Chapter Text
Dammit he’s stupid
Really stupid
Whatever could he have gotten himself into this time
Those words rang repeatedly in his head as the shackles suspending him in place continued to dig further into his wrists.
Kaidan was camping not far from Falkreath when they had gotten him. He had just finished off on his latest bounty, had a few bottles of mead to celebrate, and had gone to rest in the surrounding forest when a Thalmor scouting team caught sight of him. They just had to see the glint of his blade in the moonlight before descending onto him like wolves biting down on the neck of a poor goat that wandered too far from the watchful eyes of the farmer. They barked and snarled about “the blades” and “dragon blood” and other phrases that made no sense. Kaidan of course attempted to defend himself as best he could, but there is only so much one man can do against a team of many and he was quickly overtaken and dragged to this wretched place. Some old abandoned prison left behind by time itself.
And he was so close too. One more bounty and he would’ve been able to find the truth he’s been searching for all these years, he could feel it’s light like the pulsing of blood through his wounded body. Those etching can’t just mean nothing, right?
Dammit dammit damMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!!!!
He wanted to scream at the men that dared imprison him. He wanted to scream to the divine, to demand why they have allowed him to be sent here. He wanted to scream out every burning fire of contempt and hatred he held, but could barely muster the strength to do anything beyond breathe in and out. And what good would screaming do him in this situation anyway, he thought to himself. To yell and bite at his captors would just mean more latches upon him with their whips they keep at the ready, looking with pleasure for an excuse to further torment their prey. And to yell at the divine, that would do nothing but incite their wrath, and he would like to remain in their favor for as much as he can, thank you very much. It’s not like it’s the god’s fault he’s here, he should’ve been more careful, should’ve been quicker to unsheathe his blade, he should’ve… Well, he should’ve done a lot of things.
But all that doesn’t matter anymore.
He’s going to rot here.
How long has it been anyway. Long enough for the latches on his back to numb, starting to blister and harden into a scab, and eventually onward to a scar if he is even kept alive that long. He doubts that tho, more likely they will become bored of him, once he outstays his welcome as the new toy to play with. And once they’ve bleed him dry of every drop they can squeeze out of him they will throw him out as a piece of garbage for a skeever to pick upon.
Kaidan’s eyes focus on a mound slowly creeping in the shadows down the aisle of the prison. The skeever must’ve come early for its meal. How it got past the guard undetected divine only knows. He lowers his head, and closes his eyes, imagining what it feels like to be outside again. Oh what he wouldn’t give to hunt for elk and goat upon the rocky terrain of the reach. Or to look up at the stars while camping on a cool night by fireside in the rift. To oblivion he would even willingly go back to dawnstar to be rid of here.
Ok, maybe he wouldn’t go that far. That place is fuckall cold, both the weather and the people. But it couldn’t be worse then this, not that it matters, nothing matters any-
*click*
Kaidan lifts his head to the noise that rang out, ringing loudly like a gong within the silent enclosure. The skeever, or at least what he had thought was a skeever, had situated itself behind the door to the cage that was holding Kaidan, and with a lean and a push the door swung open, the thunderous noise echoing down the corridors. That’s not a damned skeever, now that the being was closer Kaidan could see that this was too fucking big to be one, and last he checked skeever couldn’t open doors. Perhaps it’s one of the guards popping in to further his mockery and pain, but if so why would they be sneaking and creeping about.
The red eyed man drew in a quick huff of air before shouting, “When I get out of here, I’ll kill you all myself!” Puffing his chest to make himself look bigger, not a very effective method from his position, but he will not let them think they could kill the fight within him.
The mass hidden in shadows began to shake, a chuckle echoing off each tremor, sharp and cold as dagger penetrating warm flesh. The form rises to full height, it was shorter than Kaidan, by a full head at least, but with him hanging as he was this short beast towered over him giantly.
“My my, it doesn’t look like you’re in any position to be making threats.” Each word dripped with mischief, at least someone is getting some semblance of enjoyment out of this.
“You damned bastard,I mean it I’ll-“ Kaidan's dagger tipped tongue shot out, being bit back in quickly when red eyes met bright amber as eyes locked, “you’re not with them, are you?”
Now that the being was closer Kaidan could see more detailing of its form. It wore black robes with layered thin scarves wrapped all over, covering the being with a shrowl of shadow from head to toe.Only a small window gave way to two amber eyes that were illuminating as much as they were penetrating.
“Aye, I am not with those elves that guard here” his voice is sardonic,even and warm, an older man it seems “what might you be called?”
“Kaidan, my name is Kaidan. And you are?”
The person brings his black gloved hand up to his chin, closing his eyes as if Kai had asked about the creation of Nirn, or of what purpose we are made for, “Call me Ashni’ji” he says after a minute.”and why are you trapped here so?” no, not black gloved, furred.
“The thalmor invited me to high tea, what does it look like?” Kaidan shot out. “I dunno, some Justicars ambushed me outside of falkreath.”
“Ah, a feisty one. No need to bark, I’ll help you out.” Ashni’ji hummed, grabbing into each shackle, quickly unhooking them.
Kaidan fell limply from his confines, every joint screaming out in agony. A further shock of pain shoots through his spine as a firm fuzzy hand presses down upon its center. Before he could turn in protest a soothing warmth irradiated from the contact point, comforting arms of light wrapping around him. Healing hands? How marvelous. As the glow died down some of his aches and pains crept back onto him, but it wasn’t as bad as before.
“I’m sorry I can’t do more,” the older male spoke again, “but there’s only so much healing spells can do about a wound that’s already scarring.”
Already scarring…
A sigh escapes his lips. He really shouldn’t be surprised that the marks his tormentors left would be lasting, but it still hurt to hear that fact outright. He leans against the wall that had held him before, legs too shaky from lack of use to hold on their own without its cold support. He looks over to his liberator, watching as the man removes some of the scarves from his crown. two pointy ears shoot upward, black furred with brass and gold hoops lining each outer edge.
“You’re a khajiit.” It seemed obvious, but he couldn’t help but say the statement allowed
Amber daggers shot back, scanning him, “And you are an odd man, with odd eyes, in an odd cage” Ashni’ji turned indignantly towards Kaidan, “And now, if we are done here, I will be taking my leave.” He bows low for a second before trotting towards the open cage door.
“Wait!” Kaidan didn’t think before his hand shot out, pulling against the black felines hand, “If you don’t mind I could still use your help”
“Hmm~” the khajiit turnt towards the man, a grin creeping across his face, “and what might you need?”
Kaidan sighed, “One of the fuckers took my sword. I know I’ve no right to ask, but if you could help me get it back, I’d be in your debt.”
“And this sword is important to you, yes?”
“It’s sentimental, but more importantly they wanted it. The elf that took it went just a bit further in.”
“And going in unarmed? Not the smartest plan”
“Do you have any weapons?”
“I have my bow but that’s about it.”
“What about that dagger?” Kaidan pointed to a small elven dagger tied at Ashni’ji’s hip, its gilded coloring bouncing light throughout the small cell.
“No, that’s…,” the cat pauses, pondering his words carefully, “ornamental, would not work well as an actual weapon.”
“So what do you suggest?”
“I don’t know boy, I’m out of ideas.” The khajiit’s ears flattened, then shot back up, a torchbug lighting in the cat's head, “or maybe not.” He exclaimed before pausing at the open cell door “Wait here” , a firm final command spat before dashing up the dark stairway.
Dammit, the not-skeever savior disappeared from Kaidan's view. But he’ll be back. He’ll be back. He will, right? He has too. Kaidan couldn’t help but let his mind spiral. What if that cat doesn’t come back? Has he been abandoned here? Maybe if he moved quickly he could try to knock out the Justicar that stole his blade with his bare fists. Or at least rush past him to see where the bastard stored his supplies. He can do this alone. He’s used to fighting alone, so this is no different from-
Pitter patters echoed down the corridor, as a ball of black fur barrels towards him, shoving an old iron battle axe into his arms.
“I saw this poking out an old chest when I first entered here” the kitty huffed proudly, “I’ll go on ahead and lure him near. While he’s distracted with me, use the axe to give him a good whack” he made a gesture like his paws were swinging the axe himself.He then quickly gets to work on picking the lock, kneeling close enough to poke his own eye out with his lockpick as it turnt.
Kaidan took the moment of focused silence to examine the axe in his hands. The etchings on the sharpened end were intricate, but rusted. This was likely forged when this prison was first built, and by the state of it not used in just as long. And moving attention to the handle, it must’ve been stored somewhere damp. The moisture damage on the wooden handle, abnormal swelling and small cracks scattered throughout, was undeniable. He would be lucky to get this to not fall apart being swung, let alone actually making contact. This axe makes a poor weapon, but it’s not like he has any other options. He will have to make do.
*click*
The iron door swung open swiftly and smoothly. This new corridor was nearly identical to the one on the other side of the cell, albeit much darker and with more boxes piled high for storage. The black khajiit extends a thin claw toward one of these dusty blockades.
“Hide behind there. When I run past, you can ambush him.”
“What? You’re sure about this? I’m not stealthy. Why don’t we just attack him upfront?”
“You don’t need to be a master sneak, you just need patience and good timing” Ashni’ji winked to the red eyed man, ignoring Kaidan’s last question, “just trust me, alright? And may shadow hide you.”
Kaidan has little reason to trust this, tedious if you ask him, “plan”. But he wasn’t given an opportunity to protest before the cat crept further up the way, disappearing from view.
Guess he has no other choice but to get into position. He ducked as much as his large form could manage, which was less than he would like, but it had to do for now.
Kaidan hardens his grip on the waterlogged battle axe.
Claws scrap against cold stone.
His knuckles become ghostly white.
A string screams as stretched.
Splinters dig into every crevice of his palms.
An arrow whistles to its target.
…
“YOU’LL MAKE A FINE RUG CAT!”
The shout bounced down the corridor, quick and sharp blasts of electrical sparks lit the farther corners. It was time. Kaidan readied the ax as approaching footfalls echoed louder and louder. The smell of magic engulfed the small passage overwhelmingly. The man held his breath. He tried to ignore the hairs standing on end tickling his neck, scanning each brick as each second slowed to a crawl.
A blur of obsidian blasted past the young man, a new scent trailing close behind.
Burnt hair.
Vines of sparks cracked and spasmed beautifully, its culprit following close behind. The mass of elf enters Kaidan's line of vision, signing his fate as the axe flew down connecting with flesh.
The blade connected with the high elf’s skull, bisecting his face revealing flowers of crimson. The force from the impact being too much for the neglected weapon, the water damaged handle cracking, then splintering, shards flying everywhere. The young man squeezed his eyes shut, shielding them from the sparks.
A loud thud resounded through the corridor, quiet and sharp gargles and gasps echoing behind before fading to silence once more.
He opened his eyes again, looking down at his handiwork. The disconnected blade remains logged in what could barely be recognized as having once been a person, let alone an elf. The concave skull still sputtering dribbles of blood trickle and pool around, the metallic scent sickening.
“Well, that was more gruesome than I expected.” The khajiit huffed over to the bloodied mound.
“There were probably more effective ways to get past him”
“Yeah, yeah,” sarcasm dripped in his tone, “but we got a nice prize from it, didn’t we” lifting up a thin sword from the elf’s hip.
His sword
He hastily grabbed the hilt, rubbing the etched carvings throughout it. It was back where it belonged. Having the sword back in his hands felt as if a piece of this very soul was settling back into place.
“I believe there was mention of a debt to be paid” a mischievous smile lit up the room.
He did say he’d be indebted, didn’t he?
Shit.
“Pfft, we don’t need to worry about that yet. First we should find the rest of your gear.” The khajiit held back a laugh with his hand, using the other to point at the younger man’s chest, “I don’t believe they dragged you in here with nothing but your sword and the skin off your back.”
Right, his gear. He was so focused on getting his sword he had forgotten anything else. His near nakedness being brought to the forefront froze the room to ice, a shiver crawling up his back. It would be nice to slip into his armor after oblivion knows how long.
The main Justicar had made a room for himself out of the farthest back storage room. It was a cramped room, but had enough space for a bed, unmade, and a desk with abandoned writings and spilt ink.
His armor has to be somewhere here. They wouldn’t just throw it all out, would they? They kept his sword, so the rest has to be kept in some corner or crevice in here. Kaidan poked and prodded in the desk, some pieces of gold were sprung about glittering in the candlelight. Maybe he could use some of it to get a sword into the cat’s hands. He would feel better working with someone that was better equipped. What kind of idiot goes on adventures with no more than a bow, it was truest moronic.
“Aye, you liken yourself to be a tiger cub, don’t you?” The mocking tone rang out from the other end of the room. Kaidan’s eyes darted to the source of the voice. Ashni’ji stood over an opened chest, Kai’s trusty armor in hand. One of the cat’s claws was extended, tracing the outline of one of the tigers carved on the breastplate.
“Give me that.” Kaidan snagged the armor from the smaller male, cheeks warming from the mockery thrown over, “And don’t call me that.”
“Alright, alright” a chuckle given in kind, “the rest of your stuff seems to be there too”
Kaidan rushed to the chest, and there it all was. His bow, his tent, even the coin he had were still there. Relief filled their young males lungs, one less thing to worry about. He slipped on his armor, his second skin. The scabs on his back hissed in response to the cold metal, but he could apply a proper salve onto it later. Now he can start with what to do about his new companion. While he would admit he was not all that interested in traveling with anyone, an extra set of hands in a battle wouldn’t be all that bad. He turns to the ebony khajiit, his feet shifting in place collecting the words to say.
“Listen, I owe you my life, and I’m not a man comfortable being in debt.” He huffed out carefully, “If you ever have need of me, I’d be glad to fight alongside you till that debt is repaid.”
The khajiit lifted a hand to his chin in thought, “well, if you wish to, you may come along” he shrugs, turning towards the door, “but you have no debt with me boy.”
“You did just save my life”
“Perhaps, but I did that because I wanted to.” He chuckles playfully, “I didn’t do in expecting anything in return”
“Well, I can’t leave it at just that.” Kaidan stood proudly, “I shall be your sword and shield until I can repay this deed.”
“Oh how noble of you.” Ashni’ji presses a hand to his mouth to hold back an inappropriate giggle. This will be fun. He gestures his ears towards the door, “let’s get out of here, you’ll probably think more rationally with some fresh air in ya.”
He’s probably right. When was the last time he breathed fresh air, or felt the sun. How long was he trapped down here? It would feel nice to be outside again, make everything feel more real. He can sort everything out later. He follows the cat out.