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Folcwine gritted his teeth and squinted as an icy blast hit him full in the face. He could see nothing in the fierce snow storm, but the tang of sea-salt told him he was close to his destination.

Soon he found himself crossing the ancient stone bridge leading to Windhelm, and as he approached the imposing gates, he saw the guards engaged in a heated discussion with a Khajiit.

Now that Folcwine had come closer he could see that the Khajiit was a female, young, with bright golden eyes, short sandy coloured fur and clad in light steel armor with an ebony blade at her side.

'I told you, I'm not with the caravans, I'm not a Skooma dealer and I'm not here to steal!' she protested, and Folcwine was surprised to hear that she spoke Imperial without the usual Khajiiti syntax and the barest trace of an accent.

'A likely story! We know what you people are like, and you're always up to no good.' the first guard replied scornfully

'That's right, so unless you want to do things the hard way, you'll turn around and go back the way you came, cat.' said the second guard

'Well met kinsmen!' Folcwine called to the two guards to gain their attention

'Hail kinsman! Perhaps you can help us deal to this troublesome Khajiit.' replied the first

'Actually kinsman, I might ask that you treat the lady with some respect.' Folcwine answered mildly

'Respect? What, are you some sort of milk-drinking cat lover?' the guard shot back spitting on the ground to emphasize his disdain

'No, simply more observant than you. This "cat" is clearly not a trader, nor a thief, and I for one would think it unwise to antagonise her.

The lead guard glowered, 'Fine, she can enter, but she's your responsibility." he growled

As Folcwine and his new travelling companion entered the city they looked around, noting at how run down the city was, with worn stone and crumbling steps.

'If you don't mind me asking, what does bring you here?'

'I'm a sell-sword, and what with the rebellion tying up the soldiers, there's more work for people like me so I figured I might try my luck here.'

'Hmm, fair point. Everyone has to make a living somehow.'

'So, where to next?' she asked

"I don't know about you, but I'm cold and tired besides which, the sun is setting. Why don't we look for an inn?'

'That sounds like a great idea, I can't wait to slip into a warm bed!' she replied earnestly

'Hmm, that looks promising, "Candlehearth Hall". Lets try there eh?'

As they entered the inn, a wave of warmth washed over them, and the sound of merriment came from the upper room.

'This here's Candlehearth Hall. Great room's upstairs, an' there's a bed for rent on the ground floor.' said the women behind the counter

'Good evening, my companion and I would like to rent a double room for the night.'

'Lucky for you we have just the one, it's yours for 10 Septims.'

'Here you go, and could we get whatever is tonight's special and a couple of flagons of mead?' he asked, handing over a full twenty Septims

'Thank you, your room is down the corridor, third on the left. I'll have your food brought over when it's ready.'

Finding a quiet corner, Folcwine and S'fara made themselves comfortable.

'Since it seems we're travelling together for a while I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is S'fara, and I want to thank you for what you did back there, you didn't have to stick up for me.'

'A pleasure to meet you, I'm Folcwine, and I'm just your average Nord.' he replied

'So, what brings you to Windhelm?' she asked, leaning forward

'I'm here to join the Stormcloaks, Ulfric has the right of it and I want to do my part.'

S'fara leaned back, 'You. You want to join the Stormcloaks, the "Skyrim for the Nords!" brutes who hate all outlanders?' she asked incredulously

'Yes, why is that so shocking? I hate what the Empire has become and I hate the Thalmor. I'll fight and die if need be to free Skyrim!'

'I just don't understand is all. If you're so pro-Stormcloak, why defend a Khajiit?'

'Because I was raised right. You don't disrespect a woman, and you don't insult your guests - it's not the Nord way.'

'Guests?' S'fara frowned

'That's what you out-landers are, guests. And the Nord way is to make your home the home of guests and then see them off safely when they leave.' Foclwine explained

'Alright then, but what about those who have made Skyrim their home, and those like me who were born here?' she asked, regarding him closely

'There are Khajiit born in Skyrim?' Folcwine blurted out in surprise

'Yes, not many, but enough to form a stable community. Some escaped from or were brought from Morrowind after the red mountain erupted, others came after the great war.'

'Well then I suppose they could stay, as long as they committed themselves to Skyrim.'

S'fara made a non-committal noise, and Folcwine thought it best to change the subject

'So, I notice you speak Imperial like you were one of them. I thought you said you were from Skyrim?'

'I am, or at least I was born here. The truth is my parents were slaves. After the red year more and more people fled the troubles in Morrowind, seeking a better life. Amongst them were my parents "owners" who were heading to Cyrodiil. My mother, already heavily pregnant, gave birth to me not far from the Pale pass. From there, we journeyed on to Bruma, where I grew up.'

'I had no idea the Dunmer had slaves so recently.' Folcwine said

'Yes, King Helseth outlawed it long ago, but it carried on and probably does to this day.'

'I'm sorry.'

'It's Ok, it's not your fault Dunmer are a bunch of stuck up, arrogant..' she began, rage building as it did anytime the topic of Dunmer came up

'Sorry to keep you waiting sir, here's your food.' gave a woman's voice from behind Folcwine

He turned to see a young woman, carrying a tray of food which she began to place on the table. As she leant over, Folcwine couldn't help but stare as she wore a low cut dress that showed off her ample bosom.

'If there's anything else you want, just let me know.' she said with a wicked grin and a flirtatious wink before walking away, hips swaying with each step

He was brought back to Nirn by S'fara clearing her throat, and blushing at being caught ogling he turned to face her.

'Now that you're done, perhaps we could eat and then get some sleep?' she said icily

'Yes, of course, lets get stuck in!' he assented, eagerly starting on the roast Horker before him

They ate the remainder of their meal in silence, and when they were done, the innkeeper came to clear the table.

'Thank you for the meal, it was delicious!' S'fara said politely as her dishes were removed

She looked confused at an Imperial accent coming from a Khajiit, but soon recovered

'Thank you m'dear, I'll be sure to tell Nils his efforts are not unappreciated. And you,' she added, turning to Folcwine 'Mind you don't play fresh with Susanna. She plays the flirt, but it's just to get good tips. '

'Err, yes I understand.' he replied sheepishly

'Right then. Enjoy your stay, and don't break nothin'!' she said, as she turned to leave

'Excuse me, Kinswoman, any word on who to see about joining the Stormcloaks?' he called after her

'Another one eh? I might have known. Normally you'd need to speak to Galmar, but he's busy lately so your best bet is Jorlief, the Jarls steward.'

'Thank you.'

'Don't mention it.' came the dismissive reply

Their appetites sated, Folcwine and S'fara made their way to the room where they were glad to see that a screen had been placed in the middle of the floor, allowing them a measure of privacy in which to strip off their armour.

Once he was in his nightwear, Foclwine turned to say goodnight, and saw S'fara's sleek form silhouetted on the fabric of the screen. Taking but a moments hesitation, he returned his gaze to the wall on his side of the room.

'Well, good night!' he said brightly, slipped into his bed and blew out his candle

'Yes, good night.' she replied before blowing out her candle plunging the room into darkness