Evangeline let out a huff as she reached the entrance to Markarth Keep. She bent forwards, resting her hands on her knees, catching her breath. She heard her comrades approach, panting to catch their breath. "You guys okay back there?"
"Not all of us have your stamina," Aela the Huntress replied, fighting to catch her breath. "Next time, we're going around the mountain instead of over it."
"That's one thing we can both agree on," Argis the Bulwark responded, out of breath.
On their journey, Argis and Aela did not get along well. After a mead-fueled argument at their first campsite, they never really seemed to get on well. The only time they did get along was when they were ambushed by Forsworn, but only to get in an argument afterwards over who killed more forsworn.
"Can we at least take a horse next time, if not for all the junk you find," he asked.
The Dragonborn shot an icy glare towards her housecarl. "It's not junk! I might need it for…something later. Or I could sell it."
Argis chuckled. "Do you know how much crap you've got at home? I don't know how many enchanted helmets one needs, especially if the owner is a master enchanter!" Aela could help but let out a small laugh. Even on their journeys together, Evangeline seemed to have a nose for those things.
"Anyways," she started, ignoring his jibe. "I understand that we're all worn out, but I would like to fund a treat for you guys. There's a bathhouse here in Markarth, and I thought we could all do with a few hours of relaxation.
"I'm in, if it means no more mountains," Aela complained. "If I have to climb one more mountain with this ice-brained fool," she said, glaring at Argis, "I think I'll offer myself to the next dragon I see."
"Come on, huntress," Argis teased. "Are you going to let a mountain best you? I thought you were made of stronger stuff than that!"
Aela placed a hand over her dagger. "I'd watch my mouth if I were you," she threatened.
Evangeline intervened, stepping in between the two. "Enough. You've done nothing but bicker and argue this whole trip. If you get thrown in Cidhna Mine, I'm not going to bust you out!"
Aela lowered her hand, but her eyes never left Argis.