Chapter Twenty-Three
A handful of soldiers left with their old General and his two Legates. Lugrub gathered their names and told them to me so I could write them down on a bit of parchment. One of the soldiers who left had resided in a tent next to one of the Legates, so Ormvard claimed that Legates's tent and placed me in the newly vacant neighboring one.
I slept well that night knowing that I was protected from any danger by a wall of a Nord. Also, the knowledge that I wouldn't have to wake up and travel some more was a huge comfort. My tiny legs could barely handle those inclines and I found that I had used the last of my stamina potions.
I could definitely feel the previous few days' journey in my muscles when I woke the next morning. I had to take a hefty chug out of one of my health potions to be able to get off the cot. I stumbled out of my tent in a simple cotton dress to see the camp for the first time in full daylight. It was a truly marvelous sight to see the mountains all around and the Imperial City look as if it were only a little ant colony.
I look down the long line of tents, tables, and cooking pits to see Mal and Ormvard heading my way. Ormvard took one look at me and ran a hand over his face in what appeared to be pity and almost humor. General Malpenix only looked pissed.
"Floramer!" He shouted at me from down the line. Once he was closer he lowered his tone slightly, "Get back in your tent and put on your armor! When you're done, meet me in my tent. We have your mission to discuss."
He then stomped off and entered the large shelter. Ormvard watched him go with a sigh. He looked back at me and said, "He only worries. There were some soldiers who said they had to turn away some angry pilgrims trying to come to the Boethia Shrine. They could always go to the Imperial forces, or worse the Thalmor. You're going to need to keep that armor on at all times."
"But my shoulder piece is torn."
"I would suggest getting it repaired after you speak to Mal."
I nodded and then went back into my tent to put my armor on. I really hoped one of the other soldiers could direct me to a stream nearby where I could wash out my armor and clean myself up a little. Perhaps the last bit might not be a great idea near a camp full of lonely men…
When I entered Mal's tent, he was bent over a map and I could tell by his posture that he wasn't happy about what he saw.
Without looking up at me he said, "Head Councilor was right in sending us here. It's a mess. The last General hadn't checked in with his spies or even spoke with the Council about any of the issues they're having up on this damned mountain."
"I feel sorry for Bruma," I said, taking a few steps closer to him.
"This isn't time for joking, Emerald," he glared at me. "We're going to need you down in the city as soon as possible. I sent a courier to the man who will be getting you in so he'll know to meet you."
"When?"
"Tonight. There's a Thalmor party. You had better start getting ready to leave soon. It'll be a long ride."
"Tonight? I haven't even been able to bathe yet!" I argued.
He looked up at me with what appeared to be a glare but it quickly morphed into a look of sheer exhaustion. "I'm sorry, Emi. I'll have one of the grunts run you up a pale of water to your tent. Go on and get some food."
"Thanks, General," I said and then began to leave.
"And, Emi," he began and leaned against the table, "wear your hair in the little braids. You look beautiful with your hair like that."
I gave him a gentle smile and head out of the tent. On my way to the smithy's, which turns out to be at the other end of the camp, Ormvard hands me a wooden bowl with some venison and cheese and I eat it while I walk. I strip off the shoulder piece of my armor and hand it to the blacksmith and leave it to be picked up tomorrow. Feeling odd in only my jerkin, I head back to the other end of the camp to return to my tent.
Surprisingly, a bucket of cool water was waiting inside my tent door for me to bathe in. I strip down and am beyond relieved to be able to wash up. After cleaning my body, I dip my hair into the bucket and then ring it out. While it is still wet, I braid it into a series of intricate braids, like Mal recommended. I slip into some underclothes and then layer on my silk green dress, which luckily I pulled out of my bag and hung up last night to get the wrinkles out.
Shoes. I had forgotten about shoes! I pull my deer skin boots out of my pack and put them on. They looked horrible with the dress, but I wasn't sure if I had an option.
"M- General?" I stuck my head out of my tent and called. Both Ormvard and Mal pour out of the General's tent and look at me questioning. I motion for them to come in.
"Lovely!" Ormvard exclaims and even Mal can't hide the smile on his face. At least he couldn't until he set eyes on my boots.
"Bloody hell, Emi. You can't wear those!" He said gesturing.
"I don't have anything else except my armored ones," I explained.
Both the men sighed and glanced at one another. Without warning, Ormvard leaves the tent.
"He obviously has an idea," I laughed and Mal gave me a little smile back.
"You do look gorgeous, girl," he said with a more convincing smile. He took a few steps closer and ran a hand down my sleeved arm. I place my hand over his and give it a firm squeeze. I look up at Mal, and in this moment he was simply Mal. I start to close the tiny gap between us…
"One of the female soldiers had these dress shoes, believe it or not!" Ormvard trumpeted as he barged back into my tent. I backed away from Mal and accepted the shoes from Ormvard. I slipped the smooth shoes on and wiggled my toes around.
"They're a bit tight, but could be much worse. That was a great idea, Ormvard," I smiled up at the Nord.
"Great! Now, elf, we're going to walk you up the hill to Boethia's shrine and I'm going to ride into the city with you and then…" Ormvard started.
"I've decided that I'm going to ride down the mountain with her," Mal interrupted.
They shared a significant look until Ormvard finally shook his head and said, "The men need you here, Mal. Think about what Lugrub…"
"I'll take care of Lugrub. I'm going down there with her. It's the girl's first time on such a quest and I want to be sure I'm within Thalmor killing range if need be."
"You know I'll be just as good as protecting her as you would be," Ormvard bristled.
"Of course I know that, friend. This isn't a simple matter of who's the best protector. You know it's more than that. I won't be any good to anyone if I'm up here worrying myself to death over a skeever at Thalmor party."
Ormvard closed his eyes and hung his head for a long moment. He finally looked up at Mal and sighed, "What should I say to Lugrub. I know, you said you'll handle him. However, I know he'll still ask questions once you leave."
Mal though for a second and then with a coy smile said, "Tell him that I would do the same if he were the one in the dress."