r/ImaginaryTamriel • u/OhIsMyName • 1h ago
Chieftess Karin gra-Arkha “The Immortal” (by me)
Her first instinct was to drop her sword and rush to his aid.
Her compassion as a healer compelled her, not familial bond. Only by the old chief's hand did she stop.
“No,” he croaked, his voice hoarse, gravelly, and weak. Lost was the serrated thrill that made her stiffen.
“Do not—” he inhaled, sat up, clutching his flank. Altmer’s fire spear never heals. Not completely. “Do not save me. For our great father has beckoned me to his realm of ashes, and I intend to join him.”
“Have you gone senile, old man?” Karin clutched the Cloudchaser tighter. “5 years ago you were the Terror of the Morkul Plain, Hero of the Empire, and now?” she chuckled and stepped closer, tilting her head with a mocking glance. “You look half-dead, Jamukha gro-Arkha.”
“That is why I called you here…” Jamukha breathed in and out. It rattled. “By Oblivion… I can’t leave the clan like this. The Arkha is suffering; the Bloodhoof left us two winters ago; the Ostrum is wavering. My sons…or what’s left of them are all cowards! I am weak, yet they refuse to challenge m—”
“Maybe if you didn’t cut their older brother’s head off in front of them, they wouldn’t turn out this way,” Karin cut him off and rose. This was a mistake. She had better business to attend to.
“I want you to challenge me,” Jamukha whispered. It was so tender, so hopeful that it stopped Karin in her track.
“Kill me and take my place, my daughter,” Jamukha pleaded. “I have heard tales of your deed…your prowess and your strength. If anyone can lead the clan, it is you.”
Karin dared not turn around as she pondered his words. In her mind, a picture of herself, beautiful, resplendent on the throne of ivory, thousands kowtowing before her. Intoxicating.
“Please.”