Ja watched the three walk in and move immediately to the scared Khajiit. He wasn't about to let one of his kinsmen get hurt, even if he was on a skooma dealing ship. But then again, Ja had gotten a ride on a slaving ship on the condition that he was put in the rotation of keeping the slaves orderly, so maybe he shouldn't judge. He watched as the Breton, Orsimer, and Dunmer walked up to the table. The Orc and Dark Elf stayed back a bit and the Breton was the one that approached him. As the Breton reached for the Khajiit, it sliced it's dagger out and cut clean across the Bosmer's neck.

Ja walked up behind one of the two left standing that were giving the Khajiit trouble and shot an ice spike into the back of the orc's knee. As the Orsimer fell, Ja kicked it in the back of it's head to make sure it didn't get up when the spike went away. The Dunmer turned and started to charge up a spell, and Ja responded by summoning his sword and charging another ice spike in his open hand. "You don't want to do this. He's obviously not worth the trouble, just get out of here and say you couldn't find him. I'm sure your life is more valuable to you." The Dunmer started to put his hand down, then shot fire at Ja. When the fire hit him, he snarled and put away his spells. He swiped at the Dunmer's face with his claws, leaving gashes and making him fall to the floor. Ja patted the flames from his fur out and looked at the Khajiit. He nodded to him, hoping the Khajiit understood that he was going to be alright now.

Kahl had backed up into a corner and curled himself up. He closed his eyes and hoped it would all go away. When he opened them he saw the two crew members on the floor. Kahl looked up and saw the man who saved him. Fearing he would hurt him aswell, he had put his arms up to his face and whimpered. Kahl started to shake, his life had changed in a matter of an hour or so. Kahl closed his eyes again slowly inching for the door.

"P- p- please d- d- dont hu- hurt me, I d- dont want to d- d- die."

Kahl had got to the door and stood up. His back against the wall, his hands tryed to grip the handle but they kept slipply, He began to cry, thinking his life was gonna end soon. He had dropped to his knees, and began to beg for mecy.

"Please, d- d- don't kill me! I'm sorry! I don't wanna die!"

Kahl was shaking violently, staring at the man.

Ja looked down at the whimpering Khajiit. Really? Ja thought to himself. "Look, I'm not going to hurt you. If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be begging for your life right now. And stand up, you're making a scene." Ja pulled off his coinpurse and threw it to the Khajiit that had stopped going from table to table to watch the 'fight'. "Sorry for the mess. I'll take them outside." Ja, one by one, took each of the bodies outside. The Dunmer and Orsimer were starting to get up, and Ja threw the dead Breton on top of them, causing them to fall and create a cloud of dust. Ja gave a laugh and walked back inside. He walked over to the Khajiit and held out a hand. "Ja'Ranjo is happy to see that you are uninjured. You are by yourself, yes?"

Kahl had got up and begun to brush himself off, still shaking. He looked at Khajiit who was much taller and old him. He didn't trust him, he could not believe he was gonna get away unharmed. "It shouldn't be this easy" Kahl thought to himself. He looked around, most of the people had went back to their drinks. The tavern had filled with drunken noise again. Fights were common here, so people had lost interest quickly. Kahl rubbed his arm and turn away from the Khajiit.

"Y- y- yes i'm alone." he said in a low shy voice.

"Why do you ask?"

He prepared to run in case the khajiit tried to do something funny. He grabbed onto the door handle, ready to open it if he needed to. Guards had rushed through the door, and Kahl fell to the floor.

"There was noise and three bodys are on the floor out side! What happend?!" The guard spoke loudly. His tone very angry.

"Th- th- they attacked me. T- t- this man saved me." Kahl pointed to the Khajiit.

The guard turned to Ja, and began to question him.

"Were they armed?"
"Did you know them?!"
"Why did they want to hurt him?"

"You all have your orders, now let's move!" Malakaus roared as he sallied the rest of the crew to work. Most of them would be off fetching needed materials for the ship, but he also had a few secure some locations in the port for him to use. Specifically, the local smelter, the shipyard office, and a Skooma Den. If there's one thing he likes about the Dominion, it's Elsweyr. Nice desert places, really gives the impression that only the strongest survived there. They had fine textiles and crafts, and some of the most crafty fighters around. And of course, skooma, but who doesn't like that? Malakaus could taste the sweet gems of moon sugar on his tongue. Though that might have just been leftovers from last night.

Sarel called the orc over. Apparently he wanted backup in the event that the admission's officer, a khajit dressed in Thalmor robes. That didn't do much points for Malakaus; while he doesn't affiliate himself with the Empire anymore, he doesn't have much love for the Thalmor. If anything, he'd strike them down where they stood, just so he could get them out of the way. But even though he was a pirate now and not really one to work within the law, he knew that Sharee wouldn't approve of him rampantly slaughtering the locals. Not unless they attacked first. "Alright. Let's get this over with." Malakaus followed Sarel off the boat, but always had his hand resting on the hilt of his silver blade. He didn't take his shield with him, but that didn't make him any less tougher than before.

Ja threw an arm around the shoulders of the guard questioning the Khajiit, who still looked nervous, which wouldn't help his case. "This is my brother, these men claimed that he needed to go with them. They were part of one of those Skooma ships out by the docks, and I didn't want my little brother to get mixed up in their business." The guard threw Ja's arm off and looked him in the eye. "And why are they dead?" Ja chuckled. "If you had looked carefully, you'd realize the Breton was the only one that died. He put his hands on my brother and I took care of him." Ja looked sideways at the Khajiit, hoping he would understand that he wasn't trying to take credit for a good kill, just trying to keep him out of trouble. Then he looked back to the guard. "The Orc and Dark Elf are fine, just a bit bruised. As you can tell by my singed fur, the Dunmer tried to fight back. All I did was show him that this cat has claws." The guard seemed to buy the story, at least some of it. Ja bowed. "Ja'Ranjo gives you his word, this one does not lie."

The Khajiit that was moving from table to table spoke up. "Yes, those men outside were trying to start trouble. Things almost got out of hand until-" he nodded to Ja "-he got involved. He.. subdued them and moved them out of here. Their just recovering from their wounds." He looked at Ja, who gave him a nod. Ja turned back to the guard. "You see? Ja'Ranjo does nothing wrong, just helping family." The guard waved him off. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. We'll be leaving then, but I've got my eye on you." He and the other guards left the tavern. Ja sat down with the other Khajiit and ordered two ales. "We should celebrate our victory properly, right? And I never caught your name, my friend."

Kahl watched the guards leave and let out a sigh. Things were getting better he though. He inched a little bit away as Ja sat next to him. When the ale was placed on the table, Kahl quickly grabbed it, and drank from it deeply. It calmed him down a bit, but he was still nervous. He looked a Ja from head to toe, keeping a metal note of his facial features and equipment. He sighed again.

"M- my name? I- i- its Kahl." He said in a shy tone.

"Wh- wh- why did you help me? Are you gonna take me somewhere?"

"Please don't beat me."

Kahl put his head down on the table. His life had changed. He was no longer a slave. "I'm free! Why am I so nervous? I should be happy!" Kahl thought to himself. He couldn't help but think things where gonna go wrong. They always did, life was never in his favor. He looked at Ja again.

"Maybe I should go?"

“Alright,” Serge responded cooly. He ignored all her flirting and rashness. He wasn’t particularly attracted to Argonians firstly, unlike Sarel. Also, he felt it a major fowl to bed the captain. Serge placed his newly manicured fingers on the bridge of his nose and thought for a moment. “I’ll relay the information regarding the plans to find a ship to Sarel only, you can tell the other officers when you reach the deck. I’ll warn everyone to stand by and remain aboard until you settle the affairs with the officer. That means you too, darling.” Serge ended his little explanation by referring to Noelle. He pointed his finger at her and grinned playfully. He quickly lifted himself from the table and headed toward the door. “You never said a Quartermaster would have to walk this much.” He said as he left the room.

“Let me ask you, sera, how are the authorities on the Roost? How do they take to this stuff I’m smoking now?” Sarel said as he blew the blue smoke into the air. It’s sweet pungency wafting into the air.

“Hmm, Balmora Blue, no? That’s quite fine. I’m not a herbologist, but my father did run a headshop in the market back when I was a kit. I believe Balmora is a Dunmeri tobacco hybrid product, no? And who doesn’t appreciate tobacco?” The Dominion Cat was smooth, intelligent. He impressed Sarel with his knowledge and worldliness.

“True,” Sarel began responding, “but, as you said, it is a hybrid. I don’t know what you call it, but my people call it Herba Verdi.”

“Ah, yes, Cannabi. We know it, we allow it, we use it. Only in the Valenwood would you have a problem.” The Khajiit responded, he sipped from the flask, what was probably the fifth time since they descended the ramp. Sarel noticed Serge walking down it toward the docks after speaking with the crew, he seemed to be delivering a message.

“Well that would answer your earlier question I suppose.” Sarel responded, then he looked to Malakaus. “What do the Orcs call it, Malakaus?” Sarel asked just as Serge walked up.

“Sorry to interrupt. The Captain said it should be fine, she’ll be down in a moment to pay the fee. Everyone is on standby.” Serge spoke quickly but fluently and clearly. His accent allowed for deep vowel noises and delicate consonants, driving his words home. “And, Sarel,” He added lowly, “I’ll need to speak with you. And you as well, Malakaus.”

The small group excused themselves and moved aboard with the rest of the crew who were either finishing up the docking procedure or attending to their cardinal needs. “The Captain said she’d like us to look out for a skooma smuggling boat to raid offshore. That seems reasonable enough to me. But, boys, what’s the sense of limiting ourselves to that. I say, if we hear of anything else, anything smaller that can be handled by only us three, I say that we bear some responsibility of pursuing that opportunity independently. We are pirates after all, why not act like it? And besides, it’s our free time. Sharee doesn’t own our free time.” Serge used that accent, that voice, and he spoke quietly, in a whisper. Sharee was not above deck yet so he didn’t fear her hearing him.

Sarel puffed away on his pipe, he looked incredulous. “It sounds like you’re rationalizing, Serge. You know that if we do this it would be an offense to the captain.” He spoke in a whisper as well, his voice was more coarse, however, like grains of sand against a wooden board. “However, while we’re already on the lookout, if an opportunity presents itself, as it tends to on Nirn, and in the fashion you describe, I suppose we would be foolish to ignore it.” Sarel mused over his pipe.

“You suppose right, friend. And, by the Divine, I’m not suggesting something you wouldn’t do out of sheer serendipity! Only that we agree to stick together, a Brotherhood.” Serge smiled boyishly.

When Sarel heard the word brotherhood he was struck with a sudden sense of familiarity. A melancholy like no other, one which spans a lifetime and many more and which was like a drug to the Dunmer. “And who says we can’t bring the captain along?” Sarel added, motivated by the momentum of Serge’s acclaim.

“Well, hold on, I do. She can’t know about it.” Serge demanded, he was suddenly very serious.

Sarel peered straightly into Serge’s eyes, concentrating. He puffed and puffed and puffed. “I don’t know how I feel about that.” He finally said.

“I knew it,” Serge started, he sounded hurt, “I knew you shouldn’t have had sex with her.”

Sarel nearly choked when his friend brought it up. “Shut up! You weren’t even here when that happened. So, damn you for that.”

“I’m sorry, I spoke out of anger.” Serge admitted.

“Clearly.” Sarel opined relentlessly. “What do you think of this Malakaus?”

“Yes, let’s hear your thoughts, friend, but let’s speak briefly on it. Sharee should be here any moment,” Serge warned silently.

Ja laughed. "Come now, why would you leave? We're just getting to know each other! You look hungry." He waved for the waiter and asked for some seared slaughterfish. Once the fish got there, Ja began digging in and drinking his ale. "I'm actually about to leave. As soon as I find some work I'll be leaving. Maybe you would care to join Ja'Ranjo on his next job? I could use someone skilled with a blade like you to help me, who knows if the next ship to take me will try and capture me." As he finished his fish, he got up. "I need to get something from my room, I will be right back. Consider what Ja'Ranjo said." Ja walked up the stairs in the back left corner of the tavern and entered the second door on his right. He pulled out his travel sack and began searching through it for his nightshade amulet. He always took this amulet for a few minutes at the same time each day and prayed to Kynareth as his parents did. At least, he thought they did, it was hard to remember. He knelled, held the amulet in his hands, and whispered Kynareth. "Come to me, Kynareth, for without you, I might not know the mysteries of the world, and so blind and in terror, I might consume and profane the abundance of your beautiful treasures." He got up, placed the amulet in his pocket as an afterthought, and went back downstairs. He sat down next the Kahl again and said, "So! Made a decision?"

Noelle smirked as Sharee agreed to her thoughts on the garden project. All Noelle had to do was figure out a way to get water to filter out the salt and other chemicals in sea water to ensure that the garden is healthy and alive. And Noelle had some ideas how to do that. She'll need to consult with some of the others to craft the device for her, but if they stay here for at least a week, Noelle should have the device and the garden plot ready. If this turns out well, she might even start asking Sharee to expand the Infirmary into a full blown apothecary. After Serge left Noelle was about to do the same when she noticed Sharee giving her a suggestive look. The effects of her spell might have... Been a bit too much. As much as Noelle wants to make sure that the captain is captivated by her, she doesn't want to instigate some sort of mutiny for being too close to the captain than others. Not that Noelle didn't like the idea, but she wanted to ensure that she had the backing of more than just the captain before she went through with it. When Sharee commented that Noelle looked attractive, she began to act playfully bashful. "Thank you, captain. I know that appearances isn't really important for the day-to-day business on the ship, but... It's always nice to look your best. Was there... Anything else you wanted?"

Malakaus followed Sarel with the khajit. The cat seemed affable enough, but than again it's not as though the khajit wasn't just trying to get into their good graces. Thalmor's are sneaky bastards; while being known for their utter hatred against other races, when they need to use charm and guile, they have enough to spare. It's likely the reason why they have a Khajit operating the docking fees instead of an Altmer; makes travelers feel a little more comfortable thinking that they're dealing with a friendly native, not an agent of the Dominion. But it didn't work on Malakaus. He kept a quiet glare the whole time, sometimes at the Khajit, but mostly at anything that could be trouble. Even when Sarel tried to make small talk with the Khajit about Balmora Blue, Malakaus stayed quiet and stoic, rhythmically tapping the hilt of his blade.

Soon Serge arrived, a nice change of pace. They left the Khajit behind as Serge filled them in on the mission. It brought a smile to Malakaus's face; sweet skooma, all for their taking. Well, Sharee probably has some plan for it, but Malakaus was going to help himself to some of their haul. But than Serge also suggested that while they were on the look out for the ship, that they seek opportunities on the side. Malakaus knew what they meant; rob and pillage while they were here. Well, while it was certainly an idea, Malakaus wasn't entirely sure he wanted to go back to banditry. At least not here; location was important, as is political climate. As much as he dislikes the Thalmor, they keep their territories safe. You'd be hard press to find any successful bandit gangs around their lands. Not that he feared facing authorities; it didn't matter who came to stop him, he'd cut them down all the same. But if he got into too much trouble, he can't imagine that Sharee would give a rat's ass to save him. If he works up a bounty, Sharee might even turn him in for the reward. Best not to get that far.

Still, getting wealth outside of just the jobs given by Sharee was something that interested Malakaus. More so since Serge wanted to form some sort of "Brotherhood" out of it. That was a funny work, Brotherhood. To him that just mean a gang of men who swears an oath to watch out for each other. He had a similar one back in Morrowind, and let's just say that it's all talk. He had no doubts that these men were capable warriors, but he wasn't exactly going to lay down his life for them. But if they want to do that for him, he won't mind. If he has to join this brotherhood for it, so be it. "Money's money. I don't particularly care how it's obtained, and if you want me to tag along, I'll be fine for whatever. This... Brotherhood sounds a bit silly. But I understand it's purpose. I'd be willing to join it, if it's going to become a true thing." He didn't mention his thoughts about adding the captain to the boy's club. Frankly, he'd rather not split the share with the captain, because he certainly wasn't going to do that with the other two unless they help him on his own raids.

As Serge left the room, Sharee got up to collect the gold from her chest, a hiding place she would have to change since Noelle was seeing her access it. Or at least, she thought she might have to change it. Noelle seemed trustworthy enough, as well as generally appealing. In fact, as she was walking to the chest at the foot of her bed, she started to walk seductively without even realizing it. Her movements became suggestive, and until she counted out the proper amount of gold, she kept glancing back at her. It wasn't until she stood back up and turned back to face Noelle that she realized what she had been doing.

Sharee stopped for a moment as she thought. This was not normal, even for her. She never trusted other people in matters of gold and her personal wealth, so the fact that the thought had even come to her mind made her suspicious. She could explain away her sudden attraction to Noelle, but not the sudden trust. She could ignore it no longer, this was something she had to figure out. If Noelle was trying to trick her somehow, it would not go unpunished. Sharee walked up to Noelle, this time with an intentional suggestive walk. "Yes, actually. I'm looking to figure out why I have the sudden and strong urge to take you to my bed." She answered. This mystery was going to be solved, here and now.

Kahl looked at the fish and started eating it right away. It was gone in a few minutes. Kahl looked up seeing that Ja had come back.

"I'm not really good at anything. I've been a slave on a smuggling ship my whole life. I have no use except on a ship."

Kahl looked around in the inn, no one else seemed to be coming after him, so he started to relax. He moved the fish bone around on his plate, he didnt want to be in here anymore.

Ja clapped Kahl on the back. "My friend, I travel the world. I've been to every country on Tamriel. I've explored so many caves and ruined fortresses that I'm surprised any adventurers can find anything to make a profit off of. The only way I travel is by making a bargain with a ship's captain to give me free passage. If I took you with me, I'd probably have to fight to keep you with me. And what's this about no use except on a ship? Ja'Ranjo knows talent with a blade when he sees it. The worst that can happen is you get away from the trouble following you. What do you say? Partners?" Ja held out his hand and quickly asked for another two ales and more fish.

Kahl shook had his hand nervously. He wasn't sure if joining this man was a good idea. But it was his only choice, he had no were else to go. No home and no job. He eyed the door. He couldn't run, it would be pointless. But atleast in here he wouldn't be harmed. Going with this man alone was dangerous. He had to be prepared.

"I guess, I have no were else to go...but if you try anything, even just pull out a whisker you'll end up like that wood elf outside. I won't even hesitate."

This wasn't entirely true. He would hesitate in killing him, but he had to act tough. He wasn't gonna survive alone if he didn't. He had to make sure Ja knew he wasn't his child, just an independent partner.

"I'll go with you for now...I guess. But I am not your child, I make my own choices!"

Ja looked at Kahl and laughed. "Of course you are my young friend! I would never take a man's choices away from them. A word of warning though, if you attempt to kill me, make sure your blade strikes true, or else Ja'Ranjo will show you how a blade should strike." He laughed heartily. "Only joking friend, only joking." Ja downed his third ale and stood up. "I must be going to see if anything is to be done on this island of nothing but ships to plunder. Would you like to come with Ja'Ranjo? I could show you around. Even where to find some entertainment." Ja stood up from the table. "I must go retrieve one more item from my room, I will be right back to collect you if you wish to come." He walked back to his room and shut the door. As he bolted it, Ja moved to the bed, opened a gash he had made in the side of the mattress, and pulled out two coinpurses he had taken off of a group of mercenaries that were too drunk to notice a khajiit was standing among them. As he covered the gash with the light blanket, he unbolted the door and closed it, then moved back to the table where Kahl still sat. He tossed Kahl the second coinpurse and put his on his belt. "Now, what are your plans?"

Kahl had stood up and pushed his chair in. He rubbed the pommel of his dagger and looked at his new freind.

"You lead i'll follow. You seem to know this town better then me."

Kahl sighed. He began to think of what new life he was heading towards. He new he wasn't gonna let Ja out of his sight. Staying behind gave him a few more seconds of reaction time. He rested his right hand on his dagger ready to strike if he needed to.

Ja lead the way out of the tavern. The road created a sort of "I" shape; just to the left and further down to the right, the main road that ran in front of the tavern was intersected by roads that went in either direction perpendicular to the main. Down the main road to the right lay the docks, trading shops, inns for weary travelers, and even the occasional skooma dealer on a corner. To his left were houses for residents of the port, the poor, unfortunate souls that lived among the trouble of all port towns. Down either intersecting road were shops, a few odd stores selling alchemical ingredients, books, or other miscellaneous items, and even the occasional smithy. Ja went to his right and then turned left on the intersecting road, as there was a store that sold a bit of everything, including daggers. He thought his friend might like to purchase a new weapon. But then again, maybe not. Either way, he wanted to stop by and see the storekeeper, S'Hani. Since his arrival, she was the only reason he ventured from his haven of ale and sleep. Sometimes he even acted as the tavern's 'muscle', and helped remove patrons that had too much to drink and became rowdy.

Once they arrived at the store, The Traveler's Knapsack, Ja looked at Kahl. "This place has a nice selection of anything you could want. If you need to get some books, some more clothes, or even replace that dagger of yours. Just take a look around, we'll look at some other places in a bit." Ja opened the doors and walked casually to the counter, pretending to browse the merchandise on the way there. S'Hani noticed Ja walking up and sighed with bemused smile, and set her book down. "On no, this one again. Here to cause me trouble like last time?" Ja chuckled and walked up to the counter. "My dear, you know that wasn't Ja;Ranjo's fault. The orc called me a milk-drinker, and I simply don't drink milk. I prefer a good ale, maybe even a wine." He took her hand and tried to kiss the back of it, but she pulled her hand away before he could do so. "Who's your friend?" She asked. "I didn't think you were the type to take on a cub." Ra stood up. "He's someone I met at the tavern. He needed some help getting around, and I'm only the best guide." S'Hani laughed. "Of course you met him at the tavern. Where else do you go besides that piss hole?" Ja shrugged. "I come see your pretty face, don't I?" He turned around to see what Kahl was doing, but he was hidden behind a shelf of books and assorted potions. Ja turned back to S'Hani, but she was focused on her claws. "What are you doing this evening, my dear?" S'Hani glared at him. "Why? So you can try and seduce me?" Ja smirked. "Of course not, I just wish to show you that Ja'Ranjo is more than a flirtatious Khajiit, no matter how slight." S'Hani laughed at this and looked at him with something between amusement and disbelief. "I don't think there's anything in that head other than being a flirty little cat." Ja clutched at his chest. "Madam, you wound me. Me, little? Perish the thought." He fake staggered against the counter and pretended to hold himself up. S'Hani rolled her eyes and went back to the book she was reading when Ja and Kahl had walked in.

Kahl followed Ja around the town, taking mental note of the shops nearby. He may have to vist them and would be a good idea to have a grasp on the town layout. Ja had stopped and entered what seemed to be a general store. Assorted goods and knick knacks lined shelfs. Kahl had quickly darted into an isle, and looked for something to catch his eye. Kahl began to make his way around the final shelf when the flicker of metal caught his eye. He had quickly made his way over to the object, but what he had saw was new to him. The blades where like daggers but only smaller. They had no guard's so clearly they weren't meant to be used up close. No these were the baldes he had read about. Throwing knives, blades 3 inches long and perfectly balanced. These were what inspired him to learn to throw his dagger. He had never seen them in any shop, he almost thought they were a myth. But here they were in front of his eyes.

There was just one problem. Kahl barely had any money. Definitely not enough to pay the price of the knives. Kahl had turned around and started to make his way to the counter. The shelf adjacent to him had various clothes. Kahl stared at the clothes for a minute. He grabed a shirt and made his way back the the knifes. Kahl peaked around the corner to make sure no one saw him, the shopkeep and ja were both caught up in a conversation. Kahl had then unfolded the shirt, grabed 10 knives and placed them in the middle of the shirt. He folded the shirt back to it's orginal form, the knives were sitting snug in the middle hiding from plain view.

He his way to the counter and placed the shirt on it. He eyed the shopkeeper and smiled. Reached for belt pulling out a small bag. He then untied the string and dumped all his gold on the counter.

"18 septims, I hope it's enough it's all I have."
He frowned, he tried to make the shopkeep feel sad for him.

"Well, it seems to be enough. I have plenty of clothes i'm not losing to much gold from the sale." The shopkeeper told him.

"T- t- thanks miss, have a great day. Ja, i'm gonna go outside and give you some privacy."

Kahl grabbed his shirt and made his way outside. Kahl then walked behind the store and set his shirt down. He got down on his knees and unfolded the shirt and dumped the the knives on the floor. He grabed his dagger and cut two rectangles out of the shirt. In the middle of the rectangles he made five loops. Thry went straight down in a vertical line. On the bottom and top of the rectangle he cut a hole. He cut two thin strips out of the shirt and tied the two rectangles to each one of his wrist, making a makeshift vambrace. He placed each throwing knife into the loops he made. The handles facing towards him for easy access.

He walked back to the front of the shop and waited by the door.

The turn of a page. The scrape of parchment on parchment as one line of text gives way to another, printed in black by a printer no doubt somewhere in a dusty, dark pressing room in a workshop. Yet just as the printer's art was reflected on the page, so was the writer's art reflected in the words that were printed. On the pages was the transcript of a play, known in Common as The White Devil, or the Tragedy of Duke Paolo Orsini written by some Breton who signed his name J. Webster. Sabuit's latest conquest of the literary persuasion, The White Devil was a good read in her view, but it 'was' rather gory. Murders, poisonings, sex, secrecy and salaciousness - it sounded as if it could have come from the Great Houses, but it was no satire of the Dunmer, rather an illustration of the depths to which rich society could plunge in their lust for power, wealth, and sometimes each other. A Nord passed by, shuffling about the bookstore-stroke-library seemingly without much of a care in the world. Sabuit mused to herself on the irony of seeing a Nord in a bookstore - perhaps even the most barbaric of races could sometimes find it within themselves to approach more civilised culture, she thought as she suppressed a wry smile. The Nord paid no attention to her, which was perhaps for the best. Her temper was not what it used to be; frayed by 2 years of life on the move, Sabuit had become distrusting, suspicious, almost verging on paranoid. She could see potential enemies in every corner nowadays. But losing oneself in a good book was one way of calming the nerves, and it had worked time and again for Sabi, as it was doing this time, but the pangs of hunger were beginning to catch up to her. She hadn't eaten in several hours - her first meal was some smoked and salted cod with some dried fruits, and it was beginning to wear thin when it came to keeping her going. Sighing quietly to herself, she replaced her bookmark (a simple piece of leather, upon which her mother and father's name written, to remind her of home) and snapped the book shut, before placing it in her knapsack and getting to her feet. As she walked out the front door, she accidentally bumped into an Argonian, who leapt back and began apologising profusely. Sabuit rolled her eyes and held up a hand to stop the Argonian from talking. "It was an accident. Leave it at that." she said tersely, before crossing the street and approaching a general store known as The Traveller's Knapsack.

'How quaint,' Sabi thought to herself as she walked in to see no fewer than three Khajiit at the counter - two customers and the proprietor of the store. One of the Khajiit was making... well, rather poor efforts at flirting with the proprietor, who shrugged off his advances, whilst the other Khajiit on the 'customer side' of the counter looked as if he was about to burst into tears for some reason. Sabuit didn't care to find out, she was hungry and she needed something to eat. Walking over to a row of smoked meat cuts hanging on hooks over in the corner, Sabuit took one down and examined it carefully to see if there were any flaws or issues with the meat's quality - she might be hungry, but she wasn't prepared to take her life in her hands by eating foul meat. Satisfied with the quality of the meat in question, she got hold of some bread and some butter from nearby, before walking over to the counter and placing the items carefully upon it. "How much do I owe you?" She took a sidewards glance at the Khajiit who had been talking to the proprietor beforehand and looked him over. He seemed like a well-built sort of person, though the single iron pauldron was somewhat puzzling to her - did he intend on shoulder-barging people for a living, or was it the only scrap of metal he could afford? No matter. So long as he didn't bother her, she wouldn't bother him. Meanwhile, she noticed that the other Khajiit, who had been in a parlous mental state when she walked in, had walked out of the store carrying some items which she couldn't make out in the brief glance that she caught of them, but what she assumed were some parts to form at least some basic protection from the elements, or perhaps a blade.