chippermage

[chippermage]

R'jhere was quite despondent by the time Trond shoo'd everyone away, and followed the guard rather mechanically, tail tucked securely between his legs and ears flat against his head.  Even his whiskers seemed to droop.   That display in the market had been extremely embarrassing and unpleasant, and it had gotten to the point that he wished he had mastered invisibility spells so that he could literally vanish from sight.  One day, he promised himself, he would be so good at magic that he would never have to endure such situations again.  He would disguise himself as a Nord and buy whatever supplies he needed without any hassle at all.   The thought that he had to go to such lengths just to get a loaf of bread made him feel like crying.   "Why are you helping me?" He asked after a few minutes of walking in silence.  He had honestly expected Trond to arrest HIM for getting hair on the woman's food (which he most certainly had not), or at least blame him, like the guards in some of the other holds did.  

Suspicion [R'jhere + Trond]

[chippermage]

(finally caught up! HUZZAH)

[chippermage]

"I'll go to the Jarl myself, thank you very much!" She said, tossing the broom to the ground and stomping off towards Dragonsreach.  "Trying to make me apologize to a house cat, unbelievable!"  

Part of the crowd was going to follow her, that much was clear, though the other half remained to gawk at Trond and R'jhere.  The Khajiit was uncomfortable with such attentions and shrunk into his cowl, tail between his legs as he tried to attract as little attention as possible.  He also froze to an extent, watching Trond anxiously and doing his best not to move- lest more people start watching him.  

This was exactly what he hadn't wanted to happen.  After such a scene, no one here would sell to him, he was sure of that.  Not unless Trond decided to follow him to each and every stand while he made his purchases, and even then there was no guarantee. 

Suspicion [R'jhere + Trond]

[chippermage]

Where she grew up was interesting, and certainly helped him make sense of her dialect, though it made Ma'Jaara no less of a Khajiit.  She had simply started her adventure away from her tribe sooner than he had, and was thus better acclimated to the locals.  It must have been difficult, leaving at such a young age.  She was surely a survivor. 

"That is quite a tale," he agreed, "This one would be pleased to learn more of it when time permits."  Even her clothing seemed exotic in nature, clearly not of Elsweryi design and lacking in both loose fabric and colorful patterns.  His own was almost obnoxiously bright- he was out of place here, but hiding his clothing didn't help that, so he'd wear what he pleased.

"Is such clothing comfortable?" he asked curiously, ears perked forward.  He had seen Nords and such humanoid folk wear corsets, but the laces seemed troublesome, as if they would be prone to snagging on both claws and fur.  Perhaps it was especially warm? 

Alchemy Accidents

Hm, odd. Makes me wonder what else might be considered “different”.

"I grew up in Elsweyr for six years before my family and I— well, we had to move. We moved through northern Elsweyr and then Cyrodiil for a year or two, before getting separated in the Jeralls. After that, uhm— I believe I would save for another time if you were at all interested." Ma’Jaara shifted uncomfortably, pulling at her corset. 

"I knew no Cyrodilic when I came here, so I had to learn from the Nords. Suffice to say, the residents of Skyrim are incredibly slack-jawed. I learned more eloquent Tamrielic by reading. I assume that is what you meant by asking?" She pursed her lips, stealing a glance at the student’s bed. It was painfully obvious he was a full-fledged Elsweyri native. 

What a wonder it was to feel dreadfully out of place. 

[chippermage]

( Sorry for the slow replies this week!  Things got busy but I will be catching up on em now!! )

[chippermage]

Prepared to be blamed for the very fur on his back, R'jhere looked down at the ground as Trond exclaimed his dissatisfaction with the situation.  Surely he was going to be scolded for getting hair on the woman's wares, even though he had not been near close enough to do such a thing.  He expected nothing less from a Nord guard.

He was extremely surprised when Trond turned the situation around on him, instead going after the shopkeeper for assaulting him and refusing to serve him.  Such a thing had never happened to R'jhere before, and his mouth hung slightly open, tail stilling at the scene.  When he finally regained himself, he couldn't keep his ears from perking towards Trond at the woman, though all the attention from the Nords in the area was making him nervous.  He did his best to keep his tail from bristling while Trond spoke.

"That cat ain't even a citizen!" The woman complained, shaking her broom at Trond.  "Guards like you ain't got anything but sweetrolls on the mind!"  Clearly she was having none of Trond nor his rules and was going to pitch a fit.  "How are you going to feel when that mongrel gets hair in all the icing, HM?" The crowd that had gathered watched gleefully to see if Trond would keep good on his word and take her broom away- or lock her up, even. 

Suspicion [R'jhere + Trond]

[chippermage]

The Khajiit looked ridiculously pleased, far more than someone of another race would have been, certainly.  Things were rough in Skyrim, and little acts of kindness went a long way.  Valaire had just won herself an ally and a friend, though she might not be aware of that.

"No no, this one is pleased with just the book," he was quick to assure her, voice taking on a higher, chirping tone that indicated his happiness- for smiling was not a thing that Khajiit truly did, their faces not built for the expression.  "Is there anything R'jhere can do to repay your kindness?" He asked, tail hooked behind him.  While he was a mere student, he was a Khajiit ally and affiliated with the college.  

duty and honor][valaire & r'jhere

Valaire waved her had dismissively. “Yes, yes. Go ahead and take it. I’m sure I’ll come across another to replace it with eventually.” She crossed to her desk and sat down again, re-straightening the papers. No doubt she’d have to face the archivist in time, although one did not live for over six hundred years and not have a few tricks up their sleeve.

"Is there anything else you need?" She asked, offering her assistance. She remembered the time when the Aldmeri Dominion offered such assistance to the many races of Tamriel. Although the newer members of the Thalmor might have been selfish, she was not. At her fingertips were any number of resources, and if an ally might be gained from such acts of kindness, she was more than happy to deliver.

[chippermage]

It was dreadful that Karis was stuck in a city such as this.  The Khajiit was certain he was unable to leave for some reason or another- just like the other dark elves in the gray quarter.  Why else would he stay in such an awful place?  A place where he couldn't even afford to fix his own stand- and likely would be unable to own one of the nice ones, as the Nords would be sure to wreck it.

"This one is happy to help," he assured the mer.  "While this one is no builder, R'jhere is good at gathering herbs.  Once the storm has passed we can gather enough to buy Karis a new stand."  He seemed pretty confident in his assessment of the situation, at least as far as gathering herbs went.  They would have to dig through the snow for the tough plants, but his nose would not lead them astray!

Welcome to Windhelm

Karis grimaced at the mention of Nords. “That’s… true. It’s not really the most… welcoming city you could have ventured to.” His voice was quiet, but wavered considerably less at this point. It seemed that the mer was indeed becoming more relaxed around R’jhere.

He continued to finish the fish that had been untouched for some time. “… it has been a good day, though.” Another bite swallowed. “Uh, aside from the blizzard.”

He turned his head towards the window, letting out a sigh at the loud rattling outside. “Thanks for your offer of helping to fix the stall, by the way. Uh… I wouldn’t be able to do it myself.”

[chippermage]

"R'jhere believes the college is the nicest place in Skyrim," he informed the Senche-raht, leading him inside and through the cold, stone halls.  "People here are quite kind," he said, which was a far stretch from the rest of the racist land.  Many races and types of people gathered there to learn magic, including R'jhere, naturally. "It is no wonder the Caravans do not like to visit," he added, "The reception is not a warm one."  The climate was cold and the Nords were unwelcoming, especially with that civil war of theirs brewing. 

College Troubles

Ja’rahk obliged, large paws landing surprisingly softly as he trotted after the other Khajiit. He shook his mane out and glanced around the room, swishing his tail. “This college of yours,” he began. “It’s really quite impressive, is it not?”

He adjusted the pack on his side before continuing. “And Ja’rahk is grateful for the offer, as well. Skyrim really is a desolate place. Caravans are few and in-between.”

[chippermage]

The Khajiit's thick fur led R'jhere to believe that he had either been born in the forest or had been in Skyrim long enough that he had somehow naturally adapted to the climate.  The mane was truly impressive, as was his size.  Perhaps it was just because R'jhere had yet to see a Senche-raht wander so far from their homeland.

"Ah, this one appreciates the offer!" he said, gratefully sliding his books into the satchel.  Hopefully they would not be too terribly heavy.  "This one's room is a bit of a walk, but you are welcome there, it is much warmer," he explained, gesturing for Ja'rahk to follow him.  

College Troubles

The huge, lion-like Khajiit blinked at R’jhere, before his mouth lolled open in a gleeful expression. “I am, indeed!” Ja’rahk began, shaking his mane out. “The college, that is. I’ve worked in Solitude for some time now.”

He peered at the mage, nodding at his book-filled arms. “… Would you like some help with those?” The Senche-raht’s words were smooth and elegant in his native language, and it was a welcome change from the awkward speech of the Nords.

Ja’rahk gestured towards the large pouch fastened to his side. “There’s room there if your room is any length away. Carrying those in such a manner looks very inconvenient.”

[chippermage]

R'jhere's arms were full of books as he trotted back from his latest illusion class, tail held high and ears pointed skyward.  It had been a most interesting lesson, and he was to practice making minor illusions for his homework before the next.  The teacher had even made a bear appear before them- not solid, but seemingly so.   Turning the corner, he nearly ran smack into a fellow Khajiit, a Senche-raht- and for a moment he thought someone may have been practicing their spells on HIM, before it became apparent that they were in fact very real.  It was always a rare delight to see other Khajiit, and he was quick to approach, all positive body language and chipper tones. "Hello!  Is Khajiit new to this place?" he asked in his native tongue, the old words smooth in his throat.  

College Troubles

Ja’rahk pawed carefully around the crumbling bridge of the Mages’ College, wrapped in a thick cloak that was firmly clasped around his body. He lifted his head and narrowed his eyes, peering at the looming spires before him, blurred by the falling snow.

"… hm." He tilted his head, approaching the gates. It was his first time to the College- he had worked with the mages before, of course, as a Vigilant he had many uses for the College’s magic- but he had never seen the building up close.

It was glorious- if a little run-down currently. He made his way to the groundskeeper, who pointed him in the direction of the dormitory. He dipped his head thankfully and shouldered his way in.

[chippermage]

It was good to see the mer finally relax, R'jhere had been starting to think that things like smiling and general happiness may have been a little out of reach for him.  It was nice to be proven wrong, and he swished his tail when Karis laughed.  R'jhere was glad Karis was warming up to him, he seemed awfully shy to the Khajiit.

Responding to the question he posed was difficult, and he allowed his tail to swish lazily behind him as he thought.  "It has been what this one expected," he finally said, "Which is to say, very racist and difficult."  He felt bad for Karis who had to live here, at least he could leave and go back to the college.  Karis was stuck in a city of rebellious, racist Nords who were always looking for trouble.

"But this one did get to meet you, and that was a nice happenstance," he was sure to add, finally allowing his tail to settle and curl around his legs. 

Welcome to Windhelm

Karis blinked at the Khajiit, brow furrowed. Had he really not introduced himself yet? Had he really just eaten dinner with a stranger that didn’t know his name…?

The absurdity of his situation hit him like a pile of bricks and he let out an unbecoming chuckle, albeit quieter than another mer’s. He took a deep breath, and regained his composure.

"Uh, I’m… Karis. It’s nice to meet you, uh… yeah. It’s been nice." He glanced back over his shoulder, rolling conversation topics over in his head. The mer was a slow talker, that was for sure- he never said anything he hadn’t considered carefully.

Finally, he decided on the one that could shed some light on the Khajiit’s situation.

"… so, uh, how has your stay in the city been so far?"

[chippermage]

She was going to help him locate this book?  Such kindness was a rarity in Skyrim, and R'jhere's ears perked attentively, tail curling into a happy hook at the tip.  Ending up in the Thalmor Embassy really hadn't been so bad after all!  The Nord that had sent him here with those directions would certainly be displeased, and that thought brought him a little extra joy.

He was quick to trot after Valaire, ignoring the subtle glances from the other Thalmor they passed on the way to the archives.  The library was impressive and neat, and though it was not the largest it was stacked nearly floor to ceiling with books.  

R'jhere started at the tingle of electricity in the air, hackles raising as he glanced around for the source of the crackling sound.  While it was nearly silent to most, his sensitive ears had picked up on it immediately.  Whatever the Archivist was about to say to them was cut off and their book quickly located.  The electricity dissipated as quickly as it came, and the Khajiit made a quick effort to neaten his fur back down, as to not seem like he'd noticed.

Book retrieved, he quickly found himself back in the office that they'd started in, and the book pressed into his paws.  "Is it really alright for R'jhere to take this?" he asked hesitantly.  Despite his earlier happiness, he had not received one such gift since he had arrived in Skyrim, and was having a hard time telling if it was a present or not.  Did he borrow it and give it back?  Did he pay for it?  He didn't intend to steal it, that was for certain. 

duty and honor][valaire & r'jhere

Valaire smiled to herself. It was a fairly simple book, one she had studied in her youth after the war. She was certain it had to be stuffed somewhere in the Embassy, but the hard part would be acquiring it.

Read More

[chippermage]

Talk of his home was enough to help him unwind, and the Khajiit's tensed muscles slowly relaxed.  His tail wasn't high and hooked, but it was no longer drooping towards the floor.  "R'jhere is from Ne Quin-al, near the middle," he explained, gesturing with his palms and nearly cupping them to indicate a center.  

"This one does not find a need to track years, the moons cycles are enough," he explained.  "R'jhere's tribe kept track with those cycles, but ages and dates," he held a hand up, wavering it from side to side.  "Not so much." 

Did his forest cousins keep track of dates of birth?  It was possible, as the mer tended to congregate closer to that area, but he doubted it.  "This one does not believe the Pa'alatiin Khajiit keep track either, but maybe the trees obstruct the moons," he said with a shrug. 

"R'jhere takes it that Khajiit did not grow up in Elsweyr?"  She didn't speak with the kind of dialect he'd expected, though he could be wrong.  Perhaps she had just liked the way the mer spoke better and emulated that. 

Alchemy Accidents

Ma’Jaara tensed up as he did; every second her body turning into stone more and more, waiting for what always happened next— someone hitting her.

Any sort of emotion on her face vanished, though, when the reaction she received was not what she expected.

"No, I’m— I’m twenty-three years old. I believe, anyway. I lost track after my parents left. No use having a birthday by yourself, hm? 

"You are from Elsweyr, correct? I suppose you are from Anequina, from your attire— sorry, N-Ne, ehm, Ne Quin-al? I still find Elsweyri names hard to pronounce. Apologies. But I might have heard that those in Anequina had a tendency not to care for dates and ages?” With any luck it wasn’t just Ma’Jaara’s family being even further unorthodox. “I was born in Pellitine, or Pa’alatiin,” Aara added quickly. She had to search a bit for any real knowledge she remembered about her old home, but hopefully it served her well enough. 

[chippermage]

((When did R'jhere first come into contact with other species outside the tribe? When did he first learn about how other races treat Khajiit?))

R’jhere paused to consider the question.  ”It was when this one was a mere kit,” he explained.  ”An Argonian was injured on the edge of the forest territories and R’jhere’s tribe nursed them back to health.  We were all very taken with the woman who was a lizard yet not,” he attempted to explain.  ”She was very shiny, and played with us often.” The next question sours his mood some and his tail curls towards his legs.  ”R’jhere learned firsthand when he left his tribe that people are not fond of ‘beast races’,” he responded, making quotation marks with his paws.  ”This one learned quickly.”  He seems bitter about the experiences.

[chippermage]

Ask me something about my muse's childhood you've wanted to know.

[chippermage]

The book he had been searching for was in reality a very minor book on magic, but apparently even the word itself was enough to set a Nord off these days.  "It is called Magical Herbs and Fungi," he explained.  "This one is learning alchemy, and wished to have it for study."  Perhaps the Embassy would have the book somewhere in their archives?  They certainly did seem to hoard knowledge.

If they didn't, then he was out of luck.  Solitude was a long way away, and it seemed he had been misled yet again.  Asking Nords for advice was proving more trouble than it was worth, maybe he ought to just resign himself to getting lost..

duty and honor][valaire & r'jhere

Valaire crumpled her brow a little. “The closest bookstore is in Solitude, east of us.” She wondered if someone had purposefully misled him. It was likely, considering that Skyrim was full of all manner of prejudiced people.

His comment on the ‘magic book’ did make her wonder, though. There were all manner of books that could be considered magical to some degree, and she was certain that there was a book on Necromancy somewhere in the Thalmor Embassy. They had everything. She wondered if half of them even had a moral code.

At last she dared the question. “What magic book?”