Sabhira’s Daughter #21(a)


A few minutes later, there having been no sign of any other bandits or return of those who had fled… “Kitty, can you get down?” Udaran called to the blinded Khajiit. “What happened to Red?” Kitty asked, ignoring the question momentarily, “Is she…” “I don’t know Kitty. The mage was burning her, then there was a bright light and she was gone. Uber, did you see anything?” Ubergard, examining the dead Khajiit archer, replied, “No, I was concentrating on the mage.”
Returning to the earlier question, Kitty replied, “Sorry Udie, I can’t get down by myself till this clears up.” “Is that him?” Udaran asked Ubergard Ubergard shrugged, “I believe so… Khajiit aren’t all that common in Skyrim.” “What about the person that was talking from inside?” Kitty asked, “It could be that Hasskir is still inside.”
Ubergard looked up to the helpless Kitty, “Before you went blind, Kitty, did you see anyone else inside from up there?” “Actually no, now that you mention it.” “What are you thinking Uber?” Udaran asked. “Did you notice that the mage’s voice sounded the same as that from behind the wall? I think he was using some magic to throw his voice.” said the Argonian. “So you think this was all there were?” “That and the fact that Kitty is still alive up there. Either that or the others have fled too,” Ubergard reflected. “Kitty, I’m coming up to get you!” shouted Udaran, now alarmed at Kitty’s dangerous predicament.
“So, is that it? A dead end?” asked Kitty as she was led out of Helgen by Udaran. “Not necessarily. What the mage said about him selling his daughter to a whorehouse in Markarth. That may not have been a lie. He said it casually, without thought. I don’t think he made it up,” Udaran said. “Markarth? So you want to go to Markarth and check it out?” asked Kitty. Udaran nodded, “Yes. But as always, you’re welcome to go back home.” “No way. But what about Red?” “I have no clue. I guess we could wait here for her a day or two here in case she shows up,” Udaran said hopefully, though not really believing it.
Ubergard disagreed, “I strongly advise against waiting here even for nightfall.” “Do you have any better idea?” Udaran snapped, knowing as she did so that Ubergard wasn’t to blame. “I don’t know what happened to Muz-Ra, but I sense she is far away. Maybe not even in Tamriel at all.” “How on earth could you know THAT?” Udaran shouted, feeling tired, sad and helpless. “My blade, Virgindrung, is… special. I sometimes feel things through her.”

Sabhira’s Daughter #20


“HELP!” screamed Udaran, caught momentarily in the Mage’s Flame spell. “Got you!” Muz-Ra yelled triumphantly, having winged the Mage in one arm and dropping his spell.
“Thank’s Red!” Udaran called, the flames giving her a brief respite from the bandit before he closed again.
“GODDAMN IT! I caught another arrow Udaran,” Muz-Ra shouted, “I’m turning into a pincushion. We’ve got to get rid of that archer!” Udaran staggered up off the ground after her assailant’s last blow. “I’d be happy to oblige,” panted the Khajiit, “but my friend here won’t let me leave!”
“Udaran, I can’t help,” Muz-Ra gasped in pain, “The last arrow took out my bow arm. I think I’m in trouble.” “Sorry for getting you into this Red!” called Udaran, falling back and barely able to keep her feet under her.
Unexpectedly, a scream and a sickening SCRUNCH was heard from the wall behind them. “What the hell? The archer fell from the wall Udaran!” Muz-Ra cheered weakly. “Kitty!” Udaran yelled. Muz-Ra suddenly noticed the unhooded Khajiit standing on the wall where the archer had recently been, heaving as if exhausted herself. But before she could hail her friend, Muz-Ra was enveloped in agonizing flame.
“THEY’RE RUNNING AWAY!” Udaran screamed elatedly as she began to chase her former attacker. “Wait! STOP Udie! Don’t chase them! Red is on FIRE!” Ubergard shouted, wheeling to attack the mage.
“This is the price you pay for the impunity to attack ME, Argonian!” spat the mage, ignoring the impending doom of Ubergard. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Muz-Ra screamed in agony, oblivious to the taunting of the mage. “RED!” cried Kitty, blinded.
“You, at least, will not escape this fate!” cried the mage as Muz-Ra’s skin began to char. Suddenly a bright flash temporarily blinded the mage from Muz-Ra’s direction" “What the hell? Where did you go?!” the mage screamed, his flames no longer striking anything.
“You shall never know the answer to that, mage,” said Ubergard calmly, arriving behind the mage, who had one momentary glimpse of the giantess. With an inhuman roar that betrayed the rage within, Ubergard weilded one powerful stroke of Virgindrung that split the mage from head to groin until the blade buried itself deep in the earth underneath the bloody, bifurcated meat that remained. The flame ceased.
(Author’s note. In deference to the reader, this scene was not depicted. This had nothing whatsoever to do with the complete impossibility of doing so as a Skyrim screenshot, and was instead completely due to the Author’s consideration of the more squeamish of his readers. You are so lucky to have such a thoughtful Author!)

Sabhira’s Daughter #19


“Who are you that you think you can kill one of our number with impunity Khajiit?” asked a voice from beyond the wall. “I am Udaran, friend of Sabhira who was once the mate of Hasskir. I had wished only to talk to him. Your dead Orc insulted us.” “Sabhira? We remember Sabhira, but we don’t know you. Bring her out so we can see her for ourselves,” commanded the voice. “Sabhira is dead. We sought only to find Hasskir and Sabhira’s daughter.”
>“Did you know she was our communal whore?” probed the unseen voice, “Oh, I see that disturbs you! Oh yes, we passed her back and forth like a bottle of cheap mead. Until she escaped. She left some of our company mutilated. We are no friends of Sabhira.” “Her past is not our concern. Where is her daughter?” Udaran asked directly.
Ubergard spoke quietly to their leader, “Beware Udaran. This strikes me as a trap. They are stalling for something.” “Keep an eye out for archers,” Udaran responded to the others.
“Who knows? Hasskir sold her to some whorehouse in Markarth years ago.” said the voice from beyond the wall. “What proof can you offer? Where is Hasskir?” demanded Udaran in reply.
“Hasskir will be apparent soon,” the voice replied. “You threaten us?” roared Udaran, understanding the menace of the phrasing. “We’ve already killed one of your band! It would be trivial to kill the rest. You are alive only because we have not yet assaulted this ruined town.”
“Perhaps. Your archer is skilled. We will not understimate her again. However, we have some skill ourselves. We are not quite the barbarians you presume.” “Bring us Hasskir and we will leave you in peace!” Udaran offered once more. “UDARAN, UBER! BEHIND US!” Kitty shouted as suddenly four bandets lept from behind a rock. “Cloak Kitty! Red, get behind us!” Udaran ordered as she and Ubergard turned around to face the threat.
Kitty disappeared while one of the bandits, obviously a mage, cast a spell quickly at Muz-Ra which the Argonian barely avoided. “Look out! They have a mage!” shouted Udaran.
“No shit!” Muz-Ra spat back as she sent an arrow at the mage that missed only due to an unexpected dodge. Meanwhile Ubergard had engaged two of the fighters while the third took on Udaran.
While Udaran had some skill with a sword, her life had not been dedicated to it and she managed only block the attack of her assailant. While she knew she must be defeated eventually by his superior skill, she was relying on Muz-Ra and Ubergard to help before that happened. But suddenly she heard Muz-Ra call out, “AHH! GODDAMIT. I’m hit!”. She turned momentarily and saw the Argonian fall to one knee. “What!?” yelled Ubergard over her shoulder. “Archer. From the top of the wall behind us,” Muz-Ra grimaced, yanking out the shaft.
“Holy shit. We can’t handle this Ubergard. Any suggestions?” asked Udaran, desperately swinging her blade to block each attack. “Kill or run. I suggest kill!” shouted Ubergard, and she demonstrated this by neatly dispatching one of her assailants.

Sabhira’s Daughter #18


“It was Ri’saad that was foolish, to SEND you alone,” Udaran pointed out. “This one must return in failure, but your success would assuage my shame. Just please be careful.” “We will. I will see you again Atahbah,” Udaran assured her. “May you walk on warm sands, Udaran,” Atahbah said, smiling weakly. “And you, Atahbah,” Udaran said, hugging her fiercely.
“Let’s go,” Udaran commanded. “Absolutely,” Muz-Ra agreed, recognizing the time for frivolity was over. “Do you have a plan Udaran?” Ubergard asked of the leader. “Not really, but they will regret attacking us. I would not risk lives for gold, but this is no longer about gold, or even Sabhira’s memory.”
“Then what IS it about?” probed Ubergard. “I cannot abide such barbarianism. I will seek justice for Atahbah. Are you with me?” Udaran looked up at the giant. “Of course!” responded Muz-Ra and Kitty. “With pleasure,” added Ubergard.
“I guess that makes you a Warrior,” observed Kitty, “A Social Justice Warrior.” “Yes, I guess it does! Maybe I should have choosen a different Stone?” Udaran contemplated. The big argonian suggested, “A warrior comes in many forms. As does Justice.” “Red, I’d like to speak with you privately for a minute,” Udaran said, taking Muz-Ra aside.
“Kitty, I want you to wear your cloak, and I want you to activate it if things turn violent,” Udaran said when she’d finished talking to Muz-Ra. “I’m not a coward Udie. I won’t abandon you!” Kitty protested. Udaran nodded, “I understand that. But you aren’t a fighter either. When cloaked, perhaps you can find some other way of assisting.” “…hmm. Ok, that makes sense. But I have to tell you, I won’t kill anyone. Its kind of a thing with me.” “I hope you won’t have to. But be sure to stay out of our way. We won’t be able to see you either.” “Got it.”
Some time later… “We are nearing Helgen. Be on your guard. A band that size probably won’t have sentries out during the day, but you can never be sure,” Ubergard informed them. “Kitty, you and Muz-Ra stay a few steps behind. Muz-Ra has her bow, and you can activate your cloak and get away from any danger easier.” Muz-Ra and Kitty nodded their assent as Muz-Ra readied her bow, Udaran her sword and Ubergard hefted Virgindrung
“STOP!” called the voice of an Orc standing just outside the closed gates of Helgen. “What have we here? A band of nubile females to keep us company?” “We’re looking for Hasskir. We need to speak with him,” Udaran called from a safe distance. “You’re out of luck. He exhausted himself on another Khajiit last night. The rest of us aren’t into fur. Scales now… that’s another thing!” The sentry said, eyeing the Argonians appraisingly. “We’re not here to debate! Bring out Hasskir,” Udaran warned. “Or what? Will you smother us with your tits?” the Orc mocked.
At that, Udaran nodded to Muz-Ra who quickly nocked and loosed an arrow. The luckless sentry turned to retreat behind the wall, but the arrow buried itself up his entrails before he could move get to safety. “How about if we just fuck you with an arrow?” Udaran laughed loudly, then called, “HASSKIR!”
The gate was quickly opened and shut as another bandit retrieved the body of the sentry. “One down. And now?” asked Kitty. “Now we wait,” stated Ubergard, scanning the wall and the surroundings.

Sabhira’s Daughter #17


The next morning… “Kitty?” Udaran asked innocently. “Yes?” came the response from her belly. “What are you doing?” Udaran asked. “Listening to your stomach growl. You must be hungry!” answered Kitty. “I am. And good morning. But… do you mind? I have other needs that I need to attend to first thing in the morning, and your weight isn’t helping with that,” Udaran warned. “Oh!” Kitty sat up quickly. “Sorry. Good morning!”
Somewhat later, after her morning ritual was completed, Udaran greeted Muz-Ra. “Good morning Red. Where’s Ubergard?” “She said she was going scouting ahead a bit. She should be back soon,” Answered Muz-Ra. “Well, let’s get some food. Anyone think to bring anything to cook?” “Nope!” responded both Muz-Ra and Kitty.
“Well, then it’s cold breakfast this morning. Did you two sleep well?” asked Udaran Muz-Ra replied first, “Not bad, considering. This place may be safe, but it makes a damn hard bed!” “I slept wonderfully, like I was sleeping on a pillow!” Kitty enthused. “You were… Two of them,” Udaran pointed out, “And you have a tendency to try and fluff your pillows at night.” “Oh! Sorry!” Kitty apologized. Udaran smiled, “I didn’t say I was complaining…”
“Oh! There’s Ubergard. Looks like she’s got someone with her too!” Kitty announced. “She does,” said Muz-Ra. Then on further consideration she added, “That’s Atahbah. And she doesn’t look well.” “Oh my god!” shouted Udaran, “She’s hurt! Quick, Kitty, grab a health potion from my bag.”
“Atahbah! What happened? Here, drink this,” Udaran said, putting the red bottle to her lips. “Udaran? Muz-Ra? What are you doing here?” asked Atahbah as the potion’s effects quickly cleared her head. “Same as you, looking for Sabhira’s daughter,” Udaran answered honestly. Atahbah looked confused “But how did you know?” “I have my own sources. But nevermind that.” said Udaran, dismissing the subject and continuing, “What happened to you? Did you find her or Hasskir?”
“The daughter, no. But this one found Hasskir, and wishes she hadn’t,” Atahbah said, looking down. “Oh my god. Did they hurt you?” Udaran asked in growing horror. “Only Hasskir. The others watched. This one escaped this morning,” Atahbah explained. “I’m so sorry Atahbah. But I assure you he will pay for this,” Udaran resolved.
“Thank you Udaran. And for the potion,” Atahbah said, her strength returning, “This one will need it to make it back.” “Did he say anything about his daughter at all? Is she there too?” asked Udaran. “He said only that he would give this one a daughter, but he wasn’t referring to her,” Atahbah shivered. “Do you need help getting back to the caravan?” Muz-Ra asked in concern.
“Thank you, Red, no. Not now,” Atahbah replied, holding the bottle. “But you must be careful Udaran… all of you. Those bandits are cowards, but they are also vicious. They may attack you, even with Ubergard.” “That would be welcomed,” Ubergard smiled grimly, “Virgindrung has not drank for a long time.” “How many are there?” Udaran asked, considering. “No more than 8. Maybe less. But they were too much for this one alone at night. This one was foolish to go alone.”

Sabhira’s Daughter #16


At this point, the four had arrived at the Guardian Stones. “Sorry to interrupt Muz-Ra, but there they are. The fabled Guardian Stones. It’s said each has a power which grants those who invoke it an advantage in their chosen skill. To the Warrior is given enhanced prowess in battle. To the Mage, enhanced magical ability. And to those who use the shadows, enhanced stealth. Long ago I chose the Warrior. I suggest you think about it and choose as well. This is a true boon, rare in Skyrim, with no negative consequences,” explained Ubergard. “Well, I guess it’s no suprise which I’ll choose,” said Kitty. “Hmm… I suppose Warrior for me. I guess archery is a Warrior skill anyway. What about you Udaran? Fancy yourself a mage in training?” Muz-Ra asked. “No. Magic’s not for me either. But, while I know my way around a sword, I don’t think I’m much of a warrior either. I think I’ll go with the shadows too,” Udaran declared.
The three stepped up to their respective stones while Ubergard watched them. Together, they touched the stones and felt an odd power instantly run through them. “Well THAT was weird!” Kitty stated while trying to smooth her ruffled fur. “You said it Kitty! Though other than a bit of a tingle, I don’t feel any different. Are we supposed to Uber?” Muz-Ra asked the lounging Argonian giant. “It’s effect isn’t immediate, Red. It comes with time and experience,” Ubergard explained. “Well hell, EVERYTHING comes with time and experience. Are you sure this really does anything?” asked Udaran, unbelieving. “No.” Ubergard admitted.
Udaran then suggested, “Well, I suggest we get some sleep and get up early tomorrow. But no need to get up at the crack of dawn either. I’d prefer full daylight when we get to Helgen, and everyone wide awake.” “That sounds good to me!” yawned Muz-Ra. “Awww, we don’t get to hear the end of your story?” Kitty asked, disappointedly. “In time. We have plenty of time,” Muz-Ra replied. At that, Udaran cocked an eyebrow at Muz-Ra, but decided against saying anything.
“Hey,” Muz-Ra said, “anyone want a cloak to sleep in? I’ve brought along three.” Udaran took one from her, adding, “Thanks Red, I’ll take you up on that. Kitty, I guess you’ve got your stealth-cloak?” “Yeah, it’ll do fine.” said the younger Khajiit, “But, um… Udie… mind if I sleep next to you? I sleep best next to someone.” “Hey! What about me?” Muz-Ra asked, feigning indignation. “Oh, I’ve pestered you enough. Besides, no offense, but Udaran is sorta warmer than you are.” “None taken,” snorted Muz-Ra.
“And you Uber? Will you even sleep?” Udaran asked of their guardian. “Yes. My ears are trained, I can sleep lightly and will awaken at the approach of any danger. But I need no cloak. My armor provides me more than enough comfort. Also, the Stones are warded against evil. Few dangers would dare to step within their boundary.” said Ubergard, getting comfortable as could be expected given her gear. “Nice to hear! What about a fire?” Udaran added. “No fire,” the big Argonian warned, “Perhaps if we were in the mountains, but down here it would only attract notice.” “Fair enough,” conceded Udaran, respectful of Ubergard’s experience in the wild.
“Oh, you weren’t kidding were you Kitty?” said Udaran, a bit suprised by Kitty’s… proximity. “Sorry. I kinda crave physical contact at night.” said Kitty shyly. “Yeah. Me too,” admitted Udaran quietly to the younger as she snuggled a bit closer to show her acceptance. “Oh… OH!” Kitty sat up, “That’s right! You’re… I mean, I guess this is sorta uncomfortable for you?” “Naa. It’s fine. But if you wake up feeling me licking your neck, you might want to go snuggle with Red. It’s been awhile,” Udaran admitted.
“Um… just one thing Kitty,” Udaran said a bit hesitantly. “Oh this? It’s my nightie. I always sleep in it. Well… almost always,” Kitty assumed, looking down at her skimpy nightgown. “No, that’s not it. It’s me. I sleep as nature intended,” Udaran explained. “Huh? You sleep in a tree?” asked Kitty, confused by the euphamism. “No silly. I sleep nude,” Udaran smiled. “Oh. No problem with that. More fur to keep me warm!”
All went quiet then, as the group settled in to sleep. Only the sound of the night-birds and a few crickets disturbed the wilderness until… Kitty sat up, startled at a strange sound. “Udaran? What’s that noise?!” she whispered urgently. “Oh, that’s just Ubergard. She snores. Loudly.” Kitty giggled quietly, “‘Awaken at the approach of any danger’?” Udaran invisibly nodded, “As long as it’s a mammoth and it trumpets first.”

Sabhira’s Daughter #15

(Author’s note – any naughtiness you see here is purely in your head, as will be revealed in a future post. This post depicts NO scenes of carnal activity, even if your head-cannon says otherwise!)
“I now call him Man OR Mer because I can no longer visualize him or his mate, Mistress. They may have been Altmer. Their magic ability seemed to indicate that. Yet their speech and the design of the clothing they requested I wear seemed more human. At the time I could see them clearly, but it’s as if that part of my memory has been wiped away. I found myself facing the Master and he bade me kneel before him, and to keep my eyes averted from his face.”
“Mistress soon arrived and they let me know that trespassing on their domain was normally punishable by instant death. However, they had agreed to abate that punishment in exchange for my service. Under their powerful gaze, I had no choice – indeed no willingness – to do anything but comply.”
“As for my duties, these two were all that lived in the castle, and thus the menial chores had been neglected. So I was to serve them in any way they pleased with these tasks. Odd as it seems now to say, I had no qualms with this arrangement at the time. In leiu of my execution, it seemed a small price to pay for life. In fact, all I recall is the wish that I had some kneepads as it soon became clear that MOST of my duties would be performed in that position.”
“During the day, the Mistress would be my taskmaster, and she would punish me instantly for any lack of attentiveness. Yet, though her punishment typically took the form of corporal punishment to my backside, I noticed that her blows were never more than superficial. In her way, I believe she did bear me some affection.”
“As for the Master, nights were his domain. His affections were much more obvious. Though I was still required to serve him in various ways, rather than striking me, he would stroke me instead for good behavior. Before long, I would look forward to sundown when my exertions under the Mistress were concluded and I could instead wait on Master’s requests.”
“Another aspect which makes me believe they were Mer and not Man was that Master wore his personal weaponry in a very strange location. His dagger was kept very close to his manhood, and he had a peculiar manual, even oral, technique that he preferred me to use for polishing it. And he would request it be polished nearly every night. Surely that was not a human trait.”
“When Master was feeling especially kind, he would often fulfill my own desires as well. I’d soon forgotten all thoughts of the outside world, save for the occasions when I would leave the Keep.”
"Even then, it was not the world outside that would draw my attention, but the Tower that continued to beckon. Yet weeks went by with me obeying the restriction to not enter it, so keen was I on obeying my Master and Mistress.”
“It seemed when I was with Mistress and Master, all my will was bent for a desire to please them. Within the month, I had the floors spotless, the kitchen shining and the windows clear. Even the Mistress was pleased. The only thing that often slowed my progress was a tendency for my Master to drool when watching me work. I would often have to return to the area on which he had been observing me and clean the wetness from the floor nearby. Yet he assured me I was doing fine.”
“Finally, very late one night, I felt his breath upon my neck. The night passed slowly and passionately, and Master pleased me as he never had before. But when the dawn came my outfit was gone, leaving me once again naked as the day I arrived. I found a note that said merely, ‘Thank you’ and ‘The Tower’. No one was in the Keep. I immediately left and entered the tower, this time unimpeded. I climbed the stairs to the roof.”

Sabhira’s Daughter #14


Muz-Ra continued her story as the four walked into Riverwood and night fell. “Sorry to interrupt your completely believable and engrossing narrative Red, but I do need to stop by the Sleeping Giant Inn for a minute,” Udaran interjected. “Oh, I’ll get something to drink too. Non-alcoholic of course,” Kitty piped up. “And a snack for me,” agreed Muz-Ra, “I love to sample the local fare when I’m travelling.” “Ok, but please be quick about it. The sooner we get to the Guardian Stones, the sooner we can rest,” Udaran added.
“Damn. I hate having to wait in line for the toilet,” said Kitty impatiently waiting in the line. “Screw this, I’m going to use the Male’s room,” Muz-Ra said, stepping out of the queue. Udaran warned, “Those places are always pretty nasty Red.” “Hey, I can pee standing up,” Muz-Ra pointed out, “It just takes a bit of practice and good digital dexterity!”
Before too long, the group was again back on the road to Helgen. “Ok, let’s get going,” said Udaran, “What took you so long Red?” “Oh, some of the locals wanted to have a pissing contest. I out-distanced most of them,” Muz-Ra replied with a proud smile. “EWWWW! RED!” squealed both Udaran and Kitty. “Hey! Considering they’d been drinking all night AND had a few inches head-start on me, I think I represented the female gender rather well!” replied Muz-Ra with a hurt expression.
“So what did you get Red?” asked Kitty. “Oh, some sort of triangle shaped corn crisps with cheese powder. They call them Dory toes, though they look nothing like toes to me. Here, try one,” offered Muz-Ra. “Maybe it’s some type of fish. Fins you know…” Kitty conjectured, looking at the triangle dubiously. “Ooo! They’re good!” she concluded after trying one. “What did you get?” returned Muz-Ra. “Just a drink. Something they called Cloaca-Koala. But it’s pretty good. Wanna sip?” Kitty offered a cup to the Argonian. “Yuck! Sounds like processed marsupial urine to me,” Udaran interjected, overhearing them. “Mmm! No idea what’s in it, but it IS good. Kinda tickles the nose,” said Kitty. I wonder what they feed those Koalas?” Muz-Ra pondered.
“So, shall I carry on with my story Udaran?” asked Muz-Ra after a while. “Oh, go on. After your performance at the Inn, it can’t be THAT bad,” Udaran decided. “Yes, please do! Last I remember you had been knocked unconscious or something!” Kitty reminded everyone.
“I think it was some sort of ward that I’d set off. Regardless, I was knocked out. But somehow I felt myself being lifted and carried from the tower by strong, powerful arms. I was carried to the main keep and laid in a bed of furs. I felt hands pulling and prodding my body but could not quite regain consciousness. Finally I dozed into a fitful sleep. I must have been quite tired because I awoke with a start sometime the next day – knowing I was in a strange room.”
“Realizing I was no longer naked, I looked down upon my newly acquired clothing. It appeared to be an outfit designed for human domestic servitude, yet sorely lacking in the posterior as a slight breeze made crystal clear! This could have been due to the uniform not accommodating a tailed-body like mine. However, I later came to believe it was due to the peculiar predilection of the Man or Mer I’d soon come to call Master…”
“That was when I heard a voice behind me…”

Sabhira’s Daughter #13


Ubergard raised her eyes skyward and exclaimed, “Save me from wannabe adventurers! Follow me, I know the way.” “How far is it?” asked Udaran. “We could reach it by midnight, but that would be foolish. A bandit encampment will have sentries, and we will not see them at night.” offered the giantess.
Udaran nodded, “Then we must make camp tonight, not too far but not too near,” decided Udaran “The Guardian Stones. We will camp there,” Ubergard suggested. The band continued resolutely down the road when Ubergard pointed out, “We first pass through Riverwood if you’d like to stop.” “NO! We must continue on. We’ve all got food stored. We’ve got to go as far as we can before nightfall,” Udaran protested.
“Would you like to hear a story while we travel?” Muz-Ra suggested. “Sure Red!” answered Kitty enthusiastically. “Oh my god,” muttered Udaran almost reflexively now. Muz-Ra glared at the Khajiit and she relented, nodding.
“Well, it may surprise you to know,” started Muz-Ra, “that once upon a time I was young and adventurous myself.” “This must have been before the mountains were born,” quipped Udaran “Shut up.” said the Argonian, then continued, “In those days I lived far away and took it upon myself to venture far from the Marshes into the great white North.” “Are you making this up?” asked Kitty. “Shut up.” said the Argonian.
“One day, I was deep in an unknown northern forest, when I came upon an island out in a great bay. Being Argonian and able to breathe underwater, I decided to investigate. In the middle of the island was a castle, the waters surrounding it like a moat and cut off from the land. In those waters were many large, meat-eating reptiles. But I wasn’t concerned. At the sight of me they leapt over one another to get away. Yet, unknown to me, a huge beast – the king of the reptiles – was laying in wait at the bottom.”
“Suddenly as I was approaching the far bank, it attacked! We struggled as the beast slashed and tore at me, trying to grasp me in it’s gaping maw. Only with the most powerful thrust of my own tail was I able to leap from the moat on the far side and escape with my scales intact. Heaving with fear and exertion, I found the monster had ripped my clothes clean from my body yet my scales were unbroken. So I stood, not even in tatters and rags, but in front of the fortress, naked as the day I was hatched. But still determined to see what lay within.” “Yup, you’re making this up,” Kitty concluded. “Shut up.” said the Argonian.
“I searched for a door or opening that would allow me access, but all were barred to me and the castle was dark and silent. It was getting dark and I had nearly given up when a voice called to me, ‘Scaled beauty with muzzle of crimson, stand before the gate and you may pass within if you dare!’ I didn’t much like the thought of swimming through those waters again, the monster had sunk to the bottom and could be anywhere, so I went back to the main gate and, without warning, the portcullis began to rise.”
“Behind me I heard the heavy portcullis lower again as I walked to the main door of the tower. I walked towards this door in a trance, somehow not quite myself. In those days I would have been ashamed to be walking so brazenly naked, watched by unknown eyes from above. Yet somehow, I did not. All I felt was a powerful urge to enter and explore what lay beyond those doors.”
“When my eyes adjusted to the darkness within, I had a brief glimpse of a staircase climbing high into the tower, and arcane runes glowing on the walls and floor. Yet just as my eyes registered this, there was an bright electrical flash and I was knocked unconcious to the floor.” “Oh, it’s one of THOSE stories,” Kitty said knowingly. “What did you expect?” smiled Udaran.

Sabhira’s Daughter #12


A while later, after having been re-united with her friends and suffering the karmic, blinding effect of the invisibility cloak… “Helgen – he’s in Helgen,” said Kitty to the group, “But, he’s part of a bandit group. Ri’saad’s sent a Khajiit named Atahbah there.” “A bandit? Surely he hasn’t brought his daughter into a group of bandits?” asked Udaran.
Udaran reminded Muz-Ra, “He is an evil Khajiit Red. He might have.” “Why on earth did Sabhira leave her with him then?” Muz-Ra responded, shocked. “She had no choice Red,” Udaran stated flatly. “Poor girl. She would… have a hard life,” pondered Muz-Ra.
Kitty then realized, “For all we know, she may be a bandit too. No reason to think otherwise really. We know nothing about her.” “That’s true. If so, do you give all your gold to a criminal Udie?” Muz-Ra asked. “I will give all of it to Sabhira’s daughter, no matter who she is,” Udaran said with confidence.
Muz-Ra looked down at the blinded Khajiit. “You can’t see ANYTHING Kitty?” she sympathized. “Not a damned thing. This really sucks you know. And… it’s a bit scary. I don’t think I’m going to use this damn cloak much but for warmth! And I don’t think the clothes underneath are my style either. I don’t think they matter,” Kitty observed. Udaran tried to console her, “Well, I really thank you Kitty. All this for someone you don’t even know? It’s pretty noble of you.” “Thanks Udie.” said Kitty with a wan smile.
“You know, it’s a long walk to Helgen and the day’s half over. I’d rather not travel after dark,” noted Muz-Ra. “I understand Red, but it can’t be helped. Atahbah’s already on her way already. I know her. She’s a nice person, but she’s extremely loyal to Ri’saad,” Udaran responded. “Then we’ll walk through the night. Ubergard will keep us safe, won’t you Uber?” asked Muz-Ra to the giant Argonian.
The quiet giantess grunted and lifted her huge axe. “Virgindrung and I will, as long as you stay out of her arc.” she stated. “Virgindrung? I didn’t know you named your axe Uber! You really were a warrior, weren’t you?” Muz-Ra asked, suprised at the cliche. “Only those under her protection need to know her name. Those under her blade learn it too late.” said Ubergard, that wisp of a smile crossing her face for a moment.
Muz-Ra turned around and, in almost a whisper, said to Kitty, “I hope WE don’t need to be virgins to be protected!” “No kidding,” agreed Kitty, adding, “Hey! I just realized I can see again!”
Udaran turned abruptly and began down the steps, “Well then, let’s not waste any time. We’re off to Helgen!” “Um… Udie… Where’s Helgen?” asked Muz-Ra hopefully. “Not a clue.” said their fearless leader.

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