Your Most Honored Grace,
You are cordially invited to attend a small party I am preparing at the Thalmor Embassy at dusk on Loredas, Last Seed. Your absence from my last affair was most regrettable, not only to me but to the other guests who were quite eager to make the acquaintance of Elisif the Fair, Jarl of Solitude.
I understand that your duties as Jarl leave you with little time for such frivolities, but I beg you to consider attending my upcoming gathering. I have heard of your keen interest in the arts, and I have recently imported several marvelous paintings from Ordiano the Ornate, perhaps the most celebrated artist in the Summerset Isle. The otherworldly beauty of his work must be seen to be believed.
I do not wish to apply any undue pressure on your part to attend, Jarl Elisif. It is, after all, only a party. But I believe that the peace, prosperity, and security of Skyrim and the Aldmeri Dominion would be enhanced if we could only develop a more cordial relationship between us.
Awaiting a hopefully favorable reply,
Elenwen, First Emissary of the Thalmor and Ambassador to Skyrim.
P.S. I don't know how interested you are in Aldmeri fashion, but I believe that Radiant Raiments in Solitude has a select inventory of dresses that would make some of the ladies of the Crystal Court green with envy.
Elisif read the letter eagerly, already mentally making room in her schedule for the party. Falk Firebeard wouldn't ruin it for her this time. The last time Elisif had received an invitation for one of Elenwen's parties, she had to decline, as her steward had already scheduled her to attend an exceedingly boring dedication at the Temple of the Divines.
The last part of the letter piqued her interest. It made her think about her wardrobe. Though Elisif had what she thought was an impressive selection of fine dresses, she was curious about Altmer fashion. Lace and silk were not so easy to come by in Skyrim. Elisif had needed to import most of her more expensive clothing from the Imperial city via the East Empire Company. She had never considered purchasing clothing from the Summerset Isle, but maybe she wouldn't have to if Radiant Raiments had it right there in her city.
Elisif put the letter on the desk next to her canopied bed. She then picked up the silver bell that was used to summon one of her chambermaids. Elisif rang it and was pleased to see that her newest chambermaid, an Imperial woman named Fortunata, promptly appeared at her door.
"Yes, Your Grace?" Fortunata asked primly.
"I am going into the city. Have my housecarl wait by the entrance to the palace." Elisif instructed coolly, already looking out the window at her view of Solitude.
"Yes, Your Grace." Fortunata said quickly, giving Elisif a practiced curtsy.
After her chambermaid left, Elisif sat down at the desk in her bedroom and took out a quill and parchment. She was going to accept the invitation Elenwen had sent her before Falk could intervene. Elisif valued his counsel, of course, but he had a way of ruining her fun sometimes. Most of the time, actually. And often as Elisif nodded and accepted his advice, she wasn't a puppet. Elisif could handle something as simple and frivolous as a party by herself, thank you very much.
Elisif walked into Radiant Raiments, having persuaded Bolgier to stand guard outside the shop. The veteran Nord warrior had been in a sour mood. Possibly because Elisif had kept him waiting for more than an hour as she composed her letter to Elenwen. Elisif had gone through many drafts before she came up with something that matched the High Elf Ambassador's cordial and professional tone. She wasn't about to write a letter that confirmed Elenwen's no-doubt dim view of Nord etiquette.
As one of those Nords whose idea of diplomacy was passing around an axe, Bolgier wouldn't understand. And besides, her bodyguard was too consumed with his responsibility of protecting her to care. Bolgier seemed to think that Stormcloak assassins lurked around every corner of the city, but even he had to admit that no self-respecting Stormcloak would enter a dress shop owned by an Altmer.
The Altmer woman in question was standing behind the counter, having clearly noticed Elisif's presence. As the Altmer woman walked out from behind the counter to greet her, Elisif tried to remember her name. Taarie, wasn't it? Unless it was the other sister.
"I am honored to have you in my shop, Your Grace." The Altmer woman said as she approached Elisif, notably not curtsying to her, but rather inclining her head.
"I thought I might expand my wardrobe a little. Taarie, yes?" Elisif offered, hoping she had the right sister.
"And you know my name as well! I must say, this is already a pleasant day. What may I do for you, Jarl?" Taarie asked, looking politely expectant.
"I am looking for something in particular. I've heard you have a special inventory." Elisif remarked, trying to sound less interested than she was.
"A special inventory? Are you referring to our Aldmeri imports? I didn't know you had such fine taste, Your Grace. Follow me, please." Taarie said lightly.
Elisif followed Taarie up to the second level of the shop. Was there a hint of sarcasm in the shopkeeper's voice? Maybe Elisif wasn't used to Altmer speech. It was probably just their natural tone. Taarie led the way to a low coffee table surrounded by chairs. The decor around this room seemed to be a step up from the first level. Perhaps this is where her more sophisticated clientele was brought.
"Please, take a seat. I shall bring out an item or two for your perusal." Taarie said, motioning toward the table.
Elisif graciously sat down on one of the chairs. Taarie went around a corner to fetch a dress or two for her. She looked at the table and saw a silver pitcher sitting there. Experience made Elisif wait for several seconds before she realized that no one was there to pour for her. No matter. Elisif cheerfully poured a glass of wine for herself, only spilling a few drops in the process.
Taarie re-entered the room, holding up a dress made from green and golden silk. The dress was beautiful, but it was...scant. Revealing, in fact. The front was cut quite low, and the slits on both sides of the skirt would bear her thighs practically to her waist. Elisif smiled at Taarie, thinking that perhaps it was a joke. But Taarie didn't seem to think it was.
"I knew you would like it!" Taarie said, smiling back at Elisif.
"Oh. It's...very beautiful. But..." Elisif said hesitantly, not trying to offend Taarie.
"But it's not in the style of Nord society? Agreed, sadly. But I assure you, this is what noble ladies wear to the Crystal Court. The Altmer believe that beauty is to be appreciated. And you would look absolutely enchanting in a dress such as this, Your Grace." Taarie said encouragingly.
Elisif was honestly tempted to try on the dress. She had lamented the fact that her position as Jarl meant that she couldn't be as daring as she might have liked with her style. Falk was usually there to discourage her from taking chances with her fashion sense. But he wasn't here now, was he? What was the harm in simply trying it on?
"I suppose I could try it. For fun." Elisif said, unable to keep a smile off of her face.
Elisif walked into a small parlor on the second floor and shut the door. The windows inside were covered with a thin orange drapery that let in light but was clearly designed to provide modesty. In one corner, there was a large, full-length mirror that Elisif approved of. Her own smaller mirror never let Elisif see how her shoes went with her dress.
"Pardon, Your Grace, but I should mention that dresses like that are to be worn without undergarments. You'll see why." Taarie called through the door.
Without undergarments? Absolutely scandalous. Well, Elisif already knew that she could never wear something like this to her own court. This was just for her own personal enjoyment, and the fact that Elisif would be naked underneath made the dress even more exciting to her.
Having always relied upon a handmaiden or two to help her dress, it took Elisif a few minutes to successfully extricate herself from her far more modest outfit. Elisif glanced around the parlor to remind herself that she was indeed alone. The knowledge allowed her the peace of mind necessary to take her undergarments off, leaving her completely naked in the dressing room of Radiant Raiments. Feeling a little vulnerable, Elisif hurried over to where the Aldmeri dress hung on the wall. Elisif picked it up and immediately noticed how feather-light it was in comparison to the heavy wool of the Nord clothing she usually wore.
Even though Elisif rarely dressed without the help of a handmaiden, the simplicity of the Aldmeri gown made it quite easy to put on. The silk was exquisitely smooth, and the way the green and gold dress clung tightly (but not too tightly) to her body made Elisif smile. It was sized perfectly for her. A tailor could not have done better if he had her exact size. Now, this was the kind of elegant fashion that Elisif liked! Except it was nowhere near modest enough for her to wear.
Elisif thought she had a pretty good idea of how ridiculous she would look in it. But as she walked over to the full-length mirror in the parlor, Elisif was shocked. It was indeed far too immodest, but her reflection nevertheless made her stare. The fine Aldmeri dress accentuated her every curve, from her suddenly impressive cleavage, to her cinched waist, flaring hips and totally exposed thighs. It was a world away from the shapeless and heavy Nord dresses Elisif usually had no choice but to wear. As Elisif turned to the side, examining herself from every angle, she realized why Taarie had said not to wear undergarments. The scant Aldmeri dress simply wouldn't allow such things to be worn beneath it. A sudden knock at the door interrupted Elisif's thoughts, however.
"Is the fit to your satisfaction, Your Grace? Perhaps I should take a look?" Taarie asked from the other side of the door.
"Oh! T-That won't be..." Elisif began, panicking slightly.
Despite the fact that Elisif had clearly not given her permission to enter, Taarie opened the door and swept inside. Elisif blushed deeply, feeling equal parts anger and embarrassment. If Taarie perceived that, however, the High Elf showed no sign.
"Your Grace! You look even lovelier than I thought you would! The dress is sheer perfection on you." Taarie said encouragingly, looking her up and down in a professional manner.
"I...thank you. It is a wonderful dress." Elisif answered rather helplessly, her natural inclination towards answering compliments politely kicking in.
"Yes, you are quite the vision, Your Grace. If you were ever to appear in that dress, then I would think that every member of the Bards College would be falling over themselves to write sonnets to your beauty." Taarie remarked pointedly, smiling tightly.
"Oh no, I could never..." Elisif started, shaking her head.
"You might be right. Most of the Nords around here wouldn't know fashion if it clubbed them over the head. But the attendees at one of the parties at the Thalmor Embassy would be very impressed. I guarantee it." Taarie said with confidence, running roughshod over Elisif's weak rebuttals.
"Really?" Elisif asked despite herself, her interest piqued.
"Absolutely. I'm afraid they have a rather dim view of Solitude society. But if you were to show up wearing the absolute height of Aldmeri fashion, well...I daresay that their impression of both you and Solitude would rise considerably." Taarie said pointedly, nodding at her own words.
"It would? Well, that's something to consider. But..." Elisif answered hesitantly.
"But you don't have the right shoes! Stay right there, Your Grace. I have the perfect pair!" Taarie exclaimed, turning around and hurrying out of the room.
Elisif opened her mouth and then closed it after a few seconds. This kind of high-pressure salesmanship was not something that she dealt with often. And saying no to a request from a citizen of Solitude was something she preferred to leave to Falk Firebeard. Who was not here. Elisif groaned and realized that she was going to (at the very least) have to purchase this dress and whatever pair of shoes Taarie was going to bring her.
Although Elisif was definitely going to attend Elenwen's next party, she couldn't possibly wear this to it. Could she? A stern voice in her head that sounded a lot like Falk Firebeard told her that it was out of the question. Which made Elisif feel a little resentful. That stodgy Nord didn't understand fashion. None of the people at her court did. But the more sophisticated attendees at the party would. And Elisif really did want to impress them...
"I'll do it." Elisif whispered excitedly, turning to examine herself in the mirror again.
Elenwen finished reading the letter on her desk and smiled. There were two letters, actually, and both had contained very welcome news. The first letter was from Jarl Elisif. The naive Nord girl had finally accepted an invitation to one of Elenwen's regular parties at the Thalmor Embassy. If Elenwen could get the girl alone for a time, then she would have the opportunity to work her magic on the inexperienced Jarl of Solitude. At worst, Elenwen would be able to charm and manipulate Elisif into giving up valuable information, and perhaps allow an agent or two of Elenwen's to infiltrate the Blue Palace. And at best, she might be able to seduce the lonely Jarl and begin the process of turning her into Elenwen's obedient little toy.
The second letter gave Elenwen a little more hope in that regard. It was from one of her spies in Solitude, an Altmer emigrant named Taarie. Along with her sister, the Altmer woman owned Radiant Raiment, a dress shop in the city. Taarie and Endarie had piled up quite a number of debts between them from previous ventures in the Summerset Isle. It had been trivial for Elenwen to ensure that those debts changed hands until they belonged to Thalmor-owned entities, which meant that Elenwen practically owned the two sisters.
Taarie had successfully sold Elisif an Aldmeri courtesan's dress along with the delicate heels that went along with it. Elenwen tried to imagine the Nord girl (who, all reports indicated, was quite beautiful for a human) in such a dress. Whatever the image in her mind, it likely couldn't compare to seeing the girl in person. The knowledge only made Elenwen more eager for the day of the party to arrive. She couldn't wait to have the Nord girl kneeling worshipfully in front of her. It was where humans belonged, after all.