Chapter 10 : Festival of Hearts

Morndas 16th day in Sun's Dawn, 4E 204

"Wake up."

She grumbled. Someone was calling out her name. She tossed to the other side of the bed. No use. It didn't budge. A voice was still trying to wake her up. After a few more attempts, he sighed. It was an uneventful pause, but he slightly shook her. When that sensation occurred, Elsa suddenly flashed her eyes open. An intruder maybe? No, the voice was too familiar. She can't recall where that voice came from, but it was doubtfully a thief. She slowly turned over to the bed, facing the room this time.

She saw a person with red hair. It was all a blur since she was just waking up. But she knows who he is. She threw the straw pillow to him.

"H-hey…" He chuckled slightly, while ducking for cover, evading the almost fatal shot to the head.

Damn it. I'm not even dressed.

She was only wearing a blouse and cotton pants, typical clothing when she was sleeping casually. He always visited her during the early hours of the morning. Ever since that incident at Soljund's, he's been coming to check on Elsa's condition. Jouane, a medical expert, insisted her on staying for a few days in bed due to severe exhaustion. Her report about collapsing while healing Erik confirmed his theory: She did not notice her mana wading, and still continued using magic; Up to the point that she used a part of her life force in order to keep going. This was a rare syndrome amongst mages. Usually, mages feel tired when they overexert themselves in combat. In a rare situation, a mage may not feel fatigued at all. But in the long run, they collapse into exhaustion. Some lingering effects may still be felt if one used magic after the trauma, so it was wise that one should rest and should completely be devoid of using magic at all.

Of course, she wasn't happy at all when she learned about her condition. That mighty roar of the draugr rendered her bones almost broken and might have triggered the exhaustion trauma. Her sessions of her healing process were a very slow one. Drinking nasty tasting potions, wrapping her body with bandages, it was like the bandit situation all over again.

She could walk around town but not without any supervision. Erik volunteered to look out for Elsa. Going out of Rorikstead was a bad idea up this point, so they go for leisurely strolls around the farmlands which becomes a part of her exercise routine in her road to recovery.

"So, what are we gonna do today?" She got up very slowly. She was shaking a bit, Erik held out a hand. She wanted to decline, thinking she could do it on her own, but her feet couldn't say no.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

"Uhmm…" Elsa said. Her face was blushing a bit. She was facing at her robes on the dresser.

"Ah. Sorry."

Without a moment's notice, Erik left the room. He leaned back at the door, waiting for her to get dressed. He had his arms and legs crossed as he patiently waits.

"What day is it today?" Elsa's voice was muffled because of the closed walls. There was a rumbling noise in the room. He wondered what woman could make a ruckus inside a room while getting dressed. That's Elsa for her.

"It's the sixteenth."

Elsa was putting her robes on which proved some difficulty from time to time. First she had to tuck in all her inner tunic (including the long sleeves) together then the robe itself. After that is the mantle around her neck. She then wore her boots. Then she wrapped the belt strap to finish everything off. There was dirt on the lower regions of her garment. She tried to wipe some off, only cleaning it a little.

Ah, that was tedious. She let out a brief sigh.

Erik noticed the pause inside the room. He stood tall again and faced the door. He knocked.

"Are you done?"

The door opened. His face was the first thing she caught eye on. She was all prepped up; her hair was arranged neatly as it dropped to her shoulders. Her Nord skin was glistening as ever.

"You look… beautiful." He finally uttered.

What? She thought. She began to chuckle to think if it was a joke. Her hand nobly covered her mouth in an urge to resist laughing.

"I dress like this almost all the time. What nonsense is circling in your head?"

She thought that he may be flirting with her a bit. In a game of courtship, one often should rain the partner with overwhelming compliments and nice gestures in order to win the partner's heart. She noticed he's been staring a lot at her. She didn't mind at first, but the growing days his heartwarming stares of his green eyes started to attract her as well.

"Ah, sorry to have offended you. Shall we prepare for the festival's celebration? There'll be lots of waywards visiting by nightfall."

"Festival?" She wondered. She never went to any yearly festivities because she hardly ever encountered them. Either she was on a middle of a journey that she can't celebrate it, or she was too busy studying to ever be reminded by it. This is also the reason she never knew any festivities to begin with. She only knew one, but she knew it had already passed. Back when she was at Morrowind, she always celebrated the event with her parents. It always partakes on the first day of the new year, symbolizing a clean slate of everything you've done in the past, making it up in the present and planning ahead on the future.

"Certainly it's not New Life's." She continued. New Life's festival was celebrated a month ago. And the reason why she didn't celebrate it was because of the latter problem she mentioned. She was in the College that time, thus she was unable to go to the town due to her insane amount of paperwork and duties.

"It's Hearts Day. I think this year, we're going to host it in all of Whiterun Hold."

Did you really mean Hearts Day? She thought. A day for the lovers? It's very uneventful. Her thoughts swirled around her head as it began to clear up all the questions.

So this is what he's up to. She figured. Hearts Day: A lover's festival. Something he might take a chance in order for him to win her heart. Of course, she loved the idea of it all, and she wanted to do something special for Erik too.

"I think it's a celebration for Septim's mother and her lover. Legends say that two lovers will bring springtime in Tamriel again." He continued.

"So this is…" She said. It was all too clear what his motives were. She just wanted to confirm the idea he was formulating.

"If you want it so, then yes." His gaze locked into hers, never looking away.

"Ahh.." Her face blushed and looked away. She was a hopeless romantic. Even if she was the most prominent wizard of all, she is still a young woman. She couldn't resist any form of courtship especially to a man whose has a distinguished face and strong build. Even though he was a farmer, so what? In any event, she could live a life of peace from it all.

She was… starting to fall in love again.

From all her thoughts, Erik's index finger tilted her chin towards him. He almost flexed and leaned towards her face, but he stretched back the moment she hesitated. He raised a brow in question of the situation, but then he just smiled nonchalantly.

"I want to prove myself to you." His emerald green eyes stared to her very soul. It was all too attracting. His hand then reached for hers. "Come, let's prepare for tonight's celebration." He then smiled.

"O-okay." Her face was really stammered. He dragged her the same way as she dragged him going to Soljund's.

"H-hey wait—" She almost started to laugh at the thought of role reversal.

It was already afternoon by the time the townsfolk finished setting up the almost aesthetical decorations. Civilians from almost all the corners of Whiterun Hold were there to celebrate the festival. The roads were teeming with merchants that settled with straw or leather mats and bystanders which were particularly busy with their own stuff. The town was bustling with random noises like the shouting of traders and people conversing with each other. It was almost like a big town if one should look at it. The whole land of Rorikstead wasn't able to accommodate all the visitors they had. Some of them were already settling beyond the houses. The number of guards had increased due to the situation and were on high alert to make sure that no simple bandit raid will disrupt the festivities...Well, only something worse could.

Elsa and Erik were together, which means having some of the discounts and all the other perks the merchants gave to couples. Not like they really were one. But who couldn't refuse such an offer given to them? They were looking at bands and necklaces a certain trader-priest was selling. He said he ventured way over Riften in order to help the orphans in their town. He was selling all kinds of blessed trinkets and oddities, even amulets of the Divines. There were Akatosh's, Dibella's, even Talos'.

One of which piqued his interest. It was a copper-ornated pendant with a bright blue gem stud on the center...

"Erik! Come here!" To his surprise, he looked over his shoulder to see that she was gone. Elsa was already over by the trader who was selling books. She gestured to have a look-see on the books and tomes that the Redguard was selling. He seemed hesitant at first, because he was tempted to buy some of the bands from the trader-priest.

"I'll be right there. I'm just looking for something good to buy."

Elsa's eyes were glistening almost like a twinkling star when she saw an abundance of books piled up in the table. There were at least thirty books that are waiting for Elsa's eyes to read.

"Ah. Beggar Prince! Oh look what's this? Oh goodness, is this the Yellow Book of Riddles? Ah, and Barenziah's book!"

She was muttering every title and completely delved into every book she wanted to buy. Alas, she left her satchel hidden in one of the safe Mralki offered from Rorik for safekeeping all the villager's possessions. She didn't have much septims to spare so she bought only two books. One of which is entitled The Beggar Prince. The other is The Legend of Red Eagle. All of which are very good books to read in her pastime.

"Oh, books eh?" Erik appeared right behind her shoulder.

"Yes, there are training books here too." She pointed at one of the stacks in the table.

"Is there anything that helps me with the bow?"

She leaned in closer to the book pile and rummaged through it. She saw a particular book with a blue cover. It was musty and it looked it hasn't even been touched for decades. She handed the book over to him.

"It's entitled: The Marksmanship Lesson. Read it. I think you'll learn something there. It's also a bit costly than all the other books."

He checked the price. It was hefty, but he can still afford it.

"All right. Here."

After the trade they both strolled along the path, checking for everything they've bought and then putting everything on Erik's bag that was strapped on his back. Elsa was quietly humming a tune. Something Erik wouldn't ever dare to stop as he tried to listen to it.

"So, what did you bought instead of the book?" She stopped her humming as she opened up a conversation. It was quite saddening for Erik, but at least there's something to chat about.

"Ah. Well… Only this." He put out his hand and showed her a plain silver ring attached in his pointing finger. "I wonder if you can tell me its properties."

"Okay. Let me take a look." She took his hand and observed at the ring very carefully. His hands were slightly heavier than she would have imagined. She took notice of the blush Erik made when she held his hand. Hers was very smooth, almost gliding across as she swayed back and forth, his was rough, the ultimate opposite of what she had and the cause of it was the hard labor he'd done ever since he was a teenager.

"Oh, it's a good one. It helps you avoid common sickness, like fever or rockjoints. Though, I doubt a healthy man like you need it." She said, which made Erik chuckle.

"You're never too careful." They both laughed, somehow embarrassed but happy at the same time. After the last breath huffed, they looked up at the sky and noticed the sun is setting. Their leisurely walk stopped.

"It's almost nightfall. We better head back." Erik said.

"Okay, sure."

That night, everyone gathered near the bonfire. Normally, there were tables with mugs and ales spread all throughout the open. Everyone was enjoying their time in the festival, and it brought a good mood. The townsfolk were merrily clapping as partners were hopping and dancing the night away. It was a simple folk dance, consisting of four step squares as the partners faced sideways to each other. Some dances were fast and some were slow, depending on the tune of the bard's lyre. Erik and Elsa sat next to each other on the ground, not minding the dirt they'll receive later. They were spectating random people who were having the time of their lives. Gallivanting as the folks were, he thought of a crazy idea. He stood up to the ground and held out a hand.

"What are you doing?" Her tone became solid and stiff. Oh, the role reversal will be going downhill from now on. She became puzzled, although she already knows the idea of what they'll do; the feeling just didn't sink into her yet. No, no. No. I can't do this. She was too embarrassed. Her eyes dimmed as she thought of the utter horror of her immensely bad dancing.

"Trust me on this." He gave a sly smile as he quickly grabbed Elsa's hand. His strength undermines her resistance and she was immediately swooped from her seat.

"Oh Divines, I don't dance!" Her face started to blush as some of the people already noticed that they were about to do something explicitly awkward. Erik, on the other hand, did not pay heed of her denial of the situation. He is a shameless fool. She had no choice but to willingly accept. Erik went to the bard and whispered something to him, stopping his chorus. He then gave him a couple of septims and went back to Elsa.

They positioned themselves on the edge of the crowd, standing sideways to each other. Their hands both touched their palms as they wait for the next tune to be strung. Still, some of the villagers took notice of them, like Jouane and Ennis. Elsa took a quick glance to every stranger looking.

"I think I'm going to regret this…" She whispered to him. She was about to puke all her guts out until the bard's lyre struck a low chord. It was a slow song. The melody wasn't too lively but it was inviting. It somehow attracted the attention of all the bystanders, which made her all the queasier. Everyone's hands also touched the palms of their partners. She had heard this tune before; it was a common courtship dance she used to hear whenever she's at a random inn. Sometimes, couples who stayed at the inn do this dance whenever bards play it.

When the appropriate chord was struck, they started dancing. Erik moved effortlessly as they circled around each other. Elsa, on the other hand, wobbled like a horker desperately trying to get to sea. From time to time, she stepped on his foot which made him groan in pain. She apologized every time she did it. Mostly, Erik saved her from tripping and did most of the dancing for her. Even though she was bad at it, she enjoyed the time she spent with him. As their eyes were glued to each other, time slowed down as they hopped, skipped and clapped at the sound of the music. No sooner than later the slow beat became faster and merrier, just as the song's supposed to be. They laughed and chuckled as the song became livelier.

"You're getting good at this." Erik implied. She barely noticed, but it was true. Only a few minutes of dancing, she hardly tripped nor wobbled. She was dancing gracefully. Her hands and feet flowed like air. She was a quick learner. Eventually people started to take notice of her. Too bad I'm already taken as she would greedily say. Elsa was enjoying herself to take heed of the matter. She smiled as she glanced at her partner. He was doing very well all on his own.

As the tune was finally about to end, they closed in on each other. He was holding her hip and she wrapped her arms in his shoulders. Her heartbeat started pumping faster as her eyes were glued to his and him the same way back. She was completely under a spell. Not really a spell of books and dusty tomes, but it was a different kind. And she felt good. He slowly leaned in; she accepted the invitation as she placed a hand on his cheek. Their lips were almost inches away from each other until her senses started to get tense. She was hearing a lot of voices from the crowd. The song started to get louder and louder. As the loudest tune struck to end the song, her hand jolted and pulled away from his face. The sparking moment faded and he leaned back again. He still smiled at her even though a kiss was never made.

Oh stupid, stupid, stupid! Her thoughts formed around her head. She was all happy on the outside, but inside it struck her like a lightning bolt. It was maddening to not feel those lips she wanted to have. At first, it was all on curiosity. She had been feeling this all day with him. Now, with everything that had happened, she wanted to know. But alas, she was afraid to fall to the hook first.

As their hands were almost about to part, Erik's hands held strong on hers. It was a tightening grip almost to a point of greedy possession.

"I have one last thing to do for you before we end this day." He smiled.

"What is it?"

"It's a secret. Come. You'll see." He gently pulled her hand again for another excursion. Right now, he was the one leading the way; Elsa followed whatever he planned, not doubting him for any second. Oh, the irony it felt! For a day, he was the one doing all the work and planning to woo her. She fell for everything nonetheless.

There were busybodies everywhere. As Elsa noticed, he was taking her to the outskirts of the town, were lesser people gathered. His pacing started to get a bit faster than usual. It was until she bumped to someone that made them stop for a moment.

"Oh, sorry." She was supposed to look mid-level, but the person was slightly taller so she had to look up. When he turned his face, she stared in awe. His face had seen so many battles that it left a lot of scars, most notably a scar that slid diagonally from his left eye to his right cheek. His hair was brown; it's length only reaching his neck. Though for a big person, his stature was also at a paralyzed state, 'till suddenly he lowered himself for proper courtesy.

"No, it was my fault entirely." He said with greatest of humility, like a paladin she hears in folktales from time to time. He left urgently, not saying a word anymore. Something… was different from him. Her brain snapped to consciousness as Erik's voice came calling out to her.

"Elsa, come. This way." He smiled as he held out his hand again.

"Sorry, I was just lost in thought." They were hiking along the road leading away from the town. "Your father will worry if we go further."

"We're almost close, besides there are guards positioned here since some people visit this area too." He replied.

"Why on Tamriel for?"

"That." He pointed towards the horizon. It was a towering mountain that she sees so very often. According to her maps, it was located almost at the center of Skyrim. Legends were told that the Dragonborn and Ulfric Stormcloak, the Traitor King, trained in the halls of High Hrothgar that was situated on top of that mountain. There were also stories pertaining to series of tests about faith and will that people undergo to climb that mountain. She found it somehow exciting and wondered if she could visit it someday. What really attracted her attention was the beam of light waving back and forth at the tip of the mountain. It was a majestic sight to behold. Even if the mountain was very far away, you can see the whole horizon almost colorful with lights and stars in the sky.

They managed to sit at an open spot were not many partners gathered. They soloed a small hilltop with a big tree that shaded them from the moonlight. Elsa's magelight (which was the only thing Jouane allowed her to cast during her healing treatment) made them see their surroundings a bit since it was far too dark to travel. Also, carrying torchlight will arouse suspicion from the townspeople so it was ill-advised to do so.

"How beautiful." Elsa said while gazing.

"Just like you are." He said. Elsa looked at Erik who was grinning at her.

"Stop joki-" She was about to smack his shoulder but his other hand managed to catch hers. He pulled her roughly and planted a kiss on her lips. Her eyes were wide open with shock but slowly closed it to feel the intimacy. His lips tasted sweet like Juniper Berries, the one that they ate before coming to the bonfire. Her body weakened as he caressed one of his hands on her cheek.

"My heart went mad when you denied me two times. I will not be denied the third."

Her face darkened. If anything but a surprise kiss, she would've been ready. She didn't know how to react and only just stared blankly. He brought her chin up.

"I just wanted you to know that I love you, and I will continue doing so." He said. "You don't have to say anything yet if it will lighten your mood."

Of course she loved him. With everything they did for the past couple of weeks, who in the right mind wouldn't? She wanted to say it too.

"I love you too."

He placed her head on his chest. She felt the throbbing heartbeat as she slowly closed her eyes for a doze. He smelled of newly harvested wheat, maybe that's how farmers smell all the time. She cuddled her arms together and she slept. It was a good half-hour until the magelight began to fade-out. Erik's arms were wrapped around Elsa.

"Hey, time to wake up." He patted her softly.

It was short nap, but a good one at that. She felt the warmth of his body emanating from him. It made her feel relaxed. On the actuality, she dozed off far faster than her usual sleeping routine.

"The townsfolk will begin to wonder about us." He continued.

"Okay. Let's go." She smiled.

She will never forget about this day.