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Chimerical

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode 16: Reconnect

Jo’dehki slowly opens his eyes as hands run over his body. Startled, his sits up as a scrawny Suthay-Raht quickly pulls his fingers from a pocket.

“Just what did you think you were doing?!” Jo’dehki grumbles.

“What do you mean? This one was minding his own business.” The man replies before walking away.

Jo’dehki yawns and stretches his arms, chest and back. He looks around, stunned to see that he slept on a bench near the staircase, and not in the rented bed. He looks to a window and winces as the bright light of the sun shines in. He rests his hands on his legs, then suddenly recalls the Suthay-Raht who woke him. He quickly pats his pockets to find them empty. He panics as he realizes that his coin purse is gone. He rises from the bench and races up the stairs. He finds the room he was to stay in, but it is empty, occupied by an older Cathay female who sweeps the floor.

Jo’dehki grabs his head and grits his teeth, each thump of his heart causing his head to pound painfully. He turns and walks back down the stairs, determined to find his friend. He approaches the innkeeper, who stacks cleaned tankards on a shelf behind him. He clears his throat, gaining the innkeeper’s attention.

“Hello. Can this one fetch you a dri… Wait… Didn’t you sleep on the bench over there?” The innkeeper chuckles.

“How observant of you… Do you know where this one’s companions have gone?” Jo’dehki asks.

“Do you mean the Imperial, and the gorgeous Ohmes-Raht woman you were with?”

“Yes. Have you seen them?” Jo’dehki reiterates.

“Of course! It was quite amusing watching the Imperial struggle to help you to your room last night. The two of you spoke for a moment. This one was not close enough to hear what was said, unfortunately, but whatever it was, it must have been bad enough to make him leave you there.” The innkeeper replies.

“Great… So where are they now?”

“Right around the corner. They ordered a meal just before you woke up. Did you want me to cook you something as well? It can be ready around the same time.” The innkeeper asks.

“Yes, please.”

Jo’dehki orders a Kwama egg omelet, then turns to the corner. The Cathay-Raht walks to the far end of the inn. He rounds the corner and sees his companions; Nish and Abari sit at a table near the wall, talking as they wait for the innkeeper to finish cooking their breakfast. Nish sees his friend, though he doesn’t look very pleased by his presence. Jo’dehki feels guilty for everything he said, though he can’t recall any of it. Abari turns, flashing a pleasant smile before waving him over. Jo’dehki approaches the table and takes a seat beside the Imperial, who scoots his chair over to give the large Khajiit more room.

“Hello, Nish…” Jo’dehki begins. “This one would… That is… … Whatever this-”

“Don’t worry about it.” Nish promptly cuts him off.

“What?”

“Just forget about it. It wasn’t a big deal.” Nish says.

“What isn’t a big deal?” Abari tilts her head in confusion.

“Nothing.” Nish murmurs.

“It seems that Jo’dehki was robbed while he slept. He doesn’t suppose you wo-”

Nish interrupts Jo’dehki by tossing a familiar coin purse down on the table. Jo’dehki takes the coin purse and looks it over, glancing back at the Imperial.

“When it became obvious that this one could not drag you up the stairs, Ra’kanishu removed your coin purse for safe keeping and left you on the bench… Next time, don’t drink quite so much, at least not when the room isn’t on the same floor.” Nish grins.

“Thank you, my friend… You are too kind.” Jo’dehki remarks.

“Not quite… Now you have to pay for yourself.” Nish chuckles.

“Since we’re all apologizing here, I wanted to ask your forgiveness for never going back downstairs. I should have at least told you that I was growing too tired to stay up. I was sleepy and not thinking straight.” Abari says to Jo’dehki.

“It’s alright. This one would have done the same.” He smiles.

The innkeeper soon presents them their food, again leaving a sweetroll for Abari at no extra charge. After a quick but pleasant meal, the trio leave the inn and return to where they had left the cart. As Abari feeds and waters the horse, the two men are amazed that not only is the cart in place and everything accounted for, but that the few nearby carts had moved away from theirs, as though worried that close proximity would bring forth a curse. The two men chuckle at the nervous looking owners of the other carts, who glance to them and murmur about the ‘death cart’. Abari certainly knew what she was doing when she placed the sign.

Untying the horse, Abari holds the reins and climbs aboard the small cart. Returning to the road, they fluctuate between a brisk walk and a light jog, following the winding road as it moves southwest, and then south. They walk for several hours before Abari has a sudden epiphany.

“Isn’t S’ren-ja close to Rawl’Kha? I recall looking at maps of Reaper’s March once, and it was a stone’s throw from the city.” Abari comments.

“It is. Had we walked through the hills, we’d already be there, but we have this cart, and there are a lot of dangerous animals that we would have probably had to fight off. Unless you want to leave everything behind and march…” Nish replies.

“I’d rather not.” She grins.

“Then this is the safer but exceedingly long and boring way. Don’t worry. We’ll be there by mid-afternoon or so.”

Jo’dehki’s heart sinks as he suddenly recalls the terrain. As the road bends, shifting toward the east, he realizes that they will have to pass the villag of Willowgrove to return to S’ren-ja. Jo’dehki tries not to succumb to his fear.

“Ahem… Perhaps we could cut down the time and walk through the fields?” Jo’dehki poses.

“Pardon?” Nish raises an eyebrow.

“It would be faster.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Nish chuckles.

Jo’dehki steps closer to the Imperial and leans near his ear.

“Nish, Willowgrove is the town that this one is avoiding.” He whispers.

Nish turns to look at the visibly worried Cathay-Raht.

“Jo’dehki, we can’t cross through fields, because there aren’t any. Do you see that cliffside?” Nish points to the north. “They continue past Willowgrove. We have to stay on the road until we are beyond the village.” He explains. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Realizing that Ra’kanishu knows the area better than he does, Jo’dehki has no choice but to trust his friend’s judgement. They follow the road, a sign pointing to Willowgrove visible in the distance. Jo’dehki’s heart jumps into his throat as he stares at the road. He can’t believe how terrified he feels at the mere sight of the path to the small village. He hasn’t been this scared since he was a cub. His teeth clench and his hands ball into fists, his claws resting near his wrists as he focuses on the path. Soon, however, they walk by the path to Willowgrove. The road bends yet again, now facing northeast.

Jo’dehki’s muscles relax, his fists opening as he breathes a sigh of relief. Now it is the Imperial’s turn. Sweat beads on Nish’s brow as they grow ever closer to a home he had left four years earlier. After a final easterly bend in the road, they can see an old covered bridge in the distance. Nish stops, staring at the structure as he takes several deep breaths, exhaling slowly as he tries to control his swiftly beating heart.

“Are you alright?” Abari asks.

“That bridge… This one hasn’t seen it in years, yet it looks exactly the same… What else is still the same?” Ra’kanishu seems to think aloud.

“Let’s go find out.” Jo’dehki says, resting a hand assuringly on Nish’s shoulder.

The Imperial nervously gulps before nodding his head. The two men lead the horse and cart over the thin bridge into the village. Nish’s heart pounds so hard in his chest that he feels as though it could be seen through his clothing. As they step off the other end of the covered bridge, a lone Khajiit stands in the distance. The figure brings a hand to their brow to block out the sun as they look toward the visitors. Lowering their hand, the figure cups their mouth.

“Ra’kanishu?!” They call out.

“See? Welcomed home already.” Abari remarks.

Nish waves at the unknown person, who suddenly darts off and disappears into a large building. They soon return, flanked by several more villagers as the travelers stand near the bridge.

“You must have been popular.” Jo’dehki comments.

“Not exactly…” Nish murmurs.

Within moments, the group of villagers approach the travelers, waving politely and calling out to Nish. The Imperial and his companions are greeted by adult villagers, some of a similar age, and others much older. The Khajiit are of both the Cathay and Suthay-Raht breed. As they welcome back the Imperial, they are suddenly interrupted.

“Ra’kanishu!” A voice angrily yells.

Nish closes his eyes and turns his head in the direction of the voice. He opens them to see Kazkhar standing just off to the side of the group. Kazkhar, an Ohmes-Raht like Abari, glares at the Imperial, his hands balled into tight fists. His long and wavy brown hair is pulled back into a low ponytail, often worn by man and mer. His fur is golden brown with no discernable patterns, and he wears an expensive purple tunic made of silk, with dark brown leather breeches. His hair and garment flutter in the gentle breeze as he points a finger at the Imperial.

“What do you think you are doing here?!” Kazkhar demands.

“Nice to see you too, Kazkhar.” Nish replies.

Nish turns, his body forming a familiar bladed stance as his right-hand rests on his right leg, just behind the sheath of his sword. Kazkhar, like many Ohmes-Raht, stands eye level with the average Bosmer. Though easily a head shorter than the Imperial, he marches up to him without fear. He stands before the Imperial, their faces only inches apart.

“Did you shrink?” Nish snickers.

“How dare you come back.” Kazkhar growls.

The tension between the two is plain to see. Jo’dehki looks to the diminutive Ohmes-Raht and steps up to him, placing himself just to Kazkhar’s left side.

“And after all these years, you would think you would be happier to see Ra’kanishu.” Nish smirks.

“Stop talking like that. You aren’t a Khajiit, and you don’t belong here!” Kazkhar barks.

“This one cannot help that he was raised by Khajiit. How do you expect Ra’kanishu to speak like an Imperial when he had never met one until he was twenty-two?”

“Well… Uh…”

Kazkhar seems stumped, left with no retort to Nish’s logical statement.

“Is the little one a problem?” Jo’dehki suddenly asks.

Kazkhar turns, a brief look of shock on his face as he gazes up at the Cathay-Raht, who stands over two heads taller than him.

“No. We’re fine.” Nish remarks.

“We’re not fine. You aren’t supposed to be here. Your friends aren’t welcome here either.” Kazkhar growls, looking up at Jo’dehki without fear.

Kazkhar pokes Jo’dehki’s chest hard. Jo’dehki bears his teeth and slowly draws his dagger, resting it underneath Kazkhar’s chin. The small Ohmes-Raht turns his eyes down at the blade that hides near his throat. He steps back.

“Typical… Not even ten minutes, and you’re already pulling knives.” Kazkhar remarks.

“To be fair, Jo’dehki pulled the knife, and you asked him to do it by disrespecting my friend.” Nish begins. “And disrespecting my friends is disrespecting me.” He methodically draws his sword.

“What’s going on here?!” Another voice calls out.

Nish turns to see Dahlni, the only other Ohmes-Raht in the village. The slender and beautiful girl stands just beside the curious onlookers, stepping out from behind the crowd.

“Hello, Dahlni. It’s been a while.” Nish waves with his free hand.

“Ra’kanishu?!” She says in a soft, stunned voice.

“Haven’t change the name yet.” The Imperial grins, sheathing his sword.

Jo’dehki turns, stunned by the girl whose beauty rivals Abari’s. He lowers his hand, pulling the dagger from Kazkhar’s neck. Dahlni approaches Nish and gives him a benign hug. Kazkhar seems to fume in anger at the sight, quickly turning and storming off.

“He must have somewhere more important to be.” Nish remarks.

“It’s so good to see you again. Dahlni has missed her friend.” She says.

“Likewise. Thanks for the rescue, by the way.”

“Anytime. This one knew you couldn’t handle it without her.” She grins. “Come, we should talk.”

Dahlni leads the trio into S’ren-ja, showing Abari a place where she can feed, water and tie down the horse. Nish urges Jo’dehki to watch over Abari while he speaks with Dahlni, promising to return quickly. Dahlni walks beyond a short wall near the northern road, sitting atop it. Her tail sways slowly as she looks to the Imperial, who sits on the wall beside her.

“The village doesn’t look much different from when this one left.” Nish comments.

“It’s not. We still work the fields, and Kazkhar is still obsessing over Dahlni.” She replies.

“Still?” Nish chuckles. “This one doesn’t know why he is so offended by Ra’kanishu. We were just friends, nothing more.”

“Kazkhar never believed that, and Dahlni was inclined to let him, just to bristle his fur.”

“You hate him that much?” Nish raises an eyebrow.

“He’s always believed that we are destined to be together, because we’re the same breed, the only two of our kind in S’ren-ja. His ceaseless attention is frustrating.”

“Hopefully he won’t target Abari too.” Nish remarks.

“The girl you came here with?” She asks.

“Yes. She’s just a girl that this one and his friend Jo’dehki rescued from bandits on the road. We’re taking her home to Dune.”

“Interesting. Dahlni had never seen another Ohmes-Raht before… She’s very pretty.”

“You never answered my question.” Nish remarks.

“What question?”

“Why let Kazkhar think we were together? Amusement aside.” Nish reiterates.

“To get back at him, and because it was a nice rumor to spread around. You were always popular with the girls. Most of them were curious about the Imperial living with us. They’ll probably be quite pleased to see you return.” Dahlni grins.

“Uh… This one has a good memory, and he doesn’t recall any of that.” Nish scratches his head.

“Well, you were off limits.” She says nonchalantly.

“What are you talking about?!”

“Forget about it. Kazkhar is probably already looking for his dumb goons to back him up; you should visit your family before he ruins it for you.”

“You’re right… It was very nice seeing you again. We should catch up sometime.” Nish replies.

“Sometime?” She chuckles.

“Yes. Tomorrow or a few days from now… This one has come home to stay.” He says.

He stands from the wall and waves to the beautiful young woman as he returns to the village proper. Abari and Jo’dehki sit beside the cart, waiting for the Imperial to return. Jo’dehki sees him first and quickly springs to his feet.

“So?” He asks with a grin.

“So what?”

“What did she want to tell you? It sounded important.” Jo’dehki comments.

“Or romantic.” Abari remarks.

“Alright you two, we’ve got somewhere to be.” Nish chuckles.

The two curious Khajiit can’t help but badger the Imperial with questions about his and Dahlni’s past. Ignoring their continuous prodding, Nish leads them through the village and to Tsanavi’s house. With each step he grows increasingly and visibly nervous.

“So, do you think your family will be home?” Abari asks.

“He has a father, mother, brother, and a sister. Someone must be home.” Jo’dehki remarks.

“I was just making conversation.” Abari grumbles.

“We’re not heading for my family’s house… Yet.” Nish says.

“We’re not?” She asks in surprise.

“Who are we visiting?” Jo’dehki asks.

“We’ll see…” Nish mutters.

He stops at the base of the stairs leading up to the stilted house. He balls his hands into fists to keep them from visibly trembling. He slowly climbs the stairs to the home and knocks on the door. His heart beats so violently in his chest that it hurts. No one answers. He knocks once more, but again there is no answer. Dahlni never mentioned Tsanavi when they spoke, and Nish now wonders if she still lives there. He frowns and turns away from the door, glancing over his shoulder to the closed barrier.

“Whoever lives here is not home. We can come back later.” Jo’dehki says to his sullen friend.

“Right… Let’s visit the family.” Nish murmurs.

Taking his friend’s advice, Nish walks back down the steps and leads his companions to his family’s home not far away. As they approach, they can see two figures tending a garden near the base of the stilted house. A third figure climbs the steps to the front door. A man stands tall and wipes his brow. The large maneless Cathay-Raht turns and stops when he sees the group, focusing on the Imperial. The man drops his tools and taps the other figure on the shoulder, gaining their attention. The Suthay-Raht male kneeling beside him stands, turning to Nish and his companions.

Nish steps up to a nearby well, leaning against the stone circle and bracing himself with a hand. The men turn to the Imperial, who waves with his free hand. The Suthay-Raht turns, cupping his hands around his mouth.

“S’tari! Jadhi!” The Suthay-Raht man calls out.

“Are those names familiar?” Abari asks.

“S’tari is my mother and Jadhi is my sister.” Nish murmurs.

Abari rests a hand on Nish’s shoulder, attempting to comfort the nervous man as he leans against the well.

“Is that you, Ra’kanishu?!” The Cathay-Raht calls out.

“Who else would it be, Hiska-dar?” Nish replies to his brother.

His voice shivers as he tries his best to sound casual. Two figures quickly emerge from the house, both Suthay-Raht. Jadhi races down the stairs while S’tari walks carefully behind. Hiska-dar moves around the short fence of the family garden while their father, Nazahn, follows closely behind. Before reaching the last few steps, the figure leaps from the staircase, bounding toward Nish. Jadhi races toward him, quickly closing the distance between the house and the well, which is roughly one-hundred meters.

Nish steps away from the well as his sister swiftly approaches. Her emerald green eyes appear to glow, contrasting with her black fur and grey stripes. Her long black hair flutters, pulled up into a high ponytail. Her arms open wide as she slams herself against Nish’s chest, holding her older brother tightly. Her tail whips gleefully as he wraps his arms around his sister, who is three years his junior.

“It is so good to see you again, brother!” She exclaims.

“Ra’kanishu has missed you very much.” He says.

Hiska-dar, Nazahn and S’tari quickly approach the siblings, gathering around them. Hiska-dar reaches them second, his bronze fur with black spots glistens in the afternoon light. He looks to his brother with aquamarine eyes. Nazahn and S’tari are not far behind their children. Nazahn’s fur is as white as a calm morning’s clouds, as are his dreadlocks, which are ponytailed and reach to the small of his back. His eyes are as blue as the ice of the Skyrim mountains, and his ears are adorned with silver horn piercings, identical in form to those worn by Ra’kanishu. S’tari’s coat is a bi-color black and red, her eyes a light green, like jade figurines. Her reddish-brown hair reaches her shoulders and is brushed back, with a few braids bearing decorative beads.

“How has everyone been? Are you doing alright?” Nish asks.

“We’re all fine.” Nazahn answers.

“It’s good to see you, son.” S’tari says.

“You should send us a letter next time. Father almost dropped dead when he saw you.” Hiska-dar grins.

“A greedy bastard, as always.” Nish murmurs.

“He just can’t wait to inherit this old house.” Nazahn chuckles, patting Hiska-dar on the shoulder,

His brother and parents soon gather around, giving the prodigal Imperial a group hug. Abari steps back, watching with a smile. Her heart warms at the reunion, as does Jo’dehki’s, though he would never say it. After a moment, Nish’s parents, brother and sister all release him, wide grins across their collective faces. After a brief and quiet moment, Jadhi turns her head, looking at the two strangers.

“So are these friends of yours?” She asks.

“Apologies. This one nearly forgot! This is Jo’dehki, a very good friend and travel companion. She is Abari, a girl we are escorting back home to Dune. We’ll finish the journey tomorrow.” Nish explains.

“A pleasure to meet you.” Abari chirps.

“Indeed.” Jo’dehki bows his head.

“Does that mean you aren’t staying?!” Jadhi asks fretfully.

“Oh no. This one is tired of being on the road. He wants to return home for good, once Abari returns to hers.” Nish replies.

“That’s good to hear. It will be nice to have you home.” Nazahn replies.

“And your friends are both welcome here.” S’tari adds.

“That’s good, because Jo’dehki pretty much lives beside this one.” Nish chuckles.

“Well, let’s go back inside. We were about to eat dinner. S’tari can prepare more for you and your friends.” His mother offers.

“That would be wonderful. Ra’kanishu will help you.”

The group walk back to the family home, climbing the stairs in pairs. Nish, stands at the base of the steps for a moment, looking off to the horizon, as though waiting for something.

“Ra, are you coming?” Jadhi asks.

“Huh?” He turns back to his sister, who stands at the top of the stairs. “Oh… Yeah…”

He climbs the stairs and enters the home, something he hadn’t done in years. Upon entering the house, Nish promptly removes his pack and weapon belt, setting them by the door as he completely disarms himself. He enters the small kitchen at the rear of the modest house. There, S’tari stands before a counter as she prepares more vegetables for their dinner. She dices tomatoes with a small knife as Nish stands beside his mother, quickly taking another knife and preparing extra portions of fresh meat taken from a rack by the oven.

S’tari glances over at him, smiling as they work together in the kitchen. Her eyes well up as she silently reminisces. She stops dicing the tomatoes and sets down the knife, turning to her son.

“It is very good to have you home. We’ve missed you very much… S’tari missed you very much.” She says to him.

He sets down the knife and turns to his mother, who gently places her hands on his cheeks and kisses his forehead, streaking his skin with tomato juice. Nish wipes his face with a cloth and hugs his mother tightly.

“Ra’kanishu has missed you too… He thought of you often and remembered all of your little words of wisdom.” He says to her.

“And all this time S’tari thought you weren’t listening.”

“Ra’kanishu always listens to you, mother.”

“At least one of S’tari’s children does.” She smiles.

“Your advice helped him many times.” He says.

Ending the long embrace, S’tari turns back to the counter.

“Now that you’re back, you’ll have to help in the fields. It’s hard enough to keep food in this house as it is.” She quips.

“Just what this one has always wanted.” He facetiously remarks.

S’tari giggles, glancing at him. While Nish and S’tari work in the kitchen, Jo’dehki and Abari sit with the remainder of Nish’s family in the main room of the house. Hiska-dar and Jadhi are both understandably curious about the strangers who travel with their brother. They cannot resist pelting the two with questions about their adventures. Abari admits not knowing Nish for long; Jo’dehki then quickly explains that he and Nish had saved Abari from the hands of bandits only two days earlier, saving Abari any embarrassment by omitting the more unpleasant details of her rescue.

Before long, Nish and S’tari return from the kitchen bearing trays of food, while Nazahn retrieves jugs of wine and pewter goblets. The family gather around a set of tables, while Abari and Jo’dehki follow their lead. S’tari and her Imperial son serve dinner to their family and house guests, before taking their own seats. S’tari sits between her husband and biological son, while Jadhi sits beside Hiska-dar, Nish sits beside Jadhi with Jo’dehki beside him, and Abari between Jo’dehki and Nazahn.

Though the dinner begins as any other, within minutes Nish’s siblings resume their impromptu interrogation. Even Nazahn can’t help himself, asking his son questions about his adventures. What provinces has he been too? How did he meet his friends? Had he met any kings, queens, princes or princesses? What ancient structures or treasures had he seen? Nish answers what he can, politely and vaguely. Whenever possible, he redirects their questions, himself curious to know how his family had been since his departure.

“Enough about Ra’kanishu. Tell this one how S’ren-ja fairs these days? What’s new around here?” Nish asks.

“Life hasn’t changed much at all. We still work the same fields, harvest the same crops, and eat the same nightly meals before sleeping in the same beds.” Nazahn begins.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Nish remarks.

“Kazkhan is still a pompous arse, and his mother is still a greedy wench. That’s the same too.” Hiska-dar remarks.

“Some things never change.” Nish murmurs with a smile.

“His idiot friends are still his loyal slaves.” Jadhi adds.

“Everyone is just like you remember them, more or less.” S’tari says before taking a drink from her goblet.

“And Tsanavi?” Nish asks.

Everyone in his family stops what they are doing and stares at the Imperial. Nish looks between his family and his heart sinks; he can’t help but feel that their looks are a bad omen.

“Th-this one tried to visit her at home… B-before he came here…” Nish stammers.

“She must have been working in the fields when you tried to see her.” Jadhi says.

“Then she still lives here?!” Nish asks.

“Of course she does, but we don’t see her much, not since you left. She isn’t often seen around the village.” Hiska-dar adds.

“How has she been doing?”

“Life hasn’t been very kind to her, son.” S’tari begins.

“What happened? Is she alright?” Nish inquires.

“As far as we know, but again, we don’t see her often. Two years ago, her mother died, and not long ago her father died as well. We’ve heard that without them she has had many financial difficulties.” S’tari continues.

“Yusasi and Kurabi are dead?” Nish asks in shock.

“Yes.” Nazahn nods. “Nazahn helped dig his friend’s grave himself.”

“Last we heard, she lives in her family’s house and tills the fields to get by. Clan Mother Ko'adhasa has been very lenient with her debts. A rumor says that she may soon need to sell her families house to repay them.” S’tari finishes.

“You don’t know any more than that?” Nish asks, almost pleading with his family.

“No.” Jadhi and Hiska-dar both lament.

Nish sits sullenly and looks down at his plate. His family doesn’t press him further, remaining silent for the moment. Suddenly, the Imperial scoots back and rises from his seat.

“Apologies, but this one… He needs some fresh air.”

“Alright. We’ll be here.” Nazahn says with a nod.

Nish turns and takes a step. Jo’dehki begins to stand, but the Imperial holds out a hand to stop him. He walks away from the table and toward the front door, stopping impulsively to collect his weapon belt. He stops, looking at the handle of his sword for a moment before closing his hand and opening the door; he walks outside, unarmed. No sooner than Ra’kanishu leaves and the door closes, Jadhi turns to Jo’dehki.

“So, is it correct to assume that he still loves Tsanavi?” Jadhi asks him.

“She is often on his mind.” Jo’dehki replies.

Abari gently kicks Jo’dehki’s leg underneath the table.

“Ow.” He jumps in his seat.

“How do you know that?” Jadhi asks.

“He told me that he often dreams of her.” Jo’dehki answers.

Abari kicks him again, but even harder.

“Ow!” He turns to her.

“That’s so cute!” Jadhi gushes.

“S’tari had hoped that he would have moved on by now.” His mother says with a melancholy sigh.

“May I ask why?” Abari turns to her.

“Ra’kanishu is my son; This one found him, named him and raised him. S’tari loves him as she does her other children, but he is an Imperial.” S’tari answers.

“Is that really so strange? An Imperial with a Khajiit?” Abari wonders.

“No. Many Khajiit don’t seem concerned with their lover’s race, especially when so infatuated. In fact, if S’tari had a drake for every mixed pairing she had seen in her lifetime, she would be the Clan Mother.”

“Then why does it matter?” Abari presses.

“It doesn’t really, but he is a good man and deserves his own family. As an Imperial, he cannot breed with a Khajiiti woman. S’tari hoped he would find someone who could provide him that; another Imperial, a Redguard, or perhaps even a Bosmer. Can you imagine how beautiful an Imperial and Wood Elf child would be? The only thing that will come of his relationship with a Khajiiti woman like Tsanavi is that they will both grow old together.”

“Well what about magic? I’ve seen him use powerful magic.” Abari poses.

“Anything is possible when magic is involved.” S’tari admits.

“He still plays with fire, does he?” Nazahn chuckles.

“And lightning.” Jo’dehki adds.

Jadhi rests her arms on the table, leaning closer to Jo’dehki. She narrows her eyes as she gazes at the Cathay-Raht.

“This one is certain you have such interesting stories to share.” Jadhi grins.

“As a matter of fact…” Jo’dehki smiles.

Abari rolls her eyes. Nish stands just outside of the front door, looking down the steps. He turns his eyes to the horizon and sighs. The sun creeps ever closer to the edge of the world. He turns his head and looks at the large rock; it’s the same rock from his dreams. He walks down the steps and passes the stilt foundation of the house. As he approaches the large stone he falls to the ground, pushed over by a sudden tackle. Startled, Nish instinctively grabs for his absent weapons. A snout quickly rests alongside his ear, whiskers tickling his face. A loud purring calms his frazzled nerves. He turns his head to the side to look at his assailant.

“It’s so good to see you again.” Tsanavi says softly.

“Ra’kanishu wishes he could say the same, but all he can see is the ground and the tip of your nose.” He quips.

She lifts her body, holding herself up without climbing off of the Imperial. He shifts underneath her, rolling over onto his back. She quickly lowers herself, sitting down atop him and straddling his pelvis. Nish can’t help but smile wide as he finally gazes upon the Suthay he could only see in his dreams. She is as pretty as she ever was. Her fur is the color of wet sand. Her neck, sides, tail and forehead are marked with black stripes, while her back bears black spots and dashes. She gazes at him with eyes like two golden spheres. Her dreadlocked hair is the color of maple tree bark; it reaches down to her shoulders and is pulled back into a ponytail. Her ears are adorned with six bronze hoop earrings, three per ear. She wears simple and dirty linen clothes.

She places her hands on his chest, her claws gently scratching him through his tunic. She smiles back, her tail quickly and happily swishing behind her. She tilts her head as she sees his face and reaches out, playing with his long beard.

“This is much better.” Nish comments.

“It is.” She nods. “When did you grow this?”

“You don’t remember? The day this one had to leave, you suggested he grow it as a way to measure time.” He explains.

“You remembered that?!”

“Of course.” He nods.

“Is there anything you don’t remember?”

“Only the unimportant things.” He says softly.

“You’re still as sweet as moon sugar.” She giggles.

Nish pushes himself up with his elbows, sitting upright as Tsanavi sits atop his lap, placing her hands on his shoulders. He slips his arms around her slender waist and hugs her tightly, her modest bust pressing against his chest. His heart beats hard, as though trying to break through his ribcage. She holds him, her claws gently scratching his back. The Imperial can’t help himself and smells the fur of her neck as they embrace. Her natural feminine scent is detectable even to his nose, and as sweet as he remembers. She giggles and he quickly pulls back.

“That wasn’t right… Please forgive this one for any offense!” He exclaims in embarrassment.

“How could you ever offend Tsanavi?” She chuckles.

“Ra’kanishu wasn’t sure if you had moved on after he left. For all he knows, you are married with cubs. If you are, this one does not wish to offend you or your husband.” He bows his head.

She smiles faintly as she gazes at him, though she does not answer. She leans forward and kisses his cheek before rising to her digitigrade feet. She extends an arm, holding out her hand to him. He takes her hand in his and stands to his feet, holding her gently as if she were made of glass. He looks down at the dainty Khajiit, who is slightly shorter than the average Bosmer. He turns his head to look back at the rock.

“Care to join me, for old time’s sake?” He asks.

She takes the lead, walking quickly toward their favorite place to be together. They climb the large rock, as they had done thousands of times before throughout their childhood. At the peak, they sit beside each other, looking toward the distant horizon.

“Ra’kanishu had thought about this for years…” He thinks aloud.

“All the things you must have seen in your travels, and you’ve been thinking about sitting atop this rock with me.” Tsanavi giggles.

His face flushes with embarrassment as he looks down at his boots.

“Tsanavi heard you had returned home while she was working in the fields. She came to see you as quickly as she could.” She comments.

“It’s amazing how fast word spreads in this village.” He chuckles.

“Faster than a leaping Senche.”

“Yes… This one is sorry to hear about you parents. They were very good people, and will be missed.” Nish says.

“They will… Father’s death was painless, having died in his sleep from a weak heart. Sadly, mother took ill and died of a fever… Tsanavi misses them…”

Her morose expression tugs at Ra’kanishu’s heart. He apologizes once again and scoots closer. He slips an arm around her, comforting her. She rests her head on his shoulder and closes her eyes.

“Don’t worry about Tsanavi. Life is good to her regardless.”

“That isn’t what Ra’kanishu was told.” He replies.

“Well, your return is a significant bonus.” She says.

“It is?” He asks in surprise.

“It makes up for everything else…” She nods.

“That’s very kind of you to say… In four years, this one wasn’t sure what to expect.” Nish says, resting his head aganst hers.

“I am unmarried and childless, if that’s what you wanted to know.” She remarks.

“It would be a lie to say that Ra’kanishu was not curious. This one hopes that you were not waiting for him all this time.”

“Perhaps and perhaps not. It could just be a poor selection of suitors, or maybe inadequate lovers.”

“Lovers?” He asks.

“Maybe.”

His heart sinks at the thought, but as he recalls Daro’veera and Rabara, he knows how hypocritical it would be to judge her. He turns his head down to look at Tsanavi, who turns her golden eyes up to him. The wide grin across her lips appears to be at his expense.

“You were never with Kazkhar or any of his dimwitted lackeys, were you?” He smirks.

“Tsanavi could never be that desperate.” She laughs.

“Perhaps… We were together after all; that’s not setting the bar very high.” He jokes.

“Don’t be so sure. If you weren’t such a skilled and generous lover, we wouldn’t have been together so many times…” She winks.

“Ra’kanishu is flattered. He’s glad that you think so highly of him; he never did.” He murmurs.

“You should. You’re thoughtful, passionate, and generous. You’re a prize for any woman of any race.” She assures him.

“You’re still as sweet as moon sugar.” He says.

He leans in and plants a kiss on her forehead. She holds him tightly, nuzzling his shoulder with her snout.

“… And you’re big too.” She coos.

“Are you calling me fat?!” He grins as he looks down at her.

“Not in a bad way!” She winks.

He chuckles and rubs her arm, gently stroking her fur as they sit and watch the sun setting in the distance.

“You must have seen so many amazing things while you were away.” She thinks aloud.

“There were a few… Snow covered mountains, lush jungles, Ayleid ruins and dark caves. This one has seen large cities and tiny hovels, wealthy merchants and beggars… … But all of the best memories that Ra’kanishu has took place right here.”

“Can you forgive me?” She asks.

“For what?” He looks down at her.

“When you left, you asked this one to go with you… She should have. She thought about you every day, and regrets that she did not accept your offer. You walked off alone, but you never should have. Please forgive me… Tsanavi was young and scared.” She pleads with glossy eyes.

“There’s nothing to forgive.” He says, holding her tighgtly. “It’s better that you didn’t leave home. The road isn’t a very good place to be.”

She squeezes him tightly, her arms wrapped around his torso.

“Well you’re back now… Right?” She looks up at him.

“Don’t worry. Ra’kanishu doesn’t ever want to leave you again.”

They lean ever closer as their eyes narrow, gazing into the other’s. He tilts his head slightly, pressing his lips against hers and giving the Suthay a long and passionate kiss. Her hands coil, gripping him tightly as their tongues entwine. As they finally end the kiss, she rests her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He gently strokes her back, his bearded chin resting on her dreadlocked hair.

“Tsanavi will never let you leave without her again.” She murmurs.

She pulls back, looking up at him. They smile warmly at each other. She runs her claws through his beard. She grips the hair and gives him a quick kiss.

“Let’s return to Tsanavi’s home. We have some unfinished business to attend to.” She coos.