Author's Note
I was looking around and I found this on Google Drive, it was something me and Black John are working on. We was originally going to wait until we had ten chapters to post but Real Life demanded Black John's attention so yeah... 
ing Real Life.
1- The Beginning
“Shadow, get off your lazy tail! Guards are coming!”
Gin let out a miserable groan, lazily stretching her tail as she stirred from her pile of straw. It was too fucking early for this non-
Guards. Why in Oblivion would they be coming down here? With a growing sense of urgency and no small amount of difficulty, Gin pushed herself out of her ‘bed’ and rose to her feet. Some of the guards got a kick out of starving the inmates, and non-humans like her got it worse when those guards were in a mood.
Giving her head a quick shake to focus, she went to the bars and called out to the man in his cell across from hers, “Varen? Why are they coming?” She asked, the underlying hiss doing little to hide the tremor in her voice.
“I don’t know.” Varen replied, rattling his chains as he shrugged, “Sounds like they’re in a rush, so they’re not likely to pay us any mind.”
Gin gave a slight hiss as she backed away from the bars, hearing the guards get closer, and couldn’t help but to shift around nervously. She watched the approaching torch light with grim anticipation, her experiences in this forsaken hole having left her with a strong sense of wariness towards the ‘upstanding’ members of the Imperial Guard.
“My sons, they are dead?” Gin heard an older male ask.
“We don’t know for sure.” Another voice said, most likely one of the guards, “But what we need to do is to get you to safety.”
“They are dead. I know it.” The older male said sounding sorrowful.
Gin found herself pressed against the back wall of her cell as the guards stopped between her cell and Varen’s. Were they even guards? Whoever they were, wearing ornate, banded armor and wielding long, curved blades instead of the standard-issue steel swords, the way they held themselves told Gin that these men and women were to be feared, for an entirely different reason than the bastards that had paid her several visits in the past.
"What's this prisoner doing in this cell! It's supposed to be empty!" The apparent leader of the guards demanded.
"Usual mix up with the guard, I-" Another guard stammered.
“Silence! It doesn’t matter. The only thing that does, is that we get you to safety, sire.” The leader said as she opened the cell, and pointed her sword at Varen. “Stand back prisoner! We won’t hesitate to kill you if you try anything!”
Varen simply raised an eyebrow from his seat on the floor, giving the chains that held his arms above his head a quick shake. “Aye.”
“Varen!? What is happening?” Gin cried, as she watched the guards enter his cell, followed by-
“Oh? Greetings, your Eminence, and welcome to my humble abode. Is there something this tired soldier can do for you?”
Gin’s eyes widened, it was the Emperor of Cyrodiil! What was he doing down in the cell blocks? He’d mentioned that his sons were dead? Was somebody hunting the Emperor and his family? She couldn’t quite make out what the Emperor was saying the Varen, but it ended with him being released from his bindings.
“The other prisoner, the argonian.” Varen said as he stood up, rubbing at his chafed wrists, “She has kept me company in this thrice-damned place, and I will not leave her here alone. Empire be damned!”
She wasn’t sure what was happening, but she did give a start when Varen made his demand clear. And it warmed Gin’s heart, both because he refused to leave her, and because after a hushed conversation one of the guards broke away and approached her cell.
“I have no idea why the Emperor is entertaining a traitor…” The guard muttered grimly as he unlocked her cell, “You’re coming with us, lizard. If you try anything we will not hesitate to cut you down!”
Gin let out a quiet hiss, and edged past him to get to Varen. The moment she got within arm’s length of Varen, Gin acted on the thing she’d been desiring for months. She threw herself at Varen, and gave the only human that had bothered treating her like a person, let alone an equal, a hug. Varen blinked in surprise, before he returned the hug, carefully squeezing the skinny Argonian as she mumbled her appreciation him into his chest.
“Come, Shadow.” Varen said, “Let’s get out of this hole.”
Varen and Gin stood outside the sewers they’d just escaped from, basking in the fresh air and sunlight. For the first time in years, Gin was able to feel the warmth of the sun on her scales, and she was especially overjoyed. She’d all but given up hope of not dying in that hole...
The two were clad in armor that had seen better days, and the same could be said about most of the weapons they had obtained. Varen wore an iron cuirass and greaves that barely fit him, clutching a iron longsword, with several iron daggers sheathed on either hip and on his armor, while Gin wore leather armor that had clearly been fitted for someone with more meat on them, frowning at her poorly maintained bow, with a sharp steel sword and an iron dagger sheathed at her hips.
Varen lazily twirled his sword a few times before sheathing it on his back, and turned his attention to his friend. “You are a free person now, Shadow. What-”
“Gin.” She interrupted, “My true name is Gin-Jazee. I am sorry for deceiving you, but Stands-in-Shadows’ is the name I give to those I do not fully trust. My true name is the only thing that I have, that I can truly call my own, so I must be careful with it.” Gin knelt in front of Varen, bowing her head in submission to the man. “You… you freed me from that horrible place, and you saved my life twice during our flight. You’ve never talked down to me or treated me like an animal! If I cannot trust you now, then I do not know who I can.”
Varen paused, before offering his hand to Gin. This was not something he had been expecting, but there was nothing to do but to roll with it. “I appreciate your trust, Gin, and I recognize that it has not been granted lightly. Would you like to know something that I, myself, have kept from others?”
Gin accepted the outstretched hand, and was quickly pulled to her feet. “Oh, um, sure? You know, you’re still pretty strong for someone who’s been wasting away in prison.”
Varen grinned, giving the argonian a pat on the back as he spoke. “I was hardly wasting away, my scaly friend. I’ve gone without food before, and those bastards knew better than to pull the same shit they were doing to you, on me. Anyway, this secret?” Gin nodded as Varen leaned his head down, eager to hear. “I, am a hairy, scary werewolf.”
Several months ago, Gin came to the realization that Varen was equal parts sociopath, and sarcastic forker. “You- you sarcastic, insensitive hatch-dak! I just- AGH!” A good whack on the arm was still in good taste, something the taller man took in stride.
“In all seriousness, my friend, I truly appreciate your trust, and I promise not to abuse it.” Gin crossed her arms and looked away, grumbling under her breath about muscle-headed forkers. Varen gave her a pat on the back, and continued. “Aap, none of that now. As I was saying, you are free. What do you intend to do?”
Gin frowned, gazing longingly to the south-east as she spoke, “I… I would like to travel with you, if you’ll have me.” She admitted, “I need time to recover before I can travel long distances once more, but I will follow you to the ends of Oblivion, if that’s what you ask of me. What do you intend to do, now that you’re free?”
Varen clenched his right hand into a fist as he looked up at the White-Gold Tower in the distance. “I am going to recover my sword and my service armor, and deliver the amulet into safe hands. Then I will set about avenging my Emperor. The Mythic Dawn will regret what they have done today.”
Gin looked at Varen for a moment, “I mean no offense, but… why do you care? You were a prisoner, just as I was. Why-”
Varen cut her off, “I cannot confirm it, but I believe that Emperor Septim had a hand in my imprisonment. I was to be executed for my crimes, instead of serving time. Either way, I am alive and a free man because of him, and I plan to repay that debt.”
Gin bowed her head, “Forgive me, I did not know.” She said, “I fully understand that desire, and will help you however I can. You lead, and I will follow.”
Varen unsheathed his longsword, waving it towards the city. “There is an inn on the mainland to the west. We will head there and take inventory, get some fresh food in our bellies and a soft bed to sleep in. We’ll head out to the Priory tomorrow, after we’ve rested.”
Thankfully, the trek to Talos Bridge was a quiet one, aside from the occasional curious mudcrab and the lone grounded slaughterfish on the shore next to the bridge that Gin was quick to behead, despite it almost having asphyxiated. When Gin saw the look Varen was giving her, one of bemused exasperation, Gin reluctantly told him about how when she was a few summers old, she was out swimming and an adolescent slaughterfish bit her tail and wouldn’t let go.
Varen had a good laugh at that, it certainly explained how she got those scars on her tail!
“...and that is why I will kill slaughterfish if the opportunity presents itself.” Gin said, with a faint blush and a pout on her snout.
Varen let out another good-natured chortle and patted Gin’s shoulder, “I suppose it does not hurt that we find slaughterfish to be as tasty as they find us to be. Hopefully, you’ll not have to deal with any on our journey.” He said.
Gin nodded, though couldn’t help but feel like that was going to come back and bite her in the tail, again. After letting the fish bleed out and tying it to Varen’s belt next to the slain mudcrabs, the duo resumed their walk. Like all sapient creatures Gin eventually got bored, and started playing with the arrow in her hand, twirling it around her fingers in a frankly impressive display of dexterity as they started across the bridge.
Varen chuckled as he noticed what she was doing. When she wasn’t acting like a typical, bored young adult, he wasn’t entirely sure how old she was in truth, she reminded him of the non-sapient varieties of reptiles he’d encountered during his service in the Legion. The way she had quickly darted forward to decapitate the slaughterfish upon spotting it, her precision with a bow against the mudcrabs? There was an ambush predator in Gin, just waiting to be coaxed out and trained.
“‘Wawnet Inn’, up ahead.“ Varen said, pointing at the quaint, one-story cottage down the road. “I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to some real food and a bed to sleep in.”
Gin nodded excitedly and picked up the pace, only stopping to fire an arrow at a mudcrab that crawled out into the road ahead of them. The pair watched as the crab let out a pathetic little chitter and expired, and Gin pulled the arrow out of it with a grunt.
“Do you think we could cook this at the inn, instead of over a fire? The slaughterfish, too?” Gin asked. “It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten what mudcrabs taste like! But I do remember them being delicious!” She added, licking her chops at the thought.
Varen shrugged as he added their latest kill to the collection on his belt. “I don’t see why not. Most innkeepers will go out of their way for you, so long as you’re reasonable and have gold to spare.”
He had a feeling that Gin could eat everything hanging from his belt by herself, but he couldn’t really blame her. Varen was occasionally deprived of food in prison, but he had never went hungry for more than three or four days at a time. Gin, on the other hand, would sometimes go a week without anything more than water. Varen would often share his meals with her during those times, tossing chunks of bread and meat through the bars of his cell to hers whenever he wasn’t chained to the wall for “misbehaving”.
Nervously, Gin wrung her hands as they arrived at the inn. “You can do the talking,” She said, “They probably won’t charge you out the nose for a room and food.”
Varen’s only response was a grunt. He understood why most of his kinsmen held some manner of bigotry towards beastfolk, but he also knew better than to fall into that. The sins of a few bad apples should not be used to judge the whole. Rolling his sore shoulders, he entered the inn with Gin following silently. Upon shutting the door behind them, Varen spotted an Altmer woman standing behind a counter, who was quick to greet the duo.
"Welcome to the Wawnet Inn. Could I interest you in a room, or perhaps a bit of wine?” The altmer asked with a friendly smile, “Maybe both? There’s a fresh bed available to anyone who’s got the 10 gold. Would you like it?”
Varen produced a small coin pouch, and counted out the required septims. “Aye, a room for one night, and either some food or use of your cooking equipment would be greatly appreciated.” He said gesturing to the mudcrabs and slaughterfish hanging from his belt.
The Altmer nodded, “Very well. If you head upstairs and look for the last door on your right, that will be your room for tonight. I also have some fresh bread, produce and some road supplies, and I’d be happy to prepare your catches, for a fee."
“That is fair.” Varen said as he handed over the coins, “Ten gold for a bed. How much for our supper?”
The Altmer frowned in thought, “Well, normally I would want another ten septims each to prepare and cook your catches, but you two look like you’re in desperate need of a good meal, especially your lady friend.” She said, “So it’ll be just be ten septims for the both of you, so long as you don’t mind me partaking in your meal.”
Varen shook his head, counting out another ten coins, “We do not mind at all, fair lady. Your kindness humbles-” Gin found herself with two sets of eyes on her as her stomach started to growl much like an angry cave bear.
The argonian was mortified. “Sorry.” A hunk of crusty bread and an apple quickly found itself in front of Gin, and she wasted no time in attacking her snack.
Varen chuckled, “Shadow, I’m going to see about recovering my gear. You stay here, eat and rest, okay? Divines permitting, I won’t be long.”
Gin looked at Varen for a few moments, before tearing off a piece of her bread and handing it to him. “Very well.” She said reluctantly, “Hurry back. I’m sure you could do with some warm food as well.”
“I look forward to it.” Varen replied, patting Gin’s shoulder as he headed out.
After Varen had left and her snack was gone, Gin just sat at the bar shifting around awkwardly as the innkeep got to work, boiling water and gutting the slaughterfish, “So… you, um, you like wine?” Gin asked, having noticed the dozens of bottles of wine of the racks behind the bar.
The innkeep set her filet knife down, a fond smile on her lips as she answered. "Yes actually, I’m quite fond of collecting all manners of wines from all over Tamriel. But one vintage continues to elude me: Shadowbanish Wine. Oh, how I’d love to add it to my collection.” The high elf examined Gin for a moment and said, “Say, that gives me an idea. You and your companion, you look like the adventuring types. If you can retrieve six bottles of Shadowbanish Wine, I’ll gladly pay you well. All I know about them is that they’re found in the many fort ruins scattered all over Cyrodiil." The Altmer asked with bright, hopeful eyes.
Gin blinked, “Well, I’ll let Varen know you’re looking for this wine, and if I see any myself I’ll be sure to keep you in mind.” Silence reigned for a moment, before she spoke up again. “If you don’t mind me asking, how long will it take for the food to be ready? I’m still pretty hungry.”
“Mudcrab takes some time to boil, so I’d give it about half an hour at the very least.” The altmer said, “If you’re bored, I’m certain you can find something to do around here- Oh! My neighbor across the way, he’s been trying to find some help with his fishing, and would be more than willing to pay you.”
Gin’s spines bristled, and she frowned. Was that a racist remark?
Even as she was occupied by the fish, the innkeep seemed to notice Gin’s shift in mood, “Oh! My apologies! That was insensitive, but I meant nothing by it.” She said, “It’s a simple truth, the man across the way is a fisherman in need of help. The bigotry your kin and the Khajiit face is simply uncultured, I just wasn’t thinking when I said that.”
“Ah… well…” Gin just rubbed her snout, “I apologize for assuming. Most do not welcome my kind. I’ll return when I am done.” She added as she got up and headed to the door.
The altmer frowned, “Be careful!” She said just as Gin exited the inn, heading over to the old fisherman.
The passage of roughly two halves of an hour saw Gin limping back from Lake Rumare, cursing like a drunken sailor. The first half hour was spent psyching herself up to take the plunge, and the other? Well, with her left hand she was dragging by the tail a sizable slaughterfish with her sword stabbed right down its throat, very likely the mother of all the other bitey fish. With her right hand she held her own tail, to keep the bleeding, bit-up appendage from being dragged in the dirt.
“Why my tail, bitefish? Sax krak xi neel kersh!” With that last string of Jel curses out of her system, she called upon the Histskin power within her to hasten the healing of her recently-acquired wounds. “That little Hist-sniffer better appreciate this…” She hissed crossly, tossing the broodmother next to the other slaughterfish piled near the Inn.
After a quick talk with the short man, Gin walked away with the promise of her choice of a slaughterfish, and a ring enchanted for swimming. From what she understood, the ring would grant the wearer underwater breathing and a slight boost to their freedom of movement, in or out of the water. While it was useless to her, Gin figured that Varen would appreciate it.
Her stomach rumbled again, making Gin hiss before she made her way back to the inn. All she wanted was some warm food, something to drink that wasn’t plain water, and a real honest-to-Hist bed… maybe even a bath? The lakewater was clean, cool and felt great on her scales, but it alone could not accomplish what hot water and soap could.
Gin shuddered, it had been far too long since she last had a nice relaxing bath.
The scent of roasted seafood became almost overpowering to Gin as she walked into the Inn, dragging the giant bite-fish behind her.
The Altmer looked up at Gin and smiled, “Ah, there you are! I was just about to go looking for you, your food has been sitting in the oven for about twenty minutes.” She said, before noticing the large slaughterfish. “Oh my. I suppose you’d like me to cook that as well?”
Gin shook her head, “No. This is my way of repaying you.” She said, “You are the first Mer I’ve met that has been kind to me, and my mother taught me to always repay kindness with kindness.”
The Altmer smiled, “Thank you. I’m sorry that you’ve had bad experiences with my kin, but please do not allow it to taint your perception of the various races of Mer and Men.” She said, “Your mother was a wise woman to have taught you that, and you’re a wise young lady for acting on it.”
Gin shrugged, giving her sore tail a lazy flick. “It got me more damned scars on my tail, but it was worth it.” She said wryly, “I’ll clean the fish for you, if you’d like. That thing bit the Oblivion out of my poor tail, and I’m looking forward to pulling its scales off!”
The Altmer giggled at that, “I prefer to dress whatever I sell myself, but I wouldn’t mind your help in removing the scales on that beast. In return, I can set aside a portion of the scales and meat for you and your companion.” She said, “Oh, but I’m being rude! You’ve gifted me with this impressive fish, and I haven’t even told you my name! I’m Nerussa, by the way, and it’s been a pleasure to meet you.” She added politely.
Gin smiled, “And I am... Gin.” She said, “My name is Gin-Jazee, and I will not forget this kindness.” She added, before heaving the big fish onto the counter.
Eventually, the fish was skillfully gutted, deboned and missing its scales, with half of it frying on the stove, and the other half flash-frozen with a liberal application of frostbite, and stored away. Humming a song from the Marsh, Gin took a seat and rested her head on the table for a bit. It had been a simultaneously insane, tiring and fulfilling day for the young argonian, with a jailbreak, fighting against goblins and assassins, and finally the blasted battle of the bitey fish! She could’ve done without having another slaughterfish biting her tail, but all said and done? Gin was free, and that was just fine with her.
After letting out a wide, jaw-cracking yawn, Gin heard the sound of plates sliding onto the table, one holding a loaf of bread, several wedges of cheese and a butter dish, the other loaded with steamed mudcrab and seared slaughterfish, and two empty plates. Nerussa took a good whiff of the food, and grinned as she set a pair of forks and knives next to the loaf of bread. “Help yourself first, Gin. You’ve earned it!”
It was only sheer luck that Nerussa didn’t lose any fingers with how her new friend descended upon the food, almost like a feral beast! Nerussa frowned, “Slow down, Gin! You’ll make yourself sick if you eat too much, too quickly. By the Nine, what have you and- Varen, right?” At Gin’s affirmative nod, she continued. “What have you two been through? I try not to pry into the business of my customers, but you’re obviously starving.”
Gin paused, the pardon had been issued hours ago. Was that enough time for Baurus to spread the word? Would it even matter, with the Emperor dead? Nerussa seemed to be a nice enough woman. She could be trusted. Probably. “Okay, before I say anything else, you must understand that Varen and I are not fugitives from the law. It may sound like a tall tale, but we have received pardons from the Emperor himself.”
When Nerussa didn’t recoil, reach for a weapon or shout for help, Gin decided to simply explain the ordeal they’d just been through. She conveniently left out the reasons for her and Varen’s imprisonment, and Nerussa thankfully did not ask.
Over the course of a few hours, the argonian and altmer finished off the two plates, an additional loaf of bread, and were working on a bottle of wine while Gin recalled everything that had happened during the day, and a few other topics. Much to Gin’s relief, Nerussa believed her account, even scoffing at Varen’s smart-ass “secret”. “Everyone knows there are no werewolves in Cyrodiil. That man is a fool if he believes otherwise.”
Gin shrugged lazily, rubbing at her sleepy eyes. “That’s just…. thas just how he is. I...” The argonian jumped awake as her head thumped onto the table. Nerussa couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. A full belly and a physically exhausting day does wonders to put one to sleep.
“Come, now.” She said, “I think that bed upstairs is calling your name.”
Gin gave a slurred mumble in her native language before she got up and staggered off, half-falling onto Nerussa when she offered her shoulder. After helping the barely-conscious argonian into bed, Narussa retreated downstairs with a smile. Talking with Gin had left her feeling all kinds of nostalgic, perhaps a letter to her youngest sister was in order?
Hours later, Varen arrived back at the Inn, clad in the armor that had kept him alive and well during his almost two decades of service in the Legion. At a glance, it appeared to be standard Legion platemail, if not a little battered, but the similarities ended there.
Those who were sufficiently inclined in the magical arts would see a faint shimmer radiating from the metal, indicating the presence of enchantments. Those skilled in the art of smithing would see that the plates were thicker in all the places that would matter.
The bastard sword and kite shield strapped to either side of the travel pack on his back were not Legion standard, both bearing the style and craftsmanship of nordic steel, and enchanted as well. Slung across his chest was a leather bandolier, with several loops holding restoration potions and a Welkynd stone.
Around his waist was a belt, holding a sheathed dagger and a small pouch on either hip, and six additional loops for potions and Welkynd stones, all of which were also occupied. The red and blue restoration potions were a boon, but the three Welkynd stones had taken up every last bit of favor he had with the individual who had kept his armor safe.
’Wonder what Gin got up to while I was gone?’ The imperial thought with some amusement, ’Probably been a fidgeting mess waiting to gorge herself on some food. There had better be some left.’
Removing his helmet, Varen shook his head as he entered the inn, “Hello again, my lady. Do you know where my traveling companion is, or barring that, what direction she’s gone off to?” He asked.
Nerussa smiled, “She’s in bed. After eating a quarter of what you brought in, she was nearly asleep at the table.” She said, “I helped her up to your room and got her into bed. The poor dear has had a full day. She even brought me the mother of all slaughterfish to thank me for my kindness. I hope you treat her well, I’ve seen people like her.”
Varen rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, treat the poor bonny as I would want to be treated.“
“I’m serious.” Nerussa said, “Treat Gin well, whatever that poor girl has been through, she needs someone to trust.”
Varen paused, “’Gin’? Where did you hear that?”
Nerussa frowned, “Why, from Gin herself. We properly introduced ourselves to each other after she brought me that giant slaughterfish. It’s cooking right now, actually.”
Varen grumbled at that, it took him six months to get her name! “Her name is important to her.” Varen said, “She said it’s the only thing she can truly call her own. The fact that she gave it to you says she trusts you. It took me almost half a year and several battles to get her name.”
“Oh! Well, then I’ll be sure not to abuse her trust.” Nerussa said, “Does she have another name that she gives to strangers?”
Varen nodded, “Stands-in-Shadows, a very apt name if there ever was one.” He said with a chuckle, “So, what did dear Gin leave for me to eat?” The innkeep quickly produced another two plate loaded with crab, fish, cheese and bread. “Thank you, this looks delicious.” Varen said, before tucking in to his meal.
Nerussa merely smiled, and turned her attention back to the cooking fish. The sounds of him relentlessly destroying his meal was all she needed to hear to know that her talents were appreciated.
After his meal was finished, Varen left the innkeep a sizable tip and made his way upstairs to his rented room. He entered as quietly as he could, barely suppressing a snort when he spotted Gin sprawled out on the bed, her mouth ajar and her tongue lolling out.
Shaking his head in amusement he quietly shed his helmet, gauntlets and boots. Much as Varen hated sleeping in his armor, he sorely missed the feeling of a full magicka reserve, and the regeneration enchantment on his cuirass and greaves would easily get him there by morning. Looking around briefly Varen sighed, there was only one bed, and he couldn’t bring himself to wake the sleeping argonian. It was his own fault, anyway, for not checking before he left for the day.
Shaking his head at his own foolishness, Varen put his travel bag on the floor and laid down, using it as a pillow. In the Legion, Varen had learned how to fall asleep wherever and whenever. He put that particular talent to use as he closed his eyes and drifted off into a restless sleep.
The next day found the strange duo going into the Imperial city, looking to acquire some spare clothing, food and extra potions for the trip ahead. They still had a fair amount of coin and the few gems and ore nuggets they had found in the sewer, so there would at least be enough for some clothes.
Gin was hoping for a new bow and some boots, and was not shy in making that known to Varen.
That brought them to “A Fighting Chance”, where Varen was watching with some amusement as Gin picked up and inspected the bows on display, judging them by their weight out, string tautness, and even the draw-strength. Those that called for more strength than she could currently provide, she placed back on the racks.
The shopkeep was also keeping watch, though it was more from boredom than it was suspicion. Most of Rohssan’s customers were Imperial Foresters, and they were the no-nonsense, gruff, all business types. The young argonian, on the other hand? She was like a child in a toy shop, and Rohssan certainly could appreciate someone fawning over her wares. After some further perusal, Gin eventually settled on a basic, but sturdy longbow and some steel-tipped arrows.
“This will serve me well.” Gin decided after testing the strength of the draw.
Varen nodded and went to the shopkeep to pay for the bow. Rohssan had half a mind to charge the man extra, but decided against it. She, just like everyone else in the city, had received word of the pardon handed to one Varen Brussiner and his companion, and of their heroic, but ultimately futile, efforts to safeguard the Emperor’s life.
As they left the shop, Varen ticked Gin’s bow off his mental checklist. He decided they would need boots next, twisting the ring Gin gave him around on his finger. Varen frowned as he checked the coin pouch hanging from his belt. It was beginning to get a little light, and so far they had only purchased a bow and some arrows. He shrugged, it was of no real consequence. With luck, he and Gin would run into bandits, which he would then kill and relieve of their belongings.
Varen looked at Gin, “How about we try to get you some decent boots?” He suggested.
Gin nodded, “Sure, but... what about yourself?” She asked, “You seem to be spending a lot on me.”
Varen chuckled, “I’ve got my service armor, my sword, and everything I need.” He said, “You need the equipment more than I, my scaly friend. It is no bother.”
Gin nodded before a thought came to her, “Wait. How’d you get your armor back anyway?” She asked, “That’s Legion armor, right? Did they just… give it to you because you asked?”
He smiled at Gin, “I bought this armor from the Legion and had it reinforced, then enchanted. Before I turned myself in after my... fit of rage, I left my armor and weapons with someone I trust.”
Gin frowned, “So wait, the Legion allowed you to buy your service armor from them? How did you manage to do that?”
Varen explained, “I am born from old blood, my young friend. We have served the Empire since the fall of the Dread Wolf Queen, Potema, and that kind of lineage carries weight, especially in the capital city. I am ashamed to admit that I have used that weight to get my way in the past, and that includes the purchase of my armor.”
Gin’s eyes widened. “Are you a noble?”
Varen snorted. “Hah! My family is not counted amongst the noble houses, nor do we possess superfluous wealth. No, that weight comes from service, you see? I come from a long line of men and women born under the Atronach sign. We’ve served the Empire through the Legion as soldiers and slayers of rogue wizards and magical creatures.” He paused, shame briefly washing over his face, “My family, we have a code of honor. It is not particularly demanding, even for firstborn like myself. All that is asked of us is to serve our Empire and her people, and to do so justly, with courage. I’ve gone astray from that, and have been excommunicated as a result.”
“Would it be possible for you to get… um, un-excommunicated?” Gin wasn’t too sure if that was the right word.
Varen shook his head. “It troubles me, but I do not know. As I am the first, well, firstborn to be excommunicated, there is no precedent for this situation. I have prayed daily to Akatosh since my… epiphany, and he has forgiven me for my previous sins. All that’s left is to atone, and prove my worth as an Imperial Citizen, and a Brussiner.” Varen went silent for a moment, before squaring his jaw and continuing. “I will never apologise for striking down that slimy little fuck in his home. That was my first step in reclaiming my honor.”
Gin winced, knowing exactly what he was referring to. “Um, sorry, for-”
Varen shot a hard look at Gin, cutting her off. “Do not apologise to me, bonny. It was not your fault, and it never will be. That son of a daedra got what he deserved, and I can only pray that any other victims of his are able to find peace in his death. I have done dark things, bound the souls of evil men into gems, but I never have, and never will, condone rape or the murder of an innocent.”
The two fell into an awkward silence for a few minutes after that, until Varen noticed the state of Gin’s tail.
“Your tail. Did you decide to go swimming in the lake, despite it being full of slaughterfish?” Varen asked.
Gin scowled and hissed something, probably something insulting Varen assumed, in Jel before she reluctantly regaled him with her ‘adventure’ for that old Hist-sniffer in the lake. And to Varen’s credit, only a few chuckles escaped him as he listened. He was simply content to take their minds off of their previous conversation.
“...and then I gave you the ring.” Gin said, “I hope you like it, I felt that you would get more use out of it than I.”
“Aye, thank you for the ring.” Varen said with a smile, “I’ve never had any use for the water-breathing enchantment before now, but I’m certain it will come in handy during whatever adventures we find ourselves on.” He added with a wry chuckle, “Now, let’s see about those boots.”
Gin blinked, before she was led deeper into the Imperial marketplace.
Through a strange combination of intimidation and jokes, Varen was able to get Gin a new pair of traveling boots, a steel dagger to match her sword, and a refitting of the leather armor they’d scavenged from the sewer. Afterwards, there was enough gold left over to purchase several loaves of bread, jerky and some vegetables.
Gin may have had something to do with their suspicious surplus of coin and when pressed for an answer, reluctantly admitted to lifting a few coins off the snootier individuals perusing the markets.
“Well, if they didn’t want their pockets picked, maybe they shouldn’t have called me a ‘boot’!” To that, Varen could only shrug, and pat his friend on the back. That was a fair point.
The duo made one final stop at the Wawnet Inn on their way out of the Imperial City, mostly for Gin to give Nerussa her regards, and say goodbye. Before they left, Gin gave her a few pointers on how to handle rowdy individuals without having to call for the guards.
Varen would never be able to look at a brass teacup the same way again… it also reinforced his belief that women were truly the most dangerous of the sexes.
“You’re on point for this leg of our journey, Gin,” Varen said, “just follow the road, keep your eyes open, and put an arrow into anything that comes at us.” Gin simply shrugged, and started walking. She was certain that Varen knew what he was doing.
She was proven right when, several hours down the road, an orc clad in platemail and carrying a mighty warhammer, and a redguard in leather armor wielding a scimitar emerged from the woods on either side of the road. “Your gold or your life!” The redguard shouted, leveling his blade at Varen.
Varen simply sighed, lightning crackling in his hands as he charged two destruction spells. “Your life, actually.” Varen replied in a bored tone, and released the lightning that was furiously crackling and snapping in his left hand at the orc. Varen let out a contemptuous snort as the spell slammed into the orc, and quickly reduced him to a pile of ash and red-hot armor.
The redguard was stunned for a moment, before he simply dropped his scimitar, turned tail and ran. Varen lazily extended his right arm at the fleeing bandit and was about to unleash the other furious bolt of lightning in his hand upon him, but he decided against it when he saw Gin staring, wide-eyed, at the pile of ash that used to be an orc. “Well, what are you waiting for? Shoot him before he gets away!” Varen’s command snapped Gin out of her daze, and she tore her wide eyes away from the pile of ash that used to be a living, breathing person, just like her.
“Uh-bwah?” Was all she had to offer in response. Were her eyes to be believed? Did her companion really just disintegrate that orc with with a single spell?
Once again, Varen snorted. “Well said. Quickly now, put an arrow in his back before he’s out of your range.”
Gin shook her head and took aim, letting loose an arrow that winged the redguard. Not really wanting to find out what Varen would do if she let the poor bastard get away, she quickly nocked another arrow and let it fly. Just as the arrow was about to hit its mark somewhere between the fleeing bandit’s shoulders, he stumbled, and the arrow wound up buried in the back of his head.
Gin stared, mildly horrified as the bandit just… dropped, face-planting into the dirt road with an arrow sticking out of his skull. “Excellent work, Gin. I’ll make a sharpshooter out of you yet.” She numbly nodded, stumbling a bit as Varen clapped her on the back.
That was her first kill in cold blood against a thinking, reasoning being. Of course, there was the fight to get out of the prison sewers, but all of those kills were self-defense. Assassins, most of which Varen handled, goblins, rats, undead? They were actively trying to kill her and Varen. Gin glanced from her hands, her bow, to the dead man lying face-down in the road ahead of them.
Gin shook her head, now was not the time to be dwelling on the fact that she may have just murdered someone, nor was it the time to be dwelling on the fact that her companion was far stronger than he had let on during their flight from the sewers. “Uh, th-thanks. I um, I couldn’t have done it without you?”
Varen looked up from the orc-sized pile of ash, “First time?” Gin nodded as she glanced at the dead bandit.
“Does it ever get easier?” Gin asked, though she hid it well Varen could tell she was troubled by her actions. Having led his fair share of greenhorns into battle, Varen knew how to answer this question.
“There is no true, definitive answer to that. Some say that it never gets easier, that it is something you learn to live with, and for them that is correct.” He paused, evidently finding what he was looking for in the pile of ash and pulling it out.
“Others will tell you that it does, in fact, get easier, and can be something to enjoy. For them, that too is correct. However, I will tell you this, my friend. That bandit most likely would not have regretted it, had he struck you down. He would not have remembered you.” With his prize in hand, a small pouch that jingled when he shook the ash off, Varen concluded, “Everyone else I’ve led into battle has found their own place between those two extremes, their own balance. I found my balance years ago, and I have faith that you will find yours.”
Gin nodded, “I… I think I understand, thank you. But if it’s all the same, I’d rather not shoot anyone in the back again, if it can be helped.” She said as she went over to her bandit and started rifling through his pockets for any valuables.
It wasn’t five minutes later down the road, that a sudden flash of light in the woods off to their left caught Gin’s attention, and to Varen’s chagrin, she darted into the brush to find the source. Grumbling under his breath, “curious bleeding argonian,” Varen drew his sword and followed. “Gin! Get your scaly arse back here!”
A few moments later, Gin called out, “Uh, Varen? Can you come here for a second?” Varen frowned, but continued into the woods to see what Gin happened across.
The answer to that particular question was women. Two delicate-looking, beautiful women, lying unconscious in the middle of a forest? No signs of abuse or struggle? That certainly wasn’t suspicious at all. Varen wasn’t terribly concerned, though. If this was a trick, then it wasn’t a particularly clever one. Nonetheless, Varen was alert, listening and watching for anything out of the ordinary. “Interesting. Tell me, my friend, found anything interesting in their pockets?”
Gin hissed, quickly closing up the travel pack she’d been examining. “It was like that when I got here, honest!”
Varen rolled his eyes, sheathing his sword as he drew close to the women. “Of course it was. So, what do you make of them?”
Gin shrugged, lazily flicking her tail as she stood up. “They look like nobles.” She said, “Do you think they’re related? Sisters, maybe?”
Judging by their garments, the two women indeed looked to be nobles of some sort, each clad in a fairly well-made, respectable dress that, while not quite form-fitting, hugged their bodies in a flattering way. The dresses, a gold-embroidered, white dress for the older, pale-skinned beauty, and a plain lavender dress for the light-skinned young woman, were rather spartan, lacking frills, bows or excessive buttons. The hem of each dress extended just past their knees, with half sleeves and a modest neckline. Around their slim waists was a black belt with an ornate, sapphire-studded buckle of steel, and several pouches attached.
Also attached to the belt of the pale woman was an ornate ivory scabbard that likely contained a short sword of some type, trimmed and inlaid with gold and tiny sapphire gems. Sticking out of the scabbard was an equally ornate, slim crossguard and hilt that terminated with a polished, pointed sapphire pommel. The younger woman lacked a weapon of any kind, instead sporting a gold-embroidered apron the color of her companion’s dress, extending to mid-thigh and sporting numerous pockets and fastened pouches.
Upon their feet were a pair of brown shin-high walking boots, and last but not least, beside each of the unconscious young women laid a sturdy-looking travel pack, not unlike the ones Varen and Gin were wearing.
Varen shook his head, “Unlikely. I do not know of any noble houses in Cyrodiil that have been involved in a death, divorce or remarriage recently. The older lady is most likely a noble of some sort, and the young one a servant, or a companion of some sort.”
Gin looked at Varen, “What should we do?” She asked. Due to personal experience, Gin didn’t really like the idea of helping two obviously well-to-do humans, but Narussa’s words from the day before were still on her mind. The two helpless women were just that, they were not the racist, defiling bastards in the prison, and it would only make her a hypocrite to deny them aid.
Varen looked at the two women, “Check them for injuries, first of all.” He said before he looked at the noon-day sky, “After that, I suppose we can take a break until they wake up.” He glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the foolish highwaymen from earlier, “This armor is heavier than I remember, and it would be a crime to leave these lovely young ladies out here, defenseless and alone.”
Gin rolled her eyes at that, “Of course.” She said as she decided to look around for a clear patch to lay down in. As she looked, Gin couldn’t help but ponder over the two women and their rather... unique hair colors.
In the wealthier parts of the country, men and mer alike seemed to enjoy unique hairstyles and sometimes even color, but this was the first time Gin had seen people with purple or blue hair! The smaller woman even had a pair of stripes, one pink and one purple, running through her hair! So strange, the city folk were.
Shaking her head, she focused back on finding a resting spot for herself, bow at the ready.
“You’re doing well, Gin. Keep it up!” Varen shouted at his friend, as he gave the two women a quick lookover. Satisfied that nothing was wrong with them externally, he leaned against a tree and stood watch over the women, and his companion. He was proud of her, for having the stones to take down that fleeing bandit. During their flight from the assassins in the prison sewers, Varen had been the one to handle most of the up-close fighting. Assassins, goblins and undead alike fell to him, by blade or spell. That was understandable, as Gin was most certainly not in a shape to fight immediately after their entrance into the sewers.
But with the Emperor dead and Gin swearing to follow him wherever he may go, Varen had a feeling that she would need to be as ready as he could make her, now that she was up and about, getting hearty, filling meals and following him into combat. Bad times were coming, the signs were all there. The murder of the Emperor and his family, the Mythic Dawn, Varen had even heard whispers of daedra in the wilds. Varen was no expert on the Daedric Princes themselves, but there was one that he could not ignore.
Mehrunes Dagon, Daedric Prince of Change and Destruction, one of the few Daedric Princes to be considered, without a doubt, truly evil.
Varen had yet to visit most of them, but he knew the locations of nine daedric shrines in Cyrodiil, and he knew that there were at least five or six more out there. Despite that, Varen had yet to hear of, let alone discover, a shrine to Mehrunes Dagon. That was a worrying prospect by itself, but with the Mythic Dawn on the move? Varen’s gut was telling him that delivering the amulet to Weynon Priory was just the beginning, and that both he and Gin would have a much larger role to play in the coming days than he had anticipated.
Varen was pulled out of his musings when one of the women started to stir, the slender, pale beauty with the luscious purple hair. He could tell that the woman went to great, if not painful, lengths to take care of her hair.
“Mmmm, T-Twilight?” She mumbled groggily, “What happened?”
Varen walked over to her, holding his empty hands out in a placating manner, “Easy there, miss.” He said, ”My friend found you and your companion a few minutes ago, unconscious in these woods.”
The young woman froze at his voice, taking a few seconds to calculate her response. “Ah, g-good afternoon, kind sir. My companion and I seem to be, ah, lost-” Then she opened her eyes, which immediately went wide as she took stock of herself.
Varen could tell that she was freaking out internally, which was vastly preferable to the extremely vocal, uncontrolled freakout most people would resort to. He had no desire to deal with curious bandits or wild animals that would surely be drawn to the screams. Varen raised an eyebrow when the woman collected herself and began feeling herself up, almost as if she had just awoke in that body for the first time.
She started with her hands, equally fascinated and disturbed by the slender appendages, and moved on to her face, letting out a surprised little gasp as she felt around her mouth, nose and eyes. Then her hands moved to her flat belly, pressing down as if she was searching for something, and quickly shot up to her admittedly generous bust, which made her eyes grow even wider as she felt them up, to Varen’s silent amusement.
Varen cleared his throat, causing the strange woman to freeze up once more, and finally look in his direction. “If you’re quite done, miss?” The pale woman blushed hard, letting her arms fall by her side. Varen rolled his eyes, hoping that her still-unconscious companion would prove to be somewhat sane. “As I was saying, my friend found you and your companion out here, unconscious and alone. Are you well?”
“Um, yes, kind sir. I am well, thank you.” The woman replied as Varen slowly pulled her up. “Now, this may come off as strange and perhaps a bit rude, but, err…” She glanced around her, eyes widening a bit when her gaze swept across Gin and the other woman on the ground, “Well, what manner of creature are you? Where am I?”
Varen raised an eyebrow, noticing that she barely came up to his shoulder as he supported her with his left arm. “I am a human, dear lady, much like yourself? As to your location, well, you’re in the woods between the Imperial City and Chorrol. Are you certain that you are well?”
The woman nodded, stumbling slightly as she pushed off from Varen. “I- I am not too sure of that answer now. I’ve never heard of an ‘Imperial City’ or ‘Chorrol’, o-or seen a being such as you or your… companion?”
The woman let out a yelp, falling on her rear as Gin let out a loud hiss in response to her unspoken question. Varen let out a sigh, and offered a helping hand to the pale beauty struggling to her knees. “Very funny, Shadow.” Varen chuckled as he, once again, pulled the woman to her feet. “I promise you, she does not bite.” He paused, “Now, do you remember how you and your companion ended up in these woods? Do you remember your name, at least?”
The woman replied, slowly making her way to her still-unconscious companion, “My name is Rarity Belle, sir, of Ponyville’s House Germain. And to answer your question, ah-” Rarity flung her arms out for balance, “Our story will likely sound far-fetched to you, b-but I will happily share it with you once my dear Sparkle and I are somewhere safe.”
Varen shrugged, before tensing up and letting out a frustrated groan at something that only he could hear. “Oh, surely you’re joking!” Before Rarity or Gin could question him, a lone howl came from the woods off to the side, answered by three other howls around their little clearing. Varen quickly drew his sword, grumbling to himself as he began to charge a destruction spell in his left hand. “I’m getting a rug out of this, you mark my words.”
Rarity didn’t bother to respond, she was far too busy trying to call upon her magic, failing, and then fighting off the rising urge to panic. Clearly, there was magic in this strange new land, if the enchantments on Varen’s sword and armor, and the exceedingly dangerous spell surging up and down the man’s arm was any indication. Lightning! The man had lightning dancing and crackling in his hand, and not a paltry amount, either!
Rarity shook her head, clumsily drawing the enchanted sword at her side. Wolves were no problem, she’d fought off an entire pack of timberwolves during a search and rescue op in the Everfree during her tour in the E.U.P. Guard! All she needed was her trusty sword and her- oh.
Her magic.
Oh, dear. Nevertheless, Rarity stood firm in defense of her charge as a wolf stalked out of the woods before her, merely a dozen strides away with it’s cold, blue eyes fixed on her. She was certain, or rather, certainly hopeful, that at least some portion of the finesse and muscle memory gained from the countless sword drills she’d practiced since her enlistment would transfer over to this new form of hers.
She was quickly proven wrong when it all kicked off. At the sound of Varen unleashing the lightning in his hand upon one of the wolves, the wolf facing Rarity charged. Still a bit unsteady on her feet, Rarity barely managed to dodge the snarling canine as it leapt at her, opening up a shallow cut across the wolf’s haunch with a clumsy slash as it passed. Stumbling around to face the wolf, she held her sword out in a two-handed grip at her foe as it recovered from its lunge, and bared its teeth in a growl.
“Bad dog!” Varen shouted at the wolf facing Rarity, catching its attention as he pulled his sword out of another, very much dead, wolf, “Play-”
An arrow sank into the wolf’s skull, followed by a cheer from Gin’s direction.
“Play dead!” Gin snarked, before she readied another arrow and looked around for more wolves.
“Excellent shot, Shadow. You can relax, they’re all gone.” Varen said, just the tiniest bit put-out that she stole his thunder. As Gin shrugged and started to retrieve her arrows, he turned his attention to Rarity and her companion, who had just awoken. “Do you need assistance?”
Rarity waved him off, gently cooing at the young woman stammering apologies in her arms.
Despite Varen’s assurance that they were out of danger, Gin kept a close eye on the surrounding woods. She trusted her friend not to lead her astray, but she was a firm believer in the adage of “better safe than sorry”. Well, that and the years of having to look over her shoulder while living on the streets, of course.
Lazily swinging his sword to get the blood off, Varen glanced over at Rarity, and saw that the young woman was on her own feet now. Rarity was whispering to her companion, likely assuming that she would not be heard. Were it anyone else, she would be right. Unfortunately for her, Varen had picked up a sharp sense of hearing, and maybe a few other tricks, during his tour in Skyrim.
“Twilight, my dear, we are not in Equestria, and I dare say that we are not even on the same planet anymore.” Rarity whispered, “Until we are able to learn the laws and customs for ponies of our station and relations in this world, we must stick to etiquette, and we must be strictly formal with each other for the time being, at least until we get our bearings. I hope this is acceptable?”
Varen’s eyes widened as he took that in. Equestria? Another planet? That would require some explanation, once they arrived at the Priory.
Oblivious to the fact that they were being overheard, Twilight nodded, “Of course, my Lady.” She said quietly, “I’ve never minded it.”
Rarity smiled, and gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek, “That’s my dear.” She said softly, making Twilight blush.
“Well, if you ladies are ready,” Varen said, “We can make our way to the Priory. It should not be too far from here, and once my companion and I have concluded our business there, we will escort you to Chorrol, and assist you in ‘finding your bearings’. Is this agreeable?”
In unison, Rarity and her companion replied, “Yes, sire.”
Gin snickered at that, “Let us go. I’m tired, and my feet hurt.” She said, scuffing her boots at the forest floor. New boots were nice, but breaking them in? Not so much.
Varen nodded in agreement, rolling his sore shoulders and motioning for Gin to lead. She grinned, and the group began to make their way through the forest, and back to the road.
“By the Hist! I’ve seen hatchlings more sure-footed than you two!” Gin griped when she noticed how slow the two women were, taking unsure steps and leaning against each other as they walked.
Varen cleared his throat, catching Gin’s attention as the strange women huffed, and cast incensed glares at the argonian. Gin simply rolled her eyes, and moved to help the younger of the two women, while Varen offered his shoulder for Rarity to lean on.
“You must have knocked yourself for a loop, hatchling.” Gin continued, “Let me help you.”
With an encouraging nod from her Lady, the young woman timidly accepted Gin’s arm. “Um, thank you. My name is Twilight Sparkle, by the way. May I ask what your name is?”
Gin almost gave the strange young woman her street name, but something gave her pause. The two women were certainly wealthy, but they had yet to act like it, or even like the vast majority of the non beast-folk she had encountered. There were no slurs, no sneers, no looks of disdain and judgement.
If anything, the young woman looked curious. Far too curious, in fact, for her to have seen argonians before, which raised even more questions about the two strange women. “My name- my name is Gin-Jazee, but you may simply call me Gin.” Gin found herself smiling, just a bit, as Twilight’s eyes widened a bit, and she silently repeated the name to herself.
“Jen Jay-Zee?” Twilight asked, predictably butchering Gin’s name, much to the argonian’s annoyance.
Gin rolled her eyes, “No, no. Gin Jazz-zee. Try again.”
The young woman proved to be a fast learner, getting Gin’s name right on the second attempt. “Gin-Jazee?” Gin nodded, and Twilight let out an excited little giggle. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Gin.”
Gin gave her another small smile and nod. ”It is nice to meet you as well, Twilight. Now let us make haste, my feet are sore and I am looking forward to some rest.”
Twilight nodded, “That is probably for the best.” She said, “Forgive me for my curiosity.” She added, bowing her head.
“Curiosity is the sign of a person that actually uses their mind.” Gin said, “I do not mind.”
Finally walking on her own next to Varen, Rarity let out a quiet, bemused chuckle as Gin uttered those four fatal words in response to Twilight’s curiosity.
