Restoring the Blades

by LinBrimstone

The Dragonborn has reclaimed Sky Haven Temple for the Blades. However, with only a handful of new recruits, limited resources, and Delphine's insistence that Paarthurnax be eliminated, rebuilding the order of dragon slayers doesn't seem to have a strong foundation for the future. Fortunately, the Dragonborn devises a plan to solve all these problems.

The Dragonborn, Delphine, and Esbern had found Sky Haven Temple as a forgotten ruin in the Karthspire mountain, swarmed by Forsworn inhabiting the cavern entrance as a fortified camp and unaware of the true treasure of the fortress they sat upon. After a day of grueling undertaking, the Dragonborn and his allies were able to reclaim the hidden keep and unlock its secrets. Delphine was pleased to discover the interior and a cache of arms in preserved condition, while Esbern exuded a scholar's delight at the collection of ancient tomes and, more excitingly, Alduin's Wall.

The Dragonborn had other matters on his mind. Once they had settled in and explored their new headquarters, how could they ensure keeping it? The three were battle tested and competent warriors, but they knew it would be futile to hold off the hordes of Reachmen and their Hagraven matrons from reclaiming their former base of operations – particularly when the Blades and the Dragonborn needed to focus on the greater threat of Alduin. Delphine encouraged the recruitment of new members, and while the Dragonborn did have a few potential candidates already off the top of his head, he knew they would need a sizable detachment of able-bodied fighters to guard the lower entrance and surrounding area, making use of the now vacated Forsworn fortifications outside the temple. There was not enough time to initiate and train enough qualified individuals as new Blades; he had to find a force that was already mobilized and reliable.

The most immediate possibility was Markarth, but even in the unlikely event Jarl Igmund sanctioned the assistance of the already thinned city guard for their use, Delphine and the Dragonborn could not trust that those same men answered to the Jarl alone rather than the Silver-Blood family. Esbern was hopeful of convincing General Tullius to spare some soldiers from the Legion, but that idea was also quickly quashed: Tullius needed his troops to battle the Stormcloaks, and he could not risk the political implications of the Empire's highest-ranking agent in Skyrim reinstalling legitimacy to the former bodyguards of the emperor. The newly reformed Blades also lacked the funds to pay for mercenaries like the Companions. The little gold that was on hand was needed for provisions; they could only support three additional recruits to their order.

The Dragonborn contrived a solution: throughout his travels, he had encountered several groups of Orc hunters roaming the wilds of Skyrim and had rescued hunting parties in the Reach from ambushes by Forsworn. He set out to meet with his friend, Ghorbash the Iron Hand, from the Orc stronghold of Dushnikh Yal. They had traveled together through the Reach before, and the old Orc had taught the Dragonborn, a Nord, much about Orismer culture and the handful of independent strongholds in Skyrim, and he was familiar with the scattered communities of hunters. It was a large favor, but the Dragonborn convinced Ghorbash, given his experience in the Legion, to muster as many of the nomadic orcs as he could find, and bring them to Sky Haven Temple. They would be free to use the Forsworn's defenses as their own "stronghold", so long as they made oaths of secrecy and follow Ghorbash's command to defend the area from the violent Reachmen. Ghorbash would not only act as head of the camp, but also as the official go-between agent for the Blades inside Sky Haven Temple and outsiders wishing to interact with the newly formed Orc stronghold (a convenient front to maintain the secrecy of Sky Haven Temple) be it trade, provisioning, and so forth. The Orc hunters were happy to fight against the Forsworn, as the two groups were rivals and familiar enemies. Esbern and Delphine understood the honor system among Orismer and agreed to the arrangement.

With a base of operations secured and a force to defend it, all that was left to jumpstart the restoration of the Blades were…more Blades! Delphine and Esbern maintained that the Blades and only the Blades would be allowed into Sky Haven Temple, with the only exceptions being the trusted followers of the Dragonborn himself such as Ghorbash, which meant that any nominee needed to have the Dragonborn's trust before the other Blades would consider them. The Nord had three individuals in mind. Normally it would take weeks or even months for them all to be contacted and explained the situation, but the Dragonborn knew a reliable courier.

His first choice was Erandur, a Dunmer and priest of Mara: the Nord befriended and aided him in freeing the people of Dawnstar from Vaermina's phantasmagorical grasp. Since service to the Blades did not conflict with his dedication to the goddess Mara, he accepted the honor.

The Dragonborn's second nomination was his dear friend Illia, whom he met in her former coven's lair at Darklight Tower. What started as a simple investigation on his part turned into a bitter but necessary misadventure of black magic and matricide. Once over, the Dragonborn offered Illia to journey together, and the young Imperial graciously joined him on more than a few escapades and capers. They temporarily parted ways in Winterhold so that Illia could study at the College. The mage did not need to finish the Dragonborn's letter upon receiving it (the sloppy handwriting unmistakably belonged to her Nord companion); all she needed to read were the words "meet me" and "Old Hrodan", the name of the inn located in the Reach. She excused herself from the College of Winterhold and made her way to Old Hrodan within a fortnight. From there, the Dragonborn brought her to Sky Haven Temple, and along the way described the past few months dealing with the dragon crisis and the Blades. She eagerly agreed to his request for her to join him.

The last recruit was nearby Karthspire, and the Dragonborn visited them personally in the Orc stronghold of Mor Khazgur: Borgakh the Steel Heart was the daughter of its chieftain. They had met when the Dragonborn first visited the settlement with Ghorbash. She was envious of his freedom to travel, as she had resigned herself to her fate of being married off to another tribe in the near future. The Dragonborn failed to convince her to accompany him on his current mission to clear out a redoubt full of Forsworn, and he almost failed again to persuade her to join the Blades at Sky Haven Temple despite the yearning in her eyes. He cut Borgakh's reluctance short when he paid her father her dowry, and the Orismer warrior felt the shackles of duty crumble away. She made her goodbyes and followed the Dragonborn to her new life of adventure under his leadership at Sky Haven Temple.

After several months, Sky Haven Temple was a functional citadel; well provisioned from routine visits by the always-discreet Khajiit caravans, as well as the defending Orc hunters under Ghorbash. Their clashes with the rebellious Reachmen also earned the Jarl of Markarth's silent support in supplies and equipment. Forsworn attacks lessened in frequency and strength, the new initiates proved themselves as a cohesive team, and Delphine grew hopeful that her role as acting Grandmaster would become more than formality. The Blades had returned to Tamriel!

…

The Dragonborn, with the help of his Blades and the guidance of the High Hrothgar, faced off against the Alduin, the World Eater. They battled through lost caverns, hidden ruins, and eventually in Sovngarde itself. The Dragonborn fulfilled the prophecy of Alduin's Wall, and seemingly destroyed his destined foe, leaving the rest of the dragons leaderless. They soon discovered most of the remaining dragons decided to lay low, and Skyrim soon turned its attention back to Ulfric and the civil war. But the Blades remained committed to protecting the land and all of Tamriel from the lingering threat. Expeditions were quickly made to slay the incognito beasts.

Delphine, while appreciative of the Dragonborn's accomplishments, sat alone at the long stone table in the main hall of Sky Haven Temple, with only her thoughts and foul mood to keep council. After learning of Paarthunax's identity and the Dragonborn's refusal to execute the draconic criminal, she and Esbern refused to offer their ally any further support until the duty was done.

But instead of mapping out potential dragon lairs with her, Esbern had traveled with the Dragonborn to High Hrothgar for a meeting with the Greybeards at the young Nord's request. Delphine, of course, refused the invitation: as acting Grandmaster of the Blades she was far too busy for such a journey, and she would never otherwise attend any discourse with those lethargic monks. So, she remained behind, claiming to be preoccupied with training or gathering intelligence, the excuses changed with each person she spoke to.

At the moment, Delphine was content to stew in a mix of feelings from suspicion to loneliness. Her head titled upwards to view the ancient carvings on the ceiling. The glory of Blades past judged her from above.

"Grandmaster," she mocked to herself. She refused to let it show, but she and everyone knew the title was on ceremony. Esbern had her back, but the new recruits tooth their oaths at face value and treated the Dragonborn as the defacto leader of the Blades.

The Breton woman sighed. I cannot blame them, she thought. I barely survived Kynesgrove. My skills are in espionage and fighting off Thalmor, not dragon slaying…

Her thoughts turned to the main dragon slayer himself, and a look of scorn flashed across her face. That man! Why won't he let me help him the way I want to? I thought he valued my experience.

Delphine cursed the Dragonborn and the two other women in the Blades for their youth. She tried to keep up on their initial missions. Forsworn and draugr were easy enough to dispatch, but the older Breton woman found it harder and harder to maintain pace with her new recruits when it came to battling the dragons. It wasn't too long before the Dragonborn took notice. The last mission in Whiterun hold was a close call: he dove from a tower after Delphine had been caught and released mid-flight by a powerful dragon. The Nord managed to grab her in the air and shield her from the impact of crashing into the river below. Borgakh, Illia, and Erandur were able to hold off the beast until Delphine and the Dragonborn emerged from the water to land the finishing blows. He did not say anything about the encounter, but Delphine could read the Dragonborn's concerned eyes well enough. She opted to remain at Sky Haven Temple to continue her role as a commander and collect information on their enemy and monitor Thalmor activity, rather than face the Dragonborn in a conversation about her well-being in future expeditions.

And now here she was – left out of dragon hunting; staying behind while her friends held counsel on the other side of Skyrim and blaming herself for all of it.

Despite her anger, she missed the young Nord's company. Esbern was always more the scholar than the fighter, a planner rather than an action taker. The Dragonborn had a fire inside him, and his eagerness in honing his skills with a blade was matched only by his extraordinary capacity to improve. She had been teaching him techniques passed down to her from the Blades ever since he had rescued Esbern from Thalmor agents. She found the role of mentor to her liking, especially when it was in the service of restoring her order – even more so when she had the additional pleasure of pushing the younger man to his limits, breathing hard and skin glistening with perspiration.

Her chest heaved. There I go again, she scolded herself. The more time she spent apart from the Dragonborn, the more she found her thoughts drifting to particulars on which the Breton woman's mind delighted to linger. Back in the days of her service to the Empire, she had taken full advantage of the cosmopolitan nature of Cyrodiil and the men and women who dwelled there. However, since fleeing to Skyrim after the Great War, Delphine's itches went mostly unscratched. Riverwood was a gossipy village, which meant she could not risk drawing attention to herself in the effort to warm her bed. She had no illusions of the inevitable whispers surrounding the well-respected, middle-aged inn keeper handing the keys over to her employee and running off with the young adventurer.

I wouldn't mind a taste of those rumors, she thought to herself. Whether it was training or traveling, Delphine felt twenty years younger in the Dragonborn's presence. The dark yellow locks, the emerald green eyes sparking with life, the scruffy, unkempt beard, the indefatigable stamina: the Nord had awoken desires within the woman that she long considered passed. As Bretons were generally longer lived than other races of men, her body had yet to reach its final bleeding. Delphine reasoned that her rediscovered appetite was a sign of the final stretch of this stage of womanhood. Though she would deny it, the Breton's body punished her with increasing aches and longings alongside her monthly bleedings ever since confirming the Dragonborn's abilities at Kynesgrove. The days after the pain were the most unbearable. She dismissed it as lust, but underneath her thoughts dwelt instinctual needs, needs buried and unfulfilled due to her chosen life of isolation.

She looked down and realized her hand had drifted and landed on her thigh, fingers pointed between her legs. Her thoughts of the Dragonborn normally led to self-pleasure when she was graced with solitude. Such fantasies would no doubt remain between her head and her loins, as she felt outmatched when it came to catching the Nord's attention. Delphine was still physically fit; her body never knew the tolls of childbearing, and it showed with her full breasts and firm rear. Still, how could she compete with Borgakh and Illia? It was bad enough two of the three recruits he brought were women closer to his age, but for one of them to be a good friend (perhaps more, as Delphine suspected) of the Dragonborn already…the Blade Grandmaster lost hope of having even a drunken roll in the hay with the younger man.

She closed her eyes and allowed her hand to travel further as her mind retreated to the Nord's strong arms holding her close to his chest when he pulled the both of them from the river, his wet hair matted to his face, his jaw clenched and square.

Realizing she was sitting out in the open, Delphine quickly rose from her seat and rushed to her quarters, where she intended to spend most of the nights waiting for her companions' return. Her most recent monthly had just finished the other day, and the Breton was ready to relieve her urges while the source of them was absent.

Esbern and the Dragonborn returned sooner than expected, tired from the journey but no doubt still happy to be back with their fellow Blades. Esbern sent the recruits to train with Ghorbash and the Orc hunters outside, while the Dragonborn asked Delphine she meet both he and the older Blade in the great room by Alduin's Wall. They were to discuss Paarthunax and the consequential rescind of further aid to the Dragonborn while the old wyrm lived.

"I am sorry, Delphine," Esbern said, "We are no longer of the same mind."

The Breton jerked her head towards him. Her mouth opened with no immediate response and her brow furrowed. "What are you saying, Esbern? Is this mutiny?"

"No, my friend, not at all," he explained. "Alduin is defeated. The Dragonborn has destroyed his lieutenants and his priests. He has mastered Dragonrend, restored our order, and has secured the fealty of Odahviing. Should Paarthunax return to his evil nature, we will be prepared to deliver justice. I believe we should continue to support the Dragonborn as before."

"How can you be so shortsighted?" Delphine exclaimed. "He may not turn against us in our lifetimes, but hundreds of years from now! What will we do from Sovngarde – watch in shame as a second Dragon Cult takes over Tamriel!"

She needed to get away from them, she needed fresh air. Of course, all the dragon fanatics met in secret and became thick as thieves, no doubt over ale and some withered monk's favorite tome. Men quickly forget their enemies over the pettiest of shared affinities!

As she turned to the stairs leading to the courtyard, the Dragonborn stepped forward and held her wrist. Instinctively, her free hand went to grasp her sword.

"I have a plan for that," the young man assured with anxiety in his voice. Their eyes met and he glanced down in embarrassment. "Or…or rather, an idea for a plan."

She glanced at Esbern, who raised his eyebrows in bewildered ignorance as a response. Her attention returned to the other.

"Release me, Dragonborn," she said in stern warning. She felt the Nord's clutch slightly tighten. "Whatever schemes you have in mind, as acting Grandmaster I reject them."

The Dragonborn shook his head and stared back with resolve. "That is a part of what we need to speak about."

Her frown curled into a scowl. The impertinence of youth! She tore her arm away from his warm grasp. "I said release me! As long as Paarthunax lives, Dragonborn, you are merely a guest at Sky Haven Temple. Don't presume you have authority over me, not here."

She turned her back and strode up the cold stone stairway. Before exiting through the carved doors, she called out, "Esbern! You and I will talk later!"

The temple doors closed with a grating thud, leaving the two Nord men alone in its echo.

Delphine let the clean breeze fill her nose and lungs. The sun was out, its rays were welcomed by her pale skin. Her second life as an inn keeper never did remove her natural inclination for the outdoors, though she certainly lost the tan she had acquired before fleeing to Skyrim.

She sparred with a training dummy to let off steam. Try as she might, she couldn't picture the faceless wooden head with that of the Dragonborn's. Her anger at the youth only enflamed other passions. The physical exertion ebbed her frustration enough, so she sheathed her blade and moved to the edge of the courtyard, underneath the ruined stone archway, to glower across the Reach. Hopefully, the low sounds of the wind would help her meditate on the situation and prepare for a confrontation with Esbern later today.

She heard the doors to the courtyard open behind her.

Or maybe not, she thought to herself. She refused to acknowledge the arrival, and doubled down on her adamant hazing when the Dragonborn came into her peripheral view. She folded her arms.

The Nord looked her up and down and sighed. Then he spoke. "Did I ever tell you how I wound up in Helgen?"

"The Empire threw you in a wagon with Ulfric Stormcloak thinking you were one of his rebels."

"Yes, but did I tell you how I got there in the first place?"

Delphine leaned against a stone pillar. "I suppose I'm going to hear it now."

The Dragonborn offered a grateful smirk at her blunt acknowledgement. "I was born in Cyrodiil, but my parents were both from Skyrim," he began. "They lived in Winterhold before resettling with an enclave of Nords just south of the border. Most of them were from Winterhold. But it's a quiet village, secluded from the rest of the world. They didn't leave with much. A few septims, my father's rusted axe, and a small collection of books. They taught me to read and write, and they told me stories. So many stories about their homeland, about the mountains and rivers, and of legends that I found out later were just tales my father made up in the moment. They were good parents."

He smiled and looked out over the mountainside for a moment. Delphine took this opportunity to study his face. His softened expression, the slight curve of his lip, his chest heaving upwards as he took in the mountain air – she couldn't help but approve of the man his parents raised him to be, and she found herself sharing in his smile as he reflected. It had been years since she last thought of her own family.

He continued. "I came to Skyrim after they died of fever. I wanted to learn more about them and where they came from, to have something of a legacy to carry on."

"Did you find it?"

"No," he admitted. He turned his head to Delphine and met her eyes. "I found something better. Or rather, it found me."

She inhaled sharply, then it was her turn to view the mountain scenery. "So, Illia then? I gathered there was more than friendship between you."

The Nord let out a short and sheepish chuckle. "Well, she's certainly part of it, but what I was trying to say was that my own legacy was waiting for me here. As Dragonborn, with the Blades. With you, Delphine."

A slow pressure built on her chest. She turned her shoulder away and glared at the Dragonborn from the corner of her eye. "If you think tender words are all it will take to change my mind, you've never understood me."

She watched him grimace and felt a twinge of guilt. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked impatiently.

"I have a point," he said. "It goes back to what I said earlier, about the future of the Blades. I'm not going to be around forever. Akatosh forbid something happens to me, but if it does then you'll still be here to lead. But who leads after we both are gone? The Blades will scatter like the dragons did after Alduin's defeat. We need to make sure what you've built holds strong foundations. We both need to ensure our legacies."

Delphine's breath slightly increased in pace. She dropped her arms and slowly faced the Nord. Already having an inkling of where this could be heading, her voice had the faintest of falterings as she asked, "What exactly are you proposing?"

The Nord collected himself before answering. His expression was stern but warm. "I want you to have a child with me, Delphine. To inherit our leadership of the Blades for the future generations."

A whirlwind of responses stormed in her head . Are you on skooma? Do you have mammoth dung for brains? Should I kill you? Myself? Both of us?

A single quiet, stray thought triggered an unexpected reaction below her abdomen: Your bed or mine?

Delphine blinked and shook the intrusive fantasy away. She found it hard to keep eye contact with the Dragonborn, particularly due to the intensity of his expression. He was sincere, and worse, he expected a reply.

"Why?" Is all she could muster up to ask. "Why are you saying this to me? Get away-"

"Please Delphine, listen to me," the Nord interjected. "I've debated this to myself for days now. A child by the two of us will keep the Blades unified! They'd have double the legitimacy to lead, they'd inherit the title of Grandmaster and be the son or daughter of the Dragonborn. There's already a power struggle between you and me. We can't risk that continuing."

"And your solution is to remove me from the equation, turn me from Grandmaster to broodmare!"

"No! Nothing like that!"

She stepped forward. He stood a head taller than her, a typical height difference between Nords and Bretons, but that did not affect her ferocity. "I'm a Blade, not your bed warmer, Dragonborn! Go ask the Orc or Illia to spawn your 'heir'!"

"Delphine, it needs to be you. I want it to be you!"

She paused. The flaming runaway wagon of fury that was building inside her skid to a halt. "You…want me?"

A twisting in her gut transformed into heavy pressure on her chest. She felt her heart increase pace.

"Ah," the Dragonborn stammered. He clenched his fist and stood his ground. "Yes."

The weight increased. He was little over half her age, she could not reason why he would desire her. Her vision started to focus away from the Nord's face and towards the broadness of his shoulders, his uncovered forearms, the muscles on his exposed neck. That intrusive voice returned: What are you waiting for? Indulge.

She showed her back to the Dragonborn, mostly to keep her cravings in check. "Why not Illia or Borgakh? I could appoint either of them Grandmaster tomorrow if I wanted! You can get what you want from one of them."

"They aren't you."

She resisted the urge to face him. Nine Divines, to pounce on him and relieve the prurience that had compounded over months. The Breton made one more attempt to dissuade herself.

"How do I know this isn't just a way for you to keep me here and not out with the rest of you? That this is proof you see me as a liability? I can still slaughter a host of Thalmor or Forsworn, or worse! I refuse to be dismissed to child rearing."

"You wouldn't be alone. We'll be able to pass down everything you've taught me, and more. They'll have a home here."

The scowl she wore faded, but she did not dare let the Dragonborn see. She replied, "Sky Haven Temple is a sacred fortress, a house of warriors. It's not a place to raise children."

"Children? Oh," he said, awestruck and curving the corners of his mouth. "I was only talking about one child, but…yes, now that I think about it, I would be happy to have at least a few with you."

She turned around in disbelief. The two of them held eye contact in silence as Delphine searched for any hint of deception. She found the genuine and the hopeful optimism only a young man like the Dragonborn could produce.

"If…that's what you would want," the Nord said, shifting his feet in anticipation.

The intrusive inner thoughts were getting louder. Take advantage of the offer. Fulfill your needs. Think of what you've denied yourself all these years.

She continued staring, unaware that her mouth opened slightly.

It's a smart match. He has a point. If he wants to, why not? You'll enjoy it. You need it.

"Delphine," the Nord spoke.

You won't have another chance. You don't have much time.

"Delphine?"

She snapped back to attention when she felt her fingers pressing against her thigh. She broke eye contact, indecisive of how or what to answer.

"Think of your legacy. What do you want to leave behind?" The Nord asked.

She lifted her hand away from her waist. To her surprise, she found that it went to grasp the Dragonborn's. A small, bashful smile flashed briefly on her lips and she felt the blood rush through her cheeks. I guess I've got my answer.

She looked back to the Dragonborn. "I accept. For the future of the Blades."

He smiled and nodded. Neither of them said anything for a few moments, both clearly unsure of what to do next.

Delphine brushed a loose bang away from her face. She cleared her throat. "I don't know-"

The Dragonborn interrupted with a crash of his lips onto hers, squeezing the hand she held with his and pulling her closer by the waist with his other.

Following a surprised "mmph" escaping her throat, Delphine closed her eyes and gave into the kiss. The Nord's face was warm, and the aroma of fresh water came off his beard. She wanted more; she parted her lips and leaned into the Dragonborn's chest, placing her free hand on his shoulder. Her tongue risked a light touch against his mouth. She eased her teeth down onto his lower lip and savored his taste.

The hand on her waist snaked across her back and gripped the opposite side, trapping her in the Nord's powerful embrace. His larger hand squeezed against her smaller one. The Dragonborn had always been attracted to Delphine's spitfire personality; she could have passed for a Nord if not for her petiteness. When they had decided to travel to Kynesgrove together and she disrobed from her innkeeper's clothes and into some leather armor, that attraction grew physical. She was not completely uncovered, but the Nord got a glimpse of her athletic muscle tone – particularly at the waist and legs. And she could fight! Maybe not with the strength of Borgakh or with the power of Illia's magic, but with her mind. Years of training and experience honed Delphine into a battlefield tactician. She knew when to parry and when to strike, often before her opponent. The taboo of their age difference fueled what he considered a mere sexual curiosity, but the journey back to Sky Haven Temple gave him enough to reflect that he did desire her. The thought of her carrying his child excited his loins even further.

They broke the kiss to recover much needed breath. The Dragonborn smiled at her.

"I, ah, sorry, if that was too sudden," he said bereft of any apologetic tone, "but I felt it was the right thing to do at the time. Seal the deal, and all that."

I suppose the threshold has been crossed, Delphine thought to herself. Her head was in a fog. She had made a life-altering decision, and that kiss encouraged her not to dwell on it. She didn't know whether her choice came from inside her heart or in between her legs, but the intrusive thoughts had drowned out all other reasoning with cacophonous ardor. Now they were simply her own thoughts, more probably focused on bedding the Dragonborn to realize a fantasy than procreation. Though, she could never argue for a more impressive man to sire a potential child. He was young, fit, protective – all traits which her primal intuitions coveted in a mate.

He started unbuckling the straps on her armor.

"Dragonborn!" she breathed, disapproving but not cross. "We can't do this here! Not now!"

He paused, slightly startled by the objection. "Oh! Right, we should probably make sure we have some real privacy first."

His eagerness only excited her further. If the Temple were empty at this moment…

"This evening," Delphine said. "I'll send them out with Esbern to investigate those Dragon Cult statues in Soljund's Sinkhole. They can stay the night there; Perth owes us that much for clearing out those Draugr. We'll keep Ghorbash busy with patrolling the perimeter."

"Good plan. Come to my quarters when they've left."

"No," Delphine replied. If symbolism played a part in this affair, the location mattered. "Meet me in front of Alduin's Wall."

He agreed with a soundless "yes", then drew her close for their lips to meet again. This time his hands roamed up and down her arms, and soon he began exploring up the back of her neck, into her hair, down her curves, and the tops of her thighs.

Her mouth opened fully, and she welcomed his tongue, intoxicated by his affections and the thrill of their tryst. Her own fingers were busy squeezing the backs of his arms and relishing the muscles under his skin.

He pulled his head back, allowing her to breath, and his mouth quickly trailed downward to attack her neck, kissing and biting along the way. Lips, tongue, teeth – he used every weapon at his disposal to break the Breton's defenses. Delphine's chest pounded and she felt a burning in her core. Her body was preparing itself for further carnality.

"I, ah, I said," she panted, unable to continue speaking while under assault.

He nibbled and tugged at her earlobe. "I know," he breathed. "But I want to give you a demonstration of what's to come. It would be a shame if you started having second thoughts."

"I thought this was business, not – hnn!"

The Dragonborn cut her sarcasm short when his hand vanished beneath the skirt of her armor and his thumb rotated against the fabric directly covering her sex. She shut her eyes. Gods, now he knows I'm wet.

The Nord wore a triumphant smirk. He continued to toy with her entrance, all while gently moving behind her and moving the pair of them towards the ground behind the brush.

"We can't," she said unconvincingly. "As Grandmaster, I command this to stop."

"I command you," he countered with a low voice, "to enjoy yourself and trust we won't go too far."

Delphine's heart nearly burst from her chest at his dominant tone. Her knees buckled to his will, and she allowed herself to be laid on her back.

"The…the others…"

"Esbern and the others think we are out here having a row," he assured. "We don't have to worry about anyone coming through those doors. Now obey your Dragonborn."

The Breton was uncharacteristically compliant. She leaned her head back and sucked on her bottom lip while her companion increased the pace and pressure of his thumb. He clearly had some experience; he found her bud even underneath the now dampened cloth that separated her womanhood from view.

Her armor's skirt was hiked up and moved aside by the Nord and his free hand got to work on removing her undergarment. The Blades armor kept too much heat under the torso. Delphine undid the straps and loosened the steel chest piece to cool off. Meanwhile the Dragonborn finally slid her underwear off her legs, then kissed his way back up her calves and thighs until reaching her exposed opening. She felt his hot breath and she quivered. Then a warm and wet pressure brushed against her bud and outer lips. She moaned, and quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment. Another lick followed, slow and forceful. Then another. He squeezed her ass and thighs with both hands, lifting her slightly above the ground and angled.

Now, Delphine was no stranger to oral sex. On occasion, she would remember the late nights with a Bosmer woman in the Imperial City. She was a diplomat's assistant or something, from Valenwood, and her tongue was thin and precise. The wood elf could work Delphine into a stupor within a few minutes of careful licks and flicks.

The Dragonborn's tongue had no need of such meticulousness. It was wide and it was robust. Each stroke of his muscle pressed her thoroughly from the bottom of her folds to the bud at the top. She was quite content with the level of attention she was receiving. She did not object – quite the opposite, actually – when the Dragonborn inserted two fingers inside her while his tongue focused on stimulating her button. He pleasured her there on the ground for more than a few minutes. During which she massaged his head approvingly, until a familiar pressure quickly built up from her warmth.

Delphine's breathing picked up. By the Divines, he's going to make me come!

Her hands gripped his hair as her body tensed. She then muffled a guttural groan, so as to not alert the entire Reach of her rapture. Her legs clamped on his head, and the Dragonborn continued licking as she rode out her orgasm. For the past decade or so, the Breton had to rely on her own machinations to enjoy the rush of a sexual climax. Those were meaningless next to the ecstasy of an orgasm brought about by the touch of another. Doubly so when received from a specimen like the young Nord pleasuring her.

He caressed her thighs and gave affectionate bites around where her legs met her groin. Either he was getting better at this, or Delphine was so starved that initial foreplay was enough to achieve climax. The vise-grip weakened, and soon Delphine's muscles softened to mush during subsiding orgasm. She felt the warmth of the Dragonborn disappear from between her legs as he pulled back and sat on his haunches.

He wiped his palm down his mouth and chin, revealing a smile. He scanned her splayed form and took pride in his ability to render the steely eyed Breton to a huffing, discomposed form. The hand that she used to stifle her outburst now rested over her eyes while she recovered her breath.

He got up, then leaned over her and landed soft, small kisses on her cheeks, chin, and lips. She was still busy collecting air to reciprocate, but her other arm petted his cheekbones to show her appreciation. In her heightened state, even the prickly sensation of his beard on her palm was euphoric.

Suddenly, the Dragonborn's hand wedged beneath her and she was flipped over without warning. Before she could respond, two of the Nord's sturdy fingers dived into her entrance.

"Ahh," she gasped louder than expected. Her hands were too busy clawing the dirt to cover her mouth again. She tried to prop herself up on her elbows. The Dragonborn leaned over and held her chin with his free hand, craning her head upwards and initiating another deep kiss. He shoved his tongue into her accepting mouth. She sucked it and tangled it with her own.

His fingers slid in and out of her at a steady beat. She twitched every time his knuckles knocked against her clit.

Delphine broke away from the kiss and the Dragonborn helped her ease back down so she could bury her face in her arms. Her rump arched upwards to offer more access to the Dragonborn's fingers.

He shifted behind her and admired her wide hips and taut ass. He was aware of the age gap between them, but if he wasn't then he'd be hard-pressed to determine that from how well she maintained her body. Sure, she had a few gray hairs coming in, but her Breton heritage preserved her skin and other assets better than other women her age in addition to a longer window of childbearing. She kept an active lifestyle even during the years she posed as an innkeeper, and it showed. He felt a predacious sense of gratification knowing that her hard work was now his to ravish during her closing years of fertility. If he were a weaker man, he would have taken her then and there. The strain in his groin gave enough proof of that.

"Paarthurnax is no longer your concern," he spoke. Delphine could only look back at him, unable to verbalize a response. His face was slightly darkened: this was not a request, but an order. The pace of his fingers increased. "I want the matter dropped entirely."

Delphine's headspace was in no condition to argue, nor rebuke the Dragonborn's timing. His forceful tone made the hair on her neck stand, and her body reacted with excitement. She couldn't deny him, not his voice, not his body. She breathed and nodded her head in submission. The Grandmaster would now defer to the command of the Dragonborn.

He pawed at her ass cheeks and increased the pace of his fingering. He was pleased with her reaction: another breathy grunt, her feet kicking up, and her walls tightening on his digits – signaling an oncoming climax. He inserted a third finger, inciting a louder moan that rose in pitch with every gasp for air.

Twice? Delphine thought. I'm coming twice!

She dug her fingers into the earth as her second climax burst and rose up her spine. "Gods!" she whimpered. Her head snapped as the waves of pleasure crashed throughout her limbs and body. The Dragonborn did not withdraw until her head went back down to rest on her arms.

He rose to his feet and wiped his fingers clean. His face beamed at the sight of Delphine's state of disorder; half-naked, panting and prone, arousal glistening off her folds and inner thighs.

"I'll let them know it went well, but that we have more to discuss," he said. "Take your time, just make sure you come down by supper. We bagged an Elk on our return from High Hrothgar and I'm going to be making a stew with some Alto wine to give body to the broth."

For all his skills and worth as a warrior, the Dragonborn was a shockingly good cook. He took his leave of the quivering Breton, who remained out in the courtyard until the scent of cooked meat and charcoal convinced her to return inside.

—

Dinner was quiet. The tenseness Delphine left behind earlier had lingered without her presence. Erandur, Borgakh, and Illia were unaware of the details, just that the Breton was not in the slightest bit receptive to dropping the Paarthunax issue with the Dragonborn. Upon her return from the courtyard, she briefed them all on the surprise expedition to Soljund's Sinkhole after the meal. None objected. They ate the stew and fresh bread without the normal table chatter, aware that it was not only the broth that held a pernicious temperature. Esbern minded to himself and an old book while occasionally sneaking glances at both Delphine and the Dragonborn.

Delphine and the Dragonborn ate well. The former sat upright, her head poised and refined, and enjoying every spoonful of supper with authority. She sat opposite of the Nord, but never once looked towards nor addressed him during the meal. To the others, her cheeks seemed flushed. They reasoned easily enough that a warm, hardy meal would heat up the coldest of constitutions – if ever so slightly.

The Dragonborn devoured his food with unexpected zeal. Illia was tempted to offer him the ladle from the kettle to use as a spoon with the way he gobbled and slurped at the bowl. Once the roasted meat and vegetables were cleared out, he dunked whole slices of bread to soak up the broth. He, too, ignored the presence of the person seated opposite him. Despite the seemingly cold shoulder, his temperament was upbeat and casual. He even volunteered to clean up afterwards so that the rest could prepare for their immediate mission.

With their bellies filled and their packs resupplied, Esbern and the newest members of the Blades set out before sunset. Ghorbash had already gone and scouted the route for potential threats. Esbern was sharp enough to be suspicious but wise enough to know not to pry and instead take advantage of the scholarly opportunity before him. He assured the junior members that the Dragonborn and Grandmaster would resolve their disagreement by the time they returned, and bloodlessly. They could all look forward to a stronger, united leadership, he said. The four set out unaware of the accuracy of Esbern's halfhearted prediction.

Just over an hour after the departure of their comrades, Delphine awaited the Dragonborn in front of Alduin's Wall. She looked upon the stone panoramic with a new admiration. The Akaviri who carved the series of narrative into the temple left behind a breathtaking reminder of their craft and prophetic aptitude. The story told from one end of the wall to the other was illuminated by braziers on each side and the last rays of the sun coming in through the skylight. She placed a hand on the smooth, rounded stone and traced along from the beginning to the end, then stepping back to reflect on the final image of the climactic battle of Alduin and the Dragonborn, the father of her future child.

Just the one, I think, she mused to herself. Before she could dwell on the subject, she heard soft footsteps coming from behind her. She turned, forcing down an excited smile in favor of a cooler demeanor akin to a diplomat arriving at court.

The Dragonborn emerged into the light, wearing nothing but loose trousers. He locked on to the visage before him; Delphine was covered by a long, dark cloak that nearly touched the floor. Only her head and bare tips of her toes were visible. She had let down her blonde hair from her ponytail and let it drape over her neck and shoulders, highlighting her blue eyes in the torchlight and entrancing the Nord towards her.

"I don't know how to begin," she admitted.

"It's all pretty straightforward, I think."

She smiled. Always sharp.

She beckoned him to sit down on a chair she had brought over from the long table. He raised an eyebrow, but his coy grin signaled that he'd play along. Once he was situated, she sauntered over him, subtly swaying her hips, and initiated a kiss. It started as gentle lip locking, then she slid in her tongue to meet the Dragonborn's. They explored each other's mouths, and the first moans from the Breton mixed in with the sounds of their smacking.

She caught his hands when he tried sneaking them under her cloak and guided them up to cover her cheeks. She felt safe in his warm, wide palms. Her own clutches traveled all over his muscular torso and neck. His skin was weathered and tanned, the hair on his body was smooth and recently groomed. Her fingertips pushed into his thick chest, and she shuddered at the underlying strength of the young man who was holding her face so tenderly.

His hair was slightly damp, revealing he had indeed washed up before meeting her. She smiled and pulled away from the kiss, placing his hands to rest on his lap. Her eyes held his gaze as she stood above him. "Now it's time for me to return the favor you did me," she cooed.

She lowered herself to her knees and parted his legs. Then she pawed her hands up his loins and started untying the knot at his waistband. She heard him grunt in anticipation, and she blinked in mocked innocence at the Nord and gripped the top of his pants.

In her service to the Empire, before the Blades disbanded, Delphine once had to operate an investigation undercover as an acolyte of Dibella at one of the goddess's temples in High Rock. During that time, she learned a handful of the priestesses' erotic arts. Her experiences with the Priestesses of Dibella earned her coveted memories and skills, and Delphine was anxious to perform her technique on the unsuspecting Dragonborn.

Her concentration was almost thrown 065off by the sudden bursting of his manhood out from his lowered trousers. He was long and slightly curved, and thicker than what she could recall of previous men she had known. The body hair around the base was dark and trailed all the way up to his chest. From her position, Delphine was subject to inhaling the natural musk of his aroused glands, the pheromones triggering her own excitement below.

Whether or not she was aware of the fact, Delphine's body wanted a baby. The twilight of her fertile years amplified the instinctual drive to reproduce. The organs in her abdomen ached for the Breton's participation in the cycle of life, and her baser intuitions in the back of her mind were taking control with every breath she took in of the potent scent from the healthy, fecund male before her. The Breton's innermost being had chosen the Nord for her mate, Delphine's conscious consent was irrelevant.

The Dragonborn watched her with held breath. The sight of Delphine on her knees and inches away from his manhood flickered new flames of euphoria; this proud, stubborn woman, a veteran of numerous battles and untold danger, who just a day ago all but disavowed the Dragonborn and his station among the Blades was now genuflected between his legs, her nose almost touching his glans. A thrill of dominance rushed through his head and chest, as if an innate part of him was fulfilled. This was no mere stroking of a masculine ego; the Dragonborn felt a power over Delphine, Grandmaster of the group of dragon slayers formed to serve him.

And serve him she would, as she gingerly stroked her fingers along his thickening shaft. Her other hand cradled his scrotum, cupping his heavy jewels in her delicate palm. The Breton leaned her head in and gave a wet kiss to his crown, then spread her lips to encompass the whole top of his cock, swirling her tongue over and under it inside her jaw.

Her blue eyes remained open and fixed on his emerald ones. She saw the strain building on his face. A spark of pleasurable immodesty inside her encouraged further servicing. She took more of him into her mouth, sucking and licking, and savoring the taste of the hot-blooded skin of his member. Delphine never broke eye contact as she slid further down his length. She pulled back to the tip, wrapping her lips tightly along the way, then descending again, all the while lightly cradling his sack in rhythm to her strokes. Despite the years separated from her teachings under the Priestesses of Dibella, Delphine proved her adeptness had not waned. From the hand holding his scrotum, she pressed two fingers into the area behind where it connected to the rest of his body, eliciting a surprised groan from her captive.

She sucked and drew her lips up to his tip, and withdrew with an audible smacking, letting the hardened cock bounce in the air. Then she gripped him at the base and planted kisses up and down his throbbing shaft. Her heart skipped watching the young male's eyes widen and shimmer like green stars. The Nord was breathing heavily now. Her gaze never left him, and she noticed his eyes wander to her neck, her mouth, to the way her hair framed her face and neckline. But he'd always quickly return to meet her increasingly lustful stare. He leaned forward to comb his fingers through her locks.

Is this to your liking, my Dragonborn, she teased in her head. She added her tongue into her steamy kisses, dragging it slowly and attempting to coil it around him to brandish his girth.

After a few minutes, Delphine needed to acknowledge her own wetness forming in the middle of her thighs. She dropped the hand fondling his sack and submerged it beneath her cloak to attend herself, not just for self pleasure but to prepare her opening for entry of the Dragonborn's size.

After rubbing his length along the corner if her mouth and cheekbones, Delphine covered the head of his cock in her mouth once more. She identified a salty tang and realized the Nord was getting close to ejaculation. Part of her wanted the triumph of causing him to climax in foreplay alone, but she knew none of his release should be wasted tonight. She finished her oral servicing with a tight-lipped peck on his tip and lifted herself off the floor to stand above him once more. The saliva produced from her amorous fellatio had lubricated the Dragonborn's member. His unexpected size would now be less cumbersome to fit inside her.

"I have to ask," he said, "why here?"

She responded by lowering her head and walking back so that she was up against the wall next to the end of the narrative carvings. She kept eye contact with the Dragonborn and spoke in a hushed voice. "The original Blades foretold the conclusion of your story, here, against Alduin the World Eater."

Her hand went to her collar, and the cloak loosened and fell to her feet, revealing her naked form. Her other hand was placed protectively on her stomach.

"I am where your legacy continues. Where the Blades begin anew."

The Nord scanned over the Bretons body everywhere and all at once. The light from the braziers danced off her pale skin, causing her to glow in the darkening room as the sun fell. Her age was hidden by her toned arms and legs, her upright chest, and the tightness of her flat stomach. The confidence of an older woman was displayed with the femininity and libido of the youth she still retained as she offered her bare body to the Dragonborn.

Before he realized it, the young Nord was rising out of his chair and discarding the pants that remained around his ankles. He was in front of her in only a few paces, and the Grandmaster of the Blades now stood pinned against the wall by the dominant aura of the Dragonborn. He buried his face into her neck and seized her smaller body with his arms, grabbing hold behind her shoulder with one hand and across her haunches using the other. Delphine hummed delightedly at the sudden embrace and the subsequent heat from his breath and tongue as he kissed and nibbled her nape. Moans and gasps squeaked out of her while he explored and groped along her back and buttocks. This has become more intimate than I had expected, she thought. Her eyes closed and her head leaned back at the pleasure overwhelming her senses. I could fall for him if I'm not careful.

His warmed manhood pressed up against her abdomen. Delphine cursed Oblivion at how badly she wanted him inside her. She squeezed his biceps, her feet caressed against his. Her waist started to grind against him while his kisses and love bites made their way to her breasts. His brief pause once he reached her womanly orbs caused a smile to break out on her face. To think, after all these years she could still enrapture a man like this. She put her hands to his head and beckoned him to indulge in her bosom.

The Dragonborn pressed hips gently on the tops of her breasts, intermittent with long, rough licks. His kisses turned into forceful sucks that left red marks. He then descended to her nipples, twirling about them with his tongue. Delphine gasped when he tried to fit his entire mouth over her left breast, he used every tool of his orifice at his disposal to stimulate her chest: his tongue to flick, his lips to press on her skin, and his jaw muscles to apply suction to the round, bouncy flesh. Partners of the Breton's past normally used their hands to squeeze her chest and be done with it. The young Nord devouring her introduced a foreign feeling of exhilaration and amplified her sense of being desired.

He moved onto the other, and his hands roamed up and down her back, her navel, her rear, her legs. Once he had enough of her right breast, his voracity slid down her stomach and past her abdomen. He gripped her ass and shoved her sex forward to perform an encore of the day's earlier foreplay.

"Another time, Dragonborn," Delphine pleaded. "I can't wait anymore."

He nodded, not wasting time with words. As he rose, he lifted her slightly off the ground, lining her opening with his manhood. She steadied herself and wrapped her legs around him, her arms positioned on his shoulders. Her attention was focused below as the bulbous head of his member poked and teased her outer lips. He inched slowly into her, only to pull out and grind against her bud.

Delphine huffed hungrily at the torment. "Divines, what are you waiting for!"

He kissed her, silencing her protests but not answering them, as he continued dipping and lubricating her sensitive flower. He wrestled her tongue into submission and gave himself full access to her mouth. He's telling me my place, Delphine thought.

She complied and combed her fingers through his hair; closing her eyes and immersing herself in the overwhelming pleasure. A lustful moan came forth from her chest as she counterattacked the Dragonborn's tongue and lips. The Nord responded with escalation: he tightened his hold on her waist and sank his tool into her folds, eliciting a surprised yelp from the Breton.

Delphine broke the kiss to better brace herself for the Dragonborn's continuing entry. His shaft ribbed her walls, and she felt the stimulating stretching of her tunnel as her body accommodated his thickness.

"Big…I, ah, think you may be too big, ah…"

He eased in further, gyrating his hips slightly and earning another approving moan from her. The Nord smiled. "You sure? Maybe it's just you. Been too long, Delphine?"

She scoffed between gasps. "Shut up."

He pulled her close. The Dragonborn was now fully sheathed up to the hilt. He grunted. "Are you getting tighter?"

It was Delphine's turn to smirk. "You like that?"

He groaned with a short nod. He felt her channel squeeze around him in growing tempo. He did not know it, but this was another technique Delphine acquired from the Priestess of Dibella. Exercising her hidden muscles during coitus was one of their safely guarded secrets. "Let's hear that smart mouth of yours now," she said.

He looked at her with no discernible expression. Delphine's perceived victory was cut short as he slowly pulled his length back out, then glided the full member back into her, slapping her bud against his groin.

Her head fell forward over his shoulder and she saw stars. Before she could recover, he withdrew to his tip and slammed his manhood through her walls again, nearly hitting her cervix.

"Oh, oh!" Delphine's moans worked themselves into screams as the Dragonborn continued the pace of a slow exit and sudden entry. The combination of her involuntary noises and the heat coming off her body riled the young Nord into a fervor. The sounds of his sex churning her juices, the taste of her lips lingering on his, and -while he was unaware of it- the pheromonal effects of her scent that signaled her window of conception; his immediate environment invigorated the urge for complete and successful copulation.

His mouth returned to her breasts, kissing and tugging at her nipples with his teeth. Delphine felt a sudden, rapid pressure build in her loins. She straightened herself and took in the view of the young Nord driving in and out of her womanhood and sucking greedily at her bosom. This strong, gorgeous man chose her, and was enjoying her body; her bedside fantasy had been manifested to reality. Her cheeks and forehead flushed as the dam broke and she climaxed in his arms. She yelled out into the empty hall, her wails of ecstasy reverberated throughout Sky Haven Temple for their ears alone.

The Nord felt her stiffen and clench on his member, and almost joined her in coming. He held out, wanting to savor the carnal pleasures for as long as possible. By Akatosh, she was one of a kind! Newfound selfish thoughts lit up his inner thoughts, that Delphine and her body were his alone. That they would create the path of tomorrow for the Blades, to keep the order alive and carry on their legacies. The last of the old Blades and the first of the new, building a powerful foundation to last an era!

He gazed at the Breton in his embrace and considered that perhaps one progeny would not be enough. A craving swelled in the back of his mind, to father a pack of descendants. And perhaps not mothered by Delphine alone. He briefly imagined Illia and Borgakh naked and heavy with child.

The Dragonborn pumped in and out of Delphine, driving the Breton onto the brink of another orgasm. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Become a mother, Delphine. I want to see my child grow inside you."

His teeth scraped her lobe, then moved down her cheekbone, then to her neck. The final proverbial straw fell like a meteorite, and Delphine felt a shockwave burst from her core and travel through her body and out across her skin. Her walls gripped his member, and she bucked her hips into him, begging for his release, for his life-giving seed.

Her low moans were succeeded by high-pitched whines, her features contorted from pleasure to unbearable ecstasy. This was beyond her experiences in Cyrodiil, she had never bedded before with the intent to procreate. The sense of purpose invigorated the experience of their coupling.

Visions danced behind closed eyes: of a swollen belly, of a baby at her breast, of a sleeping child swaddled and protected. Her child. Gone was Delphine the warrior, gone was the spy, and gone was her title of Grandmaster. Her mind and body had accepted her new role as mother to the future of the Blades. Very soon her heart would follow suit as she peeked an eye to behold the young man who now controlled her future.

"Dragonborn," she panted. Thank you.

He looked at her. His emerald eyes gleamed with intensity as she felt him join her in orgasm, his member pulsing and pumping fluid into her channel.

"Dragonborn!" she cried. I love you!

Their lips joined again, this time with Delphine on the offensive. She wrapped her arms around his neck and dug her heels into his lower back as he doubled his pace and hammered into her against the wall supporting them. Neither wished to see a single drop leak from her swollen snatch. Delphine's inner walls contracted around his girth, her body was determined to ensure fertilization. She was weightless in the moment; safe in the Dragonborn's grasp and high off the physical and emotional stimulation of being impregnated by a virile, younger male.

He held her against the wall until the throbbing of his erupting member ebbed. Both were breathing heavily with their foreheads against each other. He walked their joined bodies back to the chair and sat down, the motion causing his manhood to abrade Delphine's tender sex. She groaned, then muffled herself into his mouth. Her body collapsed against him while they kissed and caressed tongues. I could stay like this forever, the Breton wished in her mind.

Her nipples, now raw and sensitive, felt relief against the cool sweat on the Nord's skin. She trilled at his hands massaging her back and hind quarters; even after climax, the Dragonborn was attentive to her sensualities. Their kiss ended when both needed air. Delphine rested her head on his shoulder during their recovery. Minutes passed with the weight of hours while they sat entwined and suspiring.

After a short time, his member throbbed, and she felt it harden once more inside of her. Without direction, he gripped her thighs and carried her across the temple floor towards her quarters, still connected waist to waist. She kissed his head and rubbed her cheekbones against his as he kicked in the door and strode to her bed. Their carnal rancor continued until both collapsed into a slumber from exhaustion.

Delphine woke up the next morning to the smell of eggs, rashes of bacon, and Honningbrew Mead. The Dragonborn was found sitting at the table in the main hall. He appeared to be focused on Alduin's Wall, but quickly turned his attention to Delphine, still naked and eyes sheening with hunger. His mouth was too full to verbalize, but he smiled and pointed his fork to the prepared plate and cup at the empty seat next to him. She accepted the invitation, slightly swaying her hips as she drew closer to the Nord. His chewing slowed with each step. When she arrived at the table, he swallowed. "Are you going to join me?"

The corner of her mouth curled up. She nodded, then lowered herself behind the table, crawling underneath it towards him on her hands and knees and stopping in front of his groin. He needed no que from her this time and shuffled his hardening cock out of the waistband of his trousers. She encouraged its growth with the gentle brushing of her fingertips, then kissed the fully erect head. Delphine was happy to give an encore of her Dibellan arts, happier still that the Nord was eager to receive them once more. It wasn't long before her tongue sensed a familiar twitching, and they cleared space on the large stone table to lay the Breton down on her back with her legs splayed open for the young Nord. He took her atop the table with the morning sun radiating through Sky Haven Temple. This time, he climaxed first, then continued his rhythm in and out of Delphine, triggering her orgasm to follow soon after. By the time they had finished breakfast, the Dragonborn had spilled his essence into her twice more.

Esbern and the rest of the Blades returned to the temple in the early afternoon. Not much was gained from the venture, only more theories and unanswered questions. However, given the amiable behavior between their Grandmaster and the Dragonborn, they were happy that it was not wholly in vain.

Delphine and the Dragonborn met up again later that night in the courtyard, where they would spend more than a few nights to come. Whenever the two found themselves alone for a period of time, the Breton found herself servicing his manhood or being filled with purpose-seeking seed. The Blades took notice that their Grandmaster would often be helping the Dragonborn with meal preparations, even early in the morning! But the air of contempt between them had clearly dissipated, and they were thankful enough for that to not press the oddity further.

Delphine had to admit the sneaking around only increased the appeal of their taboo. The two knew eventually they would be found out, if not one way, then certainly another in due time. Neither counted on Esbern keeping awake after midnight and overhearing what he thought was a violent struggle in his dear friend Delphine's room. After minutes of deafening gravity, the old man had the decency to apologize for barging in with his dagger drawn and left his companions to their own affairs. The following morning was spent explaining to Esbern, Ghorbash, and the rest of the Blades about their Grandmaster and Dragonborn's "inspired arrangement" and their plans for the Blades future. Disbelief and curiosity were awash over their disciples' faces. They were not entirely convinced this was strictly a political partnership, but none objected to the plan. Delphine was pleased after all was said and done. Now there was no need for clandestine encounters in the early hours of morning or the darkness of night. The two could simply engage in their erotic endeavors with peace of mind, and intensity of indiscretion.

They laid together in Delphine's bed after their most recent lovemaking. Too late to call it baby-making, the Breton was confident she was already with child from their first night together – but where was the harm in continuing their efforts until the evidence was clear? Her head rested on the Dragonborn's arm as he spooned her from behind, his nose in her hair and his other hand massaging her reddened breast.

"Mmm. Where were you thirty years ago?" she asked him.

He was still catching his breath, but she caught his toothy grin and raised brow.

"Don't answer that," she said. "If only you had been around in my youth, to sweep me off my feet with promises to keep me barefoot and pregnant."

His gentle palm roamed her abdomen. "That can still be arranged," he said, dropping the nonchalance.

She did not immediately respond but stared back at him. His hand slid up the back of her neck and they embraced lips. Delphine would never admit it outright, but she had given the Dragonborn total command of her body. Should he desire to use the final few of her fertile years for his progeny, then so be it. She was Grandmaster and mother to a new generation of Blades, it was her duty to serve her Dragonborn.