The Shezarrine - a Skyrim story

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the wonderful world of TES Skyrim. You know it by now, click the thumbnail to view the full-size screenhot and click the link to view the hidden screenshot I can't have displaued here. Have fun and enjoy the story. Let us begin...

My name is Bronkah Dovahkiir. This is my story. It Begins where it might have ended -- if fate had not intervened...
The Imperials had caught Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and leader of the rebellion. The civil war could have ebded this day. But the black dragon had other ideas...



Here we were on the road to Helgen, to our execution and on to Sovngarde...
"Sic transit gloria Imperii - So passes the glory of the Empire", I thought to myself. 



I was called up to the block after the brave Stormcloak Soldier. But then, out of seemingly nowhere...



The dragon saved my Life, but I was far from safe yet...



I followed Ralof, the Stormcloak Soldier into the keep...



We made it out together. Now we were on the road to the village of Riverwood...

"Thank the gods! This one is bored to death. Being a ghost leaves much to be desired. In fact, this one was talking with butterflie not long ago. Speaking of, there's a beautiful specimen here, one very fond of ectoplasm. But this one hasn't seen it for some time and he starts to worry. It seems more and more alchemists are robbing butterflies of their wings for their potions. Are you an alchemist?" the Lorekeeper said. "No, certainly not. It's all a bit over my head and tiresome to hunt for ingredients," Aster said. "That is good. The butterfly has as much right to live as you and... You, anyway, yes? But look at you. So full of life, unfulfilled wishes and dreams. What can this old khajiit help you with?" "My companion here-" "This one recognizes her aura. Come here, kitten. This ring! Where did you get it?" the ghost said. "That's a bit of a long story. She has no memorie and it was with her belongings." "This is the ring of Ri'Virr! It was lost during the clan uprisings!" "I've read that much. What was that about an ayra though?" Aster said. "This one used to be her clan's memory keeper, one who passes knowledge from the last generation to the next. But the chain was broken when this one died." "Please, tell us about her connection to the ring. We've travelled so far for it." "But the ring is here now, so there's still hope! As for why she has it, her aura is that of M'rissi, the daughter of Ra'Sadir!" the Lorekeeper said. "The traitor of his clan?" "He was no traitor! He loved his brother very much, and gave much to ensure the clan's survival. It seems none have paid enough attention to the story. Did you know that the group he helped to escape was women and chldren?" "He knew they couldn't hold out," Aster said. "The Thalmor's forces were overwhelming. He did what was necessary to ensure the clan survived. When he surrendered the rest, a handful were killed, and the Thalmor had him kill his own brother as a show of good faith. They searched for the ring, but to no avail. It was thought to be lost for good, bot now it has come again!" "But if all that's true, why are you here?" "This one came here with the women and children, but he got separated. He exiled himself to this tiny shack, and lived out his miserable life," the ghost said. "So you don't know what became of the women and children?" "This one does not know. But he is curious, how did you come of Ra'Sadir's daughter?" "I rescued her from some Thalmor. They were hunting her on behalf of someone called Isael," Aster said. "If Isael had her, then I fear the others are dead. That woman is a daedra wearing elven skin. Even the most hardened warriors tremble at her name. She was the one responsible for the clan's demise. This one cannot do much now, but he can seek them out, if they have perished. If you truly wish to restore her memory, perhaps the mages in the town of Winterhold can be of some use," the Lorekeeper said.

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When my son told me M'rissi's story, I offered my help...



We were all heading to the College of Winterhold...

"Such an amusing unexpectedness! I mean, imagine my surprise when the bug I crushed beneath my heel not only began to walk again, but came to confront me. Truly a foolish insect. Or is it instinctive behavior? Perhaps you have somehow attached to that little feline?" Isael said. "Your reign of terror is done, you irredeebable witch!" Aster said. "Oh dear, whatever shall I do! The mighty force of justice has come to put an end to my wicked ways! Worry not, I already have a brilliant idea how to make use of your body."
Isael spoke with confidence and arrogance. Her posture quickly changed to surprise, then to fear, when her spell didn't take...



Aster led the search for M'rissi...



"M'ri! Oh Nine, I was worried!" Aster said. M'rissi stared at him with joy filled eyes. He removed her collar. She coughed. "Ah... hah... you... she hoped so much!" M'rissi said. Aster broke her shackles. "Hold on a second!" he said. "You came! She knew you would come save her! She knew!" "Of course I did. I could never leave you like that." "That awful woman! She doesn't remember her name and what she did but she knows it was bad and she hurt her! Her past is gone from her, but she remembers enough to know that she doesn't want to remember. Oh, that vile elfess, where is she?! We need to run!" M'rissi said. "We killed her, and I'm glad you're safe." M'rissi shivered. "Oh, what a relief. Whew. Now she just wanst to leave this place," she said. "Now with Isael's death, your past won't haunt you anymore," Aster said. "Her past... is gone. But she knows that she doesn't want it back. It is nothing but pain and sorrow and suffering. She can be whoever she chooses to be instead of what pain made her. And she thinks she prefers it that way. And...wait a bit more. She... she wants t-to thank you. She accepts everything you've done for her, and everything you had to overcome when... when making that decision. She realizes now, that the trickery you've made - it was not an easy task... And s-she says... She feels sorry for the cruel words she said to you then. B-but don't get any weird ideas, will you? She's just being polite and friendly! Now let's finally leave this place, yes? Oh! Don't forget to free the other one! She was trapped just like M'rissi."

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"Here we are. Welcome to my home," Aster said. "Once again this one thanks you for the opportunity. she will settle here," S'ahara said. "So this city is home to the thieves? Wait... where is her gold?" M'rissi hissed.

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We didn't stay long in Riften. My son and M'rissi made us company back to Lakeview...

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... where Vilja and I could spend some time alone...



... Before I set off to Riverwood for my meeting with Delphine.

"I don't think you were followed. Come on. I have a plan. I've figured out how we're going to get into the Thalmor Embassy," Delphine said. "That didn't take long," I said. "I've been doing this a long tome, remember? While the Thlamor's been looking for me, I've been watching them." "So what's the plan? How do I infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy?" "The Thalmor ambassador, Elenwen, regularly throws parties where the rich and connected cozy up to the Thalmor. I can get you into one of those parties. Once you're inside the Embassy, you can get away and find Elenwen's secret files. I have a contact inside the Embassy. He's not up for thos kind of high-risk mission, but he can help you. His name is Malborn. Wood elf, plenty of reason to hate the Thalmor. You can trust him. I'll get word for him to meet you in Solitude, at the Winking Skeever -- you know it? While you're doing that, I'll be working on getting you an invitation to Elenwen's little party. Meet me at the Solitude stables after you've arranged things with Malborn. Any questions?" she said. "Once I'm inside the Embassy, then what?" "That's when the fun starts. You'll have to slip away from the party without raising the alarm. Then you'll need to find Elenwen's office and search her files. Malborn should be able to pint you in the right direction." "I'll see you in Solitude after I meet Malborn," I said. "Sounds good. Be careful."

I made no rush to get to Solitude though. I had more... domestic matters on my mind...

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Vilja had told me she wanted another child. We worked on it like rabbits...

Meanwhile... 



"I was told I'd find a group of Khajiit here," Aster said. "Ah, here you are at last. This one has been waiting for you. This one knows of those you speak of. This one was able to communicate with them as they passed neaby. They are searching for the ring you carry. Its importance to the Khajiit cannot be known to one who does not walk the dunes of Elsweyr. But now, you must talk to the kitten. It may be the last time you do," the Lorekeeper's ghost said.

M'rissi was swishing her tail anxiously. "What's on your mind?" Aster asked. "She... She's scared. She doesn't know what to expect. She wants to stay, but she would also like to see her homeland..." "I'll leave it up to you, M'rissi. Do whatever you think is best." "She wishes she had more time to decide..." she said.



"Ah, here is the one we were told of. You have the ring, yes?" the search party leader said. "I do," Aster replied. "And the daughter of Ra'Sadir." "The decision is hers, whether she wants to stay or go." "Between you and I... Ra'Sadir is not popular in our homeland for his actions. That with her new appearance may make her time there miserable. In truth, this one only needs the ring," the search party leader whispered. "You can't just tell her that. You'll crush her heart," Aster whispered back. "Then what would you have this one do?" "Take her with you, but speak of your homeland negatively. Skyrim is better, hmm? I mean no offense. Please, do it for the kitten." "This one understands," he said. The serch party leader raised his voice and spoke, "Come kitten, we must retyrn to the barren sands of Elsweyr. This one only wishes it were as nice as the tall trees and plentiful game in Skyrim." "So that's that. She will never return to her homeland," M'rissi said. "Never say never. You can't know what the future holds," Aster said. "But they were the only ones that knew the way! She cannot recall the way, and even if she did then she would not want to travel alone for such a distance." "The Khajiit caravans should know the way." "She... may have forgotten them. But she does not want to go. Not right now," M'rissi said. "Maybe one day." "Maybe someone can come with her when she goes! She would be oh so bored without someone to take care of. Wait! Um... Those bones in the shack. She feels it's not right to let them lay around like this," M'rissi said. "I see. After all he was related to you, a clan member. at least. Let's do something for his remains," Aster said.

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Tindra had also expressed her wish to have a baby with Aster. He was happy to oblige and the couple weren't even bothered that S'ahara and M'rissi were in the same room...

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"You know how to read, right?" Aster asked. "M'rissi can do anything! And yes, she knows the meanings of letters and words. B-but don't hurry her, yes?" she said. "Well, if you can do anything I guess you don't need me to read any interesting books with you..." "What interesting somethings are you hiding from here? She wants to know! Show her!"
Aster brought forth the book. "Mreow, don't keep her waiting!" M'rissi said. 

Mixed Unit Tactics in the Five Years War Volume One By Codus Callonus
The Legions could learn from the unconventional tactics used by the Khajiit in the Five Years War against Valenwood. I was stationed at the Sphinxmoth Legion Fort on the border near Dune and witnessed many of the northern skirmishes firsthand.
The war started with the so-called "Slaughter of Torval." The Khajiit claim that the Bosmer invaded the city without provocation and killed over a thousand citizens before being driven off by reinforcements from a nearby jungle tribe. The Bosmer claim that the attack was in retaliation for Khajiti bandits who were attacking wood caravans headed for Valenwood.
In the spring of 3E 396 the war moved closer to Fort Sphinxmoth. I was posted on lookout and saw parts of the conflict. I later spoke with both Khajiit and Bosmer who fought in the battle, and it will serve as an excellent example of how the Khajiit used a mixture of ground and tree units to win the war.
The Khajiit began the fight in an unusual way by sending tree-cutting teams of Cathay-raht and the fearsome Senche-raht or "Battlecats" into the outskirts of Valenwood's forests. When word reached the Bosmer that trees were being felled (allegedly a crime in the strange Bosmeri religion), a unit of archers were dispatched from larger conflicts in the south. The Bosmer were thus goaded into splitting their forces into smaller groups.
The Bosmer archers took up positions in the remaining trees whose branches were now twenty or more feet apart, allowing some light into the forest floor. The Bosmer bent the remaining trees with their magics into small fortifications from which to fire their bows.
When the tree-cutters arrived the next morning, a half dozen Khajiit fell to the Bosmer arrows in the first volley. After that the Khajiit took large wooden shields from the backs of the Senche-raht and made a crude shelter. The Khajiit, even the enormous Senche-raht, were able to hide between this shelter and one of the larger trees. When it became apparent that the Khajiit would not leave their shelter, some Bosmer chose to descend and engage the Khajiit sword-to-claw.
When the Bosmer were nearly upon the shelter, one of the Khajiit began playing on a native instrument of plucked metal bars. This was a signal of some kind, and a small group of the man-like Ohmes and Ohmes-raht emerged from covered holes on the forest floor. Although outnumbered, they were attacking from behind by surprise and won the ground quickly.
The Bosmer archers in the trees would have still won the battle were they not having troubles of their own. A group of Dagi and Dagi-raht, two of the less common forms of Khajiit who live in the trees of the Tenmar forest, jumped from one tree to another under a magical cover of silence. They took up positions in the higher branches that could not hold a Bosmer's weight. When the signal came, they used their claws and either torches or spells of fire (accounts from the two survivors I spoke with vary on this point) to distract the archers while the battle on the ground took place. A few of the archers were able to flee, but most were killed.
Apparently the Dagi and Dagi-raht have more magical ability than is widely believed if they were able to keep themselves magically silenced for so long. One of the surviving Bosmer told me that he saw a few ordinary cats among the Dagi and even claimed that these ordinary cats are known as 'Alfiq' and that they were the spellcasters, but Bosmer are almost as unreliable as the Khajiit when it comes to the truth, and I cannot believe that a housecat can cast spells.
At the end of the day the Khajiit lost perhaps a half-dozen fighters out a force of no more than four dozen, while the Bosmer lost nearly an entire company of archers. The survivors were unable to report back before a second company of archers arrived and this strategy was repeated again, with similar results. Finally, a much larger force was sent and the Bosmer won that battle with the help of the native animals of Valenwood. That third skirmish and the Khajiti response I will discuss in the second volume of this series.

"Ha! Now you see! She told you she's smart. Now you learned how Khajiits fouht away the Long-ears!" M'rissi said. "But you weren't there," Aster pointed out. "Don't trouble her with details! All Khajiit have sup-per-riowrity in tactics, grace, agility, speed and magics!"

"M'rissi, is everything okay? You're acting strange," Aster said. "She... has something to tell you. But you must promise you won't be mad at her!" she said. "All right, I promise." "It's just... the other day while you were shopping she saw a courier coming to you. She noticed many people send you things, and she is worried that someone might get closer to you than she is! Euh... well... like a brother or sister close... you know... not like a lover close kinda thing!! Hehe... He had another letter for you. M'rissi told him that she is your new private bodyguard and he should give the note to her... So... She read the note. Do you receive such notes all the time? Now she is worried that someone might try to trap you." "Do you have the note?" "Yes, here. But promise her to be careful!" M'rissi said.



Please forgive us for troubling you, great destroyer of dragons, but would you be kind enough to do a great good for a small village?
A monster recently appeared in the outskirts, and not a week goes by without someone from the area disappearing. Please help us! We will be in your debt.

Rorikstead. Ask Kjens.

The letter was probaly meant for me, but... Anyway. Vilja was with them at Dragonstead. It was only natural for my son to ask her to come along on this adventure...


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There was a secret hatch...



The water was brimming with salmon. They competed who could catch the most -- with their bare hands...
And when the fun was done they feasted on salmon and dried their clothes.

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"Finally back! She was getting worried!" M'rissi said. "Hey there! How are you doing? And where is Lirry?" Aster said. "Ah, here you are! She somehow settled here, see? It's calm and quiet. Even too quiet without you. Lirry is hiding somewhere... she's afraid of you. Did you bring the food?" "Here, this should be enough for now," Aster said. "Just in time, mrew! But nxt time don't take so lomg, yes?" "I'll try. Take care." "M'rissi will be waiting for you," she said.



Aster already knew, but I was away on an errand and would not come to know until later...

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With the dragon gone, the women could finally enjoy the hot springs...

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Matthis and Idegun were elated - their two youngest daughters were both going to give them a new grandchild.

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Meanwhile, I was travelling to High Hrothgar...



"Ah! You've retrieved the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Well done. You have now passed all the trials. Come with me. It is time for us to recognize you formally as Dragonborn," Master Arngeir said.
I followed him into the main hall where the other three were waiting...
"You are ready to learn the final word of Unrelenting Force, 'Dah', which means push. With all three words together, this Shout is much more powerful. Use it wisely. Master Wulfgar will now gift you with his knowledge of 'Dah.'" Master Arngeir said.
I absorbed the knowledge as easily as ever...
"You have completed your training, Dragonborn. We would speak to you. Stand between us, and prepare yourself. Few can withstand the unbridled Voice of the Greybeards. But you are ready," Master Arngeir said.



"Lingrah krosis saraan Strundu'ul, voth nid balaan klov praan nau. Naal Thu'umu, mu ofan nii nu, Dovahkiin, naal suleyk do Kaan, naal suleyk do Shor, ahrk naal suleyk do Atmorasewuth. Meyz nu Ysmir, Dovahsebrom. Dahmaan daar rok," they said.
The ground shook as they spoke.
"Dovahkiin. You have tasted the Voice of the Greybeards, and passed through unscathed. High Hrothgar is open to you," Master Arngeir said.
It was time for me to return home. But first, I had to return the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller to its rightful resting place - and I was rewarded with a dragon soul for doing so...

Well, well. There were certainly surprises when I retirned home... Well, not really so much. I knew the hard efforts would pay off. I just wasn't aware of Aster's and Tindra's efforts until now.

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Mirai was also happy to see me. She was longing for my company - on adventure and in bed, of course. 



Aster asked me to come along and meet M'rissi...



When I saw the young sabrecat, I knew there was something out of the ordinary with her. She grew at a similar rate to my own children - and in our family runs Corprus that makes it so. I can't rule out that this was indeed some meddling from a powerful Daedra somewhere. 
"I've been thinking... What about when she's grown? She won't be able to come with us into any cities. The guards would never allow it," Aster said. "There must be a solution! Maybe M'rissi will wait outside with Lirry. she doesn't like the cities and towns anyway," she said. "But then who will protect me when I get into trouble?" "Mrr... If only you were more capable she wouldn't have to be in this position!" "I think I have an idea. Let me see what I can do before we decide," Aster said. "She'll wait here with Lirry. Don't be so long! She gets lone- Worried! She gets worried about you getting lost!" M'rissi said.



"I've come to ask a favor on behalf of my companion again," Aster said. "Is it about her memory? Because there's really nothing more to be done at this point," Riane said. "No, you've done a fantastic job there. This time I need something to hide a sabrecat." "A sabrecat? Are you planning an ambush or something like that?" "Not exactly... We had to kill an enchanted sabrecat that was preying on a town," Aster said. "So... you need to hide the body?" "After we killed it we discovered it had a kitten, and M'rissi adopted it." "I see. Well, as much as I'd like to help, it's not my field. A master illusor could keep it up indefinitely, but only when they're awake and I'm sure you wouldn't want it popping back up in the middle of the night. Tends to cause chaos. But if you can manage to put a collar on it, you could enchant the object like armour. Okay! I know what needs to be done, but I must absolutely insist on payment this time since it's not life or death, and I've already done two for free. Plus materials," Riane said. "Alright, what do you need?" "I need a silver ruby ring, another ruby, and 3 bits of leather, and 800 gold." "I can do that. I'll be back as soon as I find everything," Aster said.
It didn't take very long for us to get everything together.
"Here's everything you need," Aster said. "Okay, I'll start making it then. Check in tomorrow," Riane said.



We spent the night at the inn and returned the next day...
"So, is it ready?" Aster wondered. "Good timing, I just finished," Riane said. "How does it work?" "The gem in this ring and on this collar are connected. Whenever the ring is activated, it pushes the collar and whatever is wearing it to the astral plane. When deactivated, it allows it to return. If you're planning to use it in battle, then the astral plane will allow it to rest and heal much more quickly than tending to it in this realm." "M'rissi will be pleased to hear that," he said. "I hope som putting an enchantment on something like that wasn't easy. But give her my best," she said.

"Here, put this collar on Lirry and you put on the ring," Aster said. "What is it? What wil it do? Is it safe?" M'rissi said. "Perfectly safe. All you have to do is twist the gem at the top to summon or unsummon Lirry." "And then she can go anywhere at all! She wants to try the ring! Here, Lirry! It's a shiny new collar for you! It looks so pretty!"



"Now she is ready for anything! Come on, she's gotten bored here in this little hut! She wants to go on grand adventures again!" M'rissi said. "So, about something interesting to read..." I said. "And what do you want to entertain her with?" "Here we have The Rear Guard." "She's all ears! ... Don't laugh!" M'rissi said.

The Rear Guard by Tenace Mourl
The castle would hold. No matter the forces, the walls of Cascabel Hall would never fail, but that was small consolation for Menegur. He was hungry. In fact, he had never been so hungry. The well in the atrium of the fortress supplied him with enough water to hold there until the Fourth Era, but his stomach reminded Menegur minute to minute that he needed food.
The wagonload of supplies mocked him. When his army, the forces of the King of Solitude, had left Cascabel Hall, and he had manned the battlements as the rear-guard to protect their retreat, they had left a wagon behind to supply him with enough food for months. It was not until the night after they left that he inspected the larder and found that nothing edible was in the wagon. Trunk after trunk was filled with netch armor from the army's incursion into Morrowind. Apparently his Nord confederates had assumed that the lightly opaque material was hard tack in aspic. If the Dunmer whose caravan had been raided knew about this, they would never be able to stop laughing.
Menegur thought that his fellow mercenary and kinswoman Aerin would have found this amusing as well. She had spoken with great authority about netch leather, being an expert of sorts on light armor, but she had made a point to mention that it could not be eaten like other leather in occasions of hardship. It was a pity she couldn't be there to enjoy the irony, Menegur thought savagely. She had returned to Morrowind even before the king's army had left, preferring a life as a wanted fugitive to a free existence in the cold of Skyrim.
All the weeds in the courtyard had been devoured by the rear-guard's sixteenth day manning Cascabel Hall. The entire castle had been scoured: rotten tubers in the mulch pile found and consumed, a dusty bouquet in the countess's bedchamber eaten, almost every rat and insect but the most cunning infesting the castle walls had been tracked down and gobbled up. The castellan's chambers, filled with acrid, inedible law books, had yielded up a couple crumbs of bread. Menegur had even scraped moss from the stones. There was no denying it: he would be dead from starvation before his army returned to break the ranks of the enemies who surrounded the fortress.
"The worst part," said Menegur, who had taken to talking to himself on only the second day alone in the castle. "Is how close sustenance is."
A vast arbor of golden apples stretched acre after acre near the castle walls. The sunlight cast a seductive gleam on the fruit, and the cruel wind carried sweet smells into Cascabel to torture him.
Like most Bosmer, Menegur was an archer. He was a master of long and medium distance fighting, but in close quarters, as he would be if he dared to leave the castle and enter the enemy camp in the arbor, he knew he would not last long. At some point, he knew he would have to try, but he had been dreading the day. It was upon him now.
Menegur put on the netch armor for the first time, feeling the powdery, almost velvet texture of the rendered leather against his skin. There was also a barely perceptible throb, which he recognized as the remnant nematocysts of the netch's venomous flesh, still tingling months after its death with domesticated poison. The combination made him feel energized. Aerin had described the sensation perfectly, just as she had explained how to defend himself while wearing netch leather armor.
Under cover of night, Menegur crept out of the back gate of the castle, locking it behind him with a rather cumbersome key. He made for the arbor as quietly as he could, but a passing sentry, coming behind a tree, saw him. Remaining calm, Menegur did as he remembered Aerin had instructed, only moving after the attack had been launched. The sentry's blade glided against the armor and knocked to the left, throwing the young man off balance. That was the trick, as he understood it: you had to be prepared to be hit, and merely move with the blow, allowing the membranous armor to divert the injury away.
Use your enemy's momentum against him, as Aerin used to say.
There were several more close encounters in the arbor, but each swing of an ax and each thrust of a sword found purchase elsewhere. With handfuls of apples, Menegur ran the gauntlet back to the castle. He locked the back gate door behind him and fell into an orgy of eating.
For week after week, the Bosmer stole out to gather his food. The guards began anticipating his raids, but he kept his schedule irregular and always remembered when attacked to wait for the blow, accept it, and then turn. In such a way, he lived and survived his lonely vigil in Cascabel Hall.
Four months later, as he was preparing for another seizure of apples, Menegur heard a loud clamor at the front gate. Surveying the group from a safe distance on the battlements, he saw the shields of the King of Solitude, his ally the Count of Cascabel, and their enemy the King of Farrun. Evidently, a truce had been called.
Menegur opened the gates and the combined armies flooded the courtyard. Many of the knights of Farrun sought to shake the hand of the man they had named the Shadow of the Arbor, expressing their admiration at his defensive skills and apologizing good-naturedly for their attempts to slay him. Only doing their job, you know.
"There's hardly a apple left on the vines," said the King of Solitude.
"Well, I started on the edges and worked my way in," explained Menegur. "I brought back extra fruit to tempt the rats of out of walls so I could have a little meat as well."
"We've spent the last several months working out the details of the truce," said the King. "Really quite exhausting. In any rate, the Count will be taking back possession of his castle now, but there is a small detail we need to work out. You're a mercenary, and as such responsible for your own expenses. If you had been a subject of mine, things might be different, but there are certain old rules of law that must be respected."
Menegur anticipated the strike.
"The problem is," the King continued. "You've taken a good deal of the Count's crops while here. By any reasonable computation, you've eaten an amount equal to and likely exceeding your mercenary's wages. Obviously, I would not want to penalize you for the excellent job you've done defending the castle in uncomfortable circumstances, but you agree that it's important that we observe the old rules of law, don't you?"
"Of course," replied Menegur, accepting the blow.
"I'm delighted to hear that," said the King. "Our estimation is that you owe the Count of Cascabel thirty-seven Imperial gold."
"Which I will gladly pay to myself, with interest, after the autumntide harvest," said Menegur. "There is more left on the vine than you suggest."
The Kings of Solitude and Farrun, and the Count of Cascabel stared at the Bosmer.
"We agreed to abide to the strictest old rules of law, and I've had time to read a great many books over the time you were making your truce. In 3E 246, during the reign of Uriel IV, the Imperial Council, in an attempt to clear up some questions of property rights in Skyrim during those chaotic days, decreed that any man without a liege who occupied a castle for more than three months would be granted the rights and titles of that estate. It's a good law, of course, meant to discourage absent and foreign landlords." Menegur smiled, feeling the now familiar sensation of a glancing strike diverting. "By the rule of law, I am the Count of Cascabel."
The rear-guard's son still hold the title of Count of Cascabel. And he grows the finest, most delectable apples in the Empire.

"Faugh. Apples and rats for food. But he was a brave long-ear, she thought for sure he would run away!" M'rissi said.

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"M'rissi, we need to talk about your restlessness," I said. "What restless ness? She is perfectly fine!" she tried to wave the issue aside. "You toss and turn at night. You've kicked and clawed your sleeping bag to pieces." "It is because... she dreams of tasty foods and thinks her bag is a delicious steak!" "That doesn't explain your terrified screams and cries," I said. "Um... Would you not be intimidated by such a huge steak?" "M'rissi." "Then it's because you always give her a rock hard bed! And she's fighting and..." M'rissi sighed. She continued in a silent tone, looking aside. "It's all lies. Ever since she went to that awful college she has such terrible dreams. She knows dreams can't hurt, but she can't do anything about it, they just keep coming for her almost every night. She can't remember them clearly, only the desperation and fear, as if someone close to her is tortured and she can't do anything! She feels sorrow and fury and pain and she cannot think!" "That's horrible, M'rissi," I said. "And now you think she is eak because she cannot handle her own mind!" "Well, no... It's a little deeper than just a nightmare." "Deeper? Wait, you mean her memories, yes? She wants to not remember! She wants to be herself as she is now, and not anything else!" M'rissi said. "But you'd be yourself no matter what, wouldn't you?" "No, she would not. If she remembered such an awful past, she would be scared of her own shadow and do nothing but hide all day!" "I see. Well, I think I have an idea," I said. "Well don
't just walk away! Tell her your idea!" M'rissi said.

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We made the journey to the College of Winterhold...



"Hello..." I said. "Back again, I see. Can't seem to stay away after all," Riane laughs when she sees M'rissi. "M'rissi is having some terrible nightmares about her past." "Really? How odd. I was certain they'd be destroyed forever. That's the power of will, I suppose. But what do you want me to do about it? I've done all I can with mnemonic magics." "Are you sure there's nothing you can do?" I said. "I'm sorry. but- No! Wait! There may be something! I need to go to the library. Wait for me here," Riane said.
Some time later...
"This spell is deceptive. It seems simple, but there's a ton going on that you'll never see from the outside. Basically, you're going to walk in her dreams. Honestly, I don't know the level of influence you'll have there, since it's her dream. You should at least be able to correct enough," Riane said. "Isn't that a little bit conniving?" I said. "Maybe, but it's all we've got right now. So unless you have a better idea you'd like to share, go lay next to her and hold her hand so I can begin."



"Well, that was quite a show, wasn't it?" Riane said. "That was horrible! Whoever created that spell was a monster," I said. "Maybe, but it wouldn't be the first time you put yourself in danger for someone, is it? You did a good job though. She'll probably sleep a bit sounder. It was an intriguing experience. Maybe I'll start to study the spell in detail. Good luck to both of you."



"Mrr... Her head feel funny," M'rissi said. "You should be feeling fine. Are you okay?" I said. "She... thinks so. she doesn't really understand what you did, but she is... He... hee! Yes! M'rissi feels so relieved now! As if she spent a day in a big cozy bed! Whew! You know, she... thanks you. You did so much. She feels so safe next to you. And, she thanks Riane too. And now let's run to the tavern and celebrate! Uhm, this time you lead the way!" M'rissi said.

"M'rissi, let's take a break and just chat for a bit," Aster said. "Just about time, she would like to rest her feet a while," she yawned.



"Tell me, have you enjoyed travelling with me so far?" Aster said. "Why such a strange question?" M'rissi wondered. "Well... There has been a lot to think about. A lot has happened to us after all. It's fun, surely. The adventures always have something new, and she gets to meet new people. Things don't always go so well, but yes, she does enjoy travelling with you," she continud. "Have you ever thought about settling down? Maybe getting married and starting a family?" "Ehm, what a weird ideas you have. She never gives it much thought, if you want her honesty. She's happy the way thhings are, with you and Lirry. She wants it to stay that way." "Well, that's enough time resting. We should get going so we don't get caught in the dark," Aster said. "But she was just getting comfy! And why do you ask such strange questions all of a sudden? Hey! Don't walk away from her!" M'rissi said.



"So, about something interesting to read... Haha, that one will let you have some fun. It's called Ahzirr Traajijazeri," Aster said.

Ahzirr Trajijazaeri
This is an absurd book. But like all things Khajiiti, as the expression goes, "gzalzi vaberzarita maaszi", or "absurdity has become necessity." Much of what I have to say has probably never been written before, and if it has, no one has read it. The Imperials feel that everything must be written down for posterity, but every Khajiiti kitten born in Elsweyr knows his history, he drinks it in with his mother's milk.
Fairly recently, however, our struggles to win back our homeland from the rapacious Count of Leyawiin have attracted sympathetic persons, even Imperials, who wish to join our cause, but, it seems, do not understand our ways. Our enemies, of course, do not understand us either, but that is as we wish it, a weapon in our arsenal. Our non-Khajiiti friends, however, should know who we are, why we are, and what we are doing.
The Khajiit mind is not engineered for self-reflection. We simply do what we do, and let the world be damned. To put into words and rationalize our philosophy is foreign, and I cannot guarantee that even after reading this, you will understand us. Grasp this simple truth -- "q'zi no vano thzina ualizz" -- "When I contradict myself, I am telling the truth."
We are the Renrijra Krin. "The Mercenary's Grin¸" "The Laugh of the Landless," and "The Smiling Scum" would all be fair translations. It is a derogatory expression, but it is amusing so we have adopted it.
We have anger in our hearts, but not on our faces. We fight for Elsweyr, but we do not ally ourselves with the Mane, who symbolizes our land. We believe in justice, but do not follow laws.
"Q'zi no vano thzina ualizz."
These are not rules, for there is no word for "rules" in Ta'agra. Call them our "thjizzrini" -- "foolish concepts."
1. "Vaba Do'Shurh'do": "It Is Good To Be Brave"
We are struggling against impossible odds, against the very Empire of Tamriel. Our cause is the noblest cause of all: defense of home. If we fail, we betray our past and our future. Our dead are "Ri'sallidad", which may be interpreted as "martyrs" in the truest, best sense of that word which is so often misused. We honor their sacrifice and, beneath our smiles, mourn them deeply.
Our bravery most obviously shows in the smile that is the "Krin" part of our name. This does not mean that we walk about grinning like the idiotic, baboonish Imga of Valenwood. We simply are entertained by adversary. We find an equal, fair fight tiresome in the extreme. We confidently smile because we know our victory in the end is assured. And we know our smiles drive our enemies insane.
2. "Vaba Maaszi Lhajiito": "It Is Necessary To Run Away"
We are struggling against impossible odds, against the very Empire of Tamriel. Honor is madness. Yes, we loved the Renrijra Krin who died in brave battle against the forces of the Empire, but I guarantee you that each of those Ri'sallidad had an escape route he or she failed to use, and died saying, "Damn."
When the great Senche-Raht comes to the Saimisil Steppes, he will find himself unable to hunt, unable to sleep, as the tiny Alfiq leap onto his back, biting him, and running off before he has a chance to turn his great body to face them. Eventually, though he may stubbornly hope to catch the Alfiq, the Senche-Raht always leaves. They are our cousins, the Alfiq, and we have adopted their strategy against the great tiger of Leyawiin.
Do not ally yourself with the Renrij if you yearn to be part of a mighty army, marching resolutely forth, for whom retreat is anathema. We will laugh at your suicidal idiocy as we slip into the reeds of the river, and watch the inevitable slaughter.
3. "Fusozay Var Var": "Enjoy Life"
Life is short. If you have not made love recently, please, put down this book, and take care of that with all haste. Find a wanton lass or a frisky lad, or several, in whatever combination your wise loins direct, and do not under any circumstances play hard to get. Our struggle against the colossal forces of oppression can wait.
Good. Welcome back.
We Renrijra Krin live and fight together, and know that Leyawiin and the Empire will not give way very soon, likely not in our lifetimes. In the time we have, we do not want our closest comrades to be dour, dull, colorless, sober, and virginal. If we did, we would have joined the Emperor's Blades.
Do not begrudge us our lewd jokes, our bawdy, drunken nights, our moonsugar. They are the pleasures that Leyawiin denies us, and so we take our good humor very seriously.
4. "Fusozay Var Dar": "Kill Without Qualm"
Life is short. Very short, as many have learned when they have crossed the Renrijra Krin.
We fight dirty. If an enemy is facing us, we might consider our options, and even slip away if his sword looks too big. If his back is to us, however, I personally favor knocking him down, and then jumping on his neck where the bones snap with a gratifying crunch. Of course, it is up to you and your personal style.
5. "Ahzirr Durrarriss": "We Give Freely To The People"
Let us not forget our purpose. We are fighting for our families, the Khajiiti driven from the rich, fertile shores of Lake Makapi and the River Malapi, where they and their ancestors lived since time immemorial. It is our battle, but their tragedy. We must show them, lest they are swayed by other rhetoric, that we are fighting for them.
The Mane, The Emperor, and The Count can give speeches, pass laws, and, living life in the open, explain their positions and philosophies to their people to stave off the inevitable revolution. Extralegal entities, such as the Renrijra Krin, must make our actions count for our words. This means more than fighting the good fight, and having a laugh at our befuddled adversaries. It means engaging and seducing the people. Ours is not a military war, it is a political war. If the people rise up against our oppressors, they will retreat, and we will win.
Give to these people, whenever possible, gold, moonsugar, and our strong arms, and though they hide, their hearts will be with us.
6. "Ahzirr Traajijazeri": "We Justly Take By Force"
Let us not forget our purpose. We are thieves and thugs, smugglers and saboteurs. If we cannot take a farm, we burn it to the ground. If the Imperials garrisoned in a glorious ancient stronghold, beloved by our ancestors, will not yield, we tear the structure apart. If the only way to rescue the land from the Leyawiin misappropriation is to make it uninhabitable by all, so be it.
We want our life and our home back as it was twenty years ago, but if that is not realistic, then we will accept a different simple, pragmatic goal. Revenge. With a smile.

"But that's all lies! No true word at all! Her people are not like that!" M'rissi said. "They are honest, kind and straight with their thoughts. They would never strike at someone's back! But.." M'rissi appeared confused. "What does that mean, a frisky lad or several?" she asked. "Ahem..." Aster cleared his throat. "Nothing you need to worry about right now. Maybe we'll discuss it later," he said. "Tsk, then don't read to her such lies again!" "Well, M'ri, are you satisfied with our reading?" "Yes! she means no! She wants more!"

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