The Unwelcome Foreigner from the South
Chapter 1 – arrival in Skyrim
I could see the border gate ahead of me as I climbed the snowy path leading towards Skyrim. I turned around to have one last look towards my homeland which was nothing more than a blur on the horizon. Cyrodiil, the largest of the imperial provinces stretched out below me; the mountains giving way to flat grassy plains then the imperial city and finally towards my homeland Elsweyr. To my right beyond the mountains was the province of Morrowind.
I'd passed the border gate to that hell hole ash strewn land yesterday and carried on walking. I knew I wouldn't be able to call that place home even though the Thalmor largely ignored it for it is nothing but a land of poverty, war and famine. I didn't particularly like Elves anyway no matter if they are dark, high or whatever they want to call themselves. No, I thought Skyrim would be my best destination. At least the empire still ruled there and I would be welcome. At least that's what I thought.
“Halt!” Called out the border guard. “Papers please”
I stared at him wearily. I was in no mood for arguments and wanted to be on my way and pulled my torn, soggy identity documents and handed them to the guard who ripped them even more. “oops sorry. Looks like your clothes are a little worse for wear – they're letting the water in” he remarked, carefully placing the documents back in their wallet. “You should take more care of them” he added. I took them and silently put them back into my shirt pocket under my armour.
“Soggy documents are not acceptable” the other guard commented as he observed me putting the away. He came over to me, felt my leather armour and grabbed my upper arm. “Looks good quality. Maybe its just dirty Khajiit sweat that's ruined them” he laughed. “Where did you get that armour”?
“I've had a bad journey.” I answered. “My horse died on the mountain trail several miles back and I have had to leave most of my belongings behind as they were too heavy to carry. This pack is all I have.”
“Really. You are not having much luck today are you cat?” He mocked walking back to his post leaning up against the wooden beams of the gate.
“My documents are in order and I seek refuge in Skyrim” I said to the first guard. Please let me through. “You can see that I am no threat.”
He nodded in agreement deciding that I wasn't worth the effort. However his companion didn't seem to agree as he knew Khajiit were either traders, thieves or assassins and I didn't look like a trader. That made me a thief or assassin in his eyes. “You are quite well built. You have strong arm muscles for a cat. You have clearly seen battle. Once again explain where you got the armour as I don't think it looks like nothing a refugee would wear. Your demeanour and physique would suggest you are more of a mercenary.”
I looked at him and thought I'd better tell the truth. “I have come from Elsweyr to escape the Thalmor. Friends and family were lost and our nation, as you know have allied with the elves but many of my people still resist their rule. I have lived in Cyrodiil for a few months down in Leyawin taking any work I could find so I could gain enough money to get to Skyrim. I helped fend of bandits and drug dealers hence the armour was made for me. As for my physique, I like to keep myself fit so I can fight if need be. And to add Khajiits do not sweat. This armour is in need of replacement.”
“OK, OK don't bore me. I'm not interested in petty politics of far away lands Ill never visit. However we will send word that you came to our superiors. Just to be on the safe side if you understand.” He paused and sighed pondering whether to refuse me entry or not. Just go through” he eventually continued.
And it was as simple as that. The gate was opened and I was soon over the border and in what would hopefully be my new home. As the gate closed the first guard called out “Follow the road all the way to Riften. You should find refuge there.”
The cold mountain air was thick with the smell of pine. The snow had stopped giving way to crystal blue sky. I could not see much of the land of Skyrim from this height due to the trees but I figured I would find out sooner or later. I knew of the city of Riften and it would have been my destination anyway. Like Leyawin it was a city full of mixed races where I would most probably fit in as I'd heard the Nords were racist but in certain cities other races were tolerated more. I'd just have to hope they would accept me.
I was getting hungry. I hadn't eaten for nearly 12 hours now and there was nothing left in my backpack but stale bread. As a carnivore I needed meat not a few bits of stale bread I'd rescued from my belongings in my horse's saddle bags. Perhaps I should have cut off some meat from my horse. I sat on a nearby rock to take a break. “Poor beast” I thought out loud. He had succumbed to his injuries sustained in a bear attack 4 days ago. I was hoping he would last out till I'd got to Riften but the cold and hard toll up the mountain had finished him off.
As I was pondering my situation I could hear boots crunching in the snow the way I'd just come. I didn't notice that I was been followed. I slid my dagger out of it's sheath and concealed it down the inside of my boot. Just in case.
A tall, red argonian came round the corner dressed in heavy ebony armour and carrying a longsword across his back. He looked hard, mean and unforgiving with his bone horns on the top of his head, the scar down his face and cruel pale yellow eyes glinting in the sun. He stopped, sniffed the air and snarled softly. I readied my blade then he saw me.
We stared at each other for a while then he looked round scanning the area hand on his sword. He then seemed to relax and held up his hands. “Greetings Khajiit” he said in a voice I didn't expect to come from such a brutal looking argonian. His voice was gravelly but yet soft and gentle. I put my dagger away carefully. “Greetings. I didn't see you behind me. Have you come from Cyrodiil?”
The argonian came closer and stood beside me. “Mind if I join you” he said as he sat down beside me. I didn't really have a choice in the matter anyway but I thought I'd better not say no. “Of course. Be my guest.”
There was an awkward silence and he didn't answer my question. “where are you heading? The college of Winterhold?”
I hadn't thought of that. Since the mages guild was disbanded the only school of magic was the Mages College in the northern city of Windhelm. A well respected college and many travel to be educated by some of the best mages in all of Tamriel. It could be a possibility but I wasn't really interested in improving my skills. My simple healing spell and flame spell were enough to get by.
“No” I mumbled through my bread swallowing it with difficulty. “I haven't really got anywhere in mind yet. I wanted to get away from the Thalmor and figured Skyrim would be my best chance.”
The argonian laughed hard and turned to me. “You don't have much of an idea do you?” He asked as I looked back at him with surprise and a bit of anger. “Let me tell you something. Nords are the most racist towards the beast races. Neither of us are particularly welcome in Skyrim unless you make yourself known and make a place for yourself. Not easy I know. I live in Riften, well, sort of. I rent a room at the local inn but I'm hoping to obtain a permanent home once I have done enough of the Jarl's dirty work. I mean by that I'm a mercenary for hire. I work mainly for the Jarl but I will work for anyone if the pay is good enough. I've just returned from Morrowind but came via Cyrodiil to answer your earlier question. Just one of my 'errands.”
“As for the Thalmor, you should have done some research. Despite the empire they still run Skyrim imposing their rules and regulations upon us. You will find their justicars everywhere – some not so obvious so you have to be careful who you trust. The empire are merely allowed to exist because of compromises which I assume you are aware of the white-gold concordat?” He laughed to himself at my apparent stupidity and belief the empire would welcome me with open arms.
“Huh, yeah.” I mumbled wondering if I should just turn around now.
He smiled revealing rows of razor sharp teeth. “Name's Slays-Many-Elves” he said welcoming me by a slap on the back knocking me forward causing me to slide off the rock. His strength was evident in those huge muscular arms. He offered his hand helping me up. I took it and muttered “Ji' Arsha.”
He looked at me for a moment. “Ah you not married either. I know a bit about Khajiit names. The Ji prefix indicates a bachelor, yes?”
“Yes” I answered. “I have never married. Not found anyone suitable yet.”
“Huh. Well there may not be any Khajiit in Riften but there's plenty of ale and women. That's all I care about besides killing as you can guess by my name I don't favour elves.”
“Seems we have something in common then.” After a short pause I added “Slays-Many-Elves isn't your real name is it?”
The argonian seemed to look annoyed at that question but he answered anyway. “No, not really. It's my Cyrodiilic name and I didn't even think of it as it was given to me after a battle with those grey-skins whilst I was in Argonian controlled Morrowind. My real name would be unpronounceable to you. It's Han-Ei Nefelures anyway.”
I ran the name over in my mind and decided that I would probably be unable to reproduce those hisses as he spoke his name.
“I think I'll stick with Slays-Many-Elves. Or just Slays if that's okay?” I asked getting to my feet with Han-Ei joining me. “Come” he offered not answering my question. “Riften is a good 20 miles. We need to get moving if we want to make it there before dark. I will persuade the guards to let you in to the city. You won't stand a chance on your own. Khajiit are not normally permitted to enter cities of Skyrim without prior arrangement. They think your kind are all thieves.”
Startled by this I decided to ask for more information. “What do you mean. Khajiit are 'not allowed' inside cities?
“As I said” Came the sarcastic reply. “I would have thought you would have checked before coming here. The Nords do not allow any into the city as you are all branded thieves. The only exception is Winterhold due to the college but even then go to the local tavern you won't be welcome.”
I looked down dumbfounded. Maybe Hammerfell would have been a better destination.
“Don't look so miserable. Ill get you into the city then Ill show you the bunkhouse and brothel. Plenty of ale and dirty women to be had in there Ill tell you.”
I frowned at his suggestion of the brothel. “I thought you said there are no Khajiit in the city? I queried.
Slays-Many-Elves grinned. “There isn't. Likewise for Argonians. Females anyway.” There was a brief pause. “I tell a lie actually. There's two but one is so addled on Skooma and the other married to the innkeeper so that's them out.”
I began to wonder and my throat went dry. Would this explain why he was so friendly earlier?
He read the look on my face and laughed. “don't worry about that. I did say women.”
“You mean humans?” I said shocked.
“Yes, Nords to be precise. There's three of them that are willing to entertain an argonian for an evening – or a whole night if I so choose. I'm not fussy. Ill bed anything that moves as long as I'm satisfied if you get my meaning. Huh Huh” He looked down at me. “Don't know if you're interested or not but you can come for the ale and company if anything. There's other argonians there. For example Madesi. He's a market trader who just comes to drink himself into a stupor but he's a decent guy. He will pay you well for any good quality gems should you shall we say, accidentally find some?”
“No I think Ill give that a miss, thanks. But I would welcome your company to the city” I said carefully. I didn't want to offend him as I wouldn't stand a chance against him.
We started walking but his pace was much faster than mine and I had to run to keep up. Our friendship was never going to work. Once inside the city I would either look for employment and go our separate ways or perhaps make my way to Winterhold. My options were still open yet.
Chapter 2: First night in a new land
I was rapidly becoming tired and Slays-Many-Elves kept turning around looking irritable at my slower pace. “Can't you keep up?” He snarled angrily.
“Your legs are longer than mine. Sorry” I apologised.
“Well it's getting late. We won't make it in time now and I would prefer not to be out in these woods at night.
“Scared?” I mocked.
Slays-Many-Elves strode up to me and rounded on me pushing his fist into my chest and snarled into my face “no. It's just there are more dangerous creatures out at night. Do not mock me or Ill tear your head off in an instant. I've offered my help to a stranger. I didn't have to.”
I thought the better of it and quickly apologised. “I'm sorry my friend. It wasn't intended as an insult; more of a friendly jest.”
The argonian looked at me angrily and slowly backed away. I don't take kindly to people who make fun of me. Do not say such things again. I have a very violent temper and it's best if you don't fuel it.”
A bit of an overreaction I thought. He looked like he could be one truly nasty piece of work. The sooner I be on my own way and loose this potential psychopath who seemed to have forced his friendship upon me the better.
A hut came into view as we rounded the bend. It looked uninhabited as there was no light from inside and no smoke from the chimney. “What about here for the night?” I suggested.
The argonian grunted and went on ahead entering the unlocked door. I quickly joined him and looked into the small room. It looked in good shape but had been empty for some time.
I shut the door behind us and lit a couple of candles.
“How about a fire?” Slays-Many-Elves suggested as he knelt in front of the hearth stacking firewood. I just shivered and nodded in reply and then smiled as I saw him struggling to light it with a flint.
“Here, let me try this” I said as I unleashed my flame spell igniting the dry wood. The argonian looked actually impressed and went to sit at the table. I joined him where he glared at me angrily still evidently upset about my suggestion that he's scared of the dark.
“So what brings you to Skyrim” I asked breaking the silence.
“Like I said earlier. I'm a mercenary. I have only lived in Skyrim for a few months. I was born and lived in Black Marsh for most of my life until my line of work made me some very powerful enemies. I faked my own death and fled the country. I managed to get some fake identity documents so I could travel within the empire / Thalmor controlled lands and basically here I am.”
“Do the Thalmor control Black Marsh” I asked even though I knew the answer. I just wanted to make conversation.
“Of course not” the argonian said scornfully. “We kicked them out years ago. We have never been ruled by anyone else and never will be. Even when Black Marsh (or Argonia) as its also known was part of the empire it was more of a loose alliance and we self governed. If you think it's a place for you think again.”
“Oh I know. I've thought about it.” I answered. As much as I hated the Thalmor I didn't want to live in a disease ridden swamp. I also knew the races of Khajiit and Argonians have always had a dislike for each other but I personally found some argonians to be perfectly fine with me. I looked over to the bed in the corner.
“Looks like there's only room for one. We should take turns sleeping and on guard” I suggested.
“Good idea” the argonian said getting up and laying on the bed. “Ill sleep first”
With that I soon drifted off to sleep in the chair but woke a few hours later to the sound of wolves howling outside.
“What is it?” Slays-Many-Elves muttered brushing sleep from his eyes. “Just wolves” I answered. “Your turn to keep watch” I continued.
The argonian scowled and pointed at the fire. “You let that go out” he said clearly annoyed. “Perhaps you don't feel the cold as much with all that fur but I do. Get it going again”
I obeyed and saw that he had returned to the bed. “Hey it's my turn” I poked at him. He turned over and mumbled “if you want to live to see the morning I suggest you leave me alone.”
Fine. I thought. He seems to be taking leadership already and trying to assert his authority over me. Maybe he's just in a foul mood but I didn't want to find out the hard way. I would definitely need his help to survive here though I pondered. “What place have I come to?” I said to myself as I sat once again in the hard wooden chair.
I woke again early and went out hunting. I found an old bow in the cabin which was still serviceable and brought back some rabbits for breakfast. I didn't know what the argonian ate but I figured he would be a meat eater like myself.
Slays-Many-Elves woke to the smell of cooking rabbit which I had already skinned and cooked over the fire whilst he was sleeping.
“Glad you made yourself useful” he commented as he pulled one off the spit and chewed it almost whole. “After breakfast we should make haste to Riften. I was supposed to deliver last night and if I'm much later my payment may be reduced. There's other mercenaries around and I want to keep my job.”
Perhaps why he as annoyed last night I wondered. Anyway he seemed in a better mood this morning as he went outside to collect some snow to melt. I needed a drink and looked forward to enjoying some cool refreshing water. When the argonian returned however he used the melted snow to wash his armpits. “I stink” he commented as he saw me looking at him. He handed the bowl to me and turned away. I used it to wash some of the dirt from my fur as I certainly wasn't going to drink from it now.
“We had best be going” he said collecting his belongings. So much for the drink so I could now add thirst to my ravenous hunger. Great.
Chapter 3: Riften
“He is not welcome. If he has business it must be conducted outside the city walls” objected one of the guards flanking Riften's southern gate.
“Come on now, would I let a known thief into the city?” Slays-Many-Elves asked. “This Khajiit here is wanting to see the Jarl herself. She has asked to see him personally” he lied.
“Am I?” I whispered. “no, keep your mouth shut” came the curt reply.
I sensibly remained quiet.
“No Khajiit” emphasising his earlier statement.
“I don't want to argue but it would be your heads if Ji'Arsha is not seen immediately.”
One of the guards nodded to a 3rd guard standing by the gatehouse hut and he promptly marched to his superior and saluted. Words were exchanged and he disappeared into the city through a small side gate. “Wait here for confirmation” he barked.
Great I thought. We were both probably in it now and I'd unintentionally dropped my new found friend into the crap too. The Jarl would know he lied and at best his services would no longer be required and at worst he could be executed. Twenty tense moments passed with awkward silences when the guard returned.
“All is clear, let them both through” he ordered.
At the other side six guards escorted us to Mistveil keep where the Jarl takes up residence but we didn't make it to the front door. Two of the guards grabbed me and dragged me away from my companion who shrugged and then as he turned away gestured with his hand that he wanted me to wait. I took this as a sign that he would be back. I didn't get chance to find out what he meant as I was manhandled into the city jail and thrown into a prison cell.
My first impressions of Skyrim were not great. Racist Nords, a psychotic argonian who has forced his friendship upon me, Khajiit refused entry to almost all towns and cities and now this. The cell was dark and damp. Mould covered the dirty straw on the floor and there was a strong smell of stale sweat and excrement. I couldn't see anywhere to sleep apart from the straw. Nor anywhere to relieve myself. Judging by the stench it looked like the previous occupant had used the corner of the cell. I sat on the only wooden bench which was also rotting and pondered my fate.
Slays-Many-Elves stood before Jarl Laila Law-Giver with his hands together resting on his stomach his head slightly bowed.
“Now slays, what is all this fuss about? I didn't ask to see a Khajiit.” She questioned.
The red argonian looked up and said carefully. “My apologies but I thought it would be the only way to get him into the city. I think he may be useful to us. Uh, you.” he corrected.
Before she could reply Laila's steward Anuriel interupted and nodded walking towards them. “Yes a Khajiit would be useful. They make good spies. Ideal to deal with our little problem with the Black-Briars. See what they are up to as I'm sure they are planning something that does not bode well.”
Laila sat back into her throne and thought for a moment. She knew her city was already full of thieves; after all the thieves guild made their home in the sewers of the city but she had them under control. Unbeknownst to her, the steward was actually a thieves guild member put in place by the Jarl's rival Maven Black-Briar. She was to influence the Jarl so the thieves guild could operate freely. She would see that Ji'Arsha would be caught if he attempted to spy on Maven or her allies.
“Very well, I want to know more about this Khajiit. Watch him, get to know him and report back to me” she instructed. She turned to her steward. “let him out of jail and have the guards keep an eye on him. In slays's drunken state on a night he cannot always be relied upon.” With that she bowed and left.
Slays-Many-Elves coughed and stifled a grin when he heard about his late evening drinking mentioned by the Jarl.
“As for you” she said turning back to the Argonian. I want to see what you have brought me then you can have your payment. Then you can show the Khajiit around and see he does not cause trouble.”
The argonian bowed and removed his pack containing his requested merchandise from Morrowind for the Jarl and handed it over in return for 500 septims.
For what seemed like an eternity I was finally let out of the cell and led outside to the waiting red argonian. He quickly apologised for been thrown in jail and offered to take me to the inn where I could find food and rest. I gladly accepted.
The Bee and Barb looked very lively as I walked through the door but it fell silent as soon as I stepped through with some openly looking aghast and one spitting out his ale.
“What in oblivion are you doing in here cat” one of the patrons exclaimed. “We don't want you or your scaled beast race bethren kind around here. Get out unless you would like me to make a coat out of you!”
I was about to open my mouth when he saw the massive argonian stood behind me and promptly shut up. The inn was run by two argonians, Talen-Jai & his partner Keerava who were subject to racial abuse and rarley said anything as many of the patrons, particuarly the Black-Briars had powerful enemies and it was in their best interests to keep quiet. My companion glared at the man who stumbled in fear inclining his head slightly to indicate submission and went back to his seat. He didn't want to see the bad side of Slays-Many-Elves that evening or induce the wrath of the Jarl.
“Why do you tolerate this from them” I said to Talen-Jai who was pouring sawdust on to a pile of vomit on the floor and holding a brush in the other hand. His green shin shone in the light from the firepit but he continued to sweep the sawdust covered vomit as if he hadn't heard me. Eventually he replied. “Just biding my time he smiled. As soon as I have saved enough money we are leaving for Black Marsh. Until then I say yes my lord, yes my lady, grovel, clear up puke and bite my tongue. You should do the same, well, except for clean up puke if you want to stay alive. Riften is no place for either of our races. I don't even know why we bothered to come here in the first place. If you want anything see Keerava at the bar.”
I took his advice and but before I could open my mouth Keerava looked at me in disgust and said “if you're here to cause trouble, take a hike. Otherwise what can I get you?”
“I'd watch that one shouted someone. She is a nasty little lizard with a fiery temper and is surprisingly strong. She's the one that usually throws out the drunks.” She snarled at the man and made a rude gesture with her hand so I frowned then put on my best smile and answered. “I'm not here to cause trouble. I need food, drink and a bed for the night.”
“Hold that” Slays-Many-Elves interrupted. He won't be needing the bed, I will show him something far better.” he laughed again clapping my back with his hand. “No really, I will be staying here tonight” I refused. Ill come with you to 'your place' but I won't be staying long.”
“Hey sweetie I suppose he could use your rented room tonight if you are going elsewhere” she said to my friend. “No love, I may still need it as I don't know how my evening will pan out. You have plenty of others, yes?”
“Oh yes, plenty. Mine if you wish. Then the Khajiit can have yours” she said with a slight sexual tone and gesture.
Talen-Jai looked up and frowned at Slays-Many-Elves's flirting with his partner and even more so her response. “Just stop that” he exclaimed. He didn't know if Slays-Many-Elves had ever slept with his wife to be and he wanted to keep him away from her. He had been a nuisance since the day he arrived two months ago and if Talen-Jai ever found out he had slept with her he would slit his throat as he slept. He had a way with women though regardless of race. The sooner he leaves town or gets his own property the better he thought.
Talen-Jai put aside his brush and said “this way to your room sir” I got up and left Han-Ei sitting at the table on his own and followed the green argonian upstairs. He showed me to a small room containing nothing but a single bed, a wardrobe and a bucket. There were no windows in the room – a blessing really as it was warmer without the window. I placed my backpack onto the bed and looked up at Talen-Jai who was about to walk away.
“Are you and Keerava married? I asked. The argonian frowned and said “That's none of your business but no. I do plan to marry her eventually but we are deciding if the wedding should come first or me and her leaving for Black Marsh. Depends on how much money I've got. The thieves guild are always round here extorting money from me. Trouble is there's little I can do about it.”
“Do they cause a lot of problems around here?”
“An understatement, yes. They are nothing but trouble.” He looked at me. “Take some advice from me; do yourself a favour and do not join them no matter how tempting their offer may be. Forgive me for appearing rude but as a Khajiit in Skyrim I figured you would either join them or the Dark Brotherhood.”
“It's fine. Everyone assumes Khajjit are either thieves or assassins. To be honest I'm not really sure what I am at the moment or where I belong. It certainly does not appear to be here.”
“Well I'm sorry to hear that” Talen-Jai continued. “Ill leave you be.”
As he left I shut the door and got changed out of my armour into the spare clothes I had brought in my backpack and returned to the table downstairs where my meal was waiting for me.
After a good meal and several mugs of ale Ji'Arsha's argonian companion stood up. “Come, Ill show you Haelga's Bunkhouse. Where our kind can drink and have a good time without too much trouble from the Nords.” With that I followed him outside.
Haelgas bunkhouse at the opposite end of town was just an inn really but it was a craphole compared to the bee and barb. There were badly patched holes in the roof and the place was run down and decrepit. Two benches were in one of the small rooms and a fighting ring in the other where two Nords where boxing to loud cheers from the gathered spectators. Steps led up to another floor with multiple doorways into small rooms. Several argonians and elves of various races sat around the tables but we didn't get the frosty reception received at the previous inn.
It didn't take long before there was trouble though. The argonian, Madesi made some remark to which one of the elves took a dislike to and she quickly told him to crawl back into the swamp in which he came. Angry words were exchanged for a few minutes but then all hell broke loose with bottles being thrown around and tables overturned. Slays-Many-Elves went ballistic and hurled himself into the fray pulling two dark elves away from the feuding argonians and bashing their heads into each other. He spat in one of their faces and punched the elf to the ground his companion quickly following. Then it went quiet as quickly as it had become violent. My jaw dropped as I just stood there and stared open mouthed at Slays-Many-Elves's sheer strength and brutality. Some had unwisely fought back mainly in self defence only to be beaten into submission.
Slays-Many-Elves stood glaring around at the other patrons daring anyone to challenge him. A large Nord man began to advance forward and looked as if he might but the argonian snarled at him letting out a menacing hiss. The man looked him up and down and wisely backed down returning to his seat and picking it up off the floor.
I felt very uncomfortable and calmly sat between Madesi and Slays-Many-Elves after we had put the tables back. Madesi just looked at me and shrugged as if this sort of thing happens every day. The awkward silence soon began to turn into noisy chatter. More drink followed and I was talking to Madesi for an hour or so. He seemed a quiet fellow who seemed very downtrodden and subdued. He was actually raised by Dark Elves who took pity on him after his parents were murdered by a dark elf raid. He had no racist views about anyone and believed that every race is capable of great evil but not all of the same race are like that. I liked that in him.
A pair of giggling very drunk Nord whores were flirting with Slays-Many-Elves arguing who should he have first. One sat beside him; I noticed her putting her hand under the table then subsequently down his pants whilst the other massaged his shoulders. Slays became suddenly quiet and looked like he was struggling to keep a calm face and control his breathing. Eventually he bared his teeth letting out a low hiss then seemed to relax.
The whore whispered something in his ear as she removed her hand from under the table. Slays looked at her and grumbled “there's not much point now is there?” but she simply kissed him on the side of his face and grabbed his arm. “Now handsome, don't be so ungrateful” she whispered as she tugged on his arm indicating she wanted to go to bed. The other woman smiled at me and said “How about you? You up for a good time?”
I stuttered and answered “err, no. I think I'm OK here at the moment.”
“Suit yourself. Another time maybe?” she asked. I just shrugged. With that she joined Slays-Many-Elves and the other whore and they headed upstairs. “I think I might be a while. Don't wait up” Slays called over his shoulder as he left.
I raised my jug to him and gave a weak smile. “Uh, did that just happen?” I asked the others when he was out of earshot. Madesi nodded and got up to leave. The others just ignored my question and continued drinking and talking. I decided to follow Madesi out and headed for the Bee and Barb looking forward to my bath and bed. Tomorrow would be to find some new clothes and armour from whatever this dump of a town passed as shops. I was told that the prices were the lowest in Skyrim - given my current financial situation that would do me fine.