Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story. No money is being made from this fic.
The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind
Dumpling
I had reached a glass ceiling in House Hlaalu. To advance any higher, Nileno Dorvayn said that I would need a sponsor. Though she could not sponsor me herself, she directed me to someone who could, one Crassius Curio in Vivec. She said that of all the councilors he would be the one more inclined to sponsor foreigners. But there was something else, something in her expression, that caused me to pause. I asked her about it.
She said, "He can be very eccentric at times. But his... weaknesses allow him to be manipulated." And that was all.
Against my better instincts, I dropped the subject and left for Vivec. I asked the guild guide to teleport me to Vivec Mage's Guild, and from there, the locals directed me to the Hlaalu canton where the Curio manor was located. They, too, eyed me just a little... wrong.
The staff at the manor seemed to be expecting me, and they took me directly to Curio's room. The man was sitting at a table, his back toward me. He appeared to be writing something.
"Close the door, could you please, sweetie-pie?"
I blinked at the pet-name. He must be like this with all his guests, I thought. But I did what he asked.
"So, what do you want from Uncle Crassius?" I paused.
I identified myself as a Lawman of the House and was about to tell him that Nileno Dorvayn asked me to see him for advancement when he cut me off. "I know. I know. I've heard all about you, my sweet. Quite the rising star, aren't you." Just then, he jumped to his feet and turned to face me, his eyes wild.
"So, you want me to be your sponsor in House Hlaalu? I thought you'd never ask." He paused, looking me up and down. I felt something in my stomach sink. "But first, I want to see who I'm dealing with. Show Uncle Crassius what you have to offer."
I nearly choked. Surely, he had to be joking... but that gleam in his eye told me otherwise. Eccentric? No, he was crazy! But he was also astute enough to sense my hesitation. "Come on, dumpling," he coddled. "Don't be shy. Just do this one little favor for Uncle Crassius."
Now I really felt like I was going to be sick. I knew I could just leave, but where else could I go? None of the other councilor would sponsor me, an outlander. Except for "Uncle Crassius." I had to suck it up.
Slowly, hesitantly, I glanced at the door... and started by unclasping my cloak.
"That's right," he said, watching me. "Don't be shy."
AUTHOR'S NOTES: That's right. You remember that whole exchange from Morrowind. shudder It creeped me out so much I just HAD to write about it, and my character was MALE!