The Pink Haired Pirate: An Old Norse Saying

Rated: M for language, future mature themes, violence

Warnings: Spoiler alert for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

.

.

.

.

The Clannfear was sniffing something ahead. There was a faint scent of grilled meat, perhaps from a bandit camp nearby, who seemed to be smart enough to mind their own mug of mead and leave them alone. Now, the summoned creature had enough mind not to wander on its own and engage every squirrel in combat, staying close enough to his master and companion.

"You know," Sakura began. "He's kinda cute, don't you think? If you overlook the claws and fangs that could tear you apart in a blink of an eye. I'm glad we didn't have to encounter one of these in the wild, yet."

Marcurio was too preoccupied with analyzing the staff. His eyebrows furrowed, counting out the petals. "I guess so. Daedra are not really running among the mortals anymore. There have been occasions where Daedric Lords wanted to merge our world with theirs."

Sakura has been staring after the Clannfear for a while. She found his behavior rather cute... much like that of a normal mortal reptile, but more curious and less likely to pick a rock and lounge in the sun. She did pay attention to what Marcurio was saying. Sakura raised her head, turning her full focus onto him. "You're kidding... right?"

"No, I'm not kidding. I don't remember if other Daedric Lords but Molag Bal and Mehrunes Dagon wanted to also merge their planes with Mundus but... those two had the most lasting effects. For example, look to your left." He pointed out in the far distance, as they walked down the dirt path. There was forest on the left, and forest on the right, and yet they retreated more onto the left side to allow an occasional carriage pass by them.

Among the trees was a circular stone structure, with a set of stairs and lead right on top of the platform. It looked basic enough and might have been a nice place to sit down and have a break from dungeon dwelling or hiking.

"That used to be a Dark Anchor. Or a Dolmen, if you go by how it's named and described in the old books. Molag Bal used to land here gigantic machines that would vomit out Daedra, in an attempt to merge Mundus with his own dimension, Coldharbour. There have been records of the Mage Guild and Fighter Guild battling them together - a big miracle if you're asking me, for them to get along.

"There is a barrier between our world and theirs, you see. Some Daedra is strong enough to manifest here by themselves... and some are being summoned. On certain days of the year, the barrier between a realm and Mundus is weakened enough to attempt a summon much easier."

"Like the Gauntlet Holiday?" Sakura recalled reading about it in that blasted book, Boethiah's Proving. Signus briefly explained it to her.

"Yes, that's a good example." Marcurio nodded. "It's also said that people born on summoning days are supposed to have more support from the respective Daedra, but I really have to call bullshit on that."

"I don't know... I mean who knows how would we be if we were immortal creators made out of almost pure evil." Sakura grinned slightly in response. "Daedra seems so complicated... honestly. I don't even know what do they have to gain by toying with your average mortal. Even Sam... look, I've read about Boethiah before. And I have encountered Hermaeus Mora by myself. I don't understand their reason for acting so cruelly. And then comes Sam and drops me a staff after punting a few villagers in a tree after having a few drinks."

"They're a mystery. But to me... I guess they consider mortals to be an enigma as well. Look, you're a being with a set lifespan that goes through pain, loss, illness, and death. You get challenged by their games and somehow you prove that you're that one in a thousand soul that can withstand their temptations and whims, despite your life hanging by a piece of hair, just like every other human. But against all odds, you survive despite your condition and mortality. What's the first thought that comes into your mind?" He questioned her. The truth was, that he has pondered on it before. Many times.

"I guess..." she paused. "I'd be pretty puzzled too."

"Exactly. That's why they are often looking for Champions in weird, sturdy mortals. They are set apart from the common human and have something special that will make them pull through the day and their insane tasks. But other than that... Daedra can do nothing until they're summoned. The night sky is protecting Mundus so the Daedra won't invade again. That old man was a fool, but you're not in danger."

Sakura has pushed that shitty memory in the back of her mind, until earlier this day when the small Oculory miniature reminded her of the real deal. Of the book, of Hermaeus Mora, of Singus' betrayal... and how she killed him. She could still feel that slimy tentacle on her wrist, driving her hand through the old man's torso.

"I guess so. It's just... I don't know. If there's not me, he'll fool somebody else and enthrall them to their will. And who knows what kind of the third attempt of Planemelding will their bring." The last part was mostly muttered, but it was loud enough for Marcurio to hear.

"Well... I have figured out something about Sanguine's staff, though. When I summoned the Clannfear, a petal fell off. I think the number of summonings we can do is limited to the number of petals the staff has." He fiddled with one. It was obviously sturdy and impossible to pluck off, really. It'd be a shame if someone ruined the rose and the staff would become useless after a single-use. That wouldn't be a bad prank for Sanguine to pull, though.

"I see. And how do we know how many summons we can attempt? We pluck them off like little girls? 'He loves me, he loves me not'?" Sakura snickered. She could actually picture the whole thing until she was flicked on the side of her head for the second time that day.

"Hey!"

"Don't be ridiculous." Though he did smile for a bit. "Why don't you just occupy your mouth with a bergamot fruit from over there?" They passed by what seemed to be a small orchard, most likely belonging to someone from Chorrol. But it was less likely they'd be scolded for taking only fruit or two.

"Bergamot?" Sakura watched the trees curiously, stepping closer. The Clannfear was already sniffing the citrus tree, almost stepping on what seemed to be a cluster of fuzzy pink flowers. The scent made the creature sneeze. Both the fruit and the flowery herb had a similar scent, both flowery and citrus at the same time. She stretched her arm just hard enough to take a fruit.

"Yeah, bergamot. Just be careful, it's..." He watched her take a bite after cleaning it on the apron of her dress, and let out a pained mewl. He could also see a small tear in the corner of her eye. "Bitter."

It tasted like the combination of a bitter orange and a lemon. Shame, because it seemed to have a really nice aroma. She still sucked it up and ate the whole thing, in pain mostly, refusing to just drop it off. Seeing her face, the Clannfear's curiosity regarding the fruit died off. Marcurio still ate a whole bergamot, without flinching a tiny bit. He seemed to be used to the taste.

"You're... I really don't think you're human at all." Sakura sighed as she took a good swig of her water flask.

"It's not for eating, normally, but I personally don't mind. Or I just got used to it." He gave her a lazy shrug.

"You tricked me..."

"Maybe I did."

"You tricked me!"

He was tackled down, while the Clannfear watched them in confusion, soon after Tora jumped off. She didn't want to be caught in the crossfire.

"Hey, not the face!"

.

.

.

.

"You know, we should really name the Clannfear. I'm kind of tired of addressing him as 'the Clannfear' or 'Clannfear' every time I'm referring to him." Sakura commented, watching it walk ahead, sniffing the air and looking around.

"Mhm..." He was rubbing his reddening cheek. Meanwhile Sakura was drinking her fifth bottle of water in a row. They had to stop to refill for a few times too. It had seemed like a funny joke at the time. Though not that much anymore.

"Crazy woman. I don't know, how do you want to call the reptile?"

"Me? You're the one who summoned him."

The Clannfear tilted his head.

"But you're the one who insists on naming him. So, name him then." He was still tending his cheek. Needless to say, Sakura was feeling a little guilty, but not as much as she was traumatized by bitter fruits.

"Citrus?"

"That's stupid." Sakura was not quite sure if he actually thought the name was stupid or if it was his bitterness talking. Tora was shaking her head, pawing his cheek.

"Oh poor Ponytail..."

Sakura stepped over. Marcurio recoiled, distrusting her intentions when she moved to remove his hand. He couldn't help but slightly relax when his palm was replaced with her own, engulfed in a soft green aura. It was soothing and pain-relieving; it was a bit scary how her hands could both destroy and mend at the same time.

"So... should I pick a different name then...?"

Marcurio exhaled deeply. "No... it's not a bad name. Citrus it is."

Citrus ran off, and it was long until they found him with some poor guy's boot in his mouth.

.

.

.

.

A/N: Okay so. I know that the terms of 'lemon', 'lime', 'citrus' and stuff are often used to describe more NSFW scenes in fanfiction... but I couldn't help but name the chapter like that.

I know it's a much shorter chapter than usual... but honestly it's kind of easier for me to name the chapters like that. Dunno. When the situation will call for it, I will write longer chapters. The whole 'The' 'Word' naming idea is actually from that cartoon series, The Amazing World of Gumball. I kind of liked the idea of their episode naming. Sometimes it's obvious what it's referred to, sometimes not that much. Anyways.

Bergamot is both a fruit and a herb flower with a citrus scent/aroma and both are used mostly to flavor teas and other stuff. The bergamot fruit itself is too acidic to be consumed by itself - tho some can overcome the super intense taste, but Marcurio can because he's badass. Also, the fruit and the flower are two whole different plants. AND the flower can actually be found in Oblivion and is a good ingredient in Resist Disease potions.

If anything, I was researching the Dolmens found in Cyrodiil and there was one right besides the Black Road, in Great Woods aka the forest the road is passing through. Said forest is also known to be the only one of the two locations where bergamot flowers grow; the other one is near Bravil.

The bergamot trees are an add-on for me. The fruits are used in teas and oils, scented candles, bath bubbles and stuff, and maybe the guy growing them is making some profit. There was even a shop in Solitude, Angeline's Aromatics that used to sell mostly fragrant stuff, but switched to potions and poisons when the war started.

Yeah. Plus, bergamot trees are grown mostly in Italy. Other countries too, but mostly Italy.

I will come up with the next chapter shortly, hopefully less of a filler. I also hope this chapter has served some sort of lore lesson too, regarding Daedra and the event known as the Planemeld. Sakura is learning more and more about the world she lives in.

And Citrus joins the Team Avatar - I mean... well Sakura and Marcurio's team. Yeah. Well...

Cheers!