18+ Dusk

Averaine glanced up as Cilla arrived at the fire. She looked cold, and like she might prefer to be sitting. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to sit on. Unless she wanted to risk the snow. He heard her muttering something about Shork the orc, and realized that was probably the orcs name. That made sense, as the knight was pretty sure he'd heard the orc introduce himself to Donath. The girl started speaking with the orc, asking for something. The orc dumped the pieces of rabbit into the stew pot,and Averaine turned and noticed Torin nearby, and waved him over. "Would you care to do the honours, Torin?"

Turning back to the others, he heard the orc ask if Cilla was capable of defending herself. It was a valid question, though Averaine had no idea why the orc would care. He wasn't exactly sure what the orcs motivations were, but the knight didn't believe he was terribly concerned about one human childs welfare. He decided it was up to Cilla to stand up for herself, but to his surprise, Shadari spoke up in the girls defence. He glanced at the assassin, but didn't say anything. Instead, he glanced up at the sky and scowled. The storm hadn't let up yet,which meant more time wasted. Averaine turned to look at Salthar, who, he wagered, was none to pleased about their stop. "I assume we'll be moving on in the morning? If so, we should decide on a watch schedule."

Salthar watched as the others went about setting up camp, and trying to get warm. He stood on his own, pondering their path. Obviously, Riften was still their goal, but he was not happy with the delay, but nor was he planning on forcing the others to march through the storm. Averain, who'd been supervising the preparation of food, and getting a fire started, walked over to him. "I assume we'll be moving on in the morning? If so, we should decide on a watch schedule." He frowned, considering the statement. He somewhat doubted that they would come across any enemies. But caution was never a bad idea. "Very well. A pair of watchers on two or three hour shifts should be adequate. I don't think the danger is very great, but it won't do to underestimate the brotherhood."

Torin leaned against a tree, watching as the others unburdened themselves of their packs, and sought shelter from the wind and snow. Averain and the orc werebear began a stew, and after they'd gathered all the necessary components, the vampire knight glanced up at him. "Would you care to do the honours, Torin?" He couldn't help but smirk as he approached the stew pot. It appeared neither the orc nor vampire wanted to try their hand at cooking. "I suppose someone will have to." He chuckled, finding some clean snow, and dumping it into the pot. It sizzled as the heated metal melted it down. It wasn't long before the heat of the fire had brought the water to a boil, and the meat inside began to cook.

From his bag, he drew some carrots and cut them up, adding the pieces to the stew, as well as a little salt. While he knew that they shouldn't be used to meals such as this, but for their first night, he saw nothing wrong with it. Plus, he knew the girl, Cilla, would need to regain her strength. Venison and other rations were fine for the others, but Cilla was still growing, and she'd expended a lot of energy during the days march. After a short while, he tested the food, making sure it was ready, before removing a wooden bowl from the bags. He scooped the first seving into a bowl, and knelt by the girl, handing it, along with a spoon, to her."Here you are, Cilla.Enjoy." Then he stood, dusting his knees off. "The rest of you can serve yourselves, I hope." He lead by example, filling his own bowl, and retreating to a distance where he was out of the way.

"Be at ease, Donath. The storm may seem supernatural, but it's not. The Whitescar brotherhood doesn't know our route, remember?" Aliah said, and Donath shrugged. She had a point, and sometimes storms were just storms. "I guess you're right. Maybe I'm just gettin' a little jumpy." He noticed Averaine and Salthar talking, and Torin finish the stew. He headed over to the stew pot, and got himself something to eat, before walking to the pair of vampires. He heard Salthar mention something about two man watches, for the night. "I'll take the first watch then. With whoever else wants to." Donath made his way to one of the boulders and removed his axe from his back, and began to sharpen the blades. He didn't think he'd need the weapon, but maintaining it was still important. He glanced up at the sky, noticing the wind had died down a little. That would make walking the perimeter of the camp a little easier.

Lythare made her way across the snow covered plains, along with the rest of the companions. Aethos swept in and out of the clouds, unaffected by the wind the buffeted those on the ground. With the snow and wind striking her in the face, she resorted to using holding her forearm in front of her eyes, though it didn't do much for the rest of her body. A short time later, Salthar called a halt. Though she could have continued, she was quietly grateful that he'd called for them to stop. They hadn't made much progress, seeing as whiterun was still in sight in the distance. They stopped at a small copse of evergreen trees, growing close enough together to stop the wind and snow.

Averaine, Shork and Julius got a fire going, and Torin made some food for the others. Aethos landed in one of the trees, and Lythare rested against a trunk, wrapping her cloak around herself. Once the others had warmed themselves, Averaine approached Salthar and spoke to him about posting a guard. The Altmer vampire agreed, stating that two guards for two or three hour shifts would be adequate. Donath volunteered for the first watch, and Lythare joined the trio. "I'll take the second watch then." Then she headed to the stew pot and got something to eat. She returned to her tree trunk to eat as she waited for night to fall, tossing small chunks of rabbit onto the ground for Aethos, who'd descended to the ground to eat.

"She's capable. For a kid, I mean." Was a brief remark passed on by a nearby Khajiit, who must have overheard him talking. He nodded to the cat-woman, and after taking another brief look at the child he walked off, looking for something to do.
Noticing his client standing away from the fire, he made his way over to see what there was to do. One of the other vampires had just suggested setting up a watch around the camp. The Orc considered volunteering- his little hunt earlier had given him a burst of adrenaline, and he imagined sleep was to elude him for a while longer. Also, the tough looking Nord from earlier had volunteered, and Shork imagined him to be one of the more approachable members of the group, at least in terms of conversation. Having met most of the company by now, there was many questions in his head about the threat of the Brotherhood.
"I will also take on this role" Shork called to his client, and then he walked off to get some stew to help warm himself up.

Cilla was about to take her gloves off to peel and eat her orange when Shork the orc blurted out a rather intimidating question. He wanted to know why she was on the trip and if she even had a weapon to defend herself with. Cilla felt obliged to do so but didn't know how. No one had ever asked her what skills she could bring to an adventuring table and as her mind raced she was worried she didn't have any. She was technically a mage and she had studied at the College of Winterhold with Alice but she still had difficulty casting minor spells let alone big and powerful ones. She was small and quick but she'd put on weight in the last year. Enough to where she had a bit of a pot belly where she didn't have one before. She could hide but not very well. She had her dagger but had never actually used it before. So what, Cilla wondered, could she do to help the group?

"Well...I...um..."

"She's capable. For a kid, I mean." Shadari interrupted. Cilla was almost shocked that the genuinly scary khajiit woman had spoken on someone else's behalf at all, much less endorse her. Cilla had always thought Shadari didn't like Cilla even though Cilla hadn't done anything mean or annoying to her knowledge. She looked to Shadari with genuine confusion. She stood there for a moment until Torin gently nudged her with a wooden bowel of rabbit stew.

"Here you go Cilla. Enjoy." He said. He wasn't smiling but then he never smiled. He was always so serious and focused all the time. Cilla didn't understand that either but at least it was in character.

"Thank you Mr. Torin." She said a little absentmindedly. She took a bite of the stew and while it was rather bland and she didn't really like it it was hot and welcome. She walked over to a log she hadn't noticed before and which was now dry from the fire. It was next to Shadari so Cilla saw an opportunity to sit down, eat her supper and validate what the woman had said.

"Miss Shadari," Cilla started after taking a seat in the rather well sheltered area. "Thank you for answering Mr. Shork's question when I couldn't. That was very nice, but I'm not sure if you really meant it or if you were just being nice to be nice. Which is nice but not true either, and that's not nice. I mean, I'm not a great warrior like Mr. Donath or my dad or my sister or Miss Aliah. And I can't use magic to blow bad guys up like my dad or my sister or Miss Aliah or Mr. Salthar. And I can't kill bad guys in sneaky ways and hide where they'll never find me ever like you or Mr. Torin. I'd say I'm good at listening to grown-ups but sometimes I don't even do that! Some grown-ups are really stupid and boring! All I'm really, really good at is eating sweetrolls, playing tag, snuggling in bed with my parents, Alice or another grown-up who loves me, and doing what I'm told. So how, exactly, am I capable? Because when I'm with invincible grown-ups like you guys I sure don't feel that way."

Shadari had just finished cleaning and sharpening her falchion, and slid the weapon into the steel ring at her side, when she heard a pair of feet approaching. They were too light to be any of the others. which could only mean they belonged to one person. Cilla sat on the log beside her, a bowl of stew in her hands. "Miss Shadari," She began. "Thank you for answering Mr. Shork's question when I couldn't. That was very nice, but I'm not sure if you really meant it or if you were just being nice to be nice. Which is nice but not true either, and that's not nice. I mean, I'm not a great warrior like Mr. Donath or my dad or my sister or Miss Aliah. And I can't use magic to blow bad guys up like my dad or my sister or Miss Aliah or Mr. Salthar. And I can't kill bad guys in sneaky ways and hide where they'll never find me ever like you or Mr. Torin. I'd say I'm good at listening to grown-ups but sometimes I don't even do that! Some grown-ups are really stupid and boring! All I'm really, really good at is eating sweetrolls, playing tag, snuggling in bed with my parents, Alice or another grown-up who loves me, and doing what I'm told. So how, exactly, am I capable? Because when I'm with invincible grown-ups like you guys I sure don't feel that way."

She sighed. She'd had a feeling ever since she'd stood up for the girl she'd have to endure some follow up questions. But the questions was fair, and easy enough to answer. "I wasn't saying it to be nice. I was saying it because it's true. I was with you when last year, remember? Most children wouldn't have lasted an hour, with what we faced."

Shadari snorted when Cilla mentioned the so called 'invincible' adults. "No one is invincible." To demonstrate, she parted the fur at the side of her jaw, revealing a long scar. "Got that from an orc berserker who decided he didn't want to die." Seeing the girl didn't exactly get her point, she sighed. "My point is, people aren't invincible. They're just lucky. Some, more than others. If you want to survive, you don't need to be some super powerful mage, or master swordsman. They die as easy as anyone else. You survive by being smart. Being persistent."

"While we're talking about surviving...I know Aliah promised to look after you. And that you're use to having people protecting you. But you need to start being a little independent. There's no guarantee Aliah or Donath, or your sister will be around for ever. You need to be ready for that." She said. For some reason, humans seemed bent on raising their young soft. Shadari didn't understand that. Being unable to defend yourself was a good way to get killed, in her opinion. She glanced over at Salthar. "I'll take one of the watches too." She called to him.

After Averaine had suggested a guard, several others volunteered to take watches. He nodded, satisfied with the results. Of course, he hadn't been expecting anything else from his companions. He noticed Torin handing Cilla a bowl of stew, and the girl heading over to the log Shadari sat on. The knight winched at the girls choice of eating fellow. With the mood the Khajiit had been in recently, he doubted she wanted anyone near her. However, she actually spoke with the girl for a short while, before volunteering for one of watches. Deciding that since he'd suggested the others stand watch, it made sense for him to take a shift as well. "I'll keep Lythare company on her watch. That means we need only one more for the final watch, with Shadari."

"Me!" Cilla blurted out, instinctively standing up to her full height. Which wasn't much. "I'll help Miss Shadari with the watch. I can do it. I have to learn how to be independent."

Shadari's words struck true with Cilla and she was convinced that she needed to learn to take care of herself if she wanted to stay with this group. And she did want to stay with this group. With all the trips she had been on in her life there had always been a family member to hold her hand. Her parents when she was little in Cyrodiil. Her brother Stephen who had kept her alive when they were held by vampires and he became one. Her dad and Alice when they rescued her and on any trip since. She had a warm comfortable home with a family that loved her but what good did that do her now? She was slow, chubby and needed other people to look after her. Shadari didn't need anyone to look after her. She was strong and cunning and always took care of herself and look how awesome her life was for all that! Cilla wanted to be like Shadari.

"Don't worry, you'll all see! I'll be the best watcher in all Skyrim! I won't need help from anybody!"

Aliah kept her eye on Shadari and Cilla as the two spoke. The others went about getting themselves food, and setting up watch shifts for the night. After Lythare and Averaine volunteered for the second watch, and Shadari for the third, the Breton vampire mentioned they needed one last member of the party to join her. To Aliahs' surprise, Cilla leapt at the chance, getting off the log she'd been sitting on.
"Don't worry, you'll all see! I'll be the best watcher in all Skyrim! I won't need help from anybody!"

Aliah wasn't sure where her sudden urge to stand watch and learn to be 'independent' had come from she wasn't exactly sure. But looking at Shadari, she could easily guess. Shadari was used to working on her own, and making herself look good doing it. While she didn't know what, exactly the pair of them had been talking about, she supposed that was where Cilla had gotten the idea.

Walking over to the Khajiit and the young girl she said firmly "Cilla, you need your rest. Let one of the others stand watch." She then turned her attention to Shadari. "Can I speak to you for a moment?" She asked, an edge to her voice. She lead her a short distance away from the girl. "What did you say to her? I understand she needs to learn to fend for herself, but not all at once. Especially not on a journey as dangerous as this could be."

Shadari glanced up at Aliah as the Altmer vampiress approached. She spoke to Cilla shortly, before turning to her. She didn't need to be a genius to figure out she was angry with her. Or at least annoyed. "Can I speak to you for a moment?" She asked, with a clear edge to her voice. Shadari shrugged, and stood up, walking with her a short distance. "What did you say to her? I understand she needs to learn to fend for herself, but not all at once. Especially not on a journey as dangerous as this could be."

"Why not?" She challenged. "Danger keeps the mind sharp. And since she's going to be coming with us either way, she might as well start of simple." She gestured to the others around the clearing. "Besides, what could happen tonight?" She turned to look at Cilla. "Let her stay up with me. I'll keep an eye on her, I promise." She said, exaggerating the last word. She understood the elfs' concern, but at the same time, she was irritated by her doubt.

Cilla went back to her log and soup. It was still not to her liking but it was still hot and still welcome. Then she remembered Carlotta had packed her some of her favorite food for the trip, including a tin of little biscuits and a shaker of pepper that would liven this soup right up. The biscuits were cold and hard when she got them out but they'd soften up in the stew and soak up the flavors to make a delicious morsel. She got out two of the fourteen fist-sized biscuits and used them to scoop up her stew once she'd added a generous amount of pepper. There were other things in her pack like apples, toffee treats, some sweetrolls, some salted beef jerkey her dad made for her and best of all, two big bars of milk chocolate that she could break pieces off of.. She didn't want all of this now though since she knew from experience that it was better to have a little to look forward to later.

As she ate she overheard Shadari and Aliah talking. She couldn't hear all of their conversation but she heard enough to where she was conflicted. She had been taught that if she did as she was told and obeyed her elders things would usually work out for the best. Whenever she was away on a trip she obeyed whoever was appointed to look after her and things had worked out well. Then Shadari comes along and tells her she needs to be independent immediately. Cilla had learned a little about survival from her dad and sister and she could help with basic outdoor tasks but there had always been someone to watch her. She liked the idea of being on watch with Shadari because it was a way to show the group she could really help. She assumed the group expected her to be useful. Yet Aliah had just said she needed her rest and shouldn't be on watch, something her dad or Alice would say and therefor valid. But they weren't here to help her. She was stuck between listening to Aliah as she was told and taking advantage of an opportunity to be useful with Shadari. What was she supposed to do?

Unable to reconcile this herself Cilla decided to ask Julius. He knew her the best out of any group member, she was comfortable around him, he was her sister's boyfriend and he'd been living with them for the past year. He was almost family, therefore his opinion would carry almost as much weight. She took her stew and biscuits and walked over to him.

"Hey Julius? I need your help. I'm not sure what to do. Miss Shadari told me I need to be independent and take care of myself. I want this because I'm afraid you guys might decide to leave me if I don't. Since Alice or papa or Elizabeth isn't here to take care of me, I'm worried that you guys might think I'm slowing you down if I don't help. On the other had mama and papa told me to listen to Miss Aliah and do whatever she says and she says I shouldn't help stand watch. I love Miss Aliah and I'm glad she's responsible for me but I don't think she gets it. What would you do here?"

Meanwhile, back in Whiterun, the snow continued to fall and the entire city was covered in white. A thousand chimneys released lazy white smoke as the fires that made them warmed up the houses. The snow was too deep for much traffic and as it was still falling the guards weren't making much headway shoveling the streets, so they decided to join the rest of the city for a cozy day indoors. Breezehome, being over twice as big as it used to be, had plenty to keep the Psyrakon family warm, fed and comfortable so no one saw any need to go outside. Except for Simus, no one even saw any reason to get dressed.

It had taken a large healing potion from Carlotta and some honey tea and ginger from Elizabeth but they had finally gotten Alice back in bed and comfortable enough to go to sleep. She was warm and comfy when her two caretakers tucked her in and was able to fall asleep minutes after her head hit the pillow. It was about noon and Carlotta had quietly come into Alice's room to check on her. The little angel was sound asleep and a quick feel of her forehead told Carlotta that Alice fever was still strong, but muted by the healing potion. She could be sick for several days depending on how fast her fever breaks but they'd be able to keep her comfortable until it did. It was best to let her rest so Carlotta opened Alice's blinds and put a covered tray of food on Alice's nightstand. On it was a little pinned note.

I saved you some breakfast since I know you didn't want to eat anything this morning. It'll keep warm for whenever you wake up and there's also a special treat to help you feel better. Take the healing potion I left out for you and call for me or Elizabeth if you need anything.

Feel better little faerie
mom

Carlotta left Alice to eat whenever she woke up but left her door open a crack to hear her. Then she walked across the hall to the closed bathroom. Elizabeth was inside taking a bath and as instructed she had left her blue footy pajamas outside for Carlotta to wash with the other laundry. Being a relatively wealthy family with a machine minded father the Psyrakons were one of the few families in Skyrim with running water. When the house was added onto two years ago a system of dwemer-inspired pipes and heaters was installed. The pipes moved water from the city's water supply through the house and was stored in a heated drum. Wastewater was drained out of the stone tub when someone removed the plug and drained into the city's sewer system. The water came out of a faucet in the tub and had handles for hot and cold water. As she had probably never seen such a wonder before Elizabeth may have decided to soak for quite a while but that was okay. She needed rest as much as Alice did and from her description of her training with Salthar it sounded like she wasn't allowed to enjoy much. This, Carlotta thought, was an opportunity to make her comfortable again. If the ability to have a hot bath in minutes without magic didn't do that the soaps, shampoos and lavender-scented bath oils certainly would.

Carlotta set down a fresh pair of footy pajamas by the bathroom door, white with little green trees, after she picked up the old pair. She knocked on the door softly to let Elizabeth know.

"Elizabeth?" She called over the running water. "Elizabeth honey?" She paused as she heard a response. "I put your clothes in the wash. They'll be clean and dry by the end of the day. There's a fresh pair of pj's for you to the left of the door when you come out and there's towels in the linen closet at the end of the hall if there's none in there. I also go the guest bedroom ready for you so you can sleep in a bed tonight. There's extra blankets at the end if you get cold. I know you got up early today so if you want to take a nap when you get out I can look after Alice. She's still asleep and I left her some food and medicine. Help yourself to the larder if you get hungry and dinner'll be about 6. Let me know if you need anything else okay?"

After listening for a response, Carlotta left for the basement to do some laundry. Along the way she checked on Mila. She was still in her footy pajamas, a light green as opposed to Cilla's pink or Elizabeth's blue. She was on the floor on her stomach drawing a picture and Carlotta took a moment to admire just how precious and adorable her little fairy was. It made her miss Cilla, her other little faerie and thankful that Alice, her bigger little faerie, was here at home, even if she was sick. She smiled warmly at her little Mila and got the urge to go in and cuddle with her but decided to leave her be. If she wanted her mama she'd come to her. So she headed downstairs. Simus was in his chair in the living room reading a book, the only dressed, and looked up at Carlotta as she came down.

"Hey there. How's Alice?" He asked.

"Fine." She said. "Still got a fever but she's asleep and comfortable."

"You okay?" Simus asked, seeing the concern on her face. Carlotta tried to hide it but sighed.

"Oh, it's nothing." She said. "Just...well...thinkin' about Cilla."

Simus nodded with understanding, then put his book down and got up. He brought Carlotta into a big hug and she returned it.

"My baby's away from me Simus, and I don't like it."

"I know." He said. "And I don't really like it either but she's gonna be okay Carlotta. She's with good people who will take care of her. She's sweet and tender-hearted but she's survived some very difficult times. She's seen things no child should have to see and she's always come out stronger. Cilla's gonna be okay. You and I have both seen to that."

"I know." She said as he rocked her back and forth. "But it doesn't make it easier."

"It's gonna be okay." He kissed her and smiled. He moved his finger along her back in just such a way as to arouse her. "Have I ever lied to you?"

"No..." Carlotta said with a slight giggle. "But you have tried to distract me before..." She grinned a sexy grin.

"Really now?" Simus whispered into her ear. "I can't remember a time I ever did that. Did it go something like this?"

He gently pushed Carlotta onto the soft leather couch, laughing and smiling, and proceeded to kiss her in all the right places.

Julius finished his food quickly and went over his gear, liked he'd seen the others doing. They might have still been able to see whiterun in the distance, but everyone seemed to think it was better to be safe than sorry. He agreed with that, especially since the legion patrols had been cut down on recently. Most soldiers were either on observation detail, keeping an eye on the northern holds, or garrisoned in the cities.

Since he hadn't been chosen for watch duties, he was preparing to get some shut-eye when Cilla came over. She explained she was conflicted about what to do, since Shadari and Aliah were telling her to do two completely different things. He was glad she'd come to him. Since he was the second youngest member of the party, besides being an Imperial soldier, the others didn't bother asking his advice much. "Well, Cilla in your place, I'd listen to Aliah. It's like being a soldier-kind of. You do what you're told to, even if you don't like it." He explained. "I'm not saying it's not good to be independent. Just not when the person who's in charge of you gives you instructions. You'll get plenty of chances to be independent later, don't worry. And Shadari will understand if you don't stay with her."

After making sure Alice had drunk her tea and eaten the ginger, Elizabeth and Carlotta made sure she got to sleep. Aside from using magic to get the girl back on her feet, the best thing for her was plenty of rest and liquids. She went back downstairs, leaving Carlotta to write a note and leave something for her to eat. Elizabeth decided to take a bath. She'd been eyeing the tub since she'd discovered it earlier in the day. Carlotta had explained how it worked, and encouraged her to use it. Elizabeth hadn't been sure that she should use the bath. She hadn't been enjoying much since learning under Salthar. But the Psyrakons had insisted.

So, she'd filled the tub with hot water, made possible by water heated in a drum. She shed the footy pyjamas, and left them outside the bathroom, like she'd been told to do. Then she went back to the tub, and slipped inside. She submerged up to her chin, and let out a pleased groan. The warm water was easing aches that she didn't even know she had. She used plenty of soap and shampoo, enjoying the comforts while she could.

She almost didn't hear Carlotta when she came to the door. "Elizabeth honey?" She straightened and looked at the door. "Yes?" She called. "I put your clothes in the wash. They'll be clean and dry by the end of the day. There's a fresh pair of pj's for you to the left of the door when you come out and there's towels in the linen closet at the end of the hall if there's none in there. I also go the guest bedroom ready for you so you can sleep in a bed tonight. There's extra blankets at the end if you get cold. I know you got up early today so if you want to take a nap when you get out I can look after Alice. She's still asleep and I left her some food and medicine. Help yourself to the larder if you get hungry and dinner'll be about 6. Let me know if you need anything else okay?" Elizabeth smiled. It wasn't everyday she actually had the option of a nap. Or relaxing at all, in fact. "Thank you, missus Psyrakon! I really appreciate this!" She finished with her bath, dried off and changed into the pyjamas that had been left for her.

While she fully planned to take advantage of the offer of a nap, she went to check on Alice first. Despite Carlottas' offer, Alice was still her patient. Elizabeth peeked into the room and was satisfied that Alice was still asleep. From there, she went to the guest room, slipped under the covers, and closed her eyes.

After retreating away from the fire, he ate the stew in relative silence. The others went about making arrangements for the coming night. The werebear Orc, volunteered to take first watch along with Donath. Then, for the second watch, Averaine and Lythare. Shadari decided to take the third and final watch, and to his surprise, Cilla volunteered to do so as well. Aliah seemed surprised as well, and a little dismayed. The elven vampiress told the girl she needed her rest, encouraging her to let one of the others take watch. Having finished his supper, he said "I could take the last watch. I agree that Cilla should be rested and ready to move in the morning." Remembering how the girl had tired in the deep snow when they'd first set out.

"I suppose you're right." Cilla said. Julius made some good points and comparing Aliah to a Legion officer reinforced them. Soldiers obeyed their commanders, the commanders took care of their soldiers and everyone was taken care of. Their group wasn't so different. But sometimes soldiers had to be sacrificed to save lives. If soldiers were bad or weak they were punished. Maybe even left behind. This was what worried Cilla. "But what if the group doesn't agree? I think I should tell the others what's on my mind."

She stood up on the log next to Julius and turned to address as much of the group as possible. While also staying towards the fire where it was warm.

"Excuse me everyone!" She announced, her voice soft and sweet but filled with conviction. Unlike Alice, Cilla did not mince words. She was like their brother in that regard. "I have something to say! I talked to Julius and I think he's right. I should listen to Miss Aliah because she was assigned to look after me. And if she doesn't want me to help with watch than I won't but that doesn't change the fact that I need to help you guys in some way. Last time Alice was with us and she was able to take care of me whenever I needed something and I was able to help because she supported me. Elizabeth and Julius too but Alice was the big one. Now she's not here and this is the first time in a long time I've been completely away from my family. This is really scary for me but I've been brave today because I don't want you guys to think I'm weak. I don't wanna be a burden because there's no family to bear me but I feel like I am. Mr. Donath had to carry me when I fell behind. I got more stew than everybody else tonight because I'm the smallest. I think I'm the only one with a tent and bedroll and jammies and a pillow and I need all that stuff but it slows me down even more. I'm worried that you guys are gonna decide I'm not worth it and leave me behind so you can fight the Whitescars and save Skyrim easy. Without me to slow you down."

Cilla felt scared and ashamed as she finished. She wanted to cry and it showed so she concentrated as hard as she could on holding her tears back. She just kept blinking her eyes, sniffing her nose and waited for someone to say something.

Aliah narrowed her eyes at the Khajiit womans defiance. She knew Shadari was an independent young woman, but she hadn't expected her to argue so hard for the girls sake. "No. She needs her rest, and I won't hear any more on the matter." She said firmly, daring the Khajiit to continue the argument. She turned to the log where Cilla had retaken her seat, only to see the girl stand up once more. She waited until she had everyones, or mostly everyones attention before she started to speak. She said how she'd always, before now, at least, had a family member to look after her. And how she'd been brave, so the others of the group wouldn't decide she was too weak and leave her behind.

Aliah felt a twinge of pity for the girl. She too had been in a position where nearly everything was foreign and frightening. She crossed the clearing, over to where Cilla stood, holding back tears, kneeling so that she was at the girls level. "Cilla. You don't need to fear being left behind Everyone needs help sometimes. Besides,if we were going to leave you, don't you think we would have left you in whiterun?" She wrapped the girl in a comforting hug. "Come. There will be time for you help tomorrow. For now, you need your rest."

Donath watched with some concern as Aliah and Shadari quietly argued. He knew that people didn't always agree with one another, but now was far from the time to attack each other. But he trusted the two of them to work it out between themselves. As the others set themselves up to get some rest, Donath made his way to the cover supplied by the branches of one of the trees and left the camp. Outside the ring of trees, the light of the twin moons lit the snow up with a silver radiance. He thought he could almost see the lights of Whiterun in the distance. The terrain also gave him a great view of the surrounding area. Nothing would be sneaking up on them. He propped his axe up against a tree trunk, and glanced over to Shork, the werebear. "This'll go by faster if ye can think o' something to talk about, lad." Away from the warmth of the fire, he wrapped his cloak around himself to keep his body heat up.