Sabhira’s Daugher #35 pt 1

Kitty and the others stepped out of the main Markarth gates after a leisurely breakfast provided by Kleppr free of charge. However, as Udaran pointed out, this might have been expected given the exorbitant amount she had paid for a single night’s stay on essentially a polished rock bed. Still, the breakfast was good and they didn’t want to arrive at their destination TOO early given the Cathouse’s late-night hours of operation.
The mood was quiet among them. Kitty noticed that even Muz-Ra’s attitude was subdued, having made only a single crude comment concerning the breakfast sausage. In no time they had arrived at the building. Udaran pointed to a sign over near the door which read, “Only weapon allowed is that between your legs. If you bring more, you will lose them both.” While humorous, Kitty was none too sure that it was entirely in jest. Skyrim was, after all, quite a lawless and violent land. Sill, it did help to lighten the apprehensiveness.
“What do you think Ubergard? Do you want to stay out here, or risk your blade to the local security?” asked Udaran. “I’ll remain out here. Just yell if you need me. I doubt there’s anything to worry about here.” “I agree. Well Kitty, Red, I guess this is it.” “Good luck Udie,” Muz-Ra said, “But don’t be too disappointed if she’s not here.” “Thanks,” replied Udaran, and then knocked on the door.
It took a few tries before a bleary-eyed male Khajiit came out to meet them, closing the door behind him. “Yes? What is it? We won’t be open for hours yet,” he stated with some annoyance. Then, as if reappraising them, he added, “Or perhaps you’re applying for a position?”
“No sir, we need to speak with the owner, Lady Ashasha. We need to talk to her about a matter of some importance, and we’re prepared to pay handsomely for any information she can provide,” Udaran said, and then shook a pocket that clinked with the unmistakable sound of coins. His eyes brightened at that. "Well, you DO know how to make an introduction lady! I’m K’rris, one of Lady Ashasha’s guards. Please forgive the rude introduction. We’re really a pretty friendly lot, just not morning people. Can I tell her who is asking for her?“
"Call me Lady Udaran. I doubt she would know me, we’ve never met. But I… WE have come a long way to speak with her. I assure you we mean no harm. Our guard here, Ubergard, will wait outside.” “Udaran? THE Udaran? From the Tails?!” the Khajiit’s eyes grew large. “Oh! You know my work? I didn’t expect anyone would know me this far from Whiterun. Then perhaps you know Red, Kitty and Ubergard too?” “Sorry, I don’t go much for Scalies. And I don’t recognize Kitty I’m afraid,” he said, nodding in greeting. "I don’t get the Tails often, just occasionally a friend will loan me a copy. I’m awfully glad to meet you Lady Udaran!“
"That explains it. Kitty’s pretty new. She’s only been in a couple of issues.” “Well, wait a moment, I’ll be right back!” With that, the guard retreated back inside the Cathouse. “Who’d have guessed, Tails readers way out here?” Udaran remarked. “But only the Khajiit issues,” snorted Muz-Ra in mock indignation, to which even Ubergard had to laugh.
The door opened again and K’rris emerged, once again closing the door behind him. That, Kitty realized, was not a good sign.

Sabhira’s Daughter #32

Kitty rose early and slipped out back without waking the others, though Ubergard’s unblinking eyes followed her. In fact, Kitty was not convinced that the Argonian was awake, but she didn’t feel the need to find out. After her needs were met on her way back to the cabin, she noticed a dark shape far away down the hill but moving rapidly in her direction. She knew undoubtedly that it was FarSeer in his altered form, but as the distance was closed and she knew he was coming to meet her, she trembled involuntarily.
Finally, as it turned the last corner and approached her, she could see it’s form only too clearly. Though every nerve and instinct told her to flee, she decided she must trust in his words. Inside that thing, her friend was looking at her. For his sake she would trust him. But when he came within reach, her will gave out and she fell to her knees, looking away from him.
“I’m so sorry FarSeer… It’s too much. I trust you, but I can’t handle this. It’s my fault, not yours. I’m sorry.” She felt a claw her brush shoulder as if in consolation, but at her involuntary shudder, it moved away. With a rustle, it was gone.
Kitty sat there for some time before gathering her courage and heading back into the cabin. If Ubergard was awake, she remained silent and Kitty lay back down. Her sobbing caused Udaran to wake.
“What is it Kitty?” she asked quietly. "What’s wrong?“ Kitty looked to her friend and snuggled closer. "It’s nothing,” she lied. "Bad dream.“ "I can’t say I’m surprised with all the talk of werewolves last night. But calm down, it was just a dream.”
“Dream? Did Kitty have a bad dream?” Muz-Ra asked as she rubbed her eyes. “Yes, but it’ll be ok,” Udaran answered her. With that they began to dress and gather their things for an early start. “Oh, are you awake in there?” said a familiar voice from outside a little later. "I’ve got a breakfast ready for you if you’ve time before you have to go.“ "Breakfast? Of COURSE! Thank you again!” Muz-Ra replied happily as they all rose to leave the cabin.
“It’s a long walk, but if you stick to the course I’ve given Ubergard, you should get to Markarth tonight. I’ll walk you back to the road,” FarSeer answered after they had eaten. “That’s great. You’ve been a big help to us FarSeer. Better than we could hope. We all really appreciate it,” Udaran thanked him as she gathered her belongings. “And thanks for the dried venison too – it’ll come in handy on the road,” Muz-Ra agreed. FarSeer looked to Kitty, who hadn’t said anything throughout breakfast and was obviously avoiding FarSeer’s gaze. While it was obvious something had changed in her, the others knew better than to bring it up.
A few minutes later, they had walked the path back to the road and were ready to continue towards Markarth. “Well, thank you for staying with me. Will you be coming this way on your return?” FarSeer asked Udaran. “From the explanation Ubergard’s given me, I understand that this would out of the way. The main path from Markarth to Whiterun goes north of the lake. Though your hospitality is appreciated, I think we’re all getting a bit tired of the road life. Probably not.”
“I understand. Well, until whenever we meet again, fare well. Oh! I forgot to mention it. You won’t have any problem with that wolf pack anymore.” “You’ve killed them?” Udaran looked up at the Argonian. “Not all, but the pack is greatly reduced. They wouldn’t attack anyone on the road again. At least until their pack increases again. I’m a pretty good manager of the resources around here, but I had let them get too numerous. They’d gotten bold. They are not anymore.” “And it’s appreciated, for other travelers as well I’m sure. Good luck FarSeer. Perhaps we’ll meet again.” “Perhaps. Goodbye, and be safe… Goodbye Kitty. I’ll remember you fondly,” FarSeer said and turned back to his cabin. Kitty did not respond but gave him a sad look.
With that, the four turned toward the north following the western edge of the lake back up to the main road between Markarth and Whiterun. There they turned westward into the more mountainous land approaching the city of stone. Conversation was spare as both Ubergard and Kitty seemed to be lost in their thoughts, or just preferring to let their mind wander during the monotonous trudge of the journey.

Sabhira’s Daughter #28

Kitty heard some rustling below her and perceived that the wolf had apparently left, and then a few more minutes before an obviously Argonian voice spoke from below. “Hello lady Khajiit. What are you doing up there?” “What? Oh! Hi, I’m kind of stuck up here. A wolf chased me up and I can’t get down.” “Well, the wolf is gone now. You’ve left a nice cloak and boots down here too you know. Were I inclined, I might be tempted to steal them!” “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t. I’ve got friends nearby you know,” Kitty added.
“Friends eh? It seems they’re not close enough to help you down though. I could do that for you, if you’d like.” Kitty thought about that for a second. She had no idea who this was below. She wasn’t even sure that he was alone. But she was pretty much helpless anyway. If he had any evil intent, he could easily shoot her down or probably come up and get her anyway. “I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage. I’m blind up here, and I don’t even know your name!”
“I’m called FarSeer. Nothing mystical, I just have good sight. Which is helpful in this case as I saw you being chased a while ago. But you sure didn’t seem to be blind then.” “Well, it’s nice to meet you FarSeer. I hope. No, it’s a temporary condition. It will clear up in a while.” “Interesting. As is those clothes you’re wearing. I’m awfully curious to know why a Khajiit, dressed like that, found herself chased up a tree by a wolf out in the wilds of Skyrim. I know I’m a stranger to you, but I’m fairly well known around this area. I live in a cabin not far from here. Just one of those random hunters that keep to themselves in the wilds I’m afraid. If you’d rather, I’ll leave you be. I understand your predicament and won’t hold it against you if you’d prefer me to go. But you know it’s getting late. Wolves and worse may be back after dark. I’d advise you to accept my hospitality, at least till your condition clears up.”
Kitty realized that what he said was true. Walking down a trail with Ubergard and the otheres around her was one thing, but now she was alone, blind and weaponless. She made up her mind, having really little choice. “Ok, FarSeer. I’m going to try and come down. But I’m afraid I’m much better climbing UP than down. You might want to watch out for falling cats.” “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m pretty strong. I’ll catch you if you do.” “Um… how high up am I? I can’t really tell.” “High enough. Do take care. If you fell from there it would be… troublesome. I’ll tell you where the lower branches are for a foothold. That should help.”
“That’s it. You’re doing fine.”
The process was tedious, but she ALMOST made it before a branch gave way unexpectedly. She let out a shriek but the time she spent in the air was mercifully short before she slammed heavily onto something scaly but yielding. FarSeer let out an unexpectedly high-pitched howl of his own as the impact knocked him to the ground as well.
“Oh! I’m VERY sorry FarSeer!” Kitty apologized, sitting up rapidly. “Nmph frovlm ldy. Bt pls mve. Yr sttng on m fce,” came the muffled reply.
Kitty took a second to work out the garbled words before she yelped and leapt clear. “Oh my god! I’m SO sorry. Did I hurt you?” Now clear of her weight, the Argonian sat up and replied, “My muzzle, no. My genitalia… I’ll just have to walk delicately for a while.” Kitty felt the fur of her tail bristling, and hoped her new acquaintance didn’t notice her Khajiit-ish blush. “Now how can a female dressed like that be embarrassed? Which reminds me, what is YOUR name lady?”
“Call me Kitty, FarSeer. I’m so sorry!” Standing, the Argonian took her hand. "Happy to meet you Kitty. Now if you’ll walk with me, perhaps we can find these friends of yours? If you didn’t just say that to warn me off that is.“ "Oh no! They’re back around the trail somewhere, a bit farther east – or at least that’s where they were when I left them.” “I THOUGHT you surely weren’t alone. Well, Kitty, I’ll take you back there and meet your friends.”
“Thank you FarSeer. You’re awfully kind to strangers you know.” “Not all, but your predicament raised my protective nature. And your clothing, other parts. Before they were so rudely introduced!” laughed the Argonian. Kitty laughed along with him as they walked back, and explained where she was from as she waited for her blindness to clear up – taking care not to reveal TOO much of their current mission. FarSeer might be helping her, but she still knew nothing about him really.

Sabhira’s Daughter #27

A few minutes passed before Udaran spoke up, “I don’t see or hear anything. Uber?” “Nothing here either, but something’s out there.”
Kitty sighed and admitted, “Sounds like Scout work to me.” “Be careful Kitty. Just go far enough to see what it is and come back,” said Udaran as Kitty once more donned her invisibility cloak. “I’m really starting to hate this thing,” Kitty thought as she raised the hood.
With that, Kitty headed back to the trail, it’s hard packed earth and stone offering a quieter approach. Stealthily she crept farther down the trail, stopping to listen every few paces, then continuing on when nothing presented itself.
Soon she was out of sight of where the others waited, and before long out of earshot as well. She considered turning back but decided to continue on since she had as of yet seen nothing unusual.
Then she saw them. Three lean wolves emerging onto the trail in front of her from the grass. She immediately dropped into a crouch, and at the same time she realized two facts.
First, the slight breeze was at her back carrying her sent towards the pack. Second, they were crouched facing her direction and were slinking towards her. Then she heard a sound from behind her. She turned back but froze when she saw two more wolves directly behind her and looking her way. While she may be invisible, their sense of smell was obviously indicating her presence nearby. And they were blocking her retreat.
Panic began to assert itself in her rapid shallow breath and she saw many sets of ears twitch just before they all bolted directly at her. Had she stood still, perhaps they would have stopped short when they could see no prey, but every instinct was dead set against that course and she bolted off the trail in the direction of the lake. “WOLVES!” she cried as loud as she could, trying to at least alert the others.
That, of course, gave the wolves a definite quarry and like dogs chasing an unseen fox, they were fully in the chase. Her feline instincts dropped her to all fours, trying to gain the few seconds she needed and, save for one particularly fast wolf, she left the others behind as she raced toward a large tree.
It took a few minutes before she managed to stop shaking and regain some sort of composure. Though she couldn’t see anything, she could hear the wolf below and she could do nothing but hold on and hope she was far enough up already. Her position was precarious, so she did the only thing she could think of. “HELP! UBERGARD! MUZ-RA! I’M HERE! UDARAN! I’M STUCK UP IN A TREE! CAN YOU HEAR ME?” Kitty screamed at the top of her lungs. However, no reply came and she realized she had gone too far from the trail.

Sabhira’s Daughter #24

“Ok, so where was I when I was telling my story?” Muz-Ra asked as they began to walk. “You’d just climbed to the top of the tower and the Master and Mistress were gone,” Kitty recalled eagerly. “Oh yes, I remember…” Muz-Ra said as she continued her tale.
“At the top of the tower there was a stairway to the roof. When I emerged, I saw a machine of sorts, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. It was a mass of lenses and gears as best I can describe it, slowly moving and gyrating on different axis in complex arcs. Yet in the center was a larger lens of different character. It was this that beckoned to me as if it wanted me to step upon it. I can’t really explain how I knew this, but it was the same imperative that had led me to the tower in the first place, but even stronger at close range.”
“Having no reason to do otherwise, I stepped upon the mechanism and then to the lens, to the very center. Suddenly, all the peripheral glass-work came to a stop and seemed to focus on me. There was a sensory explosion of sorts, as if all my nerves were instantly tweaked and I fell immobile but conscious to the odd blue lens below me. It was a feeling I can only call orgasmic, though it was not concentrated on any particular part of me but instead it radiated from everywhere. It lasted only a split-second, but in some sense that moment lasted much longer and my sense of self disappeared.”
“The next moment I was aware of, I was again lying naked, still on the island but outside the walls in the exact position I had been in when I first sprang from the water to escape the monsters that dwelled there. However, I was not wet so I knew I’d not imagined it all. Of the castle itself, I could see no sign. It seemed to have disappeared. Having no other recourse, I entered the water, oddly clear now of any reptilian guardians, and emerged on the far side. As if through a haze, I was then again able to perceive the castle back on the island. I’ve no explanation, I’m just describing what happened.”
“However, there was one thing more I haven’t told you yet. Nearby where I emerged was my original clothes, complete and whole as if the episode with the reptilian guardians had never happened. And there was one other thing in the pack. A metallic yet flexible, yellow and terribly skimpy two-piece outfit. On it’s surface was scrawled patterns that I took to be decorative but now I think perhaps they are some sort of runes.”
“I tried them on, and of course they fit perfectly – no mean feat given my proportions even then! I turned back towards the island, hoping to at least catch a glimpse of someone at a window to acknowledge the gift, but I saw no one.”
“So I put on my old adventuring clothes, turned and left, never looking back. I often used to wonder if it was all just some weird dream. Years later I tried to retrace my steps, but try as I might I never did rediscover the island, let alone the castle.”
“At the time I wasn’t nearly as… daring let’s say, as I am today and I just kept the odd outfit with me. It wasn’t till years later that I began to wear this outfit regularly. It served me well, especially when I came to be employed by H and needed something exotic to wear.”
“What else but my gift from the Master? And so I wear it still today, and it hasn’t worn or faded a bit in that time.”

Sabhira’s Daughter on short hiatus (really, I promise!)

[Progress edit – COMPLETED! WOOHOO! I’ll probably waste a day, but then will be starting on #24 finally.]

Though I have the next post written, I’m going to take some time and revise the format rather drastically. I recently started copying to SoFurry as I feel it’s definitely a better venue for this project. (I was going to do FA, but copying the HTML over there was going to be a real pain in the ass.)

Then I started receiving some critiques. Just a couple, but when words like “atrocious” are thrown around, you sit up and take notice.

In particular, there’s a couple format changes I have in mind. While the critics there did suggest I turn it into a true comic, with text in the images, I’m still not going to do that. Those of you that have been with it since Katherine Managan days know I started that way but abandoned it as too constricting (and frankly too time-consuming). I originally had two goals in mind, to be able to post new content quickly, and to provide high-res images.

What I had in mind was less of a comic format, but more of a heavily illustrated short story.

However, the critiques I got DID alert me to two issues that I can address without having to radically go back and change everything.

1 – I had come up with my own shorthanded way of doing dialogue. That was pretentious of me and really hurts the readability of it. So I’m going to redo ALL the text following standard grammatical rules. Yes, double quotes, “ she said.”, all of it. It’s going to take a while to do that, but I have to agree that it will improve the overall readability. Plus, doing so will force me to rethink sentence structure and allow some more detail in the text portions.

2 – The images are too big. They overwhelm the text. I do hate to lose the high resolution aspect, but I can go back to the “click the image for high resolution” method that I’d started with. In fact, I’ll probably reduce the images QUITE a bit, but you’ll still be able to click to get the high-res versions.

I’m going to do this starting with Sabhira’s Daughter #1 so, if you feel the desire, you can sort of watch my progress as I go through revising them all. If you click here, this is the new format I’m going for:

http://tailsofthekhajiit.tumblr.com/post/131598377763/sabhiras-daughter-1

Sorry for the delay. I’d been churning out posts at a pretty breakneck pace, concentrating primarily on the images. It’s time to turn my attention to the text as well and I do think this will improve it overall. While it still won’t be a comic in the accepted form of the term, it should at least be easier to follow I’m hoping.

And, of course, any comments or critiques are ALWAYS welcomed! If I can handle someone calling my “baby” atrocious, I’m sure I can handle others. (Yeah, it does sting a bit, but if the end result is a better, more readable, more accessible story, it’s a sting I’d best get used to.)

Sabhira’s Daughter #23

The sun had risen and it was well into mid-morning by the time they arrived back at the Guardian stones, where all were disappointed to find nothing waiting for them there. “No, it’s ok Kitty. I know you believed in your dream. I’d do the same if I was as sure,” Udaran said, to reassure Kitty. “But dammit, it wasn’t a dream. It was something else. I can’t describe it, but it was like I was looking through a lens right at her. And she was HERE!” Kitty cried. “No trace that I can find,” said Ubergard, returning from a search of the area.
“Should we go back to Falkreath?” Udaran asked Ubergard. “No. From here there’s a trail that skirts the southern end of the lake. We can just follow that. But there’s no more towns on the way.” Ubergard suggested. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. Let’s nap here and get caught up on some sleep. Sound OK?” Udaran asked them both. “Please! I’m a bit hungover too I’m afraid,” Ubergard admitted, “and sleepy.” Kitty apologised to them both, “Yeah. Look, I’m sorry you guys. I feel so stupid.”
“I was so SURE, Udie. Dammit, it’s like losing her all over again.” “Just rest a while Kitty. You’ll feel better when you’ve slept a bit.” “I’ll try. Thanks Udaran. For everything. I’ve been naive and stupid as a kitten and I know it.” “Shhh. It’ll be ok. Sleep.” – Udaran
An hour or so later… “Kitty?” whispered Muz-Ra.
“Mrph… what?” Kitty asked her friend. “Wake up Kitty, I need to talk to you,” insisted Muz-Ra “Ok! I’m getting up. What do you need?” asked an uncomprehending Kitty. “What day is it?” the Argonian asked.
“RED!!!!!” Kitty cried, suddenly understanding who she was looking at, and she buried her head in her friend’s shoulder unable to say more.
Udaran awoke at Kitty’s cry, startled to see her assumed dead friend. “Red! What!?” How did you get here? Where have you been?!“ "Long story Udie. I’ll tell it in good time though. But first, mind if you tell ME what happened to YOU guys? I have no idea how long ago I… left,” Muz-Ra explained. “Sure Red!” Kitty said, finally releasing her friend, “Well, the last we saw of you was yesterday when that Mage was casting Flame at you. I couldn’t see at the time but I heard you. Red, I heard you screaming. Oh Red! How are you OK?” “Yesterday? Oh! That’s good anyway. And you all got away?” asked Muz-Ra.
“Well, Kitty pushed Hasskir off and he apparently broke his neck. At least we think it was Hasskir who was shooting from the walls. A Khajiit anyway. Then Ubergard got rid of the Mage, and the others ran off,” Udaran explained. “She split him clean in half Red! It was… awesome AND gruesome!” Kitty continued. “And the others behind the wall?” asked Muz-Ra. “There weren’t any. Uber thinks the mage was making his voice come from behind the wall. Or maybe they ran off too. Either way, the battle ended just after you disappeared. We thought the worst I’m afraid,” said Udaran. “We had a party for you in Falkreath last night Red,” Kitty added, “You’d have loved it!”
“I see. So, what are your plans now?” Muz-Ra smiled. “Well, Udaran thinks that mage may have been telling the truth when he said Hasskir sold his daughter in Markarth. So we were heading there,” Kitty concluded. “Yeah, that makes sense. Ok, I’ll tell you everything that happened to me. For me it seems like it’s been a lot longer than that though. But before I start, can you help me find my clothes? They’ll be nearby somewhere,” asked Muz-Ra.
A few minutes later… “There! NOW I feel back to normal! Ok, I’ll tell you what happened, but I actually need to finish my earlier story first. It will all make more sense to you then. Well, at least as much as it CAN make sense.” “So you WEREN’T making it all up?” asked Kitty. “Well, maybe I used a little artistic license. You may not believe it, but I’ve been known to exaggerate a bit. And perhaps add a bit of… spice,” Muz-Ra explained “No! I’d never have believed it!” Udaran commented sarcastically. “Oh, I’m sorry Red. Force of habit. Red, I’m just DAMNED glad to have you back!” Udaran confessed. “And me too Red. I’m sorry I don’t express myself well, but I am… very happy,” Ubergard admitted. “Oh god, not you TOO Uber?! I don’t even HAVE tear ducts and I still want to cry. Thanks guys.”

Sabhira’s Daughter #22(b)

Hours later, after even Ubergard has returned to bed…
“RED!” Kitty shouted suddenly, starting from her sleep.
“Kitty, relax. It was just a dream. Red’s gone,” Udaran tried to comfort Kitty. “No, she’s not!” declared the upset Khajiit, “Udaran, she’s here again. I mean, she’s back. She’s at the Guardian Stones!” “What? But that’s miles away. How could you know that?” Udaran protested. But Kitty insisted, “I saw her Udie. Ubergard, get up! We’ve got to go!”
“Now wait a minute. It’s the middle of the night. Even if what you saw was real…” Udaran argued. “Look, I’m going back. Now. You and Ubergard can stay here if you want.” “Hold on a minute, I’m not leaving you to go alone out there, but it’s dangerous. Can’t it wait till morning?” “You can wait till morning. I’m out NOW,” said Kitty with finality and she turned to go. “Ok,ok! Let me get my clothes on at least!” Udaran said, relenting at last for her friend’s sake. “Wha?” Ubergard croaked.
“Get up Ubergard, we’re leaving,” Udaran said. “Leaving? What time is it?” asked Ubergard as she shook her head to clear the cobwebs. “It’s late. Or early. It’s dark,” Udaran finally decided. “But… where? Why?” asked the Argonian giant. Udaran summarized for her, “Ask Kitty. Better yet, ask your talking Axe! Kitty thinks Red is at the Guardian Stones.”
“That’s a long way back,” Ubergard protested. “Yeah. But she’s going with or without us, so let’s go!”

Sabhira’s Daughter #22(a)

“Dammit Udie, we shouldn’t have done it,” Kitty mourned. “Believe me Kitty, if I’d really known we would lose Red, I wouldn’t have led us there. But there was Atahbah too,” sympathized Udaran.
“Yeah. I know. We all knew the danger. And I guess the world’s a better place with those bandits dead.” “Maybe,” Udaran considered, “but I’d trade them all for Red back.” “Me too,” said Kitty.
“A round for the house, Bartender,” Ubergard called loudly, suprising Udaran and Kitty. “In memory of Red!” “Ubergard?” both Kitty and Udaran exclaimed. “Sure! It’s a traditional warrior’s eulogy. And Muz-Ra was definitely a warrior,” Ubergard smiled.
“Then let’s drink and dance – to Red!” Kitty agreed. “To Red!” Ubergard said, raising her mug. “To Red!” Udaran joined in.
Kitty and Udaran began to dance while Udaran and the other patrons sang along and applauded them.
Later, when the alcohol had begun it’s work and the pain of Muz-Ra’s loss had faded somewhat… “Maybe we’d better turn in early. We’re just going to get drunk on our asses if we stay out here,” Udaran suggested. “That’s my plan!” Ubergard smiled, stumbling slightly. “Kitty?” asked Udaran “I’m with you Udie. Ubergard, drink em all under the table!” Kitty said as she followed Udaran to the room they had hired.
A while later Kitty looked at Udaran seriously. “I want her back Udie. Really badly,” Kitty said, knowing it would do no good to keep thinking about Muz-Ra. “Me too Kitty, me too,” Udaran said.
“Hold me?” Kitty asked. “Sure Kitty,” whispered Udaran. and with that, Kitty snuggled up to Udaran and they both fell into a deep sleep.

Sabhira’s Daughter #21(b)


“Well now I’ve heard it all, you not only named your axe, you’ve given it a gender too?” Udaran said, frustrated. Ubergard did not respond. “Sorry Ubergard,” Udaran apologized, “Well anyway, do you know how to get to Markarth from here? I know that route from Whiterun. Do we need to backtrack all the way?” Ubergard showed no sign of being offended and replied, “I would advise not. Instead, we should be able to reach Falkreath tonight. From there we can head north, skirting Lake Klinalth and pick up the road to Markarth there. But we need to leave right away.” “Then lead the way. Kitty, take my hand. It’s time to get out of here.” “Thanks Udie,” said Kitty, grasping her hand again.
“Oh good! I can see again! Now I can get rid of this damned cloak!” Kitty said later on the way to Falkreath. The three continued on, not speaking, each lost in their own thoughts. Kitty broke the silence. “I guess we’ll never hear the rest of her story now,” sniffed Kitty, holding back tears. “No, I guess not.” agreed Udaran “I hope she’s ok,” Kitty said to no one in particular.
“Umm… Kitty. About what you did back there. I thought you said…” Udaran started hesitantly. “I didn’t want to kill anyone. But he was shooting Red! I couldn’t stand by and do nothing,” Kitty replied quietly. “No, you couldn’t,” Udaran agreed.
“Kitty, do you want to talk about it?” Udaran asked a little later. Kitty looked at Udaran directly, “Talk about what? I just gave him a bit of a shove. It wasn’t hard.” “No, not about that time. About the other times,” Udaran prompted. “What other times?”
“You’ve killed before,” Udaran stated flatly. “Oh… Figured that out did you?”
“Yes Kitty. Killing someone changes you. You’ve done it before. I think more than once. I didn’t notice it in you before, but I see it now.” “I don’t feel like talking about it, but yes. I have.”
“Skyrim is a dangerous place Kitty. The ability to kill is a necessa…” “… for gold,” Kitty continued as they entered Falkreath, as if daring Udaran to find some redeeming excuse.