I should mention my beta reader LadyDragon1316 at this milestone of 200 reviews because I wouldn't have made it nearly so far without her, I probably wouldn't have even started writing. So check out her great work too.
Resh POV
After much pre-hike 'faffing around' the group finally started to climb the mountain. This was, of course, after having to locate Lydia and Brelyna who had both stormed off and, for some Divines-forsaken reason, agreeing to carry some lazy bugger's package of supplies up to the temple.
With Kayci and their warmth rings the hike should hopefully be a lot easier than last time. Still, it could be dangerous. So Resh made a note to be a lot more aware of trolls when walking. He didn't want a repeat of last time. He also made a note not to flip out at Lydia for petty reasons like he did the time before. Resh still felt guilty over that.
The two more mammalian of the four were still annoyed at him. Apparently not wanting to take chances was something humans frowned upon. It wasn't his fault he'd had no idea. He didn't have to deal with people whose organs decide to shred themselves once a month where he was from.
He wished the two of them could be more rational and think from his point of view sometimes. It would make things so much simpler. Perhaps he should tell them both about his kind.
Resh supposed the only thing stopping him was that although he was close enough to his new companions, Lydia was a Nord. And from what he knew about Nords, they were all very racist and would definitely not accept him. And for some reason Lydia's view mattered a lot to him.
30 Minutes Later
It was only after the first leg of the mountain that Resh start to get bored with the comfortable silence. It wasn't unpleasant, it was just not as interesting as talking would be. And best of all, he had the most interesting person he knew to talk to.
*Hey Kayce. I forgot to ask you, have you ever heard of this human word 'rape'? I found out what it was a while back and will be scarred for life knowing that sort of thing happens,* Resh asked, wanting to let her know about some of the disgusting things about the other races.
*Ooh yeah, I know about that. Horrible, isn't it? Incidentally, one of the first days we arrived at Tamriel I went on a walk by myself and had a lone mercenary sneak up on me because I pissed off the wrong people. And then he came back a grabbed me from behind, putting a blade by my thr-*
*What happened!?* Resh growled, immediately fearing the worst and getting angry at whatever had happened to his best friend and unable to believe anything was capable of happening to someone like her.
*Relax Resh, you don't have to go making that vein in your head pulse,* Kayci smirked. *When I realised what he was talking about, I snapped his sword in half and ate his manhood first…-while I forced him to watch. The meal itself was worse than average but the music really made the dinner top notch. My snack would have been quite boring without his screams of pain and terror in the background,* Kayci explained, giggling manically at the violent parts. Resh knew not to be worried though. Kayce always did enjoy an unusual amount of gore.
"What are you two talking about that's so special you have to talk in your secret language?" Brelyna asked, annoyed she was being left out of a conversation that made Kayce laugh.
Resh sighed at the interruption but remembered that he might as well try and include his other two friends when possible. "If you must know, we're talking about how Kayce over here emasculated a man with her own hands and listened to him scream in pain. Anything to add?"
The now startled elf glanced over to the woman in question who mimed digging her fingernails into something and ripping away, causing Brelyna to gag. "Did that actually happen?" she asked, hoping desperately it didn't.
"It gets worse, but I don't think you would want to hear about that," Kayci laughed at the woman's unease, seriously doubting her reaction to learning the woman she had a crush on had eaten a man's genitals would be any better.
"I think you may be right," Brelyna mumbled before falling silent again.
Lydia, however, was not so silent, "That's disgusting! Why would you do something like that!?"
"Well, the guy did try to molest me. It didn't get him very far though. He didn't even have time to pull his shirt off before I yanked his special place away and started skinning him alive," Kayci explained, mirth evident in her voice. "I dragged his death out for so long. After about an hour or so of screaming I had to pull out his tongue 'cause he was getting annoying."
Lydia, like Brelyna, was also shocked into a sudden quiet, horrified that someone as… friendly, as Kayci would torture someone like that in such a vicious way, and seemingly enjoy it judging by her tone. She would hate to be on the receiving end of the woman's wrath.
Kayci wasn't finished yet, though. "I think I actually have it on me somewhere. I kept it as a reminder some people are bastards," Kayci explained, grinning as she dug through her pack to find her trophy.
She pulled it out with a triumphant smile but was quickly stopped by Resh who stood between her and the other two. *Put the tongue away Kayci. Humans don't take trophies like that. They will think you cruel and bloodthirsty if you show them that,* Resh whispered tensely.
Kayci nodded in understanding, knowing he was serious because he used her proper name, and stopped talking immediately before continuing the walk.
After a few hours of walking in awkward silence, they had reached the summit of the mountain and came upon the large temple ahead of them. Kayci noticed how the snow storms had carved chunks out of the walls and battered the great stone building. She suddenly became very thankful for her new ring.
Wow, I barely noticed it when I was writing, but this chapter makes Kayci seem like a psychopath. Torturing someone and eating their dick, in fairness though they kind of deserved it, who would be stupid to try and rape Kayci of all people? I'm sure when the defenceless victim forms into a giant golden serpent they would have had quite the shock.
Resh POV
Anyways, as a reward here is a new chapter for you guys and gals out there.
Before they had even reached the temple, the doors were thrown open and they were greeted by Arngeir, the head Greybeard. "Greetings. At last you return Dra-"
"Yes, at last I do," Resh cut in quickly to stop him before he completed his sentence.
"Who are the newcomers?" the old man asked, not recognising the two additions to the group.
"The elf in robes is Brelyna, a mage from the College," Resh told him pointing to the Dunmer. He then gestured to Kayci, "And that over there Kayci, or Kayce. She is the same race as me." The man gave a brief nod of understanding at the last part.
"I see. Do you mind speaking in private for a moment?" Arngeir asked, seemingly studying Kayci. "Your friends can do what they please when we talk."
"Yeah sure," Resh replied before turning to his friends. "Do you mind waiting in the courtyard somewhere or in one of the other rooms? We have matters to discuss."
The three women all nodded their affirmatives and headed to the courtyard. He was both surprised and thankful Kayci didn't try to pry into what he was going to be talking about. But then he remembered that, knowing Kayci, she would probably drill him for the details afterwards.
His last glance at them before leaving featured Kayci telling them something which made the other two cringe in distaste. 'That can't be good,' Resh muttered in his head.
Kayci POV
"Wow. I had no idea you two were so squeamish," Kayci laughed as the two others tried to avoid throwing up.
"Excuse us for not wanting to know the best way to remove people organs without weapons," Lydia spluttered.
"Oh come on, it's not that bad you just dig your thumbs under the rib and pu-"
"Don't want to hear it!" Lydia snapped, stopping her mid-explanation.
"How you two can fight is beyond me," Kayci wondered. "If you can't handle a simple explanation how would you ever manage in a combat situation?"
"Hopefully I would manage without having to remove someone's lungs by hand."
"Where's the fun in that?" Kayci muttered.
"I don't enjoy killing. But when done righteously, it's just a chore, like any other," Lydia told her, not liking how the woman in front of her seemingly enjoyed the parts of the fighting that good people shouldn't.
"You just don't appreciate the hunt. If someone doesn't deserve life they should have it taken away. And it's best to take it away in a way that it is entertaining. Hence the fighting and hunting. You can ask Resh what he thinks as well. I can guarantee he would agree with me, probably more seriously than I do."
Resh POV
"Am I right in assuming that this 'Kayce' is another Tsaesci?" Arngeir asked after they left, wanting to be positive just in case he were wrong.
"You are. Hence the reason why you are not to mention me being some cursed Dragonborn thing lest she will probably devour me, hopefully after having had killed me. But that would seem like a farfetched dream."
"That seems a bit harsh," Arngeir wondered out loud. "I'm guessing you don't know her too well for her to react that badly to something like this."
"She's been my best friend for over 400 years. And it won't be an overreaction. I'm officially prey. So I'm just hoping our friendship is solid enough for her not to draw out my death when she finds out. Luckily, as we've gone through so much together and even once been lovers, she would probably let it be quick," Resh explained. Kayci may be open minded but he doubted it would stretch so far as to allow him to live if she found out.
Arngeir knew better than to try and argue his culture and tradition was wrong despite what he thought to it. After living as long as Arngeir had you learn that what some people see as barbaric others see as acceptable. Instead he tried to move onto a different topic, "You used to be lovers? What does Lydia think to having her around knowing that?"
Resh's eyes narrowed at the questions. "Why does everyone think me and Lydia are together?" he growled, remembering awkward conversations with stall owners, innkeepers and even close friends. "We're different species for Oblivions sake!"
"It's not very hard to imagine. You two have been together for about two months now and seem relatively close. And since she is your Housecarl, I believe she's 'sworn to serve'. Plus there's this courier who runs around telling people about all of the Dragonborn's exploits, so everyone is up to date. And word from him is that you two are lovers," Arngeir explained. He couldn't believe how dedicated the courier was to his job, running all the way up to High Hrothgar without any clothes had been quite the feat.
"Remind me to find and kill this 'courier' person you speak of. He has a lot of misinformation."
"I wouldn't suggest it. Pretty much every town relies on him for updates about what's happened lately. Hence the reason people will know about things you've done before you tell them," the man pointed out.
"Fine. Is there a reason we need to talk other than to accuse me of laying with a mammal?" Resh asked, starting to wonder why he was called aside.
"Well actually yes…"
Minutes Later
"No! Now way am I doing that! Absolutely not!" Resh shouted, appalled and outraged at the old man's suggestion.
"Why? You need to learn. You are the Dovahkiin whether you like it or not. Refusing to use the Thu'um doesn't make the slightest bit of difference!" Arngeir retorted, angry that the man ahead of him was squandering his gift because he was in denial.
"I am not a dragon! I am not one of those things! And I am not saying a word of their fucking language!" He wasn't usually one for swearing, but in his fit of rage he couldn't stop himself.
"I understand your friend outside would kill you if you were to in front of her, but it's necessary. You need to learn this. It's who you are, despite your hatred of it."
"I don't care. It's bad enough I can't be honest with my friend anymore, but I can't go home either. My own family would kill me for this. The only reason I haven't killed myself for this is because it would be a mark upon my honour. I am not learning it. Accept that or I'll just go and you can deal with your own problems," Resh told him, his low voice not giving away any emotions he was feelings.
The Greybeard stifled his anger and tried to remain calm, "You are going to regret this. It will give you incredible power over everyone you meet and fighting will never be easier. If you don't then I can guarantee you won't be able to kill Alduin."
"Then I will just go for an honourable death," Resh growled, annoyed at his perpetual arguing. "Is there anything I should do which doesn't involve showing me just how much I'm not one of my own kind."
"As a matter of fact there is. Ever heard of Jurgen Windcaller?" Arngeir began. Not only would this be a great way to retrieve the horn, but after fighting Draugr who could shout, Resh might finally give up his thoughtless hatred of a useful skill.
Kayci POV
Throwing the Elf across the length of the courtyard was almost as entertaining as avoiding her poorly coordinated strikes. The only thing that troubled her was that Brelyna was only marginally worse at fighting than Lydia, and these people were meant to help fight with her and Resh.
"Both at once this time. Surely the two of you can take me on," Kayci challenged as the mage dragged herself off of the ground and Lydia had finished catching her breath from earlier.
"I'm a mage! I'm not meant to learn unarmed fighting!" Brelyna complained, wishing she had just turned down the other woman's offer to, as she put it, 'get their hands on each other', what followed was not what the Dunmer was expecting in the least, especially with the seductive tone she had said it in.
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Knowing how to fight without weapons can be even more useful than with them. In a lot of situations you might not have access to a blade," the woman pointed out, trying to justify her non-armament stance.
"I can use my magic any time I want though. It's just as versatile and just as, if not more, useful than close combat training," the Dark Elf continued to argue.
Kayci groaned, "You sound just like Resh, with all his 'logic' and 'reasoning'."
"That's because it's true. If I can pump you full of fire and cast numerous wards around myself, what is the point of this?" Brelyna asked. She had not known of one occasion where her magic had failed her against someone using conventional weaponry, unless they were wearing thick plating.
"Wards and fire can't help you when you're up close and personal. If someone gets too close you wouldn't stand a chance. Any flames you use then would just burn yourself too."
"People usually wouldn't get very close, and if they do I can just step back," Brelyna replied, still arrogant about her abilities.
Almost before she had finished blinking Brelyna was lifted into the air by the woman she was arguing with, one hand around her robe holding her up and the other clamped around her two hands so that if she were to try using any form of magic she wouldn't be able to without damaging herself or the spell just failing.
"Your magic doesn't seem so helpful now does it?" Kayci laughed before dropping her down again. "I'd like to see how stepping back would have sorted that out."
"Most people aren't unnaturally fast and able to lift fully grown people their own size with one hand," Brelyna muttered while standing up again. "I'm just saying. But you should not be that strong. Like earlier when you practically chucked Lydia away from you. She is wearing a full suite of heavy armour. I wouldn't even expect Resh to do that and he's twice your size."
"Resh is definitely physically stronger than me, but it's all about the technique. If I fought him on my own terms like I have before, with no weapons, I could easily beat him."
"Still it just seems like you're stronger than you look. Much stronger," Brelyna said.
Kayci was unsure of it but she thought she could sense some form of suspicion in the Elf's tone. "Maybe I am. That does come as part of the 'being a different species to you' package," Kayci explained.
Brelyna had no time to reply before Resh's angry voice cut in, having overheard the last bit of what the other Tsaesci had said and thinking that she had revealed something, "Kayce! What are you telling them?!"
The woman in question merely turned to the man who was now storming over and smirked, "I was just explained how us 'Nords' are naturally stronger than other race. What did you think I was saying?"
Resh gulped as all eyes turned on him expecting an answer, "Well… I just… mishe-"
"But Resh, how could you possibly mishear? Did you for some strange reason think I was talking about us being another species other than the Nords we clearly are? If so please, by all means elaborate." Kayci smiled sweetly, knowing just how much her questions were annoying him by the masked look of outrage in his eyes.
Resh thought long and hard before replying. "Magic," he said simply.
"What?" Kayci asked in confusion at his completely irrelevant thing to say.
"Magic did it." Kayci was about to speak again but Resh quickly waved her off before she could say anything, "Smart people stuff, you wouldn't understand."