Chapter One

Chapter One

Fated Suffocation

Disclaimer: I do not in any way shape or form own Skyrim, it's characters, or creation. Nor am I affiliated with Bethesda Studios. I merely write my fantasies and original characters within the story it has provided.

A small child lied on the wooden floor with her feet swinging merrily in the air. The sweet thing was humming a tune that was slightly off-key but jovial nonetheless. Before her were several rolls of paper and pieces of charcoal of all shapes and sizes. The paper she currently had her blackened hands on displayed the images of her and a taller person with what appeared to be ears and a tail. She stopped and shifted her eyes from the paper to the right, her head tilted as though she was listening for something. A muffled whinny drowned out what she swore was a feminine chuckle and words. But that was all the child needed for her to scramble to her feet and hurriedly pick up the scrolls she scribbled on.

~ * { ^ } * ~

"Now now, Khi'ræn, no need to give her trouble," the woman chuckled as she patted down her mare's frazzled mane. The black mare merely shook her head in a tired manner. "Then you and this one both. Come; let us undo your tack before you lay down." She gently tugged on the reins and the horse begrudgingly obeyed. This woman was of a rather tall stature, even for someone of her kind. A Khajiit was what she was, a bipedal humanoid with feline features ranging from striped to spotted to calico and everything in between. This one in particular was a Sunthay-raht, a special breed of Khajiiti born under a specific Ja'Kha'Jay, or Lunar Lattice. This Sunthay-raht's markings were silver-blue marble patterns on soot black fur with her eyes an incredible icy blue. Three gold loops rested in her feline ears with the last having a polished saber cat claw tip waving about. Her silver hair was kept in dreadlocks, but only about shoulder length so that it wouldn't get in the way or could easily be grabbed. One too many embarrassing occasions taught her to keep short hair, just in case she lit it on fire again or get it lodged in a broken plank for the umpteenth time. Her legs were double jointed. If she wanted to, she could be able to sneak around in broad daylight and not get caught. Since her center of gravity was in her knees and hips she was able to wander about stealthily. The Khajiit's name was Dar'chaj, an adventurer and blacksmith. However, she was not welcomed in many of the cities and towns of Skyrim. In this strange land of high mountains and unpredictable snowy weather, Khajiiti were considered as nothing more than thieves, crooks, and skooma dealers. A fact that she firmly believed was completely biased. Yes, Khajiiti were naturally stealthy and made excellent thieves. Yes, Khajiiti loved moon sugar and skooma. But when it came to foreign lands, she has seen nothing but cooperation on their part. It made no absolute sense. They allow Bosmer, Dunmer, and even the ever pompous Altmer into their cities, but not Khajiit. "She does not understand this place. Do you, Khi'ræn?" She mused out loud as she took off the last bit of tack from her horse. The animal responded with a snort and laid down in her spot, refusing to move another inch. "She agrees," Dar'chaj chuckled and proceeded to pick up and put away the leather straps and saddle equipment.

"Momma!" An elated voice rang.

"Ah, Masari!" Dar'chaj perked her ears and knelt down with outstretched arms. The child threw herself into the woman's arms with the happiest laugh anyone could've heard. "By Mara's sweet grace, this one has missed her kitten dearly!" She hugged the child with a tight yet gentle embrace. "This one hopes that no troubles have fallen upon her iiliten?" She set the child down to examine her. She was but a child of eight springs. A Cathay, Masari was beautiful with her father's coat and pattern, golden fur spotted with blooming dusky rosettes, and adorned with brightly lit inquisitive pale blue eyes. The child's gold hair was braided down the front, tied with carved wooden bangles so she wouldn't accidentally harm herself with them.

"I'm okay, fado. Where did you go this time? Did you find any dragons? What about a werewolf?" Masari bombarded her mother with questions as she stood.

"Slow your questions, sweet kitten, all will be answered in due time. At least allow your mother a moment of rest," she chuckled. The Khajiit took her child's hand and guided her to their home.

They did not have much, and what little they did have was very precious. Dar'chaj gave everything she had to keep her child fed and clothed and happy with a roof over their heads. It was not easy by any means, but it was a comfortable life. She kept a steady income with being a blacksmith and trading with the local stores as well as pilfering the various ruins and the stray house or two. It did not take too long for her savings to be enough for her to buy a two acre plot near Riverwood and build a home large enough for two beds, a few chests and dressers, a table with some chairs, and hired help to build a forge, a workbench, and a grindstone. A few months after that, she was able to buy her horse, Khi'ræn. So far, there had been no trouble for either her or her daughter. While townsfolk of Riverwood didn't take too kindly to her, they haven't tried to run her off. "Come with this one to the river Masari. We both smell a little ripe," Dar'chaj said as she unpacked her bag of its various treasures and equipment.

Masari wrinkled her nose at the idea. "But Momma, I don't like getting wet..."

"She will hear none of it, little one. Go fetch your dress," Dar'chaj raised an eyebrow at Masari, giving the infamous "I-will-not-be-argued-with" look that mothers were so well known for. The kitten gave a pout of defeat and went to her dresser. Dar'chaj grabbed a bristle brush, a bucket, a couple of large drying rags, and a half-used bar of soap in a pouch of fish netting. When they were both ready, they walked to the direction of the river. They both undressed and, with a bit of coaxing her daughter to follow, dunked themselves into the river. Masari mewled in displeasure and huddled into her shoulders. "It's cold, Momma!" She whined then squealed as her mother dumped a bucket full of water over her shoulders.

"This one knows, but we must give up a few luxuries for our health," Dar'chaj chuckled and proceeded to gently rub her cub's back with the soap. Masari soon stopped her caterwauling and closed her eyes with a satisfied purr. "Dar'chaj saw a dragon earlier when she was riding home."

"You did?!" Masari perked up but didn't turn, not since her mother had a firm grip on her shoulders.

"Aye. A mighty beast it was."

"What did it look like?"

Dar'chaj could not help but smile at her daughter. She set down the soap on a rock next to them and proceeded to rapidly scrub the kitten's back with the bristle brush, which earned her a slight hiss in annoyance. "None of the sass," she said sternly. Masari grumbled but didn't say anything. "It's bronze scales glimmered, like the flashing of many swords. Wings that were big enough to swallow whole cypress trees and still have plenty of room for many other things. It's cry similar to that of thunder rolling down the great mountains of Skyrim."

"Was it flying when you saw it?" Masari turned to look at her mother but was promptly held still by a strong hand and a brush to her head.

"That it was," she nodded. "This one, however, did not stick around long enough to see where it was headed. This one had to head home after all." She brought Masari backwards into the water and began to wash her off.

"Do you think Papa would've liked to see it?"

"She is certain jebnurr would've very much loved to see it with you."

"Do you think we'll ever see him again?"

Dar'chaj flinched at both the flood of memories and at the sad tone in Masari's voice. "Oh, sweet kitten..." She whispered as Masari closed her eyes and scrunched her face. With an exhausted sigh, she carefully pulled her child into her arms and sat down on the bank with Masari in her lap and her head in her shoulder. The little kitten's body shook from the effort not to cry. Dar'chaj gently rubbed her back. "We will see your father again, this one is certain of this. He is not lost to us."

"I hope not... I miss him..." Masari sniffled.

"She does too, sweet kitten. She does too."

Sensing that now would be a good time to head back home, she set Masari down and handed her a rag, knowing that she was now old enough to dry herself off. Dar'chaj stood and quickly scrubbed any loose dirt out of her fur before grabbing the bucket and the soap and drying herself off as well. After throwing on her leather armor, she knelt down and helped the strangling Masari untangle herself into her dress.

"Anything you wish for dinner, iiliten?"

"I want meat!" She piped up, seeming to brighten at the idea of dinner.

"Heh, alright, this one will see what she can do," she smiled and picked up their supplies and held her child's hand with tender care. "You are going to have to eat more than meat, you do know this, right?"

"I know!" Masari giggled as she walked alongside her mother.

Upon arriving their home, Masari rushed in and pulled out the scrolls she had been drawing in. "Look Momma!" She proudly presented them to Dar'chaj as she pulled out her bow and arrows. She smiled as she took the childish drawings to examine them. "Masari, these are beautiful. Inroht var sri jabi, ja'khajiit." Dar'chaj said with a proud smile as she placed each scroll carefully in a knapsack hooked above her bed. They were messy pictures from the messy hands of a kitten, but to her they were worth more than all the gold in the world. Drawings that her child put time and dedication into. "Alright, illiten, this one will be back. Get the fire going, yes?" Dar'chaj hoisted her bow and arrows onto her back and slung a large empty sack over her shoulder. "Be good."

"I always am, fado," Masari giggled and hugged her mother as they rubbed cheeks.

"There's a good girl." Dar'chaj purred and walked out the house, taking Khi'ræn with her. The woods surrounding them were abundant with game and herbs of all sorts. It would not take long for her to find a few rabbits or pheasants. More than likely, her daughter wanted the sweet meat from elk. She didn't blame her, venison was absolutely delicious and she needed their pelts for extra blankets and leather. However, the harts in these lands were hardy and strong, posing quite a problem. Unless she managed to get an arrow straight into their skulls, there was no way that she'd be able to kill these gigantic creatures. She pulled out her bow and hunched low to the ground. Khi'raen snorted and walked off in a random direction. The Khajiit didn't mind, she knew that the horse would return once she whistled for her. Her ears twitched this way and that, trying to hear for a telltale snap of a twig or crunching of leaves.

*snap*

Dar'chaj quickly notched an arrow and aimed in the direction the sound came from, letting it fly. There was a nigh pitched bellowing shriek and then a heavy thud. But she couldn't stop there. The noise alerted all of the local prey and the woods were suddenly alive. One by one, arrows began to fly left and right. None too many, she couldn't afford to waste any more than what was necessary. But when she finished, she had counted four more thuds. Dar'chaj sighed. She lost two arrows. Grumbling, she slung her bow across her torso and began to collect her three rabbits and pheasant. "Khi'ræn!" She yelled, giving two loud whistles after calling out. It did not take long before she heard the hoof falls of her mare. They went to the carcass of the fairly small deer and Dar'chaj smirked. "Good, this one won't have to clean as much. Siicho, Khi'ræn," she clicked her teeth and the horse obeyed, laying down for her master. With a bit of effort, she managed to pull the dead animal over the back of her horse. Coaxing her gently, she stood Khi'ræn onto her feet and lead her home.

It was nothing like her real home. Dar'chaj ached for the sun kissed buildings of Riverhold. She yearned to feel the warm sands of Elsweyr. But when the Aldmeri Dominion became more of a nuisance and less of an ally, her husband took her and their child across the border into Cyrodiil and tried to make it into Skyrim. He didn't make it. That was years ago. She sighed and stopped, gazing up to the sky. He was the idealist of the two. It would irk her sometimes, but she ignored his ravings. What wouldn't she give to hear his silly ramblings again... Khi'ræn nudged her owner's arm and rested her head on her shoulder. Dar'chaj chuckled and leaned her cheek against her horse. "You're such a sweet thing, Khi'ræn. If only you were there though. Perhaps we wouldn't be in such a rut." She patted the mare's thick neck and continued on. She had long ago given up the thought of being reunited with him. While it'd be a dream come true, Dar'chaj had no time to dwell in the past. Her only option was to move forward. If not for her sake, then for Masari's.

The pair got back to the house and as she slid the deer from Khi'ræn's back, the equestrian creature lifted her head nervously. Her ears were erect and pointed towards the direction that she was facing in. Dar'chaj noticed this and dropped the bag of prey and fowl and the hart. In a fluid motion, she drew her bow and notched an arrow. "Who's there?!" She hissed. It was only mid-evening, but the brush made it a bit difficult to distinguish figures at times. A Nord woman, a native to Skyrim, clad in steel and furs came forward with a frantic expression and a bay gelding with a limp figure on his back. "Please, help him! Help the Thane!"

"Momma, what's going on?" Masari came out to help her mother but hung back by the door when she saw the Nordic person.

"Kon, iiliten." Dar'chaj growled warningly to her daughter, keeping an arrow fixed on the intruder. The small child rushed back into the house and peered out of a window, protected by glass. "Get this 'Thane' off the horse and lean them against the house. But do not think that this one will not let this arrow fly if you try anything with her."

The woman nodded and did what the Khajiit asked of her. She was about to back away when she hissed again. So she stayed. That's when Dar'chaj glanced over at the unconscious body.

"Mara's sweet grace, Do'raji!"

Dar'chaj rushed forward, the possibility of danger all but fleeing her mind as she knelt down to the unconscious figure's side. It was a male Khajiit, tall and muscular with a coat of glimmering golden bronze and vibrant cinnamon rosettes surrounded by black outlines. He was a Cathay-raht. To other races, he was a "jaguar man", and for good reason. Whereas she was half a head taller than the average human woman, he was almost three heads taller than the average Nord man. His head was not that of hers or of a human's- it was that of a jaguar's. Down to the small eyes, low muzzle, and round ears. The rest of his body though was almost exactly like that of a human, save for the fur and tail. His arms were lined with muscles thick enough to crush rocks the size of his torso. His legs covered with iron threaded thighs and brick calfs. In short, he was the epitome of a brick house.

"Shurh, ahnaro! Do'raji! Shurh!" Dar'chaj cried as she framed her hands around his face. Her knees began to sink into the ground. It was the metallic scent that hit her worst. She hissed in defiance and began frantically patting down what little she could touch. There were cuts in all of the exposed regions where his armor did not cover.

"You...know him?" Dar'chaj glared up at the woman and pulled the male Khajiit closer to her. "What happened to him, why is he like this?"

"We were exploring one of the caves near here when we were ambushed by Falmer," the woman explained then looked back at the Khajiit. "Can you help him?"

"This one would rather die than lose him again! Help her," Dar'chaj snapped and slipped his arm over her shoulders as she began to pick him up by his rib cage. She almost dropped him due to the slick blood when the Nordic woman quickly assumed her position by his side. "Masari!"

"Yes, Mo- Ahnurr!" Masari cried out when she stepped outside and saw who her mother was supporting. Her fur bristled in fear. Her eyes held only slight recognition, but all doubts fled when she realized that her mother was frantic over someone who should've been a trespasser. "Ahnurr!"

"Masari! Da'khe!" The little kitten nodded and rushed back into the house, holding the door open as the two women struggled the third in. As soon as they entered, Masari closed the door and rummaged around the household trying to find their fresh water. Dar'chaj lead them to her bed and they gently lied him down, taking off his steel armor and leaving him in only his leather breeches and budi. But she did not give pause. Shoving the Nord away she ripped off his shirt into thin shreds and reached up into the top drawer of her dresser, pulling out several potions of healing and dressings salves. "Naba var dar jabo, jekosiit!" Dar'chaj growled as she used the shreds to quickly dab off the blood. After that, she applied the salves without frugality.

"Momma..." Masari come forward with a glass jar filled with fresh water. Her eyes were wide, not only from the sight of the male Khajiit but also at what her mother let slip from her mouth. It confused her, since she had never heard that word before.

"Thank you." She took it and poured a potion into the container. Carefully, she lifted Do'raji's head to press the container to his lips. "This one apologizes to you," Dar'chaj said suddenly to the Nord. "But she does not wish to lose him. Tell her, how did this happen?"

"He was fighting too many," she said chewing the inside of her cheek. "I told him to run but... He thought he could take them all on."

"This one understands. He most likely thought to bring more honor to his name by fighting creatures of another land. Fusozayiit..." Dar'chaj sighed in irritation. "He should have listened to reason." The man in question had managed to swallow a third of the mixture before she pulled it away and set it down on a chest next to them. "What is her guest's name?"

"My name is Lydia. Do'raji is Thane of Whiterun and I am his Housecarl." The Nordic woman nodded. "And you are?"

"This one is Dar'chaj and this is our kitten, Masari," Dar'chaj blinked. "Do'raji is this one's mate."

"Dar'chaj and Masari? He spoke of the two of you often and fondly," Lydia said in surprise, but began to hesitate. "Although this may pose a problem..."

"Why is that?"

"Khajiit are not allowed within city walls."

Dar'chaj raised an eyebrow. "She knows this, but she does not know what a Thane of Whiterun is."

Lydia shifted her feet, as though to remind herself that these "cats" were foreigners and did not know much of Skyrim's customs. 'Do'raji was like that once,' she thought. "Thanes are people recognized by a Jarl as upholders of peace of his or her Hold. Usually by helping make the people's lives better are they appointed. Or, like in Thane Do'raji's case, under special circumstances." She explained.

"But he is Khajiit." Dar'chaj growled suspiciously.

"Err..."

"This Nord has said that Khajiiti are not allowed within cities. And yet Do'raji is the sole exception? This one knows that he is a very honorable Khajiit, perhaps even by the standards of your people, but she also knows that honor alone is not what causes a single person rise above the rest. Were that the case, this one is certain that nearly all of your people would be Thanes."

Lydia ducked her head under the fiery glare of the female cat. Maybe she wouldn't be quite as ecstatic as she had originally thought about her mate's innate ability. As to why though, she could not understand. "Well, yes, you have a point. But it's because of him that most people are having a better opinion of your kind! He brings honor to your people."

"You will have to pardon her, but this one still has yet to see why," Dar'chaj snapped harshly. There was a tug on her arm and she looked down to see her daughter staring up at her with wide eyes full of fear and confusion. With a sigh, she rubbed her temple. "Forgive Dar'chaj, she is on edge. Masari, take Khi'ræn and get us more water."

"What will you do, Momma?"

"Dar'chaj will get dinner started..." She stood and left the house with Masari on her heels. Khi'ræn was still standing where she was left previous, if now more than a little nervous. The mare watched her owner with trepidation. "Do not take long, iiliten."

"Yes Momma," Masari nodded as she picked up a bucket. Calling to the horse, she hurried down to the river. Khi'ræn trotted after her when Dar'chaj shooed her off. Picking up the bag she had previously dropped in a haphazard way, she went over to her workbench and pulled out a bear pelt. Dar'chaj laid out her kill, taking extra care when skinning the rabbits and plucking the tail feathers of the quail. They weren't worth much, but it was still something to help put food on the table. After cutting the kills into sizable pieces, she grabbed the ankles of the hart and moved them away from its belly. Now was the more difficult part. Skinning and bleeding it. By now Masari had walked back with her bucket full of water, Khi'ræn right by her side. "Thank you, Masari..." Dar'chaj grunted as she knelt and dragged her dagger from the deer's sternum to its groin.

"Momma...are you alright?" Masari asked timidly. Dar'chaj paused as she began to cut away at the connective tissue under the skin. "This one is alright, iiliten. She is just...pensive."

"What does pensive mean?"

"It is a word that means deep in thought, or thinking a lot," she explained with a slight smile.

"Well... What are you thinking about?" Masari pressed.

Dar'chaj leaned back onto the balls of her feet at that, her forearms resting on her knees. "About what happened to your father. This one finds it odd."

"You don't like it that he's back?"

"Oh no, she very much loves that he is brought back to us, it's just..." She turned to look back at the house, her ears swiveling in random directions. Her tail was not much better. Dar'chaj shook her head before turning back to Masari, "No, it's nothing. Pay no heed to this one. Go inside, little kitten. She'll be there shortly."

Masari nodded and carefully brought the bucket with her into the house. Dar'chaj watched her for a few more moments before going back to butchering the deer. It did not take long for her to shed its skin and carve out the tenderest parts of its anatomy. She sliced the tougher parts into strips and placed them in a barrel, covering them with a generous layer of salt. After collecting the meat, she walked into their home and set them down in a spare bucket. Dar'chaj quickly scrubbed the blood and grime out of her fur and from under her nails. "She is correct in assuming that you shall stay for dinner?"

"If you are offering, then yes," Lydia nodded.

"Good. It is not often we receive guests. Perhaps Masari can hear another's voice instead of this one," Dar'chaj chuckled as shed out her of leather armor and into a white dress that came off the shoulders with a maroon apron protecting its front. She pulled out several herbs, spices, some potatoes and carrots from one of the chests, including a small pouch of Moon Sugar. But she paused and looked back at the still sleeping figure of Do'raji. At least he seemed to be breathing a bit better. Masari looked at her quizzically. "Momma?"

"Sorry kitten, she was just thinking." She turned back and began to make venison stew with roasted rabbit and quail on the side.

Lydia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She felt out of place, but that was a no brainer as to why. "So tell me, Dar'chaj," she called out. "How did you and Do'raji meet?"

"Under the oddest of circumstances," Dar'chaj chuckled. "This one loves to run along the tops of sands dunes without any sort of footwear."

"Sand dunes? Without...shoes?" Lydia gawked.

"Yes. You'd be very surprised at how dune running barefoot can help with gaining stamina and endurance. However, this one chose a rather unlucky day to go dune running when she met Do'raji. The winds were blowing the wrong way that day. Do'raji just so happened to be accompanying the caravan that this one met."

"What was he doing there? Was he a mercenary?" Lydia asked and shot a questioning look at Masari when she began to giggle.

"Tch, Dar'chaj would not have touched him were he a jihatt- a sellsword. Not even as a jihatt'ra!" Dar'chaj clicked her teeth in disapproval.

"Sorry, but then what was he doing with a caravan?" Lydia asked carefully.

"He had an errand in the next city, but the Mo-jo'khaj were especially active that day. Sadly, this one was foolish and did not heed her kins' warnings. The Mo-jo'khaj did not attack us, but instead the gods decided to prank us, for as soon as this one stopped to speak to Do'raji for directions, the sand parted beneath the caravan and we all fell into one of the ruins that dot Elsweyr's vast desert. Needless to say, we all became very aquatinted with one another by the time we got out."

Lydia chuckled. Dar'chaj tapped her spoon against the edge of the metal bowl, setting it down across the lip. She left it to simmer for a bit and went over to her resting mate. A tender hand rested on his forehead. He felt warm to the touch. She felt the insides of his ears and growled in concern. Masari grabbed a rag from the table and went over to the bucket she had previously filled, dunking the cloth into its cold waters and ringing the access out of it before handing it to her mother. "Oh, thank you," Dar'chaj smiled at her. She laid the cloth across his throat. There was a pitiful chuff from the male Khajiit in response, but he still did not wake up. She noticed that the salve on his wounds were beginning to dry off. She applied what was left of the salve while rummaging around for the bandages. "Can you help?" Dar'chaj asked Lydia when she got them. The Nord nodded and pulled Do'raji's shoulders forward to give Dar'chaj some room. It did not take long for her to wrap his wounds. "Thank you," she purred and went back to the stew. It was ready. "Masari, can you set the table?"

Masari grabbed the bowls and spoons, as well some plates. Dar'chaj took the plates first and gave each equal helpings of rabbit and quail, each shred of meat thoroughly cooked with the Moon Sugar caramelized on the top. She gave the plates back before taking the bowls and filling them with the venison stew, making sure to give Masari's bowl extra vegetables. Lydia licked her lips, suddenly realizing that she was hungry. Dar'chaj placed a lid on the pot before turning to join the table. "Masari, would you like to pray?" She asked but shot a warning glance over at Lydia. Fortunately, Masari didn't see it. The kitten clasped her hands together, touching her thumbs to her forehead as she bowed her head, and recited over the evening prayer she had heard her mother chant so many times before. Dar'chaj closed her eyes and brought her hands together as well, touching her lips with her fingers to symbolize that she was a listener of the prayer. Lydia, however, remained impassive.

"Khajiit give praise to Alkosh, for keeping our lives in order.

Khajiit give praise to Azurah, for allowing us to roam the sands.

Khajiit give praise to Ja'khajiit, for retaining self-control and keeping destruction away in our time of need.

Khajiit give praise to Ja'Kha'Jay, for allowing the moons to touch our fur.

Khajiit give praise to Khenthari, for keeping favorable winds against our backs.

Khajiit give praise to Mara, for her and our mothers' love.

Khajiit give praise to Riddle'thar, for his Sugar and for keeping Jode, Jone, and Lorkhaj in the sky for all to witness.

Khajiit give praise to S'rendarr, for allowing his mercy to touch our lives.

Khajiit give praise to Nirni, for allowing us to walk on her skin..."

Masari cracked an eye open to look at her father before resuming her prayer.

"This one gives praise to S'rendarr, for listening to her and bringing her father to her.

Var var var."

Masari clapped her hands with each "var" that was spoken, signifying the prayer's closure. Dar'chaj whispered the closing words and mimicked Masari's actions. She straightened and nodded to Lydia, who kept a straight face. "Thank you for the food, my friend," she bowed her head and proceeded to eat. Only after Lydia took the first bite did Masari and Dar'chaj eat. Lydia subtly quirked an eyebrow when she tasted the stew. It was sweet compared to other stews she had tasted before, but she knew that it was no different than from everything else. She looked up and noticed that the two Khajiit were eating at the same pace that she was; in small bites. Lydia blinked. Were they not hungry? She ate a little faster, and they did as well. How odd. Masari broke, however, and began to devour the food in front of her. Lydia smirked, but Dar'chaj stared at her daughter with a disapproving look. "Masari!" She growled. Masari paused as she was about to eat the last bite of dinner and quickly dropped it back onto her plate, sinking into her shoulders with her ears flat against her skull in embarrassment. With a sigh, Dar'chaj waved it off. "Finish, then go feed Khi'ræn." Masari popped the last piece into her mouth and hopped out of her chair. "Thank you for dinner, fado." She rushed out of the house to feed the horse. Dar'chaj grumbled, "Forgive her, she has apparently forgotten her manners."

"No need, it's always cute to see a kid eat like that," Lydia smiled and drank the rest of the broth in her bowl. "Dinner was good."

Dar'chaj smiled. "There is more, if you wish?"

"No, I've had plenty. I need to head back to Whiterun and tell the Jarl what has happened," Lydia stood and held out a hand to Dar'chaj. "It was an honor to meet you." The Khajiit smiled and took her hand. "May fortune smile upon your travels."

Masari came in just as Lydia was leaving. "Are you coming back?" She asked innocently. Lydia smiled at her. "Yeah, I'll be back."

The Nord woman left and Masari began to get ready for bed. Dar'chaj scrubbed down the table and set the dishes into the bucket of water. "Have you had your fill, Masari?" She asked when the little gold kitten plopped down on her bed and pulled out "King Olaf One-Eye" to read. "Yes, Momma." After a moment, Masari hopped off her bed and went over to the bed that her father was currently resting in. Dar'chaj watched her settle down beside him and open her book to read aloud to him. Of course, she didn't tell her not to. The child had not seen her father for half of her life. Who was she to tell her no? The Khajiit finished her final chores and pull off her apron. "Masari," she said softly. Masari stopped reading with a pout. "It's time for bed."

"Yes, Momma... Goodnight Papa," she whispered and nuzzled his cheek. "Goodnight Momma."

"Goodnight, little darling. Riddle'thar grant you sweet dreams," Dar'chaj knelt to Masari and pulled her into a tender hug. They nuzzled noses before they broke away. She quietly pulled up a chair next to Do'raji's bedside. Her fingers slipped into his large paw of a hand. When they married, many were confused by their behavior towards each other. Even after years of knowing each other, he could still make her giggle like a kitten. And she could make him relax after a hard day's work. Practically everyone else that they knew often began to dislike their mates and the female would spend all her time pampering her child while the male would just work. Some of them would completely disregard having one mate and have many, bearing many children. But Dar'chaj and Do'raji were not like that. They both spent time with each other and took turns each day with their kitten. They loved each other. When Do'raji took an arrow during a bandit attack that threw him over a cliff and into a river, Dar'chaj was beside herself with dismay. For days she ran up and down that river, calling for him over and over again. But she could not find his body. That was when they were in Cyrodiil traveling north to get to Skyrim. She could not stay long, however, for she was out in the open and had a hungry child. She had no choice but to move on. A tear rolled down the side of her cheek as she gazed upon his golden face. "Dar'chaj had forgotten what your scent was like..." She purred softly as she brought his hand up to her face, turning it so his palm held her cheek. "She wishes you would speak though... Remind her of your voice..." Dar'chaj scooted onto the bed and rested her head on his sternum, listening to his heart as she curled his arm around her head and neck. She placed a hand on his forearm with the other on his elbow. "Goodnight, ahnaro..." Her pale eyes closed, her breath becoming one with his heartbeat.

Author's Notes: First chapter is up! Now, I want to let everyone know that Ta'agra'iss (the language that the Khajiit use) is not complete by any means, but a ton of Elder Scroll fans are working on it as much as they can. Congratulations to those and all that they have so far accomplished in regards to this intricate language. The Ta'agra dictionary that I am using currently is a lacking quite a bit of luster and kinda out dated, so if you guys could help out and send words my way that you'd think I might be able to use, I would so appreciate it~ See you next chapter!

Ta'agra'iss words and meanings

Iiliten – girl

Fado – mother

Jebnurr – roughly meaning "your father".

"Inroht var sri jabi, ja'khajiit." – "I [will] take your treasure(sugar), kitten."

Siicho – sit

Kon – go

Shurh – roughly meaning "be brave".

Ahnaro – my husband

Ahnurr – my father

Da'khe - water

"Naba var dar jado, jekosiit!" – "You will not die, rutter/fucker!"

Fusozayiit – One who is foolish; irresponsible person

Jihatt – sellsword/bandit/mercenary (negative connotation)

Jihatt'ra – Honorable sellsword/bandit/mercenary (negative connotation)

Mo-jo'khaj – Dark Spirits of the Desert. Ghosts and wisps that are believed to be wanderers who have lost their way along the vast stretches of Elswyres deserts. They are also thought to be those who died in the ruins beneath these said deserts.

Khajiit Lore notes

Ja'Kha'Jay: The Ja'Kha'Jay is the Khajiit phrase for "phases of the moon". Khajiiti depend on the moons Massar and Secunda to determine what breed they will become.

Sunthay-raht: A subspecies of Khajiit that are typically human-like with their facial features but retain high-propped ears, a thick tail, coarse fur, and digitigrade legs. Are usually the size of the average Man, sometimes a little smaller. They were the most common breed in Morrowind before the Red Mountain errupted.

Cathay: A subspeices of Khajiit that are smaller than their Cathay-raht brethren, their faces are more feline than human, but they have the bodies of Men and plantigrade legs. Their eyes are typically smaller than the other breeds. They are the most breed in Cyrodiil and Skyrim.

Mara: The Khajiiti goddess of love and motherhood. In Khajiiti culture, a mother's love is far more important to a child than a father's acceptance (due to Mara), so it is not unusual for a female Khajiit to have many kittens but no mate to help take care of them. It is considered extremely curious (but not frowned upon) when the mated pair stay together to raise the kitten.

Cathay-raht: A subspecies of Khajiit that are giants compared to other kinds of Khajiit. On average, they are two heads taller than Altmer, who stand one head taller than the Nords. While they are not the tallest of the Khajiiti, they are considered the strongest since they have opposable thumbs and the ability to freely use their arms. A very rare breed of Khajiit, it is rumored that they literally just giant Men with cat heads, the most common attribute being that of a jaguar.

"The Evening Prayer": This prayer contains the gods that are said to influence a Khajiit's daily life. It allows those who speak and hear the prayer to give thanks to these gods for allowing them to live another day before the day ends. Typically said before bed, it is considered polite to say the prayer when company stays for dinner.