As the sun rose high in the sky Kiota awoke from his peaceful slumber. Rubbing his eyes he stepped out of his bed and went to work on popping all his stiff joints before making his way downstairs where he cooked himself a goodbreakfast of cooked strips of moon sugared beef and eggs. Once he finished that he put away his dirty dishes and put on his signature green budi that made his fur stick out like a sore thumb but he did not mind as it was comfortable to him and has been through much with him.
Kiota exited his home and locked the door before turning and waking over to M'Rassi's apothaecary shop to see if M'rassi had any work to be done when he stopped and thought for a moment, what happened to Inorra and there imperial freind last night? he pondered this for a moment and then gave a heaving sigh realizing that he will have to look everywhere for them. Everywhere.
Adrian slowly opened his eyes groaning before hissing when the light hit his eyes, this was by far worse than any hangover he had ever had in his life.
At the sudden noise, the female Khajiit snapped her eyes open, looking around still halfway asleep. "What?" She asked, her voice muffled by a yawn coming up. She stretched, and started to snuggle back into her seat to continue sleeping, only to look up suddenly, scanning the room quickly with her yellow eyes. The feline noticed Adrian and the happenings of yesterday came back to her. She gasped and stood, hurrying to his side, putting a hand on his forehead. "Good morning. Do you feel any better?"
Adrian groaned "please, not so loud. My head feels as though it had been kicked by a mammoth over and over and over and over an..."
"I get it."
"Oh...well then I guess you get the point." he said chuckleing slightly before pulling off the covers and attempting to stand up and try to loosen his aching muscles.
"Dont be so hardheaded. You still need rest. Stay put for a few more hours at least." She suggested rather sternly, putting her hands on her hips, standing up. "We will leave soon and give the barkeeper the keys together. But I wont let you stagger all the while, so I have to hold you up the whole day. I am not that strong you know..." She informed him firmly.
Adrian let out some intelligible mumble that sounded something like a "fine." His eyes began to feel tired once again, must have been the side affects of the sugar hangover he had.
The female feline nodded in victory and smiled as he laid down and started to drift off to sleep. She looked at the bucked next to the bed and hummed, crossing her arms, thinking if she should just bring it back to the barkeeper or leave it here. Once they leave they surely will clean the room after them for the new guests. But she just wouldnt be okay with having the other Khajiit do more work, while she was the one who asked for it. So, after a bit of debating in her head, she dropped her hands to her sides and decided to be polite and deal with this now before they leave. She walked over to the bed and grabbed the bucket, hauled it to the door, opened it and walked outside, searching the the innkeeper with her bright yellow eyes. But instead finding it, her eyes spotted someone else.
Kiota had finally made it to the market as he tried to remember the events that had occured last night and which direction they went, although the haze of moonsugar still left over from last night was making it extra hard to be able to recall last night. He scratched his chin in thought as he scanned the many alleyways that surrounded the central market place.
He sniffed the air for a brief moment before catching the familiar scent of bile and other nasty things. "Oh yes, Kiota remembers them coming this way." he said as he began following the scent. He walked down the alley until he was out onto the main street. He sniffed the air again before hissing in slight pain as he grabbed his forehead with a hand and rubbed it. "ahhh, damn sugar" he said as he looked through his purple haze and sniffed the air again before his gaze landed at a small inn down the street.
Kiota's eyes narrowed as he looked at the sign of the inn for a second and his eyes widened, worry beginning to ebb away at him as he hurried down the road torwards the inn. He silently prayed to Alkosh that nothing bad had happened.
It wasn't long before Kiota stood outside a very sketchy looking inn with a sign that had half the paint scratched off. He quickly entered the building and walked up to the counter to see if the inn keeper had seen Inorra and Adrian come in here. He was about to ask when his attention was quickly grabbed by the raspy voice of Inorra.
"Kiota!" She exclaimed, with a wide smile and perked ears, almost dropping the bucket in the process. She struggled a bit, but managed to hold it secure once more. "What are you doing here?"
Kiota let out a huge, almost over exaggerated, sigh of relief before walking up to Inorra and placing a large, furred hand on her shoulder "thank Alkosh that you are all right. You are not hurt, are you?" he asked.
Inorra raised an eyebrow and put the bucked down she was holding, tilting her head slightly to the side. "Why would I be hurt? Didnt you mean to ask that to Akhdan?" She asked rather confused, narrowing her yellow eyes just a bit.
Kiota blinked in confusion for a brief moment "well Kiota figured he would ask since you decided to pick a skooma den to stay the night in." he said removing his hand from her shoulder and crossing his arms over his barrel chest.
The female feline only shook her head, still not quite understanding the other Khajiit's concern. "We have been staying here the whole night. I didnt notice this place was dangerous... Nothing bad happened..." She informed him, then hauled the bucket to the side, where the personal can later empty it and put it away. "Well, aside a few drunken yells. But otherwise it was pretty peaceful..."
Kiota breathed another sigh of relief "you got lucky, they must have really been using alot of the stuff if they were quiet all night." Kiota said the last part almost to himself as he looked over to a stairway that led to the basement. Kiota shook his head when he looked back to Innora, Kiota got a weird face as he sniffed his arm and then looked at Innora and sniffed her making another weird face. He then quickly looked her over and noticed her shirt. The braids that ran down the side of it were loose to the point where you could see her torso fur, the shirt itself wasn't in very good condition either. "Innora, your going to have to tighten the braids of your shirt, it is offensive if the torso fur can be seen in public, with the exception of the bath houses which we are going to head to first, after that we shall get you some new clothes."Kiota finished looking at Innora.
Inorra narrowed her eyes at the larger Khajiit, trying to get away from his sniffing muzzle. "Not Innora, Inorra." She told him firmly, then looked at her shirt. it was indeed a bit more loose than it should be. She fiddled with it to tighten it up. "Must have pulled it when I slept in the chair..." She murmured. Once she was finished, her eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously at Kiota when she suddenly remembered what he said next. "Bath house? So are you telling a female she smells bad?" She asked, rather offended by his boldness, and put her hands on her hips.
"Considering you were just carying a bucket of vomit, yes this one did. But even if both of us didn't need a bath Kiota would have showed you the bath house anyway they are quite the sight to see."Kiota said the corner of his mouth turning upwards into a small smile. Amidst the hanging purple haze of his sugar overdose from last night one could say that Kiota wasn't exactly in his right mind at the moment and from the way he was acting and talking at the moment it was begining to grow a little more obvious.
"Vomit?" She practically shouted, baring her teeth at the other Khajiit. "That's water you blind one." She said, kicking the clear liquid once with her foot in the bucket. "And you dont just go and tell another that they smell... Thats rude..." But other than that she actually liked the idea to go to that bath house. She did feel a bit dirty, walking all day in this city, hauling a imperial to this inn... She didnt bath for days now and it was now pretty obvious that something wasn't quite right with the larger feline... So she quickly changed her expression to a smile, matching his and perked her ears. "The bath house sounds good though."
Kiota had mentally slapped himself from the words that had slipped from his mouth earlier but he was quite relieved with the younger feline's change of tone "if you are ready, we can depart now." Kiota said as he began to walk towards the door.
Inorra smiled, and was about to turn and head back up to the room to tell Akhdan to move and go with them, but decided against it. He must be still sick, and if she woke him up now from his peaceful slumber, he might feel sick again. She didnt want to take the risk. So, she happily caught up with the other feline and walked next to him. "Kiota, tell me about that bath house, and what am I supposed to do once I arrive? Just so... I dont end up creating awkward scenes..." She laughed nervously, still smiling up at him.
"Well as a word of warning the bath house is public but it is divided into two sides, one for men one for woman with a wall in the middle so you cannot see the other side. The bath house used to be public for every race but now it is only for Khajiit because of an incedent a few years back."Kiota said as he laughed a bit "The inside is beutiful with many different kinds of trees and foliage inside that is fed by the natural hotsprings beneath the building. On the female side you want to speak to the many Khajiit that work there and they will store your things while you clean yourself."Kiota said as they rounded a corner there was a semi large building at the end of the street, the bath house. "Everything else you'll have to discover for yourself"Kiota said.
"Sounds interesting." She murmured as they arrived at the building. She stopped and looked at it, tilting her head up and down. Then a thought struck her. "Do I need to pay to get inside?" She asked, her yellow gaze now meeting Kiota's, her head tilted to the side. Of course, the public aspect did not bother her at all, after all in Skyrim they bathed all together at hot springs. The genders were divided of course as well.
"Not to get inside no but it is customary to tip the ones that work there if possible. Oh and there will also be a khajiit in there who will be playing one of our native instruments, tell her Kiota had enjoyed her company and wishes to speak again soon"Kiota said as he nodded to the guards who nodded back and entered inside the building before turning to Inorra "the passage to the left is for the women." Kiota said as he turned to the right and headed inside to the bath for the males.
Inorra raised an eyebrow and shook her head, watching him disappear. If he wanted, he could deliver that message himself... She is not his messenger. She sighed and looked at the entrance, stepped inside and looked around quickly, trying to watch the others and see what to do exactly. Kiota, yet again, failed to give instructions about this. Not that she was angry at him.. He was offering her his knowledge about their kind and culture for free after all. She didnt have the right to be angry...
Inside the house it was peaceful and relaxing as the the steam from the water created a nice mist that settled around the area as the sound of the Khajiit string instrument was echoed through out the room, the mistresses Kiota was talking about all wore a very long piece of thin silk that was wrapped around there breasts and loins multiple times so you couldn't see through it as the rest of the thin silk was elegantly hanging off there arms and shoulders and sort of formed a clearish skirt down the sides of there thighs. The way they carried themselves was as Kiota would have put it sexy as they seemingly drifted from one spot to another swaying there hips as they walked. One of the Khajiit Mistresses noticed Inorra standing there looking confused so she walked over to her "is there something this one can help you with"the Khajiit asked kindly her voice ending off in a suttle purr.
Inorra was snapped out of her thought when she heard the sudden question. She noticed the other female Khajiit and laughed nervously. "Umm... I feel ashamed to say it but... Inorra isnt familiar with the bath houses. She grew up very secluded... So..." She simply said, trying to imitate their way of speech again, hoping dearly she will understand. She didnt want to go and sugarcoat her current situation. She learned that just in a few days, that being straightforward was much better, and resulted in better solutions without that much awkwardness in the air.
"Ahhhh this is your first time here. Please just remove your clothing and hand them to Ashante she will take them and store them for you while you bathe, there are different soaps you can use if this one wishes but they must be paid for before use."the Khajiit woman said.
"Thank you for your help." Inorra smiled, and bowed her head slightly at the other Khajiit, before heading away to do as she was told. As long as she was with the same gender, she wasnt shy being unclothed. After a quick scan, she found the female feline the other one was talking about, handed her the clothes and other belongings she brought with herself. But then she was met with a hard decision. Should she use soap for the bath or not? She really wanted to smell decent, but she also wanted to save every septim she could first, just to make sure she can survive simply, until she finds work. So, she decided she will not pay for any soap, but use simple water to wash her fur. After she was done with the necessary preparations, she walked over to the first female she talked to and addressed her with her head tilted to the side. "Is there anything else Inorra should be aware of?"
The older Khajiit woman scratched her chin for a moment before saying "that should be all, enjoy your time here" the Khajiit said before walking off.
The feline looked left and right, then started walking towards the pool. When she arrived at the entrance, she could already see many other female Khajiit chatting and bathing peacefully, laughing sometimes, while others just relaxed at the edge of the pool, not uttering a word to anyone. She took a deep breath and walked down the steps, inside the pool. The water was surprisingly warm, just the right temperature, something she loved already, and felt her muscles relax almost instantly. She smiled slightly and walked all the way in, sitting at the edge first, relishing in the water's warmness and the soothing, peaceful air.
After a few minutes the Khajiit who had been playing the soothing music had stopped and laid the unique instrument against the side of a tree and began to unwrap the silk coverings before laying them next to the instrument and walking off over torwards the pool before immersing herself in the warm water next to Inorra, letting out a relaxed sigh as the water soothed her aching hands from playing so much.
Inorra first didnt notice the Khajiit next to her, just sat there, with her eyes closed, her head rolled back, enjoying the water greatly. She sighed long, and opened her eyes slowly, now noticing the place was taken next to her. She however avoided starting a conversation, she really didnt want to concentrate on anything else for now, or give away her awkward lack of knowledge about her kind. She just closed her eyes again and relaxed.
The Khajiit next to Inorra closed her eyes for a brief moment and layed back before opening her eyes again and looking towards Inorra "you know, if you so wish, the bath house is hiring." she said as she raised her eyebrows torwards the other feline.
Inorra opened an eye, her ears perking, slightly feeling awkward. Is that so obvious she didnt have enough gold now? She suddenly felt so poor and unfortunate. People seem to notice she wasnt well with her life at the moment, simply by glancing at her. She truly needed to get herself settled in and get a job. But a job at the bath house? She didnt think it suited her or her needs. So she turned her head towards the other Khajiit, smiling sweetly. "Thank you for the generous offer, But this one thinks it might not suit her." She said, politely declining it.
"Suit yourself."the Khajiit said as she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Some time passed before she got out of the water and dried herself off before walking back to her instrument putting her the silk back on,she slowly sat down and began playing once again filling the room with soothing music.
Inorra opened an eye and observed the Khajiit. She raised an eyebrow when she noticed this might be the female Kiota was talking about. She pondered if she should tell her what he said, but she closed her eyes, relaxing once more. She considered it outright rude to send such a message by someone else than himself. If he wanted to tell her so much, he will have to do it. She wont play the delivery girl here...
Kiota awoke with a start to find he had fallen asleep, wiping some of the drool off the corner of his mouth he got up and dried himself off before he put his clothes back on. He needed to speek with Khayla. As he walked over to the entrance to the female bath he saw Khayla and motioned her to come over to him, Khayla nodded her head as she set down her instrument and walked over to Kiota. "What have you learned about her?"Kiota asked.
"This one likes her, she seems to have a very passionate fire lit inside her, she would make for an excellent student. She is very self concious though you can read it through her body language like a new book."Khayla said as she finished her report.
"Thank you Khayla that will be all."Kiota said
"is that it Kiota? Just a dismissal?"Khayla smirked as she held out her paw. Kiota rolled his eyes as he took out 10 septims and handed them to her. "Always a pleasure Kiota"Khayla said and started to walk away.
"One more thing Khayla, tell Innora to finish up and get ready to leave."Kiota said.
Khayla nodded her head as she went to go get Innora. Khayla got Inorras clothes and and searched for her for a minute before spotting her still in the pool, she went up to her"Inorra, Kiota has instructed this one that you are to go and meet him outside."Khayla said as she gently set her belongings down next to her.
The female feline opened her eyes, as she was still enjoying herself when she heard the sudden request. She tilted her head towards the other Khajiit and perked her ears. "Kiota is looking for me?" She asked, blinking her yellow eyes, then murmured something inaudible, but got up none the less. She climbed out, dried herself, then took her belongings from Khayla with a sweet smile. "Thank you. But you really didnt need to bring them here for me." She wasnt sure however if it was custom, but dismissed it altogether, not wanting to think too much after relaxing so well. She then proceeded giving a tip to every mistress as she was advised to do, after that she made her way to the exit. Inorra walked out and spotted Kiota. She was still very drowsy from the bath, it did soothe her senses and did good to her body and soul. She did feel refreshed as well. "You interrupted my bath." She told him, but no malice could be heard in her tone, nor in her stance.
"Yes yes but this one figured that we should finish our agenda before the moons rise."Kiota said smiling a bit as he fiddled with one of the piercings in his ear.
"Our agenda?" Inorra asked, tilting her head to the side, blinking. "What did you plan for today?" To be honest, she was excited to learn more about her kind, their culture and get to know their way of living. And Kiota was just as eager to show it to her. She wondered why he did that... She suspected it was more than simple kindness. Others wouldnt do this for free, let alone run around, searching for them in the morning. For a moment, she wondered what he truly wanted in return...
"Next if you do not mind we are going to go and do a bit of shopping."Kiota said looking to Inorra with an expectant grin.
The female Khajiit blinked again, raising an eyebrow. "Shopping? For what?" She wasnt quite sure about this. She only had now around twelve septims from the twenty Kiota gave her, plus five more she managed to save through her travels to Elsweyr. She didnt want to buy things she didnt need at the moment.
"We are going to go get some new clothes for you to wear while we go wash the Budi your currently wearing after that we are going to go pay a visit to Harissi." then after that tomorrow Kiota has a very big surprise for you."Kiota said smiling.
Inorra chuckled, looking at the male Khajiit sideways. "And now you are telling Inorra her clothes are dirty..." She smiled though, not taking it as offense anymore. She was kind of getting used to be told outright what was not okay on her. Then she lowered her ears slightly when she remembered something. "I need a job..." She said, fully aware that this shopping will consume most of her gold, but secretly hoped the clothes they will buy will be cheap enough to save a few more septims until she can find work.
"this one is sorry if he offend you. But do not worry about the cost Kiota shall cover everything."Kiota said as he began walking to the market, he then looked back "and no it is not because Kiota thinks you are poor."he laughed as he continued walking.
Inorra was in a way thankful that he will take over the expenses, but she also felt so bad for having him give her so much. All for free. She perked her ears and smiled, deciding that she will pay him back for all this once she got a job. With this thought, she bolted after him, and once she was next to him, she nudged his arm with her shoulder. "But you still thought it." She smirked and followed the Khajiit.
As they neared the main market Kiota walked over to a nearby shop before opening the door to allow Inorra inside. Inside the shop the walls were lined with the native Elysweyr shirts and pants all with different shades or designs on them depending on ones taste. a young Khajiit woman smiled without a word as Kiota and Inorra entered the shop. "Pick wichever one you want."Kiota said as he took a seat on the bench inside.
She stepped inside the shop slowly, looking around, noticing the many clothes, some in the same design as hers, some completely different. When she heard him speak, she wasnt sure if it was a good idea to let her choose. She wasnt sure about the prices... What was considered cheap and what was expensive. Skyrim was completely different. She put a hand at her chin and stroked it in deep thought. Then she proceeded walking around the shop, looking at the clothes. First, she compared the prices. She closed out too expensive ones instantly, not even risking a glance at them. So, she looked at the cheapest, not wanting to have Kiota spend too much. Once she chose one, she inspected it, still unsure.
It was a simple green budi with light teel colored pants, simple and cheap."Go try it on if it is what you like."Kiota said as he put his arms behind his massive head, his tail swishing lazily in front of him.
Knowing fully well -from past experiences- males usually dont like waiting for too long when you are sorting through the wares, Inorra grabbed the clothes, and after a short scan of the shop, she found the place she would be able to try it on. Luckily it was empty, so she slipped inside. As quick as she could, she took off her current clothes, then pulled the new ones on. She checked herself very carefully. maybe it was cheap but she still didnt want to end up looking like an idiot among her people. Deciding it is just fine, she nodded at herself. It was very comfortable, and just at the right size. Deciding she will keep them on, as Kiota said they will wash her other clothes, she walked out of the small compartment and stood in front of the male Khajiit with her other clothes in her hands. "This one decided this is going to be just fine." She said to him smiling. Though she smiled, she still felt bad for making him spend his money on her... But then the thought came back she had earlier. She will pay him back later once she had enough.
"Looks good."Kiota said as he got up and walked over to the female Khajiit running the shop. Kiota spoke in fluent Ta'agra to the female Khajiit running the shop and handed her the appropriate amount of money needed Kiota before he began walking towards the door "are you ready for our final stop?"Kiota asked.
While he was talking to the other Khajiit, Inorra tilted her head slightly to the side, just catching the amount of gold he paid for it. Once he turned around, she stood straight by that time, smiling at him innocently. She will pay him back for that as well. When he spoke, she tilted her head again, blinking her yellow eyes. "Where are we going?"
"We are going to go meet a freind, one of which Kiota believes you've already met."Kiota said as he walked out the door and into the bustling market.
She walked after him, clutching her previous clothes in her hands and tilted her head, thinking. A friend she already met? There are many Khajiit she met on her first day, and on her second so far. The farmer, many shopkeepers, that old female Khajiit at the shop Kiota worked, the workers in the bath house... She narrowed her eyes, thinking hard, but sighed, giving up. She will let herself get surprised.
As Kiota and Inorra walked through the bustling market they stopped at an oh so familiar weapon stand "Khajiit welcomes you traveler."Harissi said not even looking up, when he did though his eyes lit up in reconition at Inorra "Inorra you come and grace Harissi with your presence yet again."Harissi said smiling showing his white fangs.
"Harissi!" She exclaimed, perking her ears at the familiar Khajiit, running forward to stand next to Kiota. "How is business today?" She asked, tilting her head to the side, smiling at him.
"Buissness has been fine and seeing as Kiotas here buissness is about to get better."Harissi said looking at Kiota "so what can Harissi do for you?" Kiota looked at the Khajiit and spoke in fluent ta'gra, Harissi nodding as he spoke. "That is a large order but Harissi shall have it done in..."Harissi counted his fingers "three days, but as for the special one Harissi shall have it done by tommorow."Harissi said as he ,not wanting to waste anytime, went to work, pulling out various ingots as he began to heat his small forge.
Not understanding the language, Inorra just stood in silence for a while, raising an eyebrow, actually expecting that Kiota will explain to her what he was saying. She wasnt sure why he talked like that. Was he keeping something from her? Seeing as the other Khajiit actually answered in normal tongue. So, crossing her arms and watching as the smith set to work, she nudged the larger feline in the arm with her shoulder -well thats what she could reach. "What did you tell him?" She tilted her head and perked her ears, looking at him expectantly.
"Kiota asked him if he could make a few things for this one but that is all Kiota shall tell you, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now would we."Kiota said laughing.
"Surprise?" She asked, raising an eyebrow and tilting her head to the other side. "You are becoming more mysterious each minute." She murmured, but otherwise she didnt say a word. Inorra knew it wasnt her place to question him, after all -she kept reminding herself- he is doing everything for her for free. He showed her many places and taught her about her people. The least she can do is trust him. "Alright." She said curtly and stood silently.
"So now that we've finished our little errands, it is your turn. Ask any question you wish to have an anwser to about our kind and Kiota shall try his best to anwser."Kiota said with a bright smile
Inorra looked at him, then started stroking her chin, her gaze traveling to the ground. There are so many questions racing through her head, that she couldnt choose which one to ask or where to start. "What can you tell me about the Mane? The governing of our land?" She asked finally, looking up at him with curious eyes, tilting her head slightly. it was the best start, she thought. After all, from there, she can easily move on to another subject, depending what he answered.
Kiota's smile dpropped into a frown nearly instantly as all the joy in his eyes disappered leaving only cold orbs in there wake as he spoke, the only detectable emotions were anger and grief. "If Inorra could please ask a different question, the mane is not something Kiota wishes to talk about."Kiota said not even looking at Inorra but just staring straight ahead into the crowd of people.
The girl however didnt understand... What is the problem with asking about the government of her people? For her it would have been logical to ask what she should do or if she had duties for the leaders, like paying taxes or anything they did in Skyrim. "Well, okay..." She said rather disappointed, but still noted his anger.. as if he was offended by it... She did wonder why he reacted to it like that, but decided not to question him. He didnt look like it was a great idea... So, she tried to ask a question that surely wont cause such a reaction. Her ears perked when she found a much better one. "Then tell Inorra what she should be aware of if she wishes to make a living here... You know..." She trailed off, trying to find the words to explain it to him. "Any taxes, dangers, any chance of being robbed... chances of getting a good job... Such like that..." She finally said, shrugging. She really just needed a few advices and wise words, so she can starts settling in her new society.
Kiotas mood instantly changed as his ears perked up and his smile returned as if nothing had happened. Kiota scratched abit of stubble growing on his chin as he thought "The tax collecters come once every three days and the amount you pay can varie depending on your role in society. Shop owners tend to be taxed more than say someone who works at the bath house. the products you buy also have a small tax on them but the main thing that will get taxed the most is the moonsugar. There is a very real chance you can get robbed or worse if you go near any of the skooma dens at night. As for a job, a good starter job this one recomends going to work for M'rassi but Kiota has a plan for you so you won't have to worry about getting a job just yet."Kiota finished as his hand unconciously began reaching for his pouch of moonsugar.
She hummed and nodded her head in understanding when he talked. Now things were a bit more clear about the society and how it worked. She might be able to settle in quicker than thought... But she tilted her head when he said his last statement. "Not to worry about it? How am I supposed to make a living or pay for my rent at an inn or for food?" She asked, looking at the bigger Khajiit a bit suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. he was getting more mysterious each second. She didnt like it... But he was her guide, and so far nothing bad happened. Plus her gut told her she can trust him. She always trusted her instincts... and was successful. She noticed where his hands were going, and recognized that cursed pouch from yesterday. "Kiota..." She warned him, motioning towards the moonsugar with her eyes narrowed.
Kiotas hand instantly shot away from the pouch as he turned his head and smiled apologeticaly at Inorra "sorry, old habits die hard."Kiota said "and you don't need to worry about where you shall stay, all shall be revealed tomorrow if you are willing to continue in trusting Kiota."Kiota said as his eyes went back to the street.
Inorra hummed, looking at him for a long time, as if she was judging him. Then finally she smiled and turned around, crossing her arms, looking at him from over her shoulder. "My gut says I should trust you. So I will." She simply said, then giggled. "If you arent under the effects of moonsugar that is..."
"Don't knock it till you try it."Kiota said laughing as he continued walking.
"The way you behaved yesterday is enough warning for me to not try it just yet..." She said as she started walking after him, then came up next to him to match his pace. One step of his was two of hers. keeping up was never so easy for her. "Of course that doesnt mean I wont at all..." She murmured, really talking to herself. She did feel drawn to that substance, it smelled good and the sugarmeat yesterday evening wasnt so bad at all... She just wanted to be careful. It is only her second day here after all...
Kiota smiled to himself as he heard her say the last part, as he looked at Inorra he noticed for the first time the iron dagger strapped to her hip and asked "Kiota wants to ask a question of you, may he see your dagger?"Kiota asked.
"Huh?" She asked, looking up at him confused. She was in her own little world, thinking a bit when she heard him asking the question. "Oh this one..." She said, grabbing the blade from her waist and handing it to him. "This was the only thing I could buy from my spared gold. Never underestimate it though... It can be deadly in the right hands." She said smiling. Of course not in her hands... She lacked the true skill to wield them deadly. It was just for protection.
Kiota grabed the blade and took a look at it studying it as he fingered the tip a bit and ran it down the edge before turning his head to Innora "it is an average blade as well as a bit dull but is a good starting weapon nonetheless."Kiota said as he handed the blade back.
"I dont need more than that... with my current skills..." She murmured, admitting her lack of skill with the weapon. when she reached out and took back her dagger, placing it back at her waist. She fell silent again, slipping in her thoughts once more, following Kiota. She wasnt surprised he knew so much about weapons, he did show her already he knew more than what one could guess by just looking at him.
"That will all change tomorrow"Kiota quickly grabbed his mouth before smiling"whoops this one has said to much already."
"What do you mean with that?" Inorra asked the male Khajiit, hearing him say that her skills will change tomorrow... Will he help her train her skills as well? But that would be too much of a kindness from him already. She felt, she cannot let him help her anymore for free... But then again...what gold will she pay him? She sighed and shook her head, looking down. She will pay him when she had enough. No matter what he planned, she will try and get a job tomorrow by M'rassi then.
Kiota was about to speak up when he was stopped by a mass bumping into him, hard. The body of what appeared to be a nord went flying back from Kiota before landing on the ground. The nord gripped his head and shook it before slowly getting up "sorry." he said
Kiota's ears pressed against his skull and he hissed for a moment barring his teeth "watch where you are going Nord." Kiota said as his expression went back to normal.
She perked her ears and looked up when she heard Kiota threaten someone, noticing the Nord. She narrowed her eyes at her guide. " He did say sorry, why so rude?" She demanded, crossing her arms.
Kiota growled slightly "that is not your buissness to know." he said
Inorra had been slightly taken aback by the low growl but silenced fairly quick, this might have been another thing that it might not be wise to put pressure on. She turned to the nord and gave an apologetic smile "please forgive my guide." she said as she helped him up the rest of the way up.
The nord brushed himself off "It's all right ." the nord said eyeing Kiota for a moment before turning back to Inorra. "well if he is your guide then I am assuming that you want to learn. Here, something I had collected on my travels." he said as he reached into his satchel and pulled out an amulet with two finely polished moonstones inlaid in silver "one of the items in my stand. It is a moon amulet, for a Khajiit it shows what the phases of the moon were when you were born." the nord said as he held the amulet aloft "It was a gift from a very old Khajiit I helped a few years back while I was still living in Skyrim." he said.
Kiotas eyes went wide and his breath caught in his throat as he stared at the necklace before grabbing it " tell this one where you had gotten this?" Kiota demanded gazing from the nord to the amulet. Of all the things to happen after that, tears began to well in his eyes but he refused to let them shed.
Nord raised his hands in defense "I told you, it was a gift from a Khajiit. I found him on the side of the road, half dead. I managed to get him back to health and he insisted that he pay me but he didn't have any money so he payed with that amulet." He said as he looked at Kiota curiously.
Kiota gripped the amulet in his hand, whispering something in Ta'agra as a tear slipped down his cheek.
The nord was just as surprised as Inorra when he saw the state the large Khajiit was in just from holding that amulet "by the eight...you know what, you can keep that amulet if it means that much to you." the nord said akwardly scratching the back of his head.
Kiota opened his hand and looked at the amulet before looking back at the nord "you don't know how important this is to Kiota."
"What is it, a family heirloom of some kind" The nord asked now slightly curious.
Kiota took in a heavy, shaky breath "you could say that. It belonged to a very VERY close freind of Kiota's. He was family." he said as another tear slipped its way down his cheek.
"If I would be so bold to ask, who was he?" The nord asked Curious but he doubted that the overly large Khajiit would say.
Kiota shook his head "this one would rather not say. It brings back...painful memories." he said as he wiped the few tears that stained his cheeks.
The nord nodded his head "I understand. I am happy to have helped." he said as he twisted the blond mustache on his upper lip.
Kiota nodded to the Nord before saying "This one needs a bit of time with his thoughts."Kiota said as he turned and walked over towards an alley. Once inside the alley he looked left, then right before he sat down on a flat surfaced stone and buryeid his face in his hands as he began weeping.
Inorra had been standing aside the whole time, not uttering a word, watching the conversation between the two. When the Nord handed her the amulet, she held it with awe. She was very curious to know under which moon she was born under, but before she could see, her guide snatched it from her hands. He looked at him with a raised eyebrow, just a bit offended by his boldness, but didnt voice it. She did notice his tears, even if he refused to let them fall, so she kept quiet, not knowing what to say. She sighed as she watched him leave with dropped ears and sad eyes. "Now what should I do?" She contemplated if she should go after him, or stay where she was. "Poor Kiota..."
The Nord shrugged "he said he wants to be alone, best to respect his request."
Inorra however shook her head, unsure, then turned to the Nord with sad yellow eyes. "He might said that, but I know his kind.. Big and strong, they want to be alone sometimes, but deep down they wish someone at their side to comfort them..." She said in a thoughtful tone, scratching her chin. Maybe he was this type, but she still didnt quite know him. he seemed to be such a... strong-willed person. maybe she misjudged him?
The nord held up his hands "do whatever it is you feel right, I am heading back to my stand." he said as he left, not wanting to stay there any longer. The mood there was begining to make him depressed.
She hummed a bit, then her caring nature took over completely, and started to make her way after the bigger Khajiit, taking slow steps, trying to think about what to tell him, or how to comfort him, knowing nothing about why he broke down suddenly...
The large Khajiit sat on the flat stone, the tears rolling off his cheeks as each and every single painful memory came back to his mind, full force with each glance of the amulet.
Inorra finally turned the corner and instantly spotted the sitting Khajiit, clutching the amulet in his hand. She sighed silently, then made her way towards him, taking silent steps. She used the tactic she learned a while ago when hunting, when she needed to be extra careful to not scare any prey. But this time, she wasnt hunting, but trying to reach her bigger kin before he told her off to look tough. Something she wont let him do.
One of Kiotas ears instinctively perked up as he heard shuttle footsteps next to him "go away" Kiota said between the tears.
Inorra smiled sadly, but didnt say a word. Instead, she kept coming closer. She knew she had no idea what made him so upset, but at least she can keep him company... Someone he can talk to if he wanted, or cry to.. or just feel she was there to listen or comfort him. That's all she could do for her voluntary guide. Soundlessly, she stopped and slid down, leaning against the wall of the alley, sitting down on the ground close to him. She pulled up her knees and hugged them, curling her tail around her feet, watching it instead, not looking at him to give him room and privacy somewhat.
On the inside, the overly large Khajiit was glad for the extra company. He cried, not moving when he thought...just maybe...this young woman next to him will listen to him, let him open up. So he did...just a little "y-you are probably wondering...what set Kiota off." he said between tears.
The female feline still kept quiet, not wanting to sound eager to listen or ask a question that might make him shy away again. So, she just kept sitting next to him, watching as her tail swished slightly at her feet, waiting if he wanted to reveal anything or will decide otherwise. She left this to his decision.
Kiota,in hopes that she will listen started, his eyes red and swollen from the shed tears "Kiotas life is a trail of death and despair as well as wounds that can never be healed, this amulet happens to open a very deep wound from this one's cubhood. This amulet belonged to Kiota's guardian. When Kiota was merely two the village where this one had been born was attacked in a Bosmer raid. Kiotas father in an attempt to buy mother and Kiota some time tried to fend off the elves, he was killed, his head removed from his body. When mother and Kiota tried to make a run for it we were caught by one of those cursed elves and mother was...defiled in front of Kiota before being mercilessly beaten with a rock until she died. When the Bosmer finished with mother he had turned to finish Kiota but not until one of the members off my village killed the Bosmer and quickly took me out of the village where we traveled across Tamriel and eventually to skyrim until he dissapered." Kiota finished before breaking into a fresh round of tears clutching the amulet.
While listening to his sad lifestory, Inorra's ears dropped and she stopped moving her tail to give him her whole attention. She could feel her throat tighten, and her eyes screamed to shed tears, but she refused to let them fall. Instead, she raised a hand and put it on the bigger Khajiit's shoulder, reassuring him of her presence and that she will listen, she is there and understands his pain somewhat. She knows she couldnt fully know what he might feel right now.. what pain... what terror he might have truly gone through... But she will do her best to comfort him and at least.. try to understand.
Kiota tensed up as he felt the paw on his shoulder but then slowly relaxed as he wiped a few tears "it is because of the bosmer that Kiota had joined in the five year war but Kiota does not wish to relive all the horrors of his past during and after the war in one day, to do that and Kiota would begin to consider...taking his own life."Kiota said darkly as he let out a few more sobs.
"Kiota..." Inorra said in an almost scolding tone, now looking at him with slightly narrowed eyes. "So, after what you have been through you would just go ahead and give up? Without a fight? Isnt life about pulling through good and bad happenings? Learning from our past and using this knowledge in the future? I have gotten to know you as a very strong-willed Khajiit, someone I can look up to, someone I can learn from... What happened to the lessons you taught me? None of them said I have to give up if circumstances call for it. But to think differently." She said, trying to get through him and his idea of suicide. Then she hugged her knees tighter and pulled her tail closer to her body, looking down. "I know I do not know what you have been through exactly, how you felt... But all I can do is help you as an outsider from these happenings... You are blinded by sorrow... I can be your guide... Just like you are mine..."
"This one is happy that you shall try to understand...but to understand you would have to go through oblivion. Kiota is utterly alone on this world, Kiota has lost his parents, his guardian, his brothers, his mate...and his child."Kiota barely whispered the last part " you don't know the lives this one has ended of men and women...and even children" Kiota said as he looked at his hands in disgust.
"Everything happens for a reason..." was all Inorra said as she raised her head and watched the wall opposite of them. "I do not judge people by their past... I learned it doesnt say anything about a person. I judge how I see the people, how they behave with me." She stopped to take a deep breath, lowering her head onto her pulled-up knees, still watching the blank wall. "I am aware that I still dont know half of the things that happened to you. But no matter what you have done or havent done.. I wont judge you because of that. I judge you for who you are."
Kiota was nearly speechless at the young feline sitting by him. He was positive that once he would begin talking that she would leave, either out of disgust or fear but no, instead she solidified her standing and refused to leave the side of a monster. Kiota smiled and reached out to the young feline, crushing her in a massive hug "thank you." he whispered.
"Ugh..." Inorra gasped, blinking rapidly, when suddenly she found the larger Khajiit's arms around her... Basically crushing her more fragile form, and cutting down her air supply. But she didnt say anything. Instead, she did her best to smile and try hugging him back as best as she could.
It didn't take long for Kiota to realise he was crushing the poor girl, He gently set her down and smiled apologetically, wiping a few tears from his eyes "sorry." he said.
Inorra smiled up at him as well, glad he seemed to feel better. "That's okay, Kiota." She said, soon after she started to cough and take a deep breath, but desperately tryint to not look so... desperate for air now. She looked up at him again and grinned awkwardly.
A/N and there you have it folks. I know it has been forever since I had updated this story. The main reason was because I have been very distracted as of late but I hope I have made it up to you with this extra long chapter.
I would also like to thank the author AVPKE for helping write this story, if it wasn't for him then this story probably wouldn't exist.
I don't own elder scrolls, I only own my OC's while Inorra belongs to AVP.