-1Author's Note: Sorry about the wait again everyone. Blame GTA IV as well as laziness and writer's block. I know that Sontaire in-game is…well, a whore to put it bluntly, but as is, looking at each female character in the Isles, she was the only decently attractive one lol, so for purposes of the story, she isn't a whore. Read on, as I made this long and well worth the wait!
A Madgod's Realm
Chapter Seven - Paranoia of a Duchess
As Aldric trotted about the Palace grounds looking for Anya Herrick, he was thankful that Thadon was behind him. The conversation upon his return to the Palace hadn't been pleasant to say the least, and it ultimately (in his mind) hadn't been worth it, as he had not been rewarded. But it did not matter, for he was currently caring out Syl's task as her Grand Inquisitor, whatever that was.
Apparently, the Duchess of Dementia was renowned for being paranoid to the point of killing folks indiscriminately, but it seems that this time she was very certain that she was being plotted against. Her Redguard steward, Kithleen, seemed to concur and had brought up Anya Herrick, a Breton who wandered the grounds at various points of the day…after the dungeon keeper Herdir blasted him with shock magicka to get him to talk.
Aldric spotted the Breton in her long flowing dress and approached her.
"Anya Herrick," he said, causing her to whip around to face him. "Do you know anything about a conspiracy against Syl?"
Her eyes went wide and she shook her head slightly. "What? N…no. I don't know anything about anything. I'm sorry, I can't--"
"Liar!" Aldric cried, having detected her stutter of 'no' as a sign of a cover up. "Herdir, blast her!"
The creepy grungy Imperial extended his arm and blast of lightning shot from his fingertips into Anya, who fell to her knees and cried out in pain. She managed to recover and began to sing:
"Please. I am not involved... I didn't do anything! They wanted me to get them close to Syl, but I wouldn't abide them!"
Aldric closed the distance between them and got about an inch from her face. "Who approached you? Tell me at once!"
"It was Ma'zaddha," Herrick replied, her lips trembling in fear. "He said he was working on behalf of someone else. He lives in Crucible. He told me I needed to help him, or there would be repercussions--"
Aldric held a finger to her lips. "Silence. Thank you for your help." The Redguard turned to Herdir. "Let's go."
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Wandering around the district of Crucible had proven unhelpful, so Aldric asked Sickly Bernice for a description of this Ma'zaddha and exited with a spring in his step. For some reason, he felt…giddy doing this assignment. He wanted to find out who Syl's enemies were, so they could be put to death. He mentally stopped when he realized what he had just thought.
You must be out of your mind, Aldric thought. Or at least, you're starting to lose it.
In any case, Aldric and Herdir managed to catch the Khajiit leaving his house and Ma'zaddha sure wasn't ready for the knife hand that Aldric put to his throat, slamming him against his house.
"What do you know of a conspiracy against the Duchess of Dementia?" Aldric proclaimed, his voice raised.
"Wh-what? Conspiracy?" The Khajiit's eyes widened with fear, though whether it was at the discovery of the plot or genuine fear, the Redguard couldn't tell.
So he had Herdir blast Ma'zaddha twice with shock magicka before he yielded, but not with the answer he was expecting: "You may continue to do your worst, Inquisitor, but unless you have some evidence of this preposterous conspiracy, you'll get nothing from me."
With a rough push to the shoulders, Aldric let the Khajiit go about his business. He then turned to Herdir.
"Well, that wasn't at all helpful," he said to the torturer.
"He's obviously hiding something," Herdir replied in a low, sinister voice. "But he's not going to tell us. I suggest asking the other citizens if they know anything. I know of one particular--" He stopped in mid-sentence as he watched another Khajiit in ragged old clothes wander behind Aldric. "There he is now. Follow me."
Herdir jogged past Aldric, who followed right behind. They stopped the Khajiit, who's name turned out to be Bisha, and the Champion asked his questions. When it yielded nothing, shock magicka crackled through the air and into the beggar's body, and it was only needed once before he revealed a helpful bit of information.
"I don't want trouble!" Bisha yelled. "I keep to myself, but I see Ma'zaddha and that Dark Seducer, Nelrene, meeting behind the buildings late at night sometimes. That's all I know. Nothing more."
"Thank you," Aldric said politely. "Sorry for the inconvenience and the, uh, shock. We will be going now."
As the pair walked away from the frazzled Khajiit beggar, Aldric turned to the scraggly Imperial. "Return to the Palace, but say nothing to Syl or Nelrene. You've done well."
The Redguard handed 100 septims to Herdir, who pocketed them and smiled. "As you wish, Inquisitor," Herdir replied, nodding once and then sprinting off in the rough direction of the Palace.
It was about noon in the Shivering Isles, and the heat from the sun was surprisingly brutal and Aldric suddenly felt very stuffy inside of his armor.
Well, common sense dictates that Ma'zaddha and Nelrene will meet behind the Khajiit's house, he thought. But what to do in the meantime?
Then he remembered about Sontaire telling him to visit her in a few days. Well, it had been a few days, and he figured it would do well to pay her a visit. Plus, he had quite a few hours to kill.
The thought of Sontaire caused an uneasy yet pleasant feel in his stomach, and the thought of her luscious rear served to fire up his loins. He smiled, thinking about what would be in store for him as he walked towards Bliss.
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The Champion could feel his heart slowly beating faster and faster the closer he got to Books of Bliss. Seeing as though it was the Altmer's home and store, he waltzed right in and was greeted by a table with chairs set for two. A candle burned in the center, plates and silverware were placed neatly on either side and a bottle of wine sat next to the candle.
Come to think of it, I am rather hungry, Aldric thought, and his stomach growled in response. The only thing missing, however, was the lovely High Elf herself.
"Hello? Sontaire?" Aldric called out.
There were a few seconds of silence before the familiar voice called out--it was muffled, but crystal-clear. "Aldric?! Is that you?"
The Champion couldn't help but smile in response to the excitement in her voice. "Yes, it is me. Where are you?"
"I'm upstairs getting dressed," she replied, which explained her voice being muffled--she was behind a door. "Take a seat, I'll be down soon."
Aldric did as asked, taking the seat facing the stairs so he could watch her come down. For some reason, he had neglected to notice that there wasn't any food. Maybe she's going to prepare it, Aldric thought. He then noticed an iron stove crammed into the storage area before him, which he knew hadn't been there before and assumed it to be new.
When the door at the top of the stairs opened and then shut, the Redguard's eyes immediately snapped from the stove to the stairs. The wall at the top obscured his view of her, but he heard a slight clunk as Sontaire walked down the stairs, gradually showing her wearing brown leather boots that ended at her ankles, a bright green skirt that was half the size of the one she had wore previously, and an exquisite blue and gold shirt that didn't cut off.
Nevertheless, he was complaining, as the shortened skirt drew his attention and he looked her up and down. She was walking down slowly so as not to trip, and she smiled at Aldric.
"Hey," he said, somewhat sheepishly.
"Hey!" she replied back, moving to the front door and locking it. An unusual thing to do, but then again, this wasn't a normal closing. She wanted privacy with Aldric, which he preferred as well. The Altmer then walked over to the chair opposite of the Champion and placed her arms on the back.
"So, uh, what's for lunch?" Aldric gestured to the empty plates before him.
"Roast venison with a side of watermelon and mixed greens," she replied. "I haven't cooked since I was a kid, but I figure we'd have some food. You can help me if you want."
"I'd be glad too," Aldric stated with a smile.
Sontaire grinned broadly, showing off a pair of teeth that weren't perfectly straight, but it was still a strikingly infectious smile. "Great! Well, follow me and we'll start."
Aldric stood and followed her back to the storage area, again mesmerized by the way her hips rolled when she walked--her toned legs made it all the more better. She reached the oven, and reached into a cupboard above it and pulled out a small block of wood and a knife. Next to the oven was a barrel and she opened it up to reveal various fruits and vegetables soaked in water.
"Take out some lettuce heads, spinach stalks, carrots, and one watermelon," Sontaire said, "and start cutting them up."
She handed him a bowl and pointed to a small table. "Cut them up there and put them in the bowl, while I cook the venison."
Aldric removed his ebony gauntlets and rucksack, and put them behind the store's stone counter. Over the next twenty minutes, Aldric cut the veggies and watermelon up and put them into the bowl, mixing them up with his hands. Occasionally, he would cast a glance at Sontaire to check her out, and he really enjoyed what he saw. At times, when he was cutting, he felt as though Sontaire too was looking him over, but he made no indication.
Finally, two pieces of venison marinated in the juice of apples was done and ready to be served. A set of dinner tongs was placed in the bowl of mixed greens and the two began eating. They took their time, seeking to savior and enjoy the meal and wine as well as to talk. Aldric was pleased that the venison had turned out great, and loved the taste.
They talked about various different topics: her life before being forced to move to the Shivering Isles, their childhoods and their parents. Her mother was still alive, back in the Summerset Isle, but her father had disappeared (he had been a sorcerer). When Aldric talked about the latter subject, he almost choked and teared up when recalling the amount of treachery and betrayal in his family. Aldric knew it wasn't good to talk more than the lady, but Sontaire had been listening intently--the indication being that she was leaning forward in her seat with her hands folded on the table.
"It was so hard learning that my mother was Dark Brotherhood," he said, gripping his glass of wine tightly in his left hand. He was mustering every amount of concentration he had to hold back tears. "I…I had to fight her because she attacked me. And then…she jumped over the edge of Dive Rock. I never did see her body after that…I didn't want to."
He looked down at the floor between his legs, and was surprised when he felt Sontaire's hand clapsed the top of his left. He looked back up and saw a pained expression on her face, which surprised him even more.
"Oh, Aldric…I'm sorry I asked, I didn't mean to cause you any pain," she said sincerely. "Really, I didn't."
He wasn't sure what to make of the show of affection on his hand, but when he looked into her eyes, he saw something that he had never seen before. Whenever anybody had looked him in the eye, it was to tell him something bad or that whoever's brain was connected to the eyes wanted him dead. But in Sontaire, he saw a woman who genuinely cared about how he felt. He had never felt such a heart-melting feeling, but he knew that if it were possible, the look in her eyes would disintegrate her heart.
So he smiled, wiping his mouth to rid it of any random pieces of food. He had a delicious meal but dreaded having to help her clean the plates.
"It's okay, you didn't know, and besides, we're learning about each other, right?" For reasons he did not know, he scooted closer to the table and in effect, toward her.
She also scooted forward and nodded, blowing out the candle. "You do have a point. Aldric, tell me…have you ever dated another woman?"
Well, that was random, he thought. He hadn't fully accepted that this was a date, but he figured he had to now. "No," he replied. "Honestly, you're the first. I mean, I've had a few flings but--"
He almost yelled in surprise when she pulled him across the table, knocking the silverware and plates everywhere, and began passionately kissing him. At this point the Champion was freaking out--out of all of things he taught himself, being on the receiving end of such a passionate kiss was not something he had prepared for. Sure he had kissed other girls before in his youth, but hadn't gotten anything from them.
Maybe you're freaking out because you…feel something, he thought. He was shocked: he never believed that love at first sight was true, but he was freaking out because he was in love and this was new to him.
However, that realization didn't stop him from getting out of his seat--still kissing her--and moving around so he was up against her. Aldric wrapped his arms around her waist and she put hers around his neck, stroking the back of his head as their tongues intertwined.
She pulled away after a few more seconds, her eyes filled with desire. "You're a good kisser, you know that?"
"Really?" he asked, surprised. "No one's ever told me that before."
She smiled mischievously, placing a hand on his ebony cuirass and pressing against him. She really was short for an Altmer; she only appeared to be five foot five and he was exactly six feet tall. Nevertheless, he enjoyed being able to look down at her into her eyes.
"Well, it seems they weren't good kissers themselves," Sontaire replied with a wink, which only served to fuel the fire in Aldric's loins. "Let's go upstairs to my room, shall we?"
She pulled away from him and started strutting up the stairs, gesturing with her finger as she looked over her shoulder. Aldric just stood there, incredibly dumbfounded yet surprised at what she had just alluded too. He was too awe-struck by her beauty, and when she bit down on her bottom lip, that snapped him out of his trance and he stamped up the stairs and into her room.
When the door slammed shut, he knew what was about to happen. Damn, I can't believe this is happening! I just hope I don't screw up.
She moved to the other side of the room and locked another door which presumably led outside. As Aldric struggled to get his boots off, he watched Sontaire remove her shirt, revealing a brown bra. She then proceeded to take that off, and seeing her back side, knowing she was topless, aroused him to the fullest. And when she turned around, she had the biggest breasts he had ever seen in his life. And in this moment, they were his.
"What do you think?" she asked.
He grinned. "Amazing."
She giggled and kind of turned her head away. "Aw, thank you. But you…" She turned back to look at him as he unlatched his cuirass, revealing a dark muscular chest and arms. She had never seen a Redguard so well-built. "You look gorgeous."
She approached him and felt his chest up, helping him undo the greaves, which clanged on the floor. She then, quite simply, pulled his loincloth down so fast that he hadn't even seen her hands move. Now fully naked and erect, she almost gawked in surprise at his full frame.
"I have a little secret to tell you, Champion," she whispered seductively, pressing her entire body up against him. She squirmed when he put his hand on her rear, and shivered when he squeezed it. "I'm not wearing anything underneath."
You dog, that's all the invitation you need!
Aldric pulled her skirt up, lifted her up, and she straddled him as he held her. Fully inside her, he proceeded to walk over to the bed and he laid her down.
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He didn't want to wake her, but yet he really didn't want to go--however, duty compelled him to write out a simple note for when Sontaire woke up. They had intercourse five times total, and his internal body clock had woke up.
"I just remembered that I have something to do for Sheogorath. I'll come visit soon. I love you. Aldric."
He set the parchment on her chest, then kissed her lightly on the forehead so she wouldn't stir. Then Aldric quietly proceeded to put his gear, taking slow deliberate movements. He wouldn't put his boots on until he got downstairs.
When he emerged outside, it was indeed night and the sky looked magnificent. It was a strange mix of purple, black, white, and blue, but it looked so beautiful that he had time to stop and stare, although the business he had to do for Syl still lingered in the back of his mind.
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Aldric got into position close to midnight behind some crates outside of Ma'zaddha's house, whom he had seen walk down the stairs earlier. All that remained was for the Dark Seducer Nelrene to come, which she did a few minutes later. Aldric peeked over the side only enough to see the tops of their heads.
The voice of Nelrene was almost too quiet to be heard by anyone else but Aldric: "Have you made any progress? Will Anya assist us?"
The Khajiit grunted. "No, that blasted Inquisitor got to her," he replied with disgust. "We'll need to find someone else."
"See that you do so immediately," Nelrene hissed, looking around to see if anyone was near. "This is the one task which you were assigned. If you cannot complete it, you will be removed. Are we clear?"
She's threatening to kill him, Aldric thought. That could be a problem.
The pair talked for a few more seconds, then Nelrene left hastily to head back to her post. As Ma'zaddha was coming back up the stairs, the massive Redguard tackled him from the darkness and landed hard against his house.
"Ow! What do you want?" the Khajiit cried.
"I heard you talking to Nelrene," Aldric rasped.
His eyes widened in surprise. "What? I…I…it's for the good of Crucible! You must see that! Please, spare me! I'll do anything!"
"Why are you trying to kill Lady Syl?"
The Khajiit's eyes narrowed and he frowned. "You don't know, do you? She's kept it a secret even from you!" He pushed his head forward to emphasize his point. "She and Thadon... they've been meeting in secret. They've been doing things together. Consorting, if you will. You understand me? It cannot be permitted! She must be stopped!"
In all honesty, Aldric couldn't care less if the Duke and Duchess were hanging out. After all, what's so wrong and unusual about that? But then he remembered that Mania and Dementia were bitter enemies, and as such, fiercely loyal to their side.
"Who else is involved?" he asked.
"I don't know, besides Nelrene. She's taking orders from someone, but won't tell me who. If I find out, will you promise to spare me?"
Aldric shook is head. "I'll make no such promise."
"Okay, okay. I'll get the names, and then you'll see. Meet me in my house tomorrow morning."
"Alright. Say not a word, or I'll cut your throat." With that, Aldric left Ma'zaddha laying on the ground and he walked to Sickly Bernice's to get a room.
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Morning came quick, and the time to see Ma'zaddha had arrived. So when Aldric banged on the door for a good minute, he was surprised when he didn't get a response. That worried him. Looking around to make sure no one was watching, he quickly tried the door which to his surprise was open so early in the morning. He pushed through, turned back to close the door behind him and--
"Ah shit…" he muttered with despair.
There on the floor, in a pool of blood, lay Ma'zaddha--dead with a dagger in his heart.
"Well, this isn't good," the Champion said to himself out loud.
He pulled the dagger slowly out of the Khajiit's chest, being careful not to get blood on himself, and wiped it off with a cloth. He stuck it in the special pouch he had made so long ago, and then searched the beast man's body for any evidence relating to the conspiracy. The only thing he found was a key labeled "Room and Cupboard."
Nearby, a set of stairs led up to a second level, so Aldric held the key in his left hand and drew Dawnfang with the other; in his mind, it always paid to be weary and the killer could still be in the house.
Cautiously, Aldric inserted the key in the door lock at the top of the stairs, turned, and pushed through with his shoulder. With sword at the ready, he swept left and right but found no one. Removing the key from the lock, he looked around until he spotted a cupboard nearby (the only one in evidence actually).
The key also popped this one open, and there was the damning evidence--what appeared to be someone's ceremonial short-sword sat on the middle shelf, the tip still fresh with blood. It was definitely the weapon of a Dark Seducer. Nelrene had been smart, but not smart enough. He sheathed Dawnfang, and stuck the short-sword in his rucksack.
The renowned Lady of Paranoia, who had always been wrong whenever she accused someone, had been right for once. Aldric now had the evidence he needed to build a case that there was a conspiracy against her.
Within a short period of time, the Champion confronted Nelrene and had learned that the true conspirator was an Altmer named Muurine, who claimed that Syl had turned against the people of Crucible and consorting with the ruler of Mania. Aldric was really getting a sense of how strange these people were--he knew enemies could hate each other, but when it was over the pettiest of matters, it amazed him. Sometimes leaders need to meet and discuss matters of interest that might benefit both parties.
But he had no room to talk, so he told Muurine to report to the House of Dementia as soon as possible. The Champion then reported all that had occurred to Syl and he now stood in the torture chamber with Herdir, Syl, and Muurine who's expression remained blank.
She stood within a cage with two statues of Hungers flanking it and Syl stood next to a lever. Aldric stood next to the Duchess and watched the proceedings.
"You've confessed to attempting to kill me, I understand," the Duchess of Dementia proclaimed. "The penalty for this treachery is death, and is to be carried out immediately!"
She flipped the lever down and lightning shot out from the two statues' mouths, electrocuting Muurine until she had stopped screaming and was nothing but a blackened crisp. The stench of burnt flesh was horrible and even when Aldric breathed through his mouth he could still smell it. Herdir began to stomp the charred corpse to pieces as Syl faced her 'Grand Inquisitor.'
"You see now what happens when those who oppose me fail, which they always do," she stated with satisfaction. "I am pleased with your work, Inquisitor. As a token of my appreciation, I shall spare your life, and make you a Courtier of Dementia."
Oh, I'm so honored, he thought sarcastically. Is that all?
Syl then reached around the opposite side of the pillar where the lever was and pulled out a bow. "In addition, accept this bow named Ruin's Edge. May your enemies fear you and never know from where or with what enchantment you shall strike."
Well, at least this is somewhat useful. But enchantment? She said that his enemies would fear him because they wouldn't know from where or with which one he would strike. Did that mean the enchantment was randomized somehow?
Disregarding that interesting quirk, he thanked the Dark Elf and told her he had to leave. The only thing that made sense was to report to Sheogorath. What was interesting was that Aldric had in fact learned--reinforced, rather--his notion of both courts: they were both insane.
