So, I've been working on this since before Skyrim came out now and I think it's about time I publish it. I'm still working on Felisas Memoires, I actually got really inspired yesterday and wrote up the ending so now I know exactly where I want to go with it. I just wanted to get started on publishing this story as well.

I'm no longer working on A Strange Love, you'll probably have gotten it by now but I just wanted to get it out. I might go back to it and continue sometime, but then I'll make a completely new version and it probably won't happen for a very long time.

I change a lot of the things in the main quest in this story, because the dragons really should be able to use all the shouts(it's their language after all) and a lot of other reasons. Ekali won't only follow the main quest though, not like Felisa did. And I'll also have this story be much more orderly, in that I'll divide every chapter in numbered parts and will be writing a "what came before" paragraph at the start of each update.

Anyway, this is the story of the khajiit Ekali, and her journey through Skyrim.

Ekali of the Frozen Heights
Book one

Prologue

The female threw herself across the cold stone just as fire lit the sky, melting the snow of her former location. The beast roared out his rage as he turned after the khajiit, pale fangs still hot from the fire. She thought up the words when its jaws clamped shut above her, forcing Ekali to roll out of the way as it brought its head down again.

“Fo Krah!” The shout was loud, and covered the beast in frost as he lifted his muzzle towards the sky in rage. He flapped his wings, unleashing more fire in her direction, and took to the air.

Getting up from her crouch, the khajiit sprinted across the ice crusted stone, coming to a stop at her pack from which she drew a bow and quiver. The bow was already strung in anticipation for an event just like this, and she put an arrow to it just as the beast came around for another go. Her hands wouldn't be still as she aimed for the creature, and it was by chance that the arrow stuck in its throat. She sprinted again as he roared in fury, black eyes intent on her body.

“Dovahkiin! Zun Haal Viik!” His powerful voice was triumphant as the bow flew out of the woman’s grasp, and she cursed, barely avoiding the swipe from his tail when he flew past. As it was the blast of wind knocked her of her feet, and she pictured a fireball in her mind as she got up again. The dragon was wrapped in flames mere moments before his feet connected with her shoulders and threw her backwards.

Her feline claws where out before she had time to process the empty space beneath her feet, clinging like picks to the ice encrusting the rocky mountain. The stone shuddered as the dragon landed and made his way towards the precipice on which she was hanging.

“Dovahkiin.” The beast smiled at her as he lowered his head, looking over her white body.

The tension on her claws was causing a numbness in her hands when she hung there, and the khajiit grunted when she tried to get a better grip on the cliff side as well as getting her legs up. She'd be damned if she didn't get up, she knew that all to well.

“Trouble, Dovahkiin? Perhaps you should have practised your claws before coming, they often make a lot of difference.” He smiled again as he reached one of his feet out, extending a claw. He looked at it briefly before turning back at her. “How is it you say... oh yes, any last words?” Ekali kept quiet and he smiled again, edging further out on the edge to get to her.

The light of the blue green aurora reflected on his scales when he got closer, making him look even more majestic than before. His head had the shape of an arrowhead with spikes that were angled backwards from his face. His eyes were dark, and the scales had a soft brown colour to them.

She narrowed her eyes at the dragon as she tried to get a better grip on the ice, and clung tighter when the wind picked up, tousling her fur. The ice was mixed with snow, and her hands were barely noticeable because she didn't wear any gauntlets at the time.

The beast crept closer still, and put his foot on her paw to be able to break her grip. With a last smile that caused the blue light to be reflected by his teeth, he tore her away from the cliff, and opened his mouth to shout.

“Fus Ro Dah!” The shout threw her further away from the ledge, away from any hope of survival, and caused her to yell out in shock.

Oh hellfire, was the one thought that went through her head as she looked down at the ground far beneath her, the wind wining past her ears.

* * *

End note: So, there's the prologue. You don't get to find out what happened for a long time though as the prologue takes place long after the first chapter, which I intend to post the first part of on Tuesday. And I really like constructive criticism.

Lol...Constructive criticism... ...

Aaamywho...

Nice one!!... ...

Exciting, loved it!!...

Looking forward to more!!...

EDIT!!...Something I just thought of whilst putting my tea on... ...While I agree that all the dragons would know all the words of the language...I think the fact that there are differing species, some would not be able to do the "active effect" shouts - fire dragons can't do frost damage and frost dragons, fire...Y'know?...Possibly the strength of magic depends on the size (original age?) of the individual dragons...So the Slow Time or whatever could be used by the older ones more effectively than the "younger" ones...

Just my twopenneth... ...

Well done...Keep going...*Applauds*...

Thanks Didn't really think further with the dragons than that it's silly that they can only use one shout, so I think I'll have to think a bit about that. Perhaps that they all know all of the words but only the oldest ones(blood dragons, Alduin, and the one that's actually willing to talk to you) are the only ones able to use all of them well enough for it to be worth it. Fire dragons might be able to use three shouts effectively, frost dragons seven shouts and blood dragons at least fourteen. Alduin has to be one of the most powerful who can use all of them. He won't be the only one but the others will also be given specific names. Will definitely be different for individual dragons, will have to think about it... I'm babbling now ain't I?

Thanks for pointing it out McBadgere. ^^ Gave me something more to think about, not sure if that's positive for me, but it'll make for a better story.

Sorry...*Pouts*... ...

There's at least two other Dragons in the game that can do everything...But they're both good...I'm not sure if saying there's good dragons is a spoiler or not?...Aaamywho...Yes, good dragons...



As if I can say anything about that...Lol... ...

GAAAAH! Skyrim !!! Hope you'll post some screens too !!! Congrats on your new story !!

Ooh, this looks good! Exciting combat with a dragon, shouts and even a literal cliffhanger for the reader to get hooked on. Like it, like it a lot!

There is a bit of nitpicking I can do though:

This sentence strikes me as a little strange, here; are you missing a word? Because at the moment it seems a little odd.

Still, it's a good piece you've got here at the moment, and I'm looking forward to more. FUS RO DAH!

*Raises a brow* I'll be reading this story, I think it'll be interesting

McBadgere: I believe I've already met the dragons you speak of, didn't want to mention them by name though. Already finished the MQ with Deesei.

mALX: There'll definitely be pictures coming And thanks

Colonel Mustard: Thanks That's one of the few errors I've ever done intentionally actually for the simple fact that most dragons would consider humanoids to be inferior and therefore are very unlikely to consider learning their language properly.

Zalphon: Thank you.

A bad joke about cliffhangers springs to mind...

I shall be keeping an eye on this story. Looks intriguing.

Chapter 1.1 Bloody white sights

The star-covered sky gazed down upon the mountains in the chilly night, making sure that every creature slept, and that no animal had left the side of their mate. The trees together with the rocks covered the fire from watching eyes, all but two pairs who looked down on the watchman who'd been placed to make sure that no one crept close to the sleeping bandits.

The soft twang of the bow and the noise as the arrow pierced the watchman’s throat, pinning him dead to the tree, went unnoticed by the people sleeping in the bedrolls. Thus allowing the owners of the two sets of eyes to creep unseen into the light of the fire.

She was the first one into the light, her bow now secured on her back and her dagger in hand. With her yellow khajiit eyes she looked back at the gray wolf following after her. He looked back at at the woman, and with an understanding that only they shared, each of them approached a sleeping bandit.

Simply pausing to note that the man was a nord, she slit his throat as quietly as possible, while the wolf used his claws for the same purpose on another man. In this manner they continued until the last four sleeping bandits were dead, but she still waited for a while before standing up straight, and giving a smile to her companion.

“Say Gladio, you don't think these might have been the people we were looking for?” she asked the wolf and turned from him to search the pockets of the man she'd just killed. He answered with two quick barks, and a faint smile appeared on the khajiits' lips.

“Why I think you're right, just look at what I found in this ones pocket,” She held the black amulet she'd found up into the air for Gladio to see, and he gave her an expression that could only be interpreted as a smug smile. Then she looked around the little clearing, and grabbed a couple of sacks lying by the fire. Beneath the ancient pines she then stopped to kneel by each bandit to remove their equipment and stuff it in the bags.

Most of their armour lay on the ground next to them, but it still was tedious work, and when Ekali went to recover the one arrow she had used, she was forced to break the shaft to have any chance of getting it out of the watchman. He slumped to the hard ground. The ground on the side of the mountain was tundra, the ice mixed with earth so frozen it did not even soften during summer. The Jerall Mountains never did attract much warmth though.

She undressed the dead man and put his fur armour in the sacks as well, then the female took him under his arms and dumped him in a pile with his companions. She used snow to extinguish the fire, and when she picked up the now filled sacks she sunk a couple inches into the snow from the weight.

“Come on boy, we gotta get going,” Ekali said, and with the wolf at her heels she began the trek into the forest again. Her eyes glanced up into the sky after a little while, noting the storm clouds coming further towards the mountains for every hour and she shivered, though not from the cold.

* * * * *

It was the thunder and the hard, cold wind that first told of the coming of the snowstorm. Gladio barked unhappily, and the woman whom was having a hard time staying on her feet looked around for a deep enough pile of snow. She bent down by a tree, and set to dig a hole with her hands. Understanding her intention, Gladio barked and came forth to help. She backed away, giving the wolf room to dig.

It didn't take very long with Gladios' help, but when the khajiit crawled into the shelter after him the storm had picked up it's pace and snow whirled past outside. There was so much of it you couldn't see your hand if you held it out in front of you, and the cold would have been excruciating for most people.

The cave of snow was barely big enough to sit in, and she took her bedroll from where she'd fastened it on her back, blocking the entrance with the sacks. Ekali then put the bedroll in the bottom of the cave, and laid down on it to wait out the storm. Accustomed to the situation, Gladio crouched down besides her, and she put her arms around him so that they could provide each other with warmth. After that, there wasn't much to do, and a silence soon fell upon the the snow cave.

Much cool!!...Love it...Nothing like a good attack on a bandit camp to get the attention... ...

One clumsy sentence nit...



Possibly "two sets of eyes"...*Shrug*...

More!!...

Nice one... ...

PS...Love this bit...

Gave me goosebumps... ...Nice one...

I wonder what the amulet was? I enjoyed this start. I think it’s cool that Ekali has a wolf for a companion.
The storm at the end was a neat touch too. Looking forward to the next update.

Her sneak must be phenomenal to get into a bandit camp without awakening them, Maxical can't get within 50 feet without an arrow in her, lol. Great Write !!

Looting the dead...for shame, for shame. Just kidding!

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: In the last episode Ekali attacked a bandit camp together with the wolf Gladio. Having killed all of the bandits she found an amulet that indicated they were the people she'd been looking for, and packed up the equipment to take it with her. Then they were overcome by a snowstorm, and with the help of Gladio Ekali made a small snow-cave in which to wait it out.

Chapter 1.2 Cold blue skies

The sky was clear above the buzzing city, the kind of blue that you only ever see after a snowstorm, and because of it the air was even colder that usual. Ekali nodded to the guard on duty, and upon seeing the legions' mark on her shoulder, he let her through to the city itself.

It was a big city, though she'd been told it'd long ago been both larger and better kept. The southern part of the city, the area now on her left, was the huge slums where the largest part of the population lived. It was named the old quarter, because that's the part of the city which have barely changed since the Oblivion crisis. Old and run-down hovels dominated the old quarter, and of those with any money, only fools went there at any time of the day.

Even in the rest of the city it wasn't uncommon to see the foundation of a house which no one had ever bothered reconstructing. The merchants quarter was the one closest to where the khajiit stood at the present moment. That's where you went to have your things repaired or to buy new ones. Next to the gate through which she'd come there was a small tavern, the cheapest in town. Only travellers ever lived there.

From where she stood Ekali could see the chapel standing in the middle of the city. It towered over all buildings but the castle, to bad then that no one had ever bothered repairing it. Broken glass and dirty stones, even the priests only ever wore ragged robes. She wondered sometimes how the town looked 200 years ago, before the beginning of the Oblivion crisis and the end of the third era, but she still was happy that she came to Bruma. You grew accustomed to the cold after a while.

Taking a new grip on the sacks she'd got flung over her shoulder, the woman pulled her hood tighter around her head in a vain attempt to get warmer, then she forced her feet to move over the snow crusted stones. The only people outside were beggars at 2 pm, and she longed after a cup of Nordic ale after a long time in the snow. But duty required her to leave the sacks with the outlaws' equipment to the arms master in the barracks, and so that's where she headed.

The barracks had been relocated to the side of the northern gate just after an accident several years back, before she came to Bruma. It laid just between the north gate and the towns only bakery in the merchants quarter.

Ekalis' steps took her for a while along the White Road which went straight from the east gate to the castle, and through the square situated outside the chapel of Mara. Then she turned onto Axe Avenue towards the northern gate and zigzagged through the crowd. The avenue was by far the largest of the five streets going parallel to each other of which the Merchants quarter consisted and was thus the most trafficked of the roads. Here stood one of the branches of Divine Elegance as well as the Sparkling Pearl, without a doubt the most lavish inn in town. These where only two of the many buildings lining the street however, most of them so exclusive that she'd never put a foot within the door.

Because the road was so wide she got through the throng of people rather quickly, silently thanking the gods that it was the end of the week.

It didn't take long before the northern gate and walls met her eyes, and with them the barracks. Being one of the very few stone buildings within the city it was quite a sight, and every now and then guards entered and left the building.

Stepping up on the porch of the building she kicked the snow of her boots and reached out to open the door. At the same moment though, someone else opened it from inside and she stood where she was when one of the city watch stepped out. He recognised her rather quickly once he looked up.

“Ekali,” He said and both of them put their right hands to their chests in the customary legion greeting. “The captain was just starting to wonder whether you'd disappeared.”

“Janus. I was caught in a snowstorm a few days up the mountains after tracking the bandits and taking care of them,” she answered and he smiled, rubbing his hands together for warmth.

“It's almost so that I regret asking to be posted here in Bruma, it's so cold all the time.” He shivered slightly, and then looked at her again. “Well, me and a couple others are headed to the Spotted Snow-bear in a while, you coming?” It was first then that Ekali noticed that instead of wearing his guard armour the imperial wore the common wool breaches and shirt, mittens, fur boots and a wool scarf that he'd wrapped around his neck.

“Sorry, can't. I have to get these bags to the quartermaster and then I intend to take a warm bath. Maybe later though.” She hefted the bags up for him to see them better, and he nodded.

“Al right, we'll probably be there for quite a long while anyway. I heard a caravan just arrived from The Imperial City and would like to know what news they bring. Someone ought to have talked to them. Just don't take too long will you. I think Felix's got a crush on you. He's been absolutely miserable this last month,” he said and smirked.

“Felix don't ever get a crush, he just gets sick all the time. And when do I ever take long when I do something?” She said and he stepped down from the porch with a shrug.

“True that. You do take quite a long time tracking in the mountains though.”

“Well, at least I catch what I set out to catch. Not like the last forester up here. You told me he never got anything done and spent a third of every month in town. And then he went and killed himself in a snowstorm because he couldn't dig a proper snow cave. I read the report on his death.” The khajiit shook her head in disgust and Janus snickered.

“I'll see you later I suppose,” He said and walked away from her along the eastern road when she stepped inside the door to the barracks.

The Bruma barracks were divided into three levels. The cellar with storage and practice area, the ground floor held the dining area and that's where the captain of the guard had his office. The second level was where everyone slept and took care of other business. It looked quite a bit like the Fighter's guild hall, though there wasn't any ornaments around.

She turned to the cellar door and walked down, hailing the quartermaster and putting her load on the table before him.

“You had a good hunt?” He asked when all of the formalities had been taken care of and he'd stowed away the equipment in the room behind him.

“Yeah, I got caught in a snowstorm on the way back, but otherwise it was a quite calm trip. If you don't count on the fact that I spent a lot of time hunting outlaws and making sure they didn't see me that is.” He smiled and shook my hand.

“I'm sure it wasn't to hard for you. Now I've got some paperwork to do, and I imagine you'd like to take a bath. We can talk more later,” he said and she smiled before walking back up the stairs.

I was trying to figure out what town Ekali was in, only to realize I was thinking of the wrong province when it was revealed!

Chapel of Talos? That wouldn’t be tolerated in an Imperial city at these times. Rebellious.

A warm bath sounds like it would be absolutely wonderful after trekking around the Jeralls.

When I was thinking of my character's backstory a few months ago, one angle that I thought about was the possibly that she was a legion scout or forester. A Khajiit would be a natural in either of those roles.

Chapel of Talos?! How did that get in there... It's supposed to be Mara, sorry.

Thanks for the comments! I'm going to avoid saying more than that, because I don't want to give anything out, but several answers will be provided before the end of the chapter. I've mapped it out so that the last part of the chapter will be posted on the 23:rd. After that it will take a while since we're going on vacation on the 25:th and I'm quite positive I won't have access to any computer.

Niiice... ...

I like Bruma...I think it's my fave city on Oblivion...'Tis were my first char makes his home...Him being a Nord and all... ...

Aaamywho...Brilliant write...Love the descriptions of the places...Makes Bruma larger than it is in the game...Love that...

Nice one... ...*applauds*...

McBadgere: Bruma always was my favorite city in the game to.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali arrived in Bruma after hunting down some bandits and preceded to give their equipment to the arms master after having been given an invitation to drink with some friends. Then she went to take a bath. Next, she takes her friends offer and gets some news she'd rather not have.

Chapter 1.3 News to ruffle feathers

The noise level was high in the tavern even before she stepped within it's doors. People laughing and shouting out to each other, occasionally the clatter of jugs as a drunk lost hold of their drink. Her eyes looked over the familiar building, the huge logs of which the walls are built weathered by time, and a smile crept upon her lips at the sight of the spotted snow bear on the sign.

You could get whatever drink you wanted in there as the owner cared a lot about her spirits. Whether that was a sujamma from Morrowind or a bottle of Tamika's from the third era, she'd have gotten it. Of course the Tamika's wouldn't come cheaply, but then it was about two hundred years old as well.

The spotted snow bear was also the tavern that all of the guards and the Fighters Guild went to. There was even an occasional magi in there, which all in all made it a rather orderly place, not that one would think so hearing all the noise. The few civilians in the place were the middle class shop keepers. The high class wouldn't come because they didn't want to mix with “common fighters” and the lesser class wouldn't come because they couldn't afford it for the most part, and the owner didn't accept ill-gotten means. Some of them simply wanted trouble, and if you came there looking for trouble, you'd be thrown out through the door.

Stepping up on the porch, she opened the door and slowly inhaled as a wave of alcohol and noise pushed itself against her. The khajiits eyes slid over the room to locate the group with whom she usually drank, and she made her way across the familiar establishment. One of the guardsmen with Nordic heritage, Olaf Strongaxe, raised his jug in greeting as she approached. Greeting all of them she seated herself at the table and waved for a serving wench.

“So, have you had any luck with your quarry?” Olaf asked and the woman smiled in return.

“Are all of you Nords so blunt?” she asked in answer and ordered a jug of mead from the waiter when she came up.

“Aye, most definitely,” Olaf said and let out a booming laugh. There were several amused smiles around the table, and as soon as Olaf went quiet Ekali began the telling of what she'd done those last weeks. When she finished talking, Janus was the one who continued the conversation.

“So, when do we get to meet this wolf whom have been guarding your back? Gladio, I believe you called him.” She'd gotten her jug a while ago, and took a swig from it before answering.

“Never probably. He's not very fond of towns, the smells and noises tend to be to much for him.” She looked pointedly at Olaf when saying the last, and the rest of the men either guffawed or chuckled loudly. “Have anything interesting happened lately?”

“Very little. Some nwah started shouting about the end of the world a couple weeks ago. Apparently someone’s minions are going to engulf the world in fire, and then that someone is going to eat it. I think that's what he meant anyway. To make a long story short we threw him in the dungeon, and he haven't bothered anyone since.” The single dark elf of the guard, Neven, said and chuckled. She smiled back at him.

“And then there was the centurion whom arrived a two days ago. Arurus Brecus, was that his name? Anyway he was asking around about you,” Olaf cut in, and the females spirits dropped noticeably.

“Arturius Braccus, Olaf, that's what he's called,” Janus said and then looked at Ekali, continuing when he noticed the solemn expression on her face. “Do you know him?”

“He was my commanding officer back in the Imperial City, we didn't part on the best of terms.” She shrugged. “Can't imagine why he'd want to meet me.”

“Perhaps he just want to see how you are, doesn't have to be anything bad you know,” Neven said and she looked over at him.

“That's why we didn't part on the best of terms, because he wanted to see me,” she grumbled, and Olaf spewed his drink over the table.

“An Imperial wanted to... Sorry, just have to get the picture out of my brain. But then it just makes even less sense.” Neven stammered when he spoke, and she glared at him.

“I don't want to talk about it,” she hissed and he nodded.

“Um sure. Hey, Janus I heard you're getting married. Who's the lucky girl?” The rest of them around the table took a while longer than Neven to recover, and so it took a while before Janus registered what he'd said. The khajiit sunk down in the chair and didn't look much like she wanted to be there. She drank to much while her friends talked, which in turn made certain that she wouldn't remember the nights events.

Oooh, a mysterious past too! (well...She hinted at what it was but y'know?)... ...

Blimey... ...

Nice one!... ...

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

McBadgere: ^^ thank you

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

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

Chapter 1.4 Crude Awakening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More excellentness!!!...

Brilliant job...

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

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

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

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

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

Looking forward to more!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1.5 Sell-out

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you want me to come with you?”

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

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

* * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“But why..?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOooh blimey... ...

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

Excellently done...*Applauds*...

Intriguing story going down there... ...

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

Nice one!... ...

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

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

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

Chapter 1.6 Silent night

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

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

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

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

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

* * *

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

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

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

“Any idea what it is, or how many?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent!!..

Nice one!!... ...

Have a nice break!... ...

Merry Xmas... ...

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

~~

Merry Christmas!

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

All: Hope you had a good holiday!

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

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

Chapter 2.1 Crossing the Border

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, ma'am,” the driver said.

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

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

???? Sorry

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

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

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

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

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

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

I put 50 septims on Alduin poking his ugly snout into proceedings next chapter...

Also is it just me or do those prisoners seem rather familiar...

What could you possibly mean


I'm not betting against you, no no.


Sorry, but there's no update today. Will try and get it written until Tuesday.

No update today? Well that's it! I'm never reading this story again!

Colonel Mustard: Oh really...

What can I say guys, I've been really busy and I'm sorry, but school has to come first. I should have an update for Felisa's memoirs soon though.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Having been betrayed by the legion, Ekali was sent of towards Skyrim knowing nothing but the fact that the chance of survival was slim. Arriving at the border pass after seeing Gladio for what might have been the last time, she and the soldiers came upon a group of Imperials whom had just caught some Stormcloaks, and was in need of another carriage. So she travels on towards Helgen, and towards what she believes is her doom.

Chapter 2.2 Lined up for the block

It was afternoon when the group of prisoners and soldiers approached Helgen. None of the prisoners did much, and the soldiers kept quiet. Then the khajiit raised her head after opening her eyes. She looked around for a bit, on the huge mountains and swaying pines, before her eyes rested on the other prisoners.

The one straight across from her had quite tall hair for a man, and it had the blonde colour she'd often seen on Nords. He had the beginning of a beard on his face, and turned his attention to the khajiit when he noticed that she was awake.

“Hey you, you're finally awake. You came on this carriage didn't you? From Cyrodiil,” the soldier said, and Ekali nodded to him.

“Damn you stormcloaks. Skyrim was fine until you came along. Empire was nice and lazy. If they hadn't been looking for you I could have stolen that horse and been halfway to Hammerfell by now. I shouldn't be here, neither should you I reckon,” the Nord in rags said turning his eyes on the khajiit.

“We're all brothers and sisters in binds bow, thief,” the blonde soldier answered, sighing heavily.

“Shut up back there!” a soldier called out from the front, though the prisoners paid no mind.

“And what's wrong with him, huh?” the thief asked, turning his eyes to the man in finery.

“Watch your tongue. You're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true high king.”

“Ulfric? The Jarl of Windhelm? You're the leader of the rebellion. But if they've captured you... Oh gods, where are they taking us?” the thiefs' voice took a shrill tone towards the end, as he put his head in his hands.

“I don't know where we're going, but Sovngarde awaits.” The blonde soldier looked at the thief.

“No, this can't be happening. This isn't happening.”

“Hey, what village are you from horse-thief?” The thief raised his head when the other man spoke.

“Why do you care?”

“A Nords last thought's should be of home.”

“Rorikstead. I'm... I'm from Rorikstead.” Just then their gazes were drawn to the wooden gate looming above them, a man standing at the top of it.

“General Tullius sir, the headsman is waiting!” the soldier at the gate called out before it opened.

“Good, let's get this over with,” the general said, splitting of from the column when he came through the gate, and rode up to a group of Altmer nearby.

“Shor, Mara, Dibella, Kynareth, Akatosh. Divines, please help me,” the thief begged in a scared voice. He sat with his head in his hands as the carriage continued through the small town.

“Look at him, General Tallius the Military Governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they'd something to do with this,” the Nord soldier said as they rode past the General and the high elves. He gazed over their surrounding as they continued. “This is Helgen, I used to be sweet on a girl from here. I wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries mixed in. Funny, when I was a boy, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe.” The soldiers voice changed from informative, to distant and then to anger as he told the khajiit about the place.

The carriages moved through the streets to an open space where they were steered of to the side. “Get these prisoners out of the cart, move it!” the Imperial Captain from earlier called out as they drove up to a wall and the thief’s head flew up.

“Why are we stopping?” he asked, looking around.

“What do you think? End of the line. Let's go, shouldn't keep the gods waiting for us.” The prisoners stood up in the cart and moved out of it one by one.

“No, wait, we're not rebels!” the thief called out with panic when Ekali made her way out of the carriage.

“Face you death with some courage, thief.” The Nord soldier didn't turn to the other man when responding, and then as one of the soldiers started to read from a list of names, he started to fidget more and more. Ulfric Stormcloak, Ralof of Riverwood and then when it was time for Lokir of Rorikstead, he ran only to be shot down by the archers. The soldier reading the list noted that the female khajiits' name was not there, but the captain said she'd be put to the block in any case.

Ekali followed the Captain quietly, coming to a stop next to Ralof, and looked on as the general and then the priestess began to talk. It was not long before one of the soldiers interrupted and walked up to the block of his own volition.

Annoyed, the priestess stepped aside, and the Imperial Captain pushed the prisoner down to the block. Ekali winced when the executioner's axe came down, but she met the Captain's eyes straight on when the woman called out that it was the khajiits' turn. Not hesitating, she walked forward and came to stand in front of the block before the Captain pushed her down as well.

Looking up at the executioner, Ekali heard the same strange sound the others heard, as well as the calls from people wondering what it was as the executioner readied his axe. The Captain ordered them to go on with it, and effectively put a stop to the worry that was spreading.

Lying on the side, Ekali got a great look at the creature as it flew towards Helgen and perched on one of the towers closest to the group. As panic erupted in the small town, the dragon made some kind of sound, throwing people back from it. The executioner came flying over her as she tumbled to the ground, head spinning. Her head held nothing but chaos until someone shouted in her ear, pulling her up on her feet.

“Up khajiit! We need to move!” Her vision returned to her just I time to see the blonde Nord in front of her, then burning rocks fell around them and she was running after the man, fighting to stay on her feet.

I thought you were avoiding this scene by the beginning chapters, lol. This scene will eventually end up being like the Oblivion Tutorial Dungeon, but right now it is still fresh and new - yours is the first !! You did an Awesome job of bringing it to life !!

I'm enjoying it immensely. I got a bit behind or lost or doesn't matter, I'm caught up now.

Haven't played any Skyrim, I know that's slanderous but I'm still on Morrowind, so I am anxious to see what happens next as I have NO idea.

Keep it going, looking forward to some more of the story.

Uh oh, I don't think Vilod will be making that juniper mead for much longer. I'm caught up with Ekali now, and enjoying her adventure. Far more than she is, I'm sure!

I'm wondering what's going to happen next. Who will she trust?

I know this part is short, but this way I can guarantee that I'll have another update on Tuesday.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali was framed for murder and shipped of to Skyrim. On the way, she together with her escorts came upon a group of Imperial soldiers in need of a carriage to take their prisoners to Helgen. As it turns out, the prisoners were Ulfric Stormcloak and a group of his soldiers. The Imperial captain decided to execute Ekali with the others, but once Ekali put her head on the block a dragon appeared and attacked Helgen. Now, being free of her bonds, what will she do?

Chapter 2.3 Split-second decision

Screams and burning wood roared outside the doors of the tower, that was what Ekali heard when she slumped down next to the stone wall as Ralof spoke to the Jarl who was now standing. She was rubbing her forehead in frustration, not really knowing what to do next now that she was free. Getting out of Helgen of course, but then what could she do? She'd been so focused on death that she could think of little else.

She managed to clear her head in time to see that the men had stopped speaking, and stood up to look at them. Ralof walked over to her, telling her that they had to get further up the tower, and Ekali followed.

Almost having reached the middle level, the two were thrown back by a blast as the beast knocked the wall in and there came a stream of fire through it. The heat licked at their faces where they huddled on the stairs, and when the fiery air cooled, the dragon gone to hunt others, both of them hurried to the hole left in the wall.

“Jump through to the roof of the inn, I'll come later,” Ralof said, pointing to the house just outside the tower, and Ekali nodded to him, stepping back a bit and then leaping across he gap to land with a grunt on the floor of the upper level of the building. Glancing back, she saw the Nord disappear back down the tower stairs, and she herself made her way out of the building towards the street.

The soldier whom had been calling out names yelled for a man to hide as she came up to him, and the cause was evident when the dragon landed on the street and fire sprouted where the man had just stood. Staggering back, Ekali crouched by the Imperial soldier.

“Still alive prisoner? I suggest you stay with me if you want to keep it that way,” the soldier said without turning around, giving instructions to the other man and the boy whom had been with them. He arose again when the dragon took of, and Ekali had to run to keep up with him as he ran down the street, eyes flying about.

She stooped down to grab the short-sword of a dead soldier just before they came onto a fallen building and had to go into the road on their left to get around it.

“Take cover by the wall!” the soldier called to her as she jumped down the broken stairs after him, and mere moments after she pressed her back into the shadow of the wall the dragon landed above them, placing its wings inches from her face and causing fire to surround a group standing further away.

The dragon did not linger, taking to the air again, and Ekali ran with the soldier down the small road, through a burned house and then out onto the open space in front of the gate. He said something to the soldiers holding the area, and then they were of running again.

The courtyard contained little debris though the dragon swept over it every other minute, and Ekali soon saw Ralof coming on the other side.

“Get out of our way Hadvar!” Ralof said venomously when they stopped before each other.

“You'll pay for this Stormcloak,” the Imperial answered and took of towards one of the doors to the keep while calling for Ekali to follow him.

“We have to get out of here,” Ralof said and hurried to another door. Ekali was struck by indecision, but made her mind up when she saw the black dragon come for another go over the courtyard, and sprinted after the Nord just as he got the door open.

*Applauds both sections*...

You're really rendering that opening sequence excellently you know?...

Brilliantly done...

Looking forward to seeing which way she'll chose in the upcoming segment... ...

Nice one!!...