Chapter 15

Lex was aware that he had dreamt about something unpleasant but the moment he opened his eyes the images escaped him, which he knew was probably for the best. For a while he simply laid in bed rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he thought about nothing in particular. Sunlight filtered in through the windows above his head and the blanket had been flung around in the middle of the night by Brie's restless movements as she had been unable to sleep very soundly. Eventually she had finally stopped rolling around and now she lay sprawled on her stomach with her head facing towards the edge of the bed and one arm hung down while she quietly snored. Lex needed to relieve himself and so he glanced over at Brie as he quietly slid his legs towards the edge of the bed, hoping he didn't disturb her.

His heart nearly leapt out of his chest as his eyes landed on Brie's form. The blankets had been pushed back during the night and she wore nothing but the dark green tunic he had lent her. It had migrated up her legs during the middle of the night and now revealed a part of her round smooth butt.

Lex hastily looked away and lurched up from the bed. He quickly flung the blankets up so she was covered. Brie groaned softly and began to stir as she heard him moving and she rolled onto her back with a loud yawn.

"Is it morning?" She asked with a sleepy voice.

"Y-Yeah," Lex replied quickly as he shoved his boots on and began making his way towards the door. "I'll be right back."

"Okay."

Brie was completely oblivious as she yawned again and began stretching her arms above her head. Lex was a flustered mess as he swiftly exited the room. His heart hammered loudly in his chest as he tried desperately to keep his composure and not tip himself over the edge. He knew sleeping in the same bed as Brie was a bad idea but he was helpless to stop it. Her gaze alone made him feel like liquid and after seeing Brie's exposed butt as she slept, blissfully unaware, in his tunic of all things, was almost too much.

Now is not the time to be getting aroused, he told himself firmly. You're here to support Brie with the loss of her mother.

After Lex had relieved himself he exited the Inn and opted to take a walk to try and calm his racing nerves before returning back to his traveling partner.

Back in the suite Brie was inspecting her clothing to ensure it was dry. She lightly squeezed one of her tunics and when she was satisfied it wasn't still damp she put it on and then snatched up a pair of breeches and put them on as well. When she was dressed she picked up the tunic Lex had lent her and she folded it neatly before placing it down on the table. Then she ran a brush through her hair with a grim expression as she thought about how close they were to arriving in Skingrad.

We could very well make it there by nightfall, she thought glumly as she stared at herself in the small silver mirror hanging on the far wall.

She was looking forward to seeing Annalise despite the fact she'd never kept in touch. The sisters had no feud between each other and actually got along fairly well growing up. Brie tried not to think about her father as she finished brushing her hair and packed her bag. Even the briefest thought of him left a bitter taste in her mouth and Brie knew without a doubt that seeing him again would be difficult.

I can't even speak about it with Lex because every time I think about him I want to get sick.

Tears once again pricked at Brie's eyes and she hastily wiped them away with a frustrated sigh and exited the bedroom. She wandered downstairs to the main dining hall and glanced around as she wondered what was taking Lex so long. She took a seat at one of the unoccupied tables and poured herself a glass of water from the silver pitcher that she sipped on lightly while waiting.

After what seemed like a long time passed Lex finally stepped back into the Inn. His skin was covered in a light layer of perspiration and he dabbed at his forehead with the collar of his tunic while he walked. The movement lifted the material up enough that Brie could see the briefest hint of his pale stomach and she watched with great interest as he strode towards the staircase and disappeared up to the second floor.

What was my Captain up to? She mused quietly as she waited for him to return. Very curious...

Around ten minutes later Lex returned looking more relaxed. His hair had been brushed but he'd opted to leave it down and truthfully, he had spent more time fussing with his hair than actually getting ready. Brie stared at him as he looked around, searching for the Elf, and he spotted her sitting at a small round table nearby.

"Did you eat?"

"No," Brie replied lightly and she raised one brow up at him with a small smirk. "Did you lose your hair tie?"

"No," Lex shot back and he plopped down on the chair beside her. "Don't tease me."

"I'm not..."

Lex tried not to shiver as Brie reached up and brushed her fingers through his hair with an unreadable expression. He sucked in a deep breath while she touched him and did not release it until she finally pulled back and turned her attention towards a nearby server.

Why does she always get my heart racing with even the simplest of touches?

Lex groaned internally and he once again found himself thinking about earlier. He silently reprimanded himself for several seconds while Brie ordered her breakfast and then watched, completely amused, as the server attempted to get his attention.

"Captain!"

"Sorry," Lex blurted back and he glanced up at the Argonian who patiently peered down at him. "Just a bowl of porridge for me, please."

"You've been acting strange this morning," Brie commented once the woman had left.

"Have I?"

Brie rested her chin on her hand and she studied Lex as he reached forward and grabbed the pitcher. He poured himself some water and took a deep drink before placing the cup back down on the table. Then he wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand and finally glanced over at Brie. He knew she was watching him but he didn't know what to say.

There's no way I'll ever tell her I saw her butt, he thought firmly.

"You look like you have something on your mind," Brie murmured and she leaned closer, her green orbs glued to Lex's face.

"Nothing terribly important, or interesting," Lex replied hastily as he glanced between his cup and her face.

"Are you sure about that?" Brie persisted.

She had slid her chair closer towards him and eyed Lex with narrowed eyes. He knees almost touched the side of his thigh and she leaned in even closer, enjoying how increasingly nervous Lex appeared to get as she scrutinized him.

"I'm sure," Lex replied stiffly.

"Alrighty."

Brie shot him a cheeky grin and then pushed her chair back to its normal spot. She also took a drink of her water and she knew Lex was probably relieved that she didn't pressure him any further. She tried not to be too cruel and so she had backed away after a few moments of teasing and a couple minutes later they were both distracted by the arrival of their meals.

A little while later Brie sat atop her horse and she stared glumly at the landscape before her as she and Lex continued riding along the Gold Road towards Skingrad. The closer they got, the more the feeling of dread filled Brie's chest.

As predicted, just as it began to turn to dusk Brie spotted the familiar outline of the stone walls surrounding Skingrad. It was a rather large town located in West Weald region of Colovia and what Brie liked to call Snootgrad with its fill of noble and middle-class families. It was well known in Cyrodiil mostly for its cheese, abundance of tomato farms, and was home to two of the best wines a person could buy; Tamika and the Surilie Brothers. It was wine that Brie had grown up drinking since in her family children drinking a bit of wine with dinner was considered acceptable.

Childhood. Brie was immediately hit with a wave of memories as she scowled at the town that had been her home for sixteen years before she ran away. Sure, she had some great memories, but almost all of them were muddled by bitter and hurtful ones that made it hard for Brie to reminisce.

Brie needed no guidance as she guided Nala down the winding road towards the Stables with Lex following closely behind her. As she reached the building an older Altmer stepped out and greeted them. Lex was surprised when Brie barely acknowledged the Elf as she silently dismounted from her horse and handed the reigns to him with barely more than a glance. Then she quickly unbuckled her pack from the saddle and waited for Lex to follow suit.

"Good to see you again Brienne," Tilmo smiled as he took the reins from Lex's outreached hands.

Brie shot Tilmo a small glare and he laughed as he began guiding the horses towards the stables.

"You haven't changed a bit... welcome back."

Lex slung his satchel over one shoulder and carried Brie's pack as well. The Bosmer sighed and began striding towards the front gates.

"Brie slow down," Lex huffed as he struggled to follow after her. "For such a short woman you're awfully fast."

Brie spun around and smacked his arm with a scowl on her face.

"Don't start with me," she growled. "The sooner we get into an Inn the better."

"What? We're not going to your-"

"We are not going to my family's house tonight!"

"Okay, okay," Lex replied quickly and he stared down at Brie with confused frown. "What has gotten you so worked up?"

"Nothing, I just want to get a room already. I'm tired."

Lex refrained himself from questioning Brie any further and silently followed the Elf as she spun back around and practically ran through the front gates and purposefully made her way down the cobblestone street towards a tall stone building. Within ten minute they arrived at the corner of a street and Brie dashed towards the door and wrenched it open. Lex glanced curiously up at the little wooden sign since he'd never spent much time in Skingrad, which read West Weald Inn, before he hastily followed Brie inside.

The interior of the inn was lavishly decorated. A tall gold candelabra stood directly to the right once you entered through the front doors and the hallway was flanked by two massive tapestries that were elaborately embroidered in hues of red and gold. It was the pricier Inn in Skingrad but Brie didn't care. Since she never frequented West Weald Inn she was hoping nobody would recognize her as she ignored all the patrons milling about the dining room and strode over to the counter where an older Imperial woman wearing a green velvet dress greeted her.

"Good evening, how may I help you?"

"One room," Brie replied briskly as she reached into the pocket of her breeches for a coin purse. "Dinner and drinks brought to our room immediately..."

Lex stood close by and Brie paused for a moment before adding:

"Please."

"Fifty gold and it's yours for the night."

Brie ignored Lex's bewildered expression and quickly counted the gold. Then she snatched the room key from Erina's hand and gestured for Lex to follow her. They walked towards the other side of the dining hall and rounded a bend. Then they walked up a widen wooden staircase that opened up to the second floor. Brie wasted no time in reaching the door to their room and she quickly unlocked it and stepped inside.

"That was an outrageous price for one night," Lex commented as he glanced around the spacious suite.

"Yeah well that's Skingrad for you. It's either that or we stay at Two Sisters and I'd rather not go to that one."

"Why not?"

"Because then I'd definitely be recognized there."

"Brie..."

Brie looked over at him with a small sigh.

"What?"

"I feel like I'm missing so many pieces to this puzzle of yours."

There was a small knock at the door. Lex opened it and a petite Bosmer greeted them.

"Good evening," Lex replied, and Brie was silent as she finished studying the bedroom.

"I was told you'd like dinner and drinks brought to your room. I'm here to take your order."

"Whatever the special is tonight is fine," Brie replied as she rubbed her neck. "Bring me a bottle of Tamika's red wine and..."

Brie glanced over at Lex.

"Whatever you want..."

"Uh, just a bottle of ale is fine with me, please."

"I'll be back shortly," the Elf responded softly and she exited the room.

"Wine?" Lex continued as he lowered the satchels down onto a well-crafted table.

Everything inside the room looked lush and expensive. Lex was used to a higher class of living but there was something about being in Skingrad that felt different and he didn't know exactly what that meant.

"Yeah, can't I drink wine for once?"

"Of course you can, Brie... can you please explain things to me just a little bit? What is wrong?"

Brie stood near the bed with her back facing him and he could tell that she was struggling with her emotions. She was silent for a moment as she considered telling him everything but something still held her back and she hesitated.

"I don't know... if I can... can explain everything to you just yet."

Her voice was barely a whisper. Lex watched as her shoulders sagged and Brie covered her face with both hands as she tried very hard not to cry. He walked forward and reached out for her but Brie knew if he hugged her she'd cry and so she lurched away from him and walked over to the table.

"I-I'm fine, really. I just... let's eat and have something to drink..."

"Okay," Lex replied sadly, but he understood she needed time. "Let's do that then."

A few minutes later the girl returned with a tray of food. Another servant followed close behind her with their drinks, and Brie noticed they were twins as they waltzed into the room and placed everything on the table before them.

"Enjoy your meals."

"Thanks," Lex replied as he stared down at their meals with widened eyes.

The food was delicious. Lex was stunned by the use of spices and herbs as he consumed his roasted vegetables with great enthusiasm. Brie ate some of her meal as well, but as she lounged in the chair across from him she was more interested in drinking the wine than eating. She knew fully well that she was taking a risk by drinking too much but she didn't care. Inside she was a mess of emotions as she thought about the rest of her family located just minutes up the street in their home and how they had no idea she was back. Did they care? Would they be angry she didn't come home sooner? All of these questions raced through her mind and it fueled her desire to forget everything for the night as she finished consuming her first glass of wine and hastily poured herself another.

It could have been a romantic affair as they enjoyed the fine dining and excellent drinks but the atmosphere was spoiled by Brie's sour mood. Lex could see that she was starting to get drunk as her movement became sloppier and her eyes started to glaze over as she mostly looked out at nothing in particular or almost closed her eyes.

What Brie forgot, or perhaps she had planned it so she could talk without being fully aware, was that a drunk Brie was a talkative one. Once she had drunk half the bottle of wine and picked at some of her food she began to chatter. First the topics were quite innocent. She told Lex about the time she snuck into one of the tomato fields located just west of the town with one of her friends when she was a kid and they ate their weight and then some in a matter of minutes.

"That was a terrible idea," Brie whined loudly, and then she laughed. "We were so sick afterwards."

"So that's why you don't eat them now?" Lex replied with an amused smile.

"Yes, yes it is."

Brie's eyes were half closed as she was wracked by a laughing fit that took her breath away. She gasped for air as she struggled to speak.

"That's... that's not e-even the dumbest thing I've ever done. I could fill a book, Lex with all the dumb shit I've done in my lifetime."

Brie paused to take a big gulp of her wine. A bit of the crimson liquid spilled down her chin. She giggled and wiped at her mouth with the back of her hand. The glances she shot at Lex sent his pulse racing but he quickly pushed it aside. She was clearly not handling the pressure of her upcoming reunion with her family and using the wine to cope. He tried not to feel too sad about it but he couldn't help himself.

Eventually Brie reached the point in her drinking where she could start get personal. They both lounged in two of the plush chairs located in front of the fireplace and Brie clenched her half empty wine glass with one hand as she stared at the fire with bloodshot eyes.

"There's so much you don't know," Brie mumbled. "Most of it I wish I could forget permanently."

Lex was silent as Brie looked over at him. For a long moment she was silent and her bottom lip trembled as a couple tears slipped down her cheek. She sucked in a deep breath and quickly wiped them away before downing the rest of the wine in her glass.

"I'm not reluctant to see Anna. We always got along. I just wish I didn't have to see her Father..."

Lex leaned forward and he placed a hand on Brie's knee as her voice broke and bowed her head.

"Brie, you never mentioned your father before..."

"He's not my father," Brie spat back.

She wrenched her knee away and rose unsteadily to her feet.

"I'm not nearly as drunk as I need to be to talk about this," she mumbled.

Brie shuffled over to the table and grabbed the bottle of wine. She let out an angry noise as she realized it was empty and slammed it back down.

"Where's that girl? I'm out of wine."

"Brie..."

"Don't Brie me, Captain!" Brie replied and her voice rose up an octave.

It made Lex's heart ache to see the Elf in such a state but he didn't know what to do besides let her self-destruct for the night. She stood by the table, her body rocking slightly and she clenched both of her hands together as she glared at him.

"Let me have this night," she continued heatedly. "Let me drink until I black out, please, Lex..."

"Alright," Lex sighed and he stood up from the chair. "I'll get you more wine."

The Imperial disappeared for a few minutes and when he returned he held a matching bottle of Tamika's red wine in his hand. Brie grinned as he poured her a tall glass of the crimson liquid and she took a big gulp as soon as he handed it to her.

"Ahh, tastes like my past," Brie sighed. "I used to drink this every night with dinner."

"Sometimes my parents let me have a small glass of white wine with dinner."

"Yeah?" Brie replied as she plopped back down in her chair and it was a miracle her drink didn't spill as it nearly slipped from her fingers. "Your parents are probably good people..."

"They're alright," Lex joked as they both sat back down in their chairs.

They sat in comfortable silence for a long time as Brie steadily drank more and more wine. Lex was impressed with the amount of alcohol she could consume as he knew after three glasses of wine he'd be out like a light. He had lost count of how many Brie had drank as she sat slumped in her chair next to him with half closed eyes. Lex was burning to know what her comment about her father had meant but he had a strong feeling he wasn't going to learn the truth tonight.

"Fuck family," she suddenly blurted. "No, fuck noble families. I'm sure r-reg... regular families are alright..."

There was a loud smash as the wine glass slipped from her hand and it immediately smashed as it landed on the wooden floor. Brie gasped and clamped a hand over her mouth and then she began to sob uncontrollably.

"Brie!" Lex called out softly as he went over to her. "It's okay..."

Brie ignored him as she continued to cry. A memory invaded her mind at the sound of the glass breaking and for a moment it felt like she was eight years old again and hearing that sound for the first time along with the punishment that accompanied it.

"Brie, you gotta breathe... sweetie..."

Lex softly rubbed Brie's back as he knelt beside her by the fire. He spoke to her in a soft tone and eventually her crying subsided and she was able to take short, sharp breaths.

"It's okay, Brie. It's okay."

"I-I think I need to l-lay down," Brie sniffled as she wiped at her tear stained face.

Her cheeks were bright red and she peered at Lex with a trembling bottom lip and furrowed brows.

"Please?" She whispered quietly.

"Of course," Lex replied quickly and he began helping Brie to her feet. "Come on, let's go to bed."

It was hard to reach the bed with an inebriated Brie. It's as though she forgot how to use her legs properly and so eventually Lex lifted her up by the waist and carried her to the double bed. She plopped down on her butt with a small groan and patiently waited as Lex knelt in front of her. He began untying the strings to her brown leather boots and she stared at the top of his head as she struggled to stay awake.

"Do you think I'm pretty, Lex?"

The question came out of nowhere. Lex's head snapped up as he looked at Brie but her eyes were closed. She ran her hands along the beautifully soft velvet bedspread as let out a deep sigh as she waited for his response. A moment of silent passed and she eventually grew impatient.

"Do you think I'm pretty," Brie repeated with a small huff. "I know I'm not as beautiful as all those women at the banquet..."

"Brie," Lex finally replied as he tugged her second boot off and placed it on the floor next to the other one.

"Well? Come on, you can tell me. I won't even remember what your answer is."

"Of course I think you're pretty."

A grin spread across Brie's face. Her eyes closed once more but the smile remained as he slipped her legs under the soft covers and tucked her in.

"I'm glad you said that," Brie mumbled quietly as she snuggled down into the soft bed. "I always want you to think I'm pretty."

Lex sat down on the edge of the bed as he waited for Brie to fall asleep. He couldn't help but smile at her as she continued to ramble on for a few minutes with slurred speech.

"Y'know cause I hear about the women who fawn over you," she yawned. "At the banquet. I heard em... they think you're so handsome.

Brie grinned and her clenched her arms around the blankets as she pulled it up to her chin.

"They're right. You are handsome. You're so handsome."

Lex peered down at Brie as she steadily grew sleepier and sleepier. He couldn't help but reach up and brush a strand of her hair away from her face as he silently commended her stubbornness as she continued to murmur.

"I always... wanna kiss you," Brie whispered quietly, and her brows furrowed together. "I jus...I don't wanna make you sad..."

Brie's voice trailed off as she finally drifted off to sleep. Her soft snores were a welcomed noise as Lex stared down at her sleeping form with a tight feeling in his chest. There were so many things he wanted to say and yet he still felt the urge to run away from it all. But as he sat beside the woman he had grown to care for and watched her sleep he knew that he was in too deep and there was no going back.

Lex leaned down and gently kissed her forehead before getting up from the bed. Then he quickly removed his boots and slipped under the covers beside the snoozing Elf. He laid in bed for a long time before he finally fell asleep too and the pair did not stir until late the next morning.