The Elder's Scrolls

The Cat's Decision

I'm going to regret this later, I know I am. But I must.

The sound of disturbance in the undergrowth woke the hulking shape of Taran Skull-Splitter. The Nord opened his eyes as subtly as he could, glancing around to find the source of noise. A flicker of silver shone through the darkness near the dead campfire inches from his feet.

"Taran," a soft, feline voice whispered scarily close to his ear, sending goosebumps down his spine. "I'm so sorry."

The dark - haired Nord sat up, colliding his forehead into the furry head of Seby the Khajiit.

"Seby! You nearly scared the shit outta me," he said, raising a beefy hand to soothe his forehead.

Seby, with her black - tipped ears flattened, began to weep. She buried her face in her paws, muffling the sobs. Taran, though shocked, forgot his injury and placed to thick arms around the thin cat. Her shoulders shuddered against his chest as she continued to cry even though, deep down inside, she was laughing.

"Seby, what's the matter with you? You aren't thinking about Valthiem and Sansiil, are you?"

The silver and black Khajiit shook her head slowly, using the sleeve of her black robe to brush the tears into her fur.

"I'm fine, really. I just want you to know something, Taran." Her bright blue eyes met Taran's golden brown ones. "I really am sorry for this."

It happened in a blur to Taran. One moment Seby was staring sadly into his eyes, the next she had her claws buried in his throat. Taran fell backwards, Seby's claws still embedded in his neck. A gurgled cry escaped his mouth, but it was drowned by Seby's sobbing.

"I'm sorry Taran! I really am sorry! But I can't continue this anymore. I must find and kill Sansiil on my own; without help."

Taran's eyes latched onto Seby's, wide with disbelief and ... pain.

I had loved her. With all my heart. I thought she knew? She wouldn't kill me if she did ... would she?

Taran coughed up blood when Seby removed her razor - sharp claws from his neck. He struggled to speak, inwardly cringing against the pain that seared through his throat, but Seby had to know.

"I ... love you."