After that night by the Gildergleam, Jasper and Imarrine seemed to grow closer and closer to each other over the weeks, going out of each other's way to interact with one another. Be it a brush of the finger tips, a glance that lingered too long or even a conversation on many topics.
Cymbeline watched from the shadows as the two took a leisurely walk around Whiterun, a smile played across her features as she intently watched the two' hands brush each other occasionally. She could see the way Jasper's smile brightened each time Imarrine threw a glance at him, the imperial nodded in approval, they were getting intimate with each other, but winter was going to come to a close soon and Imarrine would leave within a moments notice.
With a frown the imperial stood from the shadows as the two fell out of view, she had to find a way Imarrine could stay for a while longer, or at least get a. Promis of return. Injuring her was out of the question, Cymbeline had several run ins with the Thalmor already and wasn't looking for another friendly meeting. Bribery was a method she despised, though it was a useful method, she wasn't sure a woman like Imarrine would fall for a bribe.
Furrowing her brow, Cymbeline started her trek back to Breezehome, crossing her arms to keep warmth in as she wandered over the muddy cobblestone roads. Breezehome was empty or people, Lydia having escorted Onmund to the College of Winterhold, Cymbeline promising to rejoin him at the end of winter. Tossing a log onto the dying fire, Cymbeline rubbed her numb hands, urging warmth back into the digits as she strolled up the stairs and into her room. She sat before the chest that contained objects she had picked up from her journeys across skyrim, an assortment of dragon claws gleamed in the candle light of her room, covering the mess of amulets and ancient texts she had been meaning to move onto a shelf and read for almost a year. Pushing the dragon claws aside, Cymbeline dug through the mess of amulets, their chains latching onto her Mage robes and wrapping around her wrist only to fall off when she withdrew her hand.
An amulet of Mara hung from her fingers, the blessing on the amulet gleamed a dull white swirl, she had saved her amulet after her wedding for just this very reason. Closing the chest with a thud, Cymbeline slunk back down to the fire and towards the door, halting mid stride and determining that Jasper needed more time with Imarrine before she delivered the amulet.
Jasper watched as Imarrine vanished into Dragonsreach, a bright smile plastered across his face as he turned and strolled towards the barracks. The sun was beginning to set, enveloping Whiterun in a fading golden glow, the stars peaked out from behind the clouds as the two moons began to come into view. Cymbeline waited outside of Breezehome, leaning against the door with an amulet hanging from her hand as she uncrossed her arm and strode towards Jasper.
"How did it go?" She asked, holding the amulet behind her back and shifting her weight onto the balls of her feet.
"It went well." Jasper replied, exhausted and hoping to get back into the barracks and sleep. Before he could however, Cymbeline took his hand and dropped the amulet into his palm, folding his fingers over the metal with a smile.
"I think it's time you received this." She cooed, skipping back into Breezehome, "good night Jasper!"
Confused, Jasper released his fingers from around the amulet and glanced at it in the dying lights, his eyes widening at what laid in his palm. The carvings were unmistakeable, it was an amulet of Mara.
The sun rose over the horizon as Imarrine exited Dragonsreach, her two guards would be awaiting her at the dungeons. They would be leaving that day, winter having ended over three days ago, the last of its rains would be rolling in over the next few days, but Imarrine would be long gone and heading towards the embassy by the time they arrived.
Pulling her hood over her head, Imarrine frowned, she truly enjoyed Jasper's company more than she should have, the nord being the first not to treat her differently based on her race or stature. It was a shame she had to leave him so soon.
Catching sight of the aforementioned Whiterun Guard waiting for her, her heart tightened, she would have to tell him now. Taking a deep breath, Imarrine donned her stoic appearance and strolled down the steps of Dragonsreach, hands folding together behind her back, head held high with all emotion gone from her face.
"Good morning." She greeted plainly, holding back a smile that fought its way to her features.
"Morning." Jasper replied, shifting his weight from foot to foot, causing the sunlight to catch on the peculiar looking necklace around his neck. It was made out of a bronze like material and was intricately carved, a simple light blue gem shone in the center and hinting its origins. An amulet of Mara.
Taken slightly aback, Imarrine regained her composure, she was on duty now and it wasn't the time for being social.
"Winter is over, my men and I will be leaving today." Imarrine sighed, watching as the bright smile on Jasper's face drop, she winced, it didn't feel right.
"Safe travels?" He offered, trying to mask the pain in his heart as Imarrine dropped her act.
"An amulet of Mara." She began, "from what I've heard its letting someone know you are available for marriage... It's a different custom than in the Summerset Isles." Imarrine rambled, heat rising to her cheeks as Jasper looked at her in surprise.
"Are you... Interested?" Jasper inquired hesitantly, a deep red blush spreading across his face as Imarrine felt her palms grow sweaty. Her throat felt dry as she searched for words to say.
"I must confess, I am." She proclaimed, heart racing erratically as Jasper's smile returned to his face.
"Imarrine, would you do me the honor of being my wife?" He proposed, taking her hand in his.
"Of course." Was her answer, a smile breaking through her facade.
Meanwhile Cymbeline had just witnessed the event and now leapt from the shadows, a wide grin spread across her face as she cried out in excitement.
"Success!" She cried, springing away to enjoy a drink at the Bannered Mare. Everything had gone according to plan, now all that remained was the arrangement for the wedding... Of course, Jasper did have to tell her first. She'd have to act surprised, and then tell Onmund.
It was all so exciting.
Good evening/morning, thank you once again for the amazing reviews. Our story will be drawing to a close upon the arrival of the next chapter, I want to let you know that I had an awesome time writing this fanfic and reading your reviews. They really shaped the story. With that being said, I bid you adieu until our next and final chapter.