Katherine Managan #32

CONCLUSION – Part 2

“Oh Dahleena. You almost had me there for a second. But you had to remind me. You’ve probably killed uncounted people with your Skooma for money. You killed Arabhi for money. You killed Sabhira for money. Now you’re threatening to kill Katherine for money. And if you walk out of here, who knows how many you’ll kill in the future for money. This isn’t about your life or Katherine’s life. It’s about those you will kill if I let you go.” – Muz-Ra

“No! I won’t you idiot! I don’t need any more money you see. I have plenty! For ALL of us!” – Dahleena

“There would never be enough for you Dahl. (pause) I’m sorry Dahl.” – Muz-Ra
“NO! WAIT!” – Dahleena

(TWANG!… THWACK!)

(SCREAMS) – Katherine
(THUD!) – Dahleena

“I’m sorry for that Katherine. I hope someday you’ll understand.” – Muz-Ra
(crying hysterically) – Katherine

“(after some time passes) I… (sniff) I already do Red. It’s just so… so… GODSDAMMIT IT’S SO UN-FUCKING-FORGIVABLY WASTEFUL!

Not you. You did what you had to do. But Dahleena, she didn’t need to do ANY of this! Red, she KILLED SABHIRA! WHY? I didn’t know Arabhi, but now… Oh god, what misery Milahme must be going through. I FEEL it now Red. And she’s in JAIL for it. No one but Sabhira believed in her – not really.

Oh Red, we’ve got to get her out of there.” – Katherine

“We will Kat. We will.” – Muz-Ra

“…but right now we have to go talk to some people. It’s going to be a long, long night.” – Muz-Ra

“But WHY Red? Why would she DO all this? She had a good life here. I just don’t understand.” – Katherine

“Neither do I Kat. And I don’t think we ever will.” – Muz-Ra

(walks slowly down the corridor.) – Katherine and Muz-Ra

“I have to ask Red – are you really that good of a shot, or were you just lucky?” – Katherine

(pauses) “Katherine, I know I come off as loud and obnoxious… SOMETIMES…“ – Muz-Ra

"Yes, you do… sometimes.” – Katherine (smiling weakly)

“Kat, no one saw it, but I once shot an arrow onto the top of a standing stone and it balanced perfectly on it’s tip. Seriously… I’m the best damn archer you’ve ever met.” – Muz-Ra

“I believe that Red.” – Katherine

“Red?” – Katherine
“Yes?” – Muz-Ra

“Will you be my friend?” – Katherine
“Oh my darling, don’t you see? I already am.” – Muz-Ra

…
~~Epilogue still to come in about a week – Author~~

Epilogue cancelled. This will be the end of Katherine Managan. I’ll start another Skyrim-based webcomic eventually, but with my own characters and no more “borrowing” of Katia or her model. Let it not be said I don’t take honest, constructive criticism. Still proud of this story, but there’s a point where you have to make something of your own instead of borrowing from others (even if you really LIKE those others!).

Katherine Managan #31

CONCLUSION – Part 1

“There, that’s not so bad is it? Just don’t try to pull away, right Kat?” – Sabhira
“N-No, I won’t.” – Katherine
“It’s funny, it’s been a long time since I walked hand-in-hand with someone. My first lover. His name was Ra’atharr. He was so gentle, even you’d have liked him Kat.” – Dahleena

“Oh lighten up Kat. This’ll all be over in just a few minutes. Say, I’ve made a lot of money you know. Would you be interested in coming with me? We could travel in style, and then set up shop in another town far away from here. What do you say?” – Dahleena
“I… I…” – Katherine
“You’re not going anywhere Dahleena.” – Muz-Ra

“Step away from her Kat.” – Muz-Ra
“SHE’s the one not going anywhere Red. Not unless you BACK OFF!” – Dahleena
“Don’t do this Dahl. I heard every word. You’re not getting away, so you might as well not make it worse than it already is.” – Muz-Ra

“Worse than what? Death? If I get caught, just TRY and tell me I’ll get anything BUT Death. I’m not stupid Red. I’ve got nothing to lose you see. I’ll cut her before you can even shoot.” – Dahleena
“I’ll just tell you this once Dahl, I’m a damn good shot. Whatever you do, you’ll die here. Don’t you have ANY empathy for others at all?” – Muz-Ra

“For Kat? (pause) Sure I do. I don’t want to kill anyone Red. But don’t you see, you MIGHT be bluffing. It’s my only hand and I have to play it, and I HAVE to assume you’ll not shoot while Kat’s life is in danger. Don’t you see, it’s YOU that give ME no choice!” – Dahleena
(Muz-Ra draws bow)

“I swear on my tits Dahl, I Am Not Bluffing.” – Muz-Ra

(to Muz-Ra) “Dammit Red, don’t you see, it’s YOU that raised the stakes. Just let me go and no one will get hurt. Maybe Lydia will catch up to me anyway – but if you keep going down this line, someone’s going to die that doesn’t have to. It’s YOU forcing me to do this. For KAT’s sake if not your own, THINK!” – Dahleena
(quietly to Katherine) “I’m sorry Kat. Do you see? I have no choice.” – Dahleena

“…and there’s the money too. I’ve got a shitload stashed just outside.” – Dahleena

Katherine Managan #30

(Author’s note – I posted this nearly back to back with #29. You may want to go back one page.)

“Welcome Katherine. No sudden moves girl. And if you don’t want to end up like poor Sabhira, I suggest you SHUT THE FUCK UP!” – Dahleena

“Dahleena? You?!” – Katherine
“Of course me. Damn, you’re as slow as the rest of them. Well, all but Sabhira. She finally figured it out, but too late. AH-AH, no. Slow moves. You know, I really don’t like to kill people Kat. If you’re smart, you could just survive this.” – Dahleena
“Survive?” – Katherine

“Sure. See, I need a little help myself. There’s no way I can stay here now, but it’s a long way out. I could use some company. What do you say Kat? Are you smart enough to work with me? It’s just till I get out of this place, then I’ll let you go.” – Dahleena
“But… why? Why did you kill Sabhira?” – Kathereine

“I didn’t have to you know. But this place… it’s not exactly sound proof. I tied her up and was going to leave, but no – she HAD to start screaming. Apparently no one heard, but what could I do? I had to shut her up. I really didn’t want to. I didn’t want to kill Arabhi either for that matter. And I don’t WANT to kill you. But if you make me, I will. You KNOW that, don’t you?” – Dahleena
“Y..yes. I know it.” – Katherine

“Ok, now get up slowly and let me tell you what we’re going to do – and what we’re NOT going to do.” – Dahleena

“Good. Very good Kat. Now here’s how were going to do this. I’m going to sheath my dagger – but I’m very quick at pulling it out again Kat. You need to know that. If you make ANY attempt to get away from me before we’re out of the valley, I promise you I can poke a few holes in you – and I’ll most likely get out anyway. You’ve got nothing to lose by helping me, and everything you are if you don’t. Do you understand that? Just nod. I don’t like noise in here.” – Dahleena
(nods) – Katherine

“In fact… let’s hold hands. Just like a couple of lovers. Yes, I think that would be best. You see, we’ve become the CLOSEST of friends Kat. Oh yes. Just like Milahme and that nosy bitch Arabhi. Inseparable we are. Hehehe… yes.. Inseperable.” – Dahleena
“But… Milahme… the fur… the scales…” – Katherine
“Oh gods, Kat. Do you know ANYTHING about the production of Skooma? I make good stuff. You think I don’t take care to keep it uncontaminated? My work is the best in Skyrim – probably the best in the world.” – Dahleena

“Too bad the users are such nitwits. They blab the minute some authority figure blinks at them. Those scales were intentional – and they would have worked too. Hell they DID work! If only Sabhira weren’t so damned convinced about Milahme and Arabhi. I could have stayed here. But no, she wouldn’t believe it. And then she realized who could have planted that evidence. Only H and I have keys you know. It should have been obvious.” – Dahleena

“Enough talk. Let’s go.” – Dahleena

Katherine Managan #29

(I guess this must be the maintenance room.) – Katherine

(Kinda dark and creepy. I wonder why they would have come in here?) – Katherine

“…couldn’t leave it alone…(unintelligible)” – unknown

“Sabhira? Dahleena?” – Katherine

(sudden silence)

“SABHIRA?” – Katherine.
(Oh now you’re just being silly. There’s nothing to be afraid of in here, stupid.) – Katherine

(Wha? What’s all this?) – Katherine

(Gasp!) – Katherine

(shouting) “SABHIRA!!!” – Katherine

“Sabhira, what happened? Sabhira?” – Katherine

“Oh gods, Sabhira! Are you…” – Katherine

(shouting) “HELP!!!” – Katherine

Katherine Managan #28

Faked you out. No, I had made up a few character images and thought I’d post them too before I get to the climax. I did post a new one, but it’s the one before this. (EDIT: I didn’t explain that well. I posted this and KM#27 at nearly the same time. So just go back one post for new plot.)

Katherine Managan

Sabhira

Red (Muz-Ra)

Bhusaran

Milahme

Blue (Kal-Lee)

All these and I forgot Ubergard!

Katherine Managan #27

“Katherine, I’d like to introduce you to On-Wanal. See, we have this sort of initiation. Well, more like a running contest. We steal sweet rolls from each other. But don’t feel bad, you’ve been stolen from by the best! How many are you up to now On-Wanal?” – Muz-Ra
“Katherine marks my 33rd sweet roll swipe! And I have to thank you and Blue for not giving me away!” – On-Wanal

“What? Sweet roll stealing? How on earth did that start?” – Katherine
“The origin of it are lost in the mists of time I’m afraid. But as far as we know, it goes back from before H opened this place!” – Muz-Ra
“How odd! Well, hello On-Wanal! Glad to meet you… I guess?!” – Katherine
“Likewise Katherine. I do hope I didn’t offend you.” – On-Wanal

“Oh no, not if it’s a… thing. But you must be quite stealthy.” – Katherine
“Well, it helps if I have accomplices.” – On-Wanal
“Just one question… Do I get the sweet roll back?” – Katherine
“Oh no – that would be pointless. But I can assure you it was very good! I’ll have to swim an extra 20 minutes just to work it off tomorrow.” – On-Wanal

“Well ok, but watch your back – I’ll be looking out for unguarded sweetrolls now. By the way, have you seen Sabhira? I’d like to talk to her before bedtime.” – Katherine
“No, I haven’t seen her tonight I’m afraid.” – On-Wanal
“No problem, I’m sure she’s around somewhere. Well if I don’t see you again, goodnight all!” – Katherine
“Good night Kat” – Muz-Ra, Blue and On-Wanal

“Sabhira?” – Katherine

“Sabhira?” – Katherine

(Hmm. Maybe outside…) – Katherine
“Hi! Excuse me, but have you seen Sabhira by any chance?” – Katherine
“I think I saw her with Dahleena a while ago at the minibar downstairs.” – Kiseena

“Hey Katherine, I saw them” – Shabhi

“Oh, hi. I’m afraid I don’t know your name.” – Katherine
“I’m Shabhi, Kat. Of course, we all know you after yesterday. Good to meet you officially though. Yeah, I saw Sabhira and Dahleena an hour or so ago. They went into the maintenance room. No idea why though. We don’t go there often.” – Shabhi
“The maintenance room? Where’s that?” – Katherine
“It’s behind the big pool inside in the right corner.” – Shabhi
“Thanks Shabhi! And glad to meet you.” – Katherine

Katherine Managan #26

“Most everyone here keeps their own schedule. Some wake up late, some early.” – Blue
“So basically we eat whenever we want. But H mostly only provides fruit, cheeses and bread. He says it keeps us slim and healthy. All I know is it keeps me HUNGRY! I’m telling you, it’s not natural. Look at our teeth, we’re made for meat, both Argonians and Khajiit!” – Muz-Ra

“Sometimes we go into Whiterun for more variety.” – Blue
“And they don’t mind your… I mean OUR clothes?” – Katherine
“Oh, not much. And we tend to go late at night. About all they do is say ‘Put some clothes on you damned fool!’” – Muz-Ra
“Some of the nicer ones warn me that I’m going to freeze to death.” – Blue

“So they don’t think we’re some sort of whores?” – Katherine
“Oh, I suppose some do. Except for Blue here. They just think she’s been deep-sea diving!” – Muz-Ra
“Hey!… They think YOU’VE eaten some alien princess!” – Blue
“NOW you’re getting into the spirit Blue.” – Muz-Ra
“Oh, just get that door open Red. YOU are beginning to look tasty to me!” – Katherine
“You couldn’t handle all this white meat Kat.” – Muz-Ra

“For having no meat, that was pretty good. Say Red, what’s this?” – Katherine
“Let’s see.” – Muz-Ra
“I think it’s some sort of nut but I’ve never seen one like it before.” – Katherine

“Oh, we call them Pine Nuts. I think they’re really made from corn though.” – Muz-Ra
“Pine nuts huh? Are they good?” – Katherine
“Hmmm? Oh… um… sure. Of course, like everything else here, kinda hard to eat without flat teeth.” – Muz-Ra, (distracted)

“Are you ok Red? You seem preoccupied. What are you smiling at?” – Katherine

“What? Oh, no – its nothing. You were saying?” – Muz-Ra

“I was just…. HEY! What happened to my…” – Katherine
“Yes Kat? What is it? What’s wrong?” – Muz-Ra

“SOMEONE STOLE MY SWEETROLL!” – Katherine

Katherine Managan #25

“I… I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about this much yet. Sorry Kat, but I’ve just met you today. But I think my problem stems from my childhood, as most of these things do. I was taken in a raid by another clan and made to serve a wife of that clan’s leader. The rest of my family was killed as far as I ever learned. Anyway, I have a rather distinctive pattern on my lower body that was offensive to my mistress, so she kept me clothed in pretty severe clothing. I did escape from there some years ago, but I still feel most comfortable when completely covered. This body suit and my work here has been the best way I’ve found to express my sensuality without compromising that…” – Blue

“How do you consider that your fault? It seems to me you had little control over it.” – Katherine
“It’s just that I LIKE staying covered up. I recognize that it’s a… deviancy, but it’s one I don’t WANT to overcome.” – Blue
“Well, please accept my deepest apology Blue – I never knew. But, what about family? Do you ever plan to, well, become intimate with someone?” – Muz-Ra

“It’s never been an issue yet. I suppose someday maybe, but it’s not something I think about much. And besides, there IS a zipper…” – Blue

“AH! Youch! You better find one horny guy Blue!” – Muz-Ra
“What about you Kat? Have you any special people in your life?” – Blue
“Oh, there was one guy – but that was long before I came here. He left me for a more normal-looking Khajiit. I can’t say I blame him, but it did hurt for a long time. I think it wasn’t till I really got over him that I finally decided to travel here in fact.” – Katherine
“Ah men. Easy come, easy go. Say, anybody getting hungry?” – Muz-Ra

“Hey, what happened to staying out here all night?” – Blue
“Oh, well… we can always come back.” – Muz-Ra

“And it is getting a bit chilly.” – Katherine
“…and pillows are awfully nice.” – Blue (smiling).

“Alright, let’s head back.” – Katherine

“Hey Kat, do you mind if I ask you a question I’ve always wanted to ask about fur?” – Muz-Ra
“Sure Red! What crude, sexually loaded question has been puzzling you about us? Though, you know, I’m not exactly a very representative sample.” – Katherine
“No, no – nothing like that. Those I come right out and ask! It’s just that, of all of us, you Khajiiti seem the best adapted to the Skyrim climate. Even more so than the Nords it seems to me. Sure, they have all that facial fur and the long hair, but you’ve got covering even when unclothed! I just wonder why Khajiit’s seem to prefer the hot, desert rather than a cooler climate like this?” – Muz-Ra

“I’m afraid the answer to that is sort of like the answer to why Argonian females have boobs. Only the gods up in Bethesda know! But I CAN tell you that, if I venture much further north, parts of me get quite perky!” – smiled Katherine.