Disclaimer: Bethesda owns everything Morrowind related but for my original characters (Lomé and Khan)

Author's note: This story is written in the words of the main characters; they are talking the reader through what has happened to them. Keep in mind that while Lomé (pronounced 'Lomeh') is a Dunmer and therefore speaks clearly, Khan is a Khajiitt. His accent therefore is very strong and I have written him as such. He speaks phonetically, often explaining what he means after he has actually said it, so be patient with him and simply read what you see. It'll come to you I promise. Each chapter will switch from one point of view to the other, embellishing the story as it goes along. One final note, this story obviously contains a homosexual relationship and will deal with the implications of this i.e.; being in Morrowind where such things are taboo, for the characters as it progresses. If such things are not to your taste please don't flame me, simply click the little back button and find something else to read.

Remember:

"Dro" means "grandfather" or "respected one" in Ta'Agra.

"Ja" is shorthand for "Ja'Khajiit" and literally means "kitten" or "young one"

Dedicated to my dear friend Joe, without whom I would be lonely. Congratulations on getting into University. I knew you'd make it.

Setting the scene:

For the first time in years the night winds rippling through the Redoran capital were cool and Blight free. The only lights burning in the streets were carried by the guards as they took their rounds; their Bonemold ceremonial armour catching the light and casting odd shadows as they moved.

Gratius Kholer stepped down from the towering Strider port on the outskirts of Ald'Ruhn and pulled his cowl up to cover his face. Every southerner travelling up to the Skar city knew his place under the watchful gaze of the guards and his mission was too important to let a trifling thing such as cultural intolerance get in the way. As luck would have it however it was not the local Redoran that gave the young Imperial bother. It was the duel "Champions" of the Buckmoth Legion Fort: Raesa Pullia and Aldaril.

Gratius spent an hour being sent back and forth between them as they squabbled about whose jurisdiction the letter from Champion Varo fell under and in the end his temper, usually only incited by balling drunks in the Balmoran streets, wore through.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" he yelled, his cry echoing off the high walls and shocking the pair into silence. "This situation, I am told, is of interest to the Emperor himself" Gratius bit out as he handed over his note and further explained the situation. "The Champion of the Moonmoth Fort wants every Legion solider working with the Nerevarine to put a stop to slavery. I don't know what incited this call for aid…" he paused a moment, holding his compatriot's eyes to add to the gravity of his message. "But I know Varo wouldn't have lifted a finger about it if it wasn't desperately important. Copies have been sent to the Imperial City and the Emperor himself will be made aware of the situation as soon as we have something to report."

"With the Nerevarine…" Aldaril breathed as he peered at the note. "Well if that is the case he has the support of this Fort and the men within it. We will begin this task immediately. Battalions of men will be assigned to uproot any local slaving operations and…"

"Forgive me Serjo" Gratius pressed, "but I don't think force is what Champion Varo had in mind." The remainder of the night was spent in deep counsel with the Champions of the Buckmoth Fort; plans were set, tactics drawn up, the need for stealth impressed and impressed again. When finally all was set Gratius was led to the gates of the Fort by Aldaril. His parting words were thus spoken: "The only place this plan cannot go is Ebonheart. Apparently the Duke has a vested interest in the upkeep of the slave trade. Send the news on to Fort Darius and Wolverine Hall. When all is set send word to Moonmoth."

"What of Pelagied?" Aldaril questioned. "There is a small garrison…"

"No" Gratius interrupted. "Too close to the plantations. Word of mouth would kill this venture before it began."

"Very well. Good luck my friend and safe journey" the comely Altmer murmured as he bade the Imperial goodbye. When he had disappeared behind the walls of Aldruhn Aldaril strode inside and waved for Shardie and Hingor, two of his finest troops to follow him. Within the hour both were on the road; Shardie to Gnisis, Hingor to Wolverine Hall.

Half way across the empire in the Imperial City, Casius Cosades sat on a granite bench and watched the guards crisscross on their rounds about the grounds of the Imperial palace. Days back he had been handed news of the Nerevarine's victory on Vvardenfell and his mood had yet to dampen; even with the recurring reports of attacks on the slave trains. The little bastard owes me 50 drakes he thought, secretly relieved beyond measure that the Dunmer he had begun to see as a brother had succeeded.

He rose from his seat when the robed form of High Chancellor Ocato cut a swath through the patrolling guards as he approached on silent feet. Casius gave the Altmer a stiff salute, the Mer's assumed superiority to him always having rubbed him the wrong way.

"Serjo" he rumbled when Ocato stood before him, his face drawn with the stress he seemed permanently under.

"Save your backwater tongue for the wastes Cosades" he bit out as he handed the silently seething Imperial a letter. "Penned by your Emperor. You are to return to Vvardenfell…the troubles of late stem from that backwater and you are to travel there and assist the Legion and your…" he paused a moment, as if the words he spoke tasted foul: "Nerevarine in dealing with the Khajiitt. There is a boat waiting for you at the docks. Am I understood?"

"I understand Emperor Uriel's command s'wit" Casius snarled, standing nose to nose with the oppressively haughty noble. "Be gone from my sight, I've a boat to catch." With that Casius turned on his heel and stalked to the Imperial docks leaving a shell shocked Chancellor Ocato to curse him for his manner.

Khan

Dis wan wakes fer de second tahme in as many days ta de sound ahv bird song. A quick look aroun' eem brings Khan a beaudiful view ahv de Odai basin ahn fer a moment 'ee wonders why ee nat be in ees bed aht 'ome.

De market…

Unwelcome unease creeps up mys back ahs de plans Lomé toll meh ahv yesterday eve come back inta mys touts. Stealin' slaves fram dare mastas…crazy plans ifen ya ask Khan bu' 'ee give de Dunmer 'ees word dat 'ee wait fer de day. Resigned thus ta mys fate ah heave a sigh ahn watch a moment ahs it mists in de cool air. Mys rise fram mys belly den ahn stretch lang ahn deep ahn de branch ah spent de night ahn, givin' mys fur a brisk shake ta rid it ahv dew.

Climin' atop de canopy ahv de tree Khan can see de sun ahs risin, bu' nat too far. Must' make it abou'…mmmrrrrr…eight after midnight's passin'. Dis rate, Lomé ahn 'ees lady friend be ahn dare ways ta de market. Won't be dare yet doe' lest dey began dare walkin' aht 3 past midnight. Tis a lang walk ta Pelagied fram 'ere ahn Khan be glad ahv dat; don' need de worry ahv slavers comin' up ta Balmora ahn dare way trew de Ascadian Isles.

Torn mys be abou' leavin' de entrance ahv de mine unguarded. Khan's luck would ahv it dat ahs soon ahs mys back be ta it Virr would come up wit slaves wit eem! Feelin' mys 'unger catchin' up wit meh doe'…ahv'nt eaten since las' night. Ah peek o'er aht de Mamaea…can't see notin' comin…can't 'ear notin'…convinced dat ah liddle 'unt near by wouldn't hurt, Khan 'op down fram de canopy and use ees claws ta ease 'ees descent ta de fragrant, fertile groun' beneat' ees tree. Mys paws land soft ahn quick in de damp grasses ahn carry meh down tawards de rushin' waters ahv de Odai. Mys figure dat ifen Virr be comin' up ta de mine wit ah slave 'ee will ahv ta get past Khan ta make it. Safe enough dis way ta leave mys post ahn do alidde fishin'.

Perched ahn t'ree paws by de river's edge where 'ee runs deep near the Shalk mine, Khan waits wit great patience fer de tell tale glitterin' ahv fish scales ahs dey pass 'neath mys gaze. De left front paw be raised, claws unsheathed ahn ready ta catch anythin dat swims by. After ah two hour wait mys caught, killed ahn skinned five. Proud ahv mys' ah be; usual catch numbers abou' two dis time ahv year.

Wen mys movin' back fram de water's edge wit mys catch ah familiar voice call ta meh: "Jiitt!" it say. "Jiitt wait!" Mys turn ahn watch ahs ah Redguard approach. Recognise eem…wan ahv de miners fram de Shulk egg mine near by.

"That's some catch you've got there" 'ee say in friendly tones. "I was wondering if you'd like to use the fire pit by the mine to cook some of it." Khan no a veiled request wen 'ee 'ear wan ahn gives de man afore eem ah toothy smile. "Ifen ya wan some jus' ask dis wan" ah say afore risin' ahnta mys back paws, pickin' up de fish ahn paddin' o'er ta de fire wit de Redguard ahn mys tail.

"Thank you so much" ee say ahs Khan 'elp eem stoke ees' fire ahn lays a fish steak ahnta de softly burnin' embers. "Findulain, the Bosmer who normally guards the doors with me is working the tunnels today so I'm out alone and the little s'wit poached all my rations."

"Well it be ees loss in de end nh?" Khan say ahs 'ee take anoder steak ahn lay it ahn a plate de Redguard provide afore takin' ah bite.

"Can't beat de taste fresh" mys purr ahs de o'der wan chuckles. "You're more a tiger than the other Jiitt on this Isle aren't you" ee say ahn Khan can't 'elp bu' grin. "Ya gahts no idea" mys purr after anoder bite.

Spend a good part ahv de marnin' in dis Redguard's company. Ees name be Dinok, ahn 'ee be lookin' fer ah place in de Legion or so 'ee tell Khan. Always keep ahn ear aht fer Virr. Always 'ear notin' bu' de cracklin' ahv de fire pit ahn Dinok's laughin' voice ahs 'ee tells ahv ees workin' in de mine.

By de time de sun ahs past ees zenith, abou' t'ree past midday, Khan bids ees friend good tidin's ahn pads ahn ees way up river. Left mys catch fer de 'ungry wan ahn 'ees Elven friend ahn double-timed mys getting' back ta mys tree ahn de mine under mys guard. Reached de place in no time ahn checked de scents ahn de air ta be sure notin' passed dis way when Khan was gone.

Faint, faint traces ahv Bug musk…dampness ahn trees ahn de flowers in de clearing…notin more. De place be ahs Khan left it. Ahs mys pace languid-like trew de long grasses ahn wild flowers surroundin' de tree ah take ah moment ta wonder ahn wat ah will do ifen notin' comes ahv dis Lamps idea. Tol' Lomé…Khan settles ahn ees side in de grasses ahn rolls ta rest ahn ees back, ees paws layin' relaxed ahn easy ahn ees ribs.

Tol' Lomé dat mys disappear ta de mists ifen de Dren don' bring back ah slave ta prove 'er wort'. Lookin' back naw Khan tink dat mayhap 'ee speak too quick. Truth be dat mys share no trust wit de woman. Bu' it nat be de woman dat occupies Khan's mind, it be de wan she insist ahn hangin' anta. Strange it be dat Khan is so…antsy abou' seein' 'er clingin' ta mys friend.

Neva been wan ta be possessive. Nat o'er ah person ahn certainly neva o'er a person mys only jus' met…well…mys sigh deep ahn roll anta mys side ta face de mine. Ahv 'nown Lomé fer longer den days ahv'nt ah…'nown eem since de cage…mayhap dat be it. Possessive o'er de wan oo gave mys freedom. Khan raises ees left paw ahn flexes ees claws, rememberin' de place where ol' bracers sat tight afore mys grew too large to wear dem. Afore Lomé take dem away wit ah click ahv a key.

"Ah" mys say ta myself under mys breath: "Let dem be Khan. Ee ain't only your saviour, ee 'ers too ifen ya believe wat de legends say. Ee everybadies saviour." Shakin' mys 'ead ah rise anta mys paws ahn pad ta de base ahv mys tree. Up ahn de back paws fer a moment ah rest de front wans ta de tree's bark ahn dig mys claws deep afore leapin' upwards, catchin ah branch ahn climbin' up ta watch de Odai 'gain. Can see Dinok's fire glowin' in de distance. Can smell de fish cookin' ahn 'ear de faint whisperins ahv de conversation de miner's ahv abou' dare day.

Lulled by ahll de peace aroun' meh ah drift 'tween sleeps ahn wakefulness, touts driftin' wit meh in a half asleep haze…till mys 'ear paws ahn de grass ahn heavy breathin' ahn Virr's voice carryin' de Ta'Agra mixed wit common tongue ahn de air. Ghads Khan tinks ahs de Jiitt scramble ta de mine, unlock, open ahn close de door witin 'alf ah minute ahv Khan earin' dem. De Dren weren't lyin'…

True ta 'ees word Khan follows ees kinsmen inta de mine after waitin' ta see ifen dey been followed. Notin' follows; neither guard nor Elven man nor maid ahn Khan wonders fer a moment wat became ahv 'ees friend aht de market.

When dis wan set paw inside de mine apprehension fills eem. Regardless ahv Virr's smiles ahn words "Cam in Khan, we's ghats ah new wan 'ere fram de market!" mys couldn't but feel closed in…trapped.

Shakin' ahf ees demons Khan pads careful like down de narrow passage fram de door ahn inta ah lamp lit room ahn ees left. In ere be beds, two sets ahv bunks t'ree beds high. De floor be sparsely covered by ah worn ol' rug ahn mys can see Jiitt paw prints in de dust where its edges roll back.

Sittin' wit Virr ahn de lowest bunk be such a wisp ahv a Jiitt Khan honestly tout eem a maid aht first; wrapped up in ah travellin' cloak ahn shakin' like ah leave in de breeze. Scent dow…Khan tilts ees 'ead aliddle fer ah breat'…nah…t'anit no maid. Soon ahs ees hooded 'ead rise ahn 'ee look at Khan mys sees de conditioned fear ahv a life-bound slave: wan oo neva new life bu' fer slavin'.

"Nnhh…" ee whimper, tryin' ta lower eemself ta de floor: "M...muthsera…dis wan be…" Virr caught de tremblin' wan afore ee could move an inch, pressin' eem careful like ta de sheets upon which ee cowered. "Hush Ja. Ya safe wit dees wans. Dis be Khan" ee say, pointin' ah paw mays way.

Khan sits close by, claws sheathed, eyes gentle, ears pert atop ees 'ead; 'opin' dat by stayin' ahf ees paws ah while ees size won' scare de younger wan too much. Tis de 'ardest ting fer Khan ta be seen by smaller Jiitt as anytin' o'der dan a tr'et cos ah 'ees breed'. Always in Jiitt culture, tribal culture aht least, de largest strongest male is seen ahs de leader ahv de tribe. Ahs slaves Khajiitt are nat allowed ta partake ahv "normal" society ahn de advantages it brings so many adopt dare instinctual behaviours ahn body language ahn form small tribes amongst demselves. Should no dis. Khan ahd wan eemself wen ee was still wit de Dren.

Jus' ah small group; Khan, two male Jiitt, t'ree female Jiitt ahn ahdly enough ahn Argonian maid. Lovely creature she was, all scales, warm smiles ahn fiery red eyes. Gaht ahn well she ahn Khan did, like de second in command ahv de tribe. Neva new wat became ahv 'er…doe brows went up wen she disappeared ahn Dren's missus gaht 'erself ah leather purse.

Khan's musin' staps when de Jiitt afore eem approaches ahn shaky paws. Ee lower eemself afore Khan ahn sit careful-like, ees 'ead down, claws sheathed, ears back 'gainst ees 'ead. "Dis wan be J'Kara" ee say. "Virr tells eem dat ya cahn 'elp eem…askin' fer dat 'elp now ah be…ahn tankin' ya Sera." De young wan bows ees 'ead lower, almos' so it 'tween ees paws ahn Khan spares ahn uneasy look ta Virr.

"Broken" Virr mouths. Khan 'olds in ah sigh, stoops ahn nudges ees nose under de smaller wan's chin ta rise ees 'ead up. After a moment's tout Khan smiles easy aht de Ja afore eem: "Welcome ta de tribe" mys purr, touchin' mys cheek ta Kara's ahn mys way past eem. "Virr" ah murmur "May weh tolk?"

"Course Khan" 'ee purr trew ah grin ahs 'ee walks ahta de room ahn points down de hall fer wen Khan follows. J'Kara stands, stretches ahn shrugs ahf ees cloak afore crawlin' anta ees bed. Ee sleepin' afore ees 'ead hits de pillow. "Sleep easy Ja" mys say ta eem ahs ah nudge ees paw wit mys muzzle ahs ah pass.

For't room ahn de right. Dat where Virr be. Can smell 'ees scent, well, de scent ahv ees tobacco aht least fram a mile ahf. De room be smaller dan de wan Kara rests in. Looks like Meni been puttin' work inta comin' ere; books, papers, ah table ahn a desk all covered in candles burnt stout trew use greet Khan's gaze ahs ee joins 'ees friend.

"Spek Ja" Virr murmurs fram ees seat aht de table. De dim glow ahv de embers in ees pipe make ees eyes blaze in de dark.

"Ya tol' Khan de Ja ees broken…ghats no knowledge abou' ees 'eritige ahd all?" Khan ask ahs ee settles opposite Virr ahn a large cushion.

"Nah" de older Jiitt say trew a snufflin' laugh: "De way 'ee act wen 'ee meet ya? Virr tell eem ahlla dat afore wes gaht ere! No's notin' ahv bein' wit ees own." Virr draws deep ahn ees pipe as Khan stares ahn in shock.

"Nat ah ting? Wat dey keep eem doin' ahll ees life?"

"Transit Khan. Movin' fram wan show ta de next. Den ah small, small time las' year in de fields alone. Den more transit. Neva ahd ah 'ome afore naw."

"Ghad" mys whisper, mine eyes captivated by ah candle flame ahs it sputters ahn de table. "Cahn make it right Virr. Cahn teach eem ahn o'ders dat come ifen dey need it. Fer naw…let eem sleep."

Virr nods and lets aht ah contented puff of smoke wit 'ees next words: "Ya goneh tek eem ta ya wing Khan?"

"Ow cahn ah nat?" mys mutter, layin' comfortably ahn mys side ahn tendin' ta ah tuft ahv fur ahn mys paw dat be aht ahv place: "Ee needs fram anoder wat ya gave ta meh wen ah firs' made it 'ere…ah Dro ta guide mah haltin' steps. Ifen ee neva 'nown ees kind ee be worse ahf den Khan was. Ahll watch o'er eem Virr."

Silence reigns ah while. Notin' bu' de breathin' ahv de young wan down de 'all…de ahd puff ahf bret' ahs Virr enjoys ees smoke.

"Tahme wears ahn" mys mutter wen de last ahv de candles ahn de table burns aht. "Where be de o'ders?" Virr's chuckle reaches mys ears ahn ah raise mys head fram mys paws ahn favour eem wit ah guarded look.

"Ya mean where be Lomé nh?"

"Ah…ah mean…" Virr raises ah paw ta stap mys words.

"Pelagied Khan" de chucklin' Jiitt say, ees smile widenin' ta such a degree dat ees ears twitch. "Don worry abou' eem Ja. No mys do dat ya tink great tings ahv eem. Ee be da wan dat saved ya nh? Ahll firey eyes ahn deep blue skin."

"Ya" Khan sighs, ees 'ead fallin' ta ees paws 'gain ahs Virr stands ahn comes ta mys side. "Was ahll ah remembered ahv eem Virr…'appened so quick dat mys was runnin' afore ah could tell eem mah name."

"Ee strong Khan. Kara tol' dis wan 'ow ee bled ta 'elp eem find ees freedom. Ow ee tricked de Arvel slave masta ahn freed eem under ees nose." Virr pat mys side wit ah careful paw afore paddin' fram de room. "Don' fret Ja. Ee no ya now nh? Ee come back ta ya."

Don' no meh completely Khan tinks ahs ee rises ahn gathers ah near by candle. In spite ahf de strent' Jiitt eyes ahv in de dark, Khan always loved candle light. Mys set de candle ahn de groun' ahn curl ahnta mys side ta watch it burn.

Ah be 'earin' Virr's words in mah 'ead ahll night trew.

De marnin' finds Khan, Virr ahn Kara down by de edges ahv de Odai. De water is cool ahn Khans paws ahs ee wades trew de shallows near de isle by Balmora's arches. Dis be de marnin' ahv Kara's first lessons in Jiitthood. Dis wan aims ta 'elp eem fish fer eemself afore de day be trew.

"Ere Kara" Khan say ahs ee settle by de water's edge ahn de Isle 'tween de bridges. De Ja sit by mah side ahn lets a liddle smile bare ees teeth ahs Khan begins ees lesson. "Firs ting ya gatta no is 'ow de water move. Mys no it seems obvious…s'runnin' trew de city back dare…bu' de smallest ting cahn change dat course ahn dat wat de fisher…" mys nudge Kara's shoulder wit ah paw: "Dat be you Ja. Dat change is wat ya lookn' fer cos dat be wen a fish is goin' by…looky 'ere"

Mys raise a paw ahn dip it inta de ripplin' water. "See ow de current changes aliddle where de water passes de paw?"

"Ya…Ya mys see…like dis nh?" Kara say mimickin' Khan ahn dippin in ees own paw. "De ripples ya?" ee ask ahn mys smile.

"Dats right. Ere naw Ja, come look aht de arches ahn ow dey change tings fer us. Look 'ere saa…ere be de best spot fer fishin cos ahv ow fast de water moves. De isle we stand ahn makes de streams ahv de Odai narrow afore moving below de arches. Fish dat come trew are movin' fast, but in a smaller space. Makes dem easier ta catch…dare see!" Mys point ta ah flicker ahv silver ahn ah tail flick. "Dats wat ya lookin' fer Kara. De silver, de spray fram de fish thrashin' in de water ahn de way de water move wen de fish is goin' by."

De young wan, while fascinated by de idea ahv catchin' ees own food, seemed nervous aht firs' abou' tryin' it 'eemself. Took no coaxin' dow ta ahv eem try alang wit Khan. Wes stand side by side ahn de isle so ee cahn copy ow Khan waits, t'ree paws ahn de groun' ta 'old de weight steady; de fore paw in de water ta test de flow, wan raised ahn ready ta strike.

Wen de young wan ahs de posture right Khan backs ahf wit ah whispered instruction; "Unsheathe ya claws Ja" ahn watches from de shade ahv de nearest small tree. Kara's excited glances aht meh warm me trew ahn fer but a moment mys understand why Habasi so wants ah family. De 'ope in dat Ja's eyes…don't gaht de words fer it in any tongue.

"S'good ta see nh?" Virr murmur fram ees place aht Khan's side.

"Mhhhmm…ee neva goneh catch notin' ifen ee keeps pullin' ees claws in dow" mys chuckle ahs Kara pats de water wit ah gentle paw. "Ah no why ee do it dow Virr" Khan say, turnin' ees eyes ta ees Dro. "De mastas don' let Jiitt use dare claws fer anytin. Beat dem ifen dey show dare claws cos to ah non-Jiitt de gesture is tretanin'." Virr sighs deep aht mys words ahn touches ah paw ta mys shoulders:

"Tis wan ahv de least tretenin' tings ah Jiitt does" Virr say. "Wes show dem wen wes stretch ahv de nights sleeps. Wen we flex cramped fingers. Can't but show dem samtimes Saa."

"Ah no dis Virr. Bu' de mastas won' 'ear ya words ahn nor will many o'der non-Jiitt."

Mys words be cut short by an excited J'Kara. Ee scamper o'er quick like, droppin' ta ees knees afore meh ahn Virr ahn 'oldin' aht ees clasped paws.

"Khan! Khan! Lookit 'ere!" ee laugh ahs ee show us de firs' fish 'ee caught eemself. Tis ah small ting, still live too, bu' fer ah Jiitt oo neva 'unted before it means everytin.

"De 'ead Kara" Khan say: "E'der bite ees 'ead or use ya claws ta kill eem. 'urry naw don wan eem ta suffer no more." Kara pause ah momen' weighin' ees options bu' wastes liddle tahme in nippin' ees catch abou' de 'ead.

Wen Kara finished wolfin' down ees catch wes move de tolk ahv 'untin' ta different game. Nat take eem far dis day. Wanna keep eem by de river ta get eem used ta de area; de sights, sounds ahn smells ahv Balmora afore goin' ahn ah real 'unt in de wilds. Don mean wes can't teach eem ah ting or two dow.

Virr takes o'er de lessons fer ah while. Bein' dat Kara be ahv ees breed, ee be better suited ta teachin' de Ja ow ta move silent like wen stalkin' prey. Khan watches dem stalk aroun' eacho'der; watches Virr explain ow Jiitt use dare tail ahs ah counterweight wen chasin' down game; ow Kara almost trips eemself wen ee tries ta copy. Lulled by de scenes afore eem Khan rests ees 'ead ta ees paws ahn relaxes in de risin' sunshine. Voices soon carry ta mys ears ahn de wind. Bot' familiar; wan more welcome den de o'der.

"I hope J'Kara got back alright"

"I'm sure he did Meni. He moved so quickly when we let him go I doubt the traders at the market would have noticed if they cared to look. Atius assured us though that no one suspected."

"It was a shame he had to leave us so early. His shift calls for an early rise. I fear he'll be exhausted today…Lomé, can I ask you something?"

"You're free to. I don't promise to answer though."

"Well…that Khan Jiitt…" Mys 'ead raise aht de mention ahv mys name, dow ah keeps ta de shadows. Aht ahv sight, aht ahv mind.

"What of him?"

"How long have you known him?"

Ah pause passes 'tween de speakers. Dare voices be close naw. Guessin' dey be witin' site ahv Balmora's arches.

"A year or so…why?" Secretly Khan's 'eart purrs aht 'earin' ees friend's words. For true wes met proper but days ago. But each ahv us ahs 'nown ahv de o'der fer much longer den dat.

"I…he isn't like other Jiitt here. I know there are many breeds but…his eludes me. What is he?" Lomé be so close naw ah can smell eem. Ah mix ahv 'eather, soap, sweat ahn blood. Jiitt blood. Virr's earlier words abou' de market be de only ting dat stap Khan from frettin' o'er dis. Can 'ear laughter in ees voice wen ee say:

"He's lying under that tree there. Ask him yourself." Shocked ees friend spotted eem, Khan raises ees 'ead ahn looks o'er towards de bridge connectin' de Isle ta de road leadin' ta de Fort. Dare stand ees friend, blood smeared yet smilin' wit' de maid 'iddin' herself behin' ees back.

"Ah leave ya fer ah day ahn ya come back lookin' like ya wrestled ah Guar!" Khan laugh ahs ee sits up. Virr ahn Kara stap dare lessons fer lang enough ta wave dare greetin's afore circlin' eacho'der 'gain.

"It worked didn't it?" Lomé say trew ah smirk, tiltin' ees 'ead ahn castin' ah glance aht Kara ahs ee walk o'er ahn stand by Khan.

"Fer true it did Saa" ah purr, glancin' up aht eem, den towards Meni. "Tinkin' ya maid be scared ahv meh Lomé." Ah watch 'er close ahs she edges o'er de bridge; de glance she gives meh full ahv nerves ahn unease afore she 'eads towards Virr ahn Kara. Lomé settle by meh in de shade ta watch de o'ders.

"She, like most people is wary of what she isn't used to seeing. You're the first Senche-raht she's ever come across Khan. Her kind…my kind often reacts poorly when faced with something they can't quite get a grasp of right away."

Khan relaxes ahn ees belly ahn chuckles deep aht ees friend's observation. "Why den Saa is it ya cahn stand ta be near meh ifen ah be so scary?" Mys sarcastic tone ain't lost ahn Lomé ahn ee pushes aht mys shoulders aht de jibe. Still laughin', Khan lets de push force eem ahnta ees side: "Call it long acquaintance" Lomé say trew ah smirk. Ees eyes be mischievous ahs ee lean closer ahn say: "Besides. I'm the Nerevarine! I could take you down with a flick of my blade." De tone 'olds sarcasm ahn dexterous fingers unclip ah small dagger fram ees belt. Ee balances it ahn a fingertip, still oldin Khan's eyes.

"Be dat so Serjo?" mys say, sittin' up ahn watchin' ees clever fingers manipulate the blade.

"Lomé…" Meni's nervous liltin' tones get no more dan ah cursory ear flick, mys attention fixed ahn de smirkin' Dunmer by mys side.

"Quite so" ee say, excitement creepin' inta ees tone wen ee notice de veiled challenge in Khan's eyes. De stare ahf be broken wen Meni calls 'gain: "Lomé…what are you…" Er words end in a shriek ahs Khan uses Lomé's distraction ahn lunges fer de blade in ees 'and. Ah catch it's 'ilt in mys mout' ahn leap aht ahv de sputterin' Elf's reach afore ee cahn move ta stap meh.

"Ahll comes ta nought ifen ya nat gat ya blade Serjo!" Khan calls trew a muffled laugh. Lomé sit in shock a moment, watchin' Khan ahs ee lower ees 'ead near de groun' ahn bares ees teet' around de blade; Jiitt body language to provoke anoder inta ah chase. Virr explains dis ta de bemused J'Kara ahs Meni gathers breath ta spek:

"Honestly Lomé you aren't going to…chase…him…" Er words die in 'er troat ahs 'er Elven Nerevarine leaps ta 'ees feet ahn does jus' dat.

"Leave dem be" Virr purrs ahs ee approaches de stricken maid ahn lays ah paw ahn 'er arm. "Tis good ta see Lomé able ta run like dat…twas in a bad way."

"It isn't proper behaviour for a noble though Virr…he shouldn't act that way I mean look at them!" She watch horror struck ahs we bob ahn weave abou' eacho'der, leapin' de steams ahv de Odai ahn splashin' trew de waters ahs de chase went ahn.

"Ee ain't no noble yet Saa…tinkin' someow Sera Lomé nat wat ya tout ee be Meni. Ee nat ah born ahn bred noble like yaself."

"Then he needs to learn quickly if he is to fit…"

"Do ee look like ee worried abou' where ee fit Saa? Seems 'appy 'nough ta run wit' Khan."

De maid shake 'er 'ead ahs Lomé ahn ah collapse in ah laughin' 'eap ahn de bridge nearest de Strider. De Dunmer lay ees weight 'gainst mys flank ahn turn ees eyes ta de deep blue sky ahs ee catch ees breat'.

"Ya 'ealin' well Sera" Khan murmur after droppin' de dagger; watchin' ees friends once immobile legs ahs dey dangle easily o'er de edge ahv de bridge. Lomé stretches ah moment afore sittin' up ahn favourin' Khan wit ah gratitude filled smile: "Thanks to you my friend." Warmt' fills dis wan ahs ahn almos' tentative 'and falls upon mys arm. Meetin' mys friend's eyes ah ahm given pause.

Truth be, Khan is no word smith. Ee can't use language ta express eemself ahs well ahs ee would like. De look dat passes 'tween Lomé ahn ah dow…dare ain't ah scholar in ahll Tamriel wit de words needed ta describe its intensity. Firs' tahme since ees known Lomé…Khan notices de depth behind ees eyes. Jus' ow dey burn in de sunlight. Ow dey warm wen 'ee smiles, like 'ee does ahs ah return ees gaze ahs ardently ahs 'ee visits it upon meh.

Ah moment passes 'tween us den dat almos' staps mah 'eart. Ee's fingers tighten dare grip aht mah arm ahn fer ah tiny, flittin' second…jus' wan second cos dat be ahs lang ahs it be safe ta 'old such ah gaze 'tween dows such ahs us…mys swear ah see…de common tongue fer it be affection…caring…but does words don' do wat Khan saw justice. S'like…dat warm feelin' ya get wen ya no ya care fer anoder so much ya'd lay ya life down fer dem. Like de devotion ah feel fer eem already…bu'…borne less ahv ah debt owed fer savin' ah life…

Ahn dat second long liddle look…dat whisper ahv deep affection is reflected in mah eyes…fer eem. Realise naw why mys uneasy 'bout Meni bein' so close…ahn dat realisation staps Khan's 'eart fram beatin'. So lost ah be in ees eyes dat Kara's clumsy approach goes unnoticed, bot' by Khan ahn by de elf ee be entranced by. Lomé draws breat' ta spek but ees words be cut ahf by ah shrill roar ahn Kara's weight aht ees back ahs ee makes ees move after "stalkin'" o'er ta us.

"Cautcha!" de Ja purr afore backin' up quick wen Lomé turn ta face eem. "It's alright Kara" ee say in gentle tones. "Nicely done. Wouldn't you say Khan?" Ee look ta meh 'gain…ahn Khan search ees eyes fer dat…ember, dat glow ahv emotion…bu' it can't be foun'. Hidin' mys intrigue ah turn ta Kara ahn smile.

"Good catch Ja…dow ya ghats tings at learn abou' stalkin'…'eard ya comin' nh."

Twas ah lie. Ah liddle white lie ta keep eem workin' aht ees technique…ahn dat reason…in mys 'eart ahv 'earts…be ah lie ta maself. Same ahs de lie ah tell maself abou' mys 'eart warmin' wen Lomé be near. S'cos ee saved meh nh? Ee 'elped wen o'ders would nat.

Even ta mys own ears de touts are hollow. Truthless.

"Gonneh show meh 'ow ta 'unt praper Khan?" Kara purr ahs ee approach 'gain, careful ta keep ees 'ead down wen ee pass Lomé.

"Ya Ja" mys reply, nuzzlin' eem ahs ee settles aht mah side. "Mayhap wen ya stronger dis wan teks ya wit eem wen ee 'unts. Fer naw…keep ta de fishin' nh?" Ah round ahf laughter takes our small band ahs Kara explains ees dreams ahv 'untin' in de Grazelands "Like ah real Tiger!" ee say.

Much ahv de afternoon was spent by de river. Come four past noon Ilmeni, Lomé ahn Virr took ah walk ta ees shop ta check ahn S'Haba ahn collect provisions fer takin' back ta de mine. Kara ahn mys agree ta meet dem dare come night fall ahn we spend ees first long Tamrielian twilight ahs ah free Jiitt pawin' trew de shallow waters ahv de Odai.

We spoke of liddle tings ahs we watched de sun set late on in the evenin'. De difference 'tween to properties of 'eather ahn Stone Flowers fer example. De reson why de worl' be de way it be ahn why tis warm in summer ahn col' in winter. Small, paltry tings dat seem obvious to ahll does oo been raised praper; but are nat so obvious ta Kara given ees past.

Findin' rest 'neath de trees by de mine Khan watches ees Ja chase after fireflies; pouncin' after dem de way ee did Lomé earlier in de day.

"Mys doin' it good Khan?" de yout' call, showin' dis wan ees virgin technique ahs ee continues ees chase.

"Keep low…chin near de floor Ja" Ee do ahs Khan tell eem ahn mys nod in approval. Ain't ghats de 'eart ta tell eem ees tail end be stuck up in de air bu' eet don' matta. Ee learn wit tahme. Layin' mys 'ead back ta mys paws ah let mah mind drift ahs ah watch de worl' aroun' meh. Tis a cool night, crisp ahn lush; ah pleasant change ta de scorchin' 'eat ahv days back. Already dare be dew mistin' up abou' Kara's paws ahs ee scampers ere ahn dare trew de grasses ahn ah watch it whirl inta de air wit de pollen ahv de nearby flowers.

By de tahme Lomé ahn Ilmeni cam ta meet us Kara be sprawled ahn ees back by Khan's side, listenin' ta eem explain ahll abou' de Luna Latice ahn ow Fadomi's children be de stars ee watches spiral o'er 'ead. Ah raised 'and be Lomé's wordless greeting ahs ee lead Meni' o'er ahn settle wit us in de grass. Changed ees clothes mys notice, leathers ahn ah red tunic naw ahn de smell ahv blood ahn dirt be banished.

"Virr decided to stay with his shop. Joshaba needed a talking to apparently" Meni explain wen mys ask abou' de whereabouts ahv mys Dro.

"Wat de plan be?" mys press after a moment's silence. "Wat becomes ahv de mine naw dat wes gahts wan ta leave in it?" Mys nudge Kara wit mys muzzle ta rouse eem fram de sleep ee ahd fallin' inta.

"It is a safe house and base of operations" Meni say trew ah smile in Kara's direction. De young wan yawn ahn lay ees head upon Khan's shoulder, ees lang day catchin' up ahn eem aht last. "He doesn't have to stay there; so long as he keeps out of the slaver's sights he'll be fine." Anoder weighty pause ahs de maid gathers er touts: "Do you know how old he is Khan? Did he tell you?"

"Didn't need ta ask. Look aht de mane ee don't ahv. Tis half grown. Ee just aht ahv ees youngest years Meni, just ol' enough ta fend fer eemself ifen ee was nat raised ah slave. De way tings be naw…dis wan 'ere needs ta learn de ways ahv ees people, ta 'unt ahn fend fer eemself afore wes let eem fram our sights."

"How will we do that Khan?" Meni say. "There are so many others that need our help…"

"Few dis young dow. Ahn ifen dey be dis young dey ain't been kept fram o'ders ahv our kind. Dey will be able ta disappear ta de mists once dey are freed. May even go together ifen ya free more den wan. Ahs ee be naw, Kara alone in de worl' bu' fer us. Khan cahn watch o'er eem. Teach eem de way ahv tings ahn let eem decide fer eemself ifen ee wans ta run de wilds alone."

Conversation passes 'tween us 'til de skies blacken ahn de wind comes col' from de Bitter Coast. Tis only wen wes parted ways dat Khan realise dat ee ahd nat a word fram Lomé de entire tahme ee sat by us. Mys brush dis ahf ahs de need fer sleeps 'til Kara trot up besides meh ahs ah move ahf mys 'ome.

"Looky looky Khan!" ee whisper excited like. "De 'Varine be lookin yer ways!"

Lookin' o'er mys shoulder Khan sees Lomé standin' alone by de Rope Bridge. Ees eyes glow crimson in de moon light ahn fer de second tahme in wan day Khan's 'eart staps ah beat. Ees eyes meet Khan's o'er de distance ahn ee look away quick like, wavin' ees goodbye ta Ilmeni ahs she locks 'erself up in de mine fer de night afore 'eadin' 'ome ta Vivec come de mornin'. After anoder beat ee disappear inta de night ahn leaves dis wan ahn ees excitable charge ta de night.

"Sees de ways ya lookit eem Khan…" Kara purr softly ahs de watches meh stare after eem.

"Ya ain't seen notin Ja" mys reply, strangely downcast ahs de trut' ahv mys words hits 'ome. Can't notin pass 'tween wans like Lomé ahn Khan bu' fer kinship born ahv our pasts. Vvardenfell be de least welcomin' worl' fer such tings, 'specially 'tween Khajiitt ahn Dunmer.

Mys ponder dees tings ahs mys carries Kara ahn mys back along de path by de Odai. De young wan watches everytin' wit deep fascination; de fire flies floatin' by ahn de cool air, de way de shrubs mys walks trew bend back ta allow mys passage, ees 'ead flickin' round ta find ahn listen ta every sound aroun' eem. Jiitt eyes need no 'elp ta see fine in de dark ahn it takes no tahme fer Khan ta find ahn scale de tree 'oldin' ees 'ome.

Kara takes minutes ta simply absorb de view fram mys porch afore de scents ahv warmin' meats ahn fragrant logs burnin' in de hearth call eem inside fer de night. Ee spends more tahme questionin' dis wan abou' ees 'ome dan eatin' de meats mys provide fer eem. De excitement ahn energy in ees eyes is soon replaced 'gain by tiredness 'owever ahn Khan is quick ta nestle eem deep in de nest ahv furs by de hearth. Mys tell myself dat de reason fer nat givin' de boy de bed in de next room is 'cos de furs by de hearth be warmer. Dis be wat mys purrs ta Kara by way of explanation after ee sleepin' ahn cant 'ear mys words. De real reason sticks like ah thorn in mys side dow ahn be de reason Khan pads outside ta spend ees night ahn ees branch.

Wanna preserve Lomé's scent dare fer ahs long ahs it lasts. Soon ahs dis tout runs trew mys mind ah fall 'eavily ta mys branch ahn growl deep in frustration. Cant 'appen Khan ahn ya no it! mys scolds wordlessly. Vvardenfell is nat de place fer…be dare even ah word fer such tings in ah language? None Khan no's describe de feelin'…cept…nah even "Rabi" be inaccurate. Don' wanna own Lomé like ah mate…no…no…t'ain't dat ahd ahll.

Den wat?

Eavin' ah sigh mys climb further aht ahn mys branch ahn lay down ta watch de night move by. Wat is it den Jiitt? mys ask myself. Wat is dis ting dat catches ya starin? De night wares ahn inta de next dawn until Khan finds ees ansa ahn swears eemself ta silence ahn it. Can't breathe ah word ahv it for fear ahv…hatred…reprisals. De ansa be simple:

Ee be Lomé.