Fate's Games
(A/N: First up today and particularly long, but then so are the next two or three, or four. I'll probably only post this one today, though, as I have other postings I want to get done for other stories. Anyway, there were a group of other oneshots posted a couple of weeks ago, for those of you who missed them, centering mainly on the Thieves Guild and a couple on Riften. The first part up until the party scene is actually a situation I, rather the character I was playing, was in. I didn't realize it until I was being confronted by a guard for a bounty.)
Diplomatic Immunity
She listened to Delphine's plan. The woman intended for her to infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy. The Dragonborn smirked. She was all too willing to do just that. "The Thalmor ambassador, Elenwen, regularly throws parties where the rich and connected cozy up to the Thalmor. I can get you into one of those parties. Once you're inside the Embassy, you get away and find Elenwen's secret files. I have a contact inside the Embassy. He's not up for this kind of high-risk mission, but he can help you. His name's Malborn. Wood Elf, plenty of reason to hate the Thalmor." Incredulously the Dragonborn raised an eyebrow. She preferred to go at these things alone, honestly. Catching the doubt in her ally's eyes, Delphine said, "You can trust him." The Dragonborn scoffed doubtfully but gave no argument; at least not yet. "I'll get word for him to meet you in Solitude, at the Winking Skeever. You know it? While you're doing that, I'll work on getting you an invitation to Elenwen's little party. Meet me at the Solitude stables after you've arranged things with Malborn. Any questions?"
"Do I have to work with him?" she asked Delphine.
"It's the only way you'll get anywhere with this," Delphine replied. The Dragonborn sighed in frustration, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Sadly, Delphine was probably right about that.
"Fine," the Dragonborn relented. "So, what's this Malborn's story anyway? Why does he hate the Thalmor so much? You're sure we can trust him?"
"Don't worry about Malborn. He's not a dangerous character like you, but he hates the Thalmor at least as much as I do. He's a Wood Elf. The Thalmor wiped out his family back in Valenwood during one of their purges that we never hear about," Delphine replied. The Dragonborn started, eyes widening. That she hadn't been expecting. "Luckily they don't know who he really is, or he wouldn't be serving drinks at the Ambassador's parties. Then you'll need to find Elenwen's office and search her files. Malborn should be able to point you in the right direction," Delphine continued.
The Dragonborn was hardly paying attention anymore, though, her mind still on the backstory of her mysterious ally. "His family… Was he married? Did he have children?" she questioned.
"Oh no. Thank the gods for that. The poor thing wouldn't have been able to survive the loss of a child or children… Hmm, he was engaged, though. She was killed, burned alive in the same house as his family was," Delphine admitted.
"How did he survive?" the Dragonborn questioned in horror.
"Simple. He was gone," Delphine answered. "He was in a neighboring province, earning money for a wedding and a house in which he and his future bride could live. When he came back it was… it was just gone, all of it, and he was utterly alone…" The Dragonborn cringed. By the Divines, what that must have done to him… Without a word more she walked off, her eyes sympathetic. Perhaps she would cut this one a break.
ES
She entered the Winking Skeever cautiously, looking around for any sign of this Wood Elf named Malborn. She scanned the walls as she walked until finally pausing. She caught sight of a young Bosmer man sitting at a table in a dark corner. He was keeping to himself, guardedly looking around. Was that him? Divines… Her heart sank pityingly. She'd pictured someone older. She'd hoped it would be someone older, because then maybe time would have had the chance to heal his wounds. As it was, Delphine hadn't told her exactly when this purge had taken place; but here he was, young, not much older than her. Time wouldn't have had a chance to heal his scars, she knew. They were still very much open and tender. Perhaps that was why Delphine had been so adamant in advocating for him.
She approached cautiously and sat on the chair across from him. Warily he watched her. "What business do you have here, stranger?" he wondered.
"Delphine sent me," she replied.
"Really? You're who she picked? I hope she knows what she's doing," he incredulously said, almost snorting in derision. She started. This hadn't been the attitude she was expecting. She'd expected sorrow. All she was getting was bitterness. He'd been jaded, she realized quickly enough, and it was apparent he had gone through the grieving process. Of course his wounds were still tender, of this she had no doubt, but it was a bitter, paranoid, and cynical Elf she would be working with, not one consumed by grief. Before she could speak up to defend herself, he continued, "Here's the deal. I can smuggle some equipment into the Embassy for you. Don't plan on bringing anything else in with you. The Thalmor take security very seriously. I'm ready to go. Give me what you can't live without, and I'll make sure to get it into the Embassy. The rest is up to you."
ES
It was at this point that she realized how truly unprepared she was for this. For a man who wasn't up for this sort of high-stakes mission, he certainly seemed to know what he was doing. In fact, she felt a little inadequate now, and flustered. He was waiting for her to speak, obviously getting more and more doubtful by the second. She had to say something. "What sort of things should I bring to the party?" she finally blurted. She cursed herself immediately for how that must have sounded to his ears.
"You're asking me?" he asked, obviously getting more upset by the minute. In fact he seemed quite angry with her. "Ugh, she promised that she was sending someone who knew what they were doing… If you actually want to get out alive, I'd bring whatever you need to move quietly and kill quickly."
"I need a bit more time to prepare!" she exclaimed, feeling flustered and pressured now. Not to mention her self-confidence regarding this mission was being stripped away from her with each word he spoke. She was as upset as she was impressed, though. He'd been the only one she'd met so far who had ever been able to take her down a notch and put her in her place. She wouldn't deny she could be very, very arrogant and disdainful. He was laying the reality flat out in front of her, though, and she couldn't deny it. He wouldn't let her. She wondered if she could even defend herself from him if she tried. He seemed to know just where to strike, where her weaknesses were, and how to put everything into a realistic perspective.
"I'll give you a few more minutes. I can't wait here all day. It's my neck on the line, remember?" he replied. She couldn't for the life of her tell if he was trying to reassure her, put her down, or both. He had a point, after all. If he was caught smuggling her gear into the party he would be a dead man before anyone could even blink. She quickly began scrambling through her things and trying to debate what to bring and what to leave behind.
ES
He watched her silently. Every second that passed his frown deepened and his heart dropped even lower. Oh they were dead, the both of them. If this was what he had to work with it would be over before it even started. He chastised himself. Maybe he wasn't giving her a fair chance. He'd been quite direct, really, and it had more likely than not flustered her greatly. She was flushing and cursing under her breath as he waited. Part of him felt almost sorry for her, felt as if he should retract his statement and tell her to take her time. The rest of him scoffed at the idea and told him to get up and walk out on her just like that. He would settle for a happy medium. He sat in place, yes, but he certainly wouldn't be telling her to take her time. He was no fool.
All at once she froze. He raised an eyebrow. Why had she frozen and why was she blushing so furiously? "What?" he coldly and suspiciously asked, raising an eyebrow. Something was wrong here. If something was going wrong this early on, it was a key hint to get out while the going was good.
She looked up at him, eyes wide in horror. "I-uh, don't have a second set of clothes," she quietly said.
"I'm sorry, what?" he asked. "What does that have to do with anything?" he demanded, eyes narrowing. Tell him she wasn't going to go off on some fashion issue.
"I don't wear clothing under my armor," she answered bluntly. He blinked blankly. Okay, so he was obviously ignorant as to her meaning, he realized; because he couldn't for the life of him figure out what she meant by this.
"Am I missing something here?" he asked.
"I'm wearing my armor," she flat out said. "My only armor." He blinked blankly.
"Oh no…" he groaned, face-palming and shaking his head as he looked down. The moment he looked back up, though, he nearly had a heart attack. "Dagon's Eyes, what are you doing?!" he demanded.
She cast a reproachful look at him that actually made him wither back. "I'm stripping. Enjoy it," she growled, obviously ticked off at this turn of events.
"You-you're what?! By the Divines, we're in the middle of an inn in Skyrim's capital city!" he shot. "Oh gods," he squeaked as she dropped her Upper Body Armor, too shocked to react. At least too shocked to react verbally; his anatomy was reacting just fine, it seemed. He flushed brightly. She dropped her Lower Body Armor and he was frozen. He couldn't move, he could hardly breathe. What was wrong with this woman?
She pushed the armor over to him and then her weapon. She tossed in a few potions for good measure. "I'm ready!" she finally blurted out none too gracefully.
ES
He wasn't reacting. She raised an eyebrow at him. He was staring at her, scanning her body from head to toe with mouth agape. "You're… You're…" he finally managed to begin.
"It's not like I'm naked," she hissed lowly, leaning over the table. She caught where his eyes were sticking and growled threateningly, "Eyes on the face." He fell backwards out of his chair and scrambled back, quickly covering his reaction by grabbing up all of her stuff.
"Okay. I'll get this inside the Embassy for you. I've got to go. I'll find you at the party, don't worry," he quickly said, recovering and attempting to give her some last words of assurance. "Your job is to get into the party without being fingered as a spy. I'll take care of the rest." He looked back at her. He'd gotten over it for the most part now, so currently he was wondering why on Earth he'd reacted so dramatically to the situation. "Are you… going to be okay getting out of here?" he questioned cautiously. It was past dark and there were rough people out on Solitude's streets around this time.
"I'll be fine," she moaned, blushing deeply. Oh Divines, this was humiliating.
"Look, just, let me help you out of the city. You're not exactly in a great position. The last thing I need is for you to be arrested," he said.
"Let's just get this over with," she shot sharply.
He took her hand and began leading her out of the inn. "Malborn, who is the woman with you?" a drunk called out to him.
"She's had a little too much mead," Malborn replied. "Much like you," he muttered under his breath to the man. "Uh, I'm helping her get home."
"Sure you are," the man said drunkenly, reaching out and slapping her rear end. She yelped and prepared to snap the drunk's arm.
Before she could spin around, though, Malborn caught her close, holding her tightly. "Leave it," he growled. She began cursing him out in the Elven tongue, furious that he was preventing her justice from being served. Sharply he belittled her, chastising her crude language in the same tongue. She had the decency to look ashamed, at least, and he had shamed her with his words.
ES
Many lewd comments and gestures later, he'd gotten her out of Solitude. How she could have possibly remained so strong and proud after all of the disgusting and belittling remarks that had been thrown at her was beyond him. He felt bad for her, he would admit that, but it was her own fault for not bringing a backup change of clothes. He cringed. That sounded cruel to his own ears. "Will you be okay?" he finally questioned.
"I'll be fine," she replied. She was slightly impressed with him, she had to admit. He wondered how she was staying proud, she knew. She was loathe to admit it, but it had much to do with him. He'd actually defended her honor from each man who had dared call out to her cruel and belittling remarks, shaming them mercilessly and calling them out. How he'd managed to avoid being beaten to a fine pulp was beyond her.
"All right, remember, don't worry. I have a purpose and a plan. Leave the details to me. You just get in," he said to her.
"Thank you," she muttered softly. He nodded and started off. She hesitated then called, "Malborn!" He turned curiously. "Be careful!" she called.
He scoffed. "Somehow I'm beyond that point," he replied with a pessimistic laugh.
At the Embassy
She was starting to get nervous, now. Elenwen had cornered her and was asking far too many questions. The Ambassador was prying, she knew. Elenwen was suspicious about seeing an unknown face at her party. It didn't sit well with the hostess. "Tell me, how did you come to…" Elenwen began, likely about to finally call her out.
Just then she heard a voice say, "Madame Ambassador, I'm so sorry to interrupt…"
The Dragonborn caught her breath and quickly looked towards the voice. Malborn! She could have cheered him for overhearing the conversation and interrupting before she was discovered.
He met her eyes reassuringly as if to say, 'Don't worry, I'm here. I told you I would have everything under control.' "What is it, Malborn?" Elenwen demanded.
"It's just that we've run out of the Alto Wine. Do I have your permission to uncork the Arenthia Red…?" he asked.
"Of course. I've told you before not to bother me with such trifles," Elenwen replied, obviously annoyed at the interruption.
"Yes, Madame Ambassador," he replied as he watched the Dragonborn slip away from Elenwen.
"Now, where were…" Elenwen began, turning back. She paused, noticing that the guest she'd been talking to was no longer there. She harrumphed and shot a reproachful glare at Malborn. Nonetheless she let it go. If was quite miffing that she'd had to appear rude to the guest, but no matter. What was done was done.
On seeing Elenwen drift off to mingle with her guests, the Dragonborn cautiously returned to the counter where Malborn was wiping it off. "What can I get for you?" he asked as casually as if she were a stranger, she glanced back and spotted a guard watching. Soon, though, the guard turned away, suspicions alleviated. Ensuring they weren't being overheard, Malborn turned back to her. "You made it in. Good," he said. Thanks to you, she inwardly replied, but she said nothing. "As soon as you distract the guards, I'll open this door and we can get you on your way. Let's hope we both live through this day," he finished. She shivered at the possibility they wouldn't. It didn't sit well with her.
ES
The distraction had happened on its own, it seemed. A guest, Erikur Thane of Solitude, and a servant, Brelas, were in the midst of quite the messy conflict. She swiftly slipped over to the counter. "I'm ready," she whispered to Malborn.
"Of course. Let me see if we have another bottle of that," he replied, watching as the last of the guards hurried to respond to the issue. "I'll be waiting by the door for everyone to be distracted," he said to her.
"They're as distracted as they'll get," she said.
"Let's go, let's go! Before anyone notices us," he urgently prompted, nodding. Swiftly the two slipped out of the room. He quickly closed the door behind them.
"We make quite the team," she teased.
She was rewarded by the first genuine smirk she'd seen on his face through this whole ordeal. As quickly as it had come, though, it faded. "So far so good," he said. "Let's hope nobody saw us slip out. We need to pass through the kitchen. Your gear is hidden in the larder. Just stay close and let me do any talking, got it? Follow me." She nodded, hoping their luck held out. This was a dangerous, borderline suicide mission, after all; at least that's how it seemed.
ES
The two entered the kitchen. "Who comes, Malborn? You know I don't like strange smells in my kitchen," a Khajiit woman, likely the cook, said to him.
"A guest, feeling ill. Leave the poor wretch be," he replied to her.
"A guest? In the kitchens? You know this is against the rules…" the Khajiit woman began. For a horrible moment the Dragonborn thought they had reached the end of their game here and now.
"Rules, is it Tsavani? I didn't realize that eating Moon Sugar was permitted. Perhaps I should ask the Ambassador…" Malborn smoothly challenged.
Tsavani's eyes widened in horror and alarm. "Tss! Get out of here! I saw nothing," Tsavani quickly replied. Malborn smirked victoriously and shut the door behind them.
"That was quick thinking," she complimented.
"Thanks," he replied, turning to her. "Your gear is in that chest. I'll lock the door behind you. Don't screw this up. I need to lock the door behind you or the patrols might notice something's wrong." Quickly she went to the chest, but he was terrified and that much was plain to see. "Come on. If someone misses me at the party, we're both dead," he pled. "Hurry it up. I've got to get back."
"I'm going, I'm going, don't panic," she replied, taking the last of her things. She dropped her clothes without hesitation. He started and blushed furiously, finding himself staring at her with wide eyes again. Hmm, he didn't believe he would have minded it if he were killed here and now. It would be well worth it for all he'd now seen of this woman. She was quite appealing to the eye. He almost lost track of time, in fact.
"Snap out of it!" she hissed to him quickly. He realized, then, that even when she was clothed he hadn't been able to look away from her. That served to make him blush all the deeper. "You've seen me in my undergarments before, it's not as if it's a new sight to you. She entered the private quarters of the Embassy.
"Be careful," he warned her once more, gazing sincerely into her eyes. She started at the genuine worry she saw there. Until now she could have sworn he hated her.
Her gaze softened to a smile. "Thank you for everything. I owe you so much more than you can imagine," she replied, gently cupping his cheek. Lightly she dropped a soft kiss on his other. He started, blinking at her in shock. She smiled at him. He offered a small and affectionate smirk back.
"What am I going to do with you?" he murmured, shaking his head. He really hadn't thought much of her at first, but she was growing on him, he found. At quite a rapid rate in fact. She grinned. He shut the door behind her and locked it. For a long moment he stood looking at the wood. Finally, though, he headed out. Hmm, he'd been in there longer than he would have liked. Time to make this look… less condemning. He messed up his hair and made his clothing uneven as if he'd hastily gotten dressed after, well, enough said.
As he exited the back room, Tsavani looked up and started. "I see your guest was not as ill as you pretended," she remarked dryly, raising an eyebrow.
"I can explain!" he quickly blurted.
She chuckled. "You do not need to explain to me. This one knows full well the desires of a young man's heart. I hope she was worth the effort."
"She was," he awkwardly answered, shuffling quickly out. Oh he hated this kind of thing.
In the Dungeons
She gazed up at the balcony in horror, fear and despair in her eyes. What had happened? Oh gods, how had they found him out? She wanted to scream his name, to let him know she was there, but that would be a fool's errand. She had only just killed the two Thalmor interrogating a prisoner, hiding their bodies in the empty cell. The moment she had finished this, the doors above had opened and then this… this… Oh Divines, please, please no. He was there, bound and held tightly between two guards. Roughly they thrust him to the ground. He cried out in pain and staggered up, eyes burning with hatred as he scowled darkly at them.
"Listen up, spy! You're trapped in here, and we have your accomplice. Surrender immediately or you both die!" one of the guards shot.
For a moment fear and panic sprang to Malborn's eyes. Oh gods, the Dragonborn! They were lying, that had to be. Yes… yes, they were. They would have killed him long ago had they already gotten to her. His eyes hardened once more, becoming steely and emotionless. He stood tall and proud, at his full height, and boldly he answered, "Never mind, I'm dead already!"
ES
She almost burst into tears. Oh immortal deities, could words alone even hope to describe what she felt in that moment as she watched him so boldly defying the Thalmor, refusing to betray her even when they had claimed she was already caught. Her heart felt like a city whose walls were crashing down all around it, suffocating it. She felt as if her world had frozen in time and she could do nothing. She felt she couldn't breathe, felt like throwing herself out of hiding and pleading for his life… But she didn't…
"Silence, traitor! Move. Slowly," the second guard ordered. She watched in shadow, grief in her eyes. She wanted to go to him, she needed to. They would kill him, they would kill him!
Roughly they pushed him along down the steps. He scowled darkly, wincing in pain. Divines, let her have escaped. Let her have gotten away. He would die gladly if only he knew that she was alive and she had done what she'd come here to do so that his sacrifice hadn't been in vain… But there was more than that… He hardly thought he'd mind even if she'd failed. Just as long as she'd escaped with her life… They stopped him in the middle of the room. He stood stalk still, waiting to feel the cold metal of their blades descend upon him. He would face his execution boldly. His family… His eyes became soft and filled with misery. His family… He would join them soon enough.
In horror she watched as the guards drew their blades. This was her only chance. It was now or never. Could she watch him die for her sake…? He closed his eyes gently and turned his head upwards as if waiting to be drawn up into the sky. No… No, she couldn't. In that second she leapt up and raced forward, calling, "Malborn!" His eyes flew open in shock as he looked in her direction sharply. She was racing towards him, weapon drawn. Before he could even react she had fallen upon the guards attacking them mercilessly! He backed away from the battle and quickly caught sight of a sharp object. Neatly he sliced the ropes binding his wrists and hurried to help her with his fists. For all the good that would do, he wryly realized. He'd more likely get himself killed, but what did he care?
ES
The guards lay dead, the prisoners freed and at the Dragonborn's back. There was silence. Soon enough Etienne went off to find an escape. Brelas scoured around for anything useful that she could take along. Malborn and the Dragonborn remained. It was he that broke the silence. "I should have known this would end badly. I can't believe I let Delphine talk me into this. Now the Thalmor will be hunting me for the rest of my life… I hope it was worth it."
"Over here!" they heard Etienne call.
The two turned, her eyes tired and filled with guilt. "Are you alright? How did they catch you?" she questioned concernedly, turning back to Malborn.
"Let's get out of here, for pity's sake!" he replied, immediately changing the subject.
One troll fight later they were all outside… and she was watching miserably as he raced away with Brelas and Etienne. She wanted to follow them; gods knew how desperately she wanted to follow them… But she didn't… she had her own duties to attend to; namely returning to Delphine… It was strange… She'd never felt this hollow before when departing from an ally.
In Windhelm
Some weeks had passed by, now. She'd needed a long break after Diplomatic Immunity. She'd needed time to recover and collect her thoughts once more. Honestly she was sick of this. She'd lost all motivation for her journey, her mind consumed by him and only him. Where had he run to? Was he still alive? She shivered subtly. The idea that he wasn't… She looked up at the gates of Windhelm and pushed them open, entering the city. There were places here where she could sell her extra things.
It was evening by the time she had finished in town. She approached the New Gnisis Corner Club. It would be a good place to wind down and relax. She entered silently with a heavy sigh and pulled back the hood of her cloak. She sat down by the fire, resting her forehead in a hand, then looked up into the flames. Tears stung her eyes. Strange… she hadn't felt tears for a long time now. Just to know he was alive. Just to hear his voice.
"Oh, it's you. I didn't expect to see you again," someone suddenly and unenthusiastically said from the chair nearby her. She caught her breath, slowly looking up.
"Malborn," she breathed in realization. Swiftly she turned, hardly daring to believe it. Sure enough there he was, watching her with a small and tired smirk on his face despite his unenthusiastic tone. His eyes glittered in the light of the fire, but Divines… It looked like he hadn't slept for days. Before he could react, before she could stop herself, she had leapt into his embrace with a screech of delight, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. "It's you! It's really you!" He was too startled at the surprise greeting to even speak. "It's good to see you again, Malborn," she said, drawing back with a wide grin; and oh if only he knew how true those words were.
"Trying to stay ahead of the Thalmor Assassins. I'm not a hero like you. I don't stand a chance," he wryly admitted.
She started, eyes becoming concerned. Wait, assassins? And what did he mean by claiming he wasn't hero? She would be dead now if not for him. She could never have hoped to complete that quest without his aid. That alone made him a hero. Why did he have to put himself down? "You should be grateful you're still alive," she replied seriously. She'd almost lost him that night…
"I count my blessings every day," he sarcastically replied. She cringed. Ouch. If only he knew how much those words hurt.
"Why are you mad at me? You should be angry at Delphine for putting you in such a tight spot," she defended. What had she done to anger the elf, she wondered? Why couldn't he just let it go and tell her that it was alright?
"Don't worry. I'm mad at her too… and at myself for ever agreeing to get involved in her insane scheme," he answered bitterly, shaking his head.
She looked sadly down. In all her travels, in all of her quests, he was the first and only one she had ever met whom she had truly acknowledged as something of a friend. Yes, he was her only friend… and part of her wanted more than that, though another part chastised her thoughts. After all, he was likely still mourning the loss of his fiancé so many years ago. "I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry…" And if words could only express how true that was… "I never would have made it without you, you know," she remarked almost as an afterthought.
ES
He watched her quietly. With every word she spoke he felt his anger melting away though he desperately fought to keep it up. Perhaps he was being too cold, though? She looked genuinely upset and hurt. After all, it had been weeks since they'd departed each other's company, and he hadn't so much as given her a hello. He'd been short with her and angry. Part of him regretted it, but again he stubbornly beat this part down. "And I owe mine to you," he finally replied.
She looked up at him, offering a small smile. "What are you doing in Windhelm?" she wondered, sitting back down on the floor as she gazed up at him.
"Trying to stay alive. I think time's running out, though. I'm pretty sure the Thalmor know where I am. Maybe you can help me. You know, by way of making amends for getting me into this mess," he remarked.
She started, slightly offended. "Hah! Give me one good reason why I should help you," she replied, letting anger get the best of her.
He started as well, also offended. His eyes narrowed like daggers, an icy glint in them. "Sure, fine. Thanks for nothing. You already got what you needed from me," he barked; and with his luck that probably truly was all she had ever wanted from him. His stomach clenched painfully at that thought. It hurt worse than he cared to admit. He scoffed in disgust, rising swiftly.
Uncertainty came to her eyes on seeing his reaction to her words. Immediately she realized how it must have sounded to him. "Malborn, wait, no! Please, don't go!" she begged.
"What use am I to you anymore, Dragonborn?!" he sharply demanded, whirling on her. "You've taken me for everything and you've found the glory you deserve! I congratulate you with my deepest sincerity, but a name was all you ever wanted."
"That's not true! Don't you dare think that of me," she argued. "That wasn't what I meant in refusing and you know it! I'll help you!"
ES
He looked back at her silently as he tried to judge the truth in her words. She had given him no reason to doubt her, though. Never had she done anything to warrant his suspicion. She had risked her life to save his, even. But then perhaps that had just been guilt or sympathy. Perhaps it had been her sense of duty. What did it matter anymore? She was offering to help him escape. "You will? Really? Well, okay, here's the situation. I was trying to get to Morrowind. The Dunmer don't care much for the Thalmor and I figured I'd be safe there. As safe as anywhere, that is. But there's a Khajiit hanging around the main gate. I didn't like the way he was looking at me. I'm sure he's Thalmor. Just waiting for me to leave so he can follow me and kill me in a lonely place," he finally confessed.
Her hopeful expression became one of shock. Morrowind? He wanted to escape to Morrowind? But… but then she would never see him again… "You're being paranoid," she replied, but she knew he wasn't. She supposed that ultimately… ultimately she just didn't want him to go… He was her friend. They-they were friends, right? Or was she just reading too much into this everything that had happened?
"No, you can't ever be too paranoid where the Thalmor is concerned. Look what happened to the Blades. The Blades! If the damn Blades are no match for the Thalmor, what chance do I have? Please, just go check it out. You'll be saving my life. Again. I know I probably seemed ungrateful… I've just been so scared," he gently said, tone and expression visibly softening. For a moment his eyes became sad. Frightened… He'd been running in fear since the night he'd learned of his family's slaughter… Since the night he'd… he'd found their charred remains on the floor of what had once been his family home… "Expecting a knife at my throat any minute," he murmured as an afterthought, getting lost in his memories.
Her eyes softened and became sympathetic. Gently she reached out and took his hands in hers. He slowly looked to the young woman, meeting her eyes. "You do not have to be scared anymore…" she promised in the Bosmer tongue.
In that moment he wanted to kiss her so desperately… He almost did, but he stopped. Fool he was he stopped himself… No, no, if he didn't take this opportunity he would regret it for the rest of what would likely be a very short life if things didn't go the way he hoped; which they rarely did. He moved boldly once more, gently taking her lips. Willingly she accepted his advance, melting into the feel of his warm mouth against hers and shivering. Soon enough he pulled back.
"I cannot survive another loss," he whispered softly to her in the same language.
"You will not lose me," she vowed, keeping to their mother tongue.
"No… because I would die first," he stated in all seriousness, and this time her shiver wasn't one of anticipation. It was one of fear…
ES
She gazed into the cold eyes of the Khajiit. They were such a contrast from Ri'saad's soothing and clever gaze. This one's name was J'datharr, and according to Ri'saad there was something off about him. They were away from the other Khajiit now, just as she'd wanted it in case things got ugly. "Malborn has a message for you," she said to him without as much as a greeting.
J'datharr started and looked coldly at her. "Malborn? Ah… very good. I think we understand each other," he answered. In that moment she knew with all certainty that Malborn had been right. J'datharr drew his weapon before she could blink and was upon her the next second. He put up a good fight, but not good enough, and soon he was on the ground dead. The other Khajiit watched in horror, unsure of how to respond to this slaughter.
"He was an assassin," she explained to them as she blushed, feeling more than a little guilty they had had to witness this. Who knew how long J'datharr had been with them? Had they been friends with the dead man? Ri'saad hadn't seemed to have known him long, so he was probably new, but still. Ultimately she didn't want to know, so she quickly looked away from the caravan. She knelt next to J'datharr's body and searched it. Soon enough she found a note that read:
Description of Target:
Bosmer male, goes by Malborn. Believed to be working for the Blades, so approach with caution.
He has inside knowledge of our procedures, so he will be warier than usual. Malborn is not his real name - he's now been identified as a survivor of a family of traitors who were all believed to have died in a fire in Falinesti.
Do not risk him evading us. He's likely trying to leave Skyrim. Make sure of your kill, and do not implicate us.
She covered her mouth as she read. He was safe now though, he was safe… at least for a while longer. She had to return to him and tell him what had happened.
At the Docks
"The assassin is dead. You don't have to worry anymore," she said to him, softly smiling.
He gazed at her with lips parted, overwhelmed by this information. "That's… great news!" he finally exclaimed. "I'd…" He trailed off, suddenly realizing his situation. The assassin was dead, but another would come, and he had a very limited window in which to escape to Morrowind. "I'd better go," he finished in realization, a sense of urgency overwhelming him. "Right now. Before they find me again. This is my chance. Thank you!" She smiled at him softly. Her smile… he liked seeing it. Now how could he repay her, he wondered. "Here… I stole a lot from the Thalmor over the years." After all, they deserved no less. In fact they owed him far more than he could ever hope to steal back from them. "You may as well have some of it," he finished. With that he handed her a Coin Purse filled with gold.
He rose, taking what few things he had on him. "Let me accompany you to the boats," she quietly said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
He paused, looking at her. He tilted his head to the side, pity in his eyes. Was it just him, or was she upset that he was leaving? He shifted uncertainly. Was he just blind as to what she thought of him? He'd believed she saw him as a useful ally and that was it… No, that was a lie to himself. He'd known by the time he'd led her out of Solitude that she had come to see him as something of companion. When he'd distracted Elenwen at the party she'd perhaps entertained the thought of friendship. By the time their escapade was over… It was different… Perhaps it was time to question what he thought of her.
ES
The two of them reached the docks and gazed at the boats. "I wish nothing but the best for you," she finally murmured to him.
He cringed. He didn't believe he liked how much like a goodbye that sounded. He glanced over at her. After a time, he took her hand and turned her around to face him. "When all of this is over, when we can finally move on with our lives, I would very much… I would very much like you to come to Morrowind," he remarked, a faint flush coming to his cheeks.
"Maybe it's too soon. Your family…" she began.
"My family…? They died years ago… Nothing will bring them back… And it's time I tried to move on…" he remarked, pain in his eyes but also acceptance.
She bowed her head low then looked up at him again. "Be safe," she pled, smiling softly.
"I will," he replied.
"What is your real name?" she wondered quite suddenly.
He paused a long moment, finally he answered, "I forsook my birth name long ago. Malborn is my name now."
She nodded, sadness in her eyes but also understanding. Perhaps one day he would tell her. "When you've settled, send for me," she said to him. "If I can, I'll come to you."
He tilted his head to the side, smiling ever so softly. Boldly he leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. He climbed onto the boat and spoke quietly to the Captain who nodded in understanding. Soon enough she was watching it fade into the distance.
Malborn looked back towards the shore, a small smile pulling at his lips. She was watching at the edge of the docks. All at once four figures appeared from seemingly nowhere and grabbed her, covering her mouth and fighting to hold her. He gasped, paling. "Laria!" he cried out in terror. The Thalmor! She was trying to struggled but couldn't break free. They would kill her right there upon the dock, he knew. Before he could even think he'd dove overboard and began swimming back!
She struggled desperately, eyes wide in terror as she realized who had caught her! Gods, how had she not seen them?! Surely they'd used Invisibility! She tried to free her mouth so she could scream, but the hand of one of the soldiers stayed firmly clamped over it. All at once one of the Thalmor cried out in terror, toppling into the water! Toppling? No… he'd been pulled she realized quickly, eyes widening in disbelief and alarm. Malborn! She almost panicked. Please, please tell her he hadn't come back! The second of the four guards screamed in fear, falling into the bay. Now it was only the two holding her. Two she could handle; or could have had Malborn not been so swift. Before she could react the Bosmer had nimbly clambered up on to the dock and attacked one of the remaining two soldiers without hesitation. The other drew his sword and threw her to the ground, going to help his fellow. That would be his mistake. She leapt up, drawing her weapon, and turned to join Malborn in fighting them off.
The two Thalmor fell soon enough, and panting the duo turned to each other. She gasped and started towards him fully intending a lecture. He seemed to realize this as he cringed and stayed put. Just then, though, one of the two soldiers he'd pulled into the water got back on the dock. She paled. "Malborn, look out!" she screamed, but it was too late.
The Thalmor soldier pressed a dagger against the Wood Elf's throat. Malborn went white. Oh the irony. The very situation he'd pled for her to help him avoid was happening regardless. "Enough! This ends now! You're under arrest, girl; and as for you, Bosmer, you die here," the soldier growled.
"No!" she screamed as the Thalmor soldier prepared to slash the Wood Elf's throat. All at once, though, Malborn did something that not even she had tried yet. He used his inborn power. He used Animal Allegiance! All at once there were the screams of a hawk. It dove before the Thalmor Soldier could react, clawing at the High Elf's face! The elf screamed in pain, dropping the dagger and trying to chase the bird off.
"Shout, Laria, shout!" Malborn ordered.
ES
She gasped and immediately yelled, "Fus Ro Dah!" The shout sent the soldier flying into the ocean, but with him went Malborn who this time hadn't been quick enough to avoid it! She waited, catching her breath and watching the waves carefully. Where was he? Oh Divines, let him surface. Had he been killed beneath the waves? She gasped and dove into the water to search. Five times she went under, looking for him. Five times she failed. She came up after the fifth, gasping for breath. "Malborn! Malborn!" she screamed, looking around desperately.
All at once there was a hand on her shoulder. She gasped, turning quickly. Her eyes widened. It was him! "I'm here, I'm okay," Malborn softly assured. She gasped in relief, swimming into his arms and holding him tightly.
She felt something wet and drew back her hand. "You're injured," she realized worriedly.
"I was stabbed in the shoulder before I killed him," Malborn answered. "I… I killed him…" Pity came to her eyes and gently she pulled him close to her again. "I didn't mean to, but he would have killed me."
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"It felt good. Killing a man shouldn't feel good," Malborn numbly replied.
"The Thalmor took your family from you," she said.
"That doesn't matter, Laria! It doesn't matter! Killing a man shouldn't feel good, it shouldn't! He-he wasn't even one of those who laid siege to my homeland," Malborn replied, almost near panic. All at once she sealed his lips with a forceful kiss, shocking him silent. After a moment she pulled away, leaving him gaping in disbelief.
"We're going to Morrowind," she said.
"We?" he meekly asked.
Smirking softly at him, she said, "You're injured. I can't very well leave you to get across the border without any help."
"And you will leave, I assume, when you decide I'm safe," he remarked; and though he tried to force a smile it fell flat.
She took his hands, swimming back towards shore and prompting him to follow her. The two clambered up onto the rocks and she, higher up than him, bent, dropping a kiss on his forehead. He looked up at her in amusement and wonder. "We'll see what happens," she answered. Gently he cupped her cheek, nuzzling her forehead with his as finally he managed to grin once more.