[i]4th of Second Seed, 4E208 - Skingrad[/i]
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Judena wasn’t overly bothered by the days of travel, tired much like everyone else by the time they arrived to Skingrad. Using the promise of a soft bed to give herself something to look forward to. She tried day in and day out to do her best to remain informed while sensitive. Her memory naturally gaped on the events of the Imperial City. Each day she awoke to a heavy heart, unsure why until confirmed with her logs. Eventually her mood would brighten with the rising sun, keeping strides with some of the personalities she had grown fond of in their little group. Their youthful energy, ideas, and thoughts helped the time pass easily.

They even took a moment to wish her happy name day, she was warmed by the acknowledgment and their sharp memories.

Brynja, whom she finally nailed her name reliably, helped her with preparing their evening fires. The nordic healer was stronger than the majority of their group they saved plenty of time with wood collection, able to hold several logs in her strong arms at once. It allowed for Judena to prepare each meal quickly. Meg was patient in reminding her where they were heading or pulling her back if she wondered too far from their troop. Alim’s easy charm and stories were a comfort at the nightly campfire. Even Raeylnn’s company was pleasant, she tried her best to help her feel welcome in their little group. It was difficult to judge how well Raeylnn took Judena’s mistakes in pronouncing her name, having never said a word. They were strange iterations, like trying to get the attention of a Ryon, Riley, and Ragala. 

Even Jude wondered how and where such inventive names came from. 

She was pleased to travel without the dreary altmer Durantel, but she was concerned for Anifaire and even the stoic Solandil. The young Altmer woman was reserved but at least not outwardly rude, she would have been valuable to speak to for observations notes in regards to the Dwemer. While Solandil was the odd one out, they hadn’t spoken more than two words between each other. She hoped for his safety as well.

In Gaius she shared their woeful feelings of the Imperial City. It was his home and where he had his family. She fell asleep peacefully when he was on watch, trusting the imperial soldier’s vigilance.

Slowly, she approached Daro’Vasora lightly at first and trying not to treat her differently than before. Her empathy renewed each day for her friend. Jude knew she’d resent it if she walked on eggshells around her. She was careful nonetheless, wishing only to give her space to grieve.

Now more strongly than ever did Judena believe in Rhea. She kept her chin up, marched and led them away from the city. It was no easy feat and the argonian did not envy her of her current position, shouldering responsibility for their survival. She held faith in the charismatic imperial woman.

While the dynamics of travelling with the group was sufficient distraction, Jude was pulled back to the letters nestled in her backpack unopened. Curiously lifting them up to the sun to read through the parchment but barely able to read a word. Tempted several times to read them but instead rereading her oldest logbook, revisiting why it would be a bad idea to acknowledge whatever her ex-wife may have written. There was no trusting her seemingly sweet and sincere words. But what would the purpose of bringing the letters with her be even if she still didn’t read them? Valuable space taken up in her pack that could be made for something more important.

Conflicted, the argonian was conflicted. She rarely found herself feeling this way, she believed she had long moved past their separation. The letters were there, threatening to reopen an old and healed scar. She resolved to get an outside opinion on the matter, perhaps she was in need of some perspective. 

When they arrived to Skingrad, it was clear they were not the only ones in dire need of a safe haven. The refugee crisis was at the city’s gates. Rhea returned with some options, offering up the chance for others to move on if they so pleased. Judena saw no sense in splitting, she trusted in them.She maintained she did well with them regardless of the danger that seemed to follow them like a bad raincloud. Strangers were far more risky or carrying on alone.

Judena stepped up beside Rhea smiling down at their leader, “I am sticking with this group, I maintain that we are best suited together than apart. I would like to volunteer to resupply our foodstocks. Fishing, looking for vegetation. Unfortunately I would hinder a sneaky attempt into the city, I am difficult to hide.” She held up her pack, “However, I would trust some of my valuables for bribery to the right person. Someone who can haggle. I saved them for just this sort of occasion, it would relieve some of my pack space for more food.”

“I would also ask if someone were to be so kind to accompany me, as you are all aware I am far more reliable with a spotter. If you are weary from the journey please know I do not mind taking up the brunt of the work, all I ask is for your help to keep me on track.”

Her eyes turned to the side, squinting at the strange but unique make up of three tall Altmers heading their way. Solandil, Anifaire and begrudgingly Durantel in tow. Judena grimaced. “It seems we are rejoined by Durantel, Anifaire and Solandil once again. How… wonderful.” Her tone of voice was strange, almost akin to sarcasm. 

While she was pleased to see Anifaire and by extension Solandil, she had grown used to being free of Durantel’s sharp tongue and glares.

“Fortune is with us on this day.”