Here’s an artwork, showing Natanii on her Journey through the Western Skyrim.

Artwork is done by

And the nice story by

Please let us know what you think and take a look at both of them :) They’re amazing people!

Story:

It felt so unnatural how silent it could be in such a wild place.
The forest was all around her, and so were small bogs every now and then, boulders emerging from the ground, thorns of dry-looking bushes...
Skyrim is known for its inclement weather and the copious amounts of snow falling from the sky but at least this time it didn’t seem a lot. Though, it wasn’t rare to find it on the ground, white or brownish after having been in contact with the dirt and the undergrowth and it always made her paws feel terrible.
Sometimes Natanii had no choice but to walk on it now that her trial was in motion, and her bare paws felt somehow both freezing and, for a moment, scorching, as she stepped on it. Then, comes the feeling as if a hundred needles had pierced her soles.

Constantly shivering, she always forced herself to continue though.
Sure, sometimes she questioned herself: what on Nirn lead her to wanting to partake in such an insane challenge?
The more she asked herself that question, the less she knew.
She supposed it was a way of proving her own strength, sharpening her abilities and becoming more resilient. But it was probably more than that…
It went well beyond the physical aspect: this trial challenged first of all the spirit.
It takes a brave and strong soul to willingly accept to endure up to a week or so in the wild with no equipment whatsoever and the rules were even harsher than they sounded.
She had to say goodbye for now to all her weapons and instruments, to her armor and every single object she had with her… and then, she had to give up all her clothes as well.
So here she was, a brave Natanii trying to survive in the harsh wilderness of Skyrim, completely naked and with nothing to help her.

It all started when she decided to travel and her road eventually brought her in Skyrim. Maybe it was true that her people had adventure in their blood, but it immediately proved to have been worth it to come exploring such marvelous places.
Sure, the cold was merciless, so deep that it felt like it punctured every inch of exposed skin… or fur. Roads weren’t always safe and people there were sometimes somewhat weird, but the sheer view of those landscapes was well worth all of that.
Exploring the land she ended up in Morthal, which she deemed a strange hold, but in a good way.
There was something mysterious about it and the beauty of its wild nature felt unique.
As others of her kind did once in such places, she lived by the day finding accommodation where possible and giving up a few luxuries for now.
The room in a tavern had to be enough and so the meals, or even just camping in the woods for the night. This wasn’t a land that bent for those who lived there, it was the people who had to submit to it and play by its rules.
In Morthal, Natanii eventually came across a strange group of people, mostly human Nords.
They were rather welcoming to the foreigner but of course weren’t willing to actually respect her yet, as they did with anyone who comes to them.
Every single one of them bore a strange marking, usually on their faces.
It looked like some kind of tattoo but she wasn’t sure.
When asked, she was explained how important those small symbols on them were… they were the whole point of that group: the proof of the strength of their bodies and of their wills, the proof that they had succeeded in the trial.
Only then one earns their total respect and proves his or her worth.
Of course that sparked her curiosity and, deep down, she already knew that she was about to take the challenge.

And so here she was, many days later, naked in the wild and at the mercy of elements that kept torturing her body nonstop for days.
Little did her fur do to keep the cold at bay, after many days she was somewhat growing used to it but exposed and vulnerable as she was, she kept suffering it.
The frigid cold seemed to drain her energies and so she often felt tired, to the point that she feared many times to have bitten off more than she could chew and many times wondered if she could actually make it.
It was understandable given her situation, especially when she walked for hours among the trees, naked and exposed at the cold wind that would have made anyone shiver.
At least her fur protected her from the effect of the wind, that was something, and by now she had also grown completely used to the feeling of exposure.
It must have been tough undressing completely at first, outdoors, and giving up all her clothes… but now she barely even realized to not be wearing any clothes aside from the feeling of perpetual cold, and after all she was in the middle of nowhere, deep within the wild heart of Skyrim, where only animals and deep vegetation roam.
Ironically, that was complete freedom.

Her stomach was flat and contributed to give her an athletic look… as a matter of fact, she was incredibly beautiful and now she also proved to be way more courageous than one could think.
Though, she was hungry.
It is no easy task to go hunting with no weapon or instrument.
Sure she had big advantages over the average human, like claws and all her natural feline qualities, but it was still very hard to catch a prey without using anything.
Natanii had considered resorting to ambushes, sprinting wildly among the trees, even managed to tackle down a deer by “hugging” its neck and refusing to let it go, also using her legs to wrap them around its big body.
Though there wasn’t a lot she could do then, and the frightened deer instinctively tried to escape… Natanii ended up with no lunch and a painful bruise on her side after the deer accidentally made her fall by impacting with a tree.
It was the harsh reality of wilderness: she was now at the same level of a real predator animal.
Her mind imagined the fauna of her homeworld: Elsweyr.
She recalled images of strong Senches, agile tigers and powerful lions… she had to be like them now and forget everything she thought she knew about hunting.
The good predator stalks his prey, patiently gets closer and awaits his opportunity before leaping… Natanii had the look of a tiger.
Now she had to be a tiger.
And then, it finally worked.
Two days prior she had managed to find another deer and this time she had used this tactic, learning from nature.
With patience and furtivity she managed to get close enough and then leapt… somehow after all those days in the wild she felt her body becoming… stronger, more agile, more resistant. Her own mind felt like it was changing its way of thinking, she felt “wilder”, more similar to an actual tiger now that she had no clothes, no instruments…
Somehow, it felt amazing…
She felt like she had finally knew real freedom for the first time in her life.
Anyway, like the other time, she leapt on that deer and grabbed him tight. His antlers were huge and majestic and he fought bitterly to get free but little could the animal do against the hunger fueled Khajiit, who snapped his neck using her arms.
This time she had won…
Natanii spent many hours dragging that heavy body by his antler, moving it to a nearby cave she found the third day. It was small and uncomfortable, but it offered some shelter from the elements and there she also prepared a small camp fire… that wasn’t against the rules after all.
Also there, she butchered the deer, using her claws to cut it open and prepare its meat as best as she could, though cutting the venison with just claws proved to be an incredibly long and frustrating job.
At times, it even looked like it wasn’t possible… and so resorted to her instincts and tried biting off a few small pieces, raw.
The last thing she wanted was to get food poisoning as well, but she supposed that she could allow herself to consume at least some raw meat, she was a feline after all, that might be a problem for a human but for a Khajiit it should be safer.
Somehow, or with a lot of patience, she managed to cook a few pieces of deer she could “cut” and got to taste cooked food for the first time in days.
The first day she didn’t even eat at all, as she found no animals and didn’t trust those bushes enough as there is quite a lot of poisonous vegetation in Morthal.
The second day she tried catching rabbits but it soon proved to be a bad idea: too small, too sneaky, too damn fast for her… ironically, hunting big preys seemed to be a better idea.
After starving for two days straight, she forced herself to try wild berries from those bushes that could be found in great quantities… and nothing bad happened.

She was cold, tired, hungry… and yet there was something within her that encouraged her to keep going.
A wild energy, a powerful one that, somehow, made her feel at home there in the middle of the wild forest, far from civilization.
Natanii supposed it must have been her “wolf blood” to make her feel like that, probably being in the wild, nude, hunting like that… maybe it all contributed to “excite” the wolf within her.
And yet, she didn’t use her gift either.
For those who have the gift of lycanthropy like her, it was against the rules to shift during the trial: she had to do it with her own strength.
After almost a week, her cave now feels like a luxurious tavern, cozy even after what she is living.
She had also completely memorized those places: she knew where to go, where to find what was needed, where was water…
And like a wild animal, if she was thirsty she had to leave that cave and go to the small river, where she knelt on the undergrowth of the forest and sank her hands in the water to drink.
It felt refreshing and it was very cold as well, but a good feeling down her throat overall.
The Khajiit occasionally also used it on her own body to wash away the blood of what she had killed, even if the deer would have lasted for even more the needed time of the trial.
It somehow granted her… a wild beauty: the blood on her muzzle, on her arms, her sides and stomach…
Her expression felt a little empty as she cleaned herself, serious.
And as she does that, she ponders.

Again a part of her would want to give up but then her more determined side snarls wildly and replies “never”.
She felt like this had been one of the most important experiences of her whole life, as it allowed her to discover parts of herself she didn’t know.
For instance, one wouldn’t have probably expected such determination and psychological strength from her, or how she kept her cool in difficult situations, the patience she kept while hunting for preys or the might she proved killing a big beast like a deer.
Natanii also felt like this trial had been working on her body as well.
The harsh conditions it imposed had been strengthening her slender body, making her a little more athletic and physically strong.
She couldn’t help but think of her home though, every now and then.
Despite the great improvements this trial had been granting her, the cold and other bad feelings were always upon her, torturing her body without the slightest hint of mercy.
Her mind visualized the vast and warm places of Elsweyr, the dust, sand, vegetation and oasis of Anequina. How beautiful it would have been to hold such a challenge there instead, living the amazing life.
But it was held here instead, and the biggest obstacle: that never ending cold, had to be endured.
She boosted her confidence telling herself that there was an end to the challenge, that simply letting time pass was bringing her closer to succeed.
Every single second that passed was a step towards the end of the trial.
“Come on!” she often thought to herself “Just a couple more days and I did it”
Again, her determination was remarkable. Her real psychological strength came out during these difficult days spent alone in the wilderness, naked and with the only company of the elements.
The voice within her, encouraging her to quit, ironically, never quitted… but she always chose not to listen to it, remaining there to endure it all until the end.
The more hours and days that passed, the stronger she felt, until ironically her confidence grew. It was just so satisfying to be able to survive like that in the wild, with absolutely nothing, she felt… powerful!
And most importantly… free.
Nights were harsh, the temperatures usually dropped alarmingly and it was vital to keep the fire alive. Sure, she didn’t really needed it to survive as the first couple of days she didn’t have it, but it was of course nice to feel some warmth before curling into a ball on the hard and cold stone, waiting to fall asleep.

Now, she chuckled with a smile on her muzzle, bringing a cup to her lips and taking big sips of cold beer.
All around her were the cheerful and thunderous voices of Nord men and women, all standing around a bonfire and celebrating with rivers of alcohol, loud shouting and simply having fun.
They were celebrating Natanii’s triumph, she did it.
It had been difficult and long, a week or so felt like it lasted a whole month but she did it!
And now she felt great about herself.
She felt her confidence growing, she felt strong, primarily in her mind, but most importantly she felt satisfied.
If she ever thought about partaking in such a wild challenge when she was still back home she would have probably never believed it and maybe she wouldn’t even have wanted to participate… but now that she was here and that it was done, it was different.
After that, it felt almost fun.
Having grown so accustomed to the frigid cold while naked for days, now that she was again in her clothes she suffered it a lot less.
The animal fur on her shoulders contributed to keep her warm and she could finally feel again the familiar feeling of having her own weapons on herself again, good to have everything back.
Though it had been a strange feeling at first, to finally wear clothes again after so much time, she had grown used to not having anything on herself.
But it was all passed now.
Now it was the time of celebration, and her eyes were pointed upwards at the beautiful night sky.
The night had even been blessed by a copious amount of northern lights, such a wonderful sight, Natanii could barely stop watching them while standing on the snow of the mountain.
From that altitude she could have an amazing view of the surroundings, see so many kilometers in the distance, see the countless fronds of evergreen trees and other mountains in that wild land of cold.
The nightly breeze moved the fur on her shoulders gently and she could feel it on her face as she took yet another sip of Nord ale.
That stuff was strong but she had to admit it… in Skyrim they knew how to brew good beer.

She was standing somewhat on her own, a little far from the fire and from the others as if she wanted to take a moment to herself.
Her pretty muzzle looking upwards with that smile, as warm as her clothes, and her very eyes seemed to glimmer in the dark of the night.
It was as if they reflected the magnificent colors of those lights in the sky.
But… something next to her eye…
It could easily be mistaken for another of her stripes but that wasn’t natural… she had earned her mark.
Now it was done, those men and women honored her by giving her the same sign they had themselves.
And with that, she had earned their respect as well.
Many things could be said about Nords.
Stubborn angry people, somewhat strange, mead lovers… but they did have the sense of honor, and Natanii learnt that personally.
Maybe, they were able to unknowingly also give her a teaching about their way of life.

Steps on the snow.
That’s what she heard coming from behind her, approaching.
<When you first arrived here…> begun a middle aged human Nord holding a big horn full of ale, stopping beside her without looking at the Khajiit and admiring the same view instead.
<…I would have never expected you to succeed>
He shrugged and raised his arms a little with a funny look on his face.
<Uncool, eh? But it’s the sad truth> he stops for a moment to take a gulp of beer and only then turns to look at her in the eyes <But I’m glad to have been wrong about you>
His huge hand landed on the female’s shoulder with a smile and he chuckled with a smile behind his bushy grey beard, which was long and braided while his hair, of the same color, was very long and smooth, left loose.
Bjorn “Stonefist” was his name and was the closest thing to a “leader” among this group of people.
<It’s an honor, really> replies Natanii with a smile, turning to the fire to watch the others have fun and yell and drink…
She remained silent for a few moments, pondering, then spoke again to the tall Nord.
<It’s not just a trial isn’t it?> attempted the Khajiit.
He didn’t reply at first, he only looked mysteriously into her eyes… until his mouth curved into a smart smile and finally shook his head.
<It is a trial… but it also much more> he says, wisely <You see, doing what you have done in the last few days is not just a mere proof of strength and endurance. It’s connecting with something bigger than me, you, all of them… playing nature’s game by her own rules, winning fair and square, honoring the animal tradition>
His words didn’t make much sense at first, and for most people, it would have never did, but Natanii had went through all of that herself and now it did make sense for her, she understood what he meant.
<I feel… a bit different than before doing it> she hesitatingly admitted with a dreamy voice, and Bjorn raised his horn at those words while nodding powerfully.
<Of course you do, all of us felt that. To undertake such a challenge is not for everyone and after that you will never look at the wild as you used to> again, he turned to look at her in the eyes <It changes you, for the better. Through harshness, pain and difficult situations, makes you the best version of yourself>
Bjorn chuckles finishing the content of his horn.
<It’s a big forge> he says much to the female Khajiit’s confusion <Like metal, it takes you warm and hot, then beats you as hard as it can… until dunking you in the freezing cold. But then you are stronger than ever>
<I feel like… I know more about myself now> Natanii says excited and with her bright smile <I used a strength I didn’t know I had, a stronger determination than I thought, endured all of it… and liked it>
The Nord, eventually, chuckled satisfied at her words.
<As I said, it changes you for the better>

After that, silence fell between them as Natanii came back to the irresistible urge of admiring the northern lights dancing in the dark sky.
<What will you do now?> asked Bjorn, looking at the sky as well.
A simple question, but the Khajiit had troubles answering.
She sighs, thinking and emitting a pondering sound as she finishes her ale as well.
<Difficult to say> she admits <I miss my home but this land is truly gorgeous as well… maybe I’ll travel around some more before coming back, who knows>
<Mh> simply says the man, nodding in approval.
<Whatever you’ll choose, you will always have place among us… you have earned it>
As to emphasize his words, he stares deep into her eyes and nods a little.
A nod that she returned.
<Thanks> she whispers <Truly>

But soon, the older man chuckled again.
<The night won’t last forever, Khajiit> he says energetically as he starts moving again, walking on the snow to come back to the others, his huge fur cloak covering his entire figure when seen from behind.
<Come, this celebration is to honor you after all> he insists using a hand to gesture at Natanii to come by the fire with the other Nords.
<There is beer to drink and songs to sing!> he says a lot more loudly so that the others could hear him, laying then an arm around the shoulders of a good friend of him.
<Right, emptyhead?> he says joking.
She chuckles seeing and hearing that, genuinely finding it funny, smiling.
Her smile grows wider as her mind is traversed by many thoughts, but there’s no need to worry about other things tonight.
Tonight was her night.
Slowly, she started walking as well, the wind messing with her cloak a little as she went to join the group.