Astrid's POV:
Waking up I instinctively reach out for the body beside me, feeling only the cool cloth I get up to investigate. Perking my ears I hear laughter from the kitchen, smiling I make my way downstairs. Arriving at the second floor I'm almost ran over by Lucia, the Listener hot on her heels. Watching their game of tag I feel happiness well in my chest, a welcome feeling after the last few weeks of pure terror.
Watching the two I remember the first night we arrived back at Proudspire Manor, and the hours full of games. The children weren't contempt until the Listener had played every single game under the sun with them. Jordis, while an apt caretaker, was more than thankful for our return. Smiling, I watch as the Listener tags Lucia, turns to flee, and is promptly tagged again.
Letting out a mild curse the Listener continues her futile chase, and gives up moments later. Noticing me the Listener begins making her way downstairs. "Any plans for today?" She ask as she pulls some gloves on, in her regular outfit she looks somewhat strange. "How about we take a meal down to the docks?" I ask as I dress in my Shrouded Armor, well I suppose it's technically the Listeners's armor. Come to find out she has a special loathing for the armor, especially the cowl.
"Sounds wonderful." The Listener says as she slides a steel dagger into her boot, obviously as a last resort weapon. Offering me her hand the Listener yells, "Lucia, Dorthe, Jordis I'll be home later." Taking her hand I drag her into the kitchen, quickly pack a small meal, and lead her outside.
Every since our first public kiss we've been getting strange looks, although I expected them to die down a little. Instead they've intensified at least a thousand fold, and even the town beggar is looking at us like we're diseased wolves. The news that the Dovahkiin had divorced her wife spread like wildfire, and the more recent news that she's begun courting someone has spread faster. Thankfully the town is huge, and quite a large percent of the citizens couldn't care less that the Listener's taken an interest in someone.A few of the citizens even seem happy for the Listener, although they tend to be the ones she's done errands for.
My thoughts are disrupted by the Listener dropping my hand and unpacking our meal. Sitting down I survey the docks, and am sorely disappointed by what I see. The docks are all but abandoned, the ships that are normally there are either out delivering or going to pick up a shipment. The only personal remaining are guards, guards, and more guards. Even though the ships are gone the guards continue to prowl the wooden dock, never missing a beat.
After the Listener's done unpacking she sits down beside me. The Listener offers me a large portion of apple pie, which I accept gratefully. Ever since she found out I have a weak spot for these sweets the Listener has offered me one every chance she gets. Smiling, the Listener takes a large bite out of her sweetroll. Finishing of the roll quickly I offer the Listener my hand.
As her fingers intertwine with mine I can't help but feel delight overtake me. Ever since we've returned to Skyrim I've felt oddly at peace, as if all of my troubles remained in Valenwood. For a while that's all we do, sit and enjoy each others presence. Only when darkness engulfs us do we get up and begin walking back towards Solitude.
When we reenter the house I drop the Listener's hand and begin ascending upstairs. It's only when I'm halfway up I realize the Listener is still on the bottom floor. "Are you coming?" I ask her as I slowly continue to walk up to the miniature floor in between levels. "In a minute, I have some business to attend to." She says as she begins walking downstairs. Shrugging at her strange behavior I continue upstairs, lay me dagger on the table, and slide into bed.
Listener POV:
Making my way downstairs I sigh when I hear Meeko's signature low growl. Pushing Meeko away from Nanook I give the brute a sharp tap on the nose, and attempt to coax Nanook out of the corner. Ever since Nanook appeared in Proudspire Manor Meeko has made his disapproval clear. Petting the husky on the head, I turn and make my way over to the small storage room.
Opening the door, I whisper yell "Jordis!" At once the housecarl is up and asking, "Yes, my Thane?" Smiling I say "I need you to go to Falkreath, I own a small plot of land east of Falkreath on the south shore of Lake Ilinalta. Buy lumber, clay, stone, iron, glass, hay, anything I may need to build a home. Here," I push a huge bag of gold, a list of supplies, and the Lakeview Manor Charter into her hand. "you might need these. When I get there I want all of the supplies there, and I want you to lodge in the inn in Riverwood. Understood?" When she nods her head I say "Good. Don't fail me."
Jumping up Jordis at once begins rambling off promises as she prepares to leave, and only stops when she's forced to close the door. Smiling I sigh and allow tiredness to wash over me, and can't stop the images of a warm bed from racing through my mind. Slowly walking up the stairs I make sure not to wake Lucia and Dorthe as I creep past their I climb into the warmth of my bed I smile when I see Astrid is already out cold. As I slip into unconscious, I smile as my plan for the small plot I own solidifies in my mind.