Glad y'all liked the last chapter. I'm gonna try uploading the proceeding chapters more often than in the past. You don't have to wait multiple months for a chapter anymore! Woo! Also, there will be a lime in this chapter. Don't know what that is? You shall soon find out. Now, on to the chapter!
-Chapter 9: Time To Party Like A High Elf-
At midday, Holondil's cart arrived at the entrance to the Thalmor Embassy, and was promptly greeted by a rather loud human. "Looks like I'm not the only one a little late. And you arrived in a cart, too. I salute you, good sir!" The man said, walking toward the steps with Holondil. "My reason for being late is mostly due to losing my way to this gods-forsaken mountain. I like to arrive here a day early, so as not to miss out on any of the drinking," the man added.
Holondil nodded, keeping that little factoid in mind for later. A Thalmor guard approached the half-elf. "Welcome to the Thalmor Embassy. Your invitation, please," the guard said with a blunt but polite tone. Holondil produced his invitation, and the guard looked it over briefly. "Please go right inside, sir," the guard said politely.
Holondil walked past the guard to enter the embassy, not waiting up for the other man, who was being irritable toward the guard. Almost as soon as he walked in the door, Holondil saw Ambassador Elenwen walking toward him. She wore a festive version of the normal Thalmor robes. This variety had no hood, and had a cape with the emblem of the Aldmeri Dominion: a golden eagle with its wings raised, as if it were about to take off from the cape and fly. Like all Thalmor, her skin was an olive color, and her hair was a mix between straw yellow and blonde (Author's note: I know that's not what she may look like, but I'm not good with hair colors). She also wore black gloves that were edged in malachite green. She smiled as soon as she saw him, but it was not a friendly smile, nor was it a smile that threatened. It was a smile that made Holondil nervous, because he had no idea what it entailed. "Welcome to the Thalmor Embassy! I am so glad you could make it," the Ambassador said happily. "I do hope you have been well, lately."
"I wish I could say so," Holondil said, surprising Elenwen with his growling, gravelly tone. "I have been attacked by vampires, dragons, and grumpy, old orcs. If I were you, Ambassador, I'd rather take my chances with the dragons than the other two. Nothing's worse than a grumpy orc."
"Is that why your throat looks so bad?" The Ambassador asked, looking concerned as she walked over to some nearby couches, motioning for Holondil to follow her as she sat down on one.
"No, that was the vampires," Holondil said, sitting down on the one opposite Elenwen's. "Jumped me while I was running from Helgen. I was under the impression fighting black dragons with bound hands was hazardous to one's health," he added with a touch of sarcasm. "Thankfully, being the Thane of Whiterun is not so hazardous."
"How so?" Ambassador Elenwen asked, curious, and trying her hardest to hide her impatience. She had invited the half-elf to the Embassy to "congratulate" him for his recent promotion, and had hoped to get him alone in her quarters, but it was taking longer than she would've preferred. Being the Thalmor Ambassador, she was not used to waiting for what she wanted. At least, no longer than was reasonable.
Ignorant to the inner frustration, Holondil replied, "Jarl Balgruuf the Greater knows that I was almost executed in Helgen, but he hardly cares about why. As long as I do nothing to threaten his people or his Hold, I have nothing to fear from him. His primary care is the well-being and safety of his people, not the war." With a slight chuckle, the half-elf added, "If anything, the safety of his people is probably why the Jarl has refused to choose sides in the war. He does not want to risk attack from either side."
"His neutrality cannot last indefinitely," Ambassador Elenwen said with some barely-contained irritation. "Sooner or later, he will have to decide who he backs."
"We shall see," Holondil said calmly, though confused by the irritation he was beginning to see in the Ambassador's features. "We shall see."
Ambassador Elenwen nodded, acknowledging Holondil's statement. "I have further questions to ask of you," she said, motioning for Holondil to join her as she stood up, "but not here." Holondil stood up, suspecting some ulterior motives, but he had no ability to decline her request. As he walked through a doorway previously guarded by a Thalmor agent, he saw a male Wood Elf tending the bar. The bartender gave Holondil a wink, which Holondil recognized as a "you-and-I-share-a-secret" wink. Holondil soon found himself back outside as he followed the Ambassador to a building in the middle of the compound, identified by a nearby sign as Elenwen's Solar. There were two soldiers in Elven armour standing guard at the entrance, and they parted to allow Elenwen and her friend entrance. As they walked in, Holondil noted some stairs going down into what appeared to be a basement area, and he could've sworn he could hear screaming. The Ambassador led Holondil up some stairs and toward a lavish bedroom. As soon as Holondil entered the room, Elenwen produced a key from somewhere in her robes and promptly locked the door.
-Remember that Lime I told you about? Here it is! Please skip this section if you're below 18-
Holondil was scared. "I thought you had questions for me," he said, sounding nervous. He missed the Daedric Sword he'd been forced to leave with Delphine.
"Oh, I have questions," the Ambassador said in a soft, seductive tone as she pulled her black gloves off and tossed them on the nearby bed. Her cape and robes soon joined them, revealing how thin and lithe her frame was. "Like what you see?" She asked, her hands moving to the hem of her shirt. Holondil didn't reply. How could he? He didn't know what to think. Nothing about the situation made sense to him, but as Elenwen quickly pulled her shirt off and tossed it carelessly on the bed, he realized something. She didn't have actual questions for him. She was trying to seduce him! This was only confirmed by Elenwen undoing the bra-like bindings and throwing them impatiently to the bed. The elven woman stood there somewhat shyly, baring her full, perky breasts. "L-like what you see?" She asked again, stuttering slightly. They were unblemished, with small, dark nipples that were already beginning to harden in anticipation.
For a moment, Holondil could only gape. "So, you had no actual questions for me," he said, still astonished by what he was seeing.
"Of course not," Elenwen said, feeling her confidence return as she walked toward Holondil, breasts jiggling slightly. "I know a good man when I see one, and you are certainly a good man." She shoved him onto the nearby bed, sat on his lap, and as she began to thrust her breasts in Holondil's face, she added in a lustful tone, "Do you know how many men would kill to be in your position right now, how many would pay obscene amounts to see me in this state? You are the luckiest-" There was a sharp knock on the door, interrupting the High Elven woman's sentence just before she could touch him. "Oh, for the love of the Eight, what is it?!" She asked, not bothering to disguise her irritation.
"I am terribly sorry, Ambassador," a male High Elven voice said on the other side of the door, "but the party is just about to begin."
Elenwen growled under her breath as she got off of Holondil and retrieved her bindings, wrapping up her breasts. "I'll be there in just a moment," she said, putting her shirt back on. "I'll be back later, Holondil," she said as she donned the caped robes. She paused to look herself over in the rather large mirror in her room, making sure that she was presentable, and not like she'd just been trying to seduce someone with her bare breasts. "We'll get to know each other even better then," she added with a seductive wink as she exited her quarters.
-The Lime has ended. It is safe for those below 18 to read the following portion of this chapter.-
Holondil had no intention of staying and waiting for the seductive High Elf. He had a mission to complete, and he realized quickly that, ironically, Elenwen had given him great help by inviting him into her Solar. If there was anywhere that the Thalmor Ambassador would store sensitive information she didn't want others to see, it would be in her Solar, quite possibly within her own bedroom. Briefly thanking whatever divine was responsible for the timely interruption, he began his search. After only a few minutes of searching, Holondil found what he was looking for: a chest hidden below the head of the bed, with three official-looking manuscripts: one for Delphine, one for Esbern, and, curiously, one for Ulfric Stormcloak. Not caring about the Stormcloak papers, Holondil looked at the papers for Esbern. They read as follows:
"Status: Fugitive (Capture Only), Highest Priority, Emissary Level Approval
Description: Male, Nord, late 70s
Background: Esbern was one of the Blades loremasters prior to the First War Against the Empire. He was not a field agent, but is believed to have been behind some of the most damaging operations carried out by the Blades during the pre-war years, including the Falinesti Incident and the breach of the Blue River Prison. His file had remained dormant for many years, an inexcusable error on the part of my predecessor (who has been called to Alinor for punishment and reeducation), in the erroneous belief that he was unlikely to pose a threat due to his advanced age and lack of field experience. A salutary reminder to all operational levels that no Blades agent should be considered low priority for any reason. All are to be found and justice exacted upon them.
Operational Notes: As we are still in the dark as to the cause and meaning of the return of the dragons, I have made capturing Esbern our top priority, as he is known to be one of the experts in the dragonlore of the Blades. Regrettably, we have yet to match their expertise on the subject of dragons, which was derived from their Akaviri origins and is still far superior to our own (which remains largely theoretical). The archives of Cloud Ruler Temple, which is believed to have been the primary repository of the oldest Blades lore, were largely destroyed during the siege, and although great effort has been made to reconstruct what was lost, it now appears that most of the records related to the dragons were either removed or destroyed prior to our attack. Thus, Esbern remains our best opportunity to learn how and why the dragons have returned. It cannot be ruled out that the Blades themselves are somehow connected to the dragons' return.
We have recently obtained solid information that Esbern is still alive and hiding somewhere in Riften. Interrogation of a possible eyewitness is on-going. We must proceed carefully to avoid Esbern becoming alerted to his danger. If he is indeed in Riften, he must not be given an opportunity to flee."
Holondil quickly put the papers back, taking time to take the 50 gold that had been hidden underneath the papers. He had what he'd been looking for, and there was little time to lose. He slowly made his way toward the door, which the irritated Ambassador had left unlocked. He moved as quickly and quietly as he could, making his way down the stairs. He had a feeling that he could make his way out of the ambassadorial compound that way, as long as he didn't run into any guards on the way.
-Meanwhile, in Aetherius-
"I have to say, I did not expect that from you. I thought you hated him."
"I may have, but that is in the past. He is the one chosen to fight the World-Eater. I cannot afford to be choosy about my allies, and neither can the other Divines."
-Back in Tamriel-
Holondil had been right. There was a torture facility, complete with cells, under Elenwen's Solar, and after a little bit of investigation, he found an exit that led into a cave that absolutely reeked of rotting flesh. In addition to this, Holondil found a prisoner in one of the cells. "I've told you already, I don't know anything else," the man groaned as he heard Holondil approach.
"Do I look like a High Elf to you?" Holondil asked, using a very poor imitation of the typical Thalmor accent.
The man looked up, and realized that whoever this guy was, he obviously wasn't with Elenwen. He had no tools for torture on his person or nearby. "Who are you?" He asked.
"I'm looking for someone," Holondil whispered, allowing his voice to revert to its normal timbre. "His name is Esbern. Tell me what you know, and I'll get you out of here."
"I don't know anything," the man protested, keeping his voice down. "I think there's an Esbern guy hiding out in Riften, but that's all I know. You've got to believe me!"
"I do believe you," Holondil said as he opened the cuffs, allowing the man to slump to the ground. "It's not much, but we had a deal. Now, come on. The quickest way out of here is the worst-smelling cave you'll ever find."
The man chuckled softly and replied, "It'll be much better than the whips they used to torment me." The two men went through the small opening into the wretched cave just as soon as a guard peered into the room. Seeing nothing amiss, the guard went back up the stairs, returning to her rounds. "I stand by my judgement," the man said to Holondil, even as the smell hit him. "This is not as bad as what they were doing to me."
Holondil nodded, and quickly motioned for the man to be quiet. He could hear some grunting and growling nearby. The half-elf poked his head around the bend in the cave to see a large chamber, a bridge of stone and ice going over a lower level. There was a frost troll on the lower level, which Holondil was not happy about. If he'd had even just his sword, he would be able to take the troll down with little effort, but he was unarmed, and he preferred his sword to magic. Motioning for the man to stay still, the half-elf edged toward the pit where the troll was, and when he was certain of his shot, he shot Flames from both hands, immolating the frost troll before it could attack. The beast taken care of, Holondil whispered, "Let's go."
The man came out of hiding and followed Holondil through the tunnel to the exit of the cave. Once the two were outside, the man said, "You didn't have to save me, but I'm glad you did. If you're ever in Riften and need anything from the Thieves' Guild, just mention you know me, Etienne."
Holondil nodded, and sprinted south to Solitude. From there, he grabbed a carriage to Whiterun. Because it was late, he went to his house, where Lydia was waiting. "Where have you been?!" Lydia asked sharply, sounding less like a Housecarl and more like an annoyed wife lecturing her husband.
"I would need a week to tell you," Holondil replied, still confused about Lydia's attitude. "Did anyone come asking for me while I was out?"
Lydia frowned. "No, but there are some Alik'r in town asking for some Redguard woman," she said. "They left yesterday, and I am glad for it. I don't hate Redguard people, but I don't trust these people."
Holondil nodded, and retired for the night. (What is up with that woman?) He wondered about Lydia. He could understand battles, death, and Daedra, but he didn't understand women at all, possibly due to the lack of women present in his early life. The next day, Holondil rose before the sun, which had just begun to rise by the time he arrived in Riverwood. He entered the Sleeping Giant Inn and promptly went to the room with the entrance to the hidden room. He was not surprised to see Delphine standing behind the table, dressed in full armor. "The Thalmor know less about the Dragon problem than we do," the half-elf stated.
Delphine gave a rueful chuckle. "So, neither side understands the problem and blames the other for it," she said. "So, did you see anything else?"
Holondil nodded, his face flushing momentarily as his mind turned to the strip show the Thalmor Ambassador attempted to give him. "The Thalmor seem to think that there is an Esbern hiding in Riften," he replied.
"What?!" Delphine asked, shocked. "I thought the Thalmor had gotten him already. That crazy old man…"
"Why would the Thalmor want to capture Esbern?" Holondil asked, curious.
"Besides wanting to capture every Blade they can get their hands on?" Delphine asked sarcastically. "Esbern was one of the head loremasters in the Blades. If there's anyone who knows about the dragons, it's him." The middle-aged blonde paced back and forward, face drawn in thought. "Hmm… If I were Esbern, I'd hide in the Ratway. It's not going to be easy to get there. That area's controlled by the Thieves' Guild. It won't be easy to get in."
"Oh, I'm aware of the Guild problem, and I am working on a solution," Holondil replied calmly, earning a confused look from Delphine. "Let me worry about the specifics," he assured her, "but I will need my armor for that."
Delphine nodded toward a chest next to her. "Your armor and weapons are in that chest. I'll give you some privacy," she said, walking up the steps to the room. Holondil wasted no time in getting the fancy clothes off and putting his Orcish Armor back on. He hated the fancy clothes, and he now felt like he had an actual chance in a fight. Once he was fully dressed, the half-elf made his way to the room, where Delphine was waiting. "Once you find him, ask him where he was the 30th of Frostfall," she said. "He'll be reasonably paranoid, but if you tell him that, he'll know he can trust you." Holondil nodded and made his way back toward Whiterun, and to his destiny…
Terribly sorry it took me so long to make another chapter. I hope you didn't mind the lime. I'd like to thank ninja of fallen Sakura for giving me the idea to have Elenwen give Holondil a strip show. I will not be putting any lemons in this fanfic. If there are any lemons to be had at all, they will be in their own fanfic, but that is unlikely. Read and review, please. It helps me figure out how to improve the fanfic.
