(Warning: Story contains graphic violence and may also include sexual encounters. Viewer discretion is advised. Rating: MA only)
Chapter 7: Some Rest for the Weary
The rain fell, a cold smothering blanket that soaked right through my robes. But I cared not. The rain felt cool, soothing to the touch, a balm for the many aches and pains that I had received lately. Shadowmere continued to plod on, occasionally shaking his head. Water whipped from his mane, spraying about like a fountain. I would just sigh and pat him on his neck and in this matter we rode down the road to my home, Lakeview Manor.
As we traveled, I noticed that Shadowmere was getting tired. His breathing became a little more strained and he slowed in step as well. As much as I wanted to get home and sleep in my own bed, I decided to visit the Dead Man's Drink.
It was crowded when I got there, but in the good way. As I tied Shadowmere to the railing, I heard laughter and singing coming thru the windows. As I walked up the steps, I saw that I wasn't alone outside.
"Dragonborn!" It was the server, Narri. Her outfit was as revealing as ever and even I couldn't resist stealing a glance. She smiled at me and said, "Come on in! The party inside is all for you!" "Me?" "Yes, you handsome devil, you ended the war! They're toasting your name even as we speak. Come on!" I shrugged my shoulders, "I guess one mug wouldn't hurt." "That's the spirit!" she beamed. "Come, everyone's waiting." She opened the door and I followed her in.
When we entered, all conversation stopped. Heads turned as Narri raised her arms and said, "Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you, the Dragonborn!" There was a slight pause and then the tavern erupted in applause. Huzzahs and hurrahs echoed as they pulled me in. I didn't resist as it had been too long since I had been in a good party.
Drinks were downed, tales were told. I couldn't tell you how many times my tail was stepped on. But I enjoyed myself and that was the best thing to do. Later, as the party began to die down, I found myself seated before the whole crowd. Narri sat on my lap, holding the (unconscious) Delacourt's lute. With one hand around her waist, I addressed the crowd. "Alright, word has spread that I was a bit of a singer back in Elsweyr. So, I have decided to perform for you, with help from the lovely Narri." She giggled and gave me a peck on the cheek. I smiled and continued, "This is a song you've all heard before, so I pity your ears." The tavern laughed at my jape and then quieted down, eager to hear the song. As Narri began to play, I began to sing.
Four songs and thirteen ales later, I was wasted, had somehow won a goat, and had both Narri and Delacourt passed out on my lap. Ignoring the headache that was starting to hammer my eyeballs, I continued to play my lute. The melody I played was one that reminded anyone that heard it of home and their loved ones. The notes were forgotten as soon as I played them, as happens to all good songs or was it all bad songs? It didn't matter, I played and people chatted, slept, or kept drinking. Very few kept drinking.
As I played, a knock came from the tavern's weathered door. The bartender left her spot from behind the bar and went to open it. She arrived at the door, and as soon as she opened it, a man entered and headed straight towards me.
The brown and blue cloth and scaled helmet helped my ale-addled brain to realize that a Stormcloak messenger was standing in front of me. I looked up and asked, "What do you want?" The man nodded at me and said, "Message from High King Ulfric sir." They must have crowned him already, I thought. "Is this important?" "Well, sir…" "Can it or can it not wait till tomorrow?" The messenger turned a little paler than normal. "It's just an invitation to the High King's coronation ceremony. Sir." I sighed and pushed Narri and Delacourt off my lap. "Might as well give it hear. Have yourself a drink on me." I gave him some septims. "I'm heading to bed and then I'm going home tomorrow." "What do I tell the High King?" "Tell him I'll be there. Goodnight." Any other words from the messenger were cut off as I slammed shut the door to my room.
"Ugh, I really have to stop drinking so much, Shadowmere." Shadowmere just shook his head and nickered. "I know, it sucks that such an enjoyable thing has such an unenjoyable consequence." "Baaaaah!" "Which reminds me, what the hell am I going to do with this goat?" Shadowmere responded by shaking his mane. "I guess I could keep it, it could live with the chickens and the cow, and I'm sure Ysolda wouldn't mind." Shadowmere snorted at that. "Oh, fuck off; you're just made of smoke and water, what would know?" Shadowmere responded by bucking me off into a tree. As I spat wood shavings out of my mouth, I glared at both him and the goat, which seemed to be enjoying itself as much as the horse. I pointed a finger at him as I climbed back on. "I swear, one day, I will shoot you with the Wabbajack." Shadowmere merely snorted and we proceeded to Lakeview, the goat following.
Twenty minutes and two bandits later, I arrived at the path that led to Lakeview Manor. The sun had just begun to rise as I dismounted and led Shadowmere to the stable. After feeding, cleaning, massaging, and whatever else you do for horses, I turned to my front door. I breathed the smell of the nightshade and dragon's tongue in the garden. Watched as a hawk alighted itself on the roof to tend to its nest. I opened the door that I had built with my own two hands and entered my manor.
The entryway was filled with both weapons and trophies. Snarling sabrecats, bellowing bears, and sharp swords filed past as I walked towards the main hall. I opened the door and was greeted by the bard (and secret Dark Brotherhood member) that I had "hired". "Everything is fine Listener. No problems." "Good, now," I replied as I unstrapped my helmet, the horns glinting in the firelight, "where is my wife?"
"Still asleep, do you wish for me to help you disarm?"
"That won't be necessary."
"As you wish, Listener."
I walked over to the door that led to our bedroom. For a second I hesitated, and then slowly opened it. Closing it behind me and placing my spear beside the entryway, I turned.
She lay under the sheets, her red hair a slightly tousled mess. As I walked towards her, she turned slightly and I saw her face. Her pale, gentle, Nordic face. I reached the bed and sat down beside her. She only shifted slightly as I unbuckled one of my greaves and placed it on the bed table. I reached over and stroked her cheek. Slowly, she awoke and as she saw my face, she said, "Falaja, is that really you?" I smiled and simply said, "Yes." She sat up, holding the blankets to her chest. Is it over? Her eyes asked and I just responded with a kiss.
She melted into my arms as I kissed her; her warmth flowed through my body. I broke the kiss after a minute and proceeded to disarm. She watched with a smile as I stripped down to nothing but the pants I wore beneath my armor. Climbing into the bed, I lay down beside her and put my arm around her. She laid down and draped her arm over my scarred and furry chest. Running her hand through my fur, she looked up and said, "So how long has it been since my husband has had a women, hmm?" "Well there was that one tavern girl…" "Oh, be quiet."
We lay there for a few more moments before she said, "How about you have a nap while I cook you some breakfast?" I turned to look at her. "Do you have to?" "Trust me, you will like what I've got in store for you." "Alright, but don't leave until I go to sleep." She smiled and gave me a kiss. "Whatever you want."