Chapter 15
Marriage Customs
Kaisa approached the orc stronghold slowly with arms held out in a non-threatening gesture. Kaisa could see several guards along the wall who eyed her suspiciously as she walked closer. When Kaisa got close enough to shout distance an arrow planted itself in the ground at her feet causing Kaisa to stop.
"What do you want human?" A guttural voice demanded.
"An audience!"
"You just did, not get lost!"
"With your Chief!" Kaisa said rolling her eyes.
"Not happening!"
"Oh, come on, what threat could a pretty little girl like me be?" Kaisa said in a seductive voice and took a couple steps closer so she could sway her hips.
Kaisa smiled when the orc's eyes drifted down to her hips momentarily but then they snapped back up to her face. The orc then shot another arrow at her feet causing Kaisa to hop back.
"The next one is to the heart!"
"I thought orcs were supposed to be fearless fighters, all I see is a coward hiding behind a wall!"
"I fear nothing puny human!"
"Then why are you so scared of a woman talking to your Chief? You would rather hide behind your walls rather than face me!" Kaisa yelled frustrated at the orc's stubbornness.
"Very well, I accept your challenge!" The orc said after a moment of thought.
"Wait, what?" Kaisa said bewildered as the gates opened and several orcs grabbed her and began dragging her into the compound.
Well, this isn't exactly how I hoped to get into the stronghold, but I will take it. Kaisa thought as she stood between her guards.
For several minutes Kaisa stood quietly while the orc that she had apparently challenged went into the longhouse. Kaisa hoped it was to get the Chieftain, because this was turning out to be a lot of work for a damn letter. Finally, a group of orcs came out of the longhouse and walked towards Kaisa. The orc at the front of the group was the largest so Kaisa judged that he was probably the Chieftain. The orc stopped in front of Kaisa and looked at her up and down for a moment. Kaisa got the feeling that he was sizing her up for a fight rather than more intimate thankfully.
"So, you are the woman who challenged my guard to a fight," the orc said crossing his arms.
"No, I just want an audience with you, assuming you are the chief of this stronghold? He's the one who turned this into a fight," Kaisa said gesturing to the orc in question flippantly.
The orc growled menacingly and took a step towards Kaisa but was stopped by the Chieftain.
"I am Gortwog, Lord of Orsinium, what is so important that you would risk life and limb to talk to me?"
"My Lord," Kaisa began with a curtsy, "Word is you are in possession of a letter written by the emperor to the previous Queen of Daggerfall. I am here to negotiate the return of that letter."
"A letter! You are here because of a letter?" Gortwog said amazed.
"This letter is of the utmost imp…"
"I know what the letter says and the importance of it. That doesn't answer why I should give it to you, or why I should let you leave here?"
"This letter will answer those questions," Kaisa said digging the letter out of her armor and holding it up for Gortwog.
Gortwog took the letter and quickly read over it before glancing at Kaisa with slightly less suspicion than before.
"I understand you and the dowager know each other," Kaisa said with a smirk.
"Indeed," Gortwog said simply.
"So, you will let me have the letter and take it back to its rightful owner?" Kaisa said hopefully.
"Yes, now that I know of its contents, I don't actually need the letter anymore, nor do I care who has it."
"Excellent…"
"But there is still the matter of the challenge, whether you meant to or not, a challenge has been issued and must be answered," Gortwog said with a smile that split his face even more than his tusks already did.
"I never accepted the damn challenge!" Kaisa yelled.
"Doesn't matter, you will fight Morthar in one hour."
"What if I refuse?"
"Then I will keep your precious letter and you will be thrown out of my stronghold, if you return you will be killed on sight."
For a moment Kaisa just stared at Gortwog trying to figure out if he was serious or not. Very quickly Kaisa deduced that he was very serious in his threat.
"Fine! Where can I prepare?" Kaisa said with a sigh.
"Follow Lasha, she will prepare you for the fight," Gortwog said as a female orc stepped forward and gestured for Kaisa to follow her.
With that Gortwog and his party turned and walked back towards the longhouse. With little choice Kaisa walked with Lasha to a hut. Kaisa took a moment to study her would be assistant. Kaisa had never been this close to one before, she had seen them from a distance in the Imperial City but never like this. She appeared to be fairly young, around the same age as Kaisa, or so Kaisa thought. Kaisa had no idea what orc lifespans were, Lasha could be a hundred years old for all Kaisa knew. Lasha was fit, with a muscular body but still retained enough curves to be attractive. Her dark brown hair came to her mid-back and was pulled back in a ponytail. The sides of her head were shaved which Kaisa wasn't exactly thrilled about, she preferred her woman to have a full head of hair. Ultimately, Kaisa just couldn't do it, the green skin and then especially the tusks were a deal breaker. How were you supposed to kiss with those tusks in the way, and that was one of favorite things to do with a pretty girl. Not to mention other body parts of hers that required a woman to use her mouth.
Lasha opened the crude door for Kaisa who said a quiet thank you before stepping into the hut. It was modest living conditions, at least compared to what Kaisa grew up in. The Alierius Estate and her room were magnitudes more opulent than this. The floor was solid dirt except where furs were placed and a simple frame a couple inches off the ground piled with furs served as the bed. All the other furniture was simple wooden frames with skins and furs creating simple sacks to store things in.
"You are very brave to be fighting Morthar," Lasha said speaking for the first time.
"How so?"
"Besides the Chieftain, Morthar is our strongest fighter in the stronghold."
"Of course he is," Kaisa sighed.
"Many in the hold seek Morthar as a mate," Lasha said somewhat dreamily.
"Well, I have no desire to be his mate, feel free to desire away," Kaisa said waving her hand dismissively.
"I must admit, you are so beautiful, that whether you win or not, there are many in this hold that would seek you for a mate," Lasha said, now looking at Kaisa with desire.
"Like I said, not happening. How about you explain to me what is exactly involved in this fight."
"It is simple, a hand-to-hand fight testing strength and cunning. No armor, clothes, magic or weapons. The challenger must stay in the circle and must defeat their opponent or last five minutes."
"No…cloths…as in naked?" Kaisa asked with fear in her eyes.
Kaisa really didn't relish the idea of running around naked with a hold full of orcs looking for mates as Lasha made it seem. Regardless of the circumstances Kaisa didn't like the idea of being naked in front of anyone, unless it was Sariah of course, Kaisa had no problem being naked in front of her.
"You may keep your small cloths on."
"Oh, thank Dibella!"
"Curious that you flinch away from nudity yet invoke the name of the goddess of sex," Lasha said with a raised eyebrow.
"Dibella is not the goddess of sex…at least that's not all she is…look it's complicated," Kaisa said with a light blush gracing her gorgeous face.
"I'm sure it is," Lasha said with amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Well it is," Kaisa grumbled as she started to stretch and warm up her limbs.
After Kaisa felt reasonably ready she reluctantly stripped down to her small cloths and noticed her first problem. Her bra and panties were silk, provocative, and delicate. Meant to flaunt the curve of her perfect ass and straining to contain her eye popping breasts. The red silk with black lace combining to demand the attention of anyone lucky enough to see it. Something Kaisa had used to devastating effect to draw Sariah into her arms on many passion filled nights. But for a fight Kaisa might as well just walk out there naked because the delicate silk would last mere seconds before ripping to shreds. Not to mention it was expensive and would be a tragic waste to destroy something so pretty.
Glancing at Lasha, Kaisa had to suppress a smirk when she found the orc woman looking at her with a degree of awe on her tusked face. Kaisa knew she looked damn hot in this attire, its why she paid a small fortune for it.
"Do you have something a little sturdier that I could barrow? I'm not sure my smalls would survive the fight," Kaisa asked hopefully.
"Yes...yes I do," Lasha said after a moment and shaking her head to clear it.
After a moment of searching through a sack Lasha returned with a simple brown leather strap to bind her breasts and brown leather panties. Giving Lasha a grateful smile Kaisa took the offered clothing and began tugging her delicate silk underwear off. Hesitating only slightly at being completely naked in front of Lasha, who drank in her naked form with an appreciative eye, Kaisa tied the strip off in front of her breasts and tugged the panties on over her curvy hips. It turned out to be just in time as another orc barged through the door to utter it was time. Of course this was after he took a moment to undress Kaisa with his eyes.
Sighing Kaisa made her way to the door and back out into the main courtyard where every orc who wasn't on duty had gathered to watch the challenge.
Okay Kaisa, you can do this. Just get in the circle, dance around him, and get in a few punches here and there to give a good show. Just got to last five minutes, should be...oh fuck me! Kaisa's train of thought was derailed when she cleared the circle of spectators and there was Morthar standing in the circle, arms crossed, waiting for her, completely naked.
"Of course they do this naked," Kaisa whispered with a sigh
Glancing around the crowd, Kaisa noticed a large number of the orc woman drooling over Morthar's form and he was definitely loving the attention. Regaining her composure Kaisa resumed her stride to the circle and made sure to keep her eyes up. Morthar didn't give Kaisa the same courtesy and his eyes traveled up and down Kaisa's body several times with an appreciative glint to them. Deciding to try and use that to her advantage, Kaisa put an inviting smile to her face and added a seductive sway to her hips as she slowed her walk to make sure Morthar got an eye full of her gorgeous body. If Kaisa could get Morthar thinking about sex with her and not the fight coming up it might give her an advantage. Giving the massive difference in size and strength between Kaisa and Morthar, Kaisa needed every advantage she could get. Kaisa knew that in a straight up fight she didn't stand a chance. She had to use her better speed and agility to keep on the move and stay out of his reach. Kaisa guessed she would only be able to take a couple direct hits and even that was a maybe. If Morthar actually managed to get a hold of her she was doomed.
Kaisa breathed a small sigh of relief when she noticed the orc's eyes hadn't left her swaying hips and bouncing breasts her entire slow walk. Hopefully that meant her ploy was working. Finally reaching the circle she took a calming breath as the Chieftan entered the small ring and the crowd looked to him expectantly.
"This woman has challenged Morthar to single combat! As this is not a blood feud this challenge will not be to the death. The human must force Morthar to yield or last five minutes without ring out or yielding. No armor, weapons, or magic is allowed, just your fists and your wits. Do the fighters understand the terms of the challenge?"
"Yes Warchief," Morthar said bowing slightly.
"Yes my lord," Kaisa said with her own bow.
"Then begin," the Chieftan said stepping out of the ring.
For a moment neither of them moved and they each waited for the other to make the first move. Kaisa had no intention of throwing the first punch and so waited. Kaisa had to run out the clock so if Morthar was willing to give her some free time Kaisa was happy to take it.
Unfortunately, Morthar figured out what Kaisa was doing all to quickly and aimed a quick jab at her face. Kaisa easily side stepped out of the way but then quickly had to duck under the sweeping back hand that Morthar chased her with. On her way up Kaisa got her own strike in with a shot to Morthar's ribs that had him grunt and step back in surprise. Kaisa didn't really hurt him in any way it was just the surprise of how quick she was. Morthar smiled at her with a quiet chuckle before dropping into a more serious fighting stance. Despite herself, Kaisa found herself smirking too as she dropped into a fighting stance as well. Morthar came at her again and Kaisa danced and parried out of the way, always staying on the move so he couldn't corner her or get a solid shot on her. Kaisa dodged hook and pivoted to get a good elbow across Morthar's jaw but he responded quickly and a surprisingly fast knee smashed into her back making her cry out in pain and sending her flying forward. With the edge of the ring rapidly approaching, Kaisa spun to alter her momentum allowing her to pivot along the edge and stay in the ring. Kaisa recovered just in time to fall back and trap the arm sailing toward her face. Using the weight of her body to over center Morthar, Kaisa dragged him into a crouch as he struggled with the sudden weight. Quickly transitioning to an arm bar while pivoting her hips to swing her legs up. After a sharp kick to the head, Kaisa completed the triangle and started squeezing with all her might. Morthar grunted as his arm screamed in pain from being hyper extended and his lungs clawed for air. Kaisa tried to ignore the fact that his very naked and exposed member was now very much aligned with her flower. Through raw strength Morthar roared and lifted Kaisa with the intention of slamming Kaisa into the ground. Knowing that would be game over for her Kaisa reluctantly leg go of her leg and arm hold but managing to connect with another strong kick as she flipped out of his reach. Kaisa grimaced as her back screamed in protest as she dropped into another fighting stance. Kaisa smiled at the sight of blood streaming from Morthar's nose and mouth which meant she was at least holding her own.
"You fight well human," Morthar said while spitting out blood from his mouth.
"I was taught from the best."
"The Legion, I recognize the fighting style," Morthar said launching another attack.
For what felt like an eternity Kaisa fought and danced around Morthar in a bid for time. Kaisa managed to get several good hits in with Morthar now favoring his left side from a savage kick from Kaisa and a nasty cut on his forehead that blead substantially. However, in turn Kaisa had a split lip that blead vigorously and she was slowly losing sight in her right eye as it steadily swelled shut from a hard jab that had her vision swimming. Kaisa knew she was losing and she prayed to Dibella that her five minutes was almost up. With a feint to her left she failed to see the low kick coming in from the right that her mostly swollen shut eye didn't see. Crying out in pain her leg buckled from the blow and before her brain could process the change in fortunes Morthar was barreling into her. With the air in her lungs coming out in a rush from slamming into the ground, Kaisa desperately struggled to breathe. Morthar moved to mount her and only raw discipline and training allowed her to pivot her hips and lock her legs around Morthar's waist and preventing a full mount. Morthar brought an arm down towards Kaisa's neck which she desperately tried to block. They found themselves in a struggle of strength that Kaisa was slowly losing and Morthar's arm got closer to her neck, inch by agonizing inch.
"Yield!" Morthar demanded as he leaned into the push and devoured three precious inches from Kaisa's neck.
"No!" Kaisa snarled back.
Morthar chuckled as he got closer and closer to Kaisa's precious neck and Kaisa began to panic. Kaisa's eyes darted around trying to find some sort of escape but was finding nothing that could save her.
"Time!" The Chieftan barked out.
After a moment of hesitation Morthar released his old and stepped back from Kaisa who went limp and greedily gulped air into her tortured body.
"You fight well human," Morthar said standing over her.
"Thanks," Kaisa groaned.
"You would make a fine mate."
"Not happening," Kaisa grunted while struggling into a sitting position.
Morthar chuckled before offering his hand to help Kaisa up with amusement dancing in his eyes. Kaisa's eyes flickered back and forth between the offered hand and Morthar's face for several moments.
"If I take your hand, that is not me accepting some silent marriage proposal or something right?" Kaisa asked with narrowed eyes.
This recent event had made Kaisa very paranoid when it came to orcs. Morthar blinked dumbly for several moments before erupting into full bodied laughter.
"While I would love to be the one to finally tame you, I know it is not me."
Kaisa still hesitated and looked at Morthar with skepticism.
"But I would love to be there when that lucky person tames that fire," Morthar said offering his hand again.
"I'll settle for nothing less than a princess," Kaisa jested while finally taking Morthar's hand.
Morthar hauled Kaisa up with a chuckle before walking into the crowd where he received plenty of congratulations over a good fight. Not to mention a small army of women fawning over him causing Kaisa to smirk.
"Lucky bastard," Kaisa whispered.
Lasha then approached Kaisa with an impressed smile and took her hand and began guiding Kaisa back to the hut.
"Come, I am also the clan shaman. I have some spells that will heal that," Lasha said pointing to Kaisa's face.
"Thank you," Kaisa said gratefully.
Lasha directed Kaisa to sit cross legged on the floor which Kaisa obeyed with some difficulty. Her face and back still screamed at the abuse it had received moments ago. Lasha mirrored Kaisa and gently took the beautiful human's face in her hands. A faint glow surrounded Kaisa's head, and she sighed with relief as the swelling rapidly shrunk and she could see out of her eye again. In a few short moments Kaisa's face was back to its perfect look that made everyone gawk in wonder. Lasha then reached around Kaisa and pressed a hand to her back causing Kaisa to hiss as pain shot up her spine. Moments later Kaisa was sighing in relief as Lasha's magic healed her tortured body. Lasha leaned back once her work was done with a tusk split smile and a questioning look in her eyes.
"Thank you, truly," Kaisa said stretching.
Lasha's eyes dropped to drink in Kaisa's gorgeous body stretching before shaking her head as if to clear it and stood.
"My pleasure, I will wait for you outside," Lasha said walking out.
Kaisa quickly got dressed as she wanted to get out of the stronghold before anyone else got any ideas. True to Lasha's word the orc woman was waiting just outside the hut and gave Kaisa a respectful nod. Kaisa's attention was drawn to the fighting ring where two orc males were busy pummeling each other.
"What are they fighting about?" Kaisa asked, nodding in their general direction.
"You," Lasha said, barely containing her laughter.
"Me! What in Oblivion for?"
"They both claimed you as mate, they are fighting for who will have the honor of claiming your hand," Lasha said finally losing it.
"For the last fucking time! Not! Happening!" Kaisa yelled while storming off towards the Chieftain who was watching the fight.
Hearing Kaisa shriek the Chieftain looked at Kaisa with a smile.
"Chieftain! Give me the damned letter before I do something we both regret!"