With a grimace he stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders, stretching out the tense muscles. The day passed by like shadows, drifting by like the endless stream of people he watched as he waited for that damn woman to return. The sun had almost peaked high in the sky, and she had left early in the morning. Or so he had been told. He had knocked on her room's door when he rose, but the dark-skinned woman had said she left early. She said not much else as she swept. He looked at the sky again. She had gone to sleep before he had, but there were so many thoughts that plagued his mind from last night. Like how she had reacted to the wench that had tried to wiggle her way into more than his personal space. With a huff of a breath, his mind drifted to last night.
Stomping into the bathing room, he shucked off his gear, and set them close to the bath.
'Damn woman.' He thought as he glared in the direction of where she still sat. 'Asking questions that didn't matter' he scoffed as he toed off his boots. He couldn't help but tease her about being jealous, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised when she hadn't denied or agreed to it... She had simply… remained silent. 'Huh'. Shedding his clothes, he stepped into the bath, making sure to face towards the door, lest anyone come in. The water was still warm, and he sighed in relief as he cleaned up. Using a small round bar of soap, he worked over his body. Glancing to the door he couldn't help but sigh. While he had been standing outside the door, he had never had such a hard time resisting the urge to peek over his shoulder. Gods. She had been so close he could hear the movement of water, the subtle sighs from behind him as Ladyship had washed up. Though he had kept guard, he had pictured her hands sliding over every curve of her body. Her quiet sighs and exhales had made him ache. His hands had clenched tight to stop his fingers from fiddling.
Then that... flea, he thought as he scrubbed a little harder on his shoulders, had to get in the middle of it all. He had been on the verge of losing his patience and about to kill in the tavern when she collected enough good sense and turned tail and wandered off, leaving his irritation to simmer under the surface. Until a gentle scent caught his nose. Soft, gentle and familiar, drawing him to notice movement to his left. Remembering to keep his face neutral, he turned to look along his shoulder and clamped down a groan.
Her hair was still damp, loose from its tied tail and braids, fell just shy of her ribs. Skin clear of dirt and blood, he noticed she had a few freckles along her neck. Her body was hidden in a second outfit, her top held together with several ties from her throat to her waist. A single slice with his knife, and it would be open. Easy to part. To touch, to taste... Was she bare under it? Or did she have on more clothing? There was a part of him that was a little- hells, who was he kidding? More than curious to find out if she was. She looked around the bar, then slowly, her gaze lifted to his, and warmed as she spoke about the tavern. Using a pitcher of water, he rinsed himself. While the water poured over him, his mind wandered to dinner. He noticed as she ate, the way her eyes closed in surrender, the way a smile curled the corners of her lips, the way she chewed and savored. Her moan at the taste made him shift in his seat a little. His blood was beginning to burn by the time they were finished... Then she had to go and ask her silly questions. 'Pft'. Then go and dismiss him like that.
Making sure he was thoroughly clean; he rose up out of the water and wrapped a drying cloth around his narrow hips, gathering his gear, he started towards his room, but not before catching the wench talking to another patron, while keeping her eyes on him as he walked. He nearly sneered, but simply kept walking and shut the door behind him firmly. Laying his bow and quiver on the bed, he pulled on his undershorts and then began pulling his legs through his pants. Hinges on the door creaked. Bishop straightened, assuming a battle stance, hand on his dagger. Only, it wasn't an enemy here to attack. It was Neeshka—utterly naked.
She leaned against the door frame and toyed with the ends of her hair. Short, delicate of bone structure and yet slenderly plump of flesh, she presented the perfect picture of feminine carnality. Add she was the kind of woman he had once enjoyed. And yet, she stood before him and he felt nothing… but irritation.
"What are you doing?" he demanded. This was to be his private room, and that's the way he wanted it to stay. Private.
"I'm seducing you, of course." A soft smile lifted the corners of her lips, inviting him to join in her amusement and arousal. "I took one look at you, and knew we were destined to be together. You're everything I've ever wanted in a man."
He wasn't sure what to think about that. But he felt anything but aroused. There was willing and then there was… desperate. There were two different kinds of desperate though. Passionately desperate is one kind. The kind where either person is lost in the act of making love. And the other is seen as a shallow attempt at it. Grasping at which is unwelcomed and un-needed. The latter, he found pathetic. Hence his irritation. "And just what is it you've wanted in a man, hmm?" He asked as he hurriedly tied his pants, making sure to keep his distance, even as she slinked her way passed the door, shutting it behind her.
"Someone, like me. Someone beautiful." She spoke as she took a step and he rolled his eyes. Get her out. Now. He stalked toward her and her smile grew wider. No question, she probably expected him to toss her on the bed and ravish her. Instead, he picked her up and unceremoniously hauled her ass to the door.
"Wait," she cried. "You just passed the bed!"
He said nothing.
"I don't mind doing it in public, warrior, but I was hoping to have you all to myself for a while."
"Shut up". He grumbled. He twisted the knob and pushed at the seam in the wood with his shoulder. The cook was walking into the bathing room, a bucket and a sponge by his side. No doubt to clean up and empty the bathing room. His eyes snapped to attention at the commotion. He looked between Bishop, no doubt irritation on his face, a flailing naked woman on his shoulder. His eyes widen at the lack of attire Neeshka had.
"Can you see to it that this- "he sent a snarled glare towards Neeshka as she kicked a little, "flea, stays out of my room?" He finished as he dropped the girl to the ground, the boards creaking under her weight. Daniel looked between them and a spark of anger crossed his face.
"Yes sir. Sorry sir. Ill see to it that she is… spoken too, accordingly." He dropped his bucket and looked down at the girl sternly. Turning on his heel Bishop stomped back to the small room slamming the door behind him.
He huffed out a breath as he picked up his shirt from the bed. Sitting on the edge, he shook it out, picking up the towel he used and wiped it down. Outside his door, he could faintly hear Daniel talking to Neeshka. Footsteps receded from the door, leaving him with his own thoughts. Finishing up he set the shirt aside, and set to his pants. No rips or tears. Hm. A few singe marks, but nothing too bad. Pulling out his knife from its sheath. For all its bland looks it was the sharpest knife money could buy, an excellent weapon for close quarter fighting. Taking a small rag, he wiped the dirt and dried specks of blood from the blade. Whenever he weighed the dagger in his hands, he thought of him with a bittersweet grin. They'd had a lot of fun back in the day. 'Didn't we Jules?' He thought, lost in thought as he pulled on his armor. If he thought about it, not very hard at all, he could see him standing a few feet from him, smiling and talking about anything that came to mind. Best raids, best drunken nights and plans for the future…
A knock on the door broke him out of his train of thought and his mind flipped back to the wench from earlier. At least she had the decency to knock this time. His anger flooded back with such a strong snap that his teeth grinded.
"Dammit flea, - "he stood and grabbed the handle of the door again, wrenching it open. "I said-Oh. Ladyship." It took him a second, but he compelled his face to shift from one of anger to calm neutrality. "I thought you were- "He cleared his throat, ridding the gruff tone from it. Her eyes had widened when he had opened the door, most likely a little startled, but now, as she stood in front of him, he watched as her expression changed, slowly. Her gaze slide from his face, lower and lower, stopping now and again to linger. He even caught her fingers at her sides moving slowly, as if wanting to touch. He watched her eyes darken and her breath catch a time. His brows rose. She looked at him with such… Unchecked intensity, he wondered if she even knew.
"Do I pass inspection?" He teased, and watched as her eyes regain some focus, and sharpen, like she was coming out of a moment of loss. He nearly frowned. Shame.
"I wasn't staring at you," she explained as she turned her head to the side to avert her gaze, but the sudden rosiness of her cheeks gave her away. "I was lost in thought about something completely unrelated to you." He nearly laughed. Though to be fair, she sounded like she was telling the truth. Body language wise, she was only speaking in half-truths. Her gaze lifted back to his and locked on there, making sure not to move an inch.
Leaning an arm against the frame of the door he leaned his body towards her own his.
"You have a smart mouth, don't you?" He glared slightly, but his mouth curved a little in humor, even more so, when he watched her eyes shift a little, little flecks of green becoming more noticeable in the flickering light. Interesting.
"And a mind to match it" She snapped back. He lifted from the door and enjoyed the sight of her eyes slip lower again. He felt a smile tug at his lips and she firmly shut her eyes and gave her head a gentle shake, as if silently saying 'no'. Very interesting indeed, he thought. Her eyes opened again and locked back on his with a gentle gaze again. "I... ah, apologize for intruding on your evening I just wanted to say... um." Her eyes drifted down and caught on something he didn't know what exactly. She sounded a little flustered. She even looked slightly confused.
"Is something wrong?" He quietly demanded, snapping her out of her moment of confusion.
"No, I am fine. I just have something to do tomorrow, a few people I need to speak too, little matters, nothing too serious. I so I think it would be best if we split up until I am done and we can continue our journey." Looking a her, he could feel like she was leaving something out. "I will be gone for a few hours, not more, or less." She added. Hm. He needed a few supplies for more arrows to replace the ones that hand been burned or broken. As well as some cloth for his jacket.
"That's fine. I can pick up a few things while we're here from the market. "He watched as she gave a few bounces of her head in understanding as they spilt up their companionship, even if for a time. "Don't keep me waiting to long." He added, making her eyes widen slightly and a shy smile played at her mouth. What would you taste like? He wondered as she tilted her head forward in a small agreeing motion. Like a bow.
"By your word, and my will." She says and for a moment I am baffled by her remark. Taking a step back, she gives me another smile. "Goodnight Bishop." She takes a step back and then turns to walk out, leaving me to watch as she moves. Closing the door behind him, he pushes his bow under the handle of the door and wedges it against the corner of the bed, to keep anyone else out.
Time passed, he tried to lay down and sleep, but he couldn't. In the protection of his narrow room, he paced with a long-forgotten restless energy. He thought of her soft skin, how it would feel beneath his palm, under his body, how it would taste. The thought of her mass of silky hair brushing his heated body, the scent of it surrounding him. His body tightened unexpectedly. Not the mild physical attraction he had felt as a boy, but a savage, demanding, relentless ache. Shocked at the erotic twist his thoughts, he began to frown at the ceiling as he imposed a hunter's rigid discipline. Kicking off his boots, he laid down on the bed again.
'To hell with it', he thought as he let his mind wander. A man was entitled to his own thoughts in the dark. And the filled with thoughts of her until his mind stilled and he succumbed to sleep.
The sky above is dominated by tumbling greys, smoky and silver. It looks like the sun has given up on trying to break through this iron curtain of clouds that it has become content to lounging out behind them Bishop contemplated as he waited outside near the market square. He had weaved through the crowds, edging through the dense flow of people to sit on the well's wall materials close by to create his arrows, no workshop required, his quiver getting fuller by the minute. The air was perfumed with produce, the ground was gritty stone and the air a perfect pre-winter chill. His eyes still searched as his hands kept to work.
"These fruits and vegetables are disappointing, Carlotta." A dark-skinned man spoke to a woman behind one of the booths in the market. Her face was kept at a pleasant neutral, but he caught the way her back stiffened a little.
"I get them fresh from the farms daily, Nazeem." Carlotta said, keeping her tone polite as the man named Nazeem scoffed under his breath.
"If you were getting them from my farm, they'd be twice as fresh." He responded, though Carlotta didn't say anything in return, Bishop himself sneered. He had enough money to put these people to shame, gave him the false like-mindedness of a noble.
His attention was disrupted again by the sudden sound of a couple arguing as they walked out of the line of houses.
"I know your family's honor is important to you, but we can't afford it!" The woman shouted; her face slightly reddened.
"It took me weeks to find that thieves' den. I can't stop now, and I can't get the sword on my own." He explained, making the woman rub her fingers over her forehead.
"So, you're willing to starve your wife and daughter to reclaim some rusty old sword?" She pointed at him with a glare.
"I just need to hire one, maybe two good men. You won't starve." He sounded so sure, so adamant.
"I'll put it plainly. You can claim your sword, or you can keep your wife. If you set foot outside the gate, I won't be here when you return." She spoke sternly, her eyes sharp, making the husband gap at her.
"Saffir! Wait... I..." He sighed deeply as she walked towards the house. He whistled low, catching the dark-skinned man's attention.
"Sounds like you got your hands full with that one." He jested as he raised a brow at him and the man shrugs, looking back to the woman who has disappeared from sight.
"My wife's a good woman. She can be a little hard-headed sometimes, but I love her just the same." He looked at the woman in question, how she laughed and picked up a small girl, resting her on her hip.
"Sure, a sword is worth giving that up?" Bishop asked, pointing a headless arrow at the sight. The woman's words ringing clear from moments ago. The husband chuckled.
"No, it isn't. But I already asked someone to give me a hand, thought I am unsure if she can pull it off herself. I was thinking of getting a few more men." He spoke absentmindedly.
"I'm sure things will work out as they should." Bishop murmured as movement from his right caught his attention. Several guards were walking down the large staircase, a familiar face among them, the dark-she elf giving orders and relieving men to switch up the guards. Her red eyes flitted over him and back again. She said something to the guards around her and started towards him.
"Ranger." The elf spoke in a clear-cut voice. Tucking the finished arrow away in his quiver, he raised a brow and responded with a low hum. "I have word for the Dragonborn. Where is she?" Irileth asked, her own eyes roamed around.
"Don't know. She needed to do something on her own. "He shrugged as he spoke. She regarded him calmly.
"I see. I simply wanted to pass along a few words to her."
"Such as?" He asked, setting his elbow on his knee
"That I have come through on my end of our bargain."
"What bargain?" He asked, turning his head to fully look at her. She looked at him with a bored look. Lifting a single shoulder then dropping it she spoke as she looked around the small market.
"Before the battle between us and that damned dragon, she had asked me to inquire my soldiers for any news about... Something about wolves and bandits." She looked at one of her men who relieved one of the guards of his post by the market. "An odd request, but one she very demanding over. Sounded like it was important. Even taking any information about them over being paid in septims. The Jarl paid her anyway, as you saw." Irileth informed him as she crossed her arms. Even as she spoke, his mind was at a slight loss.
Her comment about Ladyship was so out of what he knew of her, he just stared at Irileth open mouthed. His brain formulated no thoughts other than to register what he was; shocked. Even in the midst of fighting a dragon, a no mere feet, she was still asking about Karnwyr. But when did she...? He wondered for a moment and with a snap of recognition he recalled when she had caught his attention when she was on the ear the demolished tower. Huh. For a moment, his irritation at the people around him was suspended as the thought settled on his mind. Slowly felt an emotion rise to the surface, taking over the one that had surrounded him like a cloak. Surprise. That she was still keeping her word. Still searching when he thought she would have forgotten about it, especially with everything going on at the time. Last night she had smiled, her eyes sharp on one of the bottles that had been placed on their table.
"I was taught to keep my word and my promises. You can rest assured on that." Her voice was one of pure self-assurance. But he had looked at her with a mind of doubt. Now, he felt his expectations go to war. It made him feel greatly discomforted. And so far, she had kept her word. Never letting it go far from her sights. Like it was still on her mind, no matter the cause or concern. Just like himself… Damn. Colour me strongly surprised and impressed. Running a hand over his jaw, he felt his stubble grate against his hand... Dropping his hand, he clued back into what the dark elf was saying. She was speaking to a few more guards now who had joined her sides.
Irileth looked between them "The Jarl has finally agreed to send you back to Riverwood.
"Yes, Housecarl. We'll leave immediately." One saluted while the other looked a little uneasy, even in a helmet.
"It's just us against a dragon, is that it?" Helmet Head asked. Irileth shifted on her feet a little, eyes sharpening on the men who stood before her.
"I can't afford to send anyone else. And we don't know where the dragon is. Your main job will be to keep an eye out and get the people to safety if the town is attacked. I don't expect the three of you to fight off a dragon by yourselves. But I do expect you to do your duty." Tone sharp, the men stood at attention.
"Of course. We'll keep Riverwood safe. You can count on it. Let's move out. Time's a wasting." Marching off to Riverwood, the guards parted a few groups of people. Looking back at the elf who watcher the men march away, Bishop grew curious.
"How did a dark elf come to be a Housecarl?" He asked aloud making her eyes widen and peer at him with a new sharpness.
"Balgruuf and I share a battle bond." She explained as she looked away, arms re-crossing. "We met as youths, and forged our friendship in the fires of war. When he became Jarl, I insisted on serving as his protector. He had no cause to argue." Housecarls… Hmm. Like the dark-haired woman from last night. What did the Jarl call Ladyship's Housecarl? Lisa? Lima? Lydia! The look on Ladyship's face was one that screamed discomfort. I could sense the discomfort radiating from her like heat off a forge. This arrangement the jarl gave her wouldn't work if she wasn't on board... And by the way she looked last night… So shocked, irritated... soft… Sexy. Getting of track. And hard. Damn. Think about something else.
"What does a Housecarl do?" He asked.
"I am charged with protecting the Jarl from any and all threats. Powerful men have many enemies. More so, in times of strife. So, you can imagine the dangers." This made him raise a brow. "Oh, yes, there have been attempts on the Jarl's life. More than one would-be assassin has met his end at the tip of my blade."
"What threats does the jarl face?" He wondered. Who would go after the Jarl? Safely tucked away in his castle, guards at his beck and call. He almost scoffed, until Irileth shrugged looking at nothing in particular.
"Take your pick." She said with a small waving of her hand. "Dragons, Stormcloak assassins, ambitious and unscrupulous nobles... Sometimes I think his own children want him dead. And those are just the physical threats. Assaults on his sanity are another matter entirely. Every day, he deals with obsequious functionaries and incompetent bureaucrats. Sadly, I'm not allowed to eliminate them. Well, not yet, anyway." She finished with a frown, then slowly looked to him with a cautious face, brow raised. "Gods, you are curious. Almost... dangerously so."
Rolling his eyes, he looked off into market again.
'And there she is' he thought as he caught her as she walked up the street towards the market. As she walked, he caught the way her hips swayed walking up the slight hill. Her hair was tied up again, braids in place, the tail swinging gently from shoulder to shoulder. As he found out anytime he looked at her, his chest ached. As she neared the market, she stopped to speak to one of the vendors, a young woman. He watched as she handed over a mammoth tusk. The sight made him raise a brow. Did she take down a mammoth all by herself? They usually were Giant's pets. Hm. His thought was cut off when Irileth looked to where he was looking at and started walking over through his line of sight.
They spoke for a few minutes, and he caught Irileth handing over a small piece of paper, to which Serlina took it without hesitation. Standing, he dusted himself off and put away the last arrow he had been working on by the time she and Irileth walked back over. She looked up at him and something in his mind skidded to a halt. Her eyes. Dulled and lacking their usual spark, held lightly dark circles under her eyes. Like she hadn't slept in a fair time.
"Ready to head out Ranger?" She asked, her voice mirroring her eyes, but to her credit, she held his gaze with a smile.
"About time!" He shouted back, making her scoff. Irileth walked up to them, looked at him, then Serlina, back to him again.
"I've got my eyes on you." She warned as she walked away towards Dragonkeep. Serlina looked back at her as she walked away and back to him.
"What did you say to make her go all hawk eyes on you ranger?"
"Nothing to scandalous. Just asked her a few questions." He answered as they walked a ways toward the gates.
"I leave you for a few hours and your making the jarls housecarl suspicious. What cold you have asked her to make her feel that way, I wonder?" She spoke with a teasing tone.
"I can't tell you. My plans are for me and me alone."
"Sounds… Devious." She smirked at him as she gave him a sideways glance. He couldn't help his laugh at her statement.
"Did you think of me as otherwise?" He returned with a smirk of his own.
"I will not answer that. Hmp. I should have known a man who walks in forests with wolves would be devious." She smiled up at him and he couldn't help the small chuckle that rose out of him from her comment.
"Devious huh? I like the sound of that."
"I must say, I am not surprised you do." She responded. He gave her a sideways glance.
"I am." He admitted, causing her to look at him.
"Of making the housecarl suspicious?"
"No. Of you."
"Me? Why? What did I do?" She asked and for a moment he was a little stumped with how to respond.
"The dark elf- "
"Irileth- "She interjected but he continued on.
"Said that you had asked for information about Karnwyr." She slowed to a stop and turned to look at him.
"Surprised? By that? We are still looking for Karnwyr, are we not?" She asked and he found himself nodding slowly.
"Yes. We are." He hoped the wolf was still alive. And biting. He inwardly smiled at the thought.
"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go. We can take a carriage." She said as she continued forward. He cared deeply for Karnwyr. He did. Serlina though...He watched as she walked up to Amren. From a distance, he watched as they spoke. Distantly, he watched he hand over an old looking sword.
"You found it?! I've been looking for that blade for months. You took on all those bandits yourself?" He asked and she simply shrugged.
Though, it seemed she had a very giving nature. Damn. He still wasn't sure how he felt about her or what, exactly, she meant to him. Only that she was starting to mean something she shouldn't, and he couldn't stop the emotions she pulled out of him. Catching up to her they continued on.
"Do you have anything even remotely fresh?" Nazeem asked aloud to a wood elf who was returning from outside the gates. The elf stood a little taller and looked at Nazeem over his shoulder.
"I can assure you, it's all fresh. I hunt the game myself, every day." He spoke like a true vendor. Bishop huffed in approval. As they neared Bishops eyes caught the wood elves. From one hunter to another, they nodded in respect.
"Hmm. As you say." Nazeem sounded doubtful.
"Maybe you'd like to try the horker? Or some beef?" The offer stood in the air for a long moment.
"You don't prepare the meat with any of those strange Elven spices, do you?" Bishop nearly collided with Serlina, who now looked upon the two of them, though her face was kept neutral, her eyes sharpened on Nazeem, who had asked the question with a repulsed tone.
"Ahhhh... No, no Elven spices; just some salt, to preserve it." The wood elf sounded irritated, but kept his friendly tone in place. Patience. Hunters knew it well. "You're not afraid of salt, are you?" The elf egged, causing Nazeem to straighten his back. Both him and Serlina snorted a laugh.
"I'm not 'afraid' of anything. I simply prefer quality merchandise." Quality? The stall with the meats had been a good one. He himself had bought some for their journey. "No, no that meat won't do at all. Too much fat, and it all smells... wrong." Bishops hand moved to his dagger and tightly gripped the hilt. What a pompous arrogant-
"Suit yourself, then." The elf turned and with a flair of a hand gesture, he pointed to the gates. "The woods are that way. Outside the walls, walk straight ahead. Can't miss them. Good luck on your hunt." Bishop nearly laughed at the elf's delivery. Nazeem looked at him blankly and spoke a very curt 'Good day' before walking towards the market again. His eyes passed over Bishop who glared right back, to Serlina who met his eyes coldly.
"Do you get to the Cloud District very often?" He asks her, and for a second her brows furrow in a confused look. Before she can speak, he smiles, looking overly conceited. "Oh, what am I saying-" he looks her up and down and scoffs "-of course you don't."
He speaks in such a condescending manner toward her, he had to resist the strong urge to stab him. He even stepped towards him but a slender arm latched onto him across his stomach. Looking down at it briefly, he looked to Serlina. He watched as Serlina's eyes narrowed a little as she dropped her arm, take slight step backwards, before her fist clenched and she drove it into his jaw with swift speed, making him drop to the floor, unconscious. The commotion it caused made the townsfolk stir, but he simply couldn't stop looking at her. Amidst the chaos, she simply shook out her hand she had punched Nazeem with while looking at the wood elf.
"How's that for elven spice?" She asked making the startled elf look at her, then Nazeem, then her again, and slowly, he smiled. Guards came over, asking what happened. The elf had simply looked around at the few faces, many of which were looking pleased about what had transpired, then told the guard that he tripped over himself. The guard rolled his eyes, and still went to Serlina, who didn't even bother to hide her hand. She even messaged along the knuckles from when she hit him.
"You have committed crimes against Skyrim and her people. What say you in your defense?" The guard asked her. She raised her shoulders as if she was shrugging.
"Any chance I could talk you into overlooking this?" She spoke softly, almost enchantingly. The guard nodded slowly.
"All right, but you just watch yourself. Next time, I might not be so lenient." He stated then walked over Nazeem, nearly making him laugh but he managed to cover it with a cough as he walked away from the dispersing crowd.
"You could have walked away yet you didn't. Why did you hit him?" He found himself asking as they walked over the small wooden bridge.
"Because. I didn't like him. Or the way he spoke down to that man" She glanced back to the elf and nodded in farewell. "He was being an egotist and I don't like when anyone is like that." She stated with a sigh.
"How come you didn't tell him you're the Thane from here?" He asked, laying a hand on the gate.
"I already pulled some Thane muscle once today; I don't want to use it to often. Might loose its luster." She explained as she too laid a hand on a door.
"Wait, you already caused enough of a stir to do that? What have you been up too since I last saw you?" He asked as the pushed the gates open.
"A little this and that." She shrugged as they walked out of the city.
"Like killing a mammoth?"
"Why would I go out and kill a mammoth?" She looked at him, confusion written across her face.
"For its tusk. Like the one you gave that wench at the stall." He explained to her, making her eyes so slightly wide.
"I didn't need to go and kill one! In case you didn't notice ranger that there're many mammoth skeletons laying about, I saw one not far from here. I got it from that one. No hunting or killing required." She explained.
"Takes the fun right out of it though."
"Not exactly what I would consider fun."
"Then what do you find fun, Princess?"
"I don't know. It's been a while since I've done anything for fun. But I do like to do certain things because I enjoy them."
"Like dressing in men's clothes?" He asked and she stopped immediately, looking down at her clothes.
"These are hardly considered men's clothes." She ran across her stomach.
"They look like it."
"Maybe to you... Well... Okay. Maybe a little. But they're not. "
"Why do you dress in men's clothes?" he asked as the neared the carriage. She laughed, soft and melodious, as she gently shook her head, her eyes lit with mischief.
"Because I knew it would annoy my superiors." She giggled as she rounded the cart to speak to the driver. "As well as that I didn't feel comfortable in other garments that I couldn't move freely in. Dresses aren't easy to fight in." Looking at her, his eyes roamed over her, trying to picture her in the gown she spoke of. He could mentally picture it. Hmm... It was cut short as he heard Serlina speak to the driver.
"Hello. I'd like to hire your carriage."
"Where do you want to go?" He responded, resting his foot on the edge on his seat.
"I'm heading to a place a little tucked out of the way, but the closest place to where I need to go, as I've been told, is Riften." She explained as she pulled out a map, glancing here and there, her fingers following roads. "But I'll have to cut it short and get off a little ways off. Is that okay?"
"I suppose so. You'll still have to pay for a full ride." He looked at her a little sternly. She simple folded her map and nodded.
"That's fine. I appreciate you accommodating us."
"Us?" He asked in a questioning echo.
"Yes us. Me and my companion here." She turned and gestured to him. Their eyes meeting and held. Looking back to the driver she offered an inquisitive smile.
"Sure thing. 20 each. After, you can climb in back and we'll be off."
"Sure thing." She pulled out her pouch and started counting out coins. When he reached for his own, she pointed a finger in his face. "Don't even think about its ranger."
"What, I don't- "
"You paid for the rooms at the inn, I can pay for our ride."
"You paid for dinner and our drinks." He argued.
"I already said prior too that I owed you a drink ranger. Put your wallet away." She kept counting out coins.
"But everything you bought for dinner would be more than our fare." He crossed his arms, and she rolled her eyes.
"Hardly. Ranger, I will not tell you again. Put it away. I insist." She finished counting, held the money in her hand as the other settled on his hip.
"It's not- "
"I'm not going to wait around forever." The driver added in, leaving them to stare eachother down. Sighing he uncrossed his arms, and was about to reach for the ties on his coin pouch when it was knocked from his hand, landing in the dirt by his feet. Looking up he saw her sheath her blade, her brows raised in a very 'try-it-again-see-what-happens' look. His face was a cross between shock and amusement. Keeping her eyes on him, she stepped to the driver and handed him the payment.
"Stubborn woman." He rolled his eyes as he climbed into the carriage.
"If you've never been to Riften, be sure and visit the Black-Briar Meadery. A few mugs of that and you'll forget all your troubles." The driver said as she walked to the step. She was about to climb into the carriage when a Redguard woman came running towards them, her gaze set on Serlina. When she neared, she slowed and after a moment or two of catching her breath, she handed Serlina a small bag of gold. Serlina smiled at it, shook her head and pushed it back to her, making the Redguard slip into a state of confusion. He felt the same.
'Who, why-forget it' he thought to himself as he silently watched.
"But you helped me. I should pay you for all you've done for me." She stated trying again, and got a small eyeroll.
"I didn't help you for your money." She turned and placed a foot on the step and was about to lift herself into the carriage when the woman grabbed her arm to still her, he palmed the dagger at his hip, just to be safe.
"Then why did you help me?" She asked, her voice soft and concerned. He watched as Serlina smiled, bright and warm.
"Because women like us, who raise their voices and speak their mind shouldn't be executed or hunted down to be silenced ". And with that, she turned back and he held out a hand, which she took and he helped her into the carriage. He smacked the wooden frame and with a slight jerk, it started to move out. The woman, tears in her eyes gave a small wave as they headed out.
Feeling the movement of the wheels over the familiar roads, following the curves and rocking us from side to side. These rides, though he had had few always allowed him a chance for his thoughts to steady, to ready his feet for the day ahead. His eyes looked upwards to the mountain that loomed over the land of Skyrim. Throat of the World. He Scoffed. Always wondered what was up there. Turns out to be the Greybeards. Keepers of the Way of the Voice. His stomach vaulted a little as he turned his gaze to Serlina, who had her back to the mountain, but her face over her map again. Could someone like her really be 'Dragonborn'? Someone who looked so beautiful and soft, was able to shout someone to pieces like Ulfric did to High King Torygg? She barley even yelled... She hadn't even attempted to when the guard on the field mentioned it. She had simply looked ready to be sick and walked away from the battle. Almost as if saying 'I have done what was asked of me, so I'm leaving.' Hm. The look on her as she was surrounded by the dragons' soul though… Her face could have passed for the definition of agonized. Her skin had paled; her mouth open in a silent scream. The image of it made his chest hurt. The way she trembled when he steadied her... Like a leaf in a ferocious wind. Gods. He wanted to hold her, made the shaking stop. Her eyes were wide after, once the soul had been absorbed. By gods, they were shocked, worried and terrified all at once. Hell, he would be too if that had suddenly happened to him. Gods know what she would be thinking-
"You grew up in Riften, right?" She asked breaking the silence. Clearing his throat, he sat back, laying his arm along the edge of the carriage.
"I did. For a time." He watched her glance around her, like she was unsure how to sit. "Something wrong over there, Princess?" He asked drawing her eyes to him. Those dark circles under her eyes… Did she not sleep last night? Well... A lot did happen. He would toss and turn a while too.
"I'm… I have to keep telling myself that I am not on the same carriage that brought me here. To Skyrim I mean." She explained glancing around then back at him. "That this isn't the same carriage taking me to my falsely authorized execution." She smiled weakly.
"Your looking a little rough over there." He informed her, making her raise a brow. "You look tired I mean."
"My my ranger. If I wasn't sure, I would say you sound almost concerned" She teased. He scoffed and crossed his arms.
"Fine. Forget I brought it up. Where exactly are we heading. You haven't told me." He changed the subject swiftly, damning the feeling of his face reddening. She didn't seem to catch it as she looked down as she opened her pouch, moving a few things till she pulled out a slip of folded paper.
"This was found on a bandit not far from here by a patrol. I had asked Irileth to keep her guards informed about things such as this, as it was of great importance to us." He kept his gaze on hers as he took the slip from her.
Opening the small note, it read;
Adril,
I need you to go out and find the missing pit wolves before the next tournament. We lost too many during the last fights, and we won't be able to train new ones in time. Find them and bring them back to Cragslane at once!
His fingers gripped the paper tightly. Gods. "Dog fighting". He sneered through clenched teeth.
"It's a terrible thing to do to animals! We'll put the bandits in the kennels and make them fight. Well sell tickets!" She looked angry enough to do it.
Pointing to his own face he gave her a solemn look. "I hope this look of distain conveys exactly what I'm feeling for you right now." She looked at him for a moment before snickering.
"Mmm, maybe that, too." She slid her hand through her hair, pushing flyaway strand away from her face. The action was an innocent habit, incredibly sexy, drawing his gaze to the perfection of her face, the fullness of her breasts, the smooth line of her throat.
"Oh? Do you think I feel something else for you?"
"How can you? You don't trust me, remember?" She shot back, but her eyes twinkled mischievously.
"That's right." He agreed with a small bob of his head. "But I trust myself." He stated, and he argued to himself that he wasn't disappointed when the spark left her eyes.
"You make it sound like just saying the word trust could kill you." She teased. The idea still irked him, but he didn't let it irritate him as much.
"Tch. Look here Princess, I know about what kills people, whether it be from my arrow or dagger, to being trusting of the wrong person. And over the years I have killed more people than I can count. At one time," he admitted hesitantly, "I lived for it. Loved it."
"I don't know if I can say the same myself. I think I used too... A while back." She retorted. He smirked, leaning back.
"You still love it." He supplied, remembering how expertly she'd handled the spiders and draugr.
"But only on the battlefield." She looked away and he felt the loss when her eyes darkened and the twinkle was lost. Her smile slowly deflated, but still held on." I was often... Let's call it berated, about not participating in killing people at random... I am able to kill like a mercenary with the silence of the best of thieves."
"Sounds like you are a few things more than a Dragonborn. Your sounding like quite the killer." He meant it as a jest, but he felt guilt when her face slowly slipped into one of loss.
"I know what I am." She looked at her hands and clenched them. "I may turn into a lot of things... But I know that down to the marrow of my bones... I am not a cold killer." Her voice remained soft, but the conviction behind it was staggeringly solid. A simple statement with conviction. Hm. He found himself smiling. He too knew that feeling. To be honest and determined to become something better. Or something you would rather be dead than being... Someone like... half his family. He had his reasons. So, he wondered, what was hers? Letting his expression slip back into neutral, he asked,
"What's wrong with being cold to death? It happens to all of us sooner or later." He stated gently, making her nod in agreement.
"Yes. I agree to that. Well. Most of that. But I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend the whole senselessness about it. How could I kill someone I never met before, because someone asked it of me? When you are attacked and defending yourself, sure. But under no means would I intentionally go all but out of my way to kill someone." She looked away, towards the sky, a hesitant hand touching the charm that lay there. "I was taught to be more than a senseless killer. And Ill be damned before I am."
They didn't speak much after that. He nearly asked about the necklace she worse, but he held his tongue. The ride moved by with a quick pace and before long, they were hopping off, and slowly walking up hill, Serlina nose deep in her map again.
"Are you sure this is the place Princess?"
"I'm going to play it safe and say I am mostly sure." He scoffed, making her raise her head and glare at him. "Let me remind you ranger that I am unfamiliar with these lands. I know we are on a time crunch as your friend is in danger and the longer, we waste time, could lessen his. But I am doing my best. So, I would appreciate it if- wait, why am I apologizing?!" He tucked the map away as she stomped over to him and planted a slender finger in his chest, eyes glaring at him. "You're the ranger who grew up around this town, you should know exactly where we are, and where we are going." She huffed at him, but didn't remove her hand.
"I hunted animals, Ladyship. Not some godsforsaken crypt."
"It's a cavern Bishop. And one that could potentially have your friend in a bad situation. So, either quit your huffing and puffing and help me, or be silent and let me work around your jerkish ass."
"Nice to hear you noticed it." He shot back and her face slipped into one of calm neutrality.
"I'm seconds away from stabbing you."
"Pft. You already tried to." He reminded her as her eyes rolled upward to the sky.
"No, I didn't ranger. Trust me, if I did, you would be mortally wounded. Or dead."
He frowned at her. "You actually think a woman like you can defeat me?" He asked, and watched as she raised a brow, a spark of anger making her eyes darken. He watched as her eyes lowered, looking him up and down. Different from the way she had looked at him last night.
"I've taken down bigger and better than you."
"Bigger maybe, but better? Doubtful, considering there is no one better." He stated.
"We'll see about that." She glanced away. "I wouldn't put any money on it." She teased.
"Speaking of money, you wanna explain your little tantrum about what happened back there?"
"Back where?" She asked with a small tilt of her head.
"Whiterun. Paying for the ride." He crossed his arms over his chest. Damn. She did look... almost. cute, with her head tilted like that.
"That wasn't a tantrum." She didn't sound defensive in an angry way. More like. She was amused at the idea.
"Then what was with the payment problem back there?" He gestured with his thumb behind him. "I could have paid for myself." She tsked and made an unsure shrug.
"I simply like being equal with someone. That's all. That includes paying my own way. I like to think I have more self-respect then to simply letting any men constantly pay for things that I am more than capable to do myself." She stopped for a moment and took a breath, let it out. "Though..." She trailed off and looked back at him, meeting his gaze. "I never did thank you for paying for my room..." She paused for a moment. "And ensured it could be locked up safe… You didn't have to..." Something seemed to pass in her mind, making her eyes widen slightly as her eyes snap away, her fingers going to her throat, her charm that glinted softly under her shawl. "You gave me some peace of mind." Slowly her gaze slid up and locked on his. "Thank you, Bishop."
Another ache in his chest appeared again. He resisted the urge to rub at it with his hand.
"Forget it." He waved a hand and walked past her. Looking around he noticed a familiar sight. Huh. "Look there Princess, the Shrine of Zenithar." He pointed to a small collection of stones. He didn't have to look at her to know she had looked. Hearing the sound of paper being unfolded, he rolled his eyes. Her and that stupid map.
"If we set out a little ways West, we should be right on the cave." She started walking, leaving him to follow and follow he did. He found himself in a curious state of tranquil silence. In his years when he travelled with more than a wolf by his side, chatter would flow all around. And not that he hated talking to Serlina, no he found that he liked her quips here and there, he greatly appreciated that they could walk and sit in silence now and again, without it feeling uncomfortable.
Walking uphill, he caught the scent of a burning fire, and the fainter scent of... His blood cooled as he slowly drew his bow. Wolves. They slowed their pace, making sure to walk low, keeping the wind in their favor.
"I count 2 bandits, just outside. But. The wolves don't look like they want to fight us. Just to get the hell out of this place." He spoke through clenched teeth. He caught movement by his side, letting his eyes move to where Serlina had slunk to.
"Like your partner, they are not likely here by choice. When the men are down, I shall see if the cages can be opened. Damned…" She trailed off, keeping her finishing words to herself as they moved into action. The second a bandit had stepped into his bows aim, he grinned, he may even have laughed after the first man fell. He heard a man charging down the slight slope, swinging a mace towards Serlina, who with a skill and grace, slid onto her knees, gliding along the ground as she bowed backwards, letting the mace swing over her. Sinking into a quick crouch for a better angle, he notched another arrow and let it fly, sinking center in the bastards' eye, making him drop to the dirt; dead. The altercation over, he couldn't help letting out a breath of regret. Should have done one in with a dagger to his gut, simply to get his distain for them across, even if the man died quickly after. He bent down picked up his arrows that he could salvage and placed them in his quiver as he straightened, and repressed a yell of shock as dark black wolves raced passed him, into the woods far down below.
"I take it that since none of them slowed or even stopped, neither of them were Karnwyr." She stated, holding a key in her hand, one that still had a smear of crimson on the handle.
"No." He looked towards the two cages' opening. The cages had originally been for something larger than a wolf. Bears maybe so, there had been extra bars melded on in a haphazard fashion. All along the bottom were riddled with nibbled parts. Some of the bars were straight, others at jaunty angles from how worked they had been. Spacious for one wolf for one cage. But cramped. In so many ways. The state of the cages looked less than clean, blood and shit everywhere. The smell alone made him crinkle his nose a bit. Turning his head away he looked to the cave just around a small wall of rocks, hidden away indeed. From the base of the hill, you didn't see a thing. Hmp. Clever bastards. He palmed his dagger. He nor Ladyship needed words as the slowly moved forward into the dark cave. Entering, they became engulfed in chilling darkness. The absence of light making them pause, letting their eyes adjust. First, he saw a Brenton standing against the stone, a bored look on his face, mumbling to himself. Slowly lowering into a crouch, he scanned around. And his steady breathing quickened upon his next sight. Down the slender caves tunnel, there was another cage. And inside was what he had been searching for what seemed longer than it was; Karnwyr. I would know that tuft of fur anywhere.
The Brenton was dead before he realized he loosened the arrow. A look of surprise was gifted to him from Serlina, brows raised, her swords partially drawn.
"Damn Bishop!" She yell-whispered. "Warn a girl next time. I almost walked into that!" She stepped forward, sliding the sword back into its place. He said nothing in return, just followed her as she stepped forward, her steps echoing slightly along the close walls.
"Watch yourself Ladyship. Our footsteps will echo in every hallway and chamber. So, stop stomping around like some swamp boar." He quipped earning him a glare.
"Shut it ranger." She did step lighter though. He inwardly smirked. Stepping close, he crouched down outside the cage.
Karnwyr was a large middle-aged wolf with a sandy coat. He has a medium-length, broad, pleasant face and has long, pointed ears and is fairly muscular. What made his blood nearly stopped. Blood, wet and dry matted his fur.
"There you are you mutt. What were you thinking, getting trapped and making me track you all the way here to this God forsaken place?" The faint sound of a whine escaped from the bars. Pulling the door, it rattled, refusing to open. Looking up, his eyes landed on the door handle, fastened tightly by a lock. He was about to crack the thing open by force when several voices rang out to his right, cheering and the howling of wolves. The sounds of snarling and whimpers followed, making his stomach flip and his anger to notch up again.
"Damn" He muttered running a hand through his hair. There was more of them. Shit. Patting himself down, he didn't find any lockpicks. I should have picked up a few when I had shopped. Sonofa-
"Aren't you going to open it?" Serlina asked in a hushed whisper as she glanced down the opening of the narrow opening, further into the cave. The cheering grown louder, the sounds of wolves fighting rose, the sounds more and more vicious then the last.
"I would if I had pins! Dammit. I'm no good at these kinds of locks either..." He admitted glancing at her with narrowed eyes. She stood up from her crouch and lightly stepped over.
"God's Bishop. Move."
He said nothing, just glared. She reached up and pulled a pin from her hair. "You should keep them in stock for things such as this." Straightening the pin, she slowly settled in front of the cage. She held the pin steadying her hand and looked directly at Karnwyr. "We'll get you out boy. Trust in that."
The wolf lay on the ground, oblivious to the dirt that clogged its fur into matts. He looked like he it only when necessary and his eyes were sunken and dull. Hist chest hurt just looking at him. He watched as Serlina crouched down right next to it and offered her hand near the bars.
Instead of sniffing her it just tilted its head away and his lips rose, showing his teeth in warning. Slowly, she lowered her hand, and set to work on its lock. He watched as she fiddled with the pin inside the lock until it clicked and the door opened. "How did you learn to do that?" he asked as she straightened. She looked at him and shrugged.
"I picked up a few things here or there." She tick her pin back into her hair. She slid away, moving silently down the corridor.
"Well... I won't be complaining." He swung the gate open and was met with Karnwyr. His body lumbered up, stretching and standing at full height. His mouth opened, giving him a sense of a smile as his tongue licked his hand in greeting, his tail wagging excitedly. He resisted the urge to pull him into a hug, but first-
"There there. What do you say we play a little game, for old times sake?" He asked, and smiled when Karnwyr tilted his head. "Ill shoot an arrow into one of these bandit bastards' knees and you can go rip his face off?" He asked and the snarl that the wolf gave him made him smile in pride. With a bark, the wolf slinked toward where the ruckus was. They slowed when they neared Serlina, the wolfs gaze sliding from her to him. After all the years together, he was proud to say they didn't need words to communicate. Karnwyr was unsure of the woman. He got that loud and clear. He gave a calm nod, and the wolf moved more freely around her. He stood by her side, making her glance down at him, her face hidden by the angle, but from what he could see, Karnwyr sniffed her around her boots, then wagged his tail gently. He caught her head bibbing up and down slightly, in a nod of acknowledgement. Walking up with her, he saw that her hands were trembling as she drew a sword. Looking at her face, he saw the rage that brewed just under the surface.
Below, there was a sturdy ring made of wood, several men, to transfixed with the wolves fighting inside to notice them. There were two by the makeshift bar, and probably more in the small alcove to the left.
"Let's make these sons of bitches pay!" He caught the stiff nod from Serlina as she made her way down the ramp, calmly and not breaking her concentration. He drew an arrow and fired, killing one nord by the ring instantly. Karnwyr leapt into action, teeth bared, claws out and lunging at the others.
"Lookie here, looks like we got ourselves a hero" A man said and then, the battle was really on.
From above, he drew arrow after arrow, one sinking into the knee of one, as promised, letting Karnwyr take the bastard down, the other went after Serlina, who fought swiftly and smoothly. She simply moved about, minding the arrows, even throwing one of her swords to one of the nords who were running up the ramp to deal with him no doubt. He was shocked when the nord died a little ways from his feet, the elvish sword wiggling in the man's ribcage. Damn. He gave a nod of thanks then drew his dagger, running down into the fray. One after another they fell, the wolves, striking out rather blindly, unable to see that they could have simply run past them, and out of the cave. Their hunger for a fight overrode their senses. He made their deaths quicker, painless. While dealing with one of the gamblers, he found that Serlina was not in the lager room, but walking down the corridor, sword in hand. Something made her pause as she walked into the smaller room, but his attention went back to the gambler.
They tussled for a moment or two, until he heard a pair of voices arguing down the corridor. Pushing the gambler off, his blade sliced through the man's throat, making him crumple to the ground. With a sharp shake, he let the droplets of blood fall off the blade and turned to run into the corridor when all Oblivion seemed to break loose. There was a shout, almost a roar of pure power, announcing the start of something that was only beginning to brood, followed by a pained scream. A sudden gust of wind bounded through the cavern with a powerful passion, the whiplash of bouncing from the walls of the opposite room and back into the larger one nearly knocked him off his feet. The ground is moving and the noise is like extended thunder only worse because the vibrations are coming from the smaller room. What seemed to shock him more than the force of it was what he felt as it brushed over him. If the force of wind could have a feeling or emotion, it had felt like it was violent. Unforgiving. The boom had caused the cave around them to shake, dirt and small rocks to fall from the ceiling. Righting his footing he took off into the room and found a sight that made him stop dead in his tracks.
Blood and body parts scattered the room round Serlina. She stood, eyes wide and shocked at the sight in front of her. The look of what was left over from the... man? Was not much. But he looked like he was a big man. He must have been the butcher of the bandits. And the Warhammer that lay among the floor, quite strong. But the sound… Looking at her, he caught that she held little to no blood, light spackling at best. Did she… Shout? She must have. The stories were true. It was dead quiet, all but the whimpering from the wolves in cages to his right. He said nothing as he walked over and patted the corpse, surprised he found the key to the cages. Opening them, the wolves, though cautious, watched him, hackles raised, teeth bared but moved to leave. When their gazed moved to Serlina, they lowered, submissive and they trotted out, their padded feet carrying them out with softened steps. Stepping over to her, he cleared his throat, making her blink once, twice. Her chest rose and fell gently as she lifted her eyes from the sight around them to his. He simply watched her. He didn't ask questions, didn't probe. If anything, she had enough questions for herself. Dear Gods. To be in her head when that amount of force left her. He shuddered mentally at the thought alone.
Though, he didn't feel intimidated by her, or her voice. If anything, he felt awed by her. Beautiful and powerful. Gods. This woman. Karnwyr lumbered over, nudged her hand with his muzzle, licking her fingers tentatively. She had a brief moment of shock, which was covered by a small smile.
"Now that Karnwyr is safe, what will you do?" She asked, her voice soft, almost unsure. He found himself surprised she would even have to ask.
"I'm impressed. I didn't think a woman like you had it in yah." He teased, making her shoulder drop in a relaxed state. That's right Princess, the Shouting changes nothing, he thought as she cleaned her blade and slide it back into her sheath. Her eyes locked on him. From that alone, he already felt his blood hum, her cheeks even had a light tinting of pink.
"I have many skills Bishop." Came her response. Oh, I bet you do, he smirked at the thought.
"Well, in that case, I've decided to join you. Who knows what kind of trouble you and I can find ourselves in along the way." She smiled at that, her eyes lighting up again.
"Ooh yeah. I'm going to get you in all sorts of trouble" She teased back, her smile was flirtatious, and he found himself humming in approval.
"I'm looking forward to that." He let her lead the way. Karnwyr not far behind. Like himself, Karnwyr looked intrigued by her. Damn. It felt good to have him back. Alive and well. But first things first, he needed a bath, and a good meal. Who knew that they had in store for themselves.