Greetings beautiful fan base! Enjoy this new chapter, and leave a review! Have fuuunnnn!
Skyrim could be an incredibly dangerous and complex place. With the return of the dragons, bandits running ramped, and hordes of wild beats roaming the wild, you didn't want to leave your house unarmed. For Catro, that meant double ebony swords that hung down from her sides, two enchanted daggers strapped onto her belt, and a nightingale bow along with sharpened ebony arrows strapped to her back. She glanced over at her newest companion that walked along beside her. He equipped the set of ebony armor she had given him, and a single steel sword was strapped to his side. She found the fact that he was a mage to be incredibly convenient in many different ways. Long range combat was now a very possible option in battle, with the combination of both his magical abilities and her advanced archery skills. It had been something she never considered before, Arien was horrible with a bow, and even when she tried to teach him he still proved unskilled in the archery arts. She brushed the thought away, this wasn't a time to reminisce on the past, but to find a new gateway to the future. The day was new and bright, full of ambition and ripe for the taking, which she intended to take. A large oak branch suddenly fell in front of her path, breaking her train on though and causing her to jump and draw a sword. She stared at the piece of wood, blinking and then slowly sheathing her sword. "Are you alright?" A voice beside her asked. She shook her head defiantly. "I'm fine, just didn't see that coming." He scoffed. "I meant the fact that you jumped backwards that far, at least a foot, why so jumpy?" He inquired. She remained silent for a few moments before letting out a long sigh and shaking her head slightly. "Just tired." She mumbled. She glanced up at the sky, glaring at the sun that was begging to set. Sunsets used to be her favorite part of the day, yet now they brought unpleasant memories and a unavoidable fear. But the sun was sinking lower in the horizon, and they would have to make camp for the night. She glanced around, a small clearing catching her eye to the left. She stopped, looking at the area with resentment. "We should stop to camp." She said, finally speaking up. He stopped as well, turning to follow her into the opening.
A few hours past before dark, allowing them time to start a fire, lay out there bed rolls, and start some food over the fire. Catro sat on a large flat stone, rhythmically stirring the contents and thinking of nothing in particular. Her newest companion placed an armful of fresh firewood near the raging flames before sitting down himself. He kicked back on his bedroll, arm crossed behind his head and eyes closed. She stopped stirring, contemplating how careless he was acting, completely dropping every last ounce of his guard. She shook her head and sat back against the tree, staring up at the dark blue sky. Stars began to peak through the clouds as smoke from their fire swirled to meet them. A bright red moon peak through the sky, cascading a dim light to meet them. She sighed before standing and brushing the dirt off. She reached down and threw a bowl at Marcurio, causing it to hit him square in the stomach. He sat at glaring, opening his mouth to retort, she cut him off. "Dinners ready if your hungry." She poured some of the delicious concoction into her bowl, before settling back against the tree, watching him do the same while muttering under his breath. The sun never set slowly in Skyrim, dragging the cold and darkness of night with it. They had been traveling for hours, and unfortunately, she was tired. She set the bowl down, looking over to see her follower already half asleep on his bed. Regrettably, she crawled into the animal skin sleeping bag, her swords still attached tightly to her hips, drifting off to a deep and dreamless sleep.
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One habit Catro had was waking up long before the sun. She loved sleeping, especially sleeping in, but her dragon blood always ensured she was up at the first signs of morning. She sat up hazily, immediately aware of her surrounding. The fire was reduced to a dull flame, burning softly against the remaining ashes. She blinked and stretched her arms high, looking off into the horizon at the first light that began to peak over the snowy mountain. The second thing she noticed was Marcurio, who was still fast asleep and snoring heavily, sprawled out on his bed. She grabbed a log, placing it gently in the dieing fire and nudging at the ember with a long, slender piece of wood. The flames roared to life and she watched them, kneeling still in the grass and warming her hands. She stood sleepily, stretching each of her legs individually for the long day of travel ahead. Pulling a map out of a deep pocket, she scanned it over, finding there current location. Scribbled notes littered the parchment, and she followed each one of them before her eyes rested on the spot she believed they were in or near. She continued looking it over, making mental preparations and plans, before a small title to the left caught her eye. She blinked once or twice, staring at it with internal conflict before picking up a small piece of charcoal and crossing it out. She never wanted to step foot in that cave again. A rustle several feet away caught her attention and making her snap her head in that direction while slowly tucking her map back into the jacket pocket. She silently drew her bow hoping for any luck a deer might cross her path, replenishing there food supply. She stood in a crouched position, creeping through the shrubbery to find her prey, and stopping inside a large bush, waiting silently as soft clouds of grew formed from her breath. A few more rustles occurred before a large elk appeared in a close clearing, walking gracefully thought the serene forest. She knocked an arrow, drawing back and holding her breath, every muscle focused on the creature. A branch cracked somewhere in the distance, startling the elk and causing it to sprint forward. She fired the arrow, watching as it grazed the animals back and buried itself deep into a tree. She swore under her breath, standing and deciding the animal wasn't work being tracked. She adjusted the bow in its place in her back, heading back towards their camp.
The fire crackled softly in the morning light, giving off a cozy warmth against the chill morning air. Her follower was still sound asleep, snoring softly with his back turned to her. She pulled a small package out of her bag, unfolding the contents of bread and some jerky. She sat with her back up against a tree, gnawing on the ration of food. A sound came to ears and she looked up to see him awake. He sat with his legs crossed on the bedroll, smiling at her. "Good morning." He said, stretching with a yawn. She gave a small smile back at him, glad for the friendly company. "Breakfast?" she offered, holding out another small parcel. He happily accepted the food. "The least you could have done was buy fresher bread while we were in town." he remarked, taking a bite. She scoffed, cramming the rest of the food down her throat in annoyed silence. Her companion laid back against a tree, stretching his legs out and crossing them to be warmed by the fire. She enjoyed the scenery awhile more, looking up at the clear morning sky that swirled with deep reds and bright pink. The flowers were beginning to awake and the birds began their gentle morning songs. She pulled herself up off the ground and stretched. "We should head out." She spoke, looking over at him. He made a sound of protest before getting up and packing his things. They kicked some dirt over the already dying fire, headed off again down the road in silence, it was to early for a conversation. A long while past before he finally broke the silence, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"I believe you were in the middle of a story that you never finished" he stared. "And frankly I would like to know how it ends." She thought for a moment before letting out a long drawn sigh, adjusting her shoulder strap. "You should know you're not the first companion I've had travel with me." She began, looking at the ground as they walked along the snowy stone road. "And, well…." She sighed and shook her head again, but he cut her off before she could speak again. "You don't have to tell me just yet if its to soon." He said. She nodded her head, thankful for his understanding. "However, I would like to know eventually, and I hate being kept waiting." There was the sass again. She scoffed, but it was more of a laugh in disguise. "I already paid you five hundred gold Marcurio, what more do you want from me?" They both laughed softly as that as they continued down the path, leaving Riften and its memories far behind them.
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The weather shifted itself gradually from clear blue skies and rolling fields of grass and light snow to dark gray overcast clouds and forming banks of snow along there way. The snow picked up heavily, leaving the two warriors to trudge forward in the harsh winter storm. Catro looked forward, narrowing her eyes before spotting what seemed like an old ruin not that far in the distance. She nudged her companion, pointing in the direction and receiving a quick nod from him. There path shifted slightly upward, and although the ruin hadn't seemed that far away, the storm exaggerated the distance quite far. They stumbled into the opening of it, a rounded rock wall and roof that sheltered them from the snow with a few carved window holes. Catro pulled her hood down and walked up to the door. "Think anyone's home?" She said, pushing the door open with an ancient creaking sound and a shower of dust and debris. Marcurio looked down into the old cave-like entrance. "Think there's gold inside?" he said. They headed into the dark hole. Catro moved cautiously with each of her swords drawn, and The Mage had a lightning spell drawn in his hand. The stairs sloped down further into the old catacomb, and opened up at the bottom into a large circular area. A table sat in the center, various bowls sitting atop it among a few cracking linen wraps. Old shelves lined almost every wall, and another door sat at the other side of the small chamber. Marcurio flared a ball waving flow of fire in his other hand, lighting an old torch that slowly illuminated the room. Catro scanned the shelves of old ruined books, turning suddenly as her ears picked up on a strange sound. She stopped moving, scanning the walls with her eyes. Marcurio looked up from his investigation, raising an eyebrow at her behavior. "Are you feeling alright?" He asked. She snapped out of the state, looking over at him. "Yeah, I'm alright. We should probably clear the rest of the cave." She said, walking towards the door. Readying her swords again, she kicked the old door open.
A cloud of dust wafted down from the door as she crept forward into the next chamber. A large burial chamber opened up in front of them. Catro crept forward slowly, crouching and clinging to the shadows in an attempt to avoid detection. The two stood in the center of the room, the distant sound of rats the only sound in the entire place. "Something isn't right…" She said, glancing around the room. Suddenly a sound filled the room, grunting sounds coming from each direction. She whirled around as the Drauger rose slowly from their slumber, each with glowing green eyes that focused themselves on the two warriors. "Aw Shit.." They both breathed out in unison. The creatures straightened themselves out, breathing out their foul breath and charging. Catro raised her swords and ran forward at them, the first was unarmed, and slashed in the air with its filthy claws at her throat. She side-stepped, twirling around the creature and ramming a sword into its back. Its body jerked forward, and the green eyes died slowly. The next came at her with its sword drawn high, intending to bring it down on her head. She ripped the sword out of the dead corpse, ducking out of the way and rolling on the ground. She looked down at the cut on her arm that began to seep blood, standing up to size out the rest. Marcurio blocked a sword that had been aimed for him with his steel one, blasting the half alive creature with a powerful ball of fire, moving to slice another one behind him. Catro charged at the two closest to her left, directly between them. They seemed to have some sort of brain activity left, and they held there swords out where her chest would collide with the ancient swords. She smirked, sliding her foot straight out. She slid between them, close enough to the ground for her hair to brush the filthy floor slightly. She sliced both of there legs as she went bye, cutting the backs of there ankles with a swift movement, then straightening her posture as they fell to the ground behind her. She turned to her companion. "Shoot!" she yelled. He fired a ball of flames on both sides of her, sending the corpses flying into a tall stone wall. She panted, wiping sweat off her face with her sleeve. Her companion sheathed his spells and sword, walking over to where she was standing. "I can't tell if that was amazingly brilliant or incredibly stupid." He said, offering her some water. "Lets call it both." She said, taking the container from him and sipping it.
They continued further into the ruin, passing each catacomb carefully and eliminating the dead that dwelled within. Each battle they handled skillfully, obtaining only small cuts and a few bruises, which they both decided to ignore. The dusty caravan creaked with time, sending dust clouds whirling with each opened door or moved item. The dark cave thrilled her in an odd way. Each battle awakened her dragon soul, opening new battle strategies and driving her forward to attack. Her companion held up well, and they fought each battle together, skillfully eliminating the revived corpses, working together in split seconds strategies. It wasn't until they drew closer to the end that she began to pick up that noise again. It was faint, a type of chanting in a long forgotten language, one she had heard before. Still, she was to far away to be sure it was actually what she believed it was. They turned the corner into a long hallway lined with old stone carvings depicted battles from times long before there's, as they told the stories of those buried there. A rotting corpse at the end held a tattered note and a shining ebony claw. She picked it up, studying each of its careful features, and the crumbling note that had lost its words to time. Marcurio peered over her shoulder. "It's a puzzle." he said quietly. "Match the symbols up on the door with the ones on the claw." She let out a small laugh. "I've been in ruins before Marcurio, I know how these things work." He rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath as he went back to studying the depictions on the wall, arms crossed defiantly. She carefully lined each symbol up, then pressed the smooth black claw into the carved out stone holes. It twisted, sending old bits of dirt and grit flying in each direction and raining down onto them. They both coughed, waving at the air to clear it. The old stone slab began to lower into the floor and the claw clattered to the stone floor, the puzzled wall disappearing into the dark slot below them. Catro cautiously stepped forward, sneaking silently up the stairs. Marcurio was just beside her, and they entered the final chamber.
The large burial chamber had its walls lined with tombs of all shapes. Each had an etched stone carving over it, depicting who the man or woman was in life. Straight ahead was a small set of stairs that curved up around onto a platform. The largest tomb sat at the front, surrounded by candle holders that had long since run out of wax to burn and a small shrine with old rotted flowers and a steel shield. Yet behind all its wonder, it paled in comparison to the enormous word wall that sat just behind the platform. A ray of golden light shown down on the area, and a small waterfall ran just to the left, green forestry growing on the rocks. The sight was truly beautiful. "Wow.." Marcurio breathed out beside her. "Would you look at that." They marveled at the sight for a few moments more before stepping into the area. Catro stared up at the chanting wall, wanting to understand its knowledge. "What is that thing?" the mage asked beside her. She kept her gaze fixed directly at it, particularly the few symbols that were lightly glowing. "It's a ancient word wall. They're etched with a set of words in Dragon language, and they're also believed to have been made by the Ancient Nords who lived in the time of dragons." pausing a moment and laughing, she added "I guess we live in the Dragons time now." He chuckled at that. "How exactly do you know all of this?" He asked. She turned, opening her mouth to speak, but was cut off by an abrupt sound. The room seemed to spasm violently, sending the two stumbling. Catro caught her balance, helping her companion keep his as well. The tombs began to crackle, and the sound of the dead filled in from all around them. A large iron gate dropped in front of the door they had come in, extinguishing any hope they currently had of escape. The loud snapping noises began to die down, replaced by groans of the undead. A final, loud crash came from the large tomb, as a strongly built Drauger clambered out. The two brave fighters backed into each other, scanning the room for possible ideas. Catro sighed quietly to herself, her mind forming an etched plan. She had an idea, but executing it would be the ultimate question of if her current company wanted to stay employed as her current company. The Drauger rose, cracking there bones into place as piled dust fluttered off of them to the cold stone ground. "I have an idea." she whispered under her breath to the mage. "I'm all for anything right now, what have you got." She let out another sigh, louder this time so that eh was able to read it. "Cover your ears and don't stand in front of me, got it?" she stated in a hushed whisper. "Ah yes the insanity plan, I suppose we will also be putting on a puppet show for these half alive creature? Or how about a nice sing along?" She let out a sound of annoyance mixed with hurry. "Just do it!" she whisper fiercely, practically yelled the words at him. He sighed and nodded.
Catro turned to see the wall of dead nearing closer to them, clambering slowly as they swayed with each walk. She dug her feet into the ground, steadying her whole body. She breathed out slowly, the world seeming to slow around her and time beginning to fade. Inhaling sharply, she readied the words in her mind, and let out a shout. "FUS RO DA" The sound ripped through the air, sending the bodies of nearly all the reanimated corpses flying hard into walls. Marcurio, who had chosen to neglect covering his ears, stumbled slightly in shock, catching himself as he fell forward. The sound echoed off the old cave walls, and everything quieted for a few moments. The strong built Deathlord decided it was time to intervene, charging down the stairs with his blades drawn. Catro glanced back at him while the few remaining Drauger clambered to their feet, reset their balance, and charged at them again. "Ill take out the big one if you cover me." She said, turning to her companion. He nodded in response, aiming for the stumbling creatures with various blasts of fire and lightning, picking off the horde as they drew near. Catro moved toward the powerful corpse, watching it circle her from afar. She moved with it, turning slowly and tracing its steps, carefully placing her feet. It bolted forward suddenly, nicking her side as she jerked out of the way. It skillfully twirled its black swords around, making expert movements as it swung each blade at her. Even with her advanced training, his blades kept leaving minor cuts on her arms and dull nicks on her armor. She jumped back, her eyes narrowing at him as the montage of swinging blades ended. She cocked her head motioning for him to step forward with her swords. Beads of sweat rolled down her face and small cuts lined her arms and armor. Still, the stubborn warrior motioned for him to attack her while she panted heavily. It raised a sword high above her head again, giving her opportunity to dodge out of the way and slice his chest. The foul beast stumbled back, raising its head slowly as its glowing, emotionless eyes stared up into hers. She lunged forward, ducking under its fleshless arm that swung straight to the left, and cramming a sword into its back. A loud sound jarred her sword, stopping it and knocking her back a few steps. It's iron armor echoed with the sound, and it stumbled forward a step, catching itself and turning slowly to stare at her again. Those glowing blue orbs it called eyes issued a new challenge that that both understood; game on.
The both flung themselves at each other, swords clashing as they struggled against each other. Catro kicked his legs out from underneath of him, stabbing her sword down to collide with his neck. He rolled out of the way, taking the advantage to throw himself into her. She tumbled to the ground, one of her swords skidding across the rock as she clung to the other. She landed on her back with a large thud, struggling to her feet frantically to face him. The Drauger dropped his guard, standing tall and straight. She stared at him for a second, immediately realizing what he was doing. She dove out of the way as a shout bellowed behind her, sending dust and rock particles into the cavern wall where they stopped. Turning back to face him she realized all to soon that it was a mere distraction. His foot collided with her chin hard, knocking her back towards the steps. She struggled up onto her knees, her hands pressed tightly against the cold floor. A small trickle spot of blood was forming on her lip. She turned slowly, reaching for her sword as he kicked her again hard in the shoulder in the shoulder. She collapsed in pain, biting her teeth hard and grabbing her bad shoulder that was still healing. Fresh blood seeped out through her clothes, and a thin line trickled out of her mouth and down her chin. She stood, holding her injured part as the Drauger moved towards her again. She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply as the world became slow. He raised his sword, aiming for her head. Suddenly her instinct kicked in, and she swiftly rolled out of the way, grabbing the ebony sword that stood out on the gray stone ground. She caught him off guard, slicing his neck and causing him to fall to his knees. He looked up at her again, slowing getting back to his feet when a sudden blast of lighting sent him crashing back into the cold stone. His body fell with a slump as the ominous light slowly faded from his eyes. Marcurio walked up the stairs, splattered with blood that didn't belong to him and a fire dying in his eyes. Catro laughed weakly before dropping down to one knee, clutching her shoulder with a pained expression. Marcurio quickened his pace as he walked over to where she kneeled. "Are you okay?" he asked, kneeling down to assure her answer. She tried to sit up, failing with a painful sound. "I'm…I'm fine." She assured, wiping the blood from her lip, only allowing for to seep down her face. He made a sound of annoyance mixed with worry. "No, you're hurt." He said, sheathing his sword. She clutched her shoulder tighter, letting out another muffled sound of pain as a fresh gush of blood fell down her chin. An odd golden light swirled in his hand. "Let me help he said." She sighed, removing her hand and letting him cast a healing spell on the area. Her pained expression turned softer, and she let out a sigh of relief as the pain subsided, being drawn out by the golden light. The blood flow stopped immediately, already beginning to dry on her clothes. He sat back, vanishing the spell that had healed her. The cavern echoed softly with the sound of scurrying rats and the ominous feeling of battles fought long ago. The silence was somewhat comforting after the whole confrontation, and the two warriors rested on the dirty, cold floor, regaining their stamina. Catro looked down at the dried blood on her armor, making it a mental note to wash it out the next opportunity she had. The silence became apparent, and almost annoying before Catro's ears picked up on the chanting again. She stood, staring at the ancient wall that still glowed slightly. She smirked. "Remember what I told you about word walls?" She said, keeping her gaze fixed on it. He cocked his head. "Yes, what about them?" He inquired as she walked towards it.
Catro followed the last row of steps up, the chanting increasing with pace she took. The words glowed brightly in her presence. Each ancient syllable seemed to change in her eyes, and she was able to understand them better with each second that passed. A burst of light and air engulfed her, feeding her the knowledge of her newest shout. She breathed in deeply, running over the words in her mind as it swirled around her, slowly vanishing into her being. Marcurio walked up behind her, marveling at the ancient ruin. He glanced over at her, a curious expression on his face "You're Dragonborn, am I correct in that assumption?" He asked. She nodded, closing her eyes as a ray of golden light show down on them. He let out a short laugh. "That's amazing." He said. "You know….If you like living in constant peril." She had to smirk at the comment, and they both chuckled for a few minutes. The wind hollowed through the empty cave as they searched for another way out. Catro found a long chain on the wall, giving it a tug caused the old stone wall to budge, and a carved chamber opened up in front of them. They clambered through, finding a second chain that led them to the first room of the cave, a bookshelf sliding out of the way. The old ruined books still lined the dark walls, and the torch still burned brightly. Marcurio cracked the door open. "The snow let up, we should head out before it starts again." And with that, they left the old cave behind.
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The fresh fallen snow glimmered brightly on the ground as they moved along. Catro still struggled with not knowing how well he accepted who she was, and her still shaken trust did not contribute. The long road stretched ahead of them, twisting off into odd pathways that branched up mountains and snaked around trees. They started to the main path as Catro produced her map, pointing out the way to Windhelm. "Windhelm eh? What's are business there." He asked glancing at the map as they moved along. She folded it back up, tucking the smoothened parchment into her inner jacket pocket. "I'm reporting in to Ulfric." She said. He looked confused for a few second before speaking again. "What do you mean reporting in?" She bit her lip not really knowing how to answer. "I'm…kind of helping lead the Rebellion." He chocked, she laughed. The snow began again, this time in soft flakes that rained down on the duo and the terrain. It was one of those kind of snowfalls everyone could enjoy, with the soft flakes and the mild cold, It seemed everyone enjoyed its presence. Catro brushed some flakes from her head, pulling her hood up to shield herself from them. Marcurio apparently decided to embrace the flakes for what they were, and only the movement of walking ridded small amounts from him. They rounded the corner, a large lumber mill not far in the distance. The sea was visible from this point of the road, and the gates of Windhelm with it. Catro looked to the sky and the sun that was slowly lowering behind the sea. There was no doubt they would have to rest for the night. The small mill buzzed with activity, each worker occupied and there boss carefully observing. She waved as the two walked by and they responded with a polite nod of the head and a wave back at her. The few chickens scattered from the path as they passed, running spastically back to there nests. A swift breeze blew across the landscape, kicking up snow and blowing it into the dangerous duo. Catro recognized it as salty sea air as it whipped across her face. She smiled, the sea brought her many pleasant memories of times long ago. Before Skyrim, before she became Dragonborn, before her life was complicated, there was the sea.
Before she knew it they had arrived at the gates of Windhelm. The sun was already almost gone from the sky and the chill of night was rolling is with it. The young stable boy spotted them, nodding as they passed. Catro mulled over her thoughts, deciding it would be best to enter the palace at morning. She turned to her companion. "Looks like we have to find an inn for the night." He nodded. "Good, I can get myself a drink." The streets of Windhelm were slowly fading from activity. The blacksmith could be heard finishing off his last piece and the guards were lighting up torches. Catro walked up the steps to the Inn, pushing the wooden door open and being hit with the smell of good food and the heat of warm air. She lost her followers almost immediately as he was already ordering himself a drink from one of the servers. Shaking her head she walked up to the small bar, speaking with the woman whom owned it and buying out two rooms. She turned and was startled to see him right in front of her, handing her a bottle of mead. She took the bottle, walking past him and resting in a chair close to the fire. He shrugged, sitting at the bar and continuing to drink. A few people came and went, and music was playing softly from the upper floor. She closed her eyes a second, shaking her head and drinking from the bottle. Awhile past like that before she opened her eyes again. She stood, aiming to find there rooms when someone suddenly grabbed her arm. She turned her head, keeping her body still to see who had dared. A man she'd never seen before was gripping the back of her arm with a drunken smile on his face. "Great." she thought. "Just what I needed." She stood with an expressionless face, sizing him up. "Hey there darling" He slurred, tightening his grip on her arm. She didn't flinch. "All alone tonight?" Normally she would have shook him off, tell him to get lost, or just leave without a word. Unfortunately for him, she was in no such mood. "You have about three second to let go of my arm." She said, narrowing her eyes. People started to stop and look, they always did at the possibility of a fight. The drunken man teetered on his spot, the grin widening. Even from where she was standing she was standing could she smell the alcohol on his breath. "I've got better ideas then that darlin' " He slurred out, pulling at her arm. She smirked, he had given her a reason, and she took it. She brought her foot up, kicking him hard in the stomach. Now everyone else in the bar became truly intrigued. Those from the upper floors began to migrate slowly down the steps. The bar tender shook her head, going back to pouring drinking. The large man fell back a few paces. He stood fully, holding his stomach and gasping. "You….bitch!" He yelled, swinging a large arm at her. She dodged, ducking behind him and kicking him in his back, hard to the floor. He flailed his arms before smashing hard into the floor. One or two people cheered while the rest laughed. He stumbled to his feet, pulling a dagger off his belt. "I don't think you want to go there." she said, crossing her arms and tilting her head in annoyance. He lunged at her again. She moved out of the way, grabbing his arm as he past and twisting it while kicking one of his legs out from under his tall body. He stumbled, dropping the knife and hitting a wall hard. She smirked as another wave of approval cam from the audience. The man spun around, swinging at her wildly in his drunken state. The easily dodged, growing tired of this pointless battle. He threw his fist hard at her which she caught. She grabbed his elbow with her free hand, flipping him hard and slamming his body onto the floor. He stopped protesting, passing out on the floor. Someone drug him away while others cheered and drank more for her success. She walked over to the bar only to find her companion laughing himself. He handed her another bottle, and she could help but smile. They sat at the bar for another good hour. She finished off what she had been drinking, throwing a coin purse onto the bar to pay. She got up off the stool, covering her mouth as a yawn seeped out. "I'm going to bed." She said, walking down the hallway. The noise had died down considerable since they had first entered, and she found sleep and easy task. She shut the door behind her, throwing the heavy pack onto the desk and crawling into the warm bed. For once, the nightmares didn't come.