Chapter Three
Chapter Three
Wondrous Proposition
Disclaimer: I do not in any way shape of form own Skyrim, it's characters, or creation. Nor am I affiliated with Bethesda Studios. I merely write my fantasies and original characters within the story it has provided.
Dar'chaj awoke first. With a groggy yawn, she sat up in bed and stretched. She stopped. There were no buzzing of bees or trills of pine thrush. Perhaps the occasional mourning cry of a dove, but other than that it was quiet. 'How odd, has the world stopped?' She thought to herself as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. A huff of a cough and a male voice grumbling made her look back. She relaxed at the sight of her mate, Do'raji, swinging an arm over his eyes and turning onto his side, away from her. 'That's right... I came to his home yesterday. Goodness, what a day that was...' She smiled. But the feast to break their fast would not cook itself, and she was certainly famished. Throwing a robe on, over her naked form as she quickly realized with embarrassment, she carefully walked down the stairs to the main den. It was odd, having to walk on stairs. She was not used to such a thing, but she easily got the hang of it.
"Oh! Good morning!" Dar'chaj's head snapped up when she heard the voice. She reached down to her waist for her dagger only to be grabbing air. "Easy, friend. It's only me." The Nord chuckled nervously when she saw the Khajiit's bristled fur and dilated eyes. Dar'chaj calmed down but only a little bit. "Lydia? Might she inquire why you are here so early?"
"Divines, you must've drunk a lot last night," Lydia laughed softly, as to not wake up the other two sleepers.
"She does not remember what happened last night, but she does not feel sick with drunken aftermath," she blinked. "Would you mind telling her?"
"Well, the three of you came in and Masari almost immediately made herself at home. You made dinner while Thane Do'raji put away your things. Everything was pretty quiet until Masari went to bed and that's when you pulled out this tiny green bottle," Lydia explained, pointing to the tipped over empty bottle that was resting on the table. Dar'chaj instantly knew what had most likely happened at that point. "Oh no... Did she really...?" She trailed off, her voice dripping with mortification.
"I'll just say this much; things got a little uh...heated between you two."
"Jekos Sheggorath!" Dar'chaj instantly hid her face in her hands. If she didn't have fur, she knew for a fact that her entire face and neck would be the brightest red ever to exist. "She is so sorry you had to witness maddened cats on skooma!"
"Pfft, there's no need for an apology. I certainly won't comment about it," Lydia shook her head. "Alright, I'll get out of here. Take care now!" After the Nord closed the door behind her, Dar'chaj grumbled with a bristled tail and shaky hands. Her first night here and she had already thoroughly embarrassed herself! The wood creaked above. That certainly didn't calm her nerves any. Do'raji slumped his way down the stairs with a yawn. Gods, his mane! It was an utter mess! Even a skeever's nest looked neater than whatever in Oblivion that was. "Morning, ahtok..." He scratched his belly.
"Ahnaro! We must do something about Lydia!" Dar'chaj cried.
"Eh?" Do'raji stared at her with a blank expression. "Why, what's wrong? Did she say something to you?" All she had to do was cover her face once more and point to the empty skooma bottle. His eyes dilated rather quickly. Do'raji jumped down to her. "Well...there's no point in getting upset about it now." He gently rubbed her arms to soothe down her fur.
"B-But she was here! When we drank the skooma!" Dar'chaj whined.
"And I will talk to the Jarl about getting her a home of her own. Until then, we can't really do anything about it," he sighed. "Var var var."
Dar'chaj grumbled when he said that phrase to her. "If you insist. Come, help her make breakfast." Do'raji chuckled mildly and pulled away to grab some ingredients for her. It did not take long for the house to hold a wonderful aroma. Masari came in rubbing her eyes. The scent must've woken her. It took a lot for the child to awaken, but the smell of food would certainly do it.
"Sari, while your mother and I are out, I want you to go and have fun," Do'raji smiled as he sat down at the table. Masari blinked at him.
"Surely she can come with us?"
"Yes, but I want to swing by Jorrvaskr. It's the Companion's mead hall and is certainly no place for a child."
"And you are suggesting for her to be by herself? The entire time?!" Dar'chaj instantly straightened and glared at her mate.
"No, because I will ask Lydia to watch her. Besides, nothing ever happens here! She'll be fine. Just watch out for Braith, she's a mean one. Does that sound good, Sari?" He smiled at their daughter, who was suddenly very much awake and nodding her head excitedly. Dar'chaj pinched the bridge of her nose. Something was going to happen, she knew it. But now that the child was hyped up about exploring her new home, there was no stopping her. "Do'raji, I will have your tail on a spike if something happens to her!"
"A little faith, ahtok. Everyone here knows everyone else."
"Fusozayiit..."
"Your words wound me, Dar'chaj!" Do'raji placed his hands over his heart to feign hurt. She rolled her eyes and finished roasting the salmon and steaming the mudcrab legs. "Tell her about the Companions."
"There are many stories about them. Apparently, they trace their legacy all the way back to Ysgramor and his Five Hundred Companions when they came to settle Tamriel."
"Goodness, that's quite the legend to live up to," Dar'chaj blinked in surprise.
"Aye. A very honorable guild. I joined them, but I have been busy with other business to go back. Would you mind joining me?"
"She does not see why not." Dar'chaj shrugged. Masari was happily munching on her breakfast, lost in her thoughts of what the place will be. Dar'chaj looked down at her with a happy sort of sadness. If only this world was not so close minded, her child could roam free and be able to choose any friend she'd wish. Perhaps in another lifetime. But not these days. Dar'chaj stood, her food barely touched.
"Dar'chaj? Are you alright?"
"This one is fine, just not very hungry. Masari, Do'raji, shall she get you anything before I leave?"
"I'm fine Momma!" Masari piped up merrily.
"Eh...I'll be fine."
"Alright then, she shall take her leave." She cleared off her place before heading back upstairs. Behind her, she could hear Do'raji talking to Masari in a hushed voice. From the sudden playful shrieks and giggles that erupted from the little girl, he must have been playing with her. Dar'chaj smiled as she entered their room. It was good that they got along so well already. She knew that Masari did not remember her father very well, but had missed him very much. And that he did not disappoint her when it came to a father figure. She shed her robe, pulling the beautiful furred armor on over her naked form. Dar'chaj loved the way it felt against her own fur, which was coarse. She was made for the desert, after all. A pair of daggers caught her eye while she was snapping on her bracers and fur boots. They were made of black metal and wicked in their jagged edge, but they were beautiful all the same. There was a red glow running down the inside of the blade and across the hilt. She picked them up and spun in a circle with the daggers extended. The form she used with the weapons was as fluid as water in a stream but as deadly as a Shanjijri Asp. Rawlith Khaj it was called. It taught to attack swiftly and suddenly, but defensively as to not let the rush of battle get the upper hand of their tactics. To be as ruthless as the desert but as fluid as the sands.
"It has been a long time since I've seen you dance like that."
"It has been a long time since this one has been able to find weapons that allowed her to 'dance' like this." Dar'chaj relaxed her stance and looked over to her husband who was leaning against the doorway, looking at her with a soft smile. She held up the two daggers with a questioning look.
"If you like them, then by all means! They have no name as far as I am aware of. I think one of them freezes the air around it and the other drinks the blood of those it cuts." Do'raji shrugged as he neared her. She sighed as she looked down at the daggers. "Ruthless, but what she needs to help protect herself."
"We will see. Let me get ready and we'll get going."
Dar'chaj watched her mate as he clad himself in steel and placed his axe on his back. She tried to keep her eyes away. After five years of being away and she could not even remember their first night back together. It was very disconcerting to her. She should've been more careful. Not being on skooma for nine years tends to lead to...forgetting how bad the side effects are. Skooma effected everyone differently. Some tended to become really hyper and others had a drunken effect. With Dar'chaj, she would forget what happened during her intoxication. She wanted it to be a special night and yet... That'll remind her never to buy Skooma ever again. Do'raji turned towards her and smiled. His hand on her waist and his nuzzle on her throat sent shivers through her, but her guilt overpowered any desire that would've spurred. "She is sorry, but not right now..."
"You're right, we need to get going." Do'raji let his palm linger across her hips before he left her side completely. Dar'chaj felt her ears flatten. Gods damn Sheggorath... They walked back downstairs and Masari was already dressed in her new dress. "Walk with us until we find Lydia, child. Then we can leave you be," Do'raji smiled.
"Remember my words, ahnaro..." Dar'chaj growled.
"How could I not?" He chuckled. Masari slipped her hand into his. He clasped her tiny paw and out the door they went. The chilly air hit her, but it was a wonderful feeling. Dar'chaj looked around. For some reason she had expected SOMETHING to have changed scenically, but it didn't as far as she could tell. They wandered to the Trader's Circle and Lydia approached. "Honor to you, my Thane."
"Good morning, Lydia. Hey, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Yes?" Lydia blinked, obviously surprised by this.
"Dar'chaj and I need to head to Dragonsreach, but we were also going to stop by Jorrvaskr. Masari would like to explore. Could you keep her company until we get back?" Do'raji smiled at her.
Lydia chuckled and looked down at Masari. "Would you mind my being with you?"
"Not at all!" Masari grinned, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Well, alright then. I can show you all of the best spots in the city." She looked around to make sure that no one was staring at the little Khajiit before holding out her hand for her. Masari hugged both her mother and father before rushing over to Lydia. More like bounding over to her, really. "Take care, my Thane."
"Keep a close eye on her now!"
~ * { ^ } * ~
"Raaaaaghh!"
"And they're at it again..." Do'raji sighed as soon as they entered the Companion's hall. Dar'chaj stared at him questioningly before looking ahead to see what the commotion was all about. There was a male Dunmer and a female Nord swinging wild blows at one another, each hoping to draw blood or at least badly bruise their opponent. Everyone was standing around them in a circle, whooping and shouting encouragements. How curious. Dar'chaj was quickly bored with watching the two. She looked around the hall. It was vast, but strangely warm. The large hearth in the middle could've possibly helped with that. At the east end of the mead hall was an indention in the wood with multiple throngs. Most of them held a fragment of an artifact, possibly an axe by the looks of it?
"Brother Do'raji! Good to see you again!" A rough voice called over the battle cries of the fist fight and a huge male Nord came towards them. His hair was a complete mess. Thick rings of dark colored skin encircled his eyes in a sort of mask. "Farkas! Honor to you, my friend!" Do'raji smiled and shook hands with the giant of a human. Dar'chaj widened her eyes in surprise. It was the first human she had ever seen that actually came up to Do'raji's chin. "Did you complete that job I sent your way?"
"Aye, I did. Those skeevers are a problem no more," Do'raji nodded. A large coin purse traded between them. It certainly did not leave Dar'chaj's ever watchful eyes.
"Jihatt? You deal with jihatt?!" She hissed at her mate.
"No, they aren't jihatt. Renrijra," he corrected her. "And they actually support honor. They are not that different from the Mane's Guard."
"Tch, she will take your word for it..."
"Friend of yours?" The man named Farkas raised an eyebrow.
"She is my mate. I was hoping that I could convince Kodlak to let her in." Do'raji smiled nervously. She was never one for first impressions, this she knew for certain. But she had her limits and Do'raji was pushing his luck very quickly. The man before them was looking at her strangely. Her eyes narrowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Farkas, one of the Comanpions here. If you want to follow in your mate's footsteps, let me be the first to say that you are following a very honorable path."
"Forgive her for being a stick in mud, as you humans say, but she will have to see about that. Now, if she may speak to your leader?" Dar'chaj stepped forward, careful not to see like too much of a jerk. She could not help but be on edge around this bunch. If there was one thing she could not stand, it was a undisciplined group of rabble. Farkas nodded, turning to head to the eastern end of the mead hall. Do'raji stayed by her side with an arm around her shoulders. "You seem a little snippish. Is everything alright?"
"Aside from joining a group that she is not certain of? Peachy," Dar'chaj said bluntly. Do'raji sighed. He probably thought that he was in trouble. They went through double doors and down a hallway with the male Dunmer and the female Nord from earlier snickering behind them. "I bet the only thing that armor is good for is keeping her warm."
"Hah! I bet it barely does that!"
Do'raji flattened his ears and was about to turn around when Dar'chaj grabbed the front of his armor. "Who are those two?" She asked.
"Athis and Njaala... I have never liked them..." He growled. They weren't even trying to quiet their laughter.
"Good. This will make it even sweeter." Dar'chaj smiled venomously. She needed a few punching bags something fierce. Do'raji noticed her grin and snickered as well. Those two were going to be in for the humiliation of their lives. They entered the Harbinger's chambers.
"Harbinger! Brother Do'raji and I bring you a newcomer," Farkas announced. He stepped to the side to show him the Khajiit. She stared at the old man straight in the eyes. He had seen much in his lifetime. It almost instant respect on her part. He was old, but he still looked the part of a formidable warrior. There was sadness intertwining wisdom in his eyes. Or was that agony? From the outside looking in, they looked the same. "She takes it that you are the leader of the Companions?"
"I am no leader, girl. I am just the rational mind of this rowdy bunch. So, you wish to join our lofty order?" Kodlak smirked, but not in a negative way. "Your eyes hold a fire I have not seen in a long time."
"This one will be honest, she was not sure of this guild when she approached. But now she sees that there is someone here who carries honor as how it should be carried. Excluding my mate, of course," she quickly added when she heard a growl from behind her. Do'raji chuckled and crossed his arms. He did not need to vouch for her. Kodlak asked her the usual questions that he asked all of the recruits. It was usually the last question that threw many off.
"How are you in a fight, girl?"
"Hah! This one has much to learn, even if she can hold her own."
"There's a good girl." Kodlak Whitemane's eyes seemed to grin all on their own, even if he physically did not. "Farkas, take her out to the yard and test her arm."
"Actually, Harbinger, if I may?" Do'raji stepped forward. Farkas didn't say anything but there was an amused smirk on his face. "We were...discussing this earlier, Farkas and I, and we were thinking that she should face some of the other recruits."
"Let me guess, Athis and Njaala? I don't see why not," Kodlak sighed as he leaned back to cross his arms. "Just don't embarrass them too much. We do need them intact for their missions. Even if they do need to be toned down a notch. At least it saves us from doing it. Let them know." He waved them off and bent his head back to look at a scroll he was reading previously. Dar'chaj turned and walked out with Do'raji and Farkas smirking like idiots. She, however, was grinning maniacally. She was going to enjoy this. Do'raji went to the two while Farkas got the rest of the Circle, a small group of trustworthy warriors within the Companions, to witness the fight. Soon, there was a small crowd of seasoned warriors under the balcony with a somewhat tall Khajiit facing two opponents in the yard. A lithe woman was laughing. A gruff man with one eye was staring intently at the newcomer. Farkas and someone who appeared to be his brother were standing side by side, whispering among themselves. Possibly taking bets. Do'raji was sitting down in a chair, smiling at his wife.
Dar'chaj held an iron sword in the typical fashion in her right hand, while the other held another sword backhanded. She watched the two jeer at her and swing their weapons around their palms in an attempt to be intimidating. "Is the little kitty too scared now?" Njaala sneered.
"Why don't you go back to the slums and beg for a bowl of milk like the house cat you are?" Athis laughed.
She merely tapped the ground with the tip of her sword and turned her body to so she was facing to her right, the off sword held in front of her protectively while the right sword was placed above her head at an arc. Her right leg held almost all of her weight while her left was twisted a little to the side, her tail curled carefully behind her. Most of the warriors present laughed at her stance, except for the one eyed warrior and Do'raji. Both just smirked. Athis was the first to charge. He was clumsy and swung his sword overhead. Dar'chaj merely used her left sword to flick the attack to the side and round housed him in the side. He stumbled away, surprised at the amount of force the kick had. But Njaala rushed her flank while he reeled. Dar'chaj spun around the attack and slapped the flat of her blade against her cheek. She slammed the hilt of her weapon against Athis' bicep, which resulted in a growl and a swung fist. The Khajiit ducked in time. Athis struck Njaala in the jaw. She rolled away and knelt on the ground as the two untangled themselves from one another with harsh words. Dar'chaj grinned as they instantly charged after her. Swinging a leg out, she hook her ankle with his and knocked Athis' feet out from under him and jumped sixteen hands into the air to avoid Njaala's horizontal swing. She landed on her shoulders and pushed away. The sudden imbalance and the force of momentum caused the Nord woman to tumble, landing quite unceremoniously on the dark elf. This cause a bout of laughter from the crowd. Red faced and determined not to be beaten by a cat, the human scrambled to her feet. She actually stayed in place this time, shuffling her weight from foot to foot as she examined the slippery cat. The Khajiit was just standing there, her digitigraded legs straight as boards and her swords pointed downwards by her sides. Athis rolled onto his feet, an arm wrapped around his abdomen. "You are surprisingly heavy," he huffed at his partner.
"And you are surprisingly stupid!" The human snapped before going back to watching the cat. She just stood there like a practice dummy. Nothing twitched, not even her whiskers. Dar'chaj suddenly twirled towards them with her swords out. They spread out and were constantly blocking her attacks. They were feeling good about this until she changed directions. And then again. And again. And again. It was all Athis and Njaala could do to keep their guard up from the barrage of relentless attacks, never mind trying to find an opening. Dar'chaj swung her swords in a circle to knock their weapons away and held the edges against their throats. The human and elf were panting while the Khajiit barely drew a quivering breath. Athis roared in outrage as fell onto his hind quaters, drawing his legs in and resting his head on a white-knuckled fist. Njaala stood there glaring at Dar'chaj as she lowered her weapons and walked away. "This isn't over, you damn cat!" She yelled after her.
"Meow," Dar'chaj said without even looking back. The Circle burst out laughing. Do'raji stood to greet his mate. "Nice going out there, ahtok."
"Tch! She was sloppier than Sangiin at a vampire's feast," Dar'chaj growled in irritation. "It would've been different had she had daggers and not lop sided swords."
"I don't think that you needed to worry about that at all, girl." The one eyed warrior approached with a grin. "That was Rawlith Khaj. I haven't seen that style in a long time."
Dar'chaj looked at him with wide, surprised eyes. "She is shocked! Humans do not know of it, or of any Khajiiti martial arts."
"I traveled a lot in my younger days. Been all over Tamriel. Elsweyr, Summerset Isles, Vvardynvale, you name it. By the way girl, that armor..." He trailed off, glancing at it with strange eyes.
"Do'raji gave it to her. It was something granted to him," Dar'chaj said carefully, her voice dripping with suspicion. "I see. I was just asking since I hadn't really seen anything like it. My name is Skjor. These kids are Aela, Vilkas, and Farkas. Good to have you with us, newblood."
"The pleasure is all hers, Skjor. Her name is Dar'chaj and she is Do'raji's mate. She is certain to see more of you soon." Dar'chaj nodded. Do'raji chuckled and said his goodbyes to the others before leading her away from Jorrvaskr. "So, what did you think?"
"They are certainly ones for a good fight," she shrugged.
"Not so bad for a bunch of 'jihatt'?" He teased.
"Renrijra, you mean? And no, they aren't too bad."
They approached the Wind District once more with Do'raji telling her what each district was and why they were named as such. Dar'chaj, however, merely twitched her ears at his words and nodded absentmindedly. Finally, he got annoyed with her sudden aloofness and pulled her aside into a shadowy area between a couple of houses. "Dar'chaj, what is wrong?"
"There is nothing wrong, ahnaro," Dar'chaj flattened her ears and tried to slip away. But Do'raji grabbed her shoulders and held her against the wooden wall. "I may not be as clever as you, ahtok, but do not think that I can be fooled by words. You have been acting strangely all morning. I thought that perhaps that fight would've eased your odd behavior, but it seems to have made it worse! Now please, tell me, what is wrong?"
His words were stern as were his eyes, but it was not that he was upset. It was because she was and he did not know why. He was worried about her. Dar'chaj sighed and hugged him, pressing her body flat against him. Do'raji hugged back with no small amount of confusion. "It is a stupid reason, ahnaro. Do not mind her..."
"Well, of course I'm going to mind. I've upset you in some way."
"No, it's not you..."
"Was it Lydia?"
"Not quite, but it was something Lydia pointed out..."
"What, the skooma?"
"She forgot about our night together..."
"What?" Do'raji pulled away with a raised eyebrow. "That was it? That was what bothered you all this time?"
"Not only that, but she has dared to forget why she quit skooma in the first place and when she was under the influence, she cannot remember our night of rejoining!" Dar'chaj looked down in shame. Not because of the event, but because she realized now that she was being really childish for no good reason. Do'raji pinched the bridge of his nose. "Women..." He muttered to himself. He sighed as he collected his thoughts and lifted her chin to look at him. "So. You don't remember last night. Well..." He chuckled then nuzzled her neck. "Then that will make tonight just as sweet."
"B-But..." She started, but couldn't even remember what she wanted to say. Dar'chaj just let him rain kisses down her neck and along what little of her collarbone her fur armor allowed. She chuffed pleasantly. "Not now though!" She giggled as she pulled away.
"You feel better?"
"Perhaps. We shall see."
"Good," Do'raji chuckled and gave her one last nuzzle before pulling away to head to the Cloud District. Of course she felt better, now that she realized just how much of an idiot she was being. They walked past the strange human who stood before an elaborate shine of Talos. Or Tiber Septim. That whole situation was vague and utterly confusing to her. But she could relate as they had a god like that of their own. Rahjin, their Thief God. Catching up to the hulk of a beast she called her husband, she could not help but gape at the giant building known as the famous Dragonsreach. She had heard about it many times, but nothing seemed right when it came to how tall it was. "Dar'chaj is curious, the Jarl lives here?"
"Aye, that he does," Do'raji smiled as he opened the doors for her. She walked through. It looked even bigger on the inside than the exterior suggested. Her mate beckoned to her. "I see that what Lydia said was true. How are you feeling, Thane Do'raji?" A man with dusty blond hair lounged on a throne, but straightened when he saw the Khajiit approach.
"Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, I am alive and well. Thank you for asking. There is something I need to tell you, my Jarl." Do'raji stood at attention, his entire posture radiating dire seriousness. The Jarl shifted in his seat and motioned for him to continue.
"I have reason to believe that the creatures known as the Falmer are planning something."
The silence was deafening. The dark elf who stood at the Jarl's side crossed her arms. A mage came forward from a small room to the side. Do'raji shuffled his feet. Dar'chaj came forward to comfort him. He smiled but quickly spoke once again.
"There have been many rumors floating around that traders and caravans alike have begun to...seemingly vanish into thin air. But when I inspected the sights, there were no signs of struggle. The horses were left, panicked mind you, but were not killed. Not even harmed in any way."
"How can you be sure that it's the Falmer? They are mindless creatures, Khajiit. It could very well just be bandits, Imperials, or Stormcloaks alike taking prisoners." The dark elf growled.
"Because they all happened near caves that were known to have Falmer activity. Besides, leaving the horses alone while taking everyone prisoner? The Stormcloaks are in dire need of supplies, the Imperials want the upper hand, and bandits kill everyone in sight and take everything they can get their hands on. While all would take prisoners, there would be signs of some sort of struggle. There wasn't even so much as a drop of blood," Do'raji sighed. Dar'chaj rubbed the fur on his arm. Jarl Balgruuf leaned back into his throne. His expression...she couldn't tell what he was thinking. 'Why are humans so hard to read?' She thought to herself in irritation. Khajiit had so many telltale signs of thought- their faces, ears, tail, body posture, and even their fur! But humans only had their expressions and posture. Sometimes it was impossible to read them. She only hoped that this "Jarl" was fair. "I see... Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Farengar Secret-Fire."
"Yes, sire?" The human mage grumbled from where he was standing.
"What do you know of the Falmer?"
"Little to nothing at all. I studied about dragons, not the hideous beasts we know as Falmer. So do forgive me if I do not partake in this...situation." Dar'chaj narrowed her eyes at the mage. What an arrogant human! She could tell that he just wanted to scoff at the whole idea and return to his books. Even his words were annoyed and bored. Even the Dunmer at the Jarl's side caught wind of his careful insult. Her eyes narrowed dangerously at the human. Farengar didn't even have the decency to look apologetic. Only hindered. If Jarl Balgruuf noticed the mage's tone, he paid no heed to it. "I see. You may return to your studies at once. Avenicci."
"Sire?" Another human stepped forward, this one clad in a brown robe of nobility. Or one of high status. Either one really. His face was withered, but his expression thoughtful. Almost arrogant. 'What strange company this Jarl keeps...' Dar'chaj thought.
"I want you to send letters to all of the Holds, telling them what we were told just now. I don't care if the couriers come back to tell us that the letters were burned, read, or crumpled in their faces. I just want the warnings sent to the other Jarls to warn them of the impending danger. Irileth."
"Yes, my Jarl," the female Dunmer stepped forward with a gauntlet over her heart. Finally, someone who had decency around here...
"I want you to go through the ledgers and find all of the caves in this Hold that are thought to house Falmer. Then take a dispatch of no more than three guards with you. I want you to scout the caves, no heroic clean ups. As soon as you have, report back to me."
"It shall be done, my lord."
"Now go, all of you," Jarl Balgruuf waved his arms in dismissal as he stood and suddenly the room became alive. Some of the guards left to alert others of their platoons of what had been said. Granted, it was all rather far-fetched. But in this time of living fire-breathing dragons and vampires attacking cities during the daylight, who knows what could happen at this point. "Do'raji, stay. I would like to discuss this matter with you."
"Of course," Do'raji bowed his head and walked after the jarl whom had begun to walk up the steps beside his throne. Dar'chaj could not help but let a small grumble sound off in the back of her throat. "She should leave. This isn't her place to be."
"Eh? Are you sure?" Do'raji looked back at her.
"Na… Dar'chaj bo reghaht," she said in her native tongue, not even bothering to speak in Common Tamierlic. Besides, it felt wonderful to speak in Ta'agra. Certainly, she wanted to teach Masari the wonderful language, but there was a fair chance that they would never return to Elsweyr. That thought by itself saddened her. At least they were (somewhat) far away from the constricting claws of the Aldmeri Dominion.
"Dar'chaj…" He sighed. "Naba maaszi. Jajo bo kon," Do'raji said softly as he cupped her cheek with a large hand. She inhaled the scent that came from the appendage, reassuring herself for the umpteenth time that he was truly standing right in front her. She smiled up at him with a gentle paw. "She thanks you."
"Tell Masari that I will be there soon."
"I will. Go, before you are missed."
Dar'chaj reluctantly tore herself from her husband's side so that she may go to Masari. Her thoughts raced with worry. Was she alright? Was Lydia protecting her from ridicule? If she was made fun of, was she comforted? One might've called the human-like Khajiit over protective, perhaps even overbearing, but how could she not worry about her child when they were not even supposed to be allowed in the city to begin with? She stepped outside and the view that greeted her was even more breathtaking. Once one passed the arches guiding them to Dragonsreach, they had gotten a wonderful view of the Wind District and of the Gildergreen. With a shake of her head, she trekked down the steps. Perhaps Masari was nearby?
Author's Notes: Hello everyone~ The third chapter is up! Yay! Now, I just wanted to let everyone get a taste of what's to come before I get a groove going. No promises though, heh. I'm bad at this. Aside from that, you guys know the drill~ Words you think I can use as Ta'agra are appreciated! ^^ See you next chapter!
Ta'agra'iss words and their meaning
"Jekos Sheggorath!" - "Fuck/Rut Sheggorath!"
Ahtok - my wife
Ahnaro - my husband
"Var var var." - "The sugar must flow.", "What will be will be." An important proverb to the Khajiit, as this is what they mostly live by.
Fusozayiit - foolish person; irresponsible person
Shanjiri Asp - A very poisonous tree snake that resides in the marshes and the more humid parts of the jungles.
Jihatt - sellsword/bandit/mercenary (negative connotation)
Renrijra - honored sellsword (positive connotation)
"Na… Dar'chaj bo reghaht." - "No... But Dar'chaj [is] worried."
"Naba maaszi. Jajo bo kon." - "It's not necessary. But you [can/may] go."
Khajiit Lore and notes
Rawlith Khaj: Literally means "Rain of the Desert." It is a fluent martial art that teaches one to use their inner energy with their feet and hands while using their opponent's energy against them. The forms are compatible with all manner of weaponry, whether it be swords, a pike, or just your hands.
Sheggorath: The Mad Cat, or better know as Sheogarath. In the Khajiiti pantheon, he is the god of insanity and skooma; a substance that causes intoxication with "a bit of a twisted kick."
Mane: The leader of the Khajiit, the Mane is always born as a male and under a Solar Eclipse. One would think that he would be born under a certain sign of Masser and Secunda, but according to the Khajiit, he has no breed name. He is just simply unique. The Mane's word is always taken into consideration as the Mane is labeled as a neutral party.
Rahjin: The Thief God. Much like how the Ysmer, or better known as Tiber Septim, ascended into godhood, Rahjin was granted ascension when he became their most famous thief. According to his legend, he stole a tattoo from the neck of Empress Kintyra while she slept.
Common Tamrielic: The language that all provinces across Tamriel use as an international connection. In Elsweyr, that is their second language, so they speak it very fluently, even if they do have an fairly thick accent.