Aravi smiled at his joke, to be polite.

“I used to live farther to the south, just outside of the Great Forest along the Red Ring Road. Now I live in Skyrim. I didn’t realize I missed Cyrodiil as much as I did before coming back.”

She ate more quickly now that her food cooled.

Kayla dropped tons of information upon Irvana's head, who captured each of them in her vast thick web that was her mind. The Altmer's history unfolded before her very ears and Irvana came to understand why she was so easily introduced into the cult, and why she took to hunting the nosferatu in her travels. When one massacres your entire town, revenge is one of the strongest emotions one can feel. And as the saying goes, Revenge is the foundation of justice, for justice started with revenge, and revenge is still the only justice some
people can ever hope for.

The Cult of Meridia was no different than many secret organizations and groups in Tamriel. Recruitment is always tricky, and with good reason. Many times one member does not live up to the cult's standard and fails or they may not be capable enough to carry out tasks and even dare to reveal precious information . . .

Like how Kayla was doing now?

The name of Movarth Piquine brought Irvana's attention. Like a moth to the flame, she was lured in by the story. Movarth was a vampire, and his tale was a fascinating one. Ironically, he was a vampire hunter himself who's skill was so tremendous that he hunted vampires of different clans in all places with a burning passion that the man seemed to be in an endless quest. Quite tragically and ironically, the priest whom he sought advice for slaying these creatures was a vampire himself, a member of the oldest and most secretive Orders in Cyrodiil that many have never even heard of the name, let alone suspect they exist. His curiosity became his undoing as he underestimated the man before him. It was a cautionary tale to those ignorant of the message.

So Movarth the legendary vampire had been lax in his accomplishments, Irvana murmured with disgust. Slaughtering villages and turning children . . . how pathetic one creature can be. If what Kayla says is to be taken as fact, then he hasn't learned the lesson that doomed him to immortality.

As Kayla continued to tell her story Irvana locked her fingers together and leaned in. She could smell the wine coming from Kayla's breath and did not miss the slight slur in her speech. Her mind was already suffering from the altering effects of Tamika's wine.

The Imperial casually glanced to her side to look at Laegon. Drinking too much renders one vulnerable, and she wouldn't be surprised if this handsome bard would try his luck with the Altmer.

Kayla continued her story: "Some I excelled at, others I failed at. I excel at Destruction magick, hand to hand, swordfighting, and alchemy."

Irvana did wonder how far she excelled at compared to the others. If she wasn't as skilled in dispatching the other vampires in the nearby cavern . . . then she may not be as strong as Irvana painted her to be?

Then Kayla added later on: "I'm not a...perfect champion, not by far. But I'm hard to kill. Each one of these scars is their own story, their own battle. This one," She pointed to the one on her cheek. "Vampire, of course. But she was vicious and feral. She'd drained seven children in a small farming villiage outside or Markarth, all under the age of five. This one," she pointed to the one in the shape of a smile on her throat. "A smarter vampire. Not quite feral, but still vicious all the same. He tried to slit my throat, but got a mouthful of fire instead."

"You're a champion nonetheless," Irvana murmured. "You just musn't be surprised, that's all."

She sat closer to Kayla and looked at each of the scars with interest. She's certainly had a handful of vampires try to kill her in the past few years. Then again when one rattles their nest, they are bound to try and strike back. Where there are mindless animals, predators are never far behind . . .

The Imperial nodded with a great smirk, and then closed her mouth in what seemed to be sadness. "Amazing. You have quite a life, Kayla. Don't feel bad when I say I feel small and insignificant in your shadow. I'm a simple girl. I'm not part of a secret cult, nor have I ever been a champion of Daedra. I certainly have never been in crusades against vampires. In fact the only times I remember being close to those creatures was in one of my plays. See, I took the role of a vampire hiding out in the city of nobles. Not to exalt myself but I am a great actress but I never seem to do well playing the part of a vampire. I can't put my finger on it. I suppose I've just had bad luck in general like . . ." she found herself stammering. "Like the night I was attacked. They are savage, dreadful creatures. I grew up hearing stories about them. Always gave me nightmares."

She sighed and set her hands in her lap. "I won't burden you with anymore questions this night, Kayla. I enjoy having you by my side." She took the wine bottle, and held onto it. "Now. I must take this from you lest you pass out on me."

It was Irvana's turn to bark a quiet laugh.

Kayla let out a disappointed squeak as she reached for the bottle. She slid off the chair slightly and pouted before sliding back onto it.

"Aw, Irvana! That's not fair. You're more coordinated than I am right now!" She laughed and leaned back on the chair. She slipped her shoes off and brought her knees to her chin. She shot a wink at Laegon and giggled.

"Maybe I shouldn't drink anymore anyways."

Though I wouldn't mind being taken advantage of tonight...

The young woman kept the bottle close to the cloth of her black robes. "Oh hush! This is for your own good." Irvana bluntly. "No, you shouldn't. Not unless you want me to carry you upstairs to your room." She paused on her words, and then allowed the next ones to slide naturally after she caught Kayla winking at Laegon. "Unless of course you already have an event in mind in your quarters this night that will have a certain man sweep you off your feet to your bedroom."

"I won't stand in the way," Irvana whispered to Kayla, casting aside a cascade of black hair that obscured her vision. "If you desire to pursue your passions, then go for them."

The imperial,Glenius stood up and walked over to the barmaid and dropped 10 septims on the desk."A tip," he muttered.

He went into the tea room and sat at an empty table,then he opened his satchel and took out his big blue book and began to read,still avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Aravi’s plate was all but licked clean. She surprised herself that she managed to finish it, but now she was full. The meal left her tired and she stifled yawn.

“I am getting tired, and I would like to see Kayla before I go up to my room. It was nice meeting you Stefan.”

Kayla was sprawled on a couch and she and Irvana were talking. A man walked to the counter. She heard a few coins drop onto the counter. He wore a green cloak, and kept the hood up despite being indoors. She watched him go to the tea room, not directly looking at anyone. …Odd, she thought, frowning a little. She glanced over at the dark Khajiit in the corner, Dar’muktah. The bouncer was keeping an eye on the man. She forgot about the man in the green cloak and went to join her friend.

“Hi Kayla, you must be feeling better. I wasn’t sure if I had healed you completely in the cave.” Aravi looked down at the High Elf, something she rarely got to do when speaking to anyone.

Then she looked to Irvana. “Hello, Irvana. I’m sure you’ve learned by now that we’ve finished off the vampires.” Then she spotted the wine bottle in Irvana’s hand, and then looked back at Kayla. “I see you’re looking after my friend’s health,” she said with a small smile.

Irvana directed her attention to the newcomer who entered the fireplace area. The khajiit woman known as Aravi was white for a khajiit, dotted with spots and built with the body of an acrobat. In fact, Irvana did not doubt a second that this woman might be able to display extraordinary leaping abilities. Many of her kind do, as they are naturally nimble just like their lesser counterparts. The scar on her face wasn't missed entirely either.

For a fraction of a moment did Irvana paint a picture of what Aravi might be like in combat. If she is a dangerous foe for the undead out there. She did last in the battle, and might even have been the one to deliver the blow to their leader.

So, hunter, how did you manage to take the life of a patriarch?

The curious question only nearly escaped her tongue before she bit it; Details weren't nescessary. What is done is done, and the past should be dust just as those barbaric parasites.

The hunter greeted Kayla with the uncertainty if she actually aided Kayla in healing or not. She's a healer, too?

Aravi turned her attention to her, confirming that all of the undead had been killed and taken care of. Just like they should have. Wiped them out . . . all of them.

"Aravi. A pleasure of you to join us. Please, take a seat." She said as she made room for Aravi to sit.

Then she added. "I certainly hope so," Irvana said with an innocent pout. "It would be catastrophic if even one of them survived."

She looked at the wine bottle and managed a thin smile.

"Our friend," she put quite an emphasis on the first word. "I do not mean to appear prude, forgive me if I may seem that way." She handed the wine bottle to Kayla once more. "It is not my place to take things from others."

Gifts from others, she wanted to say, but she did not know if Kayla intended Aravi to know about her feelings for that bard.

"Wine dulls the senses, and we find ourselves doing things we regret."

"Trust me, Irvana," Kayla said as she took the bottle back. "I was planning on doing this when I was sober." She laughed and poured herself another glass and set the bottle down. She took a drink of the wine and set the goblet down before leaning back on the couch.

"I'll be waiting until his shift is over, though. Wouldn't want to distract him from his job." she shot him another grin, and she saw him chuckle to himself as he continued to play.

"Ooh, I bet his fingers are nimble." She shifted on the seat and willed the image out of her mind as she absently bit her lower lip. She turned towards Aravi.

"I'm all healed up, by the way. Thanks for helping me out back there. I apparently grabbed the wrong potion while trying to be quick. I looked in my pack and saw the stronger potion still in there. If it wasn't for you, I'd have bled to death internally. So, thanks. I owe you." She leaned her head on Aravi's shoulder momentarily before sitting up.

"Anyways! Remember that map Vera gave me in the cave? I've been thinking about it, and if there are more vampires, I'm going after them. You're welcome to join me, but if not, that's fine. It'll be a few days before I go, though, if nothing else happens."

Aravi noticed Irvana start to say something before deciding against it at the last minute. Did I intrude on something?

Then the woman scooted over and invited Aravi to sit with them. “Thank you.” She sat next to the Imperial. Maybe not then, she thought, hesitantly answering her question.

Aravi smiled when Irvana handed the wine back to Kayla and said, "Wine dulls the senses, and we find ourselves doing things we regret."

Aravi had to agree with Irvana’s statement. Her husband, Kharjo, got into a lot of trouble because of excessive drinking. She was fairly confident that Kayla wasn’t going to get into that kind of trouble though.

Kayla spoke and smiled at the bard. Ah, that’s what’s going on. Good luck, she silently wished her friend, knowing that she was self-conscious of her scars.

Kayla thanked Aravi and briefly laid her head on Aravi’s shoulder. Aravi could smell the wine. Then she mentioned the map they had found in the cave.

“You're welcome,” she said of the healing, “that’s why I took those lessons at the Mage’s Guild halls and the college of Winterhold.”

“I was actually hoping to show that map to a friend. I have no idea where he is at the moment though. Darnand, you’ve met him right? He might be able to read what it says.”

Aravi stretched and yawned. She didn’t usually drink, but she was thinking of getting something before going to bed. She just needed to be careful. She would be unconscious if she drank what Kayla did.

“Irvana, would you like to share a small bottle with me?”

Irvana did not resist when Kayla reclaimed the bottle, nor did she speak out in protest or give indication of disagreement. It appeared that Kayla was going to try something with the bard, and Irvana suspected something will happen between the two. That much was certain.

The conversation went from wine to something entirely different. A map of sorts that Vera, the blond-haired bounty hunter, gave Kayla.

Irvana's brow knitted, a bit too much in fact. A look of purpose nearly registered in her face, but not entirely. She knew a secret, nay, many secrets. She knew what the vampires were looking for, but she wouldn't let them get to it, for if they got their hands on it everything would be undone and death would be everywhere and that is not acceptable.

If they have a map, could it be that this was a speculation to where they might find what they desired or is it in fact a location that would be of benefit to them? She felt a hint of irritation snaking its way to her nerve. If there are more of these broods out there . . .

Aravi had sat by her, and inquired if she would like to share a bottle of wine. Instantly Irvana nodded. "I would be delighted, Aravi. Thank you," she said as she decided to take one bite of the muffin she left on the table.

As a scholar and a woman of knowledge, solving mysteries and unraveling secrets was her strong point, among certain other things. But she would bide her time, and wait until a threat sparked her interest, for if something was remotely worth looking into, she would be there.

Kayla nodded, looking at Aravi. "I remember Darnand." A goofy grin spread on her face. "He's kind of cute, for a mage."

“He nearly incinerated me, his atronach did its best to burn me, and then he pulled my tail, all in less than three hours of meeting him.” Her ears flicked in annoyance at the memory. That wasn’t too far from here either. She didn't dwell on the memory and she smiled again. He had made up for the poor first impression.

“I think he’s kind of cute too. And if anyone can read that map it will be him. I think I know how to get in touch with him as well. Whether or not he will come will depend on how far he is.”

Aravi waved the serving girl over and ordered a bottle of Tamika’s wine and a pair of goblets for her and Irvana. The bar wasn’t busy and they quickly got their bottle. Aravi pulled the cork out, her claws gouging the soft material, and poured each of them half a goblet. She placed the bottle on a table within easy reach of Irvana.

Kayla stood up, wavering slightly, but still steady.

"I think I'll head to sleep. See you two later on."

She walked towards the stairs, shooting a meaningful glance at Laegon. he nodded his head towards the stairs, and she grinned and made a "come here" movement with one finger, wagging it at him and giggling. He took a small bow before heading up the stairs after her.

Alone in the hallways with him, She wasted no time making her intent clear, planting her lips on his and pulling him close and reaching for the doorknob behind her. She stumbled in and laughed, pulling him inside. He closed the door behind them.

They dropped garments between kisses, and Laegon chuckled when Kayla fumbled with the buckle on his belt. He took it off with one hand, as well as unclasping her bra with the other. before Kayla could comment, she found herself on her back on the bed.

He wasn't absolutely perfect, but he was good. Much better than she expected, which added to the pleasant sensations. Kayla flushed when she expressed her pleasure loudly, eliciting more chuckles from him before he expressed his pleasure with her. He made no comment on her scars, keeping his head buried deep in her neck most of the time as she clung to him.

When they were finished, they were both winded and sweaty. Kayla suddenly felt very self conscious, pulling the covers up over her breasts as Laegon laid on his back, his hands behind his head.

"Uh, so..." She laughed nervously, the sound almost breathless. "Are you staying in here, or..."

"You're not kicking me out, are you?" He looked over at her, keeping his heads behind his head.


She smirked. "Well, no. Stay if you want to. Usually no one stays long enough for round two."

Laegon suddenly looked interested. He leaned up on one elbow and lightly touched an auburn lock. "Round two, eh?"

Kayla laughed softly. "So, say I'm not feeling well tomorrow, or my company is late in leaving my room. How do I make sure no one tries to clean my room?"

Laegon picked up her discarded underwear from the end of the bed. "Here you go This clearly says, 'Occupied.'"

Kayla snorted. "You wouldn't."

Laegon's grin said otherwise.

"Oh my gods... What are you..."

Laegon slid from under the sheets and with a flourish of his hands, he opened the door and hung her underwear on the outside knob. She slapped his arm playfully when he got back into bed, laughing.

They rested a bit, drinking some water from the pitcher and starting on round two.

Afterwards, hours later after they had begun, they finally fell asleep, Kayla's leg slung over the bard's thighs as he laid on his stomach.

Glenius closed his book and put it away in his satchel,then he made his way to the counter,this time it was the barman not the barmaid.

"I'd like another bottle of mead please" he said still avoiding eye contact.

After paying for the mead and taking it to a seat by the far he began to drink,he seemed obviously sad he wanted to drink his sadness away.

Irvana sat with her hands on her lap while Kayla dismissed herself, claiming she was heading off to sleep. But Irvana was no fool, and certainly Aravi would know that she wasn't going to get much sleep this night.

The Imperial watched from the flickering shadows cast by the fire as Kayla retreated to her room, Laegon went shortly after. Even a fool would suspect what came next.

After she left, Irvana pondered on the map and its meaning. If more vampires were involved, then certainly Aravi and Kayla can be the hand of society and enforce the sword against them. If not . . . if something else that is sinister lurked in this location, then that is up to this Darnard individual or someone else to discover.

There was no reason to lift a finger . . . not when someone else can.

The khajiit ordered a bottle of Tamika's wine and poured the drink in two goblets after making use of her claws, one of which was given to Irvana. This brought a not-so-bitter memory of her arguing with her older brother on which wine was superior. He has a thing for fine wine, as she did.

"Just you and I," Irvana said after a sip. "Gratitude for the drink. It is well received."

She picked at the hem of her black robe, getting herself comfortable. "Kayla tells me you're quite the vampire hunter. She was impressed with your efforts against them. I honestly think you have a fan. Have you been in this line of work for long?"

Hethilion scoured to and fro, within and outside of the Wobbly Goblet. Inside there was commotion, chatter, laughs and a very sick Lleris. So why clean up now when someone could spill a goblet of wine or the dark elf would sneeze vomit through his mouth? His workload would be doubled, nay, tripled! Besides, outside needed tending too, right? Sometimes animals defecated near the garden or some ignorant courier decided to habitually spread out tons of Black Horse Courier editions all over the place to lighten his load. Would a feather spell be too much to ask, or are those expensive these days too?

He could start with the fish pond. Clean it out a bit, scrub the algae from the rocks. And so with a quick pace he made his way to the pond only to find . . . a bra and underpants sitting there in the stone.

What the? Who would even—

A simple yet hard frown spread the edges of his face. Laegon knows better than this. Last time he left stains! He turned around to make a stroll into the garden when he realized these were not the same color of undergarments standing guard in Kayla’s door. In fact he was just there a minute ago, so unless those two giggling moaners somehow teleported from room to pond with gods-forsaken Sanguine-inspired spells . . .

He stepped at the edge of the pond and it was too dark to see, and the bottom was pretty deep. No bubbles came out save for small globules that can only be made by the fish. Hmm . . . I’m not throwing my hand in there. Tooth-In-The-Grass might try to give me the jumps again.

He won’t give that blue-feathered saurian fellow a chance again, not anytime soon. He sighed, bent down and picked up the undergarments and bra. Stefania hasn’t been seen all day until recently . . . could she be so bold to lure that monk fellow here and? He shuddered. Not my duty to ask.

Hethilion folded the cloth and took himself back into the Goblet. Kids these days . . .

***

Water shocked the core of Vera. She hung in absolute blackness in the bottom of the pond; there was no telling how deep underwater she might be, and frankly which direction even might be up. Her lungs were choked, half filled, but she didn't panic or even particularly care too much; mostly, she was vaguely pleased to find out that she still, in fact, had it. That she could still contract her diaphragm, expelling as much water from her lungs as possible. For this can one day save her life like it did many years ago in the swamps of Black Marsh when swimming after an escaped argonian convict who never had to raise his nose past the surface.

But when a simple training exercise might or might not be a simple bath, Vera Castius failed to see the ultimate danger that lurked above pond. Not any particular life-threatening danger, but still nonetheless a danger to her modesty, what’s left of it anyway as some may believe.

After a few minutes that quite seemed like hell of an eternity, she rose from the water’s depths. She breathed, sucking in the night air into her lungs as she ran her fingers over her long golden hair. She wiggled her toes as she felt the kisses from the fishes below. She was clean now, refreshed and rejuvenated, and as she always like to say, Hungry as a wolf.

She reached out to the side to grab her clothes when instead of her familiar cloth she felt the cold surface of the stone. What in Oblivion? Her eyes squinted in suspicion and her brows bent close.

Amusing, Lycus, very amusing. Then she remembered that he might still be in there, that the lights in the room were still lit and the same shadows cast by his figure still there. He was still in meditation.

What. In. Oblivion!

She searched around the pond, and even dove underwater to check if her cloth sunk, but that wasn’t likely. It would have floated somewhere. After checking, thoroughly searching, and double-checking, Vera accepted the smack-in-the-face fact that someone had taken her clothes, and the only thing she wore over her was her own skin. She was completely naked from head to toe.

“What. In. Oblivion!” She swore as she climbed out of the pond with growing irritation. Sure, waking up naked in the morning covered in blood, sweat and dirt was just another part of her very violent and unfortunate lifestyle, so came to accept that. She didn’t necessarily enjoy running around without clothes for too long . . . not when all that attention would be called to herself. But that didn't matter too much, what mattered was that she was hungry, too hungry, and that made everything worse.

Damn it, now what?

So much for doing it sober, Aravi thought when Kayla and Laegon went up the stairs.

Aravi sipped her drink carefully and listened to Irvana speak. She blinked when Irvana mentioned how impressed Kayla was.

“I didn’t know she thought so highly of me, thank you for sharing. She is a very strong warrior herself. She was smart, and I think it was bad luck that led to her injuries. She had a very powerful blade; I haven’t seen anything that compares to it.”

Aravi took another sip of wine and continued.

“Vera was the most ferocious fighter, but I think she’s even more used to fighting on her own than Kayla and I.” Kayla must have worked with someone in her cult somewhat regularly Aravi guessed. She of course fought side by side with Kharjo more often than not.

Then she addressed her companion’s question. “I’ve hunted vampires for several years now. I fought for an amateur organization based out of the Imperial City for a couple of years. They were more like vigilantes. I left them and went north to Skyrim where I tried to get away from it. There was a surge of attacks there and I joined the Dawnguard, who are much more professional and better organized.”

"With your combined abilities you were able to do what was had to be done," Irvana explained to Aravi. "Not many of those creatures would be up for the challenge."

In her mind, she thought, Yes that blade is something, isn't it?

Aravi revealed a bit of herself to Irvana. Unlike Kayla who had been recruited into one cult, Aravi had worked with two organizations. The mention of the amateur faction brought a smile, a genuine smile, to Irvana's face.

The Order of the Virtuous Blood? She couldn't imagine any other faction. The other self-proclaimed hunting organizations were snuffed out before they were given birth, their spark extinguished. There were rumors that the Order was infiltrated by a vampire who sought to hide his true nature by hiding among the hunters. A common enough story, at least for Irvana who has heard it told to death. Might have this vampire hunting order thrive in their crusade? In Cyrodiil? Hardly. There were chances were they might root out the lesser ones in their caverns, but the more intelligent ones are able to hide in among the living.

A frightening thing, Irvana mused. But she knew that it was a very cunning tactic. The true vampires would hide in plain sight, amassing wealth and influence, and securing contacts with important people in Cyrodiil. By all means such a life would be challenging. To live among mortals while concealing one's power that by nature would be screaming to be unleashed. But Irvana saw that the vampire obviously has the luxury of studying the hunters afar without them ever being aware that they had adversaries. This is surely the reason the Virtuous Blood was an example of failure.

Now, the Dawnguard was an entire different story. Irvana heard of them, too. She read about them before in old texts. They were a dead order, long gone in the mists of history and only recently had she heard stories about them returning, and about the bold attacks of the vampiric clan in Skyrim, which if not taken as a threat, could threaten to spread into Cyrodiil. This, too, would be catastrophic.

Irvana held out her cup so that Aravi can pour some more wine. "Would you please."

She waited. "I never imagined vampires were much of a threat in a grand scale. At least here in Cyrodiil. I've been told of vampires who sneak into homes and steal children from their beds never to return again. Or some that are even members of the High Council in the Imperial Palace. I originally dismissed these as peasant rumors. Until I came across some of them on my own."

Irvana shrugged. "In any case you have done an oustanding job and I am glad you were here to protect us," she leaned closer and whispered with a light chuckle. "I do not think everyone else here would be capable of killing those monsters if they sought to attack the Goblet. I can sleep well knowing you have done what you were called to do and you have my thanks, Aravi."

She sighed, stretching her arms in front of her. "Will you ever step down? Seek a quiet life, I mean? Away from the bloodshed and the call of battle?"

Aravi picked up the wine bottle and refilled Irvana’s goblet. Since she had the bottle, she decided to pour a little more into her own as well.

She listened to Irvana speak, and grimaced when she heard the her speak of the various stories she’s heard. I too thought they were just stories. Until I saw what they did with my own eyes. Now she didn’t put anything passed them. They are so varied too.

Then Aravi bowed her head slightly at the praise.

Then the woman asked her a question, one that she’s pondered.

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “I want to quit, but I don’t know if I can. I tried to leave like I said, but then it wasn’t even half a year before I was with the Dawnguard.”

She looked at the wine in her goblet. It looks like blood. She shook her head and took a drink.

“So what about you, I know hardly anything about you. I don’t even know where you are from!”

Irvana ran her fingers on the cold contours of the goblet as she was all ears to Aravi's words. She looked at her cup and pondered for a moment, then took a sip of the wine. Those devoted to their work were reluctant to back down from it even though the call of peace and tranquility whispers to them. After a time the life of endless bloodshed, near death experiences and the horrific sights of the enemy and their prey can rattle any mind.

This brought Irvana to remember a conversation she had with her brother on one occasion:

"Just think where we might stand without vampire hunters." To which she replied, "I can only imagine . . ."

"There are times when we do something for so long that any different calling, any other reality, is but a distant dream. I trust you wil pull through. I can see it already."

When Aravi flipped the question to her, Irvana placed a hand on her own neck and flicked a rogue strand of black hair. "There is not much to say about me. I fear my life's story would be a bit . . . boring." She paused, and lowered her shoulders. "But if you are so interested, I will oblige."

She brought the wine close to her lips and drank some more, savoring the taste in the back of her tongue before letting it wash down her throat. "I was born and raised here in Cyrodiil in a castle not far from the West Weald. To spare you from the trivial details of my life, I can say that I grew up in politics of my station. My mother and father were as I am, a noble. I never had much of an exciting life. That tends to happen when your parents can be a bit restricting. I spent my years as a scholar in the Imperial Palace. I must have read over a thousand books." She chuckled, and mused. "Its a wonder my eyes haven't fallen out of my sockets."

"Well,time to get to bussniess" Glenius said aloud,he pulled his hood down.

He looked happier now,I think you'd be able to guess why if you saw the dopey look on his face,he was clearly drunk.

"Does anybody here know how to track someone?" He said aloud as he stood up and looked around.

Aravi smiled at Irvana’s humor, but she was afraid she was going to have to cut the conversation short. The food and drink made her very tired, especially after the fighting she did. The pain in her ear added to that fatigue.

The strange man stood, rather unsteadily, and made an announcement. He wanted to know if anyone could track someone.

Definitely not at this time of night, Aravi thought to herself.

To Irvana she said, “It was nice talking with you, but I am very tired. Maybe we will see each other in the morning.”

Aravi finished her goblet and set it down. She stood up. Whoa. She wasn’t drunk, but she was feeling the effects of the wine. That last gulp was more than she thought. Definitely a good time to go to bed. She yawned again and wished Irvana a good night. She glanced at the unusual man before turning and heading up the stairs.

On her way to a room, she saw what could only be Kayla’s underwear on a door handle. She blinked and walked past to her room, closing the door behind her.

She undressed, leaving her clothes on the floor and not the door handle, and fell into her bed, asleep in moments.

She looked towards the window and saw two red eyes looking in. Panic took her and she bolted upright, until she saw the enormous black wolf sleeping in front of the window. The panic fled her body. She was safe, until it was time to feed the wolf. As she laid her head back down on her pillow, a stray thought told her this was a dream. It didn't make it less real.

The headache woke Kayla up sooner than she would have liked. She cringed and pulled the covers over her head, then threw them off of her, her hand covering her mouth. She made it to the washroom and leaned over the urn, but nothing came out, much to her dismay. Vomiting would have relieved her of the nausea for a short time.

She regretted not drinking more water, or pacing herself with the alcohol. The events of the night before were fuzzy. She remembered Irvana, and being presented with food and snowberry muffins. She swallowed, then gagged before her stomach relieved itself.

Godsdamnit.

She cleaned herself up, shuddering from the purge. She brushed her hair and washed her mouth out, brushing her teeth and making sure her breath smelled nothing of vomit. She walked out of the bathroom and made a beeline for her pack of clothes. She started to slide on her undergarments when she heard a noise coming from the bed.

"AUGH! What are you doing in my bed?!"

Laegon looked sleepily back at her, confused at the look of surprise on her face.

"Well, if you don't remember, then perhaps I've become lax in my performance."

"What?! What do you...oh." She noticed her state of undress, then looked at Laegon, grinning at her with his arms behind his head.

"How drunk were you?" She asked him.

"Not at all."

"Then why are you in my bed?"

"Showing my appreciation for your skill."

"What?"

"The vampires. I felt a song wouldn't do."

Kayla blushed a deep red and slid on her pants and shirt. "Well, thank you. I'm...flattered."

"Round three?"

Kayla gave him an incredulous look, stopping in the middle of buttoning her pants. "Are you serious?"

He pulled back the covers to reveal he was.

"Augh! Uhm...maybe later. Feel free to stay in here, I need to get my armor repaired in town."

She blushed a deeper red and grabbed her armor, leaving her shirt halfway buttoned as she closed the door. A piece of fabric brushed her forearm, and she glanced down.

"Is that my UNDERWEAR?!"

She could hear Laegon's laughter from the other side of the door before hurrying downstairs.

Riad

Morning light slanted across the floorboards in the tea room. Riad paused on his way to the kitchen. A hooded figure sat slumped at one of the tables, head pillowed on his folded arms. The drunk from last night, or someone else? Riad wondered. The man was causing no trouble in his current position, so Riad left him alone.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs as Riad passed Dar’muktah in the corridor. The Khajiit’s arms were stacked with platters, and he carried a filled pitcher in each hand. They exchanged an amused glance over the situation. With Lleris taken down by fever and Bograk brooding over the lad, Yetta needed help running food out to the tavern. No mystic in Tamriel could have predicted that the two of them would end up serving breakfast together at a roadside inn, but Riad could think of many less pleasant outcomes.

Yetta pulled a tray out of one of her ovens and kicked the door shut. “I’m doing a Leyawiin breakfast this morning,” she announced. “Fried rice and sprouted beans, cold fish soup and noodles, and Blackwood pudding with curdled cream.”

Riad’s jaw dropped open. “Woman, have you lost your mind? There’s already a rumor of illness about, we can’t have a bunch of hung-over guests spewing up when they hear the menu! What in hells is Blackwood pudding?”

The Nord shot him a grin. “No idea, I’m jesting. Dar’muktah is putting out the pastries and coffee. I’ll have eggs, bacon, griddle cakes with jam, hash browns, and biscuits with gravy for anyone who wants a hot breakfast. Bograk usually writes that down and leaves it on the bar. Some folk don’t like to be talked at first thing in the morning.”

Riad was certainly in that group. He left Yetta’s inexcusably cheerful company and headed out to the tavern to make the menu.

Aravi woke up with sunlight shining through the sheer curtains that hung in front of her window. What strange dreams… She used to have nightmares after fighting vampires, brought on by their disease. Ever since she accepted the curse of lycanthropy, the nightmares vanished. Something else replaced them, they weren’t pleasant dreams, but neither were they nightmares.

Her ear was throbbing with pain. She was going to Chorrol this morning to get that fixed.

Aravi got out of bed and dressed. She cleaned up at the wash basin and smoothed out her fur. I should really brush it today. Perhaps later though. She examined her ear in the mirror. The tear was uglier now that her body really started healing. It was slightly swollen and the surrounding skin was red where she could see it under her fur.

She left her room and saw Kayla’s underwear still on the door handle on her way down. I wonder how she’s feeling right now. Aravi’s stomach was slightly sour from the wine, and she had a lot less of it than Kayla did.

In the main room, Aravi sat at the bar and ordered blackberry tea and some breakfast.

Glenius got up off the floor,he seemed to have passed out,he had a headache and began rubbing his head.

"And no one helped me?" I muttered to himself.

He waddled outside still holding his head,made his way to the stable to pick up his Horse and Dog,then he want off about his bussiness in the woods.

Abiene

Abiene stepped into the tavern, tucking her riding gloves into her belt. She nodded to the hooded man who passed on his way out. A familiar figure sat at the bar eating breakfast.

“Aravi!” Abiene sighed in relief. “Did—”

“A word,” Riad interrupted. He did not look pleased to see her.

Abiene found herself steered by the upper arm past the bar and into the corridor. “Good morning,” she called back to Aravi. “If you don’t mind, I’ll join you in a moment.”

The grim look on the Redguard’s face told Abiene most of what she needed to know. “How many are ill?” she asked.

“Just Lleris. He’s had a potion. What kind of healer goes around making other folk sick?”

Abiene glanced at the big hand around her arm and then pointedly back up at the Redguard’s face. “I’d like to take a look at him.” She didn’t think this man meant any harm, though his manners could stand improvement.

“He’s finally fallen asleep. Bograk gave him a potion.” Riad let go and crossed his arms over his chest, scowling.

Abiene let the Absorb Health spell fade away from her hand. “I see that you’re upset. I’d like to look in on Lleris before I go, with your permission. I assure you I did not know I was infected until long after I left here. You have my apologies for Lleris’ discomfort, and you have my discretion. Any rumor of plagues didn’t originate with me.”

Riad’s expression did not soften. “He’s in Bograk’s chambers on the third floor.”

“Thank you.” Abiene took a big breath and a small step backward. “Also I should mention that I was poisoned here yesterday morning. I’ve not spoken about that incident apart from a small circle of trusted friends.”

Riad’s mouth opened and then closed again.

“Do you suppose someone else here could have been the target?” Abiene asked. “Maybe even the inn itself, if someone wanted to damage your reputation?”

He shook his head. “You must have pissed someone off. No one with any sense would target the inn. That’s all you need to know about that.”

He seemed sure on that subject, so Abiene moved on despite her curiosity. “Did all of the vampire hunters make it back here last night?”

“Yeah. You want to know more, ask them yourself.”

Abiene took that opportunity to scoot back into the tavern.

“Aravi,” she said, moving to sit beside her friend. “It’s so good to see you. I’m sorry about the dramatic note.” Abiene’s eyes went straight to the wound on Aravi’s ear. She clasped her hands to keep from reaching out to examine her right there at the bar.

Aravi was surprised when Yetta placed a plate in front of her, with an enormous muffin. “I made these special last night,” she explained. “They’re snowberry. I’d be happy to make something else for you as well if you like.”

Aravi looked at the massive muffin sitting in front of her. It was even warm, Yetta must have placed it in the oven briefly to bring it up to temperature.

“Thank you, but this looks like it will be plenty. It smells so good!”

Yetta returned to her kitchen smiling while Aravi ate the muffin and drank her tea.

Then she heard a familiar voice. Abiene was there, and was intercepted by one of the tavern staff. Aravi frowned, but remained where she was.

She felt a touch on the shoulder when Abiene returned. The healer sat next to her and greeted her.

“I’m glad to see you too Abiene, I was about to leave for Chorrol.” Aravi produced the note that Abiene had left her. “Are you ok? What happened while we were gone?”

Abiene

“Well, it was an eventful day. First I infected some folk with a frightening and highly contagious fever, but the outbreak seems to have waned. I’ll check on young Lleris before I go to make sure he’s completely cured. He’s the last case I know of.” Except for Maxical. But Eyja’s secrets are not mine to share.

“Then I was poisoned by an unknown person. I’m told it was in the,” Abiene glanced at the cup in front of Aravi, “tea. But Riad assures me that the inn is completely safe from assassins and the like, so I’m sure we needn’t worry about the breakfast.” She touched the potion bottle tucked carefully under her clothing. “Thankfully there was a Master Alchemist here at the inn. He made the potion that will cleanse the poison from my blood. I ate some scamp skin last night trying to do it myself. That didn’t work out so well. I don’t recommend it.”

Abiene remembered sitting on the bench under the Great Oak swearing a vow to Eyja, but the details were hazy. How much am I allowed to tell? By the Nine, I was so ill! “And you remember Maxical and her friend Eyja were here yesterday morning. Well, they lost track of each other somewhere between here and Chorrol. I’m helping Eyja look for her.” Abiene placed the crystal ball on the bar. “Which reminds me, I’ve been trying to reach Darnand. But tell me how you fared against the vampires! I see you are injured, may I offer you my help? Did Kayla and Vera also return?”

Aravi held up the note that Abiene left for her. “If someone was trying to kill you, leaving exactly how to find you in a note is not a good idea,” Aravi said pointedly. I hope that the fact she’s here without any escorts means that will not be another attempt… She decided to bring that up at another time.

“Everyone suffered some injuries, but Vera and Kayla fully recovered from them already. I do need help with my ear. I’m afraid the tear isn’t going to heal correctly on its own or with my magicka. My hearing is fine,” she elaborated, “I just don’t want it to look like this permanently.”

“And in the vampire cave we found a map that we would like Darnand to look at. Can you really contact him through that?”

Abiene felt her face flush at the mention of her note. “I suppose you’re right. With everything else that’s on my mind I can’t seem to believe that someone tried to kill me. I told half of Chorrol where they could find me last night in case they needed help, and then I spent most of it…” Abiene glanced at the enormous muffin on Aravi’s plate. She’s eating her breakfast. Don’t make her queasy with your healer’s talk, Abiene. “…ill. It seems that the poison was rare and quite specific, so I hope whoever put it in my tea used up all they had. Anyway I’m being careful what I eat and even I don’t know quite where I’m headed next, so that should buy me some time.”

White mist drifted lazily inside the crystal ball. Abiene rested her fingertips on it. “This isn’t the kind that mystics use for scrying, it’s a simple communication focus. Darnand gave it to me for Saturalia. He has its twin.” A spark of light ignited in its center, growing stronger until the glow touched her fingers. “Now Darnand’s should be just as bright. I can’t cast the spell to connect us, but he can. If he sees the light. I don’t know where he is, or if he even has his with him. We manage to talk a few times every month. He usually tries at nightfall, but my schedule is irregular so we miss each other more often than we connect.”

Abiene gazed into the crystal for a quiet moment. She kept that empty place inside her filled with work and the needs of others, but now she could only feel the familiar lonely ache.

The mist didn’t clear. “He must be busy,” Abiene said. “That’s a shame, I know he’d want to see your vampire’s map. I’ll tell him about it when I speak to him. Hopefully soon.” Disappointment made her confidence waver, and fear trickled back into Abiene’s mind. Darnand always listened and provided counsel rather than rushing to solve every problem himself. His belief made her feel stronger. She had to guard against letting his absence make her feel weak.

She tucked the ball into its velvet pouch and turned her attention back to Aravi. “I’m relieved to hear that Kayla and Vera are in good health. I’m sure I can heal your lovely ear.” It looked as if an earring had torn through. “You’ll need to pierce it again once it’s healed, though. I could do that for you if I had my full kit with me, but right now I’d have use your other earring. Not the neatest solution.” Abiene glanced around the tavern. A few other guests had made their way down for breakfast. She guessed that Aravi might like more privacy than a public room allowed. And though she was reluctant to bring up the subject herself, she hoped Aravi might want to discuss the more personal matter.

Abiene explained about the poison that was used on her. While Aravi was happy there was little chance of more poisonings, she was a little concerned about other measures.

She looked at the healer’s crystal ball. She lifted her tea to her lips, and after a short hesitation, she drank. I hope she’s able to contact Darnand soon.

Then Abiene discussed healing Aravi’s ear. Aravi thought a moment. “Actually I would like you to pierce my ear. It’s probably safer for you to do it than someone else. When would you like to do it? And thank you very much, for everything.”

Abiene

Abiene breathed in relief at Aravi’s words. She had worried that failing to meet her first commitment might have fractured Aravi’s trust, but now she felt forgiven.

“I’ll tend your ear as soon as you like. After breakfast, of course. It will be quick and simple, and I don’t anticipate a mess. Still we should probably go upstairs. Healer’s business and food service are not a good combination.” Abiene always had trouble fitting her emotions into words. Too many could make folk uncomfortable, and too few could seem indifferent. She reached out and touched Aravi’s arm. “Aravi, I’m so glad we’re friends.”

Aravi still had tea in her cup and some pastry on her plate.

Abiene rested an elbow on the bar, settling in for a chat. “You mentioned you were planning to go to Chorrol this morning. Do you still have business there? Are you familiar with the city? I don’t know if Darnand mentioned it, but Chorrol is his home town.”

“Darnand’s home? I don’t think it ever came up actually. And I was going to Chorrol to find you. I wanted to get this healed,” she gestured to her ear. “And I decided.”

She said nothing else on that subject. She didn’t want to risk getting Abiene in trouble. She’ll wait until her ear’s been healed to let the Breton woman know what she decided.

She took a bite of her breakfast, suddenly eager to have it done with. “I’ve been to Chorrol before, but it has been a long time,” Aravi said in between bites.

The trip back to his own body was intense.

Lycus’ stomach cramped. His gorge rose. He gagged. Then leaned over to one side and vomited a puddle of dark green fluid on the floor. Another puddle of yellow liquid lay just beneath him. His body stood the torment of needing to empty its bladder most of the night. When it became unbearable, it let go.

He opened his eyes. The room reeked to both the wolf and the man’s nose, so much that his nose wrinkled in utter disgust then it felt warm and wet. Droplets came at first, and then it seeped through as a leak. Lycus touched his lips to feel blood coming down from his bleeding nose.

Spirit journeys were never meant to be like this, he reflected as he uncrossed his numb legs and struggled to get to his feet. His eyes searched the room and found a pair of clothes that weren’t there before. He could smell them from the short distance, and he recognized Vera’s distinct smell. She returned.

He searched around but could not find her anywhere, and if she isn’t in the room . . . then she’s out there. Did she shift? She couldn’t. It wasn’t the full moon and she wouldn’t risk turning voluntarily in an area such as this. She wouldn't make an unwise decision like that.

As Lycus sought to search for clues, pain struck his mind and pounded against the walls of his head and he staggered. His thick jaw clamped down every few minutes at the back of his skull. The travel to Oblivion using the soul only and not the body was a dangerous process and it had repercussions. The aftereffects lingered, sporadic bursts shooting out like a thousand miniature blades stabbing at the recesses of his mind.

He paused when the pain left, and discarded his stench-filled clothes and tossed them aside. He would wash himself but the bath was emptied.

Sighing deeply, he headed over to the window that was left open over night. It wasn’t unlike her of using the window rather than the door . . . but it was odd that she didn’t turn up at night unless she’s been out on a hunt.

Lycus felt the pain return, slowly but surely, and the pain was so immense that he held both sides of his skull as everything seemed to spin out of control. The large man fell back to the ground with a large thud, rolling over to the side as his nose poured out more blood.

He needed his healing herbs! He needed them now!

Abiene

She decided. Abiene took a deep breath to slow her pulse. Calm down, you don’t know what she decided yet.

“Well, I doubt you’ll find the city much changed. Seed-Neeus runs Northern Goods and Trade with her daughter, the Oak and Crosier is still a cleaner place than the Grey Mare, everyone says Rasheda does good work but she’ll take all you have in the bargaining…”

Aravi was making her way rapidly through the rest of her breakfast. That ear must be sore.

“Contumeliorus Florius offers recharging services at the Mages Guild Hall. He spends a lot of time at the Oak and Crosier, though. If it’s past midday that’s the first place I’d look for him.”

Abiene twisted her fingers together, hoping to hide her tension.

Aravi listened as she ate to the little details Abiene offered. She noticed the healer fidgeting. I shouldn't have said anything yet. She took one of the Breton's hands in her own and squeezed it briefly.

"Are you hungry?" Aravi asked. She had just assumed that Abiene had eaten before coming here, but if she had stayed at the Grey Mare... I wish I had thought of that before I finished my own breakfast, she thought, looking at the empty plate.

Abiene

Aravi’s warm gesture made Abiene smile. She was used to being the source of calm and control, but uncertainty and her own emotions had her knocked off balance. Aravi had a quiet way of knowing that she recognized. No wonder their friends spoke so highly of her.

“I ate my breakfast standing in the street like a Nord,” said Abiene. “Thank you for asking, but I’m not hungry.”

The inn was quiet. Riad stood behind the bar still giving Abiene hard looks.

Abiene gave Aravi’s fingers a grateful squeeze in return. “Shall we go upstairs?”

Kayla pressed two fingers on the sides of her temple, regretting drinking so much the previous night.

Leave it to me to get drunk and spill nearly every secret I've been entrusted with. Irvana had sat and listened to everything Kayla had said, most likely soaking up all the knowledge she was being fed. Not many knew about the Cult of Meridia, and most who found out about it were recruited immediately to keep the secrets kept in the group.

She sighed in relief when the sun's warmth hit her as she stepped out of the inn. This time, she was out of her armor and in her regular clothing. She'd heard Chorrol was one of the safer cities, unlike Bravil or Leyawiin, or even the Imperial City. Places riddled with poor or criminals were rarely safe, though that was a given.

Looking first to the left, then to the right to see if anyone was coming her way, she then turned down the path towards the city, lugging the pieces of her armor that needed to be repaired. Most of it just needed to be cleaned off, but the hole in the torso where she had been stabbed with bothersome.

She didn't meet anyone on the path, but waved to whomever was in the priory yard. Once she was in the gates, she stopped and smiled at the sight of the city.

I better drop off my armor so I can look around.

Irvana walked along the edge of the road, passing away at the wilderness with a singular focus to Chorrol. The carpet of green grass around her was bejeweled with flowers such as motherwort and Viper’s bugloss.

The ground was also carpeted with ferns that bent over her gentle footsteps before springing up once more, then sprang back again, leaving no evidence of her passage. The walk took awhile but to Irvana, a night of wandering her home countryside was a welcome hobby aside from strolling the Imperial Palace building or her castle.

It was twilight and the darkness comingled with the day, and so it was that she reached Chorrol during the night. Her hood still covering her black hair, she entered the city after greeting the guards.

Irvana was meandering without clear purpose through the town, far from the city center, when she set her eyes on the store named Northern Goods and Trade, and as she stepped at the door she realized the shop was closed. Of course, at this forsaken hour, which storeowner would want their establishment open after working the entire day?

And so Irvana waited. Patiently. Sitting herself by the statue at the front of the city. She simply observed the quiet town, and save for a few loud drunks leaving the local tavern, everything else seemed quiet. After a few hours of speaking to locals and guards, the sun had just peeked through the horizon and out into the sky.

The sunlight hit her skin and she felt the warmth of it striking body. She got to her feet and headed toward the shop when the gates opened and a familiar face walked through.

Oh how fortunate . . .

Kayla.

Irvana bit her lip. She was planning on making purchases alone, but Kayla wouldn’t be a nuisance. The black-hooded Imperial waved at Kayla from afar and beckoned her to come over.

Kayla blinked curiously at the hooded figure waving at her. She looked to the left and right of her, then behind herself to see if the figure was waving at her. She inwardly scolded her idiocy as she walked closer.

It's Irvana, stop being jumpy!

She put on a smile and waved back as she walked closer. "Good morning! What are you doing here? And so early in the morning?"

Kayla approached her and Irvana returned the smile by parting her lips. She reached out and gave Kayla a hug, and then backed away looking at her from head to toe. "I can ask the same of you!"

She breathed. It is a beautiful morning! And I'm here to buy some new things I desperately need," she said and with an inspective glance, looked Kayla from her head to her toe. Her eyes narrowed. "Are you well? You seem as if you've been hit in the head."

Aravi drank the last of her tea in one gulp and slipped down from her stool. She straightened her robe and said, “We can use my room.”

She turned and led Abiene up the stairs and passed Kayla’s door (which was still decorated with undergarments) and into her room. She closed the door behind them and locked it. Then she straightened the bedspread and asked, looking up at Abiene, “Would you prefer me sitting or standing?”

Kayla laughed, then winced. "Hangover. I'm not much of a drinker. I'm not sure if it's an Altmer thing, or if I'm just lucky."

She rubbed her own cheek and smiled at Irvana sleepily. "I'm here to repair my armor. I got stabbed in the gut during the fight in the cave, and need it to be repaired. Leather armor is great for being fast, but it doesn't offer much resistance from a sharpened blade."

Irvana regarded Kayla with a stare that might have been curious, and then she chuckled. "With what happened last night, I am inclined to believe it might have been luck, no?"

Kayla spoke about her injury and the pros and cons of leather armor. Irvana understood a few facts about armor. Her sword lessons under her father's tutelage taught many weak points in all kinds of armor, all it took was getting the blade to slip in. Irvana did not need to look at the sides of her hip to see the two swords hanging from the belt, sheathed deeply within their cases. She doubted she would need to use them anytime soon. Her goals were not to walk into any predicaments.

"I see," murmured the woman. "Come, come. I shall accompany you to the store. I know where you shall be able to have your armor repaired." She pointed at the south gate. "Fire and Steel."

Her brother came here before to have his sword fixed after helping burn down Hackdirt many, many years ago when working for the Legion. He spent his time complaining on how faulty the smith's work was for hours.

She walked over to the store, expecting Kayla to follow her.

Kayla walked alongside Irvana, her hand instinctively reaching for the reassurance of Dawnbreaker's hilt, but found no such comfort.

Damnit. I left it in the room. Her cheeks reddened at the thought of Laegon pulling the covers back to reveal himself to her, and she cleared her throat.

I have a handsome man naked in my room, and I'm being responsible and repairing my armor. She thought sourly. Intent on not being terrible company, she looked down at Irvana and decided to make conversation.

"Thank you for showing me the store. I'll most likely have to leave my armor here for a few hours while it's being repaired. Is there an alchemy shop nearby as well?"

Irvana led the way and neared to Fire and Steel with Kayla walking behind her. Having a fascination with her weapon Irvana noticed right away that the Altmer did not possess Dawnbreaker.

The drink was too much, so much that she left one of the most powerful Daedric swords behind, Irvana reflected. Men and their wine . . .

As she neared the door, Kayla spoke again. Irvana opened the door, and glanced over her shoulder. "My pleasure," she replied, and then added. "I'm not entirely sure but this is something I am dying for find out."

She wasn't sure about the alchemy shop, for it has been sometime since she's been here.Last she remembered the local Mages Guild had an alchemist, but no store that specialized in the craft.

Irvana opened the door for Kayla, admitting the woman in first with a courterous gesture. As soon as she entered she was greeted not only by the smell of coal and burning metal and sweat but by a Redguard woman who could only be the proprietor. "Hello. I'm Rasheda -- the smith -- and this is Fire and Steel. Quality armor and weapons, repairs, too. What can I do for you?"

Irvana waited for Kayla to speak. The vampire hunter needed repairs for her equipment, all Irvana needed was some alchemical ingredients and a nice silver pitcher or perhaps a silver carafe. Perhaps both. Yes, both would do quite nicely.

"Good morning, Rasheda. I need my armor repaired." She showed the Redguard woman where the hole was, then noticed a few areas that were too worn for comfort. She pointed them out, then paid the woman.

"It'll be a few hours before this is ready. You're my first customer of the day, so you won't be waiting on anyone." Rasheda said. Kayla smiled and nodded.

"Thank you. I'll be back around noon to come get it." She turned to Irvana.

"Alright, I'm done here. Mind if I come along while you run errands?"

Irvana stood by as the surprisingly quick conversation went by. Irvana motioned for Kayla to follow. "I won't take long."

She stepped out of the shop and into the sunlight that bathed her pink skin in yellow rays. She drew her hair and her head back. "Lovely weather!" She remarked as she grabbed Kayla's hand to lead her to the Northern Goods and Trade.

She headed over to the store and entered with gentle strides. Upon walking past the door, and up the flight of stairs, Irvana saw an argonian woman with fine clothes sweeping dust from the corner.

She didn't noticed Irvana at first, which prompted the woman to speak out. "I seek to make a purchase."

The saurian woman seemed distracted, but otherwise non-aggressive. "Only the finest wares to buy and barter at Northern Goods and Trades. I'm Seed-Neeus. How can I help you?"

Irvana walked over and began looking around. "I desire something simple in the sense of less extravagant. A silver pitcher or perhaps even a carafe."

"We have plenty of those here."

Irvana did not smile, but she did say, "Perfect! Show me.'

The argonian woman set aside the broom and walked over to show Irvana the different Cyrodiilic-made items. Irvana went through a few of them, turning them upside down and inspecting the surface for any signs of wear or use. She could easily detect used ones from newer ones. She chose the latter for the pitcher and the carafe. "I'll chose these two."

"Ten septims."

irvana reached for her pocket, and recovered a small sack of coin. "Ah, gods were fit to send a gentleman my way to bless me with coin," she told Kayla as she paid for the two kitchen items. "If only I wasn't so fearful in the attack, I would've had the sense of reclaiming the coin I had with me."

Kayla looked up from the book she was leafing through and gave Irvana a sympathetic smile.

"You got away. That's the important thing." She set the book down gently and turned towards the Imperial woman. "If the rain hadn't washed away all the tracks, we probably would've found your gold." She scratched the back of her head and straightened her shirt out.

"There's an oil I'm looking for." She said to Seed-Neeus. "A scent. I was wondering if you carried vanilj?"

The Nordic word for vanilla slipped out, and Kayla bit her lower lip in embarrassment. She hated not remembering words in Cyrodiliic, especially in the company of new friends. She never had the issue of being embarrassed in Skyrim, but Cyrodiil was an entirely other matter. Most expected her to speak with an accent, but not a far northern one.

What was worse, was when she became frustrated, her Cyrodiliic became worse.

She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I'm sorry, I meant vanilla. Do you have any?"