath. “Your body knows what it means to be whole. Each part remembers all of you. While magicks applied to your life force can heal, the same energy given to your tissue allows a spell to truly restore. Aravi, please hear me out. It is not the same spell, but it is the same manner by which… necromancers repair their creations.”

Aravi sat perfectly still. Abiene could not read her expression.

She swallowed hard and continued. “This kind of restoration requires more magicka than I possess, even when fortified by one of Jerric’s potions. I would need the energy contained in a soul gem, or perhaps several. That is the second difficulty. The third is that I am not highly skilled in the school of Mysticism. Darnand is the only mage I trust who can draw magicka from a gem and use it to cast a spell.”

Abiene’s fingers twisted in her lap. “So you see the need for secrecy. You have heard tales of sorcerers stealing lives to retain their own youth. These stories are true. But when used for good… why should someone suffer when we have the knowledge to help them?”

Abiene pressed her palms together, watching Aravi’s response. “Do you still want to hear about this?”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla ate the rest of her breakfast in silence. The Dunmer boy's reaction to what she said affected her more than she thought it would.

'Wonder why.'

She drank the rest of her tea and set the cup down lightly, leaving her plate as she walked back up the stairs. She realiEd she didn't know which room was Aravi's. She heard voices in one of the rooms, but didn't listen in. Instead, she went to her own room and sat on the bed and waited for Aravi to wake up. She left her door open in case Aravi was further sown the hall and had the same dilemma she had. She looked in her bag again, shaking her head.

[King Coin]

Necromancy. A chill went through her body. Now she knew why this was so sensitive. Then she realized the trust that was being placed with her. She’s not going to tell anyone of my condition. I’m safe. A small measure of relief accompanied that thought. She thought more about the magic. She had not heard of anyone using necromancy to heal before. Her mind readily supplied her with countless visions of the horrors she’s witnessed due to necromancy. Her instinct was to pull away in revulsion. But then… this could restore me. This could bring me children. Was that such a bad thing? She trusted Darnand, Jerric, and Lildereth. Through them, she trusted Abiene. She churned it through her mind, looking at it from different directions. She reached the same conclusion every time.

“You are sure you can restore my fertility with this magic?”

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus relieved himself outside for what seemed to be an eternity. The rays of sunlight hit his bare torso and it felt great to be out of the Goblet and breathing the fresh outside air. The light hit directly upon his tattoo on his chest directly above his heart, a marking that was accompanied by one that was etched upon the flesh of his right arm.

A puddle of yellow liquid formed a few feet from his toes. He stood the torment of needing to empty his bladder most of the night. When it became unbearable, he had to let it go. The stream of urine flew as Lycus let out a low sigh.

After he finished, he tucked away his male part and raised his sackcloth pants. To his fortune, there was not that many people awake yet and the natural morning bulge refused to shrink. The first floor of the tavern was almost empty at this time of day; the folks wouldn't start to arrive until a certain time. Which was exactly why Lycus felt the need to eat now.

Lycus didn’t wait. Bulge or not, nothing would stop him from getting his food. What others felt about him were meaningless now.

The Imperial walked back inside the inn feeling relieved. Few of the faces he saw last night were still there; a dunmer woman and the dark elf boy. The altmer girl just retreated to her room up the stairs, and Lycus was left alone in the first floor.

Lycus exhaled deeply with his nostrils and walked up to the counter where the boy was serving. He took a seat on the far side of the room, hunched over as he decided what meal would best do the task of filling his stomach.

Tons of smells ranging from eggs to toast to berries and cider filled his nose, and brought water to his mouth. Though he ate ravenously the night before he still felt his appetite rising by each passing minute and he admitted to himself that he was eager to see if these people would outstand themselves with making breakfast.

He squared his shoulders and folded his arms as he leaned forward on the counter and grabbed an entire pitcher of cidar for himself and pulled it toward him. He poured himself a cup and drank.

He turned to the dunmer. “Dark elf,” Lycus called out, this time softly. “I desire the Full Colovian. Two orders."

And I also want to see my armor . . .

[Grits]

Abiene

“You are sure you can restore my fertility with this magic?” Aravi asked.

Abiene let out the breath she had been holding. “No, I’m not sure. Remember I told you that a girl child is born with all of the eggs she will have, and when she matures they ripen? Even if I succeed in restoring your body to the way you began, I cannot know how long it will take for your eggs to become fertile, or even if they ever will. My understanding is limited. The temple frowns on practices that might interfere with Mother Mara’s… Well, anyway, helping women conceive is not taught at the chapel. There are fertility rituals of course, but no real action to take if they fail.”

Abiene reached for her kahve before she remembered that she hadn’t gotten any yet.

“Aravi, if I am wrong my inexperience might harm your future cubs. If you agree, I would want to do some research, perhaps try some experiments before I attempt to restore you. And the scarring I mentioned would be best corrected by surgery. I have developed the necessary skills, but even the simplest operation is not without risk.”

Aravi sat still, her expression remote.

She must want to be a mother more than anything, thought Abiene. Her heart went out to Aravi.

“You must love him very much,” Abiene murmured, blinking the mist from her eyes. And you have the courage I lacked. “I know how that feels.”

[Grits]

Lleris

Kayla went back upstairs without a word, and Lleris was left with the silent Dunmer. Until the big Imperial strode through and then back inside, looking mostly naked and very impressive.

He took a seat at the bar.

Lleris braced himself.

“Dark elf,” the man called out in a low voice. “I desire the Full Colovian. Two orders.”

“Very good, my lor— uh, mister.”

The man began working his way through the pitcher of cider.

Should I tell him that too much of that might make him flatulent? Lleris wondered. Muscles bunched and rippled along the man’s side as he lifted his mug. Uh… no.

Lleris gave the order to Yetta and returned bearing another pitcher of cider and the man’s helm. He set them both on the bar.

“Your armor is ready, mister. Take a look.” He had buffed the dark metal until it seemed to glow in the dim light. Even Riad had given a grunt of approval.

Yetta called that the order was ready. Lleris sprinted back to the kitchen.

“You’ll want to get a look at this fetcher,” Lleris told her. He picked up the plates. “I think he might be part Nord.”

Yetta took one of the plates from him and led the way back out to the bar. They slid the two breakfasts in front of the big man and stepped back as if the motions were rehearsed. Lleris glanced over at Yetta.

Her eyes were huge. “Good morning,” she said to the Imperial. Then she looked over at the Dunmer woman. “Good morning, ma’am. How is your breakfast?”

[Saquira]

Fedura smiled slightly in amusement as the young Dunmer's foot caught on the doorframe, but quickly schooled her expression as she took a cup and poured some kahve into it. The boy came back a little while later and placed a plate with sweetrolls, berries and a couple slices of toast on it, and she gave him a quick smile before tucking in.

A while later the Altmer rose from her chair and left, but her footsteps had barely gotten up the steps before the door opened again and the heavy steps of the man she'd spoken to yesterday entered. She raised an eyebrow to herself when he ordered two servings of the Full Colovian, but then focused on her meal as she considered where to go once she'd left the inn. The female cook asking her how the meal was brought Fedura out of her reverie, and she looked up at the other woman.

“Good morning. It's very good, thank you,” she said with a faint smile and took another drink of the kahve.

[King Coin]

Aravi felt numb. Here was the chance. But… if I am wrong my inexperience might harm your future cubs. Those words scared her. She would never know until she bore a child if Abiene was truly successful. She wasn’t sure if she was willing to take that risk.

“You must love him very much, I know how that feels.”

Aravi looked up and saw the healer was struggling. “I do. He’s the best thing that’s happened to me,” she said quietly, but with absolute confidence. She wasn’t sure about the healer. Is she unable to have children as well? Or is this something else? The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like ‘something else.’ Clearly whatever happened, it wasn’t happy. She wanted to ask, but kept quiet. Her thoughts returned to her own problem.

There’s no way I can decide right now. This was just too much, she needed time to think. The risks to herself she could accept. She could trust this Breton. The legality did worry her a little, the magic used was frightening, but ultimately it came down to the warning about the risk to the children. Would it be worth the risk? Or am I being selfish?

“Abiene, I need some time to think about this. Where will I be able to find you later today?”

[Grits]

Abiene

Aravi sat for a time, and then she spoke. “Abiene, I need some time to think about this. Where will I be able to find you later today?”

Abiene cleared her throat to keep the emotion out of her voice. “I’m going up to Chorrol today to check in at the healing hall, but I feel certain I will be able to return tonight. I usually keep ridiculous hours there, but that’s my own fault. I don’t have much of a social life so I might as well work. Anyway no one will try to keep me from coming back here, especially in support of vampire hunters. I’ll play up the ‘fellow servants of the Nine’ angle. I mean, that’s how I get away to the wayshrine.” She felt her cheeks heat. “I know I should feel guilty, but I don’t.”

Abiene reached over and gave Aravi’s hands a quick squeeze. “And take all of the time that you need to think. You can reach me later at the chapel or through the Mages Guild, or if,” she gave a nervous little laugh, “something should go awry, then you can find me through Darnand. And if you find Jerric, then you’ve found Darnand.”

Abiene stood and pushed her chair back into place. “Would you like to go down for breakfast?”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla jerked awake, her neck now hurting. She rolled her head around on her shoulders, working the kink from her neck. She had fallen back asleep while looking through her pack, and her neck was paying the price.

"Godsdamnit," she cursed as she massaged her neck with two fingers, then added a thumb. She groaned and rolled her head around again, the stiffness mostly gone, leaving her with a slight tenderness. She set her pack down on her bed and rubbed her face with her long, slender fingers, wiping the sleep from her eyes. She ran her fingers through her hair once more.

"Ow!" She caught a tangle and gently worked it out while exiting her room. She was about to close the door when she saw someone lean against the frame of her door. she looked up, frowning, then smoothed her features over with a smile.

"Oh, hello, Laegon." she said. She turned her head to the doorknob and busied herself, locking the door. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you." He said smoothly. Kayla felt a blush creep up her neck. She took a deep breath and let it out in a nervous laugh. She kept her hands busy with the lock.

He set his hand on hers, causing her to look up. He looked into her eyes and, with an easy smile, slid the key into the keyhole and gave it a smooth, easy turn.

'Oh.'

"There. All better." he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, letting it linger for a moment before pulling it away. She let out another nervous, breathy laugh and pocketed the key quickly.

"Tricky lock," she said, biting her lower lip. "Uhm, I need to see if my friend is awake. Thanks for the...keyhole....assistance..." She brushed past him gently, her face reddening as she descended the stairs.

'Godsdamnit, it's been WAY too long!' She thought. She sat back down at the bar and took a calming breath. She looked over at the large Imperial man, who had not only the Dunmer boy looking at him, but the cook as well. She snorted and did a double take at his lower half.

'Looks like I'm not the only one who didn't get laid last night.' she joked to herself. She poured herself another cup of cider and sipped it.

[King Coin]

Aravi stood when Abiene did. “Would you like to go down for breakfast?” the Breton asked, distracted.

She didn’t see Aravi move towards her. Instead of answering, Aravi hugged the other woman tightly. She had to stand on her toes. “Thank you so much, no matter what happens,” she said.

It was a moment before she felt the other woman return the hug, and a few more before Aravi released her. Aravi felt like she should be embarrassed but she wasn’t. She was happy and moved that this woman was willing to help her. She turned to the door and quickly wiped the dampness from her eyes.

“Yes let’s get some breakfast. I will need something.” She stopped in the doorway and looked at the other woman.

Abiene was smiling. She simply said, “lead the way.”

They walked down together. Already seated at the bar were the Dunmer, Kayla, and Lycus. His presence didn’t disturb her like it did the other night, and it certainly didn’t squash the good mood she was in. Aravi sat next to Kayla at the bar.

“Good morning,” she said to the other woman.

The cook was at the counter and Aravi took the opportunity to order a sweet roll.