Challenges

The next morning, Eiryn felt one of the worst headaches she’d ever encountered in the short twenty-two years of her life. Every beat of her heart ended up being an anvil pounding behind her eyes, only reminding her why she rarely if ever touched the Dunmer whiskey known as Sujamma. She found herself sleeping on her stomach in the small bed Saber had paid for in the Earthly Delights, and memories of the night before came rushing at her like a hammer to the already pounding anvil in her head. Oddly she felt no regret with taking Saber up on his offer to teach her some ‘lessons’. Desele’s comment about his stamina was true enough, and his passion could not be matched. Considering how drunk she had become the night before, she was grateful she could remember the night’s activities at all.
A low moan escaped her as she rolled under the blankets, hoping to shut out light and sound in the tiny room. The warmth and movement beside her indicated she’d woken her bed companion, who seemed to sense instinctively her predicament.
“Hangover?” Saber’s soft voice sounded too loud even from under the covers. His palm ran seductively up her bare back, brushing aside covers and her unbound hair to tease lips against a shoulder. He was one of the most affectionate lovers she encountered in her limited experience, and wondered how other men would now be compared to him.
Eiryn could only moan a reply, keeping her head half buried under the pillow to keep the light of the room off her face, promising herself to never ever drink Sujamma again! She felt the bed move as the Dark Elf crawled out of it, and by the unforgiving sounds she heard, knew he was rummaging through his things. “Well I did warn you.” He commented with what Eiryn felt was too much smugness. “Sujamma had a kick even if you’re used to it.”
Oh? She thought, then why wasn’t he suffering along side her? The night before he drank nearly twice as much as she had, so why didn’t he endure the same affliction as she was?
“Here.” His voice interrupted her pain, and an elbow nudged her back. “I have something for your headache.”
With effort, Eiryn peeked out from the safety of the covers to see a small flask offered to her. “What is it?” Her voice croaked. His handsome face had a grin on his mouth, enjoying her misery. He didn’t appear at all affected from too much drink of the night before, not even tired from their all-night tryst. Crouched at the side of the bed, he nudged the small bottle for her to take.
“Its for your hangover.” He assured her, “Trust me.”
Sniffing the contents, she knew it was some sort of healing potion but the scent didn’t seem familiar to her. It was oddly sweet, and when she sipped the thick liquid, reminded her of honey but had the taste of berries. Almost immediately the pain faded, and she felt more alert.
Eiryn sighed in relief, wondering why the taverns and pubs didn’t sell such healing potions for their patrons. There would be a market one would assume. “My thanks.” She smiled, stretching. Her body had that pleasant ache of all night activities. “And not just for the potion.”
He laughed pleasantly before moving to get dressed, tugging on his trousers. “Maybe I should take up Desele’s offer to work here.” He mused with a tinge of sarcasm to his voice.
Eiryn had no doubt the owner of the Earthly Delights had made such an offer to him, He was that good. “Does this mean I have to pay you?” She stretched again, enjoying being so lazy in the morning hours.
Saber snickered, easily sliding back in beside her. Resting on top, but bearing weight on bent elbows, he nuzzled her neck. Feather light kisses trailed from cheek to mouth. “Oh trust me…you’ve already paid me in full.” He kissed her gently on the mouth, moving those talented lips down to her chin. “With interest.”
Trailing fingers through his long hair, Eiryn admired the silken feel. “What now? Are you off to lose yourself in the wilds of Morrowind?” He had mentioned it the night before in-between the night’s delights. “The Ascadian Isles are lovely this time of year.”
He could in fact lose himself for a very long time in areas all over the Vvardenfell province. So much of the land was still unmapped, and if Caius or any other Blade set out to find the Dunmer, they’d be hard pressed to find him among thousands of his race in the Ashlands or Grazeland regions. She wondered why she was felt protective of this elf, why she’d risk the disappointment of the spymaster in even suggesting that this rogue Blade mislay himself in the backcountry. Pushing aside such concerns for now, Eiryn felt his hand brush across her cheeks, the fingers tickling lips as they explored the planes of her mouth and jaw.
“I’m not sure.” He mused, continuing with his playful affections. “A few tattoos, cut my hair, take up hunting, do you think I might pass for an Ashlander tribesman?”
For a brief moment Eiryn considered what he might look like so primitive as an uncultivated tribal Dunmer, and the idea was rather enticing. “Don’t cut your hair.” She murmured, enjoying the sleek feel of the lengths on her hands and face. “But turning into a savage wouldn’t be such a stretch.”
Saber feigned indignation. “I will have you know, dear lady, I am quite civilized. I know several languages, have read extensively on history and lore, and have managed to even learn a bit of magecraft. Does that sound like a savage to you?”
“You didn’t seem very civilized last night.” She whispered in his ear, though he certainly showed her his ‘magic’. Playfully she touched her tongue along the edge of his ear, trailing up to its graceful tip until he emitted a sharp intake of breath.
“Woman-“ He gasped, drawing back. “I’d like to be able to walk sometime today!”
Giggling, the young scout decided to give the poor man a break, and released her hold upon him. Saber, however, remained where he was; content to share in the pleasant warmth of the early morning. His ardor surprised her the night before, having the reputed stamina Desele had mentioned, and able to accomplish the feat several times. Indeed he’d be popular if he chose to stay in Suran, or anywhere he traveled.
She stroked his hair, trailing fingernails along his scalp until he almost purred. “And what should I tell Caius?” She murmured softly. “Were you serious about challenging him?”
The Dark Elf remained still with his head against her shoulder for a moment before releasing an indrawn breath. “Tell him…I will return to Balmora in a few days’ time.”
Eiryn was stunned. “Are you serious?” After all his ranting the night before, of the dangers that no doubt lay in wait for him, not to mention the sheer impossibility of accomplishing the quest? “You’re going back?”
Saber shrugged, “I have nothing better to do.”
Surprised, the woman frowned. “But you said last night-“
He touched a finger to her lips to hush her. “I’ve done some thinking. Considered what you said, and now believe there’s no harm to at least seeing what this destiny has in store for me.” He gave a careless shrug. ”Its not as though I can’t lose myself at any time, right?” Without waiting for her answer, he moved off the bed to finish dressing. “Might even be profitable, providing I don’t get myself killed.”
Eiryn fell silent, torn between talking him out of it, and how he would try to accomplish the impossible. It was a daunting task to be certain, one that the Tribunal wouldn’t appreciate, let alone most of the people of Morrowind. Naturally they’d assume he was another false Incarnate, and if they knew the Empire employed him, what then? And he was an outlander. How could he be accepted as an Incarnate?
Then again, Saber was no ordinary Dunmer, was he?
Rolling to her side, Eiryn watched him dress, enjoying the graceful movements of his body. Altmeri, elven folk, already had the speed and agility of their race but Saber moved with stealth and grace even exceptional for his kind. His physical prowess was evident, but Eiryn found the easygoing manner he exhibited almost as appealing. Saber even bore a remarkable level of modesty to his talents, never boasting. Although he did tend to exaggerate his stories, the overstatement was more for fun and entertainment.
Watching him dress, Eiryn had to admire his fine taste in clothes. He’d explained through their drinking how appearances could help in swaying someone’s opinion of you, so he maintained an odd blend of distinguished gallantry and common sense. Often he could enter into the Great Houses with more welcome than if he appeared as a peasant. The philosophy made sense, which Eiryn felt she might try for herself in investing in some finer clothes, perhaps take a bit more time on her appearance. I never occurred to her that fine clothes and proper attire could be used as a tool, and not one of simple vanity.
His garb was of silks and leathers, being a combination of elegance and style. A long shirt of deep blue silk and embroidery was tied with a finely crafted leather belt, and trousers had the same stitched trim near the cuff. He seemed to prefer dark colors of deep blues and blacks, which only complimented his stormy gray skin and deep red eyes. A matching leather vest with fine inlaid buckles and runic glyphs was worn over the shirt, bearing his unique harness sheath that carried his sword on his back instead of his side.
“Are you staying another day in the fair city of Suran?” Saber asked, tugging on his soft-soled boots that reached just above his knee. His comment was more of a hint she needed to also get dressed. He only paid for the one night.
“No, I need to get back to Balmora.” She had to concede that the day was wasting, and she couldn’t stay in bed all day. Crawling from beneath the warm covers, she donned the clothes she wore the day before. Basic brown pants, a simple chemise and tight bodice with lacings in the front were quite plain compared to his silks and leathers. “If you’re returning to Balmora, why not go with me today? We could be in Balmora by sunset.”
Saber cast her an odd smirk, perhaps wondering what her purpose to bring him to Balmora. Though it would certainly bring her favor from Caius, Eiryn also hoped to have a bit more time with the personable elf.
“Can’t get enough of me eh?” He teased. “Well…I have that effect on women.” Eiryn rolled her eyes, before he continued. “I’m thinking of letting Caius sweat a little. Let him wonder if I’m returning or not as I’ve said.”
Spiteful was he? Well, who could blame him after learning he’s to be the Incarnate Reborn? An odd twinge of disappointment mixed with concerns over her actions on this quest. A simple messenger errand turned into a questionable night of debauchery, and how she could look her father in the eye now? By the Nine Divines, she hoped he wouldn’t ask either! Lying did not come so easily for her, and especially more difficult for her to lie to Caius. Eiryn also didn’t take bedding so casually. There was always the threat of pregnancy, which would certainly end her career, at least for a time. They hadn’t been careful, but counting the days of her monthly cycles, Eiryn considered it unlikely anything had been ‘produced’ in this encounter. It was worth the concern.
Saber was not like other men she knew. Charming was the least of it, Eiryn found she enjoyed his company. Saber was an intelligent man for all his never been in any formal guild outside of the thieves’ guild in the Imperial City. He understood language, history, and even various societies. He had impressed her the night before of his knowledge on etiquette, and his unique way of being mutable in different groups. He easily slipped into the seedier societies just as easily as noble society, which had helped him greatly with the tasks he’d already completed.
Despite his insistence that he was no hero, the Dunmer carried an odd mix of honor with his thievery. He avoided killing when he could, depending on stealth and finishing tasks with anonymity. He never stole from the poor, and from the few stories he’d told her of his life, Saber seemed to actually like testing his prowess of skill rather than the actual pilfering.
A mystery to be sure…
Eiryn sighed softly, as she discovered she wanted to know more about this man.
Chastising herself for even thinking too much into it, Eiryn finished gathering up her pack and tugging on her boots. She needed to focus on her duty as a Blade, not some casual bedding with a man she just met. It was simply a passing fancy, nothing more. So why did she feel a twinge of regret now they were parting their ways?
Saber had finished getting ready to go, casually leaning against the open doorway to cross arms and watch her stuff a few items into her small pack. “I’m not certain if I was supposed to tell you about my being the Incarnate.” He told her, scratching his chin.
“Caius seemed pretty adamant with secrecy on this matter-“
“I won’t mention to him that I know.” She assured him. Nimble fingers tied her hair back in its simple braid for her journey ahead. “Just as long as you not mention...you know…this to him.”
Saber blinked with a blank expression, and then understood her meaning. “Guild members can’t sleep together?”
Eiryn shrugged, uncertain how to explain to him that the spymaster was in fact her father and most likely would be furious if he found out what had happened last night. “Its not encouraged.” Was all she would say to him.
“Will I see you Balmora…?” He murmured too softly, she barely heard him.
Completing the task of readying for travel, Eiryn moved to stand and stepped up to him. Reaching up, she brushed back hair from his face to soak in his wondrous eyes. Thick lashes framed each deep red orb, the pupils glowing dim orange in the darkened room. With her palm against his cheek, his eyes closed, the head tilting slightly to lean into her touch. “Perhaps…” She told him softly.
His head turned slightly to brush lips against the flat of her palm, then moved forward to kiss her mouth but not intruding, simply offering a simple kiss good-bye. “I hope so.” He whispered.
Eiryn wasn’t sure if she wanted to be one of many women this man apparently had, or at least hinted at. The night had been enjoyable, and she had come to accept for what it was; a mutual, enjoyable encounter, but that was all. There would be no promises between them, and though she felt something tug at her heart, and a growing need to know him better, she pushed all concerns aside and leaned into the soft kiss he gave her.
“Until we meet again then.” She said, after she drew back. Without giving him a chance to respond, she strode back to Balmora with purpose, her task completed.