I sigh when I sit down in my throne, my back already aching from yesterday. I rub the sleep from my eyes and look around the throne room, court is going to officially start in a few minutes. Varnius Junius is the only new face, and he's probably here to tell me about something Dragon Bridge needs. Again. I'm about to become sullen when I see a new face among the strangers, the khajiit trying to stay out of the way. Nobody pays her much mind, but her appearance is a hard thing to get by. I try to take my eyes off of her and remind myself court is about to start, but I find myself staring at the strange khajiit.

Her ears are covered in so many piercings I'm surprised her gigantic ears are able to stay up. She towers over everyone and the fur that covers her body is a bright blue. Green, red, orange, purple, and yellow stripes cover her body. Her fluffy mane that surrounds her head is a mixture of all the colors on her body. The fangs that sprout from her mouth are too long to be comfortable. I continue eyeing her, but stop when I notice her eyes. Her eyes are a light pink, like the inside of a well cooked steak. I also notice her pelt is fluffy, making her appear three times her actual size. The khajiit is dressed in a strange hide armor, it leaves most of her body exposed. Surely she dyes her pelt. The gods wouldn't allow such a freakish being to strut around unmolested, would they?

The woman notices I'm eyeing her and instantly flattens her ears in embarrassment, then shrinks back and tries to hide from my sight. Guilt wells up in my chest. The poor woman probably gets gawked at all day and mocked behind her back, now her own queen is looking at her like she's a two-headed dog. After a few seconds she looks back up, then starts shuffling nervously when she sees me looking at her. I'm about to offer her a small smile when Varnius steps forward, officially starting court. After dealing with the problem I feel a little better, but tense when the khajiit slinks up to Falk. The khajiit and my steward whisper, then the khajiit turns and sprints away.

I motion for Falk to come forward and ask him, "What was that about?". My steward shuffles his feet and tells me, "That stranger wished to investigate Wolfskull Cave. I told her if she found anything important I would give her a reward, but she didn't seem to care about that.". I nod and wave him away. I remain in my throne, my back screaming at me in protest. As I sit I let my mind wander, but it seems keen to come back to the khajiit of a thousand shades. For some reason I can't help hoping the strange khajiit comes back. She seems interesting, even if it is just her strange fur.

Dovahkiin POV:

The wind lashes at me like a whip as I climb the mountain to Wolfskull Cave, but I fight my way up. When I'm finally at the top of the mountain I collapse for a brief rest, hoarfrost covering my thick pelt. I shake it off and stand up, stumbling towards the cave. When I reach the entrance a strange noise catches my attention and I turn, a skeleton charging at me. I hiss and lash out, my claws knocking his skull from his neck. I laugh and strut into the cave, my claws at the ready. A necromancer stands in my path, but he's turned away from me. I crouch down and sneak up behind him, pouncing when I'm close. He tries to yell, but my teeth shred his throat before he can.

I keep going, but my luck runs out. Three necromancers leap at me when I step into what appeared to be a abandoned room, five thralls right behind them. One of the wizards dies when I rake his throat with my claws, another when I snap her neck. Four thralls fall down, free from the evil spell forcing them to walk from the grave. The last necromancer tries to flee, but I easily tackle her and strangle her to death. She calls for her thrall to help, but the man simply stands off to the side. He's probably hoping his mistress dies quickly. When both of them stop breathing I stand and make my way deeper into the cave, strange noises worrying me.

Everything is going fine, until I hear the necromancers attempting to summon 'Potema'. I'm not sure who Potema is, but I know it can't be good. I rush down the stairs, slay the draugr, and quickly sprint up the stairs. I keep running, slaying anything in my path. By the time I reach the wizards I'm covered in bruises, scrapes, and cuts. I leap at the first necromancer, but scream when a different wizard shoots fire at me. I hate magic. I quickly dance around the flames and attack the necromancers, but by the time the fight is done I'm certain my wrist is broken. I shove it into my shirt and pull the metal lever, a bridge dropping. I moan and begin walking, my thoughts wandering to Solitude.

Elisif POV:

I'm awoken by Sybille shaking me, her red eyes shining in the moonlight. "What is it?". I ask her as I rise, grabbing my crown from my bedside table. "The mercenary returned, claimed she stopped Potema from returning, then passed out.". It takes a few seconds, but eventually I realize what she's talking about. "The khajiit returned? Where is she? What happened?". My curiosity gets the better of me. I mean, what could have injured a woman as large as her? Sybille motions for me to follow her and tells me, "Multiple injuries have caused her major blood loss, and I think there might be a clot near her lung. The woman will be lucky if she lives to see tomorrow.".

My heart skips a beat. That khajiit went into Wolfskull Cave on my behalf, and now she might die. Sybille opens a door and leads me into her room, the smell of blood and sweat filling the room. The khajiit had a strange pelt, but now most of it is stained red. She weakly moans as we near her. "I've done what I can. What do you want me to do now?". Sybille asks as she picks up a needle and starts sewing one of the woman's wounds up.

Sybille POV:

My queen whispers, "Heal her.". I cut the thread and ask her, "Are you sure? She's a brave mercenary and if what she says is true she saved Solitude, but she is still just another mercenary. A colorful one, but she can be buried just the same as a normal khajiit. She went in there on your behalf, but at her own will. You owe this woman nothing, she's simply another loyal servant of the crown.".

Elisif nods and says, "I wish to learn more about this strange woman, heal her.". I nod, but wait until my queen leaves to begin. I slowly run my hands along her body, stopping when I feel the lump of blood between her ribs. I slowly lower my head, my fangs coming out. I silently pray she doesn't catch Sanguinare Vampiris, then sink my fangs into her side.