The sun rises over the castle, sending the entire foundation glittering and filling every chamber and hallway with its golden light.
It floods into Libby's chambers, the windows and balcony doors the primary source. It catches in Farkas' hair and makes it shine like polished bronze. His back muscles expand and contract as he breathes.
Propped up on one elbow, Libby watches him sleep. A smile that won't go away makes her cheeks ache.
Farkas' bare torso is magnificently tanned from the summer sun despite being covered by his layers of armor and tunics. Perhaps he got it while sparring in the courtyards, or swimming in the Hold 'luxurious' lakes.
Scars of varying lengths are scattered across his back and shoulders – some of them slender and even, some of them thick and jagged. Libby had once learned that there was story behind scars. And Farkas' speak of a life spent training and battling . . . His body is a map of his adventures, or proof of what growing up as an assassin was like.
Libby extends out her hand to trace directly down Farkas' spine, down to the very dimples at the bottom. Her finger bumps across some of the scars and she can't help but feel the phantom pain of her own scars along her back. Whoever – whatever – gave Farkas these scars, they'd be sorry. Farkas' shoulders shrug slightly and he turns to his other side so he is facing Libby. The assassin bites back a giggle.
She doesn't want to see another scar added to this body, to this flesh. She'd slay the perpetrator before they even drew their sword. And then she thinks, what would happen once Libby's buys out her contract, and she's free to go?
The thought hits like a punch in the stomach. Would things still be, strong enough to work out? Would Farkas give up his title as a Companion to be with Libby? Would Kodlak or Vilkas even let him go? Yes – Kodlak would. But would Farkas take it?
And that brings up another painful memory and reminder: Can she finally be free? Can they be free, and . . . together?
Maybe she can actually start to think about the future. The day that she will finally lay down their daggers and swords and arrows. The day she can flee and live a life without worry of being hunted.
Live free . . . with Farkas.
As Libby brushes her fingertips along Farkas' hairline, the Companion's eyes flutter open, and when he finds Libby watching him, he gives the assassin a sleepy smile. Without thinking, Libby follows the sudden skip in her heartbeat and leans in, pressing her lips to Farkas' forehead.
Farkas pulls her down, wrapping an arm around Libby's bare hip – her nightgown got rolled up – and brushes his nose against Libby's hair, and he breathes her in deeply.
"I'm hoping this means we're not going for a run." Farkas purrs into her hair. His voice is deeper than normal, signaling that he is only half-awake, and thinking about anything but Libby leaving him for a three mile run in the morning chill.
Libby giggles again and tilts her head to kiss Farkas' chin. This draws enough of a response that Farkas angles his head down to kiss back before pressing his lips into Libby's forehead and sighing again.
"I am, however, going to go into town soon. I want some new weapons, and a cloak for the oncoming weather." Libby says. Really, she could just be quiet, but something about annoying Farkas while half-asleep is oddly amusing . . . and, cute.
She feels Farkas' lips smile and look down at her. They kiss again and Libby smiles.
"So, does this mean that . . . you're mine?"
Farkas traces his finger around her hairline, down her cheek. "I've wanted to be yours since I first saw you. Or well, out of costume I guess." He grins.
Libby smiles back. "And you're sure?"
Farkas adjusts himself, propping himself up on his arm. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life."
"How can you be? I mean, after everything I've done, our battles, my reputation . . ."
"Because I got to see who you are." Libby's heart bumps into her throat as Farkas stares at her. "If you hadn't opened up, or if I hadn't seen who you really are, I'm afraid to say things wouldn't be the same."
Despite the small sadness in her chest, Libby smiles. "I think I can fairly say that you've barely scraped the surface of who I am, my dear Companion." she shifts forward and kisses just below Farkas' jawline.
"Well, I guess that's a small journey I can take for myself." Libby giggles again and the two kiss, slow enough to make Libby curl her toes. Farkas shifts to his back, his arm wrapped around Libby, his fingers tickling her shoulder. "Oh, before I forget, Kodlak wanted to speak with the Companions today at noon."
"Why?"
"I'm assuming to has something to do with the upcoming Julmas Ball." Farkas says, his world slurring as he yawns.
"A ball!" Libby exclaims. "How exciting!"
Farkas frowns. "I wouldn't get too excited, you're not allowed to go."
"What? Why?"
"It's nothing special, really. It's just a ball the Jarl hosts every Evening Star's holiday. And I think you know why you can't go."
"But I'm a member of the Companions now, I thought they have trusted me by now."
"Be grateful you can't go. Usually when we're invited we don't even get to have any fun. We're just stuck on guard duty."
Libby pouts, but then the thought occurs to her: she could possibly use this time to stock up on her research of the supposed rebels in the Hold. Despite her wanting to see everyone in luscious gowns, and seeing Nassari in a wondrous attire as well, she doubts the princess will even be there since the news of those Khajiit rebels is still fresh in her mind.
"How's the princess?" Farkas asks, as if he had read her mind.
"I don't know," Libby sighs. "I haven't spoken to her since she appeared in Jorrvaskr. I thought she'd want some space. Perhaps I'll check on her after the ball."
Farkas' hand moves to pet her head and Libby smiles as she stares at the Companion. There's a knock at her door and Libby straightens up and calls them to come in. A couple of her servants come in, breakfast trays already in hand. Libby smiles and Farkas adjusts himself under the sheets, crossing his legs.
The servants set the trays on the bed and bow before leaving. Farkas first goes for the small stack of pancakes, stabbing the tip of the knife in the middle. "It's times like this that I praise the pay you earn as an assassin."
"Is that a compliment? Libby smiles.
"More of an admiration. And at least you don't fight over food like everyone else." Farkas says and he stabs his fork into one of the sausages over on her tray. He takes it and pops it into his mouth before she can stop him.
"You brazen thief!" Libby says as she shoves Farkas' arm away too late.
The Companion merely finishes chewing before winking at the assassin. Libby can only giggle along with him as she takes a sip from her orange juice.
Later that afternoon, Libby and Farkas walk together into Jorrvaskr, Farkas leaving her to head down and dress into his armor. The Companions are all gathered in the main hall, signaling Kodlak is going to begin his lecture soon. Libby spots Diamond sitting in the lower level corner, looking rather . . . upset. No one else is around her, her only company being the mug in her hand.
Looking around the rest of the hall, Libby bites her bottom lip and approaches the blonde Companion. She looks rather nice, dressed in another pale pink tunic with lace on the cuffs of the sleeves and along the hem. Her hair is in loose waves, tucked behind her ear.
Her eyes look up as Libby approaches, but the assassin stands her ground. "Hey, what's wrong?"
Diamond stares at her, her eyes looking rather fatigued. They trail up and down Libby before meeting her own again. "Just thinking too much."
"I see." Libby says, nervously fidgeting with her nails. "Something you want to talk about?"
"Not with you." Diamond says, taking another swig of her mug. It didn't hold the venom that Libby is used to. But before she has the chance to continue, Diamond sets her mug on the table and gets up. "But, thanks." It's the only thing she gives before she walks past Libby and towards the table.
Libby turns and watches her as she walks past the table and heading towards the living quarters. She passes Farkas coming up the steps, now dressed in his usual armor once more. Libby simply sighs through her nose and takes an empty seat at the table. Farkas comes up to her, tracing his hand along her shoulders. Libby meets his hand and Farkas sits down next to her.
Diamond returns shortly with Kodlak and the warriors gather around as always. Vilas enters the room, and Libby can sense Farkas stiffening. They lace their fingers under the table and Libby gives them a reassuring squeeze.
"Good afternoon everyone. Now, I presume you've each gained a rough assumption of why were are all here today. As annually, Jarl Balgruuf is hosting a ball on Julmas and we are to attend. Now I know you are all used to guard duty, but I would like to take a different approach to our line of duty today."
Several of the female Companions eyes brighten at Kodlak's words, a couple of the males resting their cheeks on the back of their hands, intrigued.
"I would like some volunteers to go and actually dress appropriately as a test to going undercover. I want to see if it heed better results."
"Results of what?" Libby asks.
"If ever the Jarl or his guests are targeted." Kodlak says. "And I'm afraid, Libitania, that this one of the few occasions where I must say you must stay home this time."
Libby simply shrugs her shoulders. "I should've seen it coming. Kinship only stretches so far."
"Now," Kodlak smiles and claps his hands. "who would like to be our volunteers."
Ria immediately raises up her hand, smiling ear to ear. Torvar is next, smiling smugly, possibly thinking about all of the mead and ale he'll be free to taste as a guest. And then Diamond raises her hand, her expression blank, but the tiniest glint of excitement in her eyes.
"Alright, if there are no more volunteers, then I would like each of your to go and well, shop. There's a couple of shops that sell decent clothing. Also, Libby ad Diamond, before I forget, your missions to Glenmoril Coven will be delayed due to this. I'll let you know when I'm ready to reassign it to you."
Libby can't say she was disappointed. He can delay the mission to the witches all he wants. And a childlike giddiness bubbles in Libby's breast as she thinks about taking Diamond shopping. Of course no one asks Kodlak if he is lending any coin, because hopefully the business of the Companions is enough for decent shop keepers to lower the price dramatically.
"Now the party is tomorrow, so I recommend you start your shopping now. Be safe."
When Kodlak heads dismisses the Companions, Libby smiles as Ria hops her way over to her and Farkas. "This is so exciting. We actually get to enjoy ourselves at the party."
"Don't forget we're still on guard duty. Even if we're dressed like the company." Farkas says.
"Oh, yes of course. I'm just so excited. I haven't worn a gown in . . . gods, I don't know how long." Ria smiles. "Not all of us can enjoy the softness of a gown like you, Libitania."
Libby smiles. "I wouldn't say they're comfier than armor. Those corsets crush my ribs."
"Why don't you come with us, Libitania?" Ria asks. "It's obvious you know more than one thing when it comes to dressing of high standards."
Libby smiles, trying to resists giggling with glee as she feels Farkas rub her thigh. "I would love that, Ria. Thank you."
The Companion smiles brightly and nods her head before she excuses herself to go and fetch her coin purse. Libby pats Farkas' knee and the two share a brief kiss before Libby get sup from her seat. As she takes her cloak, she accidentally picks up a pink one as well. It drops to the floor and as she's about to pick it up, another hand already takes it. The hand was more colored than Libby's her, the assassin briefly disappointed she hasn't gained any color despite her times outside. Libby looks and finds Diamond already wrapping the cloak around her shoulders. She only casts a glance at Libby as she clasps it securely.
The assassin doesn't say much as she secures her own clasp and pulls her hood over her head. Farkas comes up and takes her hand, Ria coming up from the living quarters with her coin purse secure. Torvar finishes his last goblet of mead and meets the rest of them. So it's Diamond, Ria, and Torvar. Then the rest of the Compaions will be going normally and on guard duty.
Vilkas comes up the steps and Farkas gives him a questionable look, but not letting go of Libby's hand. "Vilkas, you're coming with? I thought you weren't going to dress up."
"Doesn't mean I can't come along."
"It does." Farkas bluntly says. "We can discuss it later."
Then even Libby is caught off guard when Farkas leans in and kisses her cheek. She can only spare Vilkas a short look before Farkas pulls her through the front doors. Everyone files out after and they make their way down to the shopping area of the Cloud District. Immediately Libby spots her favorite stores within a forty yard distance. Oh how she loved this avenue, where all the fine things in the world re sold and bartered! Jewelers, hatters, clothiers, cobblers . . . the glass storefronts a preview of the wondrous clothes and things they hold.
Each window displays dresses and tunics, which stand proudly behind lines of sparkling jewels and broad-rimmed hats clumped together like bouquets of flowers.
While Diamond and Ria walk ahead, gazing at the different clothing gleaming in the windows, Libby wraps her hands around Farkas' arm, well aware of Vilkas behind them with Torvar.
"Oh this is so exciting. I've never shopped for a dress before." Ria exclaims excitingly.
"You're joking." Libby says.
Ria turns around, her smile wide from cheek to cheek. "Unfortunately I am. The last time I wore a dress, I was just a little girl. And once I joined the Companions, wearing dresses and fine tunics seemed, odd."
Diamond smiles, turning her head towards the storefront of one shop with a stunning pink gown on a headless mannequin. Accompanied by jewels and glittering shoes, it was eye-catching. Libby tilts her head as she stares at Diamond, then Ria suddenly speaks.
"So, you've never shopped before?" Libby asks.
"Well, no I have shopped. All of us have. It just hasn't been for clothing." Ria nervously laughs.
"You might need more help than I thought." Libby smiles.
"Hey, we might be warriors," Torvar interjects. "But we still know how to present ourselves."
"I might have to argue against that." Libby says as she notices the bottle of mead strapped to his waist.
"Well, why don't you take us to one of your stores, Libby? I'd love to see the places you shop." Ria suggests.
"Are you sure?"
"Why not?"
"Well, it's just . . . the places I go to . . ." how exactly is she supposed to say this without offending them – if she can at all. "They're very . . . refined."
"What are you saying, assassin?" Vilkas says behind her.
For a moment, her heart thunders with nervousness – until she feels Farkas' hand on her lower back. "You're just worried we might be too, dirty for them?"
Libby bites her bottom lip. "They're usually fine with me, but that's because they know better."
"I doubt they would belittle The Companions." Farkas smiles.
Libby tries her best to smile back. "Um, you'd be surprised. Their confidence borderlines stupidity. The only way I got them to even listen to me at all was through intimidation – if you know what I mean."
A part of Libby still wonders if that one woman whose eye she stabbed out is still working there. The women of the shop were the typical snot-nosed wretches who look down upon others who don't meet their stature. Even though Libby isn't one for violence by means of cooperation, she has a very short fuse for spoiled bitches. She was seventeen at the time, and Vex had taken Libby to the shop to look for dresses for a party she was supposed to infiltrate.
The women had greeted her, took one look at her attire (not her Guild uniform) and laughed. They immediately began with the insults and annoying cackling that makes Libby grate her teeth. It took Libby stabbing and slashing at two employees for the women to shut up and cower before her. They certainly changed their tune when they realized who exactly she was – Libitania Desidenius, Skyrim's most notorious assassin. Thankfully with Vex being her partner there, she didn't say a word to Brynjolf about what transpired. Libby had to admit, she still loved the way the women cowered and begged for her forgiveness and mercy.
"But I'm sure they're better by now." she quickly follows. From what she remembers, there's a new owners there of who Libby got acquainted with right away, and this time she didn't even need to draw her dagger.
"I'm sure we can take it. Besides, once they see that we're with you, they'll change their tune." Ria says.
Libby smiles and breaks away from Farkas to stand at the front of the group. She's level with Diamond who still has her hands tucked into her pockets, her expression cool. "Okay, I would be more than happy to take you to my favorite emporium. But first things first: we need to get you all cleaned up."
Each Companion but Farkas looks at themselves, and before the questions can begin, Libby takes Farkas' hand and takes the lead of the group. Thankfully, with an excited Ria tugging along Diamond, the rest follow without much complaints. But there are some eyes rolled.
When they finally reach the Libby's preferred beauty shop, the moment she walks through the door, the shop fills with squeals of excitement. The workers all spread word of Libby arriving and almost immediately, one closes the shop door and flips the sign to signify they are closed.
Apparently, Libby is important enough to rent out the entire shop. Diamond steps closer to Ria as she beholds the flamboyant trio of stylists that brush kisses with Libby as well. She nearly cowers behind Ria when Libby introduces them.
The three stylists look to her, eyes widening, smiles broadening and hands fanning themselves from the excitement. Someone from behind, possibly Torvar, pushes Diamond forward and she stumbles into the throng of colorful hair and long, fake nails. Diamond nearly snarls when the nails pinch her cheeks and ruffle her hair and feel her arms.
"Oh my goodness gracious, feel her muscles!" says one plump woman dressed in a gown of cobalt and peach. Her hair is short and pulled back by a red headband and falls in a ponytail of ringlets.
"Never mind her muscles, would you look at her eyes! You could almost be related to my cousin! And she is a woman of fine taste, let me tell you." says another woman, this one lean and tall with her hair cut into a style that would suit a woodland pixie. A crown of flowers encircles her head, the white petals making her night black hair stand out even more.
"And this hair!" says the third, an older woman. Old enough to have wrinkled, knuckled hands and crow's feet by the corners of her eyes. Her hair is a pale grey, kept under control by a ruffled bonnet. "You can never find such gold except from the mineral or even the sun itself!"
Diamond forces herself to smile sweetly as she hears the snickers of the Companions; and when she turns her head, she finds Libby simply smiling. Then the women's attention is brought to Libby, and they immediately swarm to her like bees. Libby doesn't swat them off; instead, she gives her best smile and speaks to the women on why they're here.
"Ladies," she claps. The three women turn to her and stand tall like dogs. "I'm going to trust you with my friends. I don't want them completely different, just . . . presentable by royal standards."
"Of course, My Lady." Bows the plump woman. "You have nothing to worry about!"
"And what are you going to do?" Farkas asks.
"I'm leaving you in their capable hands. I'm not just going to be sitting on my ass while you're all pampered. I'll be back in time with some food, because this will take a while." says Libby. Farkas gives her a sly grin and goes up to her, kissing her for a moment before smiling.
With that, she whisks away with a quick wave and words of luck, leaving the Companions to the faithful servants. They are each swooped way into separate rooms, Diamond's nerves growing. She is swooped towards the back of the shop and literally stripped of all of her clothes.
"Hey –!" she's barely given time to protest before they throw a soft robe on her and a hand is guiding her deeper into the back of the shop.
"This way, please. Wouldn't want your relaxation to be tainted." The plump woman smiles.
She is guided by the women through a door and into a larger chamber she didn't think was a part of the shop. Inside, there's a small set of stairs that lead up to a large square tub with a trickling of water coming from the ceiling and bordered by cream tiles. The water of the tub is cloudy with an oil that nearly makes Diamond slip as she steps down into the tub. Around the tub are chair that are curved to be lying down with fluffy pillows and chair that surround the chairs. Lily flowers float on top, following the ripples of the water. Towels are hanging on the thick columns and some are wrapped in rolls stacked on top of one another.
The warmth of the water swallows her and they delicately place a neck pillow behind her head. As they let her body soak, two of the women nestle on either side of her and begin to file her nails into uniform shapes, and massage her hands with a lavender smelling lotion. Then the time comes for them to scrub down her body with a gritty foam.
They nearly scrub away not only dirt, three layers of her skin. Her back is given a deep tissue massage that nearly makes Diamond groan with pleasure, then they take a thin thread and begin shaping her eyebrows and trimming her gold hair. Her face is smeared with a green cream that smells of cucumber and melons, and slices of the cucumber are placed on her eyes. One of the women sets a retainer into her mouth filled with a cream that's supposed to make her teeth whiter. All the while, she can hear the music of a harpist in the background.
Had she known this kind of luxury existed – or that it was so close to her home, she would've come here sooner. But then, reality clicks, and then remembers that this place had to be extremely expensive. Of course, Libby can afford it. Her wealth seems bottomless to Diamond now. But she's not one to let something as good as this pass her by, so the Companion relaxes and allows the women to make her anew.
By the end of it, her skin feels tingling but smooth and she's greased down with a lotion that leaves her skin feeling like polished marble. She feels cleaner, she smells like a fresh fruit salad and it does feel as if all of the oils and dirt and grease has been extracted from her body.
Diamond stands there, completely naked as the three women step back and smile to each other. "Excellent!" says one.
"Gosh, you just keep getting more and more beautiful! I swear, you have such amazing muscles and still you have a wondrous form. Oh, how I would die to have that!" chimes another.
Diamond smiles sweetly again as they give her freshly cleaned clothes and escort her out to the main room. When they emerge, all heads turn to them, and Diamond must look as clean and refreshed as she feels, because everyone's eyes get bigger and Libby places her palms to her cheeks as she gazes in awe. Diamond looks to one of the mirrors of the hair stylists and is just as surprised.
She is now flushed with color, her eyes bright even though she can still see a clouded barrier inside them. And though she gained the weight, her face is leaner.
Vilkas is the first to approach her, and he smiles gently to Diamond. "You almost look human now."
Despite herself, Diamond smiles. He looks handsomer, everyone looks so much better. All cleaned and groomed and plucked and shaped anew. Their faces look smoother, their clothes are new and freshly pressed, and though she somehow misses the grime and dirt, she loves the sight of her clean and professionally trimmed nails.
"Beautiful." Libby's voice speaks. Diamond look to find the assassin seated in a wicker chair with peacock feathers fanning out like the tail of the bird itself. She rises from the seat and approaches the Companion. "You look, beautiful." She smiles.
Diamond slightly returns the smile and nods her head. After Libby pays and thanks the three women, they leave the beauty salon and follow Libby towards her favorite dress emporium.
The door creaked, and a belt of rusty bells clang as they entered the shop.
Inside, the musty air held an antique thickness, and the scent of perfume and freshly washed silk combined to make breathing a chore. The front room stretched before them long and wide, lined with rows of tall, sturdy manikins that posed with elegant dresses and gowns. Overhead in the chandelier, the tired light of torches burned a dull gold, adding little relief to the accumulated shadows.
Squeals erupt as the employees all rush to Libby and call towards their mistress to come and see. Again, one girl flips the sign so others think the shop is closed. Carefully, Diamond steps around a mound of bejeweled slippers near the door. The Companions moves between two sewing machines as they try to keep up with Libby.
Their gazes pass up and over the marked spines of countless dummies, every item categorized by its own number and date, and it made them feel almost as though they are walking through catacombs. When they reach the end, they peer around a three-way mirror to see a counter. Well, really, they see a lot of fabrics piled on top of something that at one time must have been a counter.
"Quite the organized set up." Diamond snickers.
"Trust me, they'll be fine." Ria assures.
Diamond has to jog two paces to keep up with Libby as she effortlessly weaves around the people and dummies. Then they come to an open area surrounded by more mannequins and swaths of silk. Up ahead, Libby is walking towards what has to be the owner of the shop.
The head mistress, a tall, gorgeous red-head dressed in a cerulean gown, approaches Libby with open arms and a genuine smile. She looks to be in her mid-thirties, and her lips are as red as a rose.
"Oh my goodness, my dear we have much to discuss." Says the woman, her hand sets on Libby's shoulder and Diamond can see long, scarlet nails. Libby smiles bashfully; she had to have known about Libby being sent to the mines. Practically all of Tamriel knew.
"Everyone, this is Red. She's the owner of the store." Libby introduces.
Red bows low, revealing her thick cleavage and spilling her cascade of red curls around her shoulders. "It is my honor to be hosting the Companions of Whiterun. But what brings you all to my shop?"
"Well," Libby says with slight excitement. "They are going to be attending Jarl Balgruuf's ball on Julmas, and they have been allowed to actually enjoy themselves."
Red gasps dramatically, setting a hand on her chest and forehead. "Oh, how marvelous! How I adore royal parties. The food, the music, the décor – and the chance to see the latest fashion trends." She says humorously.
"And you're going to be in charge of cleaning them up enough." Libby smiles.
"Oh, a challenge. Libitania, you don't disappoint." Red says with a hand on Libby's shoulder. The assassin laughs.
This woman had to be knew, because Diamond knew that if she was around while she and Libby were still friends, Libby would've brought Diamond here a long while back. This shop is by far her favorite, and that's just from seeing the dresses in the window. But no doubt it's probably the most expensive.
With a clap of her hands, Red has several girls around the group in seconds. "Ladies, we have a big order." She says. "Let's get these warriors set for the ball!" she turns to the Companions. "You all need more, suitable outfits, this is the place."
Farkas frowns. "What's wrong with our outfits?"
"Nothing. It's very . . . nice. It's just that if you wish to look presentable and with a little more style, we have some robes for you that'll be perfect. Come on!" Red claps her hands again and once more they are swooped in the arms of the girls, each taken to a separate part of the store.
As Diamond is being escorted past Libby, her arm reaches out and brushes Libby's hands, folded in front of her. The touch is brief but she feels a small spark – and Libby must feel it too, because she looks to the Companion surprised. But after a few heartbeats, she follows Diamond and her trio of kidnappers.
Diamond looks back, and her nerves rush as she sees a mischievous look on Libby's face.
Diamond's attendant – whose name is Kita, suggests Diamond wears a girdle so that they could try and find her fitted size. Why they couldn't just measure her the way she assumes they would, she doesn't know.
The thing itself was torturous.
Her newly acquired clothes are folded on a table with one drawer and a measuring tape rolled neatly next to a pincushion with multicolored pins poking out of it. Another is around Kita's neck.
Her hands grips a stool while the woman mercilessly pulls and tugs at the strings of the piece of clothing until Diamond could barely breathe. The rough linen threads scrape against her skin, digging so hard into her skin that she believes it is red and throbbing. She gasps and grunts into her teeth as Kita keeps tugging.
She always assumed she was thin from her eating, but apparently not as much as she thought; though she can't say she calls it a relief at the moment.
"If you're trying to cut off my circulation, you've succeeded!" she grits her teeth.
"I know, I'm sorry, but we need this if we want to take your measurements." Kita insists. "Not much longer I promise."
Diamond looks to Libby, the Companion's face moist with sweat. "You go through this?"
"Not all the time, but you get used to it." Libby answers nonchalantly. There's a tray of finger food next to her, and Libby takes a delicious looking piece of chocolate and pops it into her mouth.
"How?!" even when she was going under disguise for the Dark Brotherhood, she never went through torture like this! She's almost regretting volunteering for the ball.
Finally Kita tugs one last time and holds it. Diamond takes deep breathes, but her stomach can't even expand an inch with this restricting around her abdomen. Few beads of sweat bud on her temples and she tries to hold still as Kita helps her stand straight so that she takes the Companion's measurements.
"Hold your arms out." She instructs.
"I can't breathe." Diamond croaks.
"I know, just hold on." She says, her face placid.
Diamond decides to hold her breath; slowly exhaling and inhaling so that her breathing expands her shoulders than her stomach. Suddenly Kita pokes her between the ribs. She squeaks and instinctively claps her arms to her sides.
"Oh relax dear. Now come on, the sooner we can get this done, the sooner this comes off."
Diamond sighs and holds out her arms horizontal. Kita loops the tape around Diamond's waist and drew it in snug. She strips the tape away and pulls a pen out of her bun to mark a pad of paper. Libby peeks at the paper.
"My, you're more toned than I imagined." She says.
Diamond clamps her arms in against herself like chicken wings as the seamstress fusses around her. "Is it always like this – Ow!" She jolts as Kita pinches her right on the fleshy part of her underarm.
"Mostly for like layered skirts. Anything like tunics, they just measure you." Libby answers, a smug look on her face.
"I'm starting to regret this." Diamond murmurs. Then she feels Kita take the tape and string it around her bustline. "Hey!" she reflexively smacks the seamstress's hand away.
"Oh, I hate you," Kita grumbles, making a note on the sheet of paper. She pulls the tape away again, this time drawing out one of Diamond's arms to measure its circumference. Scowling, the Companion gave up with a huff, resigning herself to be handled and measured and cataloged.
Then Diamond watches as Kita leaves for a moment and later brings back several clothes that are heavily embroidered, and luxurious. Precious gems would have been sewn into the clothing as well - pearls, silver and gold too. A term known as 'blinking' their clothes. A fur hat the best ermine, trimmed with finest feather available; belonging to a bird Diamond didn't even recognize. Embroidered finery and ruffs and fancy collars.
Soon the girdle was finally ripped from her skin. While the girls went to fetch the fabric, Diamond spent the next minute gazing at herself in the mirror and massaging her pulsing skin red with the linen. She circles her shoulders and cracks her neck.
Libby comes walking up with a simple blue silk robe folded in her hands. Diamond looks to her, a brief need to cover herself in her underwear, but then notices the robe. "For you." Libby approaches.
"Thanks."
While Diamond shrugs it on, she adjusts and secures the tie around her waist. He sighs and steps down from the stage.
"Geez, if it's going to be like this for the Julmas ball I might not just not come."
Libby simply smiles sadly. "Oh this isn't for the ball. This is just for something in general."
"What?! You made me go through all that for nothing?"
"It wasn't for nothing." Libby smiles mischievously. "Now that have your measurements on file. They'll be able to make a dress of your choosing whenever you want."
They spend the next hour roaming the store while waiting for Torvar and Ria's dresses to be finished. Meanwhile Kita teaches Ria the basic understanding of fabric and who wear what in the social standing of the kingdom.
Libby musters about how most of it seems ridiculous, and that the rich should donate their old clothes to the poor. Farkas agrees, but he could tell that Libby was upset about how much clothing the rich have while the poor stick to earing old rage and dirtied tunics from the trash.
She can count on both hands the number of times she's seen beggars in the street asking only for a spare septum or two, yet people simply walk by as if they're nothing more than rats. Some even kicking dirt to the people and spitting in their faces. Libby always hated that sort of treatment. So what if they're poor, they're still people.
Despite herself, Diamond wanders through the gorgeous dresses set on the mannequins, gleaming gems along their skirts and claiming the bodices in whorls of colors. There is one attire that consisted of a style adopted from Hammerfell. Red allows Diamond to try it on and she accepts excitedly. Diamond giggles to herself at the curled-toe shoes on her feet. They did look nice, the emerald silk thread embroidered on the show would defiantly make it stand out.
Libby even offered a couple of outfits designed for Elsweyr royalty, and truthfully, they were one of Diamond's favorites, as they were just simple colors of the earth with many intricate accessories and detailed whorls of thread. Though, after what had happened with those Khajiit rebels, and with several Nord dignitaries visiting, some would take is as a symbol of rebellion.
Finally when the clock chimes four in the afternoon, Red calls to Torvar and Ria that their outfits are ready.
Ria was going to wear a dress varying in the sea-green to midnight-blue sector, and pearl white shoes to colorfully contrast that. Kita had Torvar try on suit after suit, jacket after jacket. One royal jacket that was in a mango-orange with gold etiquettes and had red pants with a gold stripe, a golden belt, black boots and white opera gloves.
"Wow, not bad" Torvar breathes. He turns to examine his back and holds out his arms.
"Walk around, see how it fits." Kita says.
Torvar walks, runs in a circle, swing his arms about. "Yeah, it's fine. Fits perfectly."
"See, the girdle was all part of it." Kita assures looking to Diamond, but the Companion gives her an amused glare. At least she wasn't the only one suffering.
Ria runs her fingers over the smoothness of the fabric of her arm and fidgets with the skirts. "This is, amazing."
Libby can't help but smile as Ria audits herself. The way she reacts to the luxury of the upper class is, cute. "You like it?" Libby asks.
Ria can't hide the gratitude smile. "It's, amazing. Thank you." She turns to face Kita and Libby. "Thank you."
"Alright!" Libby claps her hands. "If that's it, all we have to do is pay for the ensemble and we'll be on our way."
Red nods and guides Libby towards the front to pay.
"Wha – Wait, Libby!" Ria calls. But the assassin simply waves her hand, not even looking back as she follows Red.
Kita neatly folds up the gown and suit for Ria and Torvar, then expertly secures them with string. Diamond's shoulders slump in disappointment, but Ria rubs her shoulders. "Don't worry Diamond, we'll find you something."
The Companions give them their regards as they leave the shop. The chiming of the bells in their wake.
Outside, the sky is a mixture of pale orange and pink with purple clouds. The cool air of the oncoming night dwindling through the alleyways and crevices of the townhouses as the sun settles on the horizon. Deep greens and royal blues mingle to stands that have actual tables and silk banners on posts to advertise. The road is of clean cobblestone with spits of grass sprouting from crevices. Libby looks around, flicking the sides of her hood so that it conceals half of her face as a profile glance.
While the girls stop at a local baker's stand, Farkas wanders over to a jewelry stand with a display case at the forefront of the stand. A gorgeous silver emerald necklace is sprawled at the center, on either side, silver rings with amethyst and ruby gemstones. Over in the back of the tent, Farkas can see a bowl filled with sapphires, garnets, diamonds and emeralds.
"Shiny trinkets for your good lady!" the barter calls. She's a woman of her fifties, crow's feet near her eyes. She looks to Farkas and smiles. "Come to buy a trinket for that special someone?"
"Oh no, I'm just looking." Farkas gently smiles.
"Ah, but you have someone special. Well, buy one of these, and they're sure to fall for you." She presses.
"You'd be surprised." Vilkas' voice interjects. Farkas grunts in annoyance as he turns to face his brother. "He sometimes has bad taste in women."
"Please, tell me how you really feel." Farkas snarls. The woman, sensing the palpable tension in the air, simply reduces to the back of her stall, looking like she's indulging into a book. Farkas leans against the table, folding his arms. "Alright, tell me what you want to say."
"Farkas," Vilkas says as he approaches. He keeps his voice low, but it is heavily laced with anger as he speaks through his teeth. "What could you possibly be thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I care about her." Farkas retorts with as much venom. His eyes flick to the trio of girls now munching on what smells like garlic bread, Diamond looking at the bread as if she discovered a bug in it.
"For gods' sakes Farkas, she's an assassin! Why can't you remember that?!" Vilkas hisses.
"Because I've seen her." Farkas says, his voice calm like Libby had explained to him one day while they were cuddled in one of her lounge areas. "You might see her as a deadly assassin, but I've seen past that. I've seen the person that is inside. I've seen her scars, I've seen her vulnerability, I've seen her when she is most broken."
"That's preposterous! How do you know she's not tricking you?"
When Farkas looks to his brother, the anger he feels must be as absolute as it feels, because Vilkas' expression shifts dramatically. "How dare you say that." His voice is low and gruff. "How dare you make that assumption? You don't know the things she's told me! The things she has witnessed! She has suffered through three years of slavery, and yet you think she would lie about something so personal?! You look at the scars on her back and tell me that she is faking that! She makes me feel pathetic, yes, but now how you see it. What she told me – all of the pain and torture and darkness of her past – that is still a fraction of what she completely endured!"
His voice is rising, but Vilkas is shocked and taken aback.
"I don't care what you think, I don't care what you say. There is something more to her, and I'm and willing to explore it until my dying breath. I care for her, Vilkas. And if you don't approve of that, then it's your problem to bear. Not mine. My mind is made up."
Vilkas swallows, taking deep breathes through his nose. And then he simply walks away. His armor and sword slinking behind him.
"What else do you got for sale?" Farkas asks as he turns his attention back to the woman. She rises from her seat, closing her book and approaches the front.
"Just what I have on display, really." She replies. She ducks down and pulls forth another display box with two circlets inside. One of sapphire and emerald, the other a ruby and diamond. Farkas' thumb twitches. "What better way to express your love than with beautiful gemstones."
Farkas gives a small smile.
Hours later, until the sun is swallowed by the horizon, the Companions return to Jorrvaskr lugging hat boxes, colorful bags full of perfume and sweets, and brown parcels with books that Libby claimed she had to ready immediately. They've spent almost every last copper of their earnings, shoes, hats, tunics, dresses jewelry, weapons, baubles for their hair, and books. Vilkas storms in and past them and down into the living quarters without a word. Farkas comes in behind, carrying the rest of Libby's purchases.
"Gods above." Kodlak chuckles, taking in all of the purchases.
"You don't know the half of it." Ria smiles. "This is just what we could carry.
"More have bene ordered, and more will be delivered soon." Libby smiles as she steps around Ria's gathering to set her own down at the end of the steps.
"It's nice to see you all had a successful trip." Kodlak smiles.
"Well, some more than others." Diamond disclaims as she heads down the steps, her arms looking relatively empty compared to the haul Libby has. "I didn't find anything worth wearing. Or well, nothing I can afford."
"I'm sorry, little cub." Kodlak says with comfort rubs on her back. "Well don't fret, you still have tomorrow to continue."
"I don't know about that." Ria says. "No doubt the shops will be crowded with last-minute shoppers."
"Thank you, for that vote of confidence, Ria." Diamond says with a sarcastic fist pump to the air.
Ria shrugs. "I'm just saying. I'm just so happy with my purchase." She says as she reaches into the bag containing her dress. She hauls it out, careful not to knock into any flames and the hall hums with awes.
Ria's dress is a strapless dress that drifts from shades of sea-green to midnight-blue, starting from the bodice down the hemline of the skirt. With its rippling skirts, the colors wean together into a tasteful mesh. The bodice gleams with sequence, tracing in patterns of flowers with a mint green sash hugging the waist.
"Oh my, that is going to look wonderful on you Ria." Aela compliments. "And Torvar, I hope you've found something as fitting."
"Oh definitely." That is all he says with a smug smile. Or possibly a drunken smile.
"I must say you all look freshened up as well. I've never seen you all so clean."
"It was all Libby." Ria says as she puts a hand on the assassin's shoulder. "She took us to this wonderful spa where we were given baths and scrubs and massages – it was wonderful!"
Libby smiles and sets her hand Ria's. "Oh, before I forget, I have to head downstairs." With that, Libby takes a bag and descends into the living quarters.
"Had I known she was giving free money I would've gone with you." Njada says as she folds her arms.
"Not like she'd give you anything anyway." Farkas snaps as she drops the bags and sits at the table. "I do wish she could come. I would love to see her in another dress."
"I'm sure you would" Athis says with a waggle of his eyebrows. Farkas responds with a vulgar gesture of his fingers and the Dark Elf chuckles.
"Well," Diamond grunts with a clap on her knees. "I'm going to go to bed."
"Oh don't fret, little cub." Kodlak says, taking her hand. "I'm sure you'll find something. But if not, you'll still look good in whatever you choose."
Diamond is about to respond, until Vilkas' words echo in her mind. And he withdraws her hand and simply gives a terse nod. She ruffles her expertly designed hair, still loving the smell of peach and melon that those trio of women massaged into her scalp. Her heart sinks as she pushes her way through the door, thinking about how she's ever going to find a dress in time.
She instantly turns right and heads further down the hall to Kodlak's quarters, ready to just plump in her bed and shut her eyes. She can't keep sleeping in his bed, she knew that, but she just wanted to be somewhere where she didn't have to look at Ria's gorgeous dress and have jealousy writhe in her heart.
She removes her boots, kicking them under one of the display cases off to her left, and as she's taking off her rings and unbuckling her belt, her eyes fall upon Kodlak's bedroom door, and her heart stop.
Everything drops as her heart triples in speed and a gasp of astonishment escapes her lips.
Hanging on Kodlak's closed door, glittering as if taken from the stars themselves is a pink dress of ethereal proportions.
Not just any dress, but the dress she had been gazing at since their shopping trip started. But now it as a few modifications, or rather improvements that make this dress look like it was crafted by the hands of the Divines.
Covered with sparkling crystals, the pearl white sweetheart bodice features illusion silk thread that trace into the translucent sleeves stopping just at the elbow. The neckline features the start of regal ivory embroidery cascading down the formfitting bodice, and a single, large opal stone is set at the center. The wide, pink, flowing skirt is adorned with coral satin embellishments that could have passed for a work by any master painter. Attached to the waist is a magnificent train that flows over the skirts, encrusted with thousands of minuscule diamonds in a pattern that looks like detailed rose-like designs; crafted by a skilled hand.
Diamond carefully approaches the dress, as if it's merely an illusion. Her fingers grasp the skirt, rubbing it between her fingers. It's so polished and soft, the kind of fabric that you can't get inside of Skyrim. Lifting the skirt, she gasps again as she finds matching heeled shoes set in the same color pearl, another opal gemstone set on the ankle strap of the heel.
"It's a gift." A voice speaks. Diamond leaps back from the dress, squealing as if she had been caught trying to steal a priceless artifact.
Libby is leaning against the doorway, her arms folded and a small smile on her lips. It's laced with sorrow and . . . longing? Diamond doesn't say anything, still focused on the thundering of her heart. Libby pushes off the door, her smile growing more amused.
"It's just, something I wanted to give you – not out for forgiveness, just because. Besides, if I'm not going to the ball, someone has to have all the attention." She gives a nervous laugh.
Diamond would've responded, she wanted to respond, but so many things are running through her head. This dress must've cost a king's fortune if everything sewed into it is real, and while a part of Diamond didn't want to accept it strictly because it was from Libby, another part of her wanted to seize Libby and dance. With the price and the shock running through her, Diamond didn't know how to reply. But she wanted to say something!
This time she didn't want Libby to leave thinking Diamond still hated her. Because perhaps . . . perhaps she doesn't, anymore. Though she's still keeping her own wits about her.
But she would never come across another dress like this. All of Tamriel would never see another dress like this. It's one of a kind.
Libby's bottom lip folds in, and her cheeks become slightly rouge from embarrassment.
Oh no –
Libby sighs and her eyes suddenly gleam. "Well um, I guess I'll just be on my way. There's the accessories in the box." Libby jerks her chin towards a mahogany jewel box. "Have fun tomorrow."
She turns and is walking away when Diamond's feet remember how to move. "Libby!"
She launches a few steps, her hand twitches out as if she has the magical ability to hold the assassin in place. Which surprisingly, it does. Libby turns around, her eyes lighting up, eyebrows high.
"Um, I don't really know how to do all of that stuff," – Diamond stutters, her finger pointing to the jewel box – "Maybe you could . . . maybe you could help me?"
Libby's brilliant eyes twinkle and a small smile upturns the corners of her mouth. "Yes. Yes, I would love to. I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, the assassin turns and continues walking down the hall, her hands tucked into her pockets. Diamond watches the assassin, and then turns her head back towards the dress.
Yes – it's still there. Its crystals and diamonds and pearls glittering even in the limited torchlight. And the more she gazes at it, the more Diamond can't resist smiling like a child.