Chapter 8
Dila woke up in the middle of the night. She ran her hands up the scaly harms that were holding her. She liked the feeling of his scales on her skin.
- Awake, aren`t you? – she heard Siris say. She was surprised by this.
They were both naked, lying on their sides. Their tails were entangled. Dila smiled and snuggled closer to Siris. He responded by enveloping her tightly.
- Yes. You didn`t sleep? –she answered, voice still slow from sleeping.
- No. I was just here, watching you. Didn`t want to wake you up.
- Oh, don`t worry. You didn`t. If anything, you gave me sweet dreams…
He laughed, and her system trembled with his chest. She looked up to his face. He had a smile on. He moved his hand up her back and began caressing the back of her neck.
- You are really soft. – he said, making Dila blush. – I like that.
- Better than scales? – she asked.
- Much.
She tilted her head up and they kissed. For Dila, his mouth felt heavenly.
- Did you enjoy the night? – he said, playful.
- Yes. It was…
She stopped. She remembered not telling Siris it had been her first time. While she was thinking on what to say, Siris just kept running his hand down her spine, sending shivers through her whole body.
- It was? – he asked.
- … an interesting first experience. – she said, shy.
Siris chuckled lightly.
- It was your first time?
- Yes. Even though…
She suddenly rolled on her back, bringing Siris again on top of her. Siris seemed surprised, but not the least uninterested.
… I wouldn`t mind going for a second experience... and the night has just begun… - she said, in a husky tone.
- I wouldn`t mind dancing again, if the lady would permit. – he said, lowering his voice down to a whisper. She smiled. Siris had the ability to make her smile appear under any circumstances. She liked that.
She nodded, biting her lower lip. Siris slowly brought his hands to her front, cupping her breasts. He kissed her slowly. His right hand went down further, drawing circles on her stomach. She began to feel him harden underneath the sheet. He was taking it much slower this time. She moved her hands through her lover`s back, discovering every inch of him. His hand reached her nether regions, and she broke the kiss, gasping with the surprise. She reached down and grabbed his member. He moaned, not expecting that.
- You are a fast learner -he said, putting his left hand behind her head.
Before she could say anything, he pulled her up to a kiss. After that, they lost themselves in each other once again.
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They were once again in front of Whiterun. This time, the guard let them pass without asking for his identity. They walked pass the marketplace and went directly to Dragonsreach. As they opened the doors, Balgruuf was talking to Irileth and his steward, Proventus. He didn`t notice them right up until Siris walked up the steps to his throne.
- Siris. – he said, voice filled with trouble. – What news do you relay me?
- Black-Briar`s support goes to the Legion. They asked me to give you this message.
Siris handed the small paper scroll. He read through it and sighed.
- The Legion asked where my allegiance lies. And I still don`t know.
- Why are you having this trouble, Balgruuf? – Dila asked.
- Reasons too complicated to explain. – Balgruuf said. Then he turned to Siris. – And were do your allegiance lies, old friend?
"With Dila." He thought, looking at the Khajiit.
- I signed with the Legion. In fact, we both have.
They Jarl lowered his shoulders. He was now the only Jarl that had not declared an alliance. His siding would be the key to starting the war.
- Siris, I`ll have your answer tomorrow. Please, understand that.
- I do, friend. Where should we stay tonight, then?
- The guest rooms are occupied. If you wouldn`t mind, I could pay for your stay in the Bannered Mare.
- No need for that. Black-Briar`s money is more than enough. Thank you.
The Jarl nodded, and the two exited the manor. As they were walking, Dila turned to him.
- Can we sit down, please? I`m tired.
- Sure, Dila. Whatever you want.
They sat down in a bench in front of the Shrine of Talos. The city was brimming with life. Kids running around with their mothers behind them, shoppers could be heard yelling about their products, the smell of fruit in the air. That gave Siris an idea.
- Dila, wait here. I`ll be right back. – he said, standing up.
She looked at him, confused. Then she smiled.
- Please, get back soon.
With that he went to the marketplace. He flipped few septims in his fingers. He had smiled and went to the jewelry stand…
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Dila had waited for about fifteen minutes when he returned, holding both his hands behind his back. He sat beside her and smiled.
- Close your eyes.
- What is this? – she asked, curious.
- Just close them…
She obeyed. Siris then asked:
- Right hand or left hand?
- Siris, what are you doing? – she asked, laughing. Had he lost his mind?
- Just answer. I`m sure you`ll like it.
- Okay. Since you fight with your right hand… left hand!
- Then open your mouth.
She chuckled and opened her mouth slightly. Siris put something between her fangs.
- Bite.
She did, and an oh-so-sweet taste entered her mouth. She chewed on it, and smiled as she did so. The fruit Siris had given her tasted familiar, but she couldn`t put her finger on what it was. Siris touched her eyes, and she opened them. She saw that Siris was holding the biggest, reddest apple she had ever seen in her life. It fitted perfectly in his palm. He took a bite on it himself.
- By the Nine, I didn`t know it was this sweet. I`d have bought two if I knew.
- Since when apples taste like that? – Dila asked. – All the apples I had ever had with the caravan were small and sour.
- I don`t know about the ones in the Pale, but in here, at this time of year, all apples are like this.
- We should come here often, then.
- But first, your other gift.
Dila closed her eyes, and Siris carefully slipped something on her forehead. As she opened her eyes once again, Siris grabbed her hands. They stood up, and Siris held a small, reflective stone. As she saw herself in it, she gawked at the beautifull circlet Siris had given her.
- Rubies and cooper. Fits you well.
Dila didn`t let him say any more. She immediately clung to his neck and placed a kiss on his mouth. He responded with the same intensity, before they both remembered they were in the middle of the city. They sat down, awkwardly giving looks around.
Dila slowly leaned into Siris. He wraped his left arm around her waist. She purred as he did so. He laughed at that.
- I didn`t think you actually did that…
- Only when we are really happy.
He leaned his head into hers. Then Dila heard a child ask:
- Mommy, why do those people look like animals?
- Because that`s what they are.
Dila`s hands tensed around her daggers hilts. She was eager to test the Malachite blades in something. Siris noticed that and put his hand on hers, and she immediately released the grasp she held on the knives.
- Calm down, Dila. You have to learn to live with that. I would have a bounty in every hold if I didn`t.
You are right. – she said, eyeing the children, who was holding his mother`s sleeve. She must`ve put a lot of anger in the stare, because almost immediately, the boy hid behind his mother. – But that doesn`t mean that I won`t be angered.
- I`m sure of it, dear.
She looked back at him. It was the first time he had ever called her that. She grabbed his chin.
- Why don`t we go get that room now?
- I was going to suggest that. It`s already darkening, if you didn`t notice.
She looked up. The sky was orange in color. She gulped in confusion. They had been standing there for how much time?
As they were about to take their leave, Siris eyes shot open in surprise. He threw Dila back in the bank and drew his sword. Dila wondered what had happened, but before she could ask, Siris brought down his sword. Sparks flew as it hit another blade. Dila followed the sword and saw it was being held by an arm all covered in black. The figure that was clashing with Siris was dressed in black and red, and had a cowl covering his face. Siris broke the clash and spun back, entering another battle position. The assassin stabbed at him. Siris expertly sidestepped out of the way and swung it fast. The assassin rolled out of the way and tried to trip Siris. Siris jumped and landed on the top of his leg. The assassin managed to connect a quick kick in Siris thigh, sending him rolling backwards.
The assassin got up and tried to sever Siris`s throat with a falling attack. Siris dodged and the assassin fell on the ground. Siris lunged at his eyes with his sword. The assassin managed to dodge and, much to Siris`s shock, the Dai-Katana hit the floor shattering in two.
As Siris stood there, holding the now useless handle of his sword, the assassin managed to grab him by the collar. With a spin, the assassin managed to throw him on the ground, before pouncing on him. Siris couldn`t do anything. The assassin was keeping his elbows immobilized with his legs. He raised his sword for the finishing blow. Siris stared at the cold steel, awaiting his death.
But Dila wasn`t going to let a simple assassin kill him. She jumpedon the assassin`s back and, with one swift movement of her wrist, slit the throat of the assassin. The assassin`s hand fell down to his side. With his other, he reached for his throat. The black tissue of the vest he was wearing was begging to get wet. Dila pushed him out of the way. He fell down with a loud thump, then rolled over and died.
Siris got up. After a small moment of silence, he thanked Dila with a kiss. He had seen his life end, only to be saved by that Khajiit he himself had saved not so long ago. He smiled. Then he looked back at the broken hilt. Dila sensed his distress when he threw it away.
- Damned assassin. – he said, kicking his assailant corpse. – That sword was my gift from my master. I`m never going to get another one that good.
Dila almost laughed at Siris reaction. He was complaining about his sword in about the same manner a child cries over a broken toy.
- Well, you have got better things. – she said, teasing him.
- Like?
She got closer to him.
- Like me.
As they were about to kiss again, a guard came running and stopped in front of them.
- Dila… Siris… the Jarl… Stormcloaks… - he said, panting so loudly Dila could barely hear his words.
- Calm down, soldier. Breathe first, talk later.
The guard calmed himself, but as soon as he saw the assassin`s dead body, he jumped back, surprised.
- What happened here?
- I`ll explain later. What were you saying?
- It`s the Jarl. He has made his decision.
Siris looked at Dila, then back at the guard, before hastily running up the stairs, with Dila following him closely.
"I hope he has decided right." she thought, before Siris opened the doors of Dragonsreach…
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The Jarl had a smile on his face this time. As Siris approached him, he knew his old friend had already come to a decision. He was anxious to see what it was. His friend had been grieving over the subject for the past few months. Finding him in a good mood in the situation was a breath of fresh air to Siris.
- Balgruuf! – Siris called. – Made your decision yet, or do I have to stay for another year or so?
Balgruuf laughed at the joke.
" A good sign." Siris thought, also smiling.
Siris turned to his assistants. Both Irileth and Proventus had smiles on their faces, though they were not as big as the one Balgruuf had.
- No, you won`t need to. I have made my decision!
- And what is it? What is it?
Dila had said that. She looked like a child waiting for a present. Siris laughed at the scene.
- Dila, my friend. – the Jarl said, stepping past Siris and hugging her. Siris felt a bit uncomfortable about that, but he let it slide.
The Jarl released Dila, who also seemed to be uncomfortable with the situation. Then, Balgruuf took a few steps toward the throne and sat on it.
- After talking to my counselors and friends… - Balgruuf said, to everyone present at the hall. Siris noticed it was quite full, actually. From the rich farmers from the outskirts of the town to the Protector of Riverwood, all important people in the hold seemed to be there. –… I have come to terms with the question that has been saddening me. I once asked myself "In where should my allegiance lie?". But now I see that the question is actually "In where should my allegiance not lie?". And I have come to understand that my allegiance shall not lie with the treacherous ones that call themselves the "True Sons of Skyrim"! The Stormcloacks claim that the land should only be for them, but who are we to say that?
Siris noticed some stirring in the hall. A few Grey-Manes had shifted in their seats uncomfortably, while a few Battle-Borns had started drinking. Siris never did like the Grey-Manes, so this was also a victory to him.
- My own housecarl is a Dunmer, my best friend, an Argonian! – Balgruuf said, pointing toward Siris. His voice was growing in volume as he approached his answer. – I could never turn my back to them. So I say that, from this day on, my allegiance will stay with those that truly deserve Skyrim.
He stood up, triumphantly.
- From this day one, I am an ally to the Legion!