#day 9!

“Inigo,” Ko’va said with narrowed eyes. “Did you make that up?”

“I promise, I did not.”

“You are prone to telling tall tales,” Kharjo interjected.

“No, I’m not!”

Muz-Lari watched the three Khajiit bicker in amusement. 

She was comfortable here, in this moment. Camped out under the stars and the aurora, scales warmed by the fire, and heart warmed by the friendly teasing of her friends. 

The barely heard whispers of the dragons she’s killed, ignored; for the time being.

“I believe Inigo is telling the truth,” Muz-Lari interjected, coming to Inigo’s defense. 

Inigo smiled at Muz-Lari.

“Thank you, my friend. It’s good to know to that there is at least one person on my side.”

Inigo then threw a mock glare at Kharjo and Ko’va.

They just grinned at the blue Khajiit and soon, he was grinning with them. 

“It is a good story, Inigo,” Ko’va said. “Besides, the incredible stories are always the ones that get passed along.” 

“That’s true,” Inigo agreed. “Kharjo, why don’t you tell us a story?”

As Kharjo began to speak, Muz-Lari felt her attention drifting off. Thoughts of wandering, fire, and whispers began to fill her mind. Then a touch to her tail and knee grabbed her attention. 

Looking down to her left, Muz-Lari found Ko’va’s hand on her knee. 

Ko’va was still giving Kharjo her attention, but had her thumb slowly rub back and forth. A comforting gesture that only said, ‘It’s okay.’

’Muz-Lari then glanced at the ground to her right, where her tail was, and saw that Inigo had laid his tail against hers. Looking up towards the male’s face, she was not surprised to see his eyes on her. 

Muz-Lari pressed her tail back against Inigo’s. ‘Don’t worry, I’m here.’

Inigo grinned and winked at her. Then turned his attention back to Kharjo.

They didn’t sleep that night. Instead they continued to talk and share stories. 

Nicko Heap stood on the deck of the Alfún with a broad smile. It took years, but now he was headed for his home in the Castle with his new fiancèe, Snorri. He couldn’t wait to tell his mother, Sarah. She would be so happy that another of her sons were finally finding their soulmates. Nicko thought about Snorri with a smile. He wouldn’t have expected her to be his soulmate, but it was obvious. Nicko then thought, with a mischeivious smile, to have a bit of fun and entertain their guest, Alice TodHunter Moon.

Snorri stood at the helm, steering the ship through the ocean. Nicko, after getting Tod’s attention, began to whistle a slower tune while walking up to Snorri. Snorri visibly tensed, the tune reminded her of the beginnings to a traditional song from her home. Little did she know, that that song was exactly what Nicko planned to sing, after having learned it from Snorri’s mother.

Nicko wrapped his arms around Snorri’s waist while starting the song softly,

“I’ll swim and sail on savage seas,

With never a fear of drowning.

And gladly ride the waves of live,

If you would marry me.”

Snorri stayed perfectly still, holding firmly on the wheel. Nicko moved one hand on top of Snorri’s and gently pulled it off the wheel and continued singing,

“No scorching sun,

Nor freezing cold,

Will stop me on my journey.

If you will promise me your heart,”

Snorri’s stoic expression softened to a small smile as she began to sing, her Northern accent flowing through every word,

“And love me for eternity.

My dearest one, my darling dear,

Your mighty words astound me.

But I've no need of mighty deeds,

When I feel your arms around me.”

The pair sang slowly faster. Nicko smiled broadly while taking Snorri’s other hand and beginning to dance as he sang,

“But I would bring you rings of gold,

I'd even sing you poetry.

And I would keep you from all harm,

If you would stay beside me.”

Snorri smiled more brightly walk stepping quickly it their dance and sang,

“I have no use for rings of gold,

I care not for your poetry.

I only want your hand to hold,”

“I only want you near me!” Nicko finished. They continued in unison,

“To love, to kiss, to sweetly hold,

For the dancing and the dreaming.

Through all life's sorrows and delights,

I'll keep your laugh inside me.

I'll swim and sail on savage seas,

With never a fear of drowning.

And gladly ride the waves of life,

If you will marry me!”

As the pair sang the last note, Nicko raised Snorri in the air and spun her. Snorri laughed as her feet returned to the ground. Tod appluaded with a smile. “That was incredible! How did you do that so perfectly?” Tod asked, curiousity and wonder filling her eyes.

“It’s simple,” Nicko said while planting a kiss on Snorri’s cheek, “When you’re Destined for someone, your mind and heart are one. Both are shown best through song, don’t you agree, Snorri?”