Far From Warmer Sands [LazyKitsune]

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

Caught up in your merriment, Ranabi has little chance to resist as you hurry her up the stairs and through the doors of the Mare. You're met immediately with a rush of warm air, the results of a long, wide hearth in the center of the common room, burning bright enough to add a warm glow all through the interior. There are quite a number of people inside, many sitting at tables here or there, some atop stools along the counter, but few if any find themselves without drink and company. Against one the supporting pillars leans a bard, who strums thoughtfully at his lute and hums a tune for the patrons to enjoy. As the doors shut behind you, a serving girl with dusky skin hurries passed you, several horns of frothy liquid balanced atop a platter in her hand. She gives you an apologetic look as she does, insisting she'll be with you in a moment.

That moment gives you time to take in the atmosphere all the better. Despite your initially cold welcome, the Bannered Mare is full of cheer and festivity. Most all inside seem on good terms with each other, or at least, willing to keep to themselves. There's a few of Whiterun's guardsmen drinking with their fellows, in varying states of undress as they shed their shields and hauberks to better relax. A handful of armed men, mercenaries more than likely, play at dice at one of the corner tables, a mixture of Nords and Orismer within their number. You catch sight of Ranabi's gaze zeroing in across the common room, and following it leads your eyes to a trio of natives lounging towards the back.Three men, bearded but well groomed, dressed in a rich red fabrics with gold lining. Though all three are armed, as very few Nords of means seem to go about without some kind of weaponry, only one of them wears armor, perhaps a bodyguard for the other two. These men are perhaps among the fabled Battle-Born, if they have caught Ranabi's eye such.

"Sorry, we're a bit packed tonight," Interjects the woman from earlier, who hurries to serve you, "What can I get for you two? You can have a seat wherever, I'll bring the drinks over."

[Lazy Kitsune]

Once Kharaya has gotten over taking in the warmth and noise that fell upon her once she entered the building, she takes in the joyousness that surrounded her. She shuffled closer to Ranabi, offered less room to stand in than she had anticipated and she thinks back to her earlier conversation with Kharjan about the Five hundred Companions. Crowded indeed. Her whiskers twitch and eyes dart around, taking in the sheer variety of faces and smells that presented themselves.

Soon, however, Ranabi's stillness caught her attention, and she followed her gaze towards the far end of the common room, where three men sat. Kharaya studies them quickly, taking in how they dress and carry themselves, their mood and more. It would be a fair guess to say one of these men is the Battle-Born son that Ranabi is acquainted with. Kharaya smiles as she pulls on Ranabi's hand once more to encourage her to walk forward with Kharaya.

She pauses as the serving maid returns, and ponders her options. "What mead would you recommend a visitor to your city. Anything special? This one is eager to try something sweet." She offers Ranabi a chance to order, though if Ranabi doesn't get a drink for herself, Kharaya requests a second drink be brought for Ranabi anyway. With their order done, she pulls on Ranabi's hand once more and starts to weave through the crowd.

"Is he one of the men Ranabi can't seem to stop staring at? Come, come, please introduce Kharaya. Let's see if they'll let us drink with them."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

"Could get you some Honningbrew. It's made locally, and the folks in Whiterun are quite protective of it. Apparently, there's quite a rivalry between it and another brew from over in Riften. I'll get you a couple bottles."

The serving girl heads off once more, presumably to fetch your drinks. Left to your own devices, you get a good look of the men. Even from your place from across the tavern, the men seem to be in high spirits, chatting among themselves and sharing a drink. There's some bread broken between them, indicating they had eaten together. One of them sports a mane of dirty blond hair, that falls back below his shoulders in a thick, heavy braid. A similar braid can be found dangling from his chin, his beard carefully intertwined with itself and held in place by decorative copper rings. He seems to be the wealthiest of the number, his fingers glimmering with gemstones and gold as he emotes to his fellows in the midst of a story. There's another blond among their number, a younger looking man, who bears a striking resemblance to the one storytelling. While he lacks his relative's beard, he shares the same long locks, only kept in check by a pair of smaller braids on either side of his face, carefully coiled so as to keep it from spilling into his face.

The final Nord, the one in armor and furs, is man with short cropped brunette hair and a short, well-trimmed beard seems the more reserved of them. He seems the oldest of the bunch, and nurses his drink as he watches his companions jape back and forth, giving an occasional grin their way to show he was still invested.

"Is... Is who? What? I wasn't-"

Ranabi doesn't have much of a say in the matter of you tug her along towards the back of the common room, and towards object of her presumed desires. True to his nature, the dark haired one is the first to notice your approach, and is quick onto his feet despite his languid drinking.

"Hold there, Khajiit. State your-"

The bearded blond raises his hand, as if to quell his guardian's worries.

"Now, Rorik, there's no need to be so hasty. Do these look the type of women to do us harm?" He reasons, giving a gracious smile towards both you and Ranabi, "In fact, I believe I've had dealings with at least one of them before. How have you been...?"

"Ranabi, of Bruma. It's good to see you again, Yngvar." You can practically feel the heat radiating off Ranabi's cheeks as she hastily introduces herself with a small bow of her head, "I hope you, and your esteemed father, are both well."

"I'm happy to say we are. Your discretion was of great value in dealing the matters of his health," It seemed as though Ranabi's dealings with the Battle-Born were, if nothing else, a little more important than she had initially let on. The man, Yngvar, as you have come to know, continues on without missing a beat, "You have our thanks for that. Perhaps we'll have the opportunity to properly show those thanks. But, before that, introduce me to your friend. A member of your caravan?"

"Think I'd remember her, if she were," The younger Nord chimes in appreciatively, making no secret of his eyes roaming over you. Ranabi, whether she notices that or not, frets for a moment, before introducing you.

"This is Kharaya. She is... the leader of a joint venture we're undertaking. She was eager to see the festivities, so I'm showing her around Whiterun." She explains, eyes darting nervously between you and Yngvar as she does. The patriarch's son takes it all in stride, though, treating you with all the courtesy you had come to expect from the wealthy patricians of Cyrodiil when they met with Yahzin.

"I see. Well, welcome to Whiterun, Kharaya. I hope you enjoy yours stay, for however long it may last. Perhaps you'd like to join us for a drink? It's been a while since I've seen Khajiit in the city. Just mind Sven; the only thing he's weaker to than a pretty face is a horn of mead."

[Lazy Kitsune]

For a moment, Kharaya worries as the armoured one stands to prevent her and Ranabi from reaching the table, although once the conversation gets underway it becomes clear these men remember Ranabi and her past affiliation with them is indeed enough to invite them to their table. Kharaya is intrigued by the few details of their past dealings with Ranabi that slip out. It seemed much more involved than this one had expected, although also very sensitive in nature. Despite Kharaya's curiosity, this one would not pry. Should more information about it be offered up however, this one will be all ears.

"Kharaya is new to Whiterun" she says, once Ranabi had introduced her. "This one is fortunate enough to have Ranabi's company to help explore the city. Kharaya is quite impressed with everything she has seen so far. This one looks forward to trying some Nord mead too. The serving girl mentioned a... Honningbrew, yes?"

When Yngvar offers them the chance to join them, Kharaya's face lights up even further. "That would be most lovely. This one would love to hear some stories you have to tell about the area. Any recommendations of travellers to do or visit." Taking a seat at the table, she quickly looks over each man, carefully making mental notes to put names to the faces before her. Yngvar, the elder son. Perhaps by Ranabi's reactions the one Kharjan suspects she has feelings for. Potentially also the one betrothed to this one's earlier customer. Sven, the younger son, whose gaze caused Kharaya to reflexively adjust her posture so as to show off the very qualities he seemed so affixed to. A habit that came second nature from her days as a dancer, and one she did not even realise she had acted upon. And Rorik, a bodyguard, likely not a Battle-Born as he lacked the same hair colour of the others. A trusted servant or friend of the family then. Ranabi had also mentioned an Oleg earlier. The father, perhaps?

"What can you tell this one about the festival? Ranabi has told Kharaya a little. The Week of Kyne is what you call it, yes? All this one knows is it has something to do with fertility, and we expect you to have much use of the wine we've brought with us."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

As you settle down, Yngvar gives a small chuckle.

"Aye, Honningbrew is about all you'll find in Whiterun. They'll run you out of town if they catch you trying to peddle Black-Briar. My father is good friends with the owner," He explains, sipping from his own cup, though whether or not it contains the aforementioned mead is up for debate.

"Your father is good friends with half the city, Not too popular with the other half, but I suppose that's the cost of business." Rorik is quick to chime in, resting back into his chair now that his duties were seen to.

That seemed to track well enough, on account of the guard from earlier insisting you were off to see 'traitors'. Perhaps certain lines had been drawn within Whiterun over the supposed conflict beginning to rear its ugly head. Still, the men don't seem too bothered by it. Yngvar holds himself with a certain assured confidence, Rorik is at as much ease can be be expected of someone keeping an eye out for trouble, and Sven... Well, his eyes haven't left you for more than a few moments since you arrived, trying to hide the fact that he isn't looking at your generous cleavage, although you don't make it easy to miss, your years of training being what they were.

"The Week of Kyne, aye. An old tradition, but a fine one. She is said to be the Mother of Men and Beasts, and so we honor her here in Skyrim with a week of feasting and drinking. Some go off to the mountains on pilgrimages, to immerse themselves in her wilds. Others simply enjoy an excuse to shirk some of their duties and have a good time," The elder brother explains, "As for fertility? Seeing as though it was Kyne who brought Men into being, some consider it a good omen to sire children on the Week of Kyne. That the Goddess may watch over them from her place in the sky. Needless to say, your wine might do well in helping that along."

Almost on cue, the dark skinned woman from before turns, his time with a pair of drinking horns atop her platter and two bottles of mead to go along with it. She places the platter down between you and Ranabi, excusing herself just as quickly as she came. As Ranabi goes to uncork her bottle and pour, Sven lifts his cup in your honor.

"To Kyne, and to our friends from the south. Might Skyrim treat them as well as they have treat us, in these trying times."

[Lazy Kitsune]

After taking her seat, Kharaya soon finds herself shifting from getting comfortable, to leaning in to engage with the conversation. From small snippets of gossip about the Battle-Born patriarch's reputation for this one to reflect on, to a local's description of the very festival that the caravan had arrived to make profit in the midst of, this one finds herself perching her hands on the edge of the table and leaning forward, drawn in by even the small pieces of local flavour. This shift, of course, presented Kharaya's bust quite clearly to anyone's prying eyes, Kharjan's adjustments to her neckline leaving quite the delightful presentation of cleavage on display as it bounced lightly against the table once she settled into her new position, the flow of the resulting jiggle almost making it seem like her furry breasts were about to spill free. Perhaps Kharjan had adjusted the dress a little too much, as the shift loosened one side of the dress's neckline. It was ever so slight, so only those most affixed on her bust would notice, but the faintest pink of her areola poked up from under her coverings while she held this pose. It wasn't much, but enough to make any voyeurs wonder what else might be revealed should enough jiggling be encouraged or should the dress be loosened enough.

"This is good to hear." Kharaya says, "This one is excited to see these festivities going underway. A full week should be quite the sight. Profits aside, Kharaya expects it to be a memorable experience."

When the drinks arrive, Kharaya licks her lips, purring in anticipation, unbottling a bottle and pouring it into a drinking horn to match those on her table. It was a little awkward to hold the horn, though she was eager to do as the locals did. She raises her horn with Sven's toast. "To the friendly Nords that welcomed Khajiit here. May they be find the same warmth and hospitality in their future as they offered us."

Kharaya goes to take a drink, though with the awkwardness of the drinking horn she spills a little, a few drops wetting the fur around her muzzle and falling down onto her cleavage. "Ah," Kharaya exclaims, before giggling a little. "This one seems quite clumsy with these horns. Kharaya cannot complain about the taste. This Honningbrew is delightfully sweet."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

Sensual woman that you were, it was no surprise that Sven's eyes scarcely left your body as you jiggled and giggled with the others. Watching the pale gold of Whiterun's local mead run down your muzzle and into the valley of your cleavage must have pushed him over the edge, as the young Nord gives you a devilish grin.

"This one has good taste, eh? Honningbrew is a fine mead. It'd be a shame to waste a drop."

He reaches out across to you, his fingers brushing at your chin to help wipe away the droplets that coalesced. Ever adventurous, they follow the trickle of golden mead down, brushing passed your collarbone until his hand can dip down into the valley between your breasts, rubbing thoughtfully for a few moments. When he withdraws his hand, he brings it to his mouth, sucking at the handful of liquid there.

"Shor's bones," Rorik mumbles to himself, "You've just met the girl, Sven."

"All the more reason to help then. Mead's a sticky thing, if you leave it to sit. Wouldn't want to make a mess of that pretty fur."

Yngvar shakes his head in exasperation, and Ranabi seems equal parts embarrassed by the display, but perhaps even... envious? Her eyes dart between you and Sven, and then casually dance towards the elder of the duo. Perhaps she wouldn't have minded such a cleaning herself, if it were from the object of her desires? But how to encourage such a shy girl to seek what she wanted?

[Lazy Kitsune]

Kharaya's eyes turn to the young one, Sven, as he reaches over towards her. She feels a question stir in her throat, but she's confounded into silence as she feels his touch along her chin. It is a delicate gesture, and one she did not expect from a man she had so recently met - at least a man that had not just paid a large sum of money in order to do so - although it seemed to be with the intention of aiding Kharaya, so she let him continue, even if she observed his actions with peculiar interest and bashful surprise. Though as his touch continues to move, Kharaya finds herself gasping as a heat builds beneath the fur on her cheeks. She shifts in her seat, her eyes quickly darting to everyone else before returning to look at Sven's hand quite directly pressed between her breasts, almost stroking her there with how he rubbed back and forth. Though the others seemed to to find him forward in acting this way around a stranger, non considered it wrong or untoward in any way enough to point it out, so perhaps this was just how Nord's were. It made sense given the seach she was subjected to earlier, as well as how boisterous Nordic culture seemed to be.

It lasted briefly enough, however and she watched as he withdrew his hand and sucked the drops he had gathered from her. At a loss forwards, Kharaya took another drink before gathering herself and deciding what to say. A stranger in a strange land, it was best to err on the side of caution and always choose the most diplomatic option, especially if she hoped to do business with these people. "Thank you for looking out for this one. Kharaya is pleased to see Nords are so willing to help even strangers. Although this one did not expect such a... direct way of helping. Is this a custom in these lands?" the question was earnest, but also to hopefully redirect the conversation away from what just happened and towards the ways of the Nords so she may better understand them.

Although her eyes caught the expression on Ranabi's face. Recalling Kharjan's words from earlier, that Ranabi's silence after over hearing Kharaya and Bakhum may have been as much envy as it was shame, this one considered the possibility that Ranabi may be jealous of the attention Kharaya gets. It was not like Ranabi did not get attention herself, nor did she show any ill will towards Kharaya, but if she was perhaps nervous around Kharaya because of her own desires to get someone's specific attention... Hmm, this one felt Ranabi need not feel so envious for long. A few more drinks and Kharaya could start to turn the conversation in a way to help Ranabi to make her move... or make it known that a move could be made on her if that did not work.

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

"Common enough, aye, when the mead gets to flowing," Sven answers, though given his own inclination towards you it's difficult to discern whether he's been truthful, or just justifying his touch, "And I've never known a Khajiit to be shy about receiving assistance..."

The young Nord returns to his drink easily enough, and casual conversation resumes. Though she's trying to be subtle about it, you notice that Ranabi even goes so far as to tug at her dress a little between drinks. The valley of her cleavage is not so deep as your own, but the Nordic style lends itself well enough to broad, deep necklines. It seems your suspicion was well enough to be true; she must hope to catch Yngvar's eye, though he seems more reserved in his drink than his younger brother. Another round of mead arrives shortly thereafter, with elder Battle-Born flagging down the waitress somewhere along the line.

With how drinkable the lauded mead proved to be, getting a few more horns down your gullet wasn't even a challenge, and riding the liquid courage it provided would hopefully allow you to instill some into Ranabi herself.

[Lazy Kitsune]

The drinks helped keep Kharaya feeling warm, which helped explain how the Nords could manage living in such a cold land. With the drinking being so plentiful here, it seemed rude not to indulge as well, and a little more mead may just be what Ranabi needs to make her move. Though with a few drinks down and Ranabi still not having made much progress yet, Kharaya new she needed to give her a push. Noticing how she seemed to be trying to adjust her dress and the table, Kharaya felt maybe she could help Ranabi with that approach. And if not, it wouldn't hurt to give Ranabi an advantage going forward into the evening. Kharaya politely excuses herself and Ranabi for a moment, gesturing her companion to follow her from the table. Once they were away, Kharaya took Ranabi's hand and guided her someplace private and quiet, pressing in close to her against a wall so they may speak in hushed tones even among all the music and laughter from the main room.

"Kharaya sees Ranabi's concerns. This one would like to help. If this is how Ranabi would like to draw the attention of Yngvar, then Kharaya can do for her what Kharjan did for Kharaya." She gently takes hold of Ranabi's neckline and begins adjusting, making sure her cleavage was presented in a similar fashion to Kharaya's own. With Ranabi's smaller chest, there was less that could be done. However Kharaya was used to assisting her old co-workers, who would all tend to have a smaller bust than her own, and there were plenty of ways to make women of all sizes appealing to the eye.

Kharaya cups Ranabi's chest, trying to lift it up and secure the dress around this new position to leave her more pronounced. As she does, she speaks with her companion. "Yngvar seems more reserved than his brother. Would Ranabi feel more confident if he were to relax as well? Perhaps there is a drinking game he could be encouraged to participate in? Does Ranabi know of any Nord games we could ask them to teach Kharaya that would help Ranabi? He seems fond enough of you, this one thinks one as beautiful as Ranabi should have no trouble, but this one is also willing to help present Ranabi with all the assistance she can."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

While you spirit your companion away to the side, the Nords seem content to continue their drinking and boasting. Ranabi seems somewhat confused as to why you would hurry her away, though when you speak, you see an embarrassed recognition in her eyes. Though you're sure just a few hours earlier she might have taken exception to you grasping at her neckline and shuffling her bosom about to make a more pleasant viewing experience, she simply resigns herself to it, casting her eyes away bashfully as you prepare her goods for a proper showing.

"I'm... I'm not sure," She eventually manages against your onslaught of questions, though she does peel her eyes off the floor to meet yours.

"This is all very new to me. How do you do it? Aside from just being pretty and having, well, those," She briefly gestures down to your chest before continuing, "Sven hasn't been able to take his eyes off you all night. He clearly wants you. How do I... How do I make his brother want me? Surely they taught you the tricks when you were still, you know..."

[Lazy Kitsune]

"Kharaya was raised to be the way she is." she says, tightening the adjustments she made to Ranabi's top to keep her cleavage secure. "It would be difficult for Kharaya to really explain what it is that she does. Truthfully, this one did nothing by choice to draw the attention of Sven, nor of most the men she has had to deal with over the years. Though when Kharaya wishes to have someone's attention, she makes them feel special. She lets them know what about their presence that Kharaya likes. Hmm... for example, Kharaya enjoys Ranabi's insights in human cultures. They aren't just useful, they are interesting to listen to. Kharaya would like to hear more stories from Ranabi's life in Cyrodill. Kharaya is also comforted by Ranabi's organisational skills. There are many talents Ranabi has that Kharaya admires and would like to learn from."

Kharaya runs a hand up Ranabi's arm softly. "And... like this yes..." she says, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Touching, letting herself be touched... Kharaya is good with physical contact to build intimacy. It need not be anything sexual, but instead sensual." With their stance, Kharaya presses herself gently against Ranabi, their chests resting against each other and feeling the warmth of their fur as she soothingly strokes Ranabi's arms. "Depending on how it goes, Kharaya could take their hand." As she says this, her left arm trails down until her fingers run across Ranabi's palm, before mingling with her own fingers and holding her hand. "Or can touch in other ways." Kharaya's right hand trails up Ranabi's arm, before gently cresting her neck and caressing her cheek, one finger reaching up to scratch lightly behind Ranabi's ear. "Does Ranabi think she is starting to understand? Kharaya can teach a few tricks more as well. Ranabi just needs to ask. If Ranabi would like, she can try out an approach on Kharaya and this one will let her know if it needs improving."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

To her credit, Ranabi listens with rapt attention as you explain yourself, and the ways you have used to make the many people in your life, clients or otherwise, feel special in the past. When you press yourself to her, her initial instinct is to retreat away, but she fights that, and instead allows you to ply your tender touches, so that she might learn how to ply them herself. You can practically feel the heat radiating off her, even beyond what you have come to expect from a fellow Khajiit with such well-groomed fur. She must be incredibly embarrassed, or perhaps as deep into her cups as you were. Perhaps that itself is why she is so open now when she had been so uptight earlier.

"I... I see. I suppose I could try some light touching. He's got very... very thick arms. I'd like to touch them..." She practically mutters those few words, perhaps afraid she might be heard by more than just you, even though such a thing is near impossible, especially with the mercenaries from earlier bursting out into song across the way. "What if it goes well? And he wants to... retire, with me? I know the fundamentals of the act, but is there anything men like?"

Were it possible to see a flush beneath the fuzz that covers her muzzle, it would surely be as bright as the hearth-fire nearby.

"I want him to make noise like Bakhum did earlier, if we end up together. I want him to really like it."

[Lazy Kitsune]

Kharaya giggles and nods at Ranabi's comments. "Yes, that's a desire I very much understand. This one very much enjoys running her hands across Bakhum's arms, or feeling them wrapped around her." She tilts her head to the side as she listens to the rest of Ranabi's words, purring thoughtfully and even squinting as she works through the situation in her mind. "That is... difficult for Kharaya to explain without a demonstration. Usually it takes exploration to learn what each man likes. With Bakhum, Kharaya gives herself in her entirety to him and lets him take control, all the while this one uses all she can to please... ah... areas that Bakhum likes having pleased. Kharaya can tell you what she can, but the words will mean little without experience of your own to compare them to."

Kharaya takes a step back to give Ranabi room to breath and consider her options, while Kharaya herself tries to think what she has to offer to help. "Kharaya is eager to help Ranabi get what she wants. Ranabi deserves a chance to unwind and... 'retire' with Yngvar for the night, yes? If there is anything Ranabi feels will help this, let Kharaya know and this one will do what she can. For what to do should Ranabi get what she wants... Kharaya thinks the most important thing is to relax. The night is about enjoying each other and being one. He will want Ranabi to be as happy as Ranabi wants him to be."

Before returning to the table, an idea comes to Kharaya's mind. It wouldn't help now, but given the caravan would likely be staying for a while still, and Ranabi wished to learn, then perhaps the offer would be useful. "If Ranabi wants a demonstration to learn from, Kharaya is happy for her to observe this one and Bakhum sometime. There are techniques this one thinks Ranabi could do quite well, but they are conveyed better with eyes than with words."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

Ranabi bites her lip, although whether it's to try and quell the thoughts in her head about the kinds of things she might do, or have done to her, by the object of her desires, or because she is trying to exercise her abundance of caution in the face of such desires is up for debate. When you ask what you can do, she hesitates for a moment, but eventually speaks up.

"It might be asking a bit much, but... could you try and distract the others? I know Sven from before; he's a good man when he's sober, although it seems the mead awakens certain... behaviors, in him. I don't know the other one, Rorik, but if I'm not mistaken, his armor has the Skyforge's maker mark on it. That'd make him a Companion, which," She pauses, seeming to realize she's gone off on a tangent, "L-Look, I'm not asking you to sleep with either of them, and I don't think either will try anything you aren't okay with, so if you could just... keep their eyes on you? It'd be less embarrassing to reach into Yngvar's trousers if I didn't have to worry about his little brother seeing me do it."

Her eyes widen briefly.

"N-Not that I was going to do that! I just, I figured, if he liked it when I touched him, eventually I'd have to..."

[Lazy Kitsune]

Kharaya giggles once more, but presses a finger to her lips to hush Ranabi. "No need to explain, this one understands. It is good that Ranabi wishes to explore in that way. Kharaya has plans with Bakhum tonight. Though if it will help Ranabi, this one will do what she can to keep the brother and Companion distracted. It is a smart business move too, yes? Encourages the wealthy young men to visit us outside the gates a few times. And if Ranabi gets to enjoy herself in the process, then Kharaya considers this an important move for the caravan." Kharaya smiles warmly and gives an affirming nod. "Come now. They must be missing our company right now. Lets return before they come looking for us."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

Ranabi gives a docile nod, and together, the two of you return to the table. You're welcomed back heartily, both taking your seats where they had been left. Ranabi takes a few moments to compose herself and, in a moment of apparent bravery, drinks down her entire horn of mead in preparation of what was to come. Apparently, in your absence, the men had taken to talking about adventures they had undertaken during the war; Yngvar and Rorik had apparently formed a fast friendship while fighting on the side of the Empire.

"Would that I could have been there; I would've shown those elves what was what," Sven insists, on what must be his third horn since you had arrived, with however many before that, "Would've sent them scurrying back across the sea, where they belong."

Rorik laughs at this, sipping his drink before carrying on.

"I'm sure the Aldmeri would've gone in fear of you, a baby-faced boy as tall as his sword. What a sight it would have been, seeing you cut through their lines."

"Not all of us need hide behind a beard for the sake of others, bear-face," The younger man spits back, "Though you might see me in action soon enough. Those 'Stormcloaks' are getting bolder by the day. It's only a matter of time before they make their move, and when they do, I'll be the first to enlist."

While the two of them battle over matters of politics, Ranabi takes the time to make her move. You see her scoot a little closer, and from the corner of your eye, you see her bring her hand up to gently rest on Yngvar's wrist.

"It must have been hard for you, going south to fight without your father or brother. Where did you end up campaigning?" She asks gently, apparently taking your advice to make him 'feel special' to heart; as they exchange words, she's always swift to praise his bravery or valor, and always eager to hear him regale her of his campaigning. As she runs her fingers up and down his forearm, you're left to run your diversion against the other two, who seem to have gone from talking about slaying elves and rebels to who would get the greater of the other in a fight. Always thinking about violence, these Nords were.

[Lazy Kitsune]

Seeing Ranabi bring herself to start making her move brings a smile to Kharaya's face. The back and forth of Sven and Rorik was a little difficult to follow along with. It seemed mostly boasting and jabs at each other, with hints of tales of Rorik's days with the Legion. Still, with Ranabi making her move, it was time for Kharaya to play her part and keep the focus of Sven and Rorik away from Ranabi and Yngvar. She leaned closer to the two Nord men, leaning in as she listened in to them talk and awaited an opportunity to join in.

"Is it common for Nords to compete like this?" Kharaya asked, before purring thoughtfully. "Although, now that this one thinks about it, it may just be a thing for men of all races. Kharaya has known many men to be quite boastful about... many things. More often than not, it was all talk. Is there no way for you to settle this simply? A contest or game? Kharaya is happy to judge. This one would probably not make a good participant... Kharaya has no training as a warrior unlike you strong Nords."

[Ze Blitzkrieg]

"Competing? That's as common as mead is sweet," Rorik answered, lounging back in his chair with a grin playing across his features, "Pride might be a thing of men, aye, but I've seen women just as hungry for glory treating simple games as war back at Jorrvaskr."

Sven scoffs at this, settling forward so he could better size up his 'opponent'.

"You haven't shut up about Jorrvaskr since they let your sorry hide through the door. How do your shield-brothers settle things?" He asks.

"Usually in the yard, as Nords do, but your mother would never forgive me if I knocked out those pretty white teeth of yours, so why don't we settle things a different way?"

The younger Nord scoffs again, though he does ponder it for a time. He looks your way briefly, and something seems to click in his head. Grinning just a tad, he leans back as well.

"Aye, I've an idea. When Yngvar and I were boys, we'd play a game. Our cousins would go about us in a circle, and whip us with birch branches. We'd have to sit there, stoic as a grave, and whoever ended up yelping first, they'd be the one to lose," He explains, looking to Yngvar, "Do you remember? Jorgen used to love leaving welts, the scoundrel."

Though he intrudes on their time together, this gives you a few moments to size up Ranabi and Yngvar yourself. It seems that, with just a little boldness on her part, the previous reserved elder brother has gotten the drift of her intentions. He's leaned back a little, allowing Ranabi to settle in closer to him and run the tips of her claws up and down his arm, listening intently to his tales. Or, she was, before Sven cut in. She looks away bashfully as her beau chuckles heartily, though you catch sight of his arm looping down around her waist as he does, beckoning her closer to him as he speaks.

"I remember well enough, aye. Not our brightest idea, but it beat the drowning competitions."

Vindicated, Sven turns back to Rorik.

"My dear cousins aren't here with us now, but we've someone even better. Why not let sweet Kharaya here put us to the test," He offers, gesturing your way, "We've no birch branches to speak of, but I'm sure she has her ways to test our resolve, eh?"

Rorik rolls his eyes, although he does offer a small grin in return.

"Fine. Have it your way. But if I'm going to have a Khajiit smacking me about, I'll need to be drunker than this. All of us will," He hammers the table a few times to garner the barmaid's attention, "We'll have another couple rounds! Leave the bottles!"

[Lazy Kitsune]

Kharaya raises her brow at Sven's idea, trying to come up with something the men would find suitable. This was going rather well, her small prodding having pushed them in the right direction. In fact they went even further than she anticipated, coming up with their own ways to test themselves and keep themselves distracted. And it seemed to be working, Yngvar was already showing his appreciation of Ranabi's company. It shouldn't take too much more to seal the deal. Still, she was no Nord. They would know better than she how to test them as Nord men.

"This one can test you, though Kharaya has no experience with this sort of thing. You wish to know who is stronger, who is tougher... has more resolve, things like that, yes?" when the drinks arrive, Kharaya takes some herself. "Room may be needed to fully test you both, yes? Though for now we can see what we can do at the table. Kharaya could hit you both, of course, though she would rather not hurt two new friends as kind as you, even as a game. Besides, Kharaya's strength is no worthy test for a warrior." Kharaya shuffles her chair closer to the two of them, both helping separate the two sides of the table into distinct groups so Ranabi can act with more privacy, and to get closer to the men so they could work out a proper test. "Are Nords ticklish?" Kharaya asks, feeling stumped. "Kharaya's tail has been known to make even the most stoic warrior laugh. Though Kharaya does not know if this is a match to your whipping game."