Three glasses of brandy in and the only thing he could feel was the urge to throw the fucking glass at the wall. He spun the glass round and round on the table with his fingers, the dark liquid sloshing around. The brandy doing nothing to quell the emotions that still caused him turmoil. Looking over the table's edge, he watched Karnwyr sleep blissfully by his side. Though he wanted to run a hand over his back, more for his own peace of mind, he remained still. He deserved to rest. He should as well, though he didn't feel tired. No, he thought silently, his eyes moving to a window near him. No, he was itching for a fight. Though... He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tightening on his glass. He had already fought. In more ways than one. He had fought physically, mentally and… He lifted the glass and took a good swallow. Emotionally. His nerves felt scratched raw, his body humming in anger and his head ached…
But the way he felt at the mere mention of the Paladin taking a place by her side had left him in a foul place. And instead of being collected with cool neutrality, he had snapped. He took another sip, the burn feeling like acid going down. Her sharp tongue hadn't helped, he thought to himself, his hand stilling on the glass. He had been consumed with thoughts of her being in the Paladins presence and the mind twisting ways he could undo her for his benefit, and she thought to start sassing him.
Closing his eyes, he could still see the flashes of Jules, eyes wide, blood from his mouth as he gasped out why he had done what he did... At how and why Casavir was in the middle of it all… how they had both been mistaken. Opening his eyes, he lifted the glass and downed the rest of it and swallowing hard. If Casavir could meddle like that with him and his brother... Just what could he do to someone like her? His fear and anger had mixed to a potency that had left him reeling and going after her with it. She was on the receiving end of it, and she...
She flinched. Recoiled.
She may as well have stabbed him…
He felt the glass in his hand crack slightly under his fingers. He could still see it… The flash of fear. Her eyes moving down and away from him when he reached out, her body shying away. She had looked like she had internally scolded herself for doing so but… It struck him harder than… anything. But she came to him after, tried to help. And she had. Just her being around him made the chaos quieter. Closing his eyes again, he got in several deep breaths that seemed to help.
"Bishop."
Fuck. Opening his eyes, he met Casavir's gaze and had to force down the urge to smash the glass into the fuckers' face. Maybe his throat. That would stop his irritating voice for one. The thought brought him a flare of pleasure at the idea of it.
"What do you want, Paladin?" He scanned the crowd in the bar. "I don't think it's to have a nice quiet drink. This isn't the place for it." He mocked as he picked up the bottle of brandy on his table and poured the remainder of it into his glass. A little more than an inch filled the glass, but that was fine.
"No. It's not to drink, I need to speak with you." He gestured to him, his armour glinting in the light. He leaned back in his chair, looking him over. He must spend hours polishing that getup...
"What could you and I possibly have to speak about?" He asked rhetorically. "Surely not the weather."
"It is a matter of which of great importance. And you have more knowledge about it then I do."
He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "You must be really knotted up if you're taking the time to speak with me." He ran through all the tings they could have to possibly talk about and came up slim to none. Well, all but one. "Ah... I see why you're here. You wish to speak to me about the Dragonborn, don't you?"
"This has nothing to do with her." He stated and he couldn't help his scoff. He took half the contents of his glass and swallowed it down before setting the glass aside.
"Well then you can cut the bullshit. Because otherwise you and I have nothing to discuss." Nothing worthwhile, that is.
"Its to do with your past grievances." That had his eyes snapping to his, fury making his blood burn and his muscles tighten in prep to grab him.
"Really?" He asked, his brow raising. "That's the best you can do?" He chuckled bitterly. "Are you sure it's my grievances that should be up for discussion?" He met Casavir's gaze steadily.
"You leave messes everywhere you go, Bishop. I do not."
"Just because you didn't do most of the dirty work doesn't mean it wasn't your mess, Paladin." He managed. "Besides, what do my theoretical messes have to do with anything?"
Casavir placed his hand on the table, leaning in. "You are walking around with the Dragonborn and if your past catches up with you, she will be pulled in. I do not trust you to keep her out of harms way and she shouldn't either."
"So this is about her, after all." He pointed out and grinded his teeth slowly before scoffing when Casavir said nothing. Lifting a finger, he wagged it at him. "It's funny though, literally the same thing I could have told her about you." He pointed a glare as him as his hand rested on the glass again.
"You think she would be safer in your presence than with someone who has taken vows to uphold the law of right and wrong?"
"Your blind if you think she needs to be protected like she's something delicate."
"From someone with such a dark path such as yourself, she should be."
"You're not much better." He stated, his voice dropping dangerously low. "You want so badly for people to accept the image you present to others that you have to work twice as hard to convince yourself it's the truth. Doing anything and almost everything to elevate your place here or anywhere for that fucking matter." He watched Casavir's jaw clench. "It makes you the worst kind of backstabbing liar there is."
Casavir's eyes looked side to side, looking around at the crowds as they began surrounding them. "I don't know what you're talking about, Bishop."
"Alright then, how's this?" He asked settling back into his chair. "Mirrors still make you mad enough to punch if you can't brainwash the reflection?" He asked, resting his elbows on the arm of the chair. Casavir said nothing but no doubt the memory of what he spoke of was rattling around inside his armor, in the darker places. His amber eyes met the shocking blue ones and searched. "No, no you're in way deeper than that." He leaned back and inwardly smirked at the irritated look on his face. "There's not an ounce of honesty in those eyes." And as much as he hated it, he knew the look well. He'd had it for years...
"This coming from a man of such standards as yourself." Casavir pointed out, making him want to roll his eyes. "You've no doubt lied to the Dragonborn about the man you have become and what you did to-"
"I was a bandit." He admitted with a tight shrug. "I've killed many who were and are deserving of it and she, believe it or not, knows that." He admitted and found himself shocked and amused when the Paladin looked dumbstruck.
"And she is still by your side, as your companion?" Casavir sounded as shocked as he looked.
"Seems so." He said tensely.
"She's too good for you." Casavir informed him and he let the sting of it settle in him. It's not like he didn't know… "Although," Casavir continued. "Maybe you think you can have your wicked way with her before you tarnish her beyond recognition." His blue eyes moved over him with a look of hard distain.
He felt his teeth clench to the point of pain. "If you can count on anything, Paladin, it's that she's going to see right through that mask you put on."
"Its not a masquerade ball, Bishop." Casavir stated. He crossed his arm over his chest with another scoff. His words a dodge if he ever heard one, even Ladyship made better dodges.
"Not what I meant and You know it." He clarified. "But in case you can't figure out what I am saying, let me be blunt. No doubt will start the night as this 'saint' Paladin." He set the glass aside and leaned back in his chair. "And you may make good strides in your façade. But the man in you will become flustered in that woman's presence and slip up." He shrugged. "Any red-blooded man would."
"She isn't some common… wench for you to speak about in such ways!"
"Casavir, despite what you seem to think, she doesn't need you or anyone to jump at the chance of defending her honor when she is more than capable of defending it herself, so don't even try to play martyr with me."
Casavir scoffed. "What? Because you and she have been traveling together that you know what she wants or more importantly, what she needs?"
"Its more than what you have." He pointed out and shook his head dismissively. "You don't even know her! Then again, I could be wrong." He left out a small snort of amusement. "What woman wouldn't want to stand beside someone who she knew for a few hours at best?" He chuckled, more to himself than anything. It was rare that he had inside jokes and it felt good to laugh, even briefly. The confusion on Casavir's face had him nearly starting up again. "Someone who wears a temples cloak and carries himself around like some kind of standard for others to look up too? And yet, it would be an image based on lies."
Casavir slapped a hand on the table, barely earning a jolt from him, but other around him looked by in alarm. "And what, she needs a man who can't tell right from wrong? Who is selfish and has such disrespect for others that they burn their bridges before they are fully made?"
"No, she needs a man who's not afraid of making hard decisions. And who will do, what must be done." He pined him with a hard look. That fact could go for the both of them. Though it was Casavir who looked amused at his words.
"Hard decisions? What must be done?" Casavir chuckled darkly. "Someone like you who made a hard decision and did what had to be done?" He asked and grew smug when his eyes narrowed slightly. Where was he going-? "Speaking of hard decisions, how is… Kivari, was it?" His fist lifted and fell hard on the table, the glass bottle falling to the side at the impact and Karnwyr jolted awake beneath the table.
"Don't you dare… Say her name to me." He warned and grew pleased when Casavir looked on edge. "You were not the one who had to tell her that her husband was dead. That it was you, who hid behind your cloak, saying it was your God who put you on such a path to put him and I at odds."
"And yet... His blood will forever be on your hands." Casavir stated with a deadly calm tone that had him breathing deeply. Anguish rolled over him in new waves. He hid it well, making sure to bury it deep before giving the bastard the satisfaction of seeing him react to it.
"I know what I have done." He looked down to his hands, clenched them tightly then looked back to him. "I accepted who it made me into and accepted my place in life." He found himself saying and for a brief second, he felt at peace. Then looked to Casavir with a new sort of… pity. "You, who still struggles to find your place and who tries too hard to rise above what he was made for, have not." The look on Casavir's face was one of such anger he looked like on the verge of being ill...
His eyes moved to the window again and felt the sensation of triumph fill him when Casavir said nothing.
"The afternoon is waning," his eyes slide back over to Casavir "guest of honour. I suggest you begin preparing yourself for the hardest struggle of your life." Casavir watched him warily, looking like he was thinking of something to say but instead he turned away and stalked out of the inn, the door slamming behind him.
Kivari… He sighed and rubbed a hand over Karnwyr's ears. It had been some time since he thought of Jules' wife... Jules and Kivari... He shook his head as thoughts of them weighed him down. They had made a… decent couple. And their son Barros... He felt his chest ache. He'd be… He thought for a hard moment, almost in his fifth season.
Damn. Looking to Karnwyr, he smirked.
"Wonder how Barros is doing?" He asked aloud and let a small huff of a laugh pass his lips when Karnwyr let out a pleased bark. Gathering his gear, he set to the bar to finish his tab only to find out that Serlina had taken his and put it on hers. Shaking his head, he set out into the town for the store called Fletcher.
Running a hand over his face he breathed out his frustrations as he walked uphill, Karnwyr by his side. He had been here once before, the shop a haven for him and his archery needs. Sending a look to Karnwyr, he smirked when the wolf sat down by the door as he walked in. It was the same as he remembered it.
Oh. The targets on the walls were new. Walking around a stone pillar to the counter he caught sight of a dark elf rummaging through a deep barrel. Clearing his throat, he nodded when the elf looked over his shoulder at him. He gave him a once over and settled on the bow strapped to his back.
"An archer huh? I've got just what you need." He straightened and walked to the counter, his hand waving over a bundle of arrows on display. "I've many fine dwarven arrows that anyone with skill could make great use of."
He barely spared them a glance.
"Of that, I'm sure. But I prefer my own. I only need bindings and feathers." He supplied and walked to the crafting section of the shop.
"I assure you, the arrows in my store are just as good."
"If you talking about trolls and sabre-cats, sure. But I am going to be doing some bigger hunting."
"Bigger as in?"
"As in I need to make some arrows that can take down dragons." He spoke offhandedly as he searched through the collections. Even snagging some quality wax for his bowstring as well.
"Why of course. And will you also be needing a bow that shoots rainbows?" The elf's sarcasm had him lifting a brow when he looked over his shoulder at him. "Or perhaps a quiver that dispenses beer?" He scoffed as he made his way over to the counter, his items in tow. "Look, if you want arrows, we have them, but don't insult my intelligence."
"I won't insult your intelligence." He returned and paid him for the few things he needed. "Just your lack of creative capabilities." He picked up his things and was out the door before the elf could respond. He'd had enough of dealing with talking to other people and headed back to the inn. He sat outside and enjoyed sitting in the sun in the small alcove beside the inn with Karnwyr by his side as he made to crafting more arrows and waxed his bowstring. His eyes flicked upwards now and again when he would put a newly crafted arrow into his quiver... He frowned when he looked up at the sky. It had been several hours since he had last seen Serlina.
She normally wouldn't have taken this long. Shopping for gear and food took her a quarter of an hour, if she took her sweet time, at best. Did she pass him and he simply hadn't noticed? He walked inside and asked the barkeep if she had come back in, and received a shake of his head and him scuttling off to fill drink orders. He had also checked the room they had stayed in and found noting different from leaving earlier.
So, where was she? He hadn't seen her walk back, and she would have come back to change out of her gear before she left.
The town was certainly starting to pick up on buzzing, a few in gowns already leaving the inn and headed towards the Palace. Following suit, he looked around and as he turned the bend towards the market, he caught sight of a blond-haired woman coming out of a shop tucked out of the way with a ballgown, a mix of dark green and yellows. Best place to check, he figured and walked in.
Different from most stores he'd seen in Solitude, it was nice enough. Tables of jewelry, flower crowns and all kinds of radiant robes. He nearly scoffed when the sound of hands clapping sharply caught his ears as a woman in a pink silk robe all but glided towards him.
"Shoo! Shoo!" She waved her hands in a pushing motion to Karnwyr, her face angry. "No animals are allowed in here!" She scolded as she looked from Karnwyr who looked at her with a tilted head and what sounded to be a confused wolf-like chortle. "I must ask you for your mutt to be put outside."
"He's not a mutt." He clarified and stepping in her line of sight so she could focus on him and not his wolf. "And we'll get out of your hair as soon as we can. I'm actually looking for someone." He didn't like the way her eyes moved up his legs, lingered over his chest to his face.
"And what might she look like?" She asked.
"A young woman. Brown hair, this height," he held up his hand to his cheekbone level. "She is to be… accompanying a Paladin." He forced down the urge to spit the words and it seemed to do well when the woman's face lit up.
"AH! Yes, the Dragonborn. I believe she is trying on dresses with Endarie's assistance."
"And, where is she?" He pressed and got nothing in return but a blank face from the wench in pink. "Well?"
"I will not tell you where she is until that... creature is put outside." He could just continue to walk around in here, it only had two wings, but he got the feeling that a fancy place like this would have guards close at hand if she called for them for any unwanted people. Sighing he walked out and managed to get Karnwyr to stay at the door, like before at Fletcher before walking back in. The woman in pink was now talking to a High elf.
"How's it coming Endarie?" She asked the elf and watched as the elf started to wring her hands.
"It's difficult to say. She says she has a hard time in any of the dresses we brought to her that she may like." The elf frowned harshly, like she was irked.
"It's the latest fashion in Cyrodiil." The woman in pink replied, a hand coming up to her cheek, her own expression worried.
"That's what I told her, Madame Victoria."
"Well, keep looking, I'm sure we can find her something." Victoria said, her eyes flinting to him as he strided closer.
"I will take the most extensive care in searching for the perfect dress befitting someone such as her." Endarie looked between Victoria and himself before shuffling away.
"Very well." Victoria spoke dismissively as the high elf moved away.
"Can you now point me in the direction of where she would be?" He pressed and got a tired sigh from her. Turning to their right she gestured to the wing that had racks of gowns along the walls.
"Fourth door on your right, she'll be in there."
Nodding tightly, he started towards the wing. He could hear women's voices beyond the doors talking and giggling amongst themselves and when reaching the door, he found himself standing there for a moment longer than he would be honest for. Even his hand lifted to knock and paused before it connected with the wood and dropped back to his side.
What was he going to even say? He found her; she was still trying on dresses. No reason to be here himself. He was about to turn around when he heard something heavy fall inside the room. Then another faint sound had the skin on the back of his neck prickling. The sound of clattering dishes had him lifting his hand, he knocking on the door.
"Ladyship? You in there?" He called through the wood and listened again... Nothing came back to him but he could have sworn there was rustling inside. "Ladyship?!" He called once again and this time heard the sound of something shattering followed by a pained muffled voice. That had his hand going to the handle to open it and found the door locked. Rattling the door, he looked around and noticed Victoria talking to someone in the far hall. "I'm coming in!" He called and stepped back. Bringing his leg up, he dropkicked near the handle, the wood giving way and opened into a medium sized powder room. Stepping inside, he found himself going stalk still.
Her hair was a shaken mess that partially hid her face. Her arms were with great strain reaching behind her back towards the ties that ran all along her spine from the pale white corset. Her legs were covered in a nearly see-through shift that almost reached her ankles. But it wasn't until her head fully turned to him that he found himself closing the door behind him and striding to her side.
"Ladyship!" Her face was almost purple, her eyes tingling red with exertion.
"Rang-" half his name was choked from her lips. "He-help- I can't." Her eyes watered as her fingers moved frantically behind her. Looking to the strings he felt his mouth hang open in angered shock. Many ties were knotted several times along her back instead of just one at the base of her neck or spine. Even if she had managed to ger the one at her waist untied, she wouldn't have been able to get to the other 4 with her restricted movement. The sight of the corset digging into her skin nearly had him shaking with rage. Her body had a natural hourglass figure, but now it looked wrongly overexaggerated. Her skin was a chaffed from twisting what little she could on her shoulders, ribs and no doubt her hips. Looking to him she was barley able to take a solid breath as she reached for him, her eyes going wild. His own hands lifting to help he went after the silk strings and found himself growing frustrated. The strings were tied in knots so tight his fingers he couldn't pry the ridiculous knots loose. Trying to adjust one got a wince out of her, her fingers arching into claws, her face scrunching tightly.
"Fuck this." He moved her hair away and pulled his dagger from his sheath. "Don't move, ladyship." He warned and placed the blade tip downward between her shoulder blades where the ties began. Slipping the blade between the corsets ties he pushed the blade straight down, the strings giving way like a hot knife to butter. The harsh gasp that filled both the room and her lungs had him tremble in rage. Banking it aside, he managed to catch her as she stumbled forward a little with an arm around her waist. Her shoulders moved up and down as air passed raggedly from her lips. Sheathing his dagger, he brought his other hand to her shoulder, his thumb rubbing soothing circles.
"Slow breaths. That's it." He soothed and helped her move to a plush looking chair. Her arms came up to her front, keeping the material to her chest as she took long steadying breaths. "Who did this?" He demanded and scowled when she swallowed harshly when she sat down with a long sigh. She looked up at him and he felt a small amount of relief when her face was starting to become its natural colour again. Opening her mouth to speak but slowly closed it again before looking away. That staggered him a little. "Ladyship?" He softened his voice and was relived when she shook her head gently and shrugging at him when she looked up to him.
"It's my fault." She managed to get out. That had him raising his brows at her.
"How?" He scowled. "You, by yourself tied yourself up so tightly you couldn't breathe? Let alone manage to call for help?" He asked and watched as her eyes moved downward to the stone.
"Well… No." Her eyes didn't meet his, her voice quiet as her breathing became more and more steady.
"Then how the fuck is this your fault?" He asked his tone increasing and felt better when her head snapped up to his.
"The woman who helped me into this... contraption," she spit the word as she gestured to the binding material that hung loosely around her ribs. He was momentarily distracted by the way her breasts had been trussed up in the cups of the corset and how they rose and fell with her breath then snapped back to her face when she continued to speak. "She's the sister of the elf I told you about. The one who insulted my gear." She nodded towards her gear on a small table a few feet from here. "Her sister sends her regards to me." She let out a humorless laugh. "And took it out on my ribs." She scoffed and winced.
The sounds of hurried foots steps in the hallway had them both turning to the door when it opened again and in walked Victoria, her face alarmed when she took in the sight of the doorframe cracked near the handle then to them, Serlina, with her corset hanging open with a hand pressed to her chest to shield herself from being bare from the chest up. He looked around the chaotic room for something to cover her with. A long silk shawl was the best he could find.
"What in the name of Talos is going on here?!" Victoria demanded when she walked in. Turning back to the door, he felt his anger pulse through him as he draped the material over Serlina's shoulders. Her spare hand gripped the material around herself, he was about to lunge for the woman's throat when Serlina's hand caught his arm, stilling him.
"The woman who tied my corset made it to tight," Serlina stated softly, her hand dropping from his arm and began rubbing her ribs. "Then left before loosening it." Serlina looked at her and managed to pull remaining strings from the corset and held them out to her, one knots fully intact dangling. "My companion here heard my distress and had to cut me out of it." Victoria looked at him as she walked over and then her eyes went to the knotted silk in Serlina's hand, widening.
"I-I don't understand... Why would Endarie do this?" Victoria was no doubt asking herself aloud, but Serlina still answered her.
"Her sister and I got off on the wrong foot. And now since I am close at hand, I believe she is acting out on her sister's behalf..." Serlina explained and took a slow inhale and let it out. Victoria nodded tightly before walking around to examine her back and let out a short gasp. Glancing to it himself, he was pleased to see her skin becoming her natural colour again, but the indent from the ribbons was clear.
"I am... so sorry." Victoria's face turned apologetic as her eyes roamed over her back. Her hands lifted to the corset's cut corner and her eyes widened. "She put you in a corset that I believe would be a... full size too small."
"And here I thought that women in Cyrodiil must've learned not to breathe!" Serlina joked over her shoulder and followed Victoria who walked around to face her directly.
"I am so sorry, milady. I will take care of this right away." She looked her over before she walked to a small wardrobe and pulled out a simple cloth robe. "You should put this on, milady. I will be back with attire that will best suit you and your evening." She bowed her head after putting the robe on the chair's arm beside her. Looking between the two of them she gave an apologetic smile then turned to walk out the door closing it behind her as best as she could. He met Veronica's glare with a hard one of his own as the door closed.
Looking back to Serlina, she raked her fingers over her hair, clearing her face. She swallowed tightly as the air between them grow tense with silence. Their earlier conversation weighing in and mentally kicked himself. Why he couldn't find the words to sort things out... He started to scowl but stopped when she shifted on her feet as she rolled her shoulder before wincing again halfway round.
"How bad is it?" He asked gently and stilled when she lifted a shoulder and then dropped it.
"Not as bad as before." She replied as she looked to the robe, down to her chest then to him. Her cheeks pinkening a little when he raised a brow. "I don't know what I would've- what are you doing?" She asked as he walked to the chair and lifted the robe from the arm.
"I'm bringing you something to cover up." He admitted and turned and started back towards her.
"Oh really? I'm surprised you aren't proud of your handywork and want to leave it be." She scoffed coldly and he felt himself stilling.
"Not in the way I would have preferred." He returned tightly.
"Well I don't know what you're doing here. I thought you'd be stewing still." Her defences were up and as they would be. Should be.
"Ladyship, I'm not talking to you while your half naked." His words were teasing, but his voice was serious. "I want to talk without… getting distracted." He admitted honestly. She looked nervous, then again, he thought, she would be. Keeping his eyes avert he started walking to go behind the chair. Her eyes widened in apprehension as he passed.
"You don't have to, I can-" She stepped back a step. A new kind of apprehension showing on her face.
"Ladyship, relax. Its not like I haven't seen your... back." His words died when he cleared her shoulder. The redness was faded from her smooth skin but that's not what gave him pause. Several scars covered her back, many healed over, some more ragged than others but healed over time. The healed skin though...It held a metallic tint that had him blinking. He hadn't noticed them when he had cut the corset. He had had been focused on her just breathing that... Fucking Gods in Hell. One diagonal scar on her left shoulder blade that was several inches long, another one that was jagged down the right of her ribs, that one that looked the oldest, several circular scars ranged all over and about nine small razor thin ones that he could see ranged down along her spine.
His fingers lifted and nearly trailed over the one on her shoulder blade. Her head turned so she could look over her shoulder at him.
"Do they look that strange to you?" Her voice sounded defensive; her eyes guarded when he met them. Her hand grabbed the robe from his and started putting her arms through.
"No." He admitted turning away to give her a second. "I'm the same way… Scars all over." He added, his thumb scratching at the one on his cheekbone absently. "But who... where did you get these scars?" He found himself asking as his eyes moved over her. Her head turned to him and felt a cold chill run over him.
"You really wanna know?" She asked as she worked the sash around the robe.
"Well..." He trailed off as the cut corset dropping to the floor at her feet as she finished tying the cloth together, she looked back to him when it was secured in place.
"Well, too bad." She smiled a little bitterly, though it didn't reach her eyes. She shrugged and crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't look so disappointed, ranger." He didn't know he had even been frowning. "A girls gotta have some secrets, you know." She lifted a shoulder then dropped it. The sound of raised voices in the hall had them both turning their heads to the door. "But enough about that. I just want to get this over and done with." Her hands lifted to fix her hair that had come loose, tying it in a simple bun at the base of her neck to keep it out of the way.
"Do you really have to go through with this, Ladyship?" He asked as she turned to face the wall away from him and walked towards her gear. "And I mean really." That had her looking to him when she reached her pack.
She let out a long-tired sigh. "Haven't we argued about this enough, ranger?"
"I don't want to argue either." He admitted before taking a seat himself. "But for the life of me, other than a debt that a persuasive woman such as yourself could have easily gotten out of if she wanted, I can't think of a decent reason as to why you are actually going through with this." He ran a hand over his face.
"Honestly?" She asked looking at him with a sad look about her. When he nodded, she had a far away look on her face as she thought about it. "I don't know! I just… I just wanted to be... someone other than some newly declared version of myself." She admitted, her voice low. "I wanted to be more than just the 'Dragonborn'." She ran a hand over her head, her fingers sifting though her hair. "For one night where I didn't have to be a thing of prophecy, to be amongst people who normally would have shunned me for just being a half-blooded elf in the past. To, for one night," her eyes shut tightly, her head tilted back as she took a deep breath and let it out on a small tremble, "be something I'm not." Her head lowered and her eyes met his again as she swallowed tightly. "Just... me. In a pretty dress." She smiled weakly but her eyes still looked so sad. He watched her, taking in her small admission and felt a different thought rise in his mind.
She had changed after the battle with their first dragon, told she was something of legend, and had simply followed the directions. He had thought blindly, but he hadn't asked her the question that he should have so many weeks ago when this had all started:
How did she feel about being… Dragonborn?
From what she had just admitted... she sounded so conflicted almost... depressed but he didn't press the matter. So, he thought as he looked her over again in a new light... She wanted to, for a single night, be something she wasn't… He almost snorted at the irony.
"Well, ladyship, if being someone that you're not is your goal for tonight, then you have a good partner to go in attendance with." His voice sounded cold but factual. It made her roll her eyes before moving to the door that opened again and in walked Victoria with an armful of dresses.
"Hello again, milady. I have found some dresses that I think would look rather nice with your skin tone and some accessories. I shall set them aside and come back to assist you when I find proper footwear to match." She looked between them and with a humble smile, walked to a small room divider and set them on a wooden rack just behind. He caught sight of several colours of fabrics before looking back to Serlina who gave a small smile in return as Victoria walked back out.
"What colour do you think Casavir will like my dress to be?" She nervously asked, her hands running over the material at her hips. Her question cooled his blood with a bitterness that didn't settle well. Crossing his arms over his chest, he leaned against the wall.
"Oh, regardless of colour, he'll like it. And he'll hate it." He stared and almost smirked at her confused look she casted him as she played with the simple earrings that dangled at her ears. "Because looking at you will make his blood run hot and make him fumble. And that's something he no doubt will not be comfortable with." He watched the thought linger in her mind before something in her eyes shifted, turning mischievous as they moved back to him.
"What about you? Do I make your blood heat up?" A small smile had pulled at the corner of her lips.
"You'd make any real man's blood boil, ladyship." His response had her smile fading.
"That's not what I asked, ranger. I didn't ask about just any man." She turned to fully face him. "I asked about you."
"Ladyship," He sent her a sly look. "Do I look dead to you?" He asked and watched the corners of her mouth tick upwards.
"No. Your certainly do not." She trailed off before looking back to him. "So, you wouldn't be flustered holding me on a dance floor?" She took a step closer to him, closing the distance. He theatrically thought about it, his eyes rolling to the ceiling as if in thought.
"Flustered?" He echoed with a shake of his head as he looked back to her. "No." Her eyes widened just slightly as he lifted himself from the wall, his eyes roaming over her. "Thrilled though? Yes. Excited? Yes, without a doubt." He let a sly grin curve his lips when her cheeks warmed with a slight tint of pink and hand to force his hands to stay by his sides instead of pulling her to him. He lifted his head, his calm neutrality settling into place. "Does that satisfy your curiosity, princess?"
"I should apologize, I was being a bit… forward. And this isn't the time for it." She settled down, her cheeks a deeper pink than before. He found himself grinning.
"Oh my dear, you can be forward with me, any time." He couldn't help encouraging her but the imposing event plagued at the back of his mind. "But your knight in shining armor awaits." He lifted himself from the wall and started for the door when her voice stilled him.
"I still don't know… anything… ranger." Her voice sounded tired as she walked toward the divider, her face making him stand up abruptly and getting in her line of walking. Her eyes widened as she stopped a foot from him. Her eyes, filled with uncertainty, looked over his face. Beseeching. He pushed the urge to cup her face in his hands down. "I just get the feeling that Casavir is a gentleman, so there isn't anything you would need to worry-".
"Ha!" He left the snide laugh leave his mouth before he could stop it. "He might come off that way, but he's still a man. I don't care how he justifies the lies he tells himself and others; he can't deny his… what's the word for it..." He kissed his teeth. "Nah, that's to crude for this, so I'll just say machismo." He decided.
"Can't deny his-" she cleared her throat, her brows tilting downward. "I don't understand."
"Ladyship, you're the kind of woman that gets a man's heart beating, the blood flowing. Gets his head all mixed up until he fumbles and is unable to keep his lies about himself in order and sooner or later, his mask will break."
"Wait, heart, blood, his lies? What mask?"
"Yes. His mask." She still looked confused and that had him rubbing his temples in annoyance. Words. They were such a pain sometimes. "His mask, sham, con, façade whatever works best for you."
"As much as I love you using big words, I'm guessing this has something to do with your… bad blood?"
"It's a part of it." He admitted carefully.
"Well, all I can say is that I can only imagine." Her tone was dry and against it all, he nearly smirked at her.
"You've said many things in the last couple hours that irritatingly enough, held true."
"What are you saying?" She asked, her tone becoming tense as well.
"What I mean to say is…" he took a solid breath before slowly letting it out. "You were right." He watched her brows slip downward but her body shifted slightly, relaxing.
"About what?" She echoes with a dazed shrug of her arms.
"About how it wasn't… fair to you when I wouldn't explain why me and the Paladin don't… get along." He nearly sneered at the last few words that left his mouth. They wanted to kill eachother, that was the thick of it. But he wouldn't have to stress about it at this particular moment. "And you should have at least a little idea as to why. I wouldn't want you to be blindsided." Her eyes widened a little when he took another breath. "I first met Casavir about seven years ago on a… job I had been doing in Cyrodiil."
"When...Wait. When you were still a bandit?" She supplied quietly and nodded when he gave an agreeing grunt.
"I didn't pay many people much attention, especially him. Just seeing him in his temples cloak talking to anyone who passed by gave me little to no reason. Saw him in the higher up circles more then the lower ones despite it being above his positional status. I observed him and found he came off as someone who liked to humbly brag about his achievements." He shook his head. "Word had gotten around that me and the rest of the crew were hitting places where he frequented and made it his vow to try to 'weed us out'. He managed to get 2 of us before we got out of there with our loot. Heard a few weeks later that several highly esteemed nobles thanked him and with their words of recommendation, he was swiftly promoted to a higher rank. One 'befitting someone such as himself'." He sighed and shook his head.
"Over the years, I had heard him doing many things that, surprisingly enough, helped elevate him and his status." He scoffed, looking away as the memories played in his mind. "I was planning on leaving it behind and was finishing up a last job when-" his brothers name still tasted like ashes in his tongue and couldn't find its way out of his mouth. Swallowing he looked back to Serlina who watched him, so patient and listening so intently. "Casavir had managed to corner a few of us separately and played mind games, convincing one of us to turn on eachother." He couldn't meet her eyes. Instead, he put his hands on his hips and let out a long huff. "In exchange he had promised to lessen the charges. It was a… bloody fight." His hands clenched so tightly they shook. "When I went to confront him about what he had caused, he had said he was a man of faith, honour and eight other kinds of bullshit that prevented him from being held accountable for the... unnecessary death." He looked to her, his jaw tightening. "He was not long after promoted to his Paladin status and I'll admit, ladyship. I wanted to kill him." He paced a few steps and then turned back. Her face was pondering, her teeth biting down on the corner of her bottom lip.
"So... why haven't you?" She asked and he stopped his pacing. His heart was almost thundering in his ears... He was baring himself; his darker self and she was coaxing it out of him like one does a wounded animal from their den...
"He put the wheels in motion… But I was the one who put my knife in his chest..." His breath was somewhat laboured and his hands were beginning to hurt from clenching them.
"I take it they were… close to you?" She asked quietly and he could only nod in return. "Wait, I'm not sure I follow." She admitted, her voice filled with confusion. "What does this have to do with me?"
"He seeks status, ladyship. A higher pedestal." He clarified tensely and had to take a deep breath as he walked back to her. "He sought out any and all means in order to achieve it faster because he wasn't content with what he had. He went as far as persuading people to betray one another to take credit when all was said and done." He took a short breath, running a hand over the back of his neck. "I've killed to survive, not to create a namesake for myself or put me in the spotlight. I don't want to think of what ways he could twist the two of you attending this ball together will benefit him."
"Well, I don't think he is going to touch me, let alone kill me in a room full of people." Her shoulders lifted and dropped again.
"He better not." His nose flared at the mere thought. "There would be no healer alive that could fix what I'd do to him."
His words were no empty threat. And from the look on her face, she knew it. She was silent for a long moment before she headed to the divider again, this time disappearing from his gaze.
"Are you going to the ball?" He heard her ask from behind the divider and scoffed aloud.
"No! Do I look like some sissy-pants noble that would enjoy that sort of thing?" He crossed his arms, even though she couldn't see him. Her head peeked from around the divider, a strand of her hair falling past her shoulder.
"Not even to keep an eye on Casavir and his power-status seeking ways?" Her tone was lightening, almost teasing but he didn't return it.
"You are, without a doubt, able to handle him all to yourself." Her eyes widened slightly, blinked then warmed when her lips grew into a small shy smile before she went behind the divider once again.
"Thank you. For saying that and…" Her voice quieted before picking up once again. "for being here." It was said so softly that he closed his eyes for a moment. No woman should be able to have a voice that manages to sound both sweet and sultry while being several feet away. Yet he could almost imagine her saying it in his ear. His muscles tightened and blood warmed.
"Don't mention it." He managed. "Just... keep what I said in mind when you are at the ball, alright?" He waited for a second, heard the sound of fabric moving around.
"I will." A small huff came from behind the divider. "I don't know what colour to pick." He could almost imagine her frowning, her face becoming irritated and he almost let out a small snicker. Of all the things he had ever heard her say, he found that one thing to be the most feminine thing she had ever said.
"You should decide on the colour that would best please you, not anyone else. Go from there." He started for the door. "I'm headed back to the inn."
"I'll be there soon. I shouldn't be that much longer. But I'll need to change back at the room. I want to get freshened up a little first, if that's okay with you."
"It's no problem to me. I'll see you later." He heard her soft goodbye before he closed the door behind him.
He started out of the wing, feeling a different kind of lightness settle in him. His step not as heavy but the feeling left as soon as it came when he came face to face with the high elf that he had seen earlier. Endarie.
Inhaling sharply, he stopped walking when she turned the corner. Her face no longer having an easygoing atmosphere, but tension made the corner of her eyes crinkle. Her olive skin paled slightly when she met his gaze and her steps faltered. She was holding what looked like towels in her arms, but her fingers gripped them tightly when he neared. He slowed until he stood shoulder to shoulder with her.
"You try anything like that again," he jerked his head behind him towards the room he was in then leaned in a little, making her shoulders nearly meet her pointed ears, "And it will be the last thing you ever do." She said nothing, but swallowed tightly. The warning clear and no doubt from the look in her eyes, received. Passing her, he strided quickly out of the wing, out of the lobby and back into open air of Solitude. Looking around, he didn't see Karnwyr anywhere nearby. Whistling sharply, he heard the returning bark as he trotted from around the bend to his side. Kneeling down he scratched at his scruff.
"Sorry you had to wait out here, buddy." He let a small huff of a laugh leave him when Karnwyr whined, his head tilting into his hands. "Come on." He stood and headed towards the inn once again, Karnwyr by his side. He opened the door and nearly collided with a few men who were hurrying out. He stepped aside and let them hurry out, not bothering with them. Entering the inn, he was momentarily taken aback by the crowd. It was packed, nearly wall to wall with people, women in gowns to big to fit in chairs, men in clothes that looked to expensive to be worn in a place such as this. Nearly elbowing his way to the bar, he found a frantic and tired looking owner serving drinks and food. He briefly met his eyes and shook his hand in a 'don't worry about me' gesture and received a relieved one in return.
Getting to the stairs was a little grating. He let Karnwyr race up them first, smirking at the small screams that came from two women who were coming down. He followed suit and made it to the upper level where the paid room was. Thankfully, there wasn't many patrons up here and settled on the balcony, that overlooked the room below. This was the pre-party, he thought with a knowing look. They could be loose, enjoying the fact that they could be less restricted and rowdier here. Soon they would no doubt head out to the ball and the place would be so quiet it would be deafening in its own way. He wasn't sure how long her had stood there before the entrance door opened again and in walked Serlina, her eyes widening at the crowd. She was in her travel gear again, but under her arm was a slender chest, the colour like ashen wood. She moved in and around the cluster of people, her eyes focused on just getting through no doubt. She made it about halfway through and, like she could sense him, her eyes lifted and searched until they landed on him. A flicker of surprise passed over her before she started towards him, heading for the stairs.
"Can you believe this crowd?" She asked getting to his side, adjusting the chest so that it was under her other arm. "This is wild!"
"It'll die down soon." He told her and bent his head down to speak in her ear so he didn't have to yell as much. "Pre-party drinks before they head to the ball." He supplied and watched as she nodded tightly looking over the crowd... His eyes moved over her face and downward until they rested on the hastily tied shoulder of her gear. The pit in his stomach and chest returning with a solid punch that made him tear his gaze away and land blindly on the crowd below... Flickers of images passed in front of his eyes, but it was her voice, terrified that had him tightening his grip on the stone under his hand.
"Do you think it will be starting soon?" She asked and tsked when he only managed to shrugged. "Then I'm going to go get ready." She turned on her heel and headed towards the stairs. He watched her go until she was in the room, using her heel to close it behind her. Lingering on the door for a second longer then necessary, he pulled his attention back down below. So many colours he thought as his eyes scanned the crowd. How many of these people were actually royalty and how many were just of high rank? He scoffed.
He couldn't imagine being born into a world of glamour, wealth and prestige. He tasted it, just from when he had hunted for nobles and even then… It left a taste so old and bland that he refused to have any part of it when it had been offered to him. The people began to shuffle out, the inn becoming more and more like its regular self as the parade of silks and satins left the bottom floor. What would his life had been like if he had allowed himself to be immersed with people like them…? He certainly wouldn't be where he was now because he wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this with all this happening.
"It certainly has quieted down." Her voice caught his ear behind him. He hadn't even heard the door opening again. Turning around he was about to agree when the words died in his mouth.
"Wow." His eyes moved over her, taking her all in. She had loosely braided her hair into a single braid that had some of the strands loose to hang by her face as she pined it in a spiraled bun on the back of her head. She had done something to her eyes, adding what looked like a smoky grey powder to make her eyes larger and dark. The neckline swooped dramatically low, baring the tops of her shoulders to just shy of the rise of her breasts as she took slow and steady breaths. That was a mark of relief since the last time she could draw none. While the slender straps one would call 'sleeves' were nothing more than transparent bands of white and silver lace that blended with the matching bodice to the rest of the gown. She had decided on a soft mix of purples that complimented her tanned skin.
She looked for the lack of a better word... Like a princess.
He inwardly chuckled at how apt his nickname was for her as she reached his side, her fingers letting go of the skirt of her dress but not before he noticed the black heeled boots that were hidden by the hem of her dress. That almost got a groan out of him.
His eyes wandered over her face again, lingering on her lips for a second or two before meeting hers again.
"Sabrecat got your tongue, ranger?" She teased softly getting a chuckle out of him as she turned and rested her back against the balcony wall.
"You look…Amazing." He breathed out finally and the smile that lit her face up had him itching to pull her in.
"Thank you." She returned, her cheeks pinkening making his blood heat. She looked to Karnwyr who let out a short bark beside her. Chuckling, she turned and bent to scratch his chest. The back of her dress also had a lower cut, her scars visible. He couldn't manage to look away until she straightened and looked to him. He didn't have to say anything, the way her eyes darted sideways, said it all. "They didn't have any dresses that covered my back." Her voice was low, uneasy.
"You could have covered it with your hair. Looks long enough." He pointed out and frowned when she shook her head.
"I never wear my hair down if I can help it."
"Why not?" She didn't say anything but instead looked back over the bar below, her head tilting downward causing a slender strand to fall loose over her brow. Without a thought his hand lifted to move it aside and stopped when her eyes locked on his hand. He swallowed tightly then let it fall to the stone.
"That's gotta be the… fourth time you've moved to touch me." She said softly before looking to him. "But you stop." It was a statement, but her tone made it sound curious.
"Ladyship, last time I came near you, you looked as skittish as a fucking rabbit." It wasn't an accusation, but more like a kick to himself. Here he was with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and all he could think about was how much he was aching to touch her, hold her and kiss her but all he could see when he moved to do so was mentally see her jerk away again on that fucking hill. And it still burned. "And you had every right to be." He murmured harshly. And that had a burning rage simmer in his chest that made him want to put his fist through the stone under it. Instead, he just dug his fingers into the stone.
She scratched a spot on her jaw then turned her head to fully look at him over her shoulder. "It's been… it's been a day." She breathed out; her voice low. "And yet it's not over."
"It can be if you want it to be." She closed her eyes and looked away.
"I gave him my word, ranger. I keep it." She rubbed her fingers over her temples. "By my word... And my will." She took a small breath and let it out in a huff. "Is it weird that I'm kinda nervous?"
"You've faced down several dragons."
"Was nervous then too..." She admitted softly.
"Want me to distract you?" He asked and got a curious side-look.
"Distract me?" An amused hum drifted from her. "How? You gonna lay me down on a table and kiss me till I can't think."
"It's a tempting thought." He lifted himself from the stones and stood a little closer, enjoying the way her eyes warmed, her cheeks pinkening. "You think about it a lot?" He asked and smiled when the pink deepened. Her eyes flickered down to his mouth for just a second before meeting his again. Goddamn, he wanted to push her against the stone wall and press his mouth to hers, put his hands in that braided coil and pull those pins loose. And yet, he didn't want to crowd her and mess up her outfit. She sure put in the work. "Ladyship, I don't even need to touch you to distract you." That had her brow lifting. She opened her mouth to say something else but her eyes shifted to over his shoulder.
"Oh." She cleared her throat gently and lifted from the stone.
"You look stunning this evening!" He let out a half growl and when a voice grated his nerves from behind him. Taking a long breath, he stepped aside and pulled his eyes from her to Casavir. He wore a light blue overcoat with matching bracers overtop a frilly looking white shirt and dark grey pants and boots that nearly shined against the worn wood of the inn. The thick belt around his waist was studded in his temple's insignia, that had him nearly scowling but it was silver sword strapped to his back.
"You clean up pretty well yourself, Casavir." She looks up at him and smiles, tucking a strand of hair that grazes her brow behind her ear. That has Casavir chuckling, the deep vibrations sounding nervous even to his ears. She politely turned to look at Karnwyr that whined at her side and gave him a gentle scratch under his jaw, saying soft quiet words to him. He looked from them to Casavir who was looking up at the ceiling, his face reddening at the sound of her small laugh when Karnwyr barked at something she said. Casavir's eyes slowly moved downward and he looked across his shoulder to him. He met his eyes evenly and raised a brow in challenge. He didn't need to repeat his words to him again, he could already see the struggle. When she straightened and turned back to him, his eyes moved again over her head to the ceiling above it.
"Something catch your attention up there, Casavir?" She asked, her tone a little sarcastic and he covered up a laugh with a cough, his hand raising to his mouth. Casavir took a quick breath before looking back to her again.
"I apologize, milady. I fear I may lose myself if I gaze at you to long." He stated, his cheeks reddening when she blinked once, twice. He himself couldn't help but exaggeratingly roll his eyes to the roof and then casted a glance to Karnwyr who snorted before laying down on his stomach, his tail swishing around.
"A flattering thought. Well then, we should get this show on the road so as to not put you in an… uncomfortable state." Serlina stated as she started towards Casavir.
"See you later, Princess." Stopping just short of passing him, he watched her eyes light up and her smile had a surge of possessiveness that only grew when she nodded and breezed past him, the scent she wore filling his lungs, making his jaw clench.
"Princess?" Casavir chuckles and offers her his arm. "Rather suiting indeed." She looks to it, then him before she smiles politely before looping it with her own.
Out of sight now, the door closing solidly behind them, the sound of the inn growing more and more quiet and yet, the pressure in his chest didn't ease. A feeling of something wet grazed his hand bringing him out of his prolonged staring at the closed door ahead of him to Karnwyr who was licking his clenched hand. Looking down to the wolf, he sent him a puzzled look and scowled when the wolf whined, his nose pointing to the staircase that they just left a few minutes ago. He shook his head and started to the room. Getting to the door, he opened it and scoffed at the disaster that met him. Her clothes had been tossed haphazardly around, her boots in two different spots, like she had kicked them off in a rush. Her swords tucked away near her travel bag. Kicking one of her shoes back to the other closest to her gear he moved to the small table she must have used to clean up. Several cloths hung over the edge of a ceramic bowl as well as a wooden hairbrush. He shook his head at the state and looked to Karnwyr that was sniffing around the room.
"I don't know about you, but I am not cleaning all this shit up." He muttered aloud and headed to lay down on the bed, sighing as he laid down. He let out a long breath before took his dagger out of its sheath. Passing the blade between his fingers, he twisted his wrist a little and sent it up into the air above him, catching it deftly when it came back down. He did it absentmindedly, for a period of time before a knock at the door had him snatching it out of the air as he sat up.
"What?" He barked and the door opened slightly, the innkeeper poking his head in.
"Someone asking for you." He opened the door more and angled his body away for someone else to come into view. Dark black skin, red eyes and a curious warm smile had him relaxing a little as he slide the dagger back into its sheath.
"Gorron." He recalled as he stood up. "What brings you here?" He jerked his head in the innkeeper's direction to go away.
"I was hoping to catch Walks-in-Starlight before heading out." He explained as the innkeeper walked back towards the stairs.
"You missed her by little over an hour. Maybe two?" He muttered as he walked deeper into the room. Gorron walked in, looking around.
"Oh? Are you two no longer traveling together?" He asked slowly as he sat down at the small table.
"No, she's just ah, attending the ball." He supplied and watched the elf's red eyes widen.
"Why in the blazes would she be going there?" Gorron asked.
"She got indebted and the only way she could repay it was to go as someone's… accompaniment." He finished tensely. He looked to the elf who was watching Karnwyr sniff around his feet. "She also said it was a chance to 'be something she isn't'." He added solemnly. Gorron mulled on that for a moment before tilting his head side to side.
"Makes sense. Everyone should be able to escape their version of conformities now and again." The elf visibly relaxed when Karnwyr trotted away.
"And you think a ball is the place to do it?" He asked, leaning back in his chair. Gorron frowned and shook his head.
"Escape is escape, no matter the physical place." He shrugs. "Could be something she really needs. If she finds that it isn't the place for her, then she'll know sooner or later."
One could hope. "You ever gone to one of them?" He asked, pulling the dagger from its sheath, flipping it in hand once again.
"The balls?" Gorron asked his attention turning to him as he wandered over to the drum that sat on a table in the corner of the room. "I have. Many of the bards are competitive to see who can earn a place to perform there. I went... two years ago, then again, I could wait for forever just to see those grand lights once again!" He cheerfully picked up the drum, turned and sat on the table, resting the drum on his lap. "I heard they renovated this year with true sapphires." He patted a small beat on the drum before his hands stopped when the dagger flew from his hand and landed deep in the body of the drum. "Now that's a damn shame. This looks like an expensive drum."
"I ain't paying for it. And it sounds like a place that will be riddled with thieves." He muttered as he rose and headed to his pack. Karnwyr's head perked up when he pulled a piece of cheese from it.
"It has in the past, but this year has their armed guards doubled thanks to some esteemed guest of honour." Gorron supplied as he watched him break a small chunk off.
"That's who sucked in Ladyship to go." He supplied and tossed a piece to Karnwyr and almost jumped at the boisterous laugh that left the dark elf.
"Oh no!" Gorron wiped a finger under his eye and clutched a hand to his ribs. "I pity that poor bastard." He laughed openly, the sound starting to grate on his nerves. Striding to him, he pulled the dagger out from the drum.
"Why is he the pitied one here?" He asked tensely and was met with a humoured chuckle that was accompanied with his hands rising, palms outwards to show he meant no harm.
"Besides the fact that she no doubt can't stand uptight places like that," he snorted, "from what I remember, she has no artistic sense of rhythm." He stated and met his blank look. "She can't dance." He simplified with a simple thick beat from the drum before setting it aside.
"I've seen her in a fight. She's… graceful." He put a piece in his mouth and chewed slowly.
Gorron shrugged. "No doubt, but a fight is different from a dance."
"Depends on the partner." He offered back and watched the elf's dark skin part over his pearl white teeth in an amused grin.
"Very true. But a very refined dance such as the waltz would have her fumbling."
"It's not a complicated set of steps." He bit back and did his best not to imagine her in Casavir's arms. Gorron hummed in agreement and followed his eyes when they moved to the door.
"They say forging weapons isn't complicated either, yet there are very few in Skyrim that do a decent job of it." Gorron jested back.
"She'll be fine."
"Mhm... So, how are you and those tangles you were talking about earlier, doing?" Gorron asked and let out another laugh when he drawled out a groan.
"Still complicated." He admitted and spun the knife in his hand.
"She's a complicated woman." Gorron returned. "Then again, she is one of few that I know of that has the uncanny ability to affect others without even realizing it herself."
"That's true." He agreed, scratching Karnwyr who laid his head on his knee. He'd seen it. He looked to Gorron who was studying him closely. "What?"
"At the risk of you throwing a dagger at me again, I have to admit something."
He didn't like where this was going. "And that is?"
"When she isn't around, you are as deadly as you look." Gorron pointed out. "But when she is around, you seem... I won't say softer…" He sneered at the word and inhaled as he looked him over. "Subdued." He settled on and nodded in agreement to his own words. "Though I don't suppose she knows how dangerous you could be if any... harm was to come to her." That had him scowling.
And what if he was the cause of it? He shook the thought away.
"I'm sure she can imagine. Then again, he won't do anything if it jeopardizes his position." He said aloud and watched Gorron raise a brow slowly. "Though she has the potential to push any saints' limits." He drawled a little making Gorron let out a humored laugh paired with a clap of his hands.
"There it is." Gorron agreed. "It would be quite a sight to see someone of that calibre knocked down by such a lovely lady."
"You forget, ladyship has gotten a little more polite tact than… someone like me."
"Ah but, even she would have a drawing line." Gorron offered subtly. He thought on that and recalled the story she had told him when they had been in Windhelm, about her speaking her mind to a noble. He felt his mouth quirk upwards. They wouldn't know what to do.
"She does have a smart mouth on her." He added in humored agreement.
"He doesn't have a chance in Hell." Gorron mock frowned.
"No doubt about that" He added and met the elf's eyes, the glint in it had him frowning. "What?"
"I just think it's a shame that you are here, and not there taking in his-." His face slipped into a mask of cold neutrality.
"I'm not going to the ball." His words mad the elf shift in his seat.
"I think that you should."
"Well guess what, bard? I don't give a fuck what you think." The bite was enough to get Karnwyr to growl slightly, getting Gorron to look between him and his wolf. He whistled to Karnwyr who settled on his hindquarters. Gorron looked wounded, and couldn't help but feel a smidgen of... something he didn't want to admit. He could almost hear Serlina scold him. Fuck. Rolling his eyes, he let out a harsh exhale. "Even if I wanted to, which I don't," he said sternly pointing a finger at him, "I don't have an invite."
"Oh please. Half the staff there are daft and barely able to remember drink orders. Someone like you could no doubt slink his way in."
"I don't slink" He said tightly. The elf looked disappointed.
"I think you doth protest to much."
"Why in hell would I go?" He snapped. "She doesn't need me there to protect her or defend her honour."
"Then to not only show up Casavir, but to show Serlina you could be something you're not, but are capable of being." He held up a finger when he opened his mouth to deny. "If not a noble, but a… gentleman."
Damn. He found himself leaning against the far wall from him and crossed his arms. It would be a sight. To also play in the way of the nobles' games and unravel the bastard a bit would be delicious. And to dance with her… keeping her out of Casavir's physical reach... His eyes locked on the elf and for a long moment, they said nothing but, like some unspoken agreement, they both stood and started for the door. Karnwyr seeming to read the room just let out a yawn and laid his head back down on the bed. Bishop let out a laugh as he closed the door behind him.
The early evening lull had come to the streets, that quiet between the frenetic commuters and the vibrant party seekers.
"So tell me, Bishop." Gorron started as they left the inn. "You ever crashed a party like this before?"
"Nothing so pompous, but I have been around a court of nobles before." He shuddered. "Made my skin itch the whole time I was there." He grimaced as they started towards the palace. "Wait. Didn't you say you were heading out?" He asked as the thought popped into his mind. "Why go through all this trouble?"
"Oh please. I spent years here, I can come and go whenever I please. And some troubles are fun. And you are fun for Serlina." A teasing wink had him rolling his eyes, but still a small smirk pulled at his lips. As they neared the Palace, they could hear the collection of voices close by, some more rowdy than others. Nearing the archway that led towards the alcove where people mingled, a guard stopped them as they neared with an upraised hand.
"State your business here." The Imperial soldier demanded. Gorron casted him a glance before stepping up first. "I was the part of the first round of bards from the college that have been chosen to play tonight. I forgot my belongings in the kitchens when we were switching up equipment. I just need to go in, grab them and then I'll be out." The soldier looked him up and down before sliding his hard gaze to himself.
"And what about you?" He jerked his chin towards Bishop.
"I'm a guest." He stated it so bluntly that Gorron nearly choked back a laugh and was met with a look of doubt in the guard's eyes as his they moved up and down.
"Invitation?" The solder asked while holding his hand up, palm up. His eyes snapped down to his hand, then back to the solider.
"It was through word of mouth. I wasn't given a physical invitation." He sounded bored, even to his own ears.
"By who?" The soldier asked, his eyes moving over to Gorron who leaned forward again.
"By the hostess, Madame Crownen. If you do not believe us, you can ask her yourself." The soldier scoffed and looked between the both of them with a sneer.
"If you are a so called 'guest' then you would know that there is a dress requirement, wouldn't you?" He sounded as snobbish as the partygoers looked behind him. A few guests' eyes turned towards them, their heads leaning towards eachother to whisper. They weren't exactly subtle, since they didn't even cover their mouths. Even from this distance he could read their lips but didn't bother with them.
"Never had a complaint about what I'm wearing." He returned and faintly he could hear a few women giggling behind him. The soldier glared at them in return.
"Sorry 'sir'. No proper attire, no entry." He fully blocked the walkway, preventing them from walking past. He could push, but that wouldn't work in his favour Gorron pulled his arm, directing him away from the soldier and started down the hill they had walked up.
"Sorry, Bishop. I somehow overlooked the need for formal wear. Barring from breaking in, we won't be able to get passed without getting you some new clothes."
"Fuck." He raked a hand over his hair. "This better be worth it." He muttered and let the elf guide the way.
"Don't stress, Bishop. For a party this ritzy, there are no doubt going to be some spare suits in the shops."
Gorron had been right and 20 minutes later, he found his patience nearing their splitting end.
"These clothes feel like they're strangling me!" He pulled away from the hands of the wardrobe assistant. They were in the opposite wing of the Jewel and it was like night and day from the other side. On the opposite side where Serlina had been, it had been filled with lace and soft colours, yet here, it was dark and mysterious. They had mirrors here with sinks in the rooms, a washbowl with soaps and vials of sweet-smelling liquids that made him turn his nose at. He wasn't shaving with that shit, no way in hell.
"Quit complaining. You look very... Dignified." Gorron settled on as the wardrobe hand walked out of the room.
"I'm not some stuck up noble." He snapped and pulled at the shirts collar that rubbed against his neck.
"Didn't say you were, besides, you're too rugged to have their usual pristine look about 'em. More dangerous. And that has a better appeal. Besides, it's almost as if you're in disguise. No one would recognize you in that."
She will. That had him almost smiling to himself.
"Must you wear such a dark shade?" Gorron frowned as he looked at different jeweled bands. He barely tossed him a look as he finished tying the thin white strings of his white shirt. It felt cool against his skin, the material softer than anything he had worn. Even the clothes he had worn when he hunted for nobles wasn't much like this.
"I like black." He stated as he tugged at the cuffs of the shirt after he pulled on the black overcoat. The silver filigree on his shoulders had momentarily reminded him of Serlina's sleeves. That had played a small part in why he agreed to this particular coat. And it was the least 'in your face' he could manage. Looking in a mirror, he found himself pleased with the look. He still looked like him…
"Well, it certainly suits you." Gorron offhandedly added as he set the silver headband down. "Ready to go crash a party?" He turned his attention back to the elf and strapped his dagger to his hip, mostly hiding it with the bottom of his overcoat.
"Ready as I'll ever be." He admitted before paying for his tunic. Victoria had given him a generous discount when she had seen him and Gorron walking back in, no reminding necessary.
"Then let's go." They left the shop with a different kind of air about them. He was used to stares, but this felt different.
"You seem to attract eyes no matter where you go, ranger." Gorron teased. He didn't say anything in response but simply kept walking back to the ball. He noticed the same soldier still standing there and stood straighter when he looked to them as they walked under the stone archway. "Were back!" Gorron called mockingly earning him a hard glare.
"And I take it you have your proper attire on now, 'Sir'?"
"Of course, I do," You fucking blind moron. "I am here to… dance." He couldn't help but let a small amount of mockery slip into his tone. Again, Gorron had to turn his head away.
"Then you can come on in." He turned a little, allowing them space. "Be sure to talk to the hostess. She is looking forwards to meeting the two of you." His eyes didn't leave the soldiers as they walked into the garden just beyond.
A woman with a blonde braided bob looked around, her powdered face slipping into a mournful pout.
"We still haven't been told to go in yet. Hm, how to get their attention?" She turned her pout to a dark-skinned Brenton who swirled a wine glass in hand.
"Shame the dragonborn didn't shout the doors open. We all could have walked in on that note." The gathering around the dark skinned noble chortled in agreement. A woman blond haired nord swayed on her feet, a wine cup held between her fingers.
"You know I almost wore the same thing as the Dragonborn, good thing I didn't, she might've shouted it off me!" A few more laughs rang out. Fucking high-borns. He wasn't even inside the fucking building and he wanted his fist in someone's stomach. He walked through the groups of people, some parting out of shock, some in fear others, curiosity. The women were looking at him with bold hunger that he shook his head at. He nearly snarled when a Brenton with thick red curly hair pulled him to a stop, her chest pressing against his arm.
"Save me a dance when we get inside, handsome?" Her smile was flirtatious and yet, he met her wicked green eyes with a hard look that had her grip loosening.
"Sorry, red. Not my type." Pushing the hand off his arm, he stalked towards the doors as she huffed her displeasure behind him. Passing tables, he noticed that there were plates of foods, the serving sizes shockingly small, glasses of wine. Gorron had managed to situate himself there, talking to a young nord who wore simple but clean servant clothes. Making his way over, he started towards the bottles of alcohol.
"If I'm going to be out here any longer, I am going to need a drink." He said as he reached for a glass. The nord looked from Gorron who shrugged and nodded. The nord stepped between him and this table that had the beverages.
"Better stuff is inside, so don't bother with this." The young boy stated, not meeting his eyes as he jerked a thumb to the table behind him. Looking to Gorron, he lifted a shoulder and then turned on his heel, walking the last few feet to the doors, his hand raising to the large handle.
"You can't just walk in!" An older man called to him as he reached the large doors. Looking over his shoulders, he casted a cold look at him.
"Who says I can't?" He demanded, looking around. The older man stepped forward, his fur lined tunic swaying in the wind.
"You must wait to be announced." He blew a harsh breath from between his lips. No fucking way that was happening.
"I wait for no one." He stated and pulled the large handle and felt smug when it opened. He walked in and did his best to not turn his nose up at the decorations that surrounded him. It was gaudy then, and even worse now. So much glittering was almost bothersome to him. Walking into the larger room he turned his head towards a nord in red and grey robes who took two steps towards him with a scowl of his own.
"You are late! Shame on you, the Grand Crystal Ball deserves better! I am supposed to announce all comers at the start of the party." He gestures all around him while he attempted to scold him. He just sounded annoying. Keeping a droll look on his face he waited until his waving around was done.
"Then save your fanfares." He returned tensely to the announcer who looked shocked at his tone. "I don't need an introduction." Walking further in, he could almost laugh at how easy it had been to slip in. Reaching the top of the staircase, he let his eyes look over the crowd before landing on a sight that stirred his blood again.
There you are.
Serlina stood dutifully by Casavir's side. Even from here he could see her face set in passive politeness. Almost bored. A sly grin found it way on his face as he descended the spiral staircase. Time to cause a scandalous stir.
AN:
Hello and Happy New Year guys!
Hope the beginning of our new year has been good to you all!
This chapter is a few days late, it was supposed to be posted on my usual upload day for this story, so my bad! I was hoping to start off the year with some routine, but I will do my best to put these out on their designated days!
I left a few character details in here that I want to see if you caught, so be sure to message/review! I'm eager to see if anyone caught them!
Next chapters are gonna be a bit steamy so be sure to stay tuned!
Until then, stay romancing!
-IMME.