CatDance #36

Story by bluedraggy on SoFurry

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#45 of CatDance

Return to Morthal

In which Ubergard relays her last encounter with Helfer, all return to the Moorside Inn, and Jonna reveals why Lurbuk the Orc bard is still 'employed' at the tavern.


| In the end, Ubergard found Kitty and Mikael waiting for her at the edge of the town of Morthal. As she approached, Kitty spoke first the obvious question.

"So... did you find Helfer? Was she..."

"I found her," said the Argonian. "She was hurt but still alive some way down the river. But before you ask, no. I didn't kill her, though had I caught her on the bridge I would have. But when I saw her laying there, injured and afraid, I couldn't do it." | image | | The three walked into town towards the Moorside Inn as Ubergard continued.

"I'm not some impartial judge here, you know. Helfer is a broken person... and a murderer. You didn't hear the story she told me when you were both frozen, and I won't repeat it now. But she has killed before. But still, I was also responsible in a way. I hurt her badly. Like a wild beast when injured, she lashed out in any way she could."

"What did you do?" Kitty asked.

"I... gave her a healing potion. It's not going to fix her voice, but it will keep her alive. But I feel sure that she's lost the power to Shout for good." | image | | "Well, that's a relief anyway. Do you think she might follow you? Still be a threat?" Mikael asked, still concerned for Kitty's safety.

"I don't think so. I think I understand her better. When she had her Shouting ability, she felt that she was somehow worthy enough for my love. Without it, she would not presume to be my equal. So no, I don't think we'll ever see her again."

"What will happen to her, do you think?" Kitty asked.

Ubergard pondered this as they approached the door to the Inn. "She's resourceful. She's a survivor. And, frankly, she's got a body that anyone would envy and she's not afraid to use it. She'll be fine. I think." | image | | In the tavern, the orc bard Lurbuk was 'singing' again. Kitty noticed that no one was there save the owner, Jonna. However, the singing stopped when they entered. Kitty went to her at the bar and requested a room for the night, which Jonna was more than happy to supply.

Ubergard excused herself after that and retired early for the night while Jonna sat with Kitty and Mikael at a table to talk. | image | | "So, how'd it go in Solitude? Y'all seem pretty down," Jonna asked Mikael.

"Not because of the College. But it's a long story. You remember the other Khajiit that came in with us?"

"Helfer? Sure. Kinda weird though."

Mikael nodded. "That's the one. Let's just say we had a falling out with her. Should she ever come back around though, just be aware she can be... dangerous." | image | | Jonna nodded, "Ah. Gotcha. But the College?"

"Oh, that went better than expected actually. Kitty here is now officially a Master of Dance and can teach students of the art from her home near Whiterun."

"REALLY?! Well, you oughtta be proud, Kitty."

"I am! I'm just kind of coming to grips with it really. But looking forward to it." | image | | "You sure did a great job with Helfer," Mikael reminded her. "She was keeping up with you at the 'Skeever after just a day of practice."

Kitty looked a bit wistful. "If only... she was a model student. Of course, being a Khajiit doesn't hurt either. We're pretty good at stuff like that you know. Had she been different, I'd have suggested she train as a Bard herself." | image | | Kitty then changed the subject. Speaking in a low tone, she asked, "Actually, I've been meaning to ask you something Mikael..." She then nodded towards Lurbuk. "Not meaning to be offensive, but... how did Lurbuk graduate as a bard? I mean... really, he's pretty bad."

Mikael smiled. "Oh, I know. And so does the College. But he's the first ever Orc graduate. He was there for four years, and no matter how bad he was, he stuck with it. I think they finally just gave up and gave him the diploma. For his dedication if not for his talent. Besides, he IS the best Orc bard they've ever had."

Jonna laughed. "He's the only Orc bard they've ever had!" | image | | "Then why do you keep him here? You surely could hire better if you really wanted to."

Jonna sighed, looking at the Orc. "First, you'd be surprised how cheap he is. This place is so dead, I couldn't afford anyone else. Second, he's kinda a legend anyway. Folks actually do come in just to see him. Don't stay long mind you, but at least they come to see the lunk. And finally... he's kinda cute. Has an enormous penis too!" | image | | Kitty looked startled. "You and Lurbuk?!"

Jonna laughed. "Me? Oh no. I couldn't handle it if I wanted to. He'd split me in two, though what a way to go! But when you hang out with a guy as long as he's been here... Well, maybe once or twice when I was really drunk... Ain't no other Orcs around you know. And he tries SO hard to be a Bard. A little pity-fondling surely can't hurt.

He knows better than to take it seriously. I make damn sure of that. But even Lurbuk needs a little somethin' every once in a while." Looking at Mikael she added, "Plus it's not like there's any other men around here I'm interested in." | image | | Mikael looked to the Orc who was busy scrawling something meant to be music onto a parchment on the floor, then back to Jonna and affected a disgusted look.

"Hey!" she rose in protest. "Don't give me that look. You've got your furry pussy here - no offense intended Kitty. I've got my dopey Orc but hung like a horse. We all got our kinks."

"Well I think it's sort of sweet," Kitty interjected. | image |