“Hi girls.  I just wanted to let you know, it’s all clear up top.  Milahme was taken away without incident.” – Bhusaran

“Please tell me after what happened with Katherine that Ubergard has gone along too!” – Muz-Ra

“Yes, and Lydia is with them too.” – Bhusaran
“Excellent.  Oh, hi Blue!” – Muz-Ra
“I’m off to tell some others.  See you later Katherine, Red!” – Bhusaran
“See you later Bhusaran!” – Katherine

“Katherine, I don’t think you’ve met Blue yet.  Shes our resident introvert.” – Muz-Ra
“Oh, Hi!  Glad to meet you Blue.  Named for the outfit?” – Katherine
“Yeah.  And I guess some people think I’m the opposite of Red.” – Blue
“Oh?  How’s that?” – Katherine

“She’s shy.  Won’t show any scales.  She stays in that latex from dawn to dusk.  I sometimes wonder if she even takes it off to go to the bathroom!” – Muz-Ra
“…” – Blue
“Sort of an odd occupation for a shy girl isn’t it Blue?” – Katherine
“Well, I pose well.  I just have a sort of problem…” – Blue

“Problem?  You’re a nutcase Blue.  Plain and simple.” – Muz-Ra
“Am not.  I take baths.  I just don’t like to be seen by… people.” – Blue

“Red, now you’re just being rude.   Everyone’s got their quirks – you probably more than most!  And do I say anything?  Hell, do I even THINK anything?   No, I don’t.  Because I’m as fucked up as anyone else around here.  Come on Blue, let’s go for a walk  outside.  We can get to know each other better.” – Katherine
“Kat… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean anythi-” – Muz-Ra
“Look, I like you Red.  Really I do.  But sometimes you cross the line.” – Katherine

“I didn’t mean to cause any problem.  Maybe I’d better go.” – Blue
“Why?  You’ve done nothing wrong.  Come on, let’s get out of here.” – Katherine

(Quietly) “Don’t worry Blue.  I just think Red needs to be reined in sometimes.  I’ve met people like her before.” – Katherine
“If you think so Kat.  Thanks for sticking up for me though.  I really do have a problem, but aside from that I do pretty well here I think.” – Blue
“So, that can’t be you’re real na…” – Katherine

“Hey guys.  I’m sorry, really.  I’ll be more respectful.  Blue, I’m really sorry.  Can I please still come along with you?” – Muz-Ra
“Why Red?  Why would you want to hang aroud a nut job like me?” – Blue
“Because… well.  I’m kinda lonely around here really.” – Muz-Ra

“What do you think Kat?” – Blue
“Oh, sure.  What the hell.  You’re a lot of fun to be around Red – just be a bit more careful about crossing that line of disrespect.  OK?”

“I’ll try Kat.  I know I rub people the wrong way sometimes.” – Muz-Ra

(some minutes later)
“…so I told him, don’t worry about it – inter species fertility is all but impossible.  But he INSISTED.  I even told him it was made for humans, but he was adamant.” – Muz-Ra
“And?  What happened!?” – Blue
“All went well for quite a while.  He was SO cute, and as scared as a puppy that he was going to hurt me or something…” – Muz-Ra

“Silly guy, he’s obviously never seen a male Argonian in heat!  So things start getting hot and heavy, an suddenly there’s this "POP!” – Muz-Ra
“Oh no… Don’t tell me…” – Katherine
“…like a balloon!  Poor guy thought he’d been castrated!  And that’s as close as I ever got.  He disappeared and I never saw him again.  I think he was too embarassed to show his face around after that.” – Muz-Ra

“Yes, that’s it!  Now release slowly and smoothly…” – Muz-Ra
<TWANG!>
“Hey!  I hit it!” – Katherine
“Of course.  Archery isn’t hard if you learn the proper stance and form.” – Muz-Ra
“But doesn’t your chest get in the way?  You are pretty big in that department.” – Katherine
“Oh, I can’t deny that! – but no, they’re no problem – again, if you’re doing it right.  Watch…” – Muz-Ra

“You’re right!  And you’re good!” – Katherine
“Well, not THAT good.  Let’s go see…” – Muz-Ra

“No, not bad.  But your last shot was pretty good too!” – Muz-Ra

“Probably just luck.” – Katherine
“Oh, don’t sell yourself short.  Let’s try again.  But this time, lets try the smaller targets.” – Muz-Ra
“You think I can hit them!?  I just managed to hit the big one!” – Katherine
“It’s all a matter of getting in the right mental state.” – Muz-Ra

“This time, try and think of something you REALLY, REALLY want to shoot.” – Muz-Ra
“Ok…” – Katherine
“Think of that and nothing else, and… then… kill it!” – Muz-Ra

“YES!  See!  You hit the head!  What was your mental target?” – Muz-Ra
“Oh, nothing really.  But it’s your turn.  What do YOU think about?” – Katherine
“Me?  Oh, I think of men.” – Muz-Ra

“You hate men?!” – Katherine
“Oh no, I LOVE em!  But I still want to shoot em.  Right… in… their…” – Muz-Ra

<TWANG!>
“But there’s no target there so I just shift everything up in my mind and shoot at the head target.” – Muz-Ra
“Wow! Red, you hit the NECK!” – Katherine.
“Yeah, his balls were hanging low.” – Muz-Ra

“Thank you girls for coming by.  I’ve got some news to tell you.  We believe we have found the murderer, but we want to bring everyone else into the chateau before the Jarl’s men come to take her away to avoid any sort of threat she may pose to the rest of the girls.” – H
“So, don’t keep us in suspense H, who was it?” – Muz-Ra
“We took a close look at the new sample that you found yesterday and it too contained a couple of Argonian scales.  All matched one person.  Milahme.” – H

“Milahme?  You think she killed Arabhi?  That just doesn’t seem right H.” – Sabhira
“I know, I wouldn’t have believed it myself – but who COULD you believe Sabhira?  Let’s face it, NO ONE here seems likely.  Anyway, she’s in the Grotto with Bhusaran while we get all the other girls inside and will be taken by Ubergard to Whiterun within the hour.” – H

“Anyway, that’s all.  Just stay indoors for the next hour or so and this will all be over.” – H
“Well, THAT’s a relief!  Say, girls – how about we celebrate with some spring wine downstairs?” – Dahleena
“Spring wine?   I’ll drink you under the table, Dahl!” – Sabhira
“Surely we can do better than Drinking under the table?” – Dahleena
“Go on without us girls, Kat and I are going to the archery range.” – Muz-Ra

“Come on Kat, you’ve been spending far to much time with Sabhira.  Besides, you know you can’t drink.” – Muz-Ra
“You’re right of course.  But tell me, are Dahleena and her lovers?” – Katherine
“Lovers?  Naa.  Udaran possibly, but Sabhira’s got a PAST.  You know, a "past”.  Someone not here.  I get the feeling she’s here as a retreat from something.  But she doesn’t like to talk about it.  You like her don’t you?“ – Muz-Ra

"Well, yeah.  But I guess it’s just me.” – Katherine
“I don’t think she would allow herself to feel that way to anyone Kat.  But don’t take it too hard, I know she likes you as a friend, and that’s something…   Come on, stop mooning around and let’s go do something.  Are you any good at archery? It’s one of our hobbies here.” – Muz-Ra
“I really don’t know, I’m not sure I’ve really ever tried.” – Katherine
“Well then, let’s go find out!  We have an archery range inside the chateau.” – Muz-Ra
“Fine.  Thanks Muz-Ra.” – Katherine

“Hey Katherine, would you like to join us in the hottub?   We like to bathe in there while our clothes are being washed.” – Sabhira
“Well, I must admit this outfit needs it.  I have another but it’s still at the Inn.   But don’t you have other clothes?” – Katherine
“What?  If I were to wear something else, how would the Argonians know it was me?  You know, we all look the same to them!” – Sabhira (laughing)

“Oh Sabhira, we’re not THAT bad.  Color may be something we can’t make out, but stripes are certainly not!” – Muz-Ra
“Really though, we tend to get attached to certain outfits.  And this one is MINE.” – Sabhira
“But, there are SOME men around.  Is it… private?” – Katherine
“Absolutely.  I’m sure H has been known to peek on occasion, but on laundry day the guards stay indoors to let us relax.” – Sabhira.
“Well, then sure!  Let’s go!” – Katherine

“Ahh.  That feels SO nice!  You know, we Argonians LOVE the water!” – Muz-Ra
“What do you think Kat?  You seem… tense.” – Dahleena
“I’m still getting used to it.  Where I come from, bathing isn’t something shared so easily.” – Katherine.

“They say in Elseweyr they have to make do with a pitcher of water and a lot of licking!” – Dahleena
(snorting) – “I must go and visit sometime.” – Muz-Ra
“I think I’ll stick to baths.  This feels glorious.” – Katherine
“They say the other does too!” – Dahleena

(changing the subject) – “SO, Kat, it must be nice to know that you’re no longer suspected of… well… you know.” – Sabhira
“Oh yes, absolutely!  There for a while I didn’t even know myself for sure.  But we still don’t know who did.  And, I wish Milahme believed it too.” – Katherine.
“Milahme is still in shock.  She’s really not so bad you know.  She’ll come around eventuallly once she starts THINKING again.  She surely wants to get to the truth as much as we do!” – Muz-Ra

“I hope so.  Say, did anyone tell H about what we found?” – Katherine
“Oh yes, I told him and Bhusaran first thing this morning.  It’s really odd though, I can’t help believe Milahme.  Arabhi really didn’t seem the type.” – Dahleena
“You think she found it somewhere?  Maybe she knows who had it?” – Sabhira
“It WOULD explain why she was killed.” – Muz-Ra

“Hi girls!  Your clothes are ready.  Cleaned and dried.  Also, H would like to talk to you when you’re dressed.” – Uthara
“Oh, thanks Uthara.  We’ll get out in just a few minutes.  Kat, this is Uthara.  She’s helping with the laundry today.” – Sabhira
“Good to meet you Katherine.  Yeah, we take turns.  You’re exempt for the first month though.” – Uthara
“Nice to meet you Uthara, and thanks!” – Katherine

“Sabhira…  um… how do we dry off?” – Katherine
“There’s always the Elseweyr way!” – Muz-Ra
“Oh don’t be silly, there are towels right over there Kat.” – Sabhira

“Good morning Katherine.  H has called a meeting this morning with all the staff. I’m sorry to have woken you early.” – Ubergard

“Oh, that’s OK Ubergard.  I slept very well considering.  Thanks for staying with me!” – Katherine

“Thank you everyone for coming.  I have an announcement and I want to give it myself before you hear it third-hand.  As you all know by now, one of our girls was found dead yesterday morning.  Arabi was loved by all and will be sincerely missed.  Her cause of death, however, was suspicious and I’m afraid we may have a murderer in our midst.” – H

“While initial suspicion was on our newest employee, Katherine, that suspicion has since been eliminated.  In addition, we also feel confident that this could not have been accomplished by anyone from outside our group. Because of this, no one will be allowed to leave the compound until the perpetrator is caught.” – H

“How do you know Katherine didn’t do it?” – Milahme
“Milahme, we all know you and Arabhi were intimate, and your loss is even more than ours.  But I can assure you that, whoever did it, it could not have been Katherine.  The Jarl sent some people over this morning to determine when she died.  Based on the condition of Arabhi’s body, they determined that it must have been at least the day before yesterday.  And there are other reasons that I cannot tell you yet. But you can ALL be assured that Katherine is innocent. In fact, you should consider her the ONLY person here that is innocent, including me.” – H

“However, SOMEONE did it – and that someone is most likely in this room.  We also believe we know why she was killed.  Bhusaran?” – H

“You all have met Lydia.  Well, she is not a model.  She has been working undercover for the last few weeks under the Jarl’s direction to investigate an apparent drug distribution crime based within our walls.  She had progressed somewhat in her investigation, but had not yet found enough evidence to specify what person or persons are involved.  However, after Arabhi’s murder, we can no longer continue to keep this operation secret.  It has become too dangerous.” – Bhusaran

“Arabhi had NOTHING to do with Skooma!  She hated everything about the stuff!  If you think she was in any way involved with this, you are dead wrong.” – Milahme

“Interesting.  I said nothing about Skooma, Milahme…  But yes, this IS about Skooma.  Some of the evidence siezed has been closely examined.  Not a single trace of Khajiit fur has been found, and as we know well it is very difficult to prevent that from happening.  However, a single Argonian scale WAS found in one package.  This leads us to believe that at least one person involved is Argonian.” – Bhusaran

“But don’t make too many assumptions.  There could be more than one person  involved, though we don’t think so.  Stay in groups or pairs for safety and stay in the common areas.  Lydia will be back later today.  She has recently been promoted to Commander of the Guard by the Jarl – so do whatever she says.  We fully support this investigation.  For now, that’s all.  I’ve told you all I can.” – H

“Look, it’s getting late and it’s been a hell of a day.  We can talk to Milahme tomorrow.” – Sabhira
“And H will be back from Whiterun by then so we can bring him up to date.” – Dahleena

“Kat, you and me will sleep in the guard’s quarters tonight.  Ok?” – Sabhira
“Sure.  I don’t think I want to sleep alone tonight anyway.” – Katherine

“Then it’s settled.  There’ll be no talk of this till we talk to H in the morning.” – Dahleena
“Agreed.  We’ll see you in the morning Dahl.” – Sabhira

“Thanks for all you’re doing for me Sabhira.  I’m not sure I deserve all this.” – Katherine

“Nonsense.  You’ve had nothing but trouble since you got here, and it’s not your fault.  At best I’m just trying to help.” – Sabhira

“Well thank you anyway.  I don’t know where I’d be without it.  Good night Sabhira.” – Katherine
“Good night Kat.” – Sabhira

“mmm…” – Katherine.

“NOOOOOOO!” – Katherine
“Katherine!  What is is?  What’s wrong?” – Sabhira

“Where do people put their personal belongings here?  I know everyone pretty much shares beds and everything, but there must be somewhere that people put their stuff.” – Katherine
“Well yes, everyone gets a small locker for themselves of course.  But they’re private and under lock.” – Sabhira
“And who has the keys?  Surely someone must keep a house key?” – Katherine

“Well, yes.  My friend Dahleena is the keeper of the keys.” – Sabhira
“Do you think she would consider opening Arabhi’s locker?” – Katherine
“Hmm…  Well, she’s going to have to anyway.  Let’s go ask her.” – Sabhira
“Do you know where she is?” – Katherine
“Sure!  She’s sleeping right in the corner there.” – Sabhira

“…well, I don’t know.  H hasn’t approved it.” – Dahleena
“No, but she’s dead.  I think it’s worth a look don’t you think?” – Sabhira
“Besides, what IS the reason for having a Keeper of the Keys if not for this circumstance?” – Katherine

“Ok, but I stay with you and anything we find we put back, right?” – Dahleena

“Of course!  Thanks Dahl!  So, do you know where her locker is?” – Sabhira
“Oh yes, I know where they all are.  Her’s is over by the shower.” – Dahleena

“Well, go ahead Sab.  Open it up.” – Dahleena

“Oh my!” – Dahleena
“Is that what I THINK it is?” – Sabhira
“I think so.  Don’t touch it though.  I don’t want to touch anything till H and Bhusaran get back.” – Dahleena
“Skooma?” – Katherine

“Now look, let’s not jump to conclusions.  I never knew Arabhi to touch that stuff.” – Dahleena
“You know who would know for sure…” – Sabhira

“Milahme.” – Daleena, Sabhira and Katherine in unison

“This is our shower, you can clean up here.” – Sabhira
“Oh!  Thanks, but… it’s kinda… open isn’t it?” – Katherine
“Open?  Oh!  Sorry, we’re not very used to modesty around here.   I’ll tell you what, I’ll wait just outside and stand guard for you.” – Sabhira
“Thanks!  It might take me a while to get used to your ways.  I’d appreciate it.” – Katherine

“And no peeking right?” – Katherine
“No Katherine, no peeking!  But Katherine, I have to ask you something.” – Sabhira
“Sure!  What?” – Katherine

“Your fur pattern.  I mean… well, that can’t be natural.” – Sabhira

“Oh, my ‘underwear’.  It’s a long story I’m afraid, but the short version is that before I left home, I tried to emulate that ancestor of mine and painted it on.  In hindsight it was stupid of me.” – Katherine
“Paint?  But that must have been months ago right?  Surely it would be gone by now?” – Sabhira

“Oh, the paint’s long gone.  But it somehow left a stain.  I figure it will eventually go away as my fur grows out.” – Katherine
“Ah, yes.  That explains it.  You certainly have an affinity for your ancestor though to go to all that trouble!” – Sabhira
“She was very special.  Someday maybe I’ll tell you all about her.” – Katherine
“I THINK I’d like that – if she meant so much to you anyway.” – Sabhira

“But for now, I think I have an idea.  I’ve learned one thing without a doubt today…” – Katherine
“And what’s that?” – Sabhira
“I DEFINITELY did not kill Arabhi.  I may not be able to remember anything, but I couldn’t have killed her.” – Katherine
“And how do you know that if you can’t remember anything?” – Sabhira

“It’s hard to explain, but I KNOW I killed those guards, and I KNOW I didn’t kill Arabhi.  And that really makes me feel much better about myself.” – Katherine
“Well, I knew you didn’t do it too – but it’s good that you no longer hold yourself responsible.” – Sabhira
“But we need to try and find out what DID happen.  And I think I know where to start…” – Katherine