4E 202
12th of Sun's DawnWithin the days that followed, Ty'ani and her friends spent the time getting a much needed break. Often times when boredom struck, they made themselves busy by accomplishing various tasks within the city for the Companions.
As of right now, during the slight warmth of the morning sun, Ty'ani and Jo'Rakha stood opposite each other in the courtyard of Jorrvaskr. Each were in a combat stance holding wooden swords, sparring one another while their friends and a few Companions watched.
They had made these sessions a common practice while they had an adequate amount of rest from travelling. Since she had asked for the lessons, Ty'ani was becoming better with every one. Though she hasn't quite reached the advanced stuff yet.
What she had learnt has helped her immensely, as she parried an attack Jo'Rakha made toward her. Once the wooden weapon was away from her body, she used her slighter frame and natural agility to roll behind the larger Khajiit and swing her weapon at his back. While it was a clever move on her part, Jo'Rakha is still legions better then her at combat, as he easily blocked her attack.
When the swords locked, the male Khajiit grinned at her. "Good." he praised. They both relaxed from their stance, adjusting themselves for another round. "Remember Ty'ani, do not watch the sword, watch your opponents eyes. Read their intent."
The girl nodded before springing forward to begin another round.
Watching the session from the tables under the buildings overhang, Haema studied the two Khajiit. While she was interested in the lesson and Jo'Rakha's teaching technique, what caught her attention the most was the vast difference between the two of them. Though why that was cause for her to turn her attention away from an important lesson in Ty'ani's life, she didn't know.
She wasn't sure how this had slipped her notice before, as they had been travelling together for a few months now. From her study of them, there was quite a significant height difference. Jo'Rakha was almost towering over Ty'ani by a full two heads. Now that she thought about it, the male Khajiit was almost akin to herself or Alasse in height. She found that a puzzle, as she believed that all Khajiit were a naturally short species. Zahraji fit the description fine, but Jo'Rakha and Ty'ani were a couple of mysteries.
She snapped out of her puzzling when she noticed Jo'Rakha pat a smiling Ty'ani on the shoulder. It seems that the training is over for now, since the tiny girl was panting. The Nord had missed the conclusion of the lesson. Ty'ani handed the wooden sword to Jo'Rakha, padding toward where the rest of them sat.
Haema slid an empty tankard in front of the girl when she sat down, and poured water from her water-skin into it. Breathing out a small thanks, Ty'ani gulped the refreshing liquid down. The blonde Nord leant her arms on the table, smiling. "Your getting better." she observed.
Ty'ani smiled back at her. "I don't think I'm quite ready for a real fight though." she explained, wiping her forehead. "It's still tiring me out."
"It will. But you'll get used to it soon enough."
As the day continued on, the group spent their time sparingly. Often splitting up from each other. The entire time however, they were constantly being watched.
Senynda and Serana stood by the well, making themselves look a part of the mid-day shoppers. One or both of them carefully watched the young Khajiit not too far from them, talking with the brown haired Nord woman whom always accompanied her. They were in front of the vegetable stand, filling a basket with fresh produce.
Serana sighed. It had been days, and there had been no indication that the girl was leaving the city any time soon. She shuffled her feet, growing agitated.
Her partner, noticing the Nord vampire's movements, placed a hand on her arm. "Patience, my friend." she whispered, her red eyes sliding back toward the white Khajiit. "The time will come."
Taking a deep breath, Serana crossed her arms. "It's been three days Senynda, I can wait no longer. She's right there within our grasp. This inaction is killing me."
"I know, I know." Senynda reassured. "I understand, believe me I do. But if we reveal ourselves now, all our preparation will be for nought. This will be over soon."
Serana nodded. "Right."
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As the sun began to sink under the horizon, the group met up again in the Bannered Mare as they had done for the past few days. They enjoyed a warm meal, some mead and a little entertainment from the Inn's bard. For now, they listened as Mikael played an uplifting tune on his lute. The strums of the instrument often warms the hearts of those who heard it.
After listening to an enlightening conversation -lead mostly by Alasse- about the new bits of information she had added to her notes thanks to this venture, Haema's thoughts drifted to what she had pondered about that morning.
Turning to the small Khajiit next to her, she leant forward in her chair. "Ty'ani, I've been thinking." she began. "We've travelled together for a while and something's just occurred to me."
"What's that?" Ty'ani asked, intrigued about what the Nord has to say.
Haema scratched the underside of her hair, trying to find a good way to ask her question. "Well, I don't want to offend you, but it's about your height." she held up her hand to stop any protests that may have started. "And before you start, let me explain. From watching you and Jo'Rakha at Jorrvaskr, I notice that there is a very obvious height distance between you. You seem quite small and he's almost as tall as I am. Again, I'm sorry if I'm offending, but as far as I know, the Khajiit tend to be a short species, so I find it curious."
"Is it not obvious?" Alasse intruded. "Every species has their own average height and those who are the exception to that. Ty'ani and Jo'Rakha are the exceptions to their race."
Okan-Ru just let out a huff of amusement. "Do you really think it's as simple as that?"
"Well actually, it's not as simple as that." Jo'Rakha said. "It all has to do with the fact that we are different breeds."
That caused confusion amongst the humanoids. "Different breeds?" Lydia asked. "What's that suppose to mean?"
"Exactly what he said." Zahraji almost snapped.
Sighing, Ty'ani turned to Haema, answering her question. "Like Jo'Rakha said; it's because we're different breeds. He's a Cathay-Raht and I'm just a Suthay."
Despite the fact that the explanation seemed to be satisfactory for Ty'ani, it still caused the humanoids to stare at her in confusion. "And what exactly does that mean?" Lydia asked again.
Ty'ani just blinked in reply, while Zahraji massaged her forehead in irritation. Jo'Rakha nodded in understanding. "Of course, that isn't common knowledge. I suppose an explanation is in order." he took a sip of his mead, placing the tankard back on the table as he leant forward. "Let's see, where to start. We Khajiit have many different breeds, at least seventeen as far as we know, probably more. Our religion would tell you that our breeds are decided by Masser and Sacunda."
"How does that work?" Haema questioned.
"Honestly?" Jo'Rakha replied. "I'm not sure. What I do know is that it is dependent on whether the moons are waxing or waning. It makes sense in a way, since our race is dependent on the moons to show us the way. Anyway I digress. Long story short, Khajiit become a certain breed when the moons show a specific light. Take myself for instance: I am a Cathay-Raht, meaning I was born when Masser and Secunda both were waxing."
"What a peculiar way to explain your origins." Alasse muttered.
Zahraji frowned at the High Elf. "Hey, we think that your religions are strange, so don't judge us for what we are!"
Alasse rose her hands up, her hooded head lowering so her eyes disappeared behind the thick material. "I mean no disrespect." she calmly assured.
Okan-Ru leant his chin on his knuckles, listening to the conversation in boredom. While it was interesting to hear about the backgrounds of his current company -and amusing to witness the irritation of some- often times when one has heard a certain topic before, it does tend to grate on ones interest. Due to both his history and his travels, he knew much about each species. Therefore, having to hear about the Khajiit's breeds for the umpteenth time had quickly lost it's charm.
After Alasse's comment, silence fell. While he was relieved that the conversation had ended, the quiet didn't make sitting in this Inn any more interesting. Sucking in a breath, he flattened both his hands on the table. "Well," he started, breaking the silence as he rose from his chair. "Not that this isn't fun or anything, but I'm going for a wonder."
Watching him begin to walk away, Ty'ani rose from the table as well. Since the discussion about her people's breeds and religion, she had begun to feel slightly awkward about her companion's silence. According to her, she believed that they were a little disturbed about the revelation. Upon seeing Okan-Ru get up and announce he was leaving, she decided to spring upon that opportunity to get away from the root of her awkwardness.
"I'll come with you." she yelled after him, grabbing her bow while she stood. "You don't mind, do you."
Okan-Ru just shrugged. "Eh, why not."
Smiling, she strapped on her quiver and slung her bow around her body. However, Ty'ani noticed movement in the corner of her eyes and upon turning toward it, she spotted Lydia standing as well. She let loose a sigh. Of course, because she was leaving her bodyguard was obligated to follow her. She should have known. "Lydia, you don't have to come with us. You can stay here if you want."
"Yes, I know." replied the brunette Housecarl. "But I feel more comfortable coming with you. That way, if we're attacked there will be more swords at your side."
"Lydia-"
"I insist." the Nord interrupted, resting a hand on her hip just by her sword.
Ty'ani sighed. She should have known that there would be no convincing the woman to relax for a while. Was it really too much to ask for her to have just one night to herself? Shaking her head, the Khajiit girl crossed her arms. She wasn't giving up that easily. "Lydia, I appreciate that you want to protect me, I really do, but your running yourself ragged. Your only human and you need rest just like everyone else. So please have a little time for yourself, you need it."
Lydia blinked at the young girl. She opened her mouth, about to protest when the white Khajiit held up a hand. "Please? Don't make me order you."
Lydia stared into Ty'ani's sapphire gaze for a moment, letting out a sigh. She really is a strange one -and relentless. Placing her other hand on her hip, she finally relented. "Very well, if that's what you wish."
"It is." the Khajiit girl replied quietly, giving the Housecarl a quick smile as she sat back down. "We're not going to go that far, what's the worst that could happen?" and at that, she turned to followed Okan-Ru out into the cool air of the darkening evening.
However, their exit had been watched. Senynda had been seated in the corner of the Bannered Mare since the group had entered. From the shadows of her hood, she smirked.
This was it. The opportunity she had been looking for has finally presented itself.
She waited only a moment longer before standing and exiting herself. Outside, she turned her gaze toward the entranceway to the Wind District, her enhanced vision quickly spotting the form of her fellow vampire. She signalled toward Serana, telling her through practised motions of her hands.
'It's time.'
Serana smiled, nodding. Turning to jog to the group of fledglings sitting under the Gildergreen, she clicked her fingers twice. Immediately, the group sprang into motion, heading straight for the city's entrance.
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Upon exiting the city, the Khajiit girl and Argonian vampire walked side-by-side down the cobblestone road, heading toward the bridge a little ways from the new Black-Briar Meadery. As night had fallen, the area became alive with the humming of wings and the glow of torch-bugs. The giant thoraxes that the insects were famous for glowed brightly against the darkness as the two walked past.
Reaching the bridge soon after, Ty'ani leant her arms on the stone ledge, watching the White River flow underneath them. The river was quite fast paced tonight, so the tide must be in. Her ears took in the rivers roar as it crashed against the rocks and embankments on it's journey to the sea. She rubbed her arms, feeling the cool evening wind brush through her cloak and worm its way to her body.
Just then, Ty'ani jerked slightly, letting out a small gasp as she felt something wrap around her shoulders. Turning, she saw that Okan-Ru had removed the hood he always had wrapped round his neck and was wrapping it round hers. He gave her an almost sheepish smile when she caught his eyes, shrugging nonchalantly.
"It's cold tonight." he attempted to explain, finishing wrapping the scarf-like hood around her vulnerable neck. Ty'ani smiled at him.
"Such a gentleman." she teased. "Since when did you become so soft?"
Okan-Ru laughed in turn, as her mirrored her stance against the waist high wall. "Just be sure to keep it between the two of us, I have a reputation to uphold after all."
Ty'ani couldn't help but giggle. "Ah," she mocked. "And we wouldn't want your precious ego to be taken down a notch, would we?"
"Hey now, an ego's the only thing a vampire's got." they both let out a short laugh.
A comfortable silence fell between the two of them after that, content to just watch the river flow or the clouds hiding the greens and blues of the aurora and stars. Ty'ani leant her chin in the palm of her hand, her eyes slipping closed as the sounds of nature invaded her ear-drums.
Before long though, she rolled her head to the side, catching Okan-Ru swiftly turning his head back toward the city. Inwardly, she laughed. 'Was he staring at me?' she questioned herself. Knowing that he wouldn't admit it however, she didn't pry. Instead, she leant back up, inhaling through her nose as she rand both her hands through her ebony locks. Linking her fingers behind her neck, she let out her breath in a content sigh. "So Okan-Ru," she began, rolling her eyes back toward the Argonian as his attention was brought back to her. "We've been travelling together for a while now..."
When she paused -her tone initially telling him that she wanted him to say something for her to carry on- he cocked a brow. "Uh-huh." he merely said.
"Seen a lot of battles together..." she continued cryptically.
"Yes..."
"And..." she empathized. "You've been alive for a very long time..."
He nodded. "That I have."
She linked her hands behind her back, rocking back and forth on her feet like a bored child, inclining her head to the side. "So my question is this..." she stated. "I just want to know... How is it that you became a vampire?"
If Okan-Ru's brow could rise any higher, he was sure that it would be by now. "Really? That's all you want to know?"
Ty'ani just grinned before flicking her head away from him, returning to her previous position against the brickwork. "Well, if you don't want to answer, then I suppose my curiosity has to be sorely disappointed... and I'll just have to keep asking until you tell me."
Okan-Ru couldn't help but laugh again. He turned around against the wall, leaning the small of his back against the stone. "Your awfully chipper this evening."
Ty'ani flicked a loose lock of hair away from her eyes as she turned to face the vampire again. "Any reason I shouldn't be?"
"Well no." he replied. "But I find it curious none-the-less."
Ty'ani just rolled her eyes. "Is it a vampire thing to change the subject, or are you just avoiding the question?"
Okan-Ru shook his head for what felt like the umpteenth time. If he was completely honest, he was a little disturbed about how happy she suddenly seems to be. At the same time though, it was a refreshing change to how she normally is on the road.
He wasn't blind, he could plainly see how all this business about her being the Dragonborn greatly upsets her. Therefore, if she wanted to be a little weird, then he'll let her.
He crossed his arms as he replied. "Well that depends, doesn't it?" he scratched his scalp before smoothing back the red feathers adorning his head. "What is it you ask -how did I become a vampire? How else would I become a vampire? I contracted Sanguinare Vampiris and only days later I turned. That's all there is to it."
Ty'ani only rolled her eyes, turning to glare at him with a mockingly annoyed expression. "Oh come on, you know what I mean."
He only smiled back. "I'm not sure that I do."
"I know what Argonians are like, Okan-Ru." she started. "I may not be able to read, but I know that it's not easy for your people to catch diseases. So there has to be a story behind it."
He rolled his one golden eye in turn. "Sweetheart, you should know by now that I don't do back stories. But I have to say, I am getting increasingly interested in yours." he shifted himself again so his left hip was against the wall and his elbow was atop it. Crossing his ankles, he looked her in the eye as he continued. "Now I know I'm not suppose to mention the Dragonborn thing."
Ty'ani shook her head. "Nope."
"Or your business with the Thieves Guild."
"Nuh-uh."
"Frankly, I'm afraid to ask about your choice of company..."
Ty'ani laughed. "They're my friends."
"Of course." he quickly stated before moving on. "Now I know that you don't like being here in this land, so here's my question. If you hate it here so much, why didn't you just leave when you got the chance?"
That caused Ty'ani to pause. Now that he mentions it, why hadn't she already left? She's had plenty of opportunities to go, there's nothing here for her to stay for. That is beside the Guild, but that isn't a problem, is it? She doesn't consider herself as a leader, and she's always made an effort to jointly lead the guild with Brynjof, Delvin and Vex. They can handle things without her, so there's nothing holding her back.
But then there's her new found friends. Haema has a life here, a family and if it wasn't for the imposing Nord woman, Ty'ani wasn't sure she could have gotten as far as she did. She has given her so much moral support as well as her loyalty and talent.
Then there was Alasse. She once said that she is the Archmage of the college in Winterhold, therefore she has obligations here too. While she isn't much of a conversationalist, she is pure of heart and extremely talented. Ty'ani was sure that she would be dead if it wasn't for Alasse's spells.
Zahraji and Jo'Rakha have no reason to stay in Skyrim, because of the Dawnguard being disbanded. But still, if she hadn't met them, she wasn't sure what would have happened.
Ty'ani bit her lip as she stared at the Argonian in front of her. She wasn't sure what to say. What could she say? She gently shifted a loose lock of hair out of her eyes, voicing out her indecisiveness of how to answer. However, just at that moment, Ty'ani spotted something in the corner of her eye.
Snapping her eyes to the movement she spotted at the end of the bridge, Ty'ani saw a figure wearing strange grey armour. Even though the hood was up, she could still tell that the person was staring at her. Her ears twitched, hearing the sound of foot steps. Okan-Ru tensed as she whirled around. Another two figures in the same armour as the first stood at the other end of the bridge.
Both she and Okan-Ru stepped away from the ledge, looking between either side of the bridge. Ty'ani briefly spotted another person appear up the road next to the mountain, aiming a bow at them when she heard a disturbingly familiar noise. A sword singing as it is unsheathed.
Whipping back round to face the end of the bridge that lead to the city, Ty'ani immediately spotted two women stepping up toward them. Both were dressed in similar armour that was more elaborate then their counterparts, with hoods covering their heads. One with a much paler complexion then her companion stood behind her with her arms crossed, while the other stepped closer with a beautiful ebony sword held loosely in her grip.
The woman with the drawn sword paused a few feet from them, a smile slowly gracing her dark face. "At long last." she began in a honeyed voice. "I have waited a long time for this moment."
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Haema, Lydia and Alasse watched as Jo'Rakha dragged his fuming daughter up the stairs. Since the Khajiit woman had been drinking a fair bit during her time in the Inn, a couple of the patrons had challenged her to a drinking contest. They had boasted that no one came out-drink them and of course, Zahraji had taken them up on the challenge.
It didn't end well.
It started out innocently enough, the first few drinks disappearing with little hassle. It was until the fifth drink came round that things took a turn. Each of the men had gotten steadily drunk with each bottle consumed and as a result, began to get rowdy.
Zahraji on-the-other-hand, due to her supernatural blood, didn't even sway. They accused her of cheating, began throwing insults as the drinks continued, until eventually a fight broke out.
Zahraji had beaten down two of the men, gaining a bruised eye in the process, before her father and a couple brave patrons stepped in. The men were thrown out and if it wasn't for Jo'Rakha stepping in, Zahraji would have joined them.
He forced the angry woman up the stairs, lecturing her in the way only a father can, leaving the two Nords and Altmer behind.
Haema just shook her head. One of these days, Zahraji was going to get herself in far too much trouble none of them would be able to help her out of. She could just see it happening.
She slumped forward in her chair, feeling incredibly wary of the stressful afternoon she had experienced. She rubbed her forehead -feeling a headache coming on- as Lydia commented quietly. "That woman is going to get herself killed one of these days."
"She's too ferocious for her own good." Alasse added. "Her father must have the patience of a Divine, for having to deal with her for Gods knows how many years."
Pushing the incident from their minds, they continued to enjoy the remainder of the evening. Eventually, the bar returned to its previous lively state. Chattering and music filling the silence once again as the entrance door was opened.
Emerging from the outside was none other then Haema's husband. Surprised, Haema sat up in her seat as Farkas quickly spotted her and stepped up to the table.
"There you are." he said in his gravelly voice. As he leant on the table in front of her, he brandished a sealed letter, handing it to her. "This arrived for you not long ago. Courier said it was from Riverwood."
Haema's brows rose, taking the letter from him. It was obviously from Delphine. Smiling at her husband, she placed a hand on his cheek, feeling his stubble scratch her palm. "Thank you dear." she whispered as she leant up to kiss him. Turning to her companions, she nodded. "Looks like we'll be leaving in the morning. We have to go let Ty'ani and Okan-Ru know."
Lydia got up from her seat. "I'll go get them." she volunteered.
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Okan-Ru's remaining eye flashed dangerously as he glared at their unwelcome company. He rose his arm in front of Ty'ani, as if to protect her from the stares of the group.
"What is this? Who in the Void are you?" he demanded.
The pale woman only shook her head. "You should know, fledgling. I can sense what you are, surely your old enough to sense us."
Okan-Ru didn't even need to ask what she meant. His nose became alive with the scent of all the individuals surrounding them. Over the smell of the frightened Khajiit hidden behind him, he found the distinct scent of death and sweetened blood. He growled, his canines growing in response of the pheromones of blood-lust given off by them.
"Vampires." he concluded. "I should have known."
The darker woman smiled widely before her attention was diverted elsewhere. Ty'ani shivered. Even though her eyes were hidden, the Khajiit just knew that they were staring at her. "It's good to finally meet you, Ty'ani."
Ty'ani jerked back, her hands twitching as she readied herself to draw her bow. "How do you know my name?" she demanded with courage she didn't feel.
The woman just laughed again. "It's my business to know all there is about those I hunt. Such as with you." she paused, a pale tongue running over her dark lips. "I know what you are, Dragonborn, and your coming with us."
Ty'ani jumped when she heard a growl and unsheathing of swords. Okan-Ru had drawn his weapons and was now in an offensive position. His eye flashed as he glared at her. "You want her, you'll have to go through me first."
Yet again, the woman laughed, louder this time. Her voice was alive with unmasked amusement. "Oh, there is that unbreakable spirit I loved so much!" she lowered her sword, placing her other hand on her hip. "Though I am surprised you don't recognise me, my dear, sweet little slave."
Okan-Ru started when he heard that, stepping a single step back, eyes widening in shock. His swords wavered as he shook his head in denial. "No." he whispered.
"Oh yes." the woman replied as she gripped her hood. Pulling it off her head, her full features were revealed.
She's a Redguard, as made evident by her dark skin, but it was incredibly sickly looking. A white tattoo of a tribal skull stood starkly against her skin, giving her a more terrifying look. Thick black hair was pulled back in an elaborate style that kept the locks from her face, but still flowed gracefully down her shoulders. Red eyes, that was the trademark of any vampire, glistened as she locked on Okan-Ru's.
The Argonian tensed, the grip on his swords tightening. "You!" he yelled.
The Redguard smirked, her oversized canines on show. "Hello again darling." she drawled mockingly.
"It can't be. I watched you die!"
She shook her head, laughing once more. "You of all people should know how difficult it is to kill one of us."
Ty'ani frowned in confusion at this. She gazed at Okan-Ru, laying a small hand on his arm. "Okan-Ru? You know this woman?" she asked in a soft voice.
The Redguard woman's smirk widened. "Yes Okan-Ru," she mocked. "Tell her who I am. Tell her all about me, about us."
Okan-Ru didn't. He just snarled angrily at her. "No." he gently pushed the small Khajiit even further behind him. "Ty'ani stay behind me."
"Oh, how sweet." the Redguard sang. "Falling for a mortal, how sickeningly predictable of you. I'll make this simple my dear: hand over the Dragonborn quietly, and I may consider letting you go with little fuss."
Okan-Ru's scowl deepened. "You really think it will be that easy? I've been alive for five-hundred years, I'm no longer the man you tortured. I will not allow you to take her without a fight!"
The woman rolled her eyes. "A pity. Here I was hoping for one last tumble with you. Oh well." she tightened her grip on her swords, going into a battle stance as she yelled out in a commanding tone. "Fledglings, kill him!"
As the vampires charged, the only thing Ty'ani heard as she leapt off the bridge was a death cry.
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Yikes.
And guess who finally did some research on the Khajiit. You can find all you need to know about them here: elderscrolls .wikia wiki/ Khajiit
Just take out the spaces.
R&R