Three days passed with no incident on the road. He believed that he had made steady progress, though he truly didn't know how far he'd actually gone. After the first day, the thick forestry surrounding Falkreath began to thin, giving way to vast plains. It seemed to go on forever. Stretching endlessly into the horizon. The only clue as to life beyond the plains were small peaks of the mountains to the north, jutting above the clouds. As the days wore on, the mountain ranges in the distance did appear to be slowly getting closer, however it could have been a trick of the mind.

There didn't seem to be much in the way of life outside of Falkreath. Even the wildlife seemed to have dispersed. Percy hadn't seen so much as even a rabbit since leaving the confines of the forest. But there was a peace to the region, he decided. A tranquility that stood in stark contrast to the hectic and aggressive violence that had plagued his last week.

It was a welcome reprieve.

The peace, however, was shattered on his fourth night. He'd been curled up on his traveling cot, hidden within a small outcroppings of rocks. The darkness of the night suddenly erupted in orange waves as heat washed over him. He opened his eyes and found himself awash in orange and red. For the briefest moment, Percy's heart sank at the thought of another dragon. Bu he quickly dismissed the idea. The dragon in Helgen hadn't much to hide its appearance and there was a distinct lacking of draconic roaring.

He realized that his arm was on fire, and he calmly pat down the flames as he stood up. The area around him stank of magic, meaning that someone had likely cast a fireball directly on top of him. After a brief inspection, he was pleased to see that his armor was no worse for wear. Though the same could not be said for campsite. He swore violently as he gazed around his makeshift bedding. His pack had been caught in whatever attack had landed near him, and was in the process of burning. Dashing over, he hastened to try and douse the flames but to no avail. The pack and its contents were now little more ash and cinders. He swore again and was just about to head out of his hiding spot when he was given pause. From somewhere nearby, in the direction of the road, a scream tore through the night.

Abandoning his smoldering pack, he grabbed his weapon and shield and surged onwards into the night. The fighting was occurring maybe only a couple hundred yards away, and it was difficult to make out exactly what was going on in the darkness. He could see the outline of a carriage on the road. There appeared to be eight or nine combatants in total. Their outlines illuminated in brief bursts with every blast of fire that still arced through the sky.

In the orange hue of the flames, Percy caught sight of a strange creature. Its head was not that of a mans, or even an elf or orc. It was that of a cat. Percy had heard of the Khajiit, the cat people. They were known for their mercantile trade, and were most common in the bigger cities. It was dressed in a fine silk robe with matching trousers and well made boots. Its bright green eyes glowing brilliantly in the darkness as flames danced from the sleeves of his cloak.

The Khajiit hissed, an oddly catlike sound from a creature the size of a man. It brandished a hand at a nearby combatant, the light of the fire illuminating the long, sharp nails jutting from its fingertips. Claws. An arrow from somewhere behind the carriage found purchase in the breast of the man casting fire. The fire-wielder stumbled, his spell discharging into the mass of bodies behind him. A man a dozen yards away lit up like a woodpile, his patchy leather armor bursting into flames. He screamed, dropping to the ground as he desperately tried to put out the magical fire.

Percy's eyes narrow. He thought he understood what must have been happening. Judging by the finery of the Khajiit, and the large carriage, the cat-man must have been the owner of the caravan, and their attackers were more than likely marauders or bandits, trying for an easy score.

He scanned the scene quickly. From his understanding, Khajiit travelled in small groups. Often only three to four members at a time, and usually guarded heavily armed and armored bodyguards. It was difficult in the dark, and the shadows created by the jets of flame was casting shadows, making his task even trickier. But as he scanned through the darkness, he found two more pairs of perky cat ears. He nodded to himself, satisfied at having identified what he had decided were the only friendlies in the battle.

A snarl forming on Percy's lips, he tightened his grip on his weapon and plunged himself into the melee. A pair of bandits were locked in combat with a Khajiit in heavy plate armor and a two-handed broadsword. He had the head of a tiger and his roar was deafening as he fended off the advancing bandits. The two bandits hadn't realized that Percy was bearing down on them, but the Khajiit sure did. Its eyes widened in surprise, but then its face contorted into what Percy thought was a smirk as Percy raised his blade at the pair of bandits.

The Khajiit disengaged, darting back and away from the bandits who tried to race after it. But they didn't manage two steps before Percy was on them. His steel blade dug into the back of the first man. The man screeched in pain and collapsed against the blade. As Percy was impaling the bastard, his leg shot. It connected with the leather armor of the second man, and Percy felt his ribcage shatter. He was thrown across the field, slamming into the side of another bandit and they both collapsed to the ground.

Percy twisted the blade, then ripped it free. He turned to the Khajiit, who was eyeing him warily. "Kill these bastards!" Percy roared over the din, before taking off in the direction of another couple of bandits. The Khajiit chuckled, but darted off in the direction of its own targets.

A couple of bandits had seen Percy kill their friend, and had charged after him in a rage. Percy parried the blow of the first man, throwing him to the side. The second man swung wildly and Percy ducked under the attack, dragging his sword across the man's middle. The bandit's stomach split, his intestines spilling over the ground as he collapsed in a howl. Percy spun back to the first man, blocking the incoming blow with his shield.

Deflecting the attack, Percy outstepped the man and brought his shield down on the man. The edge of the shield slammed into the man's temple, caving in the side of his head. He crumpled to the ground, and Percy finished the man off by thrusting his sword into the man's throat. Someone howled behind him, a high-pitched screeching noise that was painfully catlike. Percy turned, seeing a mass on the ground. One of the bandits had tackled an unarmored Khajiit that had the spotted appearance of a jaguar, and had stabbed it in the eye with an iron dagger. Rage overwhelmed him, and Percy shot forward. He collided bodily with the bandit, throwing the bandit off of the Khajiit as the pair toppled to the ground. Percy's fist slammed into the man's forehead which collapsed under the blow. His face dissolving into little more than a mess of bone and brain matter. Breathing heavily in rage, Percy got back to his feet.

Silence washed over the road. In the aftermath of the battle, it was disconcerting. Percy could only hear the sound of his own blood pumping in his ears. Then, a masculine voice spoke in the dark.

"This one has found a torch, one moment." There was a sound of fumbling in the dark, before a familiar orange glow illuminated the cat-like creature. With the battle over, Percy could finally make out the creature's odd appearance. It really did appear as though a house-cat had grown to the size of a man. He, for Percy believe him to be male, had brown fur and bright green eyes. It appeared as though a sizable chunk of his left ear had been torn off some time ago, as the mangled flesh twitched violently side to side as he inspected Percy.

He approached cautiously, but Percy ignored him for the moment, as the silence was broken by the stifled screaming of the downed Khajiit. Fishing through the pouch at his hip. He pulled a healing potion free and dropped to a knee beside the shaking creature. Percy didn't think that the potion would be able to do anything about the eye, but hopefully the potion would do something for the pain. An arm latched onto his, just as he was about to pour the content into the Khajiit's mouth. Percy turned and met the bright green eyes of the tiger-like Khajiit he'd helped earlier.

"Don't," the creature growled. It had a deep, masculine voice with the hint of an accent. Percy jerked his arm free and glared at the man.

"You want her to bleed out and suffer? Or you want me to help?"

The Khajiit stared at Percy for a moment, before his eyes darted down at the writhing creature on the ground. His massive nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply, then he released his grip. Percy turned his attention to the downed woman and poured the contents down her throat. The creature coughed and gagged. Shuddering softly for a moment, the potion began to take effect as an ethereal glow emanated around the woman, before her breathing steadied.

Grunting, Percy got back to his feet, tossing the bottle away into the grass. The armored Khajiit padded over and picked up the downed female, cradling her gently in his arms before carrying her off to the carriage. Percy watched them go, before he turned his attention to the torch-wielding Khajiit. It seemed to be the one in charge if its robes were anything to go by.

"This one believes we owe you thanks, friend." The creature said. His voice was also masculine, though it had an edge of refinement that the other Khajiit lacked. His manner of speech was a little…odd, but it was nothing so unusual that it threw him off. "Might Sarazi have your name?"

"Percy," he said after a moment's hesitation. "Percy Jackson."

"Percy Jackson," he said with a small bow. "Well, please allow this one to offer you thanks once more." A fourth Khajiit appeared from the other side of the wagon, dressed in simple traveling leathers and similar in appearance to Sarazi.

Sarazi gestured at the armored tiger who had returned and had taken a position beside him, "This is Ra'zyam, Sarazi's companion and personal guard. That," he pointed at the other standing companion, "Is Ma'randru-jo. One of Sarazi's companions and a fellow merchant. And the Khajiit you saved," He gestured back in the direction of carriage. "Is Kurshara-Daro, thank you for your intervention." he glanced around for a moment, before looking back at Ra'zyam, "Has Ra'zyam seen Dro'Zakar?" He asked. The larger feline shook his head, but then a small and squeaky meow emanated from the underside of the carriage. From the darkness, a small creature emerged. As far as Khajiit were concerned, this one was the most feline in appearance. In fact, Percy was almost certain that it was, in fact, a simple house cat. Its dark black fur looked matted and filthy, likely from hiding beneath the carriage, and it had strange white speckles, almost like stars, dotting its face.

"Ah, there you Dro'Zakar," said Sarazi. "Come, be meeting our newest friend," he gestured between the cat and Percy. Uncertain how to proceed, Percy simply met the small creature's gaze and nodded his head, before adding cautiously,

"It's…nice to meet you."

The cat stared unblinkingly at Percy for a moment, before turning and hopping up into the cart.

Sarazi chuckled, turning back to Percy. "Pay Dro'Zakar no mind, Percy Jackson. He is simply displeased to be so far from home." Then, he bowed once more, "Please, allow this one to once more give thanks. Sarazi hates to think what might have happened to his friends had you not intervened."

"Wasn't about to stand by and let them attack you like that," Percy frowned. "Everyone all right?"

Sarazi glanced around the remaining members of the caravan. He nodded in satisfaction, "It appears the rest of the Khajiit are unharmed." He dipped his head, "What brings you along this path, traveler."

"I'm making my way to Solitude," said Percy.

Sarazi eyed him for a moment, "That is quite the considerable distance to travel by one's lonesome."

Percy shifted, "Yeah well…" he began carefully, scratching behind his ear, "I tried to catch a carriage in Falkreath, but it had already gone. Didn't have much of a choice in the matter."

"A pity," murmured Sarazi, "That our paths could not have crossed sooner. For the Khajiit had departed from that saddening city not three days ago. Perhaps if the Khajiit had met Percy Jackson sooner, such sadness might not have occurred."

Percy blinked slowly. Unsure of quite how to respond to that.

"I…guess so."

"Might this one ask a…personal question?" Asked Sarazi.

"Depends on the question," said Percy warily.

"You are Imperial, yes?"

Percy hesitated, then nodded. He knew that his features made him look more Imperial than Nord, so he might as well just play along.

"This one is curious as to why you would aid in the vanquishing of those fiends."

Percy furrowed his brow. "It was the right thing to do," he said, confusion lacing his tone. Then, after a momentary pause, he added, "And one of those stray fireballs destroyed part of my camp." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Destroyed the last of my supplies too," he grumbled. Though he said it more to himself than to Sarazi. The Khajiit's ears drooped somewhat at the news.

"This one apologizes for the inconvenience," he said, "It would please Sarazi if you would allow him to replace what was lost."

Percy immediately shook his head. "Absolutely not," he said sharply, "You were just attacked. You hardly asked for it, and it's not your fault. You don't owe me anything. If I'm going to get provisions from you, I'll pay for them."

Sarazi stared at him for a moment, before chuckling. "Forgive this one for saying so, but you are a strange man."

Percy cocked a brow, "What do you mean?"

"This one has had previous interactions with your kin," said Sarazi, "They…likely would not have wanted to help this one. The Khajiit and the Imperials do not have the kindest relationship."

Percy could read between the lines on that one. It seemed prejudice existed regardless of the world.

"Well, I'm sorry on behalf of them," said Percy with a small dip of his head and Sarazi chuckled again.

"A strange one, indeed." He eyed Percy for a moment,

He gazed at Percy for a moment, his head tilting in thought. He seemed to come to some decision as he grinned toothily.

"Might this one…inquire something, new friend?"

Percy nodded hesitantly.

"Sarazi believes that he has a proposition that would be…mutually beneficial to the pair of us." His smile widened, and Percy nodded at the feline to continue.

"The roads of Skyrim have grown more tumultuous in recent times. Even under the protective eyes of Jode and Jone, the Khajiit feel far from safe. This one has been making a circuit of the Western cities of this great land. From the hallowed walls of the Dragon City of Whiterun, to the ancient and historic city of Markarth, and to the beautiful capital of Solitude." Sarazi punctuated his speech with sweeping gestures in the direction of the cities. His movements were fluid and smooth, and Percy found himself feeling at ease around the man. He had a way of speaking that was simply comforting.

"However the roads are wrought with danger, and this one is now aware that the preventative measures he has taken will not keep enough to keep him and his companions safe." He glanced over Ra'zyam who bowed his head in shame. "It is not Ra'zyam fault. Against nine terrible adversaries, he fought with honor and bravery, and this one could not ask for better companionship." The Khajiit ducked his head at the silver-tongued praise. Sarazi smiled warmly and turned to Percy.

"Sarazi would like to offer you a place amongst us. As Sarazi said, it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. This one would gain a powerful and capable warrior, and in exchange for traveling with us, you would be fed and would no longer be forced to wander the wilds unaccompanied." He ended his speech with a deep, meaningful bow.

Percy considered the Khajiit. It was a tempting offer. A very tempting one. Just the idea of not having to worry about hunting for his dinner, now that his provisions were little more than ash was well worth it. But truth be told, he was growing sick of traveling alone. It seemed that every minute he was in Skyrim, he ran into something that was more dangerous or murderous than before. In the end, it was hardly a debate. He had, after all, been hoping to catch carriage anyways.

"We'd stop in Markarth first?" He asked, and Sarazi nodded.

"The Khajiit would stay there for a couple of days before making their way to Solitude." Percy hummed in thought. He supposed there was no real rush in getting to Solitude. Tullius likely wasn't going anywhere any time soon.

Percy smiled, and extended a hand. Sarazi matched the expression happily, and gripped his hand.

"Welcome aboard, friend."

AN: Thanks again to my boy IDK for being a walking goddamn encyclopedia of knowledge and helping me with his brilliant idea. He's the man and you should check out his stuff 'cause they're all bangers. As always, thanks to my boy Double for being the best Beta of all time. Hit up the link in my bio to join the Emerald Library where I hang out with some of the best authors out there. Thanks again for all the love and support, and I'll see you soon.

Love,

LilDB