A Gull's Folly: Preview

A Gull’s Folly

    Jobaashi stormed downstairs, bated breaths and rapid footfalls signalling his approach to his wife, Shoara, who had just finished making a breakfest for the two of them consisting of the usual Khajiit cuisine. “Shoara! It’s ruined! Everything is ruined!” Jobaashi announced between breaths, startling his wife.
    “Joba, what’s wrong with you? The only thing wrong with you is your unkempt fur. Go wash up.”
    “Shoara, that’s the problem! I’ve been cursed!”
    Shoara gave a wide-eyed look at her fellow Khajiit, ears flat against her head. “Cursed? What do you mean ‘cursed’?”
    “This one’s physical charm was stolen in the night by a malevolent witch! Wasn’t I more handsome before we fell asleep last night?” Jobaashi’s tail wandered around restlessly as he attempted to slow his breathing to no avail.
    “Joba, you’re…”
    “There has to be a healer in town, yes? Someone who can lift the curse and restore this one’s charm?”
    The female Khajiit sighed in disbelief, placing two plates of food on the rough wooden table in the center of the room, morning sunlight flooding through the east-facing window. Before she could beckon to him to take a seat, he had already left through the door and into the city streets.

    After what felt like an eternity to him, Jobaashi had finally arrived at the marketplace on his way to the nearest temple. At this time of day, it was mainly occupied by merchants setting up their stalls for a day’s work, the occasional street musicians wrapped in vibrant cloths acting as a soothing voice to the otherwise mute bazaar. While making his way through the winding paths of tarp-covered storefronts, he inadvertently bumped into a rather wealthy Baandari trader. The Baandari gave him a stern look over after dusting off his embroidered robe. “This one thinks varzeva should be less club-footed, no? Which shadow of Rahjin’s chasing you, little one?”