#kagewrites

Though the grand stone hall was quiet, the new champion had fitful sleep. She was still unused to the cold, dim temple, and despite having many feline companions it felt so empty. Rhook purred softly at her side as Daaki hugged her tightly. However, before she could drift back into slumber, the grinding of stone startled her into full alert. Rhook similarly started, standing and arching as her fur bristled. Daaki listened for a few heartbeats, ears flicking with every sound. Slowly, the necromancer slid out from under the covers, paws silently hitting the rug. 

She padded forward, peering out from the curtains that separated her bed from the rest of the hall. A dark figure walked up from the entrance to the temple, not sneaking but still very quiet. Daaki started to summon her spectral scythe when the person called out. 

“Daaki. Daaki are you there? I am sorry for waking you…” 

The khajiit immediately dropped her tense stance. “Khamira? Queen is everything alright?” She said, pushing the curtains aside and rushing forward into the dimly lit hall. What time was it? Surely past moon’s height at this point. 

“Yes, yes! Well… no.” The other khajiit said, accepting the hug Daaki gave her. “I cannot sleep- the plush beds, the servants about the halls, the smells and sounds are too unfamiliar.” She sighed, holding her friend’s arms as they parted. 

“This one knows quite well how you feel. This hall is so… big, and empty.” Daaki replied, giving a slight smile. “But come! Let this one make tea and we can talk.” 

Khamira sat down on the low, cushioned sitting area as the necromancer turned up the lamps before making her way to the other corner of the hall to put the kettle on. Her new home was coming along nicely, with a full kitchen, dining table and packed pantry full of many ingredients. The sitting area was a recent addition; decorated with her trinkets and trophies. It seemed her bed “room” was also more furnished than before. The queen fiddled with the embroidery of a pillow as she waited.

Soon enough, Daaki returned with a tray laden with a teapot, cups and sweet pastries made the previous day. She settled in next to Khamira and poured the steaming Gingerose tea. Daaki stifled a yawn as she settled in. “What time is it?” She finally asked.

“It’s three in the morning. Sorry again for disturbing you.” The queen said, shoulders slumping as she leaned over her cup. Her whiskers twitched as the steam washed over her face. The spicy, floral scent already helped to calm her. “I just… I feel so overwhelmed with this queen business. I miss the freedom of travel. I miss the exotic places and adventure of being an aide to Gharesh-ri.” She gave a sigh and reached for a pastry. 

Daaki nodded along as she spoke. “Hrrrm. This one can understand the frustration you must feel. Daaki has it as well. This hall… she loves it, but it is lonely.” she said as Rhook and Kahan both wandered over. Rhook rubbed her head on Khamira’s leg and the queen smiled, running her hand over the undead cat’s back. “Well, not so lonely as it could be- this one has her small friends.” Daaki added as Kahan settled next to her. The other, still quite living cats must be curled up elsewhere in the temple.

They sipped their tea and Daaki did her best to bring up other things to distract her friend from the stress of her new position. They recalled the times of joy and laughter they had during their quest to usurp the usurper. Despite the seriousness and danger they had faced, they had moments of warm nights around the fire and slip-ups in the delves and coves of Anequina. 

After a while, Daaki started to smile wider, a plan formulating. “This one hears there is a treasure hidden outside the city. Left ages ago by thieves. Hrrrm...Daaki was thinking she has a use for such a treasure, but should get help with finding it. If only she could find someone capable enough…” She said, giving the queen a sly smile. Khamira quickly caught on, eyes shining with excitement. 

“I suppose I could find someone so skilled for you.” She said, trying to play coy as Daaki did. Ultimately it failed as she grew too excited at the prospect of donning her leathers and sneaking away from the stifling palace. “Meet here tomorrow night after moonrise?” 

Daaki gave a laugh and nodded. “Come prepared, my Queen- we will have to be back before dawn.”

With that, they said their goodbyes and Khamira left to return before anyone noticed her missing. They both slept better knowing another adventure was on the horizon.

The market of Skywatch was enormous, with colorful tents lining the entire road to the coast-side wall. Crowds of bodies wove about from stall to stall, laughing and talking. The hum of so many voices made the bosmer’s ears twitch under his hood. He was still so uncomfortable with the stone cities of Auridon, but he had sworn himself to the Queen and well… this is what needed to be done. He put a hand on his companion, Detha. The great bear gave a snuff and looked over to Tarim with a low groan. He wasn’t any more excited to be in a city than his Warden was, it seemed. The bosmer gave a soft smile and scratched the bear’s ear before making his way into the market. 

Ignoring the stares from the guards and non-bosmeri festival goers was easy; ignoring the growl of his stomach was not. He pondered whether or not he should head straight to Raz when the smell of smoking meats and hot coals hit his nose. He closed his eyes in delight as his mouth watered. Can’t route out enemy spies with an empty stomach, can you? Besides, this smelled like proper food!

Tarim stepped quicker. He was excited to see that both the brewer and the cook at the open tavern were bosmer. Surely nothing they make would cause him to be ill! His first week in Auridon had been filled with many trips to the privy and hours laid out in bed. Quite a few altmer were either misunderstanding or ignoring the needs of the bosmer. No matter now, though- there was roast pig to be had. He greeted the cook with a rare smile and ordered what was probably too much food. They struck up conversation as she carved the meat until a stuttered voice called out above the murmur

“H-hey! Shoo! S-someone help!” 

Tarim’s eyes immediately snapped up and found…. His bear. Eating fruit. Fruit that they had not paid for. His shoulders slumped and looked up with a heavy sigh before giving a sharp whistle. Detha immediately perked up and ran back to his side, still happily munching on a peach. The stall owners eyes widened further as the bear sat by his warden. The fear turned to anger as the altmer leaned out over the ruined produce.