Disclaimer (forgot to put this in last time) I do not own Skyrim or any of the Elderscrolls. I do own Tereethis though and in my mind I own Marshes, though I don't really


It was 9:25 when Marshes left Breezehome, wearing a nice set of casual clothes he'd scraped together gold for and got at the markets earlier. It was a light green and tan and fit Marshes well. His normal work clothes were in the small dresser in his room. A sweaty, ragged dockworker outfit didn't seem appropriate to go out in. Before he left, Marshes ran into Tereethis' housecarl, a Nord woman, Lydia. At first, Marshes was on guard, gauging if this woman was as racist as the Nords Marshes grew up around. Thankfully, she was not. Lydia was friendly, shaking Marshes hand with a strong grip that said she was indeed strong and confident about herself. She had long, slightly curly brown hair and dark eyes. She was also very loyal to Tereethis, commenting on how he was going to the Inn with Marshes for drinks. "He usually prefers to be alone, but he's spending time with you so easily," she had said sounding amazed.

Marshes rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly with a shy smile before excusing himself form Lydia's presence and was out the door.

Marshes was leaning against one of the Bannered Mare's wodden pillars, waiting outside for his friend. He let out a small sigh, running a clawed hand through his blue feathered hair. He looked up at the black sky, the clouds moving overhead on the bright full moon. Indeed it was Marshes idea to go drinking, but it was obvious Tereethis thought little of the outing but it being a friendly drink.

How long had it been since Marshes had grown these feelings toward the other man? Days, weeks? It seemed so long ago, but also so distant to Marshes. Tereethis had helped the Argonians in Windhelm when Torbjorn- Shatter-Shield had cut more of their earnings off and was keeping it to himself. Somehow, Tereethis had convinced Torbjorn to pay the Argonians better and they were being payed more, albeit it wasn't much, but even a little more was good. At first, Marshes was angry that Torbjorn was hoarding the coin in his fat fists like he was so important, but when Tereethis had explained that Torbjorn's daughter had recently died, and was feeling bitter as of late. Marshes felt more sympathetic to the man since.

It wasn't long after that Tereethis had extended to Marshes a place to stay until he had a house of his own. Reluctantly, Marshes accepted, thankful he'd be away from the cold and racism of Windhelm for a time. At some point, Marshes wasn't sure when, but something had caused feelings to erupt from inside him for Tereethis, very warm ones. Maybe it was Tereethis helping the Dockworkers, or perhaps it was how soft his words were when he spoke of Torbjorn's daughter. He wasn't sure.

"Marshes?"

Said Argonian was pulled from his thoughts by a quiet voice and saw Tereethis emerge from the darkness like the Assassin he was. Marshes was surprised to see that Tereethis was not clad in armor as he usually was.

He had on clothes much like Marshes did, but it was a dark blue and white. Brown boots, much like Marshes', hugged Tereethis' feet comfortably. The Argonian's skin looked glossy in the moonlight and his light green feathered hair swayed in the slight wind that caught the still air. He could smell the watery scent, causing Marshes' breath to catch at the pleasant aroma and overall breathtaking sight of his friend.

Tereethis coughed, pulling Marshes out of his ogling. The former Dockworker felt his cheeks tint in a small blush as he tore his sky blue eyes away from Tereethis.

"L-let's go," Marshes stuttered slightly, turning his burning face away from Tereethis. He could hear the fellow Argonian following behind, his footsteps slight and quiet. A human probably wouldn't have heard it, but Marshes' Argonian hearing picked it up slightly. Marshes cursed to himself for staring, hoping that this evening would be less awkward and not just for his sake.

Thankfully, it was.

The two had gotten themselves a table near the entrance, fairly quickly going into pleasant conversation. Marshes let a smile play on his face as Tereethis told him of the various quests he had done on coming to Skyrim. Recently, he had helped a Redguard, Amren, find his family sword, the man being so happy and grateful, that he taught Tereethis a sword a shield skill that was passed down in his family. It took some time, Tereethis preferring dual wielding daggers, but he got it in time. He'd also helped the Arl on more than one occasion, even fought the dragon that attacked the town.

Marshes was amazed at all the things Tereethis did to help others, even if they hindered with what Tereethis was already doing. Tereethis was speaking of one of the guilds he had joined, when a heavily clad woman in steel plated armor, bumped into him as he began to sit up, spilling ale on himself and the woman.

"What the hell you damn lizard?!" The woman spat at Tereethis like 'lizard' was a curse word. "You're just asking for a fight, aren't you?" the woman spoke with aggression. "Well, you picked the wrong opponent. I'm Uthgerd, and no man has beaten me in a brawl."

Marshes felt his knuckles tighten, angry at this loud, obnoxious person insulting his friend. He looked at Tereethis, and was surprised that he saw the man was as calm as ever, but his eyes held a shard edge to them. He got up with a small sigh, standing in front of Uthgerd and was just about her height.

"If I were asking for a fight, human, I would not be drinking with my friend, here," Tereethis motioned smoothly to Marshes before turning back to Uthgerd with deep yellow eyes. Uthgerd scoffed, crossing her arms cockily. "You're going to turn down a fight then, lizard?"

That word coming from Uthgerd's mouth made Marshes angry again, calming when he saw Tereethis look slightly his way, saying with his eyes that it was all right.

Another sigh past Tereethis' lips and he nodded to Uthgerd. "If it will allow us to enjoy our drinks, then I will fight you."

Uthgerd rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "Don't worry, Lizard, you'll have plenty of time to sip ale with your boyfriend in the short time I'll wipe the floor with you."

Marshes couldn't help the small blush that showed on his face at the word. Argonians did not use the term 'boyfriend' but he was aware of what it meant. Tereethis said nothing as he followed Uthgerd to a large enough area of the Inn to have their fight. Uthgerd took the large sword from her back and threw it to the ground, it clattering loudly to the floor. Tereethis cracked his knuckles, bringing his hands up to his face in a more guarded position than Uthgerd did. People gathered around, in awe of the brawl starting to brew. The owner, Marshes believed her name was Hulda, threw her arms up in frustration, muttering something about 'brawling idiots' and simply went to the back to prepare more drinks.

Marshes could hardly get past the mob of people. He squeezed around enough of them to get a good view of the fight. He'd never seen Tereethis fight before, so Marshes was understandably worried for him. Even so, he seemed confident Tereethis would win.

Uthgard struck first, but only hit empty air as Tereethis was now to the side of her. She cursed, swinging her arm to the left of her, but Tereethis ducked and leapt back in a smooth fashion. Uthgard smirked, keeping her arms close in her stance. "Pretty light on your feet, Lizard," she said. Tereethis kept a neutral face. "I'm used to fighting people who prefer heavy armor," he replied. "It's quite easy." Uthgard glared at the Argonian. "Cocky, bastard," she said and propelled a punch at Tereethis. He was like a blur, at one point, he was in front of Uthgard, the next he had her arms held behind her back. "What the-"Tereethis sighed, holding her arms behind her, not painfully, but enough to stop any movement she'd think of. "I would hate to harm you, so can you simply admit defeat before you get hurt?" Uthgard cursed but nodded. "I concede, Argonian. You win." She hated losing without at least a little blood being drawn, but she knew when she was beaten. Tereethis let go, bowing his head politely to Uthgard. "Despite your loss, Uthgard, it was a good fight; you just have to work on your speed. If you had gotten a few punches on me, I may have lost." Marshes wasn't sure if Tereethis was just being kind but it seemed to make Uthgard feel better as she extended her hand to shake Tereethis'.

He took it, shaking the strong woman's hand. "You're alright, Lizard," Uthgard smiled. "If you ever need a blade, I'm here to help." By Sithis, another follower? Tereethis nodded, turning with Marshes to return to their table.

"I apologize for that," Tereethis said as they sat. "I wasn't expecting that." Marshes waved a hand. "It's okay, you were amazing the way you handled her." Tereethis took a drink of his new ale. "I only did what any self respecting friend would do. You seemed about to fight her yourself, "he added. Marshes chuckled nervously. "Sorry, she was getting on my nerves." Tereethis let out a small laugh. Marshes enjoyed the pleasant sound. "It is quiet alright." He handed Marshes a bottle of ale. "At least we get to talk more," he smiled. "You're good company, my friend."

Marshes smiled back. "You as well." The rest of the night went by without much incident, much to the pair's delight. All and all, Marshes really enjoyed the evening as it allowed his feelings to rest, if only for a moment.


Aww, they're getting closer. This chapter was a lot longer than the first too. I'll try to get at least one chapter up per week, so have fun and R/R!