"You...you are leaving, are you not?" said Angi when she saw Silence putting some red apples to his backpack. He looked at her nodded.

"You still insist on crossing the border?"

He shrugged, then nodded.

"I see. Well...before you go...I want to teach you something."

He looked at her, surprise in his eyes.

"You any good with that bow?"

He nodded.

"Maybe I can teach you to be even better. Follow me to the targets and we'll practice."

The training was long and strenuous and Angi had no mercy for Silence's mistakes when he didn't hit targets with enough precision. Although he missed rarely, she always remarked him on what he did wrong and how should he improve his shoots. Sun was already setting when Silence completed Angi's final and most difficult task, hitting four targets in less than ten seconds.

"I think I've taught you everything I know. You might even be as good as me now. Kind of scary if I think about it."

They both smiled for a few seconds, like not knowing what to say or gesture, and then she continued:

"Thanks for sticking around and keeping me company. It was nice to finally meet someone out here who doesn't want to rob you or take off your head. I know it isn't much, but here, take this bow. It was given to me by my family. It's special to me, but brings back too many painful memories."

Silence took her bow, observing it carefully for some time, put it on his back, then slightly bowed.

"You're welcome...well, I wish you luck on your travels. Hope that you ever find a way back...wherever it leads. If you ever travel in these parts again, make sure and visit me."

He nodded, then pulled his black fur hood on his head and slowly headed down the hill. Angi was wondering if he'll turn around and wave in goodbye, like it often happens in old Nordic stories, yet he didn't. Maybe it was even better this way. She was looking him until he disappeared behind a snowy hill, then returned to her chores.

"Work is the best cure for keeping your mind busy," she said to herself and continued forging a dagger. Yet she couldn't help but feel an uncomfortable pain in her chest. Not far from her one Redguard felt the same pain. Yet he knew that it was time to go. He couldn't allow himself to get too attached to someone. He was a drifter, never calling any place his home, never staying in one place for too long.

Nicely done, Lopov, as Silent Drifter slowly heads down Angi's mountain.

Thank you. It's been nice staying at Angi's, I think they spent 10 or 11 actual game days together. We'll see what awaits him now...looks like he still insists of going back to Cyrodiil but somehow I have a feeling that borders aren't going to open for him.

I liked seeing Silence through Angi’s eyes. It kept him mysterious.

Thanks.

This may sound unusual but after heading east, following a path from Helgen to Riften, Silence felt urge to return to Angi. So that's what he did. There was a bond between them and it didn't feel right when he left her in the first place. Although he's been active for a short time, it feels like he found his place in Skyrim. Whatever I'd try and force into his playthrough, would just feel wrong. So I'll leave him with Angi for now (or perhaps forever).

That must be frustrating on the level of wanting to play the character, but on the other hand how rewarding that Silence found where he belongs! It is really nice when your roleplaying just falls into place like that.

Lopov, I am not at all surprised that Silence wanted to return to Angi. In those pictures of him sitting and looking out over the mountains while the sun sets and the moons rise he looks very content. I’m glad he found a place where he is wanted and where he wants to be.

You need a follower mod that will let them go places together.

"I will not do this!"

"Pardon me, Commander?"

"I said: I will not do this!"

"I won't repeat your orders, Commander. Execute these rebels at once!"

"I will not. Just because they're Nords, doesn't mean that they're rebels."

"I see...in this case...STOP RIGHT THERE TRAITOROUS SCUM! Your career in the Imperial Legion has come to an end! Soldiers, disarm him and strip him of his gear! Your commander is now declared an enemy of the Empire!"

"No need to shout, Captain. Not only I hear perfectly fine, I'm not going anywhere nor do I intend to fight you."

And so ended a successful career of stubborn and principled Commander Lucius Caro, who disobeyed his superior, refusing to execute some Nords that the Imperial Captain declared as Stormcloak allies. Caro was stripped of his weapons and armor, had to change to a shabby roughspun tunic and footwraps, then they put him on a carriage, intended for prisoners.

"Someone execute these traitors at once! As for you, renegade...you will be judged shortly! Are they dead yet? Good! Now let's get moving! We have to set ambush for Ulfric Stormcloak and his soldiers! Move, move!"
---
A few hours later Lucius got a company - Ulfric Stormcloak and his unit were captured along with an unlucky Nord thief who tried to unsuccessfully steal a horse of some Imperial soldier.

"And who are you, stranger? Another horse thief? Or did you try to cross the border illegally?" asked Ralof the Imperial sitting opposite of him.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Why not?"

But the Imperial didn't reply.
---
"You there! Step forward!" said Hadvar to the only remaining prisoner. "I haven't seen you before. Who are you?"

"You haven't seen him before because he was stationed in Cyrodiil until recently," said the Imperial Captain and approached. "This is Lucius Caro, once a commander in the Legion, now a renegade. That's all you need to know."

"Emm...what should we do, Captain? I mean...he's not on the list."

"Forget the list! HE GOES TO THE BLOCK!"

"I'm sorry, sold...prisoner. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Cyrodiil."

"Don't bother, soldier," replied Lucius.
---
Yet strange and twisted is a way of fate, and half an hour later, Ralof and Lucius, the Nord and the Imperial, the Stormcloak and the former legionnaire, were fighting alongside each other, Ralof wielding an axe and Lucius brandishing a sword. They made their way through the Helgen Keep, fighting Legion soldiers, narrowly escaping collapsing passages and avoiding sleeping bears. Bruised, cut, tired yet very much alive they emerged out through a natural cavern beneath the keep.

"I wouldn't have made it without your help today."

"Likewise."

"We better clear out of here. This place is going to be swarming with Imperials soon enough. My sister Gerdur runs a mill in Riverwood. I'm sure she'd help you out."

"Thanks but it's better if we split up. I don't want to be seen in your company and you don't want to be seen in mine, believe me."

"As you wish, friend. Then at least tell me your name so that I know who I owe my life to."

"I'm Lucius. And you?"

"Ralof. He he, pleased to meet you, Lucius. I don't often say this to Imperials."

"Especially not to those that used to serve in the Legion, I guess."

"What?"

"You heard me right. I disobeyed but I'll tell you the whole story some other time. Pleased to meet you too, Ralof. And now it's time that we part ways. Goodbye!"

"May Talos be with you, friend! We'll be seeing each other again, of this I am sure."

Welcome to Lucius! Wow, the Legion has about zero sense of humor, eh?

Welcome to Skyrim Luke Skyrimwalker Caro. A former Impie himself? That's not too unusual. Ulfric and Galmar fought for the Empire in the Great War as well. A lot of Stormcloaks appear to have.

Grumpily, the burly Nord brushed chill water from off his forehead. Dripping from the dank ceiling of the tunnels beneath the old fort, it was chill upon his skin.
"Damn Kat." He muttered, hefting his axe and clicking his neck, face set in an expression of angry determination.

Starting forward again, he headed further down the tunnel towards the dimly flickering light of the tallow candles in the bandits' main rest area. It should have been empty, however it appeared that they had a visitor; "Here kitty kitty." He whispered, entering the room and turning slowly around, eyes scanning the shadows. "C'mere kitty, I got somethin' for ye..."
Nothing moved. All was still and silent.

He sighed and grimaced. "Stupid Kat." Then smiling, he remembered something Regus had said just before The Boss had sent him on this damn fool errand.
"Heh, been a while since I had me some pu..."

Something, very quietly, shifted at his back. Turning his head, the muscles in his neck creaking in the silent chamber, he looked behind him. Two green and black-slitted eyes stared back, a pair of furry be-ringed ears swivelled forward and slowly began to flatten backwards against a sleek, cat-like skull. There came a very quiet hissing, snarling noise.

"Fu..."

Lopov, I love your start for the noble Lucius Caro! Plus Lucius is an awesome name.

PHON!! Welcome back. I’m delighted to see a Khajiit!

Yes, welcome back, Phon! And a feliniously mysteriously introduction to a kat and, it would seem, farewell to an axe-Nord.

Heh, you guys should know I can't keep away!

Indeed she is a Kat, name of Alaie'eesa; a mysterious one to be sure. A bit of a rogue, but not a harsh one...

Your cat looks good.


Indeed, there's no joking with them. I like to picture them as such, especially the annoying Captain.

I didn't know this, interesting.

Thanks, I think so too. It was actually the name I came up with first, I didn't have any character's traits or backstory set yet.

--

Lucius was carefully stepping up blood-smeared stairs of the abandoned Falkreath watchtower. Something felt very wrong in this place. Blood skulls outside, bloody bones inside and bloody footsteps all over the staircase. He was clenching the sword, taken from his former Captain, in his right hand, trying to move without making any noise.

"May you walk on warm sands," he heard a rough voice from above. This was certainly not what Lucius expected. He looked up and saw a muscular black Khajiit sitting on a ledge atop the tower.
"You can put that sword away. This one has already cleared the tower."

"I see," said Lucius and put the sword in its sheath. "So what happened here?"

"There was an evil necromancer hiding here, practicing his foul arts on unsuspecting travelers. This one got rid of it."

Lucius came up the stairs and saw a corpse of a black-robed High Elf lying behind the friendly Khajiit.

"Well...good work, Khajiit. Do you mind if I join you? I should really warm myself up and this fire here might be just perfect."

"Approach, human, Keiko bids you welcome. How shall this one call you?"

"I'm Lucius. Pleased to meet you, Keiko."

"Pleased to meet you too, Lucius. This one assumes that something bad happened to Lucius, right? You look exhausted."

"It’s so obvious, it seems. The bard, I met a few hours ago, said the same. Yes, let's say that I've been through a lot today."

"You should find some warmer clothes, Lucius. This shabby tunic won't protect you against cold nights of Skyrim. This is a cold and harsh land and one should be ready to face it."

"Thanks for your concern, they'll do for now. I can tolerate cold quite well...I've spent the last few months in snowy regions so I got used to it."

"Ahh, a stubborn one? As you wish, Lucius, but I suggest you find some warmer clothes. And boots! Look at your feet - they are wounded!"

"I'm fine, really. But maybe..." said Lucius and looked at the dead necromancer, "maybe I just found a pair of new boots." He stood up, approached the dead High Elf and took his boots off. "Yes, these will do fine, just fine." He smiled and looked Keiko: "It's better than nothing, right?"

"But of course! Now join this one by the fire."

Lucius and Keiko sat by the fire and ate some vegetables, some wheat and some honey. As Lucius found out, Keiko has been in Skyrim for a few months, living as a mercenary, traveling the land without any real purpose but to enjoy life.

"Not a bad attitude at all."

And as Keiko found out, Lucius arrived to Skyrim on this very day and he survived the dragon's attack on Helgen. Keiko saw the deadly creature flying in the distance but was surprised to hear that the entire town got destroyed.

"This one thinks that bad times are coming for Skyrim."

They were chatting for a while but exhaustion quickly overcame Lucius and he muffled into a warm bedroll. He fell asleep immediately. Keiko remained awake for a while, watching Masser and Secunda elegantly moving through the night.

*Keiko is added by one of the companions mod which I'm using. It was nice that he cleared the place by himself.*

Nice that Lucius found a friend. Luvs Khajiit!

Somebody in Falkreath doesn't like Kats, it would seem.
It was going well for Alaie'eesa - (apart from the dragon, that is) - hunting around the settlement for trinkets and loot and then selling it on in either the trading post or the blacksmith. They seemed glad of the business to be honest.

Who hired the thugs she supposes she'll never know but now she's back on the road, chased out and headed for the next place. She'll try to avoid the big cities if she can, though they'll tolerate Kats in places like Solitude, she's found a better reception in the smaller settlements.
It's a shame that the people of the northern province are so conservative about folk with tails, but there you have it.

Musing upon her luck as she moves lithely over the rocks abutting the road, she supposes her current predicament could be linked to the fact that someone in Falkreath found out that she was selling the merchants goods she had in fact stolen from Falkreath's residents...
...or maybe it could be something to do with her appearance. She never could understand that, many of Skyrim's residents went around in furs, and so did she, it just so happened that she was born with a fur covering rather than having to drape herself in something else's.
What was the problem with that?

Yup, the mod which Grits recommended, is great. It adds many potential followers and although Lucius and Keiko don't travel together, it's good to have more NPCs with actual schedules out there.

Heh, turns out someone spotted her nighttime activities.
The thugs may have been persistent and considerably larger than she, but they learnt a valuable, and fatal, lesson about gaining and holding the high ground...
...and what happens when you don't...

Makes you wonder though, how many tailless Skyrimmers are wearing Khajiit furs?

Well indeed.
It's not something she likes to think about, though she has her suspicions...!

Tirdas, 3:33 AM, 24th of Sun's Dusk, 4E 202

Lord Haaf-Mersey is in Winterhold, making that pilgrimage all my magic-using characters make; the pilgrimage to find some more advanced spells.

He just finished his first radiant quest: killed a master vampire in Brittleshin Cave. The fight was over way too quickly, with Rayya the Overkiller at his side.

She's not a bad Kat, is Alaie'eesa, she just has "urges" - for instance, she'll happily chat with the hunters and barter with them, but equally steal their gold. She'll help a desperate and wounded bounty hunter out by fixing it so he can retrieve his friends, but also fleece said friends of all of their loot and take everything else and "forget" to mention it.
She'll happily join the Thieves' Guild, but off one it's members if he/she steals from someone they shouldn't - (by her reckoning).

It's got her into trouble, Falkreath is currently off limits and at least one trader has taken out a hit on her; but hey-ho, a girl needs to survive, especially if she's a Kat - and Alaie'eesa is better at surviving than many.
Currently she's on her way to Riften, where she knows some people. She's bypassing the major towns, at least until the heat wears off a little but she'll doubtless have a poke about on the way - all loot is good loot and also, well, she's not really a bad one and should she happen upon a body needing help then she'll probably oblige.
...that body may find themselves short some gold or "this and that" but hey, it is what it is, right?

--

Sometime later, still heading east, past Whiterun.
She's always had an understanding with the giants, or at least a tacit agreement. They are peaceful creatures and she likes that about them. All that power they have and yet it's held in check - not wastefully spent like the humans do.
Speaking of which, the Stormcloaks in the camp above the road came up snake eyes again for barter, she doesn't know why she bothers with them really but they are at least easier to trade with than the imperials, and there's the advantage they seldom try to kill her or treat her like a curiosity.
For all their "sophistication" down south, the only imperials she's ever met in Skyrim would rather do nothing more with most Kats than try to feed them milk or watch them fight with wolves, when they are aren't attempting to behead them for <ahem> a little horse-trading that is. Maybe the cold air up here does something to their brains...

Speaking of stupid humans, the bandits on the river fort still haven't learnt to look up into the mountain cliffs above the road they so assiduously guard. The occasional pot-shot of a guard is often one the highpoints (literally) of Alaie'eesa's journey...

--

Hilgrund's Tomb.
Alaie'eesa does not remember this joker from the last time she was here...

--

Even later:
The human woman looked faintly disgusted as Alaie'eesa dropped the Bandit Leader's severed hands onto the ground at her feet. The kat cocked an ear quizzically at the other.
"Is this not correct...?"
"Ummm, well, it's... unexpected." Replied the woman, stepping away from the grisly trophy.
Alaie smiled. "It was nothing for this one, he was trapped by his men."
The other looked horrified. "You mean you shot him in captivity?"
Alaie looked puzzled. "Well this one would hardly have let him out I think."
"But that's hardly fair..." Replied the other dubiously. Alaie narrowed her eyes. "Fair?"
"Um..." Struggled the ex-adventurer. "Not a fair fight."
"Oh! No indeed! It took several arrows before he went."
"That's what I mean!" Exclaimed the woman.
Alaie shrugged and smiled; "This one cares not." She tapped her chest. "This one would have quite happily have dealt with him had he been on the job when found..."

--

Turdas, 2:34 PM, 26th of Sun's Dusk

Lord Haaf-Mersey is on his way to... hold on.... Volskygge, where he hopes to find a copy of Black and White Souls for the orc librarian back at the College. They met some wicked necromancers along the way, and Haaf-Mersey had to deal with some friendly fire!

Rayya the Overkiller can handle ranged attacks (bow or staff-magic) while Haaf-Mersey deals only in melee / only fights with 1-handed swords + shield. So my Crusader tries to run up to the necrodudes, but one of them gets some good frost attacks. Haaf-Mersey's speed is slowed, and he needs to heal up. Because the thing is IF (and that's a very BIG IF) he can actually reach an enemy, there's no hope for that enemy, as Haaf-Mersey begins his shield-bashes. But he has to actually make it there first, you see?

So he heals up, and finally gets in range of one of the necromancers. Starts his thing with the shield-bashes, and once this action begins, the wizards can't throw any more spells; they must switch to their crappy daggars or whatever. So Haaf-Mersey begins getting an advantage, but then BOOM goes this giant fireball right in front of his face. He keeps his attack on the necromancer and BOOM goes another fireball.

The necroguy eventually fell, and so we finally get a look at what's going on with Miss Overkiller. She's apparently picked up a staff of firebolts, and is using it like it's 4th of July. This is all good, but don't fire it in my Crusader's face, Miss Overkiller!

Phon - Yay for giants! If you look at their ears (pointy like an elf), I think it helps explain why they're a lot wiser than they look.

Renee - That is so funny about Miss Fireballer, the staff abusing follower! I really like the radiant quests in Skyrim. In fact, Buffy normally has two from the College librarian active, one from the Companions and a bounty one from one of the jarl's open.

Heh, I love the fact that Rayya picked up the staff and put it to some good use. She lives up to her nickname.

So Alaie'eesa has a companion, not that she's complaining mind, she likes a bit of company in the road. it was just unexpected is all.
Upon informing Annekke Crag-Jumper of her success with the bandits that the other had mentioned to her, Annekke promptly asked outright if she could come with her.
"Take me with you, please."
Alaie is not one to refuse company where it's offered, and where the individual involved is... interesting and experienced, and has tales to tell. Alaie LOVES tales and stories and Annekke has many. Besides, having met Annekke's husband, the Kat can well understand why the poor woman would want to get back to her former occupation.

--

Riften, some days later...
Annekke has more than proven herself in the field and her assistance, and advice, has certainly been useful. The two have struck quite the friendship, and are in the process of developing a healthy respect for each other. Annekke for her part is fascinated by the Kat; leading to some awkward moments...
"You are touching Khajiit, hmmm?"
"Sorry I, er, that is..."
"Yes?"
"Well I wanted to know what you felt like..."
"Oh?"
"Um... a bit like a cat, really..."
"Ah."

The pair have arrived in Riften, a town that Alaie'eesa is very familiar with, Annekke less so - recently at least, though she obviously passed through many times during her earlier adventures.
There will be some shopping, and a few jobs, before the pair set out again. Khajiit is thinking of going into the pelt trade, no?

--

Well the horse was delivered, although not without incident and a few deaths. Louis was put out that the animal was at the stables but Alaie was not. She had arrived and not finding him, left the horse and went back for Annekke, who was waiting at an old ruin recently vacated by a couple bandits.
Annekke was nervous due to the presence of a dragon in the area.

When the two returned, they found Louis. He was threatening to leave with the horse and no payment, until the Kat pointed out that she still had the paperwork. Things worked out alright after that...

--

The girls are currently exploring at the extreme eastward points from Riften; the Morrowind border and the Imperial outpost there, and the various mines and Troll caves dotted about.
Riften may be a bit rough around the seams, but it makes a decent base and they've done well; Annekke has rekindled her love of the Bee and Barb which she first visited some 20 years before, and Alaie'eesa is making much progress, in many areas, not least of which is the acquisition of gold and information; useful commodities both.

She's still considering the pelt business but Annekke is doing her level best to push her in the artefact direction, namely those of a Dwemer nature. Khajiit is not unenthusiastic in this regard, and travel does broaden the mind, so they do say, yes?

--

As an aside, Annekke it turns out, is very much a "True Nord" and as such takes a keen interest in the civil war. Alaie has never been one for politics but has often considered the Stormcloaks to be the better of the factions. She has always had better dealings with them and it us their country after all; as an outcast from hers, she can see their drive not to lose theirs. Also, they've never tried to behead her...
My point is here that Alaie could very well convert completely to Annekke's way of thinking, and the two of them could go off and join up.

--

The girls left Riften towards the dog-end of the day, looking to head north and west, to places where Annekke said she had heard tell that there were Dwemer ruins.
Thing was, they had had some wine, perhaps more than was good for them and, having tracked a Troll down to Fort Greenwall, had proceeded to stock up on sell-able items...
...then Alaie'eesa found the nearly completely covered entrance to a level below...

--

A while later, some way north of Red Belly Mine and just below Northwind, Annekke's badgering of Alaie finally saw a result and - albeit reluctantly - the Kat agreed to join her private war against the Imperials.
They kicked it off with an attack on a patrol that was passing.

It did not go well.
They got the soldiers, but also two Vigilants. Alaie told Annekke to keep watch whilst she stripped and hid the bodies, but they were attacked by bandits and so ended up making even more of a spectacle. On the hunt for witnesses they headed up to the mine at Northwind, irrevocably locked now onto a path.
Sure enough they found a third Vigilant amongst the rocks.

Telling Annekke to wait for her at the mine entrance, Alaie did what was necessary...

--

So much has happened that it's difficult to know where to begin.

The girls had an eventful stay in Windhelm, many secrets were revealed and many questions raised which remain unanswered. The Dunmer are terribly ostracised and the Kat, given her prediliction for outsiders, had to use all of her natural diplomacy and balance when dealing with a couple of thorny and potentially problematic issues.
Things appeared to work out and she and Annekke also managed to explore certain ruins below the city that provide no small amount of income for the more marginalised inhabitants...

--

Philosphically, Alaie found herself at something of a crossroads with regards to her participation in Annekke's private war on the Imperium. It led to some regretable exchanges but, ultimately, the two women came to a mutual understanding with regards to motive and feelings and have developed a workable understanding.

Be that as it may, they now find themselves in the far north of the province, picking their way amongst the pack-ice searching for the elusive Dwemer ruins that both of them have heard are about the place.
In the back of Alaie'eesa's mind though hang heavy the words of the priestess of Azura, whose magnificent shrine she had taken her sidekick to see...
...it appears she - Alaie'eesa - has a destiny to fulfill.

--

Phon - Great to see the ladies so active and doing well. From your screens and words, it seems like you've done a great job with both of them. Looks like interesting tensions regarding the civil war. And I'm not surprised that Azura would pick a kitty to be her champ!

nice job with the storytelling Phon. I read, but Don't always respond because I get busy with life and stuff. I like that we're all writing though.

Thank you all, it's good to be back writing again and nice to see others doing the same.

With reference to the whole civil war thing, it's not that Alaie disagrees with Annekke, as a creature who has lost her homeland for reasons she would rather forget, she's very sympathetic to the situation the Nords find themselves in and having teamed up with a "genuine" Daughter of Skyrim she has come to understand the situation that much more deeply.
Yes, it is one-sided from that point of view BUT as mentioned before, the Stormcloaks have never actively tried to kill her - (though that was partially/mostly her own fault with the Imperials) - and on the whole they have been tolerant of her, unlike the Imperials in Skyrim who tend to act, well, much more Imperiously than she has previously found elsewhere.

She does find herself conflicted though: Nords as a whole are intolerant of outsiders, as evinced by their treatment of the Dunmer which even Annekke finds shocking, also there is the whole thing about not allowing large groups of Kats into the major settlements, which Alaie'eesa used to find wearisome, though for some years she has travelled on her own so it's not so much a problem.
Like the Dunmer, the Kat has mostly learned to live within this framework although like the Dunmer, she is aware that elsewhere in Tamriel the Imperial provinces are very tolerant and even encouraging - (albeit hardly for altruistic purposes) - of integration of all species and races.
It's not about Cyrodiil though, or anywhere else, it's about Skyrim. She knows this and her sympathies have really been brought out by her relationship with Annekke, as she can see how passionate she is.

So she agreed to help her, but Annekke's private war has turned into something of a pogrom. Alaie'eesa is not a bad Kitty, and it sits uncomfortably with her that they simply kill Imperial soldiers out of hand. They are just ordinary folk for the most part and piling up the corpses of men and women for whom Skyrim was just another posting - (and an unpleasantly cold one at that) - is just not Alaie's way.
She will join the Civil War but she won't just kill others out of hand.

An argument about this ensues one night, fuelled by rather too much wine. Annekke called the Kat a hypocrite and accused her of double standards. Alaie pointed out that the Nords had never really done anything for she herself or her kind and that Annekke to be honest was lucky to have found a non-human even willing to understand, given the (<cough> dunmer) prejudices of the Nords as a whole.

The next morning, having slept upon it, the two met up and talked out an understanding. An understanding of each other's position mind, not a resolution.
Annekke can see the Kat's conflicted viewpoint, whilst the Kat feels strongly for Annekke's independent drive. Both see that the treatment of relatively innocent - (now at least) - outsiders by the Nords is wrong and Annekke is to a degree "humbled" by Alaie'eesa's forgiveness of the present Dunmer for the excesses of their forebears.
That both women will join the civil war is a given, but the mechanism leading to that, their own reasons, and indeed how they go about it still seethes under the surface of the relationship and may yet drive them apart.

--

For all of that though, Alaie cannot shake the feeling that there's more to Annekke's point of view than she's letting on.
Trying times indeed...



Anyhow, be that as it may and philosophical musings aside, the girls have continued their search for Dwemer ruins in the northern icy reaches, but have thus far come up Snake Eyes, indeed an horrific storm drove them to seek shelter in Yinvild - a ruin of a quite different nature - and one containing a dark secret all of its very own.
Having exorcised that particular demon Elaie and Annekke are waiting for the dawn not far inside, and passing the time fruitfully. Alaie'eesa is teaching the Nord Khajiit and both women are finding the process endlessly amusing given that - quite literally - Annekke cannot get her mouth around some of the words...

--

Actually, it is not large groups of Khajiit that the Nords do not allow in their settlements. It is drug dealers whom they do not allow in their settlements. All of the Khajiit Caravans sell Skooma, and they are the ones not allowed inside cities.

As far as the Dunmer of Windhelm go, their horrible mistreatment is more horrible in talk than in actuality. For example, while some NPCs claim the Dunmer are forced to live in the Grey Quarter, the truth is they were given those homes for free, along with political autonomy and exemption from all taxes and tithes. Any Dunmer can buy Hjerim. All they have to do is the same as in any other hold. Get in good with the Jarl and then actually pay for it.

Brunwulf Free-Winter claims that Ulfric does nothing about Khajiit being killed by bandits. But if you go to the steward, he will send you on bounty quests to the exact same bandits dungeons that Brunwulf will. So the fact is, the Stormcloaks do exactly as much as the Imps or any others on that score. OTOH, the Imperials are going to make Brunwulf the Jarl if they win. So Brunwulf has a lot to gain by trying to undermine Ulfric.

Rolff is the worst of the Dunmer's troubles, and he is just a drunk who wanders around shouting insults. Any Dunmer can go challenge him to a fight, and beat him up without the guards batting an eye. After that he will appear at your Dunmer's wedding. The Dunmer themselves are no better than Rolff, as you will learn if you do the East Empire Company quest. Or just walk into the Cornerclub and listen to the proprietor talk.

Now the Argonians do seem to forced to stay at the docks. Though again, any Argonian can buy Hjerim. So maybe 'forced' is apparently not the case. Nothing at all changes for the Dunmer or Argonians if the Imperials win the war either. So the Impies behave exactly the same. Or perhaps it is to keep the Dunmer from killing all the Argonians? Under Torryg, Argonians were not allowed into Solitude. Elisef changed that. Of course, the only Argonian who goes into the city is pirate who wants you to help him kill a lot of people. So maybe keeping them out is not such a bad idea...

I take your point, but it does depend on whose Tamriel you're in... ;-)

[edit]: sorry I was in a pub so did not write much!
Yes I do indeed see what you mean but that said In Alaie's Skyrim large groups of Khajiit are not allowed in settlements due to the perceived risk of theft,"dodgy" goods, and drug use. In some places even a single Kat is a no-no, although This One is quite the diplomat in that respect.

The Dunmer? Yeah they are in many just as blinkered and Alaie'eesa is as awware as any Kat of the subjugation of her species by them BUT that said, it's old history and grudges never helped anyone. In Skyrim at least they are both in the same boat and in Skyrim not all Nords are a**h*les. Annekke isn't, even if she is rather more "direct" than the kat anticipated...

Rolff may be just a drunk, whom Alaie bested in a fight, but she has to tread carefully because he has the ear of the captain of the guard who is his brother-in-law - (although he is "technically" divorced) - he can and indeed does make life difficult for, well, pretty much anyone.
He may be an Ass, but he has the ear of those in charge and more, the civil war festers in the minds of him and his comrades, to the extent that they will accuse anyone of being on the Imperials' side, regardless.
(There may be some evidence that he is actually correct, in one case at least).

Yes, those with money can by their way into society heck, Alaie can, but even if you buy Hjerim good luck with staffing it or with taxes or indeed anything else if you don't fit in.

What's funny is that Alaie and Annekke both agree and disagree on these fundamental points. That the Imperials are subjugating the Nords is a fact, but what sits ill with the Kat is what happens when they go. For every Annekke who seeks to move understanding and tolerance forward, there is a Rolff.
It does not mean One should not try, but it makes for a depressing potential outcome...

...still This One must work with what there is; and what comes, comes.

Nice to see the odd couple of Kat and Nord still getting on so well.



I've never done the civil war, but I do really like the gray complexity that BethSoft built into both sides. Both the redcoats and bluecoats have some degree of a case for their causes, seasoned with absolutely tons of flaws and human imperfections. Great stuff!

Yeah, it's gonna be quite interesting and I think the two are going to potentially be learning rather more from each other than they thought...

It is Fredas, 8:37 AM, 27th of Sun's Dusk in the 4th Era of Year 202 in my Crusader's game. 414 hours of gameplay, which means if this were vanilla Oblivion and I was on PS3, I'd be seeing the A-bomb by now!

Funny thing just happened: Rayya the Overkiller up and left Lord Haaf-Mersey. They spent the night in Fort Dunstad, and when Haaf-Mersey woke up, she was gone! He is confused, but I am actually glad. She's a great partner for him, but it's much more challenging when he has to figure his way alone.

Anyways, he is headed toward Dawnstar, then Solitude. The orc at the College wants LHM to fetch a book out of Volskygge, so off he goes.

HUGE EDIT: We found Rayya, walking alone. She was headed toward Fort Fellhammer, which is right up the road from Dunstad. At first, we didn't know who she was. We assumed she was a bandit, because bandits lurk in Fellhammer. But before Haaf-Mersey was able to approach her, she begins fighting the bandits of Fellhammer! ... After the fight was over, Haaf-Mersey simply let Rayya walk to wherever she's walking to. He's honoring her decision, whatever the heck it is.

Renee, isn't it great fun when an NPC unexpectedly does something 'off script' for whatever mysterious reason?

Sometimes it is fun, sometimes not so fun. But overall, I like the 'surprise' factor in this case.

Real people sometimes do things for reasons unknown, and I like that Lord Haaf-Mersey had to make a few guesses and decisions about his new situation. My roleplay with LHM isn't as intense as it was with Mycharonna, so I don't entirely know what's going on with him and Rayya. But this is okay.

Dawnstar proved less than successful from the point of view of locating Deemed ruins, the Kat and Annekke did pick up a couple of jobs - most interesting of which was the whole "Mehrunes Razor" thing. The fact that Alaie was actually carrying the shards...

The two are now heading in the direction of Solitude, still searching...

--

There's an Imperial Camp not far from Dawnstar, the two took a look at it on the way but it was too big for them and Annekke, bearing in mind the Kat's reservations, suggested that they move on. About a hundred yards down the road was a mercenary, she was clearly working for the Imperials and clearly a Nord; also she very obviously had just done something very bad to another Nord...

...The Kat had no reservations about her.

--

Eventful times...

As mentioned the girls have been making their way westward toward Solitude, along the way picking up the odd job here or there.
Highgate Ruins for instance was rather curious. Alaie managed to come out of that with another of those priest masks and a potential new suit of armour for her companion. Annekke stayed outside as it was obvious from the start that she and the slightly odd woman who they found inside, searching for a scroll, were not going to get along.
At All.

They overnighted in the vestibule of the ruins and by the morning Annekke and Anska had achieved an uneasy truce. (Mead will do that. Oh yes, Annekke is a stereotype).
The day they continued on to Solitude, but arrived at the great city very late, and having found a bridge across the river, are spending the night in the inn at Dragon Bridge. Not a bad place in fairness...

--

Solitude: You have to be careful in Solitude, especially if you are a supporter of the Stormcloaks...
...The girls had it sorted however, and to be honest Alaie'eesa was very proud of Annekke for not going into a meltdown at the murder of Roggvir. Annekke took it hard, but a big hug from the Kat and a jar of mead sorted it, although Annekke did give Alaie a very strange look...
Anyway, a fair amount of buying and selling was done but frustratingly the blacksmith was completely out of steel, which was annoying because Alaie had found a pretty good suit of armour for Annekke.

Still and all, the bandits on the Dainty Sload were often to be found with steel, given that their leader down in the plains had a thriving business importing it. It was not to be however...
...frustrated by the admittedly failed plans over the last few days, the girls headed back to Solitude, intending to press west and then south the next day; they were distracted however by an unguarded vent leading to Solitudes sewers: the Cloaca Maxima and, after no little exploration, have ended up at the gate to a level of Castle Dour which, given nothing better to do, Annekke has suggested and with no small sparkle in her eyes, that they explore...
...just a bit.

--

A rapid exit from Solitude was necessitated...
...Moving east they headed up around the headland to the north of the city and turned westwards sticking to the coast, intending to turn further inland aways on.
Their plans have been somewhat interrupted however by the appearance of a dragon, out over the ocean but heading to the shore. The night is dark and cold and the area bleak but the girls discover a cave, albeit flanked by sabre cats, and decide that some shelter would be better than none at all...

--

The girls spent the night in Ravenscar, north and west of Solitude. There had been a dragon about earlier in the evening and neither of them was prepared to risk being caught in the open. Their hiding place proved no less eventful however as it turned out to be home to several Hags, who had been capturing and "doing things" to bandits.
One of these bandits was still alive and, as we would say, high as a kite on whatever the Hags had been feeding him. Upon ill-advisedly releasing him, he tried to attack Alaie and it took 5 arrows at close range to drop him.

--

The following day the two made their way south and a little east to pick up the main road once again. Signs of the Civil War are growing and they came across 3 Imperial soldiers setting upon a Stormcloak Shaman and downing him.
Annekke, enraged vented her fury upon them and savage, if brief, battle ensued. One of the soldiers turned out to be a tribune and the Kat was able to find for herself some rather natty boots and bracers.
The Stormcloak was barely alive, and Alaiee was forced to administer the Coup de Grace. She was also unfortunately forced to silence a completely innocent refugee who had seen them and whose allegiance could not be verified.

Thus they are drawn into the conflict, further...

--

They headed on in an uncomfortable silence, the Kat wrestling with her doubts and Annekke thoughtful and far away.
A couple of hours later, the shrine of Meridia came into view on their left and Alaiee suggested a stop. Annekke, well aware of the subtext, agreed.

What happened when they arrived at the great statue took them both by surprise however...

--

Well that was certainly a curious interlude, and Alaie surprised herself and Annekke by coming out as rather more religiously-inclined than either of them had thought. Of the two it would have previously been wiser to place a septim or two on the Nord doing Meridia's bidding, but there you.
Falkreath stands as a testament to the Kat's hitherto unrevealed faith.

That the two have much to tallk about is obvious, but for now they continue their journey, throwing their efforts jointly into heading ever westwards in a roughly road-following manner, deviating occasionally north if either one spots something likely.

--

Loredas, 9:32 AM, 28th of Sun's Dusk 4th Era 202

"Azura's wisdom to you friend."

"By the essences of the Nine, I am muchly within agreement. Enlift and guidances, instill within."

Lord Haaf-Mersey is in Dawnstar, and more specifically inside of Nightcaller Temple. It is Loredas, not Sundas, but Haaf-Mersey has decided to make the trip up to Nightcaller anyways. He will spend the entire day inside its keep, deep in thought and prayer.

He is rather perturbed at the moment. He just had to deal with three ice trolls just outside the temple. These trolls seem very territorial, like they simply live here at all times, waiting for some unlucky worshipper to try to ascend to the temple. They don't seem to want to risk going into Dawnstar, and why should they? These trolls have it good here.

But Haaf-Mersey is upset by the fact that nobody in town seems to want to deal with these trolls. Which means they never bathe themselves in the Nine's (or even the Eight's) guiding light. They never pray, they never tithe, they are forced to be unholy, because nobody has taken the helm to rid these trolls, and keep them rid.

On the other hand, he sees their side of things too. He, himself, can face a troll by himself. No problem. But three at once? He is suddenly missing Rayya the Over-killer.

EDIT: Didn't know we can get Erandur, Nightcaller's priest, as a follower! And he's actually not bad as an archer, and he can cast magic too. Wow, all three trolls are dead. All we gotta do is buff that toon a little bit, and he'll make a good follower.

Dawnstar's smithing facilities are pretty substandard, so LHM was only able to make some cheap iron boots and leather gauntlets for Erandur. There's nowhere to improve these items too. Can't wait to get to Solitude. Erandur's going to be very buffed once Haaf-Mersey can get to a proper smith.

Phon, the girls aren't letting any moss grow under their feet! Glad Annekke didn't get into it with the whole Solitude Legion garrison while they were there!

Renee, I think Nightcrawler (lol) Temple is a great quest: Killing baddies, helping Mara, foiling Vaermina and, as you see, getting a decent follower! What's not to like?

I haven't done the Nightcaller Temple quest yet but if it involves Vaermina, it's probably good, her quest in Oblivion is the most interesting Daedric quest for me because it's unusual and difficult to initiate.

Acadian - no they aren't, I tell it's a job keeping up with them sometimes.

--

The Civil War is everywhere now, the road north and west has been plagued with squabbles, some of which have forced the girls to take sides when perhaps would not have chosen too, only to be turned on by the very people they helped.

Increasigly frustrated by their seeming inability to locate an Dwemer ruins, they have for the time being thrown themselves into the conflict, and are currently making life very difficult - (and painful and short) - for the Thalmor in Northwatch Keep...
...Although it isn't going quite as well as they had hoped.

--

Why can't they locate dwemer ruins? I know where a huge place is. Don't want to spoil though.



Oh no. Damn, that's a typo. *facepalm* Now everyone's going to think I'm into fishing. But yeah, that is a neat quest; it's too bad the townspeople don't revive NightCAller somehow. I'm sure they can get to work on PC.

I always call it Nightcrawler Temple too. I guess it is just the X-Men fan in me. Not to mention of Forever Knight/Nigel Bennet.

Because both of them have only hazy ideas where they are roughly

That being said, we leave them for the time-being at Bthardamz, having finally located one of what they were seeking. It would be perfection itself if they could only get in and it wasn't infected by the Afflicted.
Still, you can't have everything, and Annekke's sense of wonder at being in the midst of such ancient ruins is infectious.

--

It was an eventful and slightly strange journey from the the Thalmor base. Annekke suspects that her companion sometimes forgets that she, Annekke, is not a Kat as she goes racing ahead up the steepest of cliffs leaving the Nord struggling behind like some wet-eared serving maid who's never done anything more active than make a bed or serve a beer.
It's not that she resents it mind, it's just that sometimes she wishes Alaie would slow down!

There was another awkward moment during the night, caught in the open in a vicious snow storm, the girls were forced to huddle against a rock, which provided little shelter. Alaie noticed that Annekke was growing cold and less responsive and, to Annekke's surprise, responded to this by removing all of her armour and clothing.
"Take off your armour..." Said the Kat.
"Wh... What?" Replied Annekke, cold and exhaustion adding to her confusion.
"Your armour, take it off, or you will die, hmmm?"

Annekke felt like death, and was in no real position to argue, and so did as she was bid, covering herself with her hands and arms as the Kat moved across the rock to her.
"No time for modesty." Said the Kat. "This one has nothing you don't have."
(In the half-light it occurred even to Annekke's befuddled mind that the Kat appeared to have as far as she could tell eight of the things that she herself had only two of and was therefore well ahead of her anyway...)

"Hold me." Said the Kat, and wrapped her furry body around the Nord. Panicking slightly Annekke resisted.
"This is not the time...!" She said, a little more shrilly than she intended.
Alaie looked at her a moment, green eyes shining. Comprehension dawned and she frowned.
"Don't be an ass! This one possesses fur yes? You don't, no? Alaie will warm you, but the armour will suck the warmth away, yes?"
"Um..." It made sense, it was just that Annekke was more used wearing furs that did not still have a pulse.

Still, as the two women snuggled into each other and Annekke felt herself disappearing into the soft fur of the Kat, and subsequently growing warmer, she had to admit that as fur coats went it certainly wasn't a bad one...

--

A fur coat with a pulse!