4E 201
16th of Evening Star

A tense silence filtered throughout the group as the meaning of Zahraji's words sunk in. The adventurers stood frozen in shock at the revelation. Staring at the Khajiit woman with an incredulous expression, Ty'ani took a steady intake of breath before turning to face the Argonian behind her.

Upon closer inspection of Okan-Ru's person, Zahraji's accusation slowly began to make sense. His scales lacked the normal lustre of a living Argonian, the natural armour hardly reflected the light of the sun at all, making his dark scales look completely dull. Also, as far as she was aware, Argonian's eyes never glowed constantly either -and they carried a certain look of hunger when they snapped to gaze in her own eyes.

Ty'ani took a hesitant step toward the assassin. "Okan-Ru?" she whispered. "Is this true? Are you a vampire?"

"Of course it's true!" Zahraji snapped before Okan-Ru had the chance to reply. "I have been hunting these monsters for half my life. I know a vampire when I see one."

Okan-Ru didn't seem at all impressed or intimidated by Zahraji's fierceness. If anything he merely looked amused. Swiping a quick calculated look at the others around them, he slowly lowered his sword. But his muscles were still tense, ready in case any one of them attack him. Returning his golden gaze to the Khajiit woman, he shook his head and laughed. "Ah, so much hate." he drawled almost lazily. "It really does make you stop and think how so much is even possible, doesn't it?"

Zahraji growled, becoming very annoyed quite alarmingly fast. "Don't even try your mind tricks with me monster!"

"Zahraji," Ty'ani said, raising her hands in an effort to pacify the angry warrior. "Please calm down."

Okan-Ru laughed again, Ty'ani's words being ignored by both of them. "Ha, 'monster' she says. How hypocritical of you." turning from her, he gently stuck the tip of his sword on the ground, lightly leaning on it, while casually examining his nails -even though they were in-cased in his gloves. "Forcing judgement on me while you yourself-"

"ENOUGH!" Zahraji screamed, her temper reaching it's breaking point far too quickly. She immediately sprang forward -blatantly paying no heed to Ty'ani's frightened cry as she barged her way past the little Khajiit- effectively tackling Okan-Ru to the ground. Unprepared, the undead Argonian didn't have enough time to react before the wind was knocked out of him -so to speak- his sword falling from his grip. Pinning him to the ground, she pressed her axe up against his throat. Her amber glare was so intense, that it seemed as though her eyes were made purely of fire.

"Stendarr and every Divine be my witness, vampire," she hissed, pressing the sharp edge of her weapon further up his throat, just under his chin. "I will cut your head from your shoulders."

Despite the obvious peril he was in, Okan-Ru still smirked mockingly at the Khajiit Dawnguard warrior. She snarled at him, angry at his lack of fear, but her growl suddenly turned to a gasp. While keeping her axe flush against his neck, she slowly lowered her gaze to look in between their bodies. Pointing dangerously at her left side, Zahraji spotted his short sword sticking through the seals of her armour, the sharp tip nicking her flesh. Scowl deepening, Zahraji's glare returned to his face.

"How dare you." she hissed.

Okan-Ru's expression changed then, his eyes taking on a dangerously intense look. "Consider your options, girl." he whispered venomously. "I have been alive for a very long time. I've learnt and mastered tricks that you can only dream of. How confident do you feel? Will you be able to lop my head off before I stick my sword in your lung?" to prove his point, he jabbed the sharp tip of the short sword further against Zahraji's side. Hissing in a short breath and jerking away from the intrusion minutely, Zahraji hesitated. For the very first time in her life, she had no idea what to do.

She refused to break her gaze from his however, and what she saw only infuriated her more. Okan-Ru's face was completely blank, his remaining eye giving away none of his emotions. The scars running through his milky white one only added to the terrifyingly blank expression. The fact that there was no reaction at all only increased her fury. No smug satisfaction, no confidence. Just a hollow personage.

Snarling, Zahraji's eyes narrowed, her pupils retracting into slits. Her entire body tensed, readying herself to strike, briefly feeling the Argonian under her do the same. If she was going to die, then so be it, so long as he was going with her.

Before she could think about acting though, she felt a strong hand encircle her upper arm. Snapping her head to the intruder, Haema's stoic face filled her vision.

Frowning, the Nord woman tightened her grip on the Khajiit's arm. "Don't be stupid." she berated. "You'll only get yourself killed if you do this."

Resisting the urge to claw at the Nord's face, Zahraji hissed. "Don't get involved. He deserves everything I will give him, and more."

"Zahraji," came Ty'ani's voice from the Dawnguard's other side, her voice quiet and timid. "What is wrong with you? This isn't like you at all."

"Isn't it?" Zahraji yelled, turning her head to glare at the younger Khajiit. "You know nothing about me, princess. Don't pretend that you do."

"They may not know you," came the pained voice of her father. Zahraji almost winced when she heard it, her face immediately changing. Slowly blinking her eyes, she turned to look at Jo'Rakha, still leaning against the rock she left him at. "But I do." he finished, a disapproving look on his face.

Zahraji held her breath. If there was one thing she hated most coming from her father, it was his disapproval.

"You need to calm down Zahraji, before you get yourself killed." Jo'Rakha continued. "You know as well as I do that killing him will not solve anything. And it certainly won't bring your mother and sister back."

Zahraji's heart wrenched when he said that. Releasing a shaky breath, she attempted to regain her composure, half-heartedly frowning at her father. "What is wrong with you father?" she replied, anger evident in her tone. "You hate them as much as I do. And now your pleading for the life of one of them?"

Jo'Rakha shook his head. "I'm not pleading for his life. I'm pleading for yours."

Zahraji did wince then, her anger suddenly disappearing. Shaking, she stared back down at Okan-Ru, his expression still blank with her axe still pressed against his throat. Her arm shook as she took multiple shaky breaths, her eyes beginning to tear up.

Finally, she squeezed her eyes shut, jerking off the Argonian, muttering venomous curses under her breath. She marched away, throwing her axe down, before climbing up onto a large rock and just sat down, running her fingers through her short hair.

They all watched her go as Okan-Ru pulled himself up, retrieving his long sword and sheathing both that and his short sword in turn. Dusting off the small amounts of snow that still clung to his armour, he walked over to stand by Ty'ani. "Blaming the entirety of a civilization for the actions of a few. How very... mortal of her."

Ty'ani scowled, snapping her gaze to the vampire. "The point's already been made, Okan-Ru. Zahraji's been through enough, leave her alone!"

Okan-Ru just ignored her annoyed comment, continuing to shake his head in mocking disapproval.

Now that the drama was over with, the party relaxed. Alasse -after shaking her hands to dispel the magical auras that surrounded them- continued onward with a shake of her head, turning back to Lydia to repair her broken arm. She intended to ignore any more interruptions and carry on with her work now that the apparent danger had passed. Haema on the other hand had no such intention of ignoring the presence of the vampire assassin. Crossing her arms, she addressed the Argonian in a demanding tone. "What are you doing here then, vampire? What business could you possibly have with us?"

Ignoring the obvious insult, Okan-Ru smiled at her, now glad that the subject was changed. "Well, I'm glad you asked." he replied mockingly. "I've actually been looking for your little group for a while now."

Haema's frown deepened, suddenly more suspicious of the Argonian, if that was even possible. "And why were you looking for us?" she demanded.

Okan-Ru propped his hip out, leaning casually against one leg while resting his hand on his sword hilt. "Actually, there is a certain member of your group that I need to talk to. I'm looking for the Dragonborn."

This answer caused mixed reactions throughout the band of adventurers. Haema and Ty'ani looked equally shocked, Alasse's expression suggested curiosity while Lydia's was outright hostile and protective. Jo'Rakha's brows just rose while the answer effectively interrupted Zahraji's brooding, now facing the vampire with hostility once more.

Ty'ani blinked as she regarded the assassin with a calculated eye. "Why?" she asked simply.

Okan-Ru gazed at her as he replied. "That summoning was heard all over Skyrim, you know. You'd have to be deaf or stupid to not have heard it." he replied cryptically. He paused to cross his arms before continuing. "To put it simply, there have been... rumours, amongst others of my kind."

"What rumours?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself." Okan-Ru answered honestly. "All I know is that those higher up in the hierarchy have been obsessing over finding the Dragonborn for something or other. I don't know what for, but my guess is that it's not good, whatever it is."

Ty'ani groaned at that. "Oh good." she growled out sarcastically, beginning to pace restlessly. "On top of killing dragons and fulfilling some sort of demented destiny, I also have vampires chasing after me! My life is just getting better and better."

Okan-Ru rose a curious and surprised brow at her outburst. "You mean... you're the Dragonborn?"

Realizing that she said that out loud, Ty'ani stopped dead in her tracks. Letting out another groan, Ty'ani turned to Okan-Ru. "I wasn't meant to say that." she muttered. Rubbing her forehead, she sighed. "Okay. Yes, I am the Dragonborn. Though believe me when I say I don't want to be." Crossing her arms and popping one of her shapely hips out to the side, leaning on her right leg, she frowned at the Argonian. "So what are you going to do to me then? Knock me out and drag me to your masters?"

Lydia growled at that, snapping into a standing position, Alasse having finished fixing her arm a while ago and was now treating Jo'Rakha. "You will have to get past me first." she hissed, standing protectively in front of Ty'ani, putting the little Khajiit's life before her own as any Housecarl would. All the rest of Ty'ani's companions tensed, ready to defend the young girl.

Okan-Ru merely smiled, shaking his head. "Honestly," he said, clearly amused. "If I wanted to take her, I would do so, and none of you would be able to stop me. Fortunately for you, that won't be happening." he turned his golden gaze back to the little Khajiit. "I know how those vampires work. They will be ruthless in their attempts to capture you once they hear about who you are. And as such, I came seeking you to offer you my services. I ask that you allow me to protect you against this coming storm."

Ty'ani had been surprised many times in her life, but this one definitely tops it all. A vampire, offering to shield her against others of his kind. She wasn't sure if she should feel relieved or repulsed by the idea. Looking around, she could plainly see that her companions were in the same boat as she was, shocked and confused by the unexpected turn of events. Zahraji, however, merely continued to glare at the Argonain, jumping down from her perch. "And what's to stop you from killing us and handing her over to your masters anyway?"

"You have my word that I will not." he simply replied.

Zahraji scoffed. "The word of a vampire. Never thought a such a thing existed."

To his credit, Okan-Ru did put on a big show of looking offended. "I'll have you know that I am an extremely honourable vampire. I have never once gone back on my word." he crossed his arms as he regarded the Khajiit woman with amusement. "However, if you do feel that I have gone back on my word and land you all in the middle of a vampire nest, you are more then welcome to kill me then."

Zahraji crossed her own arms as she glowered at him. "Oh don't worry," she snarled. "I plan to."

Ty'ani shook her head then, ignoring the constant glares practically vibrating the air with mistrust. Placing her hands on her hips, she regarded the Argonian with suspicion. "Why though?" she blurted out, gaining Okan-Ru's attention once more. "Why would you go through all this trouble and go against your own kind for me?"

Okan-Ru's face changed then, a faraway and longing look crossing his features as he answered almost dreamily. "You could say that... I made a promise to an old friend, a very long time ago."

It wasn't the answer she was looking for, but Ty'ani could see that he wasn't going to elaborate. Flicking a stray lock of hair away from her eyes, she sighed again. Turning to her companions, she searched each of their faces. They all looked apprehensive, but she could tell that they were all leaving the final decision up to her. It was her choice whether or not to bring him along or refuse his offer and kill him.

She rubbed her forehead and moaned, feeling a headache starting to form. This was why she didn't want to be a leader. She did lead the Thieves Guild, that is true, but she made it a joint effort between her, Brynjolf, Vex and Delvin.

At last, she came to a decision, and hoped that it was the right one. "Alright." she sighed, facing the vampire assassin. "I accept your offer."

Shocked by this, Zahraji rounded on the girl. "What?! Your going to bring him with us? Are you insane?"

Ty'ani growled. "If what he says is true, then he is the only one who can help us through it. I'm willing to trust him."

"Your barking mad, princess." Zahraji groaned. "This will add to our problems. When people realize that we're travelling with a vampire, they will turn on us."

Okan-Ru smirked, shaking his head at the infuriated Khajiit woman. "Well, if you didn't want the help of we monsters girl, perhaps I should have let that Frost Troll kill you all and gnaw on your bones."

Zahraji growled. "Fine, point taken!"

Okan-Ru laughed. "I am so pleased to have your approval."

Ty'ani sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that day, rubbing her head with both her hands this time. "Alright, enough!" she yelled, gaining everyone's attention. Glancing up at the sky, she notice that the sun had begun it's descent to the horizon. "Let's just wait for Alasse to finish treating Jo'Rakha and then we should move on. We're going to loose daylight, and I'm freezing my tail off up here." After hearing their words of agreement, they settled down to wait for Alasse to finish her work.

The moment Jo'Rakha was healed, they grabbed their weapons and provisions and continued the trek back down the mountain.

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The following morning, they finally made it back to Ivarstead. The majority of the party was relieved to be away from the blistering cold of the mountain. While it wasn't ideally warm enough back down in the village, it was definitely better then the frozen air they had endured the past three days.

Once across the bridge and into the village proper, they all immediately headed to the Inn. Both to have one last meal before beginning their lengthy journey to Ustengrav, and to escape the cold. Once inside, Jo'Rakha walked up to the bar while everyone else sat around a free table.

While waiting for Jo'Rakha to return to the group, Ty'ani rose her eyes to glance at their newest companion. Okan-Ru was standing on the opposite side of where they sat, staring mournfully into the fire-pit. After studying his profile for the briefest moment, a particular question had been occupying her mind ever since he had offered to protect her. Deciding to broach the subject now, she stood from the table, moving around the fireplace to stand by his side. She took a deep breath after a moment of silently gazing into the embers. "Okan-Ru?"

The Argonian's gaze snapped to her, crossing his arms as he waited for her to say what she must. Repressing the shiver that threatened to run through her when his glowing eyes locked on her, she continued. "If I may ask, why exactly is it that you are so inclined to risk your life for a complete stranger? Last time we met, it was purely business, we didn't know each other on a personal level. So what reason do you have to travel with me and protect me from your own kind when you hardly even know me?"

Okan-Ru stared at her for a moment, contemplating her question, before turning away and focusing his gaze back to the fire. "I told you," he replied, examining the dancing flames as it travelled around and from the logs that fed it. "I made a promise a long time ago, and I intend to keep it."

"What promise?" Ty'ani pressed.

The vampire sighed. "I prefer not talking about this if you don't mind. It isn't something I wish to relive."

Ty'ani groaned at his stubbornness. "Look," she snapped. "If your going to be travelling with us, I need to know if I can trust you. And to gain that trust, I want to know your intentions. So would you please-"

"Enough!" he interrupted, his remaining eye flashing dangerously. "I don't want to speak of this any more Akara! So please drop it!"

Ty'ani paused, her anger disappearing, as a confused look crossed her features. "Akara?" she asked in bewilderment. "Who's Akara?"

A shocked breath was her only reply. Studying his face, she noticed a slight panic in his expression. Blinking rapidly, he turned his head to stare at her. Watching his eye dart around in it's socket as it studied her, Ty'ani swore she noticed a hint of sadness and longing filtering through the golden orb, as well as a hint of pain. It was only there for a brief second however as he blinked, forcing his composure to return before looking away from her. "It doesn't matter." he merely said.

Ty'ani continued to stare at him. Usually, she was an expert at reading people. Since she was a child, it was a natural gift she took full advantage of. She was able to tell a person's intention or if they told lies just by studying their faces. Yet with Okan-Ru, there was so much mystery surrounding him, and so much was locked behind his stoic expression that Ty'ani couldn't penetrate through it. No matter how hard she tried.

"Okan-Ru-" she began softly, beginning to reach out to touch his arm, but was interrupted once again.

"Please, just leave me in peace."

With another sigh of irritation, she dropped her arm back to her side, walking back round the fireplace to rejoin the rest of the group.

As they had their meal, Ty'ani watched Okan-Ru the entire time, ignoring the conversations of her companions around her. There was so much about Okan-Ru that she didn't understand or even know about. The name he had called her and the look on his face when he realized that he did only increased her curiosity. He may try to lock himself from her questioning, but Ty'ani was still determined to find out the answers. Like with the others in the party, whom were now becoming fast friends, she wanted to open his shell. Something within her told her that it was her mission to know who he really is, and what his intentions are.

For reasons unknown to her, she had a feeling deep inside that she knew him. Whatever force was driving her to find a way to unlock his secrets, Ty'ani was going to do it. She had to know why she knew him, when she had never even seen him before they crossed paths in the Guild.

As they began to pack up the cart later on, she came to a decision. She only hoped it was the right one and she wouldn't push him away or make him kill her. In which case, she'll take it slow and not jump on him straight away. Piling into the cart, Ty'ani wrung her hands together as they begun the long journey to Morthal.

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In the days that followed, the party of seven made quick progress to their destination. Deciding it would be quicker if they took the south road from Ivarstead through the mountain pass by Haemar's Shame, they quickly passed through the freezing mini-valley with little resistance.

On the third day, as they bypassed through Falkreath Hold toward Whiterun, the snow finally began to disappear as they neared the warmer areas of the province. Ty'ani sighed as she pivoted in her seat, turning from the view beyond the canvas that protected the occupants from the snowfall. Looking around, she felt rather then saw the tense atmosphere of her companions. The silence was almost deafening as she studied each of them.

Haema and Jo'Rakha sat in the front as per usual, the Nord woman guiding the horse through the rough terrain. Both of them were silent as they studied the plains in front of them for danger. Zahraji sat uncomfortably in the corner at the front of the cart, obviously making an effort to not to look around lest she made eye contact with Okan-Ru. The Argonian in question sat in the opposing front corner right beside Ty'ani, gazing outside the canvas, either studying the landscape or looking for danger. Ty'ani couldn't even begin to guess. Alasse on the other hand sat directly opposite the Khajiit girl, and was thoroughly captured in the pages of a large book, her posture ramrod straight with her face hidden in the shadows of her hood. Lastly, Lydia sat at the end of the cart, gazing out toward where they just came from.

Ty'ani released a sharp breath from her nose, her chin resting heavily in her palm. The silence was both uncomfortable and unusual. Normally, at least one of her companions had something to say, no matter how insignificant it was. It seems Okan-Ru's presence had made things awkward between them.

Finally having enough of the silence, Ty'ani shuffled down to the end of the cart, sitting in front of Lydia. Resting her hands on her lap, Ty'ani inquired to her Housecarl in a quiet voice. "Um, Lydia?" the Nord woman's gaze turned to her, now giving her Thane her full attention. Ty'ani continued awkwardly. "I was wondering... what was it that made you want to be a Housecarl."

Surprised by the direct question, Lydia shifted in her seat, struggling to find a suitable answer to the innocent inquiry. "Well," she replied hesitantly. "I wasn't always a Housecarl. I was promoted from the city guard when you became Thane."

This caught Ty'ani's interest. "You were a guard?"

"Only for a couple of years." she answered. "But I rose to the rank of Lieutenant in my second year. I suppose that's why I was considered by the Jarl to protect you. From what I am told, I was the best in the field and therefore I deserved the promotion to Housecarl."

Ty'ani frowned. Lydia's tone of voice suggested that she wasn't very thrilled about it. "You sound uncertain of that." she pointed out. She turned her gaze to the ground of the cart, her sharp eyesight beginning to count the imperfections in the wood. "You didn't know you were tasked to protect a Khajiit, did you?"

Lydia wrung her hands nervously, biting her lip as she tried to think of an adequate explanation that wouldn't insult the little Khajiit. "Well... no, I wasn't told." she said at last. "I suppose at the time, my Captain thought it as a way to amuse himself, recommending me to the Jarl for promotion." at Ty'ani's frown, she quickly corrected herself. "Not that I think it insulting of course. It is a great honour to guard you, my Thane -I mean, er, Ty'ani." Flustered, she continued. "What I meant to say, was that my Captain was a bit of a scoundrel. He looked for any excuse to get me out of the guard. I suppose when he heard that you were the new Thane, all he saw was that you were a Khajiit, and thought it would make me the laughing stock of the guard if I was promoted to protect you. More the fool he is."

This caused Ty'ani's curiosity to increase. "If you were such a talented guard, why would he want to be rid of you?"

Lydia sighed. "As I said, my Captain was a scoundrel. He hated the fact that a women had bested his top lieutenants and rose quickly up the ranks."

"But there are women who had joined the guard all over the province. And there are women in the Companions and join fighter guilds. It isn't uncommon for a woman to take up arms."

Her Housecarl shook her head. "Unfortunately, there are men all over Tamriel who think the same thing about women. But the men of Skyrim are the worst for it. A lot of them treat their women like cattle." she stared into Ty'ani's eyes then. "What about your people? Are the women of your kind treated the same way?"

Ty'ani's expression immediately became saddened at the question. "Last time I was there, women were treated with respect. To our people, a woman is considered sacred, since we carry the next generation of our kind. I am uncertain if it is still like that, however. I have not been back there for so long."

"Do you mind if I ask why?" Lydia said with uncertainty in her voice.

Ty'ani stayed silent for a moment, trying to blink away the tears that threatened to gather in her eyes. Sighing, she replied at last. "I did something terrible when I reached my thirteenth year. I can never go back because of it." her voice wavered momentarily as she continued to blink rapidly, forcing her tears to retreat. "If you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about it. My time in Elsweyr is too painful for me to remember."

The deafening silence returned when both woman paused in their discussion, no longer certain about what to say. Ty'ani was vaguely aware of her other companions giving her sympathetic looks. They had obviously heard her and Lydia's conversation, despite their attempts of being quiet so not to disturb the rest of them. Ty'ani took multiple breaths to calm her nerves, willing her tears away.

The moment she calmed down, however, another voice filtered from the front of the cart. "Is that a pun?"

Ty'ani snapped her head up, the sudden question surprising her. Haema glanced behind herself to catch Ty'ani's eye before returning her gaze to the road. "Huh?" Ty'ani replied dumbly.

"Elsweyr." Haema elaborated. "Is that a pun? You know, like, 'I am from elsewhere'?"

"Oh." Ty'ani commented, the realization of what Haema asked her hitting her like a punch to the gut. "Umm-" she was interrupted by the other resident Khajiit woman, her loud voice drowning out Ty'ani's own.

"A pun?" she asked incredulously. "Really? Hearing the name of our homeland, and the first thing you think of is a pun?"

Haema frowned. "I meant no insult." she calmly replied. "I was only curious."

From beside her, Jo'Rakha shook his head, pivoting around to glare at his daughter. "Zahraji please. It was a harmless question. Stop being so hostile to everyone."

Zahraji huffed, crossing her arms childishly as she scowled. "Hard to do when he's here." she hissed as she glared at Okan-Ru, who pointedly ignored her insulting tone. Jo'Rakha sighed, scowling in turn at his daughter.

"Zahraji." he growled in a warning tone.

Growling herself, Zahraji rolled her eyes, holding her hands up in mocking surrender. "Fine!"

Sighing herself, Ty'ani shook her head. She hated it when people fought over the most pettiest of things. Pinching the bridge of her nose between her thumb and finger, she was about to reply to Haema's inquiry when she suddenly stopped dead.

As she studied the area around them, a spark of recognition ran through her. Leaning further out the back of the cart, her eyes widened. "I know this place." she whispered before leaping out the still moving cart. Ignoring the majority of her companions yelling for her, Ty'ani ran round the front of the cart before sprinting down the road ahead of them.

Once Ty'ani had run off, Lydia, Okan-Ru and Haema jumped off as well, the Nord woman handing Jo'Rakha the reins allowing him to take control of the horse. Alasse and Zahraji leant out of the cart's sides to see what was happening as Jo'Rakha coaxed the horse to move faster. Once away from the cart, the two Nords and Argonian gave chase to the speedy little Khajiit.

"By Talos," Haema panted once they reached the bend Ty'ani disappeared behind. "She runs fast for such a small girl."

Once they found the girl, Okan-Ru was about ready to yell at her for being so reckless. But before he could get a single word out, all three of them stopped dead. Ty'ani was dead ahead of them, standing frozen in the middle of the road, her cloak and hair flying gently as a light breeze flowed past. However, that wasn't the only thing that caught their attention.

Before the young Khajiit was a large walled village, with smoke rising to the heavens from within the walls and rubble littering almost every inch of the outside. Ruined towers stood out sullenly pointing to the cloud-covered sky, and tops of destroyed roofs from houses peaked over the stone masonry.

Sucking in a mournful breath, Haema quickly realized why Ty'ani had run off. Lowering her gaze back to the Khajiit girl, she slowly began to walk toward her to stand by her side. Upon resting her icy eyes on the girl, she noticed pinpricks of tears running down the Khajiit's cheeks. She was breathing heavily as her sapphire eyes took in the ruined town before her.

Not noticing the Nord woman beside her, Ty'ani hugged her arms around her figure, her hands resting on her upper arms. Memories began plaguing her mind. The roars of a legendary creature. The cries of children. The screams of the damned. The crackling of fire. This was where it all changed for her, where her life had been turned around forever.

Helgen.

She had never been back here for months, not wishing to relive the painful memory of watching helplessly as the town burned. She shivered as her mind relived the moments of that day. She recalled the moment when she stood amongst the Stormcloak soldiers, condemned to death for nothing. The anger and helplessness she felt when she had been called, non too kindly, to the chopping block and she was forced onto it. The block that gave her the perfect view of the dragon's appearance. Anger was replaced with blood-curdling fear, watching as the monster landed heavily on the nearby tower, it's red eyes glaring directly into hers.

Everything became hazy after that. Blind on panic as she sprinted through the ruined streets, weaving between rubble and fire, desperate to get away. Even within the safety of the Keep and in the company of Ralof, she was still frightened. Fighting trough legions of Imperials blocking her exit. Spilling the blood of soldiers while innocents died around her.

That day was like Oblivion had embraced her in it's cold arms.

She suddenly jumped, the memories flying from her mind, as a hand landed softly on her shoulder. Sniffling, she turned her head toward the owner of the hand, seeing Haema's worried and sympathetic face. Ty'ani's face twisted into anguish as she leant toward the Nord warrior and wrapped her arms around her waist. The ebony plate jabbed painfully on her flesh, but Ty'ani ignored it as she squeezed her thin arms tighter around her friend. Her sobs became louder, her muscles in her face twisting uncomfortably, causing her head to pound with an oncoming headache as Haema wrapped one of her arms around her shoulders.

Haema sighed as she squeezed the Khajiit closer to her side, ideally listening to her companions edge closer. She could practically feel the pain the small Khajiit was in. She heard stories about what had happened in Helgen, but she would be lying if she said she knew the full extent of that fateful day. She couldn't imagine what it would have been like to witness the town's destruction first hand. But Ty'ani had, and seeing this husk of a town obviously brought back all those painful memories.

She was at a loss of what to do. She knew that she could do little to console the poor girl, so she did the only thing she could -while silently thanking Talos that she had a few years experience of consoling crying children. She held the sobbing girl as she released months worth of grief.

Okan-Ru and Lydia stepped up behind the two as Jo'Rakha caught up with the cart. Him, Alasse and Zahraji jumped off to stand with the rest, staring at the crumbling wall of the destroyed town. None of them said anything as they simply stood there, each of them paying their respects for the tragic incident that turned the once peaceful village into what it is now.

Sniffling, Ty'ani unwrapped her arms from around Haema. She felt slightly better that the tall Nord had allowed her to let out her grief on her. Perhaps being a parent changes even the hardest of warriors. Giving the woman a grateful smile, she sniffled again and was about to voice her thanks when she picked up an odd scent amongst the smoke.

The distinctive smell of men.

Turning her glossy eyes to the town, they narrowed. She knew what the scent of men meant. It meant that bandits had taken advantage of the destroyed town.

Growling with rage, Ty'ani's tear stained face changed dangerously, beginning to march toward the closed wooden gates without so much as a word to her companions. All of whom shared the feeling of confusion as they scrambled to follow behind the raging Khajiit.

Once near the gate, Ty'ani dug into her belt-pouch for her lock-picks. "How dare they." she snarled in a whisper. She furiously dug the lock-pick into the gate's lock, beginning the process of unlocking it. All the while, cursing under her breath. "How dare they desecrate this place." she released a fierce yell of irritation when her lock-pick suddenly snapped under the abuse she was giving it.

Slightly worried about her sudden anger, Lydia cautiously stepped up behind the small girl, watching as she furiously dug into her belt-pouch again for another lock-pick. "Ty'ani?" she quietly asked. "What's wrong? What is the matter?"

"What's wrong?" she hissed as she momentarily abandoned her attempt of unlocking the gate. She snapped around with enough speed that her long hair flew in a full circle, brushing harshly against her chin before settling again. Turning her eyes to the other two Khajiit, she narrowed them. "Can you not smell them?"

She didn't even wait for their answers before she started to fight with the lock again. As she struggled to concentrate, she heard the others discussing the situation before weapons were being unsheathed.

Finally, the lock clicked, confirming that it was now unlocked. Thrusting the picks back into her belt-pouch, Ty'ani wrenched her bow off her back and grasped an arrow before shoulder-barging through it. The resulting noise that the damaged door made caused the man standing closest to it to start in surprise. Unfortunately for him, he didn't get even a second to react before an arrow pierced his throat. As the bandit's corpse crumbled to the floor with a gurgle, Ty'ani rushed in, another arrow ready.

A second bandit panicked when he saw her, hastily grabbing at his battleaxe. But he was dead before he could fully grasp it, as Ty'ani's arrow hit home in record time. She pulled out another arrow, watching as her companions split up in search of more bandits.

Just before she could run further into the town, intending to head toward the Keep, an arrow whizzed past her head. She instinctively ducked, hearing the light 'thonk' of the projectile impacting against the cobblestone floor. Hissing, she turned to the direction it came from, pulling her bow-string taut. Narrowing her eyes, she spotted her attacker on the top of a nearby tower. Letting out a breath, she released her arrow.

The ebony projectile sailed through the air, the deadly tip speeding toward it's target, eager to taste the blood of it's foe.

Surely enough, the arrow embedded itself into the opposing archer. Whom twitched as their muscles locked momentarily, before going completely limp. Ty'ani didn't even watch the body fall from the tower, already on her way to the Keep entrance.

Standing under the archway that lead into the Keep courtyard, Ty'ani studied the small area. Already engaged in one-on-one combat with two bandits, was none other then Okan-Ru. His body glowed with the distinctive aura of mage armour, while he expertly held off both the bandits with his short and long swords.

Having no time to admire his acrobatic and fluid movements, Ty'ani notched another arrow. Aiming at the bandit whom Okan-Ru had knocked out the way with a swift kick, she released the bow-string. The shot wasn't a deadly one, since the arrow embedded into the bandit's side, but it was enough to make the man stumble.

Surprised at hearing the shocked yell from the second bandit he had just knocked away, Okan-Ru briefly glanced toward him, quickly noticing the arrow in his side. Smiling, he turned back to the Dark Elf he was fighting when she let out a war cry, bringing her elven dagger viciously down on him. He blocked the attack with his short sword and knocked it away as he punched her in the face with the pommel of the long sword. When she recoiled, he swiftly swung the short sword across her throat.

Allowing her to fall to the ground, trying in vain to stem the blood flow to no anvil, he turned back to the other bandit. Before he could attack however, the bandit already fell due to another arrow sticking through his throat. As the cause of the projectile drew closer, he smirked at her. Ty'ani just narrowed her eyes in turn, as the Keep doors burst open and out flowed three more bandits.

The two of them readied themselves. However, none of the bandits attacked. In fact, they weren't even paying any attention to them at all. All of their eyes were pointed skyward, each holding a look of fear.

Confused, Ty'ani didn't understand why until a second later, when the silence was interrupted by a noise that caused them all to tense. She and Okan-Ru warily turned their respective gazes behind themselves and to the sky. Cutting through the fog that hid the rest of the world behind a misty blanket of cloud, a distinctive shape travelled at breakneck speed directly above the town. It released it's distinctive roar as it spotted the group.

Since they were the cowardly type, the three bandits that exited the Keep ran back inside, leaving the Argonian and Khajiit to their fate. Ignoring the terrified cries of the bandits, Ty'ani's eyes narrowed dangerously. Turning on her heel, she ran back into the ruined streets of Helgen, Okan-Ru hot on her heels.

Briefly spotting Haema and Lydia on the opposite side of the rubble that lay through the town, she snarled as the dragon dove toward them with a roar of rage. She saw the dragon take in a breath and knowing what this meant, she dove toward Okan-Ru, forcing him down on the ground behind a boulder. Just in time, as a column of flame erupted from the dragons maw and flowed across the stone ground where they were previously. Scrambling back onto their feet, they braced themselves as the dragon banked in the air and landed heavily on the cobblestone directly before them. It growled at her in defiance as Jo'Rakha, Lydia and Haema emerged from around the rubble behind it.

Ty'ani glared daggers at the giant lizard as it glared at her in turn, baring her teeth and hissing in rage at the enormous creature. A tense stand off ensued, Ty'ani raising her right arm, ready to grab another arrow, tightening her grip on her bow. She slowly began to circle around the creature as it continued to growl at her.

As it's piercing yellow eyes bore into hers, Ty'ani's mind recalled the last time she stared down a dragon in this very square. Red replaced yellow and mud brown scales turned black. Narrowing her eyes, Ty'ani was determined not to cower in fear this time.

The tense atmosphere was then broken by the dragon. It snapped it's powerful jaws toward her in an attempt to snap her in half. Not likely, since Ty'ani was ready. She darted to the side, drawing her dagger as she spun away. As she righted herself, she swung the ebony blade at the giant maw, causing the dragon to hiss in pain. This was the cue for her companions to strike.

The moment when Ty'ani began to roll away, Haema, Okan-Ru, Lydia and Jo'Rakha charged. Having not enough time to move it's head away, the dragon was given a deep slash across the side of it's face as Okan-Ru darted past. Haema drew close to it's left side, jumping in the air and bringing her battleaxe down on it's wing joint. The blow was damaging enough to completely cripple it's wing. It wasn't going anywhere now.

As Jo'Rahka and Lydia attacked the dragon from behind and the right side, a fire ball suddenly impacted on the dragon's back. Since it was a fire-breathing dragon, the flames did nothing to damage it, but the explosion was enough to disorient it.

From the tower where Ty'ani had killed the bandit archer, Alasse and Zahraji fired off their respective ranged weapons at the monster. Zahraji with her cross-bow, and every destruction spell Alasse had at her disposal.

Once Ty'ani had completed her athletic roll, she rose fluently onto one knee. Quickly grabbing another arrow, she notched it, pulled back the bow-string and released in record time. The enchantment on the bow was still holding firm all the way through the battle, as was made evident now when it struck the beast in the throat. Not a life threatening shot, but the enchantment still did it's job.

As the ice spread from the puncture and lighting darted across it's body, it shocked it still long enough for her companions to all get a shot at it.

Despite it's multiple wounds, the dragon was still standing strong. While the party was whittling it down, it wasn't going to be easy. Sucking in a breath, the dragon released with in a Shout, fire sprouting from it's mouth, turning it's head in both directions. The fire curved spectacularly, rushing to catch the mortals in it's burning embrace.

Thankfully, the adventurers managed to avoid receiving any life-threatening burns, most only getting singed.

The dragon then rose it's massive tail up in the air, before bringing it down heavily on the ground. Jo'Rakha, whom was directly behind the dragon, scrambled to get out the way of being crushed. Unfortunately, his effort was slightly in vain, as the muscled limb crashed down onto his right leg. He screamed out in pain, but was in enough of the right mind to stab his sword into the tail.

A pained scream was his reward as his leg was released. It was followed by another roar as Haema brought her axe down again on it's left side, the blade burying into it's flank. Okan-Ru followed this example and jumped up a fair amount, burying both his swords into the dragon's right side. He allowed gravity to pull him down, his swords ripping a twin set of gashes down to it's abdomen.

With another roar, the dragon bucked up -both to throw off the mortals and in mind-numbing pain.

Seeing the opportunity, Ty'ani took action. Grabbing her last two arrows, she notched them both, skilfully keeping them in place as she drew the bow-string. Narrowing her eyes, she released them, the two projectiles flying to their target. They struck true, straight into the dragon's jugular.

Seeing the dragon was completely vulnerable, due to both the wounds on each of it's side and to the arrows in it's throat, Alasse took action. Summoning her strongest lightening spell, she charged the bolt with both her hands. Gritting her teeth, she thrust her arms out toward the beast. The bolt of pure electricity sprung from her hands, zigzagging at great speeds directly at the dragon. The bolt struck the dragon directly into it's open maw.

What happened next was quite a sight beholder. The dragon bucked further up, it's head turned to the heavens and the lightening charged throughout it's entire body. Screaming from the pain, it lost it's balance on it's back legs just as the electricity burst back up toward it's head. Having nowhere else to go, the lightening fought it's way out through the dragons mouth and through it's eyes. Unable to take the pressure, it's eyes exploded as it slumped backward.

The adventurers scrambled out of the way of the dragon's giant mass slamming onto the cobblestone, dust and ash flying into the air as it impacted -dead. As the dust settled, it was plain to see that the dragon was covered completely in blood, around it's face in particular.

Raising from their positions, the party watched as the dragon's corpse began to burn up. Seeing this, Ty'ani gasped. "Oh no. Not again." she whispered. She knew she couldn't get away from it however, so she just stood there, squeezing her eyes closed and braced herself.

The flame floated into the air, thinning out into the strands of light that signified the dragon's soul. Once only the bones remained, the light shot directly at the Khajiit girl.

Gasping in a shocked breath, Ty'ani's arms spread slightly as her body accepted the powerful soul. Her muscles went rigid as ancient knowledge, memories and traces of anger and fear embedded itself into her mind. She felt a slight resistance as the soul tried to fight back against her, but her sub-conscience buried it, locking it away deep in her mind.

Her breath left her in one as the process finally dissipated, her muscles once again relaxing. Letting out a sigh, she reopened her eyes, turning them to her companions. All of whom had looks of awe on their faces. This absorbing dragon souls thing was going to take some time to get used to for all of them, she could already tell.

Releasing another sigh, she addressed the group. "Let's check that the Keep is clear. Make sure no bandits still hide there."

On her word, they moved to do just that. They searched every inch of the place, but no bandits were found anywhere. They obviously all fled when word of the dragon's appearance made it to them and took the back entrance through the underground caves.

Confident that there was nothing else here, they all agreed it was best they left this place. Ty'ani was eager to get out especially. She didn't want to spend another minute in Helgen if she could help it. Silently promising herself to never come back this way again, they piled back onto the cart and continued on their way.

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They made it to Riverwood later on, just as the sun begun to set. Deciding to spend the night at the Sleeping Giant before continuing, Haema parked up the cart and they entered the Inn. And so an hour later, they had rented rooms and ordered food for themselves. After the ordeal they went through the past few days, the meal and warm rooms were definitely well deserved.

Once she finished her meal, Ty'ani glanced around the break-room. The only ones that were still awake with her were Haema and Okan-Ru, the others having gone to bed already. Yawning, she reached for her tankard of ale, sipping the pleasantly warming liquid.

As she tilted the tankard away from her thirsty mouth, she noticed that Okan-Ru was rummaging around in his pack. Deciding that she had nothing better to do, she continued to watch him as she took another sip of ale.

Her ears twitched when she heard his quiet, 'Ah there you are', and from his pack he pulled out an oval shaped red bottle. She frowned. Was that a potion? If it was, it wasn't any potion she'd ever seen before. As he uncorked it, her curiosity peaked. Putting her tankard down on the table, she spoke up, pointing at the bottle. "What's that?"

Surprised, Okan-Ru's golden eye fixed on her. Following where she was pointing, he held up the bottle. "This?" he asked. At her nod, he continued. "This is a Potion of Blood."

Ty'ani blinked at that. "Potion of Blood?" she repeated incredulously.

He nodded in turn. "Yes. It is an alternative way for me to get nourishment when there is nobody around for me to sate my appetite." he explained as he glanced at the bottle again. "It's not quite as satisfying as actual blood fresh from the body, mind you, but it does it's job." he then rose the bottle to his lips and tilted it, beginning to drink to contents.

Feeling slightly disturbed, Ty'ani continued to inquire. "Right... so, why do you drink it if you don't like it?"

Lowering the bottle and licking the red substance that clung to his upper-lip, Okan-Ru replied once he swallowed. "Well, somehow I doubt any one of you would take too kindly to waking up, and finding me bent over your bodies with my teeth in your skin." he smiled toothily, his oversized canines on show, as if to prove his point before taking another swallow of his potion.

Ty'ani grimaced, wrapping her hands around her neck as she shivered and swallowed nervously. "No," she squeaked. "I suppose we wouldn't."

As he watched her, Okan-Ru grinned around the rim of the bottle. Swallowing the last of the liquid inside, he lowered it. "Ah, my dear girl." he purred, his smirk growing. "I wouldn't fret. That isn't the only place where the blood tastes the sweetest."

Gazing at him, Ty'ani frowned in confusion, not understanding what he meant. To help her out, the still smirking Argonian lowered his gaze to her lap. Looking down to her lap, she continued to frown in confusion. Gazing back up at him, his remaining eye seemed to have taken on both a hungry and lustful look.

Finally understanding, Ty'ani's face turned scarlet as her blood rushed to her cheeks. She slammed her hands between her legs, and squeezed her thighs together in embarrassment. "You.." she shrieked. "You... h-how dare you! You perverted old-"

She paused in her embarrassed stuttering when Okan-Ru began to laugh. His deep, rich voice booming with amusement. Fuming with humiliation, Ty'ani abruptly stood from her seat -her half empty tankard completely forgotten- and stomped toward her rented room, her face still flushed. "That's it," she ranted. "I'm going to bed."

She slammed the door closed behind her as Okan-Ru continued to chuckle. 'How amusing!' he thought with a grin, 'I haven't laughed so hard in decades.' He was glad that he had come along on this trip now, the little Khajiit was certainly entertaining.

Haema on-the-other-hand, wasn't amused in the slightest. Shaking her head, she addressed the still chuckling Argonian. "Was that really necessary?"

Turning to the blonde woman, Okan-Ru shook his own head with a smile still on his face. "Oh come now," he drawled lazily, leaning his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his fist. "I have been alive for over five centuries." he explained. "Having an immortal life-span can be quite dull, I'll have you know. I get entertainment where I can find it. After all, I have to amuse myself somehow."

Haema sighed. "But provoking Ty'ani like that was completely uncalled for."

The vampire just shrugged. "Maybe. But it was funny."

Groaning, Haema threw her hands up, not wanting to argue with him. Before long, she rose from her chair and retreated to her room, leaving Okan-Ru alone in the break-room.

Smiling, Okan-Ru settled further into his seat. Resting his elbows on the wooden surface, he tilted his head back to study the ceiling, sighing. Being a vampire was quite beneficial for the most part, such as the fact that he can go weeks without the need to sleep. He still needed to, of course, to replenish his energy, but he could live off the potion or mortal blood to extend his wakefulness. Also, the fact that he was technically dead helped as well.

It didn't help the fact that he still got bored while waiting for the mortals to awaken. He debated with the idea of wondering around the town to find entertainment, but that could cause trouble. While he hated the Khajiit woman's raving, she was right in the sense of keeping a low profile. The last thing he wanted was to bring attention to himself.

So, Okan-Ru turned back to face the rest of the room and relaxed against the table and waited impatiently for dawn to approach.

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You can't believe how difficult it is to write Lydia's character in this. Y'know, since she's a cannon character and all. I'm not really sure if I'm writing her correctly, but as far as I see it this is how I interpreted her from the game. If it's not right then I apologize in advance.

Also, when Ty'ani was talking about her people and Elswyer, I admit I completely made up some of the information on the spot. I don't know a lot about the Khajiit, but in my head-cannon I'd imagine they are like how I explained them.

Oh, and yes, Okan-Ru is an ass. But hey, he's fun to write.

Please R&R. I love reviews. Reviews make me happy.