Aravi watched Kayla go. She finished her dessert and pushed the plate away. She stood up and stretched, her back cracked. She placed enough coins on the counter for her meal and a little extra. She made her way up the stairs where she ran into Hethilion outside one of the rooms.

“Could you come to my room and fill my bath for me? When you are done here of course.”

“I’ll be right with you,” he replied tiredly.

“Thanks.”

Aravi went into her room and lay down on the bed.

She woke with a start to the sound of Hethilion’s voice. “Would you prefer a bath in the morning?”

She almost said yes, but she remembered she had things to do in the morning. “No fill it for me please. I promise not to fall asleep in it. Do you have any oils?”

“I’ll bring you some.”

He began the process of filling the tub with his magic. Steam filled the room. When he was done he said, “I will be right back.”

“Thank you.”

While he was out she removed her armor and wrapped a blanket about herself. He knocked before coming in, poured in the oil, and then left again. Aravi dropped the blanket and locked the door after he left. Then she settled into the luxurious bath. The oil was scented like flowers. She scrubbed the dirt out of her fur and then soaked the pains out of her muscles and joints. When she was done her fur was soft and smelled of the oils. She dried herself off and crawled under the covers of her bed without dressing.

Kayla got up and checked her pack. She counted six cure disease vials, each correctly labeled. Five of her strongest healing potions; two to brush onto surface wounds, and three to drink in case on internal damage. Two potions to increase her stamina and one in case she ran out of magick. She sighed and checked her ingredients. Just foodstuffs. She groaned in frustration. This wouldn't do.

She climbed back into bed and fell into an uneasy sleep.

Abiene

“I’m glad I was able to help,” said Abiene. She briefly pressed Irvana’s hand between her own. “Often a trauma like the one you have experienced brings up memories that you thought were long buried. You mentioned that you had been attacked before. If you find yourself becoming upset again, seek me out in my chamber. I know spells that ease the mind and settle the nerves, even bring on a peaceful sleep. But for now I think you have the right idea. Drink the broth and have some heartier food if you can manage it. That will help to strengthen your blood.”

She smiled at Irvana as she moved to the door. “I will say goodnight, Irvana. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Auguste

Auguste looked around the tavern. Most of their guests had gone to their rooms for the night. Only Theudebald remained at the bar with Tooth and Laegon.

He caught Stefania’s eye. “Go on up to bed,” he told her. “I can hear Yetta banking the kitchen fires for the night. See you in the morning.”

Stefania sent one last look at the bard as she moved toward the stairs.

Auguste shook his head. Be careful what you wish for.

Irvana nodded in acknowledgement when Abiene explained she could also heal the mind. That an attack such as this could bring up painful memories long dormant within her mind. Irvana knew this, but she didn't tell Abiene so. No matter what spells would be used, nothing would give Irvana a true peaceful sleep. She hadn't had a goodnight in ages, and this recent attack would surely provoke more nightmares.

With the information within my mind, one would be overwhelmed by the flood of endless memories.

She still sat there even after Abiene left for the door, and offered a smile to her. Broth and a stronger meal would help strengthen her blood. Like many of the others, she would call it a night and retreat into bed after a long day.

Irvana smiled back at Abiene. "You have served me well. Goodnight, Abiene."

And after Abiene departed for her own chamber did Irvana rise to her feet and with nimble steps made her way to the bath. After a few minutes of washing her cold body thoroughly from head to toe, did she dry herself and prepared for the night after Hethilion left her with the broth. She headed to the entrance door. There she listened as the tavern became somewhat more silent. Everyone left for their chambers to prepare for the day and Irvana anticipated the morning to come in which the vampire hunter and her allies would leave to strike a blow to the nocturnal parasites once and for all. She anticipated it, but she was patient. Ever so patient.

Their time will come soon enough, Irvana told herself.

In the hallway, Irvana listened and looked but she didn't make a step from the safety of her own room. Leaving her swords inside, she appeared nothing but a common young woman of nobility. Defenseless and unable to hold her own. Thus she remained there with her head peeked out of the room she was given for free.

Footsteps grew louder and Irvana craned her head to the side to see a young Imperial girl rising from the steps and making her way toward her. Irvana swore she saw this girl serving food earlier before her attention was captured by her rather frightening entrance.

The girl's hair was down for bed and set behind her red velvet clothes; and her face was written with sleepiness and eagerness to leave the first floor behind with a pout to make it stronger. This gave her a warm radiance and made her lively brown eyes seem large. Even in the clothes she had covering her body, her face and breasts were round and soft; and she struck Irvana as an innocent and intriguing soul clothed in fine attire and flesh.

The servant girl seemed eager to go to bed, and hurried as she swiftly rushed to the ladder leading to the attic until she spotted Irvana looked through the door. She gasped.

"Oh! Hey, are you okay?" the girl inquired. "I saw what happened. I'm glad you're safe with us."

Irvana looked around, and gently pushed the door a bit further. She didn't answer the girl right away.

Stefania squinted her eyes. "Why aren't you asleep?"

Irvana opened the door a bit more, and stepped out. The girl seemed pleasently surprised to see her wound had been cleaned and she was refreshed and enchanting as ever. Irvana rubbed the back of her head and fixed her black hair. "I can't sleep. I'm not very tired."

Stefania sighed. "You can try to sleep. Drink some of the special wine, it will knock you right out. I'm sure someone could help you out downstairs. As for myself I am very sleepy."

"You had a long day." Irvana didn't make this a question.

"Yes," Stefania said. "Now I get to rest it off in some dark and dirty attic."

Irvana's eyes brightened. A smile slowly crept on the side of her face with a hint of what could be a disgusted expression. "You sleep in an attic?"

Stefania nodded.

Irvana walked up to Stefania and looked at the ladder leading to the room above. "With a place as fancy and welcoming as this I couldn't imagine the staff would be given such unpleasant sleeping quarters. I'd imagine finer arrangements. You know-"

Stefania waited.

"I could share my room with you. It doesn't have a window, I'm afraid but there is wonderfully large bath you can use and a grand bed! You wouldn't have to rest in that repugnant attic."

Stefania thought about it. When she took too long, Irvana took a step closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. Their eyes met and remained locked in a prolonged stare. "I'm afraid of spending the night by myself. I just want someone in the room with me for the night. Just to keep me company. There are no insects there. I checked, trust me."

The offer and request made its way to Stefania's mind. She furrowed her brow. Irvana gently squeezed her shoulder and Stefania looked to the atttic door and then to the lightly lit room that Irvana had been in.

"I'll spend the night." Stefania said. "Hethilion almost never took care of the attic anyway."

Irvana's face lit up with a friendly smile.

Abiene

Laegon’s voice drifted up from the tavern as Abiene crossed the hall to her chamber. She wondered if Kayla had summoned the nerve to talk to him. A dance on the sheets could start with a smile across the bar, but there were at least a few steps to be taken in between.

Jerric would tease about playing his flute, she thought. A wistful smile drifted across her face.

In her chamber Hethilion had placed everything at hand. Abiene rinsed out some underclothes and hung them to dry before the fire. Then she slipped into the bath with a sigh. Tea and strawberries could wait.

She woke to silence, her skin chilled by the now cool water. Her Weatherward ring warmed her as she toweled off and arranged her hair to dry over the pillows. If she slept peacefully her curls would not be fuzzy in the morning.

Sleep returned easily. One thought passed through her mind as she drifted off. Drat. I forgot to ward the door.

Yetta

Sunlight streamed through the windows as Yetta bustled about her kitchen.

Lowren and Lleris sat at the end of her long worktable, guzzling kahve and devouring their porridge.

Hethilion bent over a sheet of parchment making the morning’s Bill of Fare.

“Tea, kahve, and soft cider will be on the bar as usual,” she told him. “The Nibenese Breakfast will be sweetrolls, fresh berries, and toast. The Full Colovian is three eggs, griddle cakes, bacon, tomatoes, and home-fried potatoes. That means with onions and mushrooms.” She peeked into the oven at the sweetrolls. Perfect.

“No corn porridge?” asked the Altmer.

“Not unless we’re having sausage. So I can make the gravy. Today is bacon.” Yetta rolled her eyes. All of those brains and he can’t keep track of breakfast.

“I want the Full Colovian,” said Lleris.

Hethilion didn’t look up as he answered. “Quit your job, walk out the back door, and then come in the front. Then you can order it like the rest of the guests. But the orc will want to see your gold first, boy.”

The Nord raised her spoon at Lleris, laughing. “I’ll give you the Full Haafingar in a minute, elf. Now finish up and get those plates and mugs out to the bar!”

Fedura rose from the bed a few minutes after she'd laid down upon it, her paranoid mind not allowing her to rest before precautions had been made to make sure that no one entered her room unseen. First she stood a few moments at the door, listening for anything that was out of sorts before locking it and taking up a pitcher that stood on the small table in the room. It was empty, but made of metal, and would make a lot of noise. Since the door opened inward, she placed the pitcher by its base, close enough that opening the door only enough to get a hand through would cause it to fall.

Next she walked to the windowsill where a flowerpot had been placed. The window was locked by a simple hasp, and merely looking at it Fedura could tell that it would not be hard to pry it open. She frowned for a minute, then fetched a piece of string from her pack, tying it to the handle on the window and putting it around the pot before attaching the other end as well to the handle. As easy as she slept, the Dunmer doubted someone could unlock the door or window and enter without her waking, even without the precautions. But she liked to be certain, and paranoia had served her well so far.

Satisfied that the room was somewhat secure at last, the woman began to undress, folding her armour and clothes as she put them at the foot-end of the bed. She carefully arranged her weapons so that the knife lay out of sight beneath the pillow, the sword next to the bed in a spot where she could reach it easily, and the bow and arrows she trapped beneath the bag. She did not want her weapons to be used against her, should it come to that.

Last precautions out of the way, Fedura finally slipped underneath the covers of the bed and allowed sleep to take her.

* * *

She woke again just as the first rays of the sun filtered in through her window, and in a moment she was fully awake, cautiously exiting her bed to make sure that everything was as she'd left it last night. A quick examination revealed that it was, and she quickly undid all of her security precautions after she'd dressed in clothes and armour. The weapons were securely attached, all but her bow, and then she headed out the door and locked it behind her before she headed down to the main floor of the Public house. It was empty, though she could hear some noise from the kitchen, which she assumed was the staff preparing for the day.

She steered her feet out through the door, into the sunlight, and down to the stables where she found Ceylye happily munching on her morning meal. The Dunmer could not detect the stable-keeper, and was happy for it, as she made her way into the box to say hello to the mare.

Kayla groaned as her internal clock told her to wake up. She sleepily pulled on her clothes and armor, including her still-soggy boots. her lips twitched in slight disgust as the wet crept onto her skin.

She ran her fingers through her hair to brush out the tangles, then washed her face. she sorely regretted not bathing the night before, but bathing now would be a waste. She blinked sleepily as she messily made the bed and strapped her sword to her hip. Once Aravi awoke, she's grab the rest of her things and go, but for now, she'd wait downstairs for her. She slid down the staircase, careful to avoid making the staircase creak and wake anyone up. She looked around and saw she was the first one up.

'That's a first,' she thought to herself. She settled down into a chair, ignoring the gnawing feeling in her stomach. Partially from hunger, the rest from anticipation of the hunt. She'd never gone vampire hunting with a partner before, and she had doubts about the tiny Khajiit's abilities. She flexed her scarred hand, looking at it. 'I probably shouldn't underestimate her.' She thought to herself. She herself was reaching into the lofty ranks of Master in Hand-to-Hand combat, though hardly anyone would guess. Until they looked at her hands. Scarring along the knuckles where the skin had been torn was a dead-giveaway.

She rarely fought with her fists, preferring to use the sword. Ma'Dat never understood that, considering she was better with her fists than a sword. She inwardly shrugged, then sighed, her thoughts turning to the previous night. She chastised herself for not summoning up the courage to talk to Laegon. She sighed again.

'Just as well,' she thought. 'Handsome men are just a distraction.'

Aravi opened her eyes. She never closed the thick curtains over the window, and the sheer decorative ones didn’t block the sunlight from streaming into her room. Her room must have been on the east side of the building. She yawned and stretched under the covers, spreading and flexing her fingers and toes. She slept unusually well and felt refreshed despite how late it was when she finally turned in. She stood up and went to her window.

The stable was directly below her room, and she saw someone was already there with their horse. It was the Dunmer that entered last night. Aravi didn’t even know her name, they never spoke. Aravi was not afraid of being seen in her unclothed state, the thin curtains would obscure her body from observation despite letting so much light into her room. She watched the Dunmer with mild curiosity for a few moments before turning her attention to the area around the inn. This was the first time she got to see the grounds and unlike most inns she’s been to, these were quite extensive with a number of gardens, outbuildings, and a pond. This place must be able to host quite a number of people. I wonder if there are festivals held here?

With one last look at the stable, she turned back into her room and dressed. Her fur was exceptionally soft and smelled wonderful from the long bath the night before. This was one of her favorite feelings and one of the few luxuries she indulged in. Hethilion had used a generous amount of oil.

She left her armor off and just dressed in a simple shirt and a pair of soft leather pants. She unlocked her door and went into the hall, looking for Abiene’s room. When she found it, she knocked softly. If she was awake, she would hear it, but if she was still asleep, Aravi didn’t want to disturb her.

Abiene

A soft knock sounded at the door. Aravi.

Abiene picked up her small pack and placed it beside the door before she opened it. There was no telling yet what the day might bring, but she doubted that her plans would include lounging at the inn. She was dressed and ready to leave. But hopefully she would get some kahve first.

Aravi stood in the corridor. She smelled faintly of flowers.

Abiene opened the door all the way and stood aside. “Good morning,” she said, smiling. “Would you like to come in?”

“Would you like to come in?”

“Yes please.” Aravi was a little nervous, but Abiene’s demeanor helped ease the tension she suddenly felt. She must have a lot of experience getting people to open up to her.

She stepped inside and waited for Abiene to close the door.

Kayla's stomach growled as it demanded more attention.

'Godsdamnit.'

She walked up to the bar and looked at the menu. Her mouth watered.

"I'd like the Full Colovian, please." She set her setpims down.

Abiene closed the door. There was a small table in the room with two chairs. She gestured for Aravi to take a seat as she did the same.

Her new friend looked nervous. Abiene guessed that whatever had brought her here from Skyrim must be no small matter.

“We didn’t get to talk much last night, and I wanted you to know what our friends had said about you. Jerric spoke of your speed and skill with your blades. He described your swords so well I should have known you just by seeing them. Darnand told of your knowledge and of your courage when you faced the vampire patriarch, the first time you met. And of course he mentioned how Jerric covered you with the insides of a spider daedra. But Lildereth simply said, ‘I trust her,’ in that quiet way. And as you know from her that is high praise.”

Abiene smoothed her palms over her skirt. “Those three are as dear as family to me. Anyone who helps them and has their friendship also has mine.”

Lleris

Lleris trotted into the bar, a pitcher of kahve in one hand and a jug of cream in the other.

The Altmer guest was standing there. “I'd like the Full Colovian, please,” she said, laying her money down.

“Yes, miss,” said Lleris. He shouted the order over his shoulder at the kitchen. Then he flourished the pitcher. “Kahve? Or there’s soft cider and tea in the pot. You can help yourself. It comes with the breakfast.”

"Oh, thank you!" Kayla said. She poured herself some tea and blew on it, ten sipped it as she waited for her breakfast.

She drummed her fingers on the bar and began daydreaming.

Lleris

Lleris walked back to the kitchen. Yetta had griddle cakes ready to flip, eggs in the pan, and bacon already on the warmed plate. Perhaps she won’t notice one piece…

He jerked his fingers back as she whirled around, filling the plate from so many angles he thought she must have four arms.

“Come back for the sweetrolls,” she told him.

Lleris gave a quick nod. By Azura, I wish—

“Here, kid.” Yetta folded a griddle cake and stuffed it into his mouth. Lleris’ knees nearly buckled at the buttery tenderness.

Yetta grinned. “Gotta keep your strength up.” She pointed a floury hand at him. “But keep your fingers off the bacon!”

Lleris managed to clear his mouth before he got back to the bar. “Here you go, miss,” he said, sliding the plate a little the way Auguste always did. He gazed up at the tall mer. “Is it true that you’re going to hunt for vampires?”

Aravi blushed, though her fur prevented it from being visible to others. She thought anyways.

“Thank you, I wasn’t aware they thought so highly of me. They felt like a family when I was with them, and I was happy for their help. I’d love to see them all again sometime. They all spoke very highly of you as well. Both Jerric and Darnand say you are one of the most skilled in the healing arts.” She also suspected there was more than that, but it wasn’t her place to go into that.

“I trust them and their judgment, so I decided to find you.” She didn’t like discussing this, even to someone as open as Abiene has been. “I… I don’t know if you can help me with this. The damage was done years ago. I’m… infertile, but I was not born this way. It was inflicted upon me in my mid-teens. I would like to be a mother someday.”

She waited for the healer to respond. She hoped Abiene would be able to do something for her.

Kayla glanced down at the food, her mouth watering. she regained her composure and smiled down at the young Dunmer.

"Yeah," she said, before popping a bite into her mouth and chewing quickly. "Gods, this is delicious!" She took another bite and chewed before smiling at him again. She washed it down with some tea.

"I've been doing it for fifteen years. Had a few close calls. But I think I'm alright at what I do. I haven't died or been turned yet." She smiled at him again.

Lleris

Lleris’ eyes flew wide at the thought. Turned? He hadn’t thought of that.

He edged away a little down the bar. “Do you think you’ll be staying here again tonight?” he asked.

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

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

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

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

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

Lleris

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

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

The Dunmer guest’s words finally registered.

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

Abiene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abiene

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another breath. Her heart answered.

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

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

First, understand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Come here, my darling!” one said.

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

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

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

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

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

That was . . . easy!

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Abiene

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

Abiene nodded. “Yes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Wonder why.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And I also want to see my armor . . .

Abiene

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

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

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

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

Aravi sat still, her expression remote.

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

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

Lleris

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

He took a seat at the bar.

Lleris braced himself.

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

“Very good, my lor— uh, mister.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abiene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Oh.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kayla cleared her throat, willing the remnants of the blush to go away. She smiled at Aravi and Abiene. "Good morning, girls. Ready for our field trip, Aravi?" She asked, a grin on her face. She saw Laegon walk down the stairs and the blush returned.

'This is never going to end, is it?' she thought sourly to herself, her smile disappearing.

Aravi took a big bite out of the sticky roll she received. She chewed and swallowed the fluffy pastry quickly. That's delicious.

"I can be ready as quick as it takes me to put on my armor upstairs." And finish this roll. That wouldn't take long at the rate she was going.

She looked at the elf's face and saw her blush. She followed Kayla's gaze. Oh. "I'm in no hurry though."

"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere without you." Kayla took another drink of her drink, leaning her elbows on the bar.

Lycus inspected his polished helmet with his eyes and he nodded in approval. The boy retreated into the kitchens and came out acccompanied by the nord cook, who had her large eyes set on the Imperial. She greeted him, and he returned a simple nod.

"Morning."

The altmer woman came down shortly with a red face as if she was embarrased by something. She took a seat on the bar close to Lycus, and narrowed her eyes to where his lap was. She mumbled something to herself but Lycus heard it loud and clear. He gave himself a slight smile, and snorted out loud at her words. "If you call what happened last night . . . laid."

Just he saw the white-furred khajiti woman come down the stairs. Her walk reflected what she felt and Lycus was surprised to see that it wasn't fear. Good, he thought. She has no reason to fear me.

But he still coudn't help but wonder if he knew her. He sniffed once, and then he paused. What?

He sniffed the air once more, but it was sneaky and rather inconspicous. He turned to the woman and realized that she had the same scent as him. Almost the same scent, but the smell and blood of a lycanthrope nonetheless. How in oblivion . . .

Last he checked, there were no werewolves in the Great Forest territory. Not in a long time. The last one was an old man named Carterious, a landowner and nobleman of those parts who happened to be his wife's grandfather. Vera claimed the area for a short period of time until she returned.

Lycus scratched his beard. This khajiit woman didn't strike him as one would run with a pack. Lycus admitted that he didn't like the idea of running with one either. His two-man pack alone sufficed. There also was the fact that her smell wasn't as strong. As if she boxed her nature inside and by infrequent shiftings, diminished her scent. His on the other hand was stronger. He shifted twice a month, not including his voluntary turnings.

The altmer greeted her, and they spoke about some trip. Lycus curiosity peaked. He heard from the silence of his room about an incident that happened. He heard screams and cries but he was too busy in the moment to even pay any attention. But he knew vampires were involved, for he could smell the scent of one. As if a person brought in the stench through the door. Just being around those creatures sure enough brought out the stink.

The odor of dead flesh.

"Trip," Lycus said, nose cringing. "You girls sound as if you're hunting for something."

Aravi was given a mug with her sweet roll and she poured herself some tea from the pot on the counter.

"Take your time; I'm not going anywhere without you,” Kayla replied.

“Don’t you have someone to talk to?” Aravi asked, referring to the bard that walked down the stairs. “I might get another sweet roll.” This’ll be a long day.

The Imperial spoke up, "you girls sound as if you're hunting for something."

It was bound to happen. She looked over at him, his expression showed mild curiosity and… something. “Surely you know there are vampires around, Kraven.”

Abiene

The sweetrolls smelled delicious, but Abiene reached for the kahve first. Then she took a roll and some berries over to the far end of the bar.

When the Dunmer lad popped his head in from the kitchen, Abiene waved him over.

“I’d like to settle my bill, if you please. Add a full breakfast for Irvana. I plan to return tonight, but you needn’t hold my room. I’ll make arrangements when I get back here.”

The Dunmer fetched the orc woman, and they completed their transaction.

“I’m Abiene Metonne,” said Abiene. She put out her hand.

The orc took it with an air of mild surprise. “Bograk gra-Mugshak.” She hooked a thumb at the lad. “This is Lleris.”

Abiene exchanged Pleased-to-meet-yous with Lleris.

She began to gather her bag and cloak, but Aravi’s words made her pause. She had just called the underdressed Imperial by name, and there was a note in her voice that Abiene couldn’t define.

This was not the time to interrupt, and she refused to leave without a farewell. She sat back down with her kahve.

She knows me?

Lycus stared at the khajiit for a long time. Indeed he did meet her before if she called him by that name. That old name which he discarded like an old, worn cloak. That name that symbolized everything negative about his former self. A name he had in the days of his slavery in Morrowind.

Morrowind . . .

What memories were of Morrowind? Bloodshed, battle, hard labor, greedy slave masters and mystic Telvanni sorceress'. The only good thing that came from that place was the lessons learned and the friendships formed. He searched Aravi's face and after awhile recognition was expressed.

The slave girl!

He remembers now. The small rampages he left with a group of marauding slaves composed of murders, rapists and degenerates all in the name of justice and revenge. She's still alive after all this time . . . and it seemed she also bears the gift as I have. We're no so different . . .

Indeed there would be plenty of time to speak to her about this, and about everything else. But now was not the time.

Lycus shrugged. "So this is what its about," he said as he turned to the altmer and the breton named Abiene. "Vampires. Haven't hunted one of them in ages. Last ones I fought were part of the Quarra."

And the last one he spoke to was offering coin in exchange for a bounty. But he kept this secret. He turned to Aravi. "And what would prompt such an expedition?"

The name slipped out of her mouth. No it didn't. You wonder if he remembers.

He stared at her, and she returned his stare. I wonder if he will remember. I was nobody. Just another Khajiit slave, and there were many Khajiit taken. Then she saw the spark, he remembered her. Things have changed since then.

He spoke again, as if there was no pause and they had never seen each other before entering this inn. That suited Aravi just fine.

"And what would prompt such an expedition?" he said.

"My friend," Aravi gestured to Kayla, "killed several last night on the road before stopping here. Then a young Imperial girl came in with injuries of an attack."

Aravi took a sip of her tea and a small bite of her sweet roll. "That's far too many for a small area like this." She was thinking aloud now, speaking to herself more than anyone specific. "They must be new to this part of the forest. Or else they've ranged from somewhere else."

"Yeah, I killed some last night." Kayla said to the man, looking at her cup. "And I'm a little pissed that I missed enough for someone to get hurt." She drank the rest of her tea and looked at Aravi. "I'm ready when you are. I'm starting to get antsy. I wanna kill these bastards and get it over with."

Lycus, with his plate full of food beneath him, allowed himself a derisive snort. "You may kill a few but there are always more dwelling beneath the ground." He looked to Aravi and nodded at her words. She was right. Either they migrated somewhere else or something has drawn their attention. "Either way it won't be long before one of their own discovers there are rivals in this area."

He smiled. He wasn't interested in the political field of vampires. But hunting them down would be some good sport, and Lycus hadn't had much fun in years. To kill an enemy just as strong, just as fast and just as intelligent would be thrilling. He deserves some entertainment. He looked at Kayla. "You could use a man in your group. I might be able to track down their location. My wife can come along too."