CatDance #3

When finally the Khajiit and the Bard returned, somewhat disheveled but laughing, Ubergard looked up with a smile. “A new position?” she surmised.

Mikael smiled mischievously at Ubergard. “Every time I learn something new. Tonight, I got a very up-close and personal examination of the exact spot where the Khajiit tail meets the Khajiit butt.”

Kitty added, “and what precisely happens when you scratch it there!”

Ubergard, long used to such sexual details by now since living with Kitty and even moreso with Red, just smiled and nodded, as if she had a clue about what they meant.

“Well, let’s be going back to the castle, Uber. Mikael, if I don’t see you before then, I’ll see you in a week!”

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“Goodbye Kitty,” he said, giving her a big hug. “Goodbye Uber,” he said, making sure to give her an even bigger hug to match her stature.

“You know, you really don’t have to do that every time, Mikael,” Ubergard said, noting the scent of female Khajiit all over him and finding it somehow reassuring.

“Oh, it’s just a hug Uber. Besides, every time I see you I can’t resist shoving my face in there!”

Ubergard smiled, knowing full well there was a bit of truth to that. He was male after all. “Goodbye Mikael. See you in a few days.”

“I’m already looking forward to it!”

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With that, the two left the tavern and began the walk back to Kitty’s castle.

“Say, did Mikael ever tell you what that ‘proposal’ business was all about?”

“No, now that you mention it. Why?” Kitty turned up to look at Ubergard.

“No matter, I’m sure he’ll tell us when we’re on our way.”

“Think Red is back yet?”

“Not likely. She usually doesn’t get back till daybreak…”

Kitty nodded, smiling. “…and then sleeps all day!”

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“She sure has been in a good mood though since she started seeing the Jarl again. Kitty, I really think she will move out eventually. Have you considered taking on more help around the castle?”

Kitty nodded agreement. “Yeah, it’s probably just a matter of time now that things are going well for her. Someone from the Tails do you think? Maybe Cheetah and Udaran?”

“Probably. We know them best, and you wouldn’t want to invite someone that you later find you don’t get along with. I’m sure H wouldn’t mind a couple less mouths to feed and they could easily still work there.”

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“Think they’d be interested?”

“Only one way to know for sure. You certainly have space for them. But I’m also thinking we could use someone else to help me with security too.”

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“Oh? Who do you have in mind?”

“K’rris would be my choice. He seems to be capable and is comfortable with females obviously. Assuming H would part with him and that you don’t mind a male living in the castle with us of course.”

“I’d run it by Udaran first, but if she’s ok with it, he always seemed like a pretty level-headed sort. For a male.”

“Maybe we should drop by tomorrow and talk to H?”

Kitty nodded, brightening up as they climbed the outer stairs. “It would be great to have more people here. And I can’t see Red having any problem with it. In fact, if they move in soon she may not need to lean on the Jarl while we’re gone. I’m sure she’d prefer that.”

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“So… um… do you suppose…” Kitty stammered.

“Feeling lonely already?”

“Kinda. It comes and goes, but I would appreciate having someone to stay with me tonight. It feels emptier without Red.”

Ubergard nodded and followed Kitty to her room.

“I’m sorry Uber. I can’t help it. I just feel so much better with someone beside me.”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I do too. You really don’t need to apologize.”

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Kitty was surprised at this uncharacteristically vulnerable side of Ubergard. “You? Honestly?”

“Oh, sure. Once I get comfortable with someone like you and Red, I’m really not all that much different than you two you know.”

Kitty nodded as she put her outfit away and changed into her nightgown.

“Well thank you Ubergard. But… one thing.”

The big Argonian looked down at her curiously. “Yes?”

“That armor. I know you don’t like to take it off. But those shoulder guards. They’re pretty hard and pointy.”

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Ubergard laughed, “Oh,
now you get picky! No problem. I’ve got a bikini I can use as nightwear. Sorry but I’m not Udaran after all. I can’t sleep in the nude.”

“Awww,” Kitty feigned disappointment. “And you have such nice pillows too!”

Ubergard looked down at herself. “Why thank you for noticing! Yes. Yes, I do!”

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It was when Ubergard returned wearing a reptilian bikini that Kitty realized she had only ever seen the giantess in her full armor or stark naked. “Looks nice on you Ubergard! No offense at all, but since you and Muz-Ra shed your last skin, your scales are really beautiful!”

Ubergard just smiled in answer and got into her side of the bed.

“Goodnight Ubergard. And thanks again.”

“It’s truly my pleasure. Goodnight.”

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Kitty was soon snoozing lightly while Ubergard watched her breathe. Almost reflexively she stroked the Khajiit’s fur lightly and felt the warm body shift and wriggle a bit closer.

Closing her eyes, Ubergard considered her feelings. Not for the first time, she wondered if her own repressed sexuality was more drawn to the feminine or the masculine. She really wasn’t at all sure.

She certainly had her own needs and desires, but they tended to be… unspecific when it came to details. Her youth, though not yet gone, was certainly passing. Yet her most passionate desire was to protect those she cared about, not to ravish them herself.

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“Well, someday I’ll figure it out I guess.” she finally thought to herself. “For now, this is nice. But tomorrow I’m going to work out harder. This line of thought is too distracting.”

With that thought, she enfolded her Khajiit friend in her arms and fell to sleep herself, her last thoughts being,“This is what I am. I’m a natural guard. I protect.“

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Sabhira’s Daughter #34

“So this is Markarth.  Impressive,” Kitty said as they walked the steps up to the main gate of the city.

“They do love their stone!” Muz-Ra agreed.

“Have you been here before Uber?” Udaran asked.

The big Argonian shook her head, “No.  Though I have heard stories.  They say they sleep on stone beds here.”

“That’s just a myth I’m sure.”

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“My pads are killing me.  A stone slab sounds pretty good to me right now!” said Kitty, groaning slightly.

“Unfortunately we can’t rest just yet Kitty.  We’ve got to get some civilian clothes first, right?” Muz-Ra reminded her.

Udaran agreed, “She’s right Kitty.  It’s too bad we didn’t come across any merchants on the way, but I do think we should change as soon as possible.”

Then, stepping up to the guard, she purred in supplication, “Sir, I’m afraid we’re new to your great city.  We are in need of a merchant.  Can you advise us where we might find one?”

The guard removed his helmet and smiled at her, looking her up and down appreciatively.  "You’ll want Arnleif’s.  Just stay to your right as you enter, you can’t miss it.“

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"And, there’s no restrictions for Khajiit and Argonians here?” she added hopefully.

“Naa, not for you.  You’re welcome anywhere in the city – but do change out of your working clothes.  Some people might object.”

“That’s just what we’re looking for.  Thank you sir!” Udaran smiled her sweetest smile, trying not to reveal too much fang.

Kitty noticed the guard’s eyes widen somewhat as Ubergard passed him before he donned his helmet again.

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“Hello Ma’am.  Are you Arnleif?  We have need of some more… standard shall we say… clothing,” Udaran said in her sulkiest Nord voice.

“No cat, and you can turn off the heat.  I’m not into your kind. I am Lisbet, the owner of Arnleif.  He was my husband.”

“Oh,” Udaran said, reverting to her normal accent, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Spare me.  And this better not be on credit.  Ash still hasn’t paid me from her last visit!”

“Ash?  Oh no, we have coin.” Udaran said, revealing a small coin purse.

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“Oh! I’m sorry.  You’re not from the Cathouse?” Lisbet lightened up considerably at the sight of the purse.

“The Cathouse?” Udaran asked, suddenly more interested.

“Yes, I’m sorry – it’s your clothes.  The only Khajiit around here that dress like that are from there.  Please forgive me.  Here, Imed will show you our clothing line.  Though I’m afraid we’ll have nothing that will fit your tall friend here.”

“Kitty, would you mind checking out the clothes with Imed?  I’d like to hear more about this Cathouse.”

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Kitty chose what she considered to be conservative clothes and one with somewhat more elegant for Udaran as their leader, before returning to the counter where Udaran was speaking.

“I do thank you Lisbet.  I will call on lady Ashasha at the Cathouse in the morning.”

“That may be a bit too soon I’m afraid.  They don’t open till after dark.” Lisbet warned, adding “…or so I hear.”

Udaran smiled, “Oh, we’re not patrons OR prospective employees.  We’re just looking for someone who may be there.”

“Uh huh.” Lisbet didn’t sound convinced, but brightened as the purse was opened.  

“Will that do?  And do you mind if we change in here?” Udaran asked, leaving an abundant supply of gold on the table top.

“Oh yes!  Thank you!  Do come back again if you find yourself in need of anything.  And good luck with Ashasha tomorrow.  As for the inn, The Silver-Blood Inn is just across the road back towards the entrance.”

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A few minute later found the group standing in front of the main Markarth Inn.

“Well THAT was lucky!  And it certainly sounds like the brothel we’re looking for,” Kitty said happily.

“Definitely. There CAN’T be more than one around here.  Where is it Udie?” asked Muz-Ra.

“She gave me some directions.  It’s not in Markarth proper, but it’s not far outside, just across the river.  Now let’s go get a room and let me get out of this BLANKET!”

“Really!  How Nords survive inside these clothes is beyond me.  Can’t feel a WISP of air!” Muz-Ra observed.

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“So, good sir,” Udaran said to the bartender/manager of the Silver-Blood Inn, “No rooms at all for a few weary travellers?”

“Kleppr, miss.  Please call me Kleppr.  No, I’m sorry, but all our rooms are taken this night.  It’s those damned Forsaken.  Everyone within miles comes into Markarth to avoid them at night. Unless you would consider sleeping out here for the night?”

“Oh, I don’t think that would be wise Mr. Kleppr,” Udaran purred, “You see, I can’t sleep in clothing at all and I fear the sight of my naked, exposed body would offend your guests.”

Kleppr raised an eyebrow at that.  "Oh, well… hmm… Maybe there’s something I could do for you…“

Udaran plopped a fat bag of coins on the counter, "and for my friends too of course.”

“Of course.  We’ve a nice room just up the stairs.  Our cook and houseboy stay there, but they can sleep out here tonight.  However, er… I’ll need to drop in from time to time during the evening to get the food.”

“Oh, that would be JUST fine Mr. Kleppr!  I’m sure a man of your dignity wouldn’t disturb four sleeping females under your roof.  I just hope my lack of nocturnal dress doesn’t disturb you too much.”

“Yeah, um… I mean no!  Right this way.

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After a somewhat disrespectful scene in which Kleppr evicted his employees from their room unceremoniously, the four were finally left alone.

"Oh my god, I didn’t know how sore my pads were until I took my weight off them!” Udaran sighed.

“Red?  Are you sleeping Au Naturel too?” Kitty asked, rubbing her own feet.

“Well, you got me thinking Udie.  I think I’ll leave my bikini off for tonight.”

“Oh? Don’t relish the thought of some mystic eyes watching you Red?”

“In fact, no.  I don’t.  Kitty?  Aren’t you sleeping with me or Udie tonight?”

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“Not tonight.  Besides, the fire feels awfully good.”

“Well, you’re not missing much sleeping on the floor I have to say.  Too bad it wasn’t a myth eh Udie?”

“I’ll say!  But at least it’s warm in here.  Goodnight everyone.  With luck, we’ll be on our way back home tomorrow.”

Kitty noticed that during the night, Kleppr only sneaked inside a few times to take a peek.  Lecher he may be, but he was a harmless lecher – which was well for him since Ubergard was not snoring.

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Sabhira’s Daughter #9

Later, Mikael and Kitty left the inn to take a late night stroll. image
“Thanks for spending time with me Mikael,” Kitty purred happily, “You HAVE made tonight very special.”

“Oh, that’s my pleasure Kitty.  You’re a great dancer you know!  I think between my music and your dancing, we really put on a show for the patrons!”

“Yeah! I even have a few extra gold coins they handed me!” Kitty enthused.

They continued in silence for a while.

“Mikael, I have to ask you something…” Kitty said hesitantly.

“Sure Kitty, anything,” Mikael offered.

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“Why did you do it?  Why did you spend time with me tonight?  There were other females there – no doubt prettier than me to Nord eyes.”

Mikael remained silent for a time, considering.

“Because you needed it more.  At least, that’s what I saw. You know what they really teach at the Bard’s college?  How to read people.  The music, the singing, the storytelling – those are the tools we use.  But the talent is in understanding others.  You are lonely.  And you have a lot of guilt about something,” Mikael explained.

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Kitty considered this a bit, then admitted, “You’re good at your craft.”

“Oh, I know!  I’m slick.  I’m clever.  But I also SEE people.  And I do help when I can.”

To this, Kitty asked, “But I’m NOT people.  Not your people anyway.  Why do you care?”

“Oh.  Now you’re talking about the body.  You’ve just changed the subject completely.  Here, sit down here a minute please,” Mikael said as he lifted her by her waist to a low wall.

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“You know Kitty,” started the Bard, “You have beautiful fur.  I don’t.  You have a gorgeous tail.  I don’t.  And it’s NOT true those differences don’t matter, because they do!” – Mikael
“But you also have curves I don’t have.  And sure, I have things you don’t have.  Even if you were Nord, we’d still be different.  That’s just the way we were made, not who we are.  Who we are is inside here.”

Pointing to his head, Mikael added, “…and inside here, we are the same.”

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“But I’ve heard the way some Nords talk Mikael.  To be attracted to a Khajiit, you’d be accused of bestiality!” argued Kitty

“That’s because they think the outside marks a beast.  When it’s what’s inside that marks a beast.  There are members of this town – 100% Nord stock – that, were I attracted to them, would truly make me guilty of bestiality,” Mikael smiled.

“You have a unique view, Mikael, and I thank you for it. I can’t really say Khajiit are much better.

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"Oh, you’re welcome Kitty.  And sure, I’m unusual in that I see beauty in the Khajiit form as well as Argonian, Nord, even Orc.  And I’m guilty of being male in how I express that appreciation.  But I also can rise above that and see the person inside, which is where something beyond lust resides.”

“You’re… quite deep.  If I were a Nord I’d be blushing right now.”

“But you’re not.  However, I do notice a perceptible bushiness of your tail!”

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Changing the subject, Mikael said, “Look, it’s getting late and I know you have to be off in the morning.  Let’s go back to the inn.  It’s been a beautiful night, and I thank you for your company at LEAST as much as you do mine.”

“Udaran warned me about you, Bard.  She said you were very smooth.  Yet you’re returning me without so much as a grope or accidental squeeze!  I guess she was wrong about you,” Kitty smiled.

“Don’t tell her otherwise!” laughed Mikael, “I have a reputation to protect! …but really, she’s not wrong you know. Being honest is the smoothest trick of all.”

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“Mikael…” said Kitty quietly.

“Yes?”

“Come back here,” Kitty requested gently.

And the time for talking was over.

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