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#argis the bulwark imagine
Text
More Honest
Fandom: The Elder Scrolls Five: Skyrim
Pairing: Argis the Bulwark/F!Dragonborn
Rating: Holy shit M.
Author's Note: Happy Valentine's Day, gang! I hope you all like this indulgent little shindig inspired by a glitch that I encountered. Enjoy!
Tag List: @stargazerofgoldenwords @toxiicpop @thirstworldproblemss
[!TRIGGER WARNING!: This installment contains canon-typical violence and unprotected sex between two consenting adults. Stay safe!]
Argis had always just assumed the leather thong around her neck bore a pendant of Talos. It would explain her hiding it beneath her clothes for the entirety of their partnership, and it would also explain her never taking it off. Many of his fellow Nords had a difficult time accepting the ruling on Talos.
So he was stunned when, one night at the tavern, the pendant that slipped out from beneath her undertunic was…
"An amulet of Mara?" He had asked before he could stop himself, his brow furrowed. "You're looking for marriage, then?"
Tor had gone red in the face, waving him off with an awkward cough. "I've been a follower of Mara since I was very little. I even made this pendant myself, see?" The Nord woman turned the bauble in her hands, showing Argis just how rough the traditionally-smooth edges were. "As you can tell, jewelry-crafting was not my strong suit. I was a stripling when I forged these beads and the pendant, and my patience was thin." She explained, chuckling quietly.
"It's better that way, isn't it?" Argis found himself saying. "More honest. Mara accepts us despite our faults, if I remember those long-winded sermons right."
Tor nodded. "Aye, she loves us and wishes us to love in turn. One of the things that drew me to her is that the world is far more cruel than it needs to be. I would…make it less so." She carefully tucked the amulet back beneath her clothing and, seeming to realize he had watched her do it, rushed to clarify. "I've kept it hidden since I came of age to marry," she elaborated with a sad smile. "There have always been far too many pressing concerns to trouble myself with finding a partner."
The discussion had been brief, begun and ended just as quickly. So why couldn't he get it out of his head?
"Why not worship Dibella? Her followers make many lofty claims in the name of love." Multitudes of beautiful men and women made their way to the shrine of Dibella every day, clad in a conglomeration of tastefully minimal garb. Surely the goddess of beauty and passion's worship would go hand in hand with the goddess of love!
"I am not nearly so vain as to believe I could become a worshipper of Dibella!" Tor had roared draconically with laughter at his suggestion, amber eyes alight. "Argis, I cannot parade like a peacock with the rest of Dibella's comely faithful. There is far too much work to be done."
"Aye, but-" Argis had paused, her words catching up to him. "My Thane, you are more than capable of being one of Dibella's faithful." He insisted boldly, unsure of where this bravery came from. 
Tor's laugh was a bit softer this time. "This body has taken a beating, Argis. I am not some soft and unmarred offering."
"It is better that way, isn't it?" Argis found himself echoing what he had said months ago. "More honest. Love is not young and untouched, but neither is it old and weary. Love…it endures through hardships, after the passion has faded."
Tor had given him a curious look, nudging her mount with her heel to bring their horses closer together. "Oddly profound for you, my housecarl." Her tone was teasing, yet serious enough that Argis knew he was on thin ice.
"I meant no disrespect to you, my Thane. It was a simple observation, nothing more."
"Then I will take the compliment." Tor had winked at him, then clicked her tongue to urge her horse into a canter.
Those conversations resounded in his head now as he stared at the innkeeper, who stared back at him with a perplexed expression. Kleppr finally asked, "what ails you, Argis? You look as though you've seen a ghost!" 
"N-Nothing, nothing is wrong." Argis fumbled to respond, his mind already miles away. Two days ago. She accepted that job two days ago. I only noticed her bow was gone yesterday. She's been gone two days and she didn't bring her axe--the stables, I'll ask at the stables. If her horse is still there, that means she's on foot.
The Forsworn had been harassing travelers more and more often; no doubt they had caught wind that the Dragonborn resided in Markarth. It only made sense that the Jarl would post a bounty for the clearing out of a camp nearby.
Argis stormed through the tiny market, heading for the gate. One step at a time, he told himself, trying to quell the rapidly rising panic that was gripping his throat. We gather information.
He didn't even have to question the stable attendant; the enormous head of Tor's horse (a dun beast by the name of Zace) was clearly visible over the half-closed stall door. The horse whinnied at the sight of Argis, no doubt expecting the Nord to come bearing the usual treats. Argis' own horse Tannin, the ungrateful bastard, didn't even look up from his manger.
Argis fretted for a moment, scratching Zace's pink muzzle. He quickly made his choice though, beginning to saddle both horses. He would find her faster riding than on foot.
Hopefully.
Well, Tor thought, in pain and more than a little concerned, this is a fine mess I've gotten myself into.
The plan, inasmuch as there was one, had been to scout the encampment and retrieve Argis once she was confident she had memorized the layout. The camp had been a bit further away than she had been led to believe, but Tor was confident they could easily reach it before the denizens of said camp decided to launch another raid.
However, she hadn't anticipated the Forsworn would be led by a hagraven. The unsettling amalgamation of avian and woman had sniffed her out almost immediately and, armed only with a rarely-used bow and limited magics, Tor had been captured. She had Shouted one of their warriors to his death, sending his body flying off the edge of a cliff, but that had just whipped the rest of them into a frenzy.
Their Briarheart had brought her down, striking what would have been a killing blow to a mere mortal when his saw-toothed blade tore through her side. Tor had been hard-pressed to stop the bleeding even with her healing spells, a task made all the more difficult by her captors frantically scrambling to bind and gag her.
Now she lay on a filthy pile of straw, attempting to glare daggers through the back of the Briarheart's head. He had been the one to rouse her from her uneasy doze in the weak, gloomy dawn, his antlered headpiece knocking the poorly-framed doorway of the hovel they kept her in. The entire structure shuddered with every gust of bitter Reach wind but still somehow managed to maintain its integrity. More’s the pity, the Dragonborn mused uncharitably, flexing her hands in their binds. They seemed to have gone numb while she slept, though whether from her position or the tightness of the ropes she could not say. 
“...jarl will have no choice but to accede, once we can scrape together the paper,” came the wheezing, tremulous rasp of the hagraven. There, that shuffling drag of clawed feet over the paltry soil. So she was fast approaching. “Our demands will be many, as this is certainly a worthy prize.”
Tor grimaced. The Jarl of Markarth, Igmund, did not exactly relish her presence in Vlindrel Hall. She doubted whatever demands this hagraven had would be particularly well-received. Hell, it might be weeks before Igmund even found whatever missive they sent; he was often mired in tedious deliberations with the Thalmor for days on end. 
The woman jerked upright as another thought struck her. Argis. She hadn't left a note, oh gods no. He hadn't been at Vlindrel when she departed either, which meant that any hope of rescue she may have harbored was quickly withering away. It could very well take a week for Argis to realize she was missing, and at that point Kleppr probably would have entirely forgotten that he had even given her that bounty…
Tor cursed herself inwardly, furious at her own ineptitude. Why did she always manage to land in these situations?! Alone, hogtied and headed to whatever axe-man the gods saw fit to place in her path this time. Except now she wasn't even able to use the Voice, and she doubted she could count on the dubious charity of Alduin to save her once more. 
Normally, she prayed from force of habit, an evening routine forged in her early years by parents who were long gone. She had never received a direct answer to a prayer, but that hadn't dampened her faith. You must be realistic with your prayers, dear one, her mother had chided her one evening. This is not a wish. It is a prayer.
Mara, Tor begged silently, her eyes closed tight. Mara, please. I need help, I need something, anything. She could work with whatever she was given, but she knew she was running out of time. The hagraven may not wish to keep her alive, and little could turn the crow-wife from her path if she decided to snuff out the Dragonborn. No, Tor jolted, the realization making her stomach lurch. It would be much simpler to kill me and replace my heart, raise me under her control. The Forsworn with the Dragonborn on their side? 
Gods, what a fool she had been. She had practically hobbled herself and fallen into their snare.
Talons curved beneath her chin, pricking the skin of her throat. "I know you are awake, little morsel." The hagraven growled, her breath hot and rank with the stench of old blood. Tor couldn't keep herself from flinching and the witch chuckled, a little jackdaw cackle. "Is it afraid of me? Poor sweetling." She cooed tenderly, clawed fingers raking through the mess of Tor's half-braided hair. The Nord woman bore this insult in silence, her teeth clenched into the gag while she continued to glare at the Briarheart. He had turned around to stare at her and his hagraven master, half-closed eyes uncannily glassy. 
Briarhearts, as far as Tor knew, teetered on that gray edge of mortality, neither truly alive nor dead. Their existence was hellish at best and blatantly cruel at worst; freshly-deceased warriors wrested back from their eternal slumber by their blood-soaked matrons, the hagravens raising the body anew and enslaving the soul in the process. Tor had only witnessed one such raising and she had fell upon the feathered creatures and their corpse-spawn with such a violence that there had been nothing left but ash. 
It seemed, however, that she would be joining their ranks soon. The hagraven, unnaturally strong even in that wizened frame, bent Tor over until her forehead was inches from the floor and slid a brown-stained bowl beneath her throat. "Cannot waste a drop of dragon blood." The hag explained needlessly, accepting a dark-bladed knife from the Briarheart. "It will not be swift. Try not to struggle, so you don't ruin your pretty, pretty flesh." Her tone was almost motherly, but it was thoroughly ruined by the horrible scrape of her voice.
Tor, of course, immediately began to struggle, thrashing as best as she could in the iron hold of the hagraven. 
The Briarheart, who had returned to his post in the doorway, grunted suddenly, his hands half-raising. "What, can't you see I'm busy?" The hagraven spat in annoyance, squawking with alarm when the Briarheart fell to its knees. Argis, his sword still run through the briarheart fruit that had replaced the half-living warrior's heart, planted a foot in the Briarheart's back and tore his blade free. 
"Where is-" he began in a fierce bellow, his volume stunning even Tor. The hagraven shrieked, talons bared, and she lunged at the large warrior. Her claws squealed against the metal of his sword, showering sparks on the floor before Argis managed to parry, the housecarl forcing his full weight down on the witch as a riposte to her attack.
Argis! Tor's eyes fell on the ceremonial dagger the hagraven had dropped and she flung herself on top of it, fingers clawing for the hilt in the straw and packed dirt of the floor. 
Fire exploded around the edge of Argis' shield and he snarled, ignoring the flames licking over his hauberk sleeve while he slammed the sturdy metal into the hagraven's face. The witch reeled backwards from the blow, hurling curses at him in Bretic and some other foul tongue. Argis wasn't wildly sure, but he got the sense that a few future generations of his bloodline may have been involved in her wrathful incantations. 
He for his part remained silent. Tor was alive, he had arrived in time. Relief had nearly brought him low, his defenses in shambles after the frantic dash on horseback over the mountainous, scrub bush-choked lands of the Reach. It had been all he could do to master himself before the hag reacted, only just managing to use his superior height and weight to break their stalemate. For all that their appearance was waifish and frail, hagravens had a terrible, wiry strength to their limbs. 
The witch continued to scream and clamor at him like a wild beast, her raw-throated wailing threatening to wake the dead. Argis crashed the flat of his blade on his shield and shouted in retort, drowning her out with his own din until she seemed to snap under frustration. A whirling mass of feathers engulfed her and Argis braced himself for another attack. He didn't have to wait long, though the attack came from above and he was barely able to fling the hagraven away from him before she tore his remaining eye out. She howled in fury, her motions now a frenzied race to sink her claws into any exposed skin. 
"Morsel, morsel!" she jibbered at him, which he rewarded with another stout slam of the shield against her beak-like nose. Her claws snagged in the sleeve of his hauberk and Argis was made abruptly aware of his own mortality, the warrior taking a hearty step back to pull the witch with him into the weak sunlight. A sharp, violent jerk later and he freed himself, but not without cost; his hauberk and the skin beneath it were rent deeply from those terrible talons. 
The hag paused, seeming to notice the disarray of the filthy camp around her. There had only been six Forsworn Argis had found, but he knew if any of them escaped they would raise the alarm.
So none of them had escaped. 
The witch gnashed her teeth, stamping those clawed feet on the ground and tearing at the dirt. "You'll pay for this, meat!" She raged, her eyes wild with madness. The feathers swirled once more, leaving Argis uncertain as to where her next attack would come from. Behind him, if he had to guess, and regrettably he was proven correct. 
Claws hooked into his shoulders, shearing through his mail like it was simple leather and digging for purchase in the flesh beneath. He was dragged back a step before he could find his footing, then the Nord man gritted his teeth and lunged forwards, ripping free from her ferocious talons. 
He whirled to face his foe with blade already raised to fend off the next attack, but the hag had suddenly gone still. A black point protruded from her throat and, as she collapsed in a heap, Tor was revealed behind her, the woman still in the process of thrusting the dagger home. The witch writhed on the ground for a moment, clawing futilely at her neck, then went limp.
"Tor," Argis breathed, simultaneously relieved and frantic. A deep wound marred Tor's side, the injury blotting her stained leathers black with blood. Argis stormed forward, seizing her arm. Tor looked up at him, her eyes wide, and he forced her to sit before she could manage to wriggle free. "Be still," the Nord man grated out through clenched teeth. "I'll fetch the horses."
"Argis, you're-"
"Be still." He barked, irritated when she jerked out of his hold. "Woman, I've been half out of my mind trying to find you. The least you can do is follow one simple order." The man seethed, panic sharpening his words to a razor edge.
"Argis." Tor snapped, her hand slamming down on the wound on his arm. The sudden pain had the large man breathless, and he dropped to one knee before he could steady himself. Golden light poured from beneath her hand, familiar healing magic knitting Argis' arm back together. "I'm fine." She insisted, her brow furrowed. "I'm fine, I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." 
Were those…was she crying? Argis blinked rapidly, fumbling at her side. The skin beneath her thin traveling leathers was indeed fine; she must have healed her wound and all he had seen was the old blood still smeared on the area. "Thank the Nine." He sighed. "I thought…there was blood, I assumed the worst." 
"I'm fine." Tor repeated tremulously, tears streaming unchecked down her face. She couldn't seem to stop them. She was fine, Argis was wounded but alive. Why was she crying?
"Aye, I suppose you are." Argis murmured, his touch uncharacteristically gentle when he cupped her cheek to wipe the tears away. Tor found herself crumpling, shoving her face into his chest and gripping his back like he would be torn from her if she didn't. After a moment, Argis' arms wrapped around her. 
They were silent for a time, Tor with her ear pressed to his still-pounding heart and Argis with his chin resting on the top of her head. 
"I'm glad I arrived in time." Argis said finally. 
"As am I." Tor took a deep breath to steel her nerves, then pulled away. He was smiling, beaming at her and she was stunned silent by the sight. He smiled so rarely, to see him this pleased…
Argis shifted awkwardly under her stare, seeming a bit uncomfortable with her sudden muteness. "I should…er, get the horses."
Tor's ability to speak made an abrupt return as she asked, "did you bring any food?", her stomach rumbling the punctuation on her hopeful query. Her housecarl chuckled, assuring her that yes, he had indeed stocked the saddlebags. 
Argis rose, offering her a hand up even as he swayed on his feet. Tor waved him off, worriedly examining the wounds on his shoulders. Tandem trios of raking claws had ribboned the hauberk, gambeson and flesh beneath them badly. Instead of complaining of the pain, Argis bemoaned the fact that he would need to have the chain mail repaired. Tor couldn't help her laugh at that. 
Her housecarl, ever the pragmatist. 
"Once I get some food into me, I'll make quick work of those scratches," Tor promised, draping Argis' arm over her shoulders to help him walk. He was a bit unsteady, which had her concerned. 
"My Thane, I…" Argis paused, squinting. "My head feels odd," he admitted. "It's aching badly. The light hurts."
Hell. "Stay with me until you can show me where you left the horses, Argis." Tor instructed, tightening her hold on his arm. Argis nodded, his jaw set in a grim line. 
After a short, stumbling eternity, the Nord man pointed toward a tangle of juniper across the next ridge. "There." It seemed to take most of his energy just to say that much; he sagged perceptibly after the word.
Tor knew she didn't have the strength left to drag him over the rise, so she settled him down on the ground. "Stay here, I'll bring the horses to us."
Argis blinked wearily up at her, his exhaustion evident in the way his head kept lolling forwards onto his chest. Tor puffed out a breath, and then turned to clamber up the steep incline. 
Zace, bless his heart, was mouthing disinterestedly at the scrubby brush around him. Tannin noticed her first, if his huffing snort was any indicator. Zace whinnied loudly when she called his name, trotting to the end of his lead. 
"Aye, I should have brought you." Tor allowed with a rueful smile, rubbing her mount's nose and then taking Tannin's reins.
Brain Rot, a common ailment when battling hagravens, had been what robbed the spirit from Argis' nigh-indomitable form. Oh certainly, the priestess of Dibella had assured that he would recover if he was allowed to rest, even offering her own body to lie beside him in an effort to break the fever that wracked his unconscious form. 
Tor may have ushered the extremely-beautiful woman out of Vlindrel Hall a bit more hastily than was proper, but managing her jealousy had never been a strong suit. She had wondered more than once if it had something to do with her dragon blood and just how hot it ran. She tended towards fierce, almost single-minded protection of whatever she held dear, and Argis…
Argis was indeed dear to her. Not that he needed to know that, of course! It would be much simpler for him to find a normal partner, settle down with them and enjoy his life. Tor understood with a heavy sadness that should he turn his wandering eye to her, it would only lead him to grief…a life of violence, bloodshed and no-doubt eventual death at the hands of some ambitious soul. It was not a life she wished on any, and so she had stayed carefully distant. Whatever feelings bloomed in her heart were always hers alone to bear.
He had rescued her, though. That knowledge kept her awake fretting into the early hours, the foyer consistently frequented by restless pacing. She hadn't gotten the chance to ask him just why he had come after her so quickly, why he had thought that the Dragonborn wouldn't be able to manage a simple encampment of Forsworn. Admittedly, her Thu'um was not well-trained. A single full shout could leave her throat raw for hours, as it had during her bout with the Forsworn, and she was lax in her meditation. Inner peace hadn't seemed like a priority what with a world-ending beast breathing down her neck.
Perhaps she had been too confident. Truly, if Argis hadn't arrived when he did, she shuddered to think of what blind havoc her body could be wreaking. He had rescued her. 
He had rescued the Dragonborn.
If nothing else, she could endure the blow to her pride to give him the satisfaction of her admission of that fact.
He became aware of the embers in the hearth, listening to them softly hum and crackle to one another as they died down. It must be late.
There was the clatter of a wooden object being placed on the table beside his bed. After a moment, a ladle was pressed to his lips and the man drank ravenously from the cool water. 
Argis finally managed to open his eye for the first time in what felt like weeks, staring upwards at the stone ceiling. He heard a gasp beside him but he didn't even have the strength to turn his head.
"Argis!"
Her.
His body suddenly felt like it was full of sunlight, too enormous to fight, too airy to grasp. He strained to move and her hands carefully framed his jaw, easing his head to the side. 
Tor was alive. He hadn't failed. The fever dreams had been so vivid at some points that Argis was still uncertain if this was reality. He had watched her die so many times…
"Thane." He rasped. 
Tor hushed him, a damp rag smoothing back the hair that had gotten stuck to his forehead. "It's alright, you're safe." She soothed, her expression achingly concerned. Argis' breath hitched, eye widening. 
Why is she looking at me like that? 
He tried again to speak, swallowing hard beforehand. "My Thane, I-" 
"Please Argis, save your strength. You've been ill for days." Tor murmured. "I'll fetch you some broth."
Moving his body felt like it was nigh-impossible, but Argis still managed to grab her wrist before she could flee. "Are you well?" He breathed, his sight already wavering with exhaustion.
The woman nodded, blinking rapidly before turning away. "A-Aye." She mumbled, scrubbing at her eyes. "Quite well, my housecarl."
He couldn't recall her ever saying his title so tenderly.
The dynamic seemed to have shifted between them and Tor didn't know how to adjust. 
Argis had silently accepted her thanks and proceeded to act as though the mishap had not occurred, the man clearly ready to put the whole thing behind them. On the one hand, it was as if nothing had changed, but on the other, everything had changed. Tor floundered, simultaneously wishing he would say something and being grateful that he had so quickly moved past it. 
Perhaps the dynamic had only changed for her, so bound to her dragon pride that she couldn't reconcile herself with these uncertain emotions. Uncertain!, she scoffed at herself, hardly uncertain. It is longing for what I cannot have, and lust for my shield-mate. It was plain as a fresh coat of whitewash but still she bandied with it, tamping down her thoughts night after night.
Mara, I don't know what to do.
The trek to Riften had been long and fraught with wretched weather. After dismounting Tannin, Argis had to brace himself against a beam in the stables so he could settle his hip back into place. Alongside him, Tor stretched with a long groan, shaking the rainwater off her oilcloth cloak. 
"I can speak with the jarl tomorrow morning." She grunted as she raised her arms overhead. "Tonight, all I want is a hot meal and a soft bed."
"Aye." Argis agreed, beginning to remove Tannin's tack. "I assume you'll be going to the shrine?"
"Indeed, before my meal so I don't fall asleep mid-prayer." Tor grinned up at him from beneath her hood but Argis quickly averted his gaze, continuing to busy himself with his mount's needs. He heard her exhale after a moment, then, "I'll get us a room and arrange our meals. Could you-"
"I'll tend to Zace." The man cut her off, already knowing what she would say. This was their usual arrangement, after all. He must have said it a bit sharper than he intended however, because Tor fell silent and departed without another word.
What am I doing? Argis rested his forehead on Tannin's side, sighing heavily. What am I doing?
He stepped out into the weather once more an hour later, squinting against the downpour as he moved from lantern to lantern. Riften made Argis uneasy, but since becoming Tor's housecarl he had noted a significant decrease in harassment of his person. It was as if even the ne'er do wells of Riften could sense the power rolling off of Tor in silent waves, and they did their utmost to give the woman and her housecarl a wide berth. 
Upon entering the Bee And Barb, Argis was assaulted by a wave of sound and light. The common room was packed to the gills with townsfolk, all of them drinking and discussing their day with one another. In spite of himself, Argis could feel his shoulders relax. Blessed normalcy, the fleeting taste of the mundane. The world continued on it would seem, civil war, dragons and all. 
Talen-Jei waved him over, the Argonian obviously in good spirits. "Tor told us you would be coming! How do you fare?" He asked the housecarl, raising his voice to be heard over the din.
"Well enough. The trek was misery, so we are glad for your hospitality." Argis replied stiffly, always torn between being a proper housecarl or speaking in a more casual manner. 
Talen-Jei didn't seem to mind, the provisioner clapping him warmly on the shoulder. "Tor secured your bed and a hot dinner, would you like the key to your room now or will you wait for your meal to be prepared?"
Argis shook his head. "I can wait. No need for you or Keerava to trouble yourselves serving us." 
"You are too kind, as always!" Argis raised an eyebrow at how chipper Talen-Jei was. He seemed to be in remarkably good spirits, almost suspiciously good. Upon pointing that out though, Talen-Jei simply offered him a broad, toothy grin. "It is good that you and Tor are here, my friend. May Mara smile upon you both."
Argis blinked, feeling more and more like he was missing some vital piece of information as the innkeeper bustled away, humming a tune the whole while.
Tor pursed her lips, a bit confused. Normally the shrine of Mara was vacant aside from the clergy and perhaps a worshiper or two. Tonight for some reason the shrine entrance was draped in wet garlands of rain-battered flowers, and inside appeared to be teeming with people. She recognized a few vestments of Dibella amongst the crowd, and after several moments of thought (as well as some frantic mental counting) the Dragonborn realized that today was possibly the worst day they could have come to Riften. 
Not that Markarth would have been any better, if anything it would have been far more chaotic, but Hearts Day was celebrated by any who had a vested interest in romance and all that came with it. Dibella's faithful often intermingled with Mara's, especially today when the songs were sung and the flowers braided into their boughs for the lintel.
So much for her evening of quiet prayer! She ought to have realized once she saw how crowded the stables were, but she had been preoccupied with…
Tor frowned, tugging her hood forward and carefully making her way through the festooned congregants to the altar. The statue of Mara gazed upwards with that vague, loving benevolence, her arms wide in welcome. Before her was the customary bowl for offerings, currently piled high with seasonal blooms, greenery and gold pieces.
The Dragonborn breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of spice and incense that hung heavy in the air as she rested her palms on the altar. Mara, is this a sign? Coming here on this day, with no true intent to do so, finding a room at the inn on this day? If this is mere coincidence, I fear my heart will break. 
The deity, as expected, gave no direct reply, and Tor departed after placing a handful of Septims in the basin atop its plinth. 
The rainy night seemed all the more dreary once she left the warm, bustling atmosphere of the shrine, so it was with quickened steps that the woman made her way to the Bee And Barb, where Argis was waiting.
Argis. She froze inches from pulling open the inn's door, her hand hovering in midair. There had only been one room available, and she hadn't questioned whether the room would have two beds. 
Perhaps she was making a mountain out of a molehill. Tor felt a bit annoyed with herself, a bit frantic, and then more annoyed that she was frantic. What did she have to fear? She could have any partner she chose! They should count themselves lucky if she graced them with her presence. As the Dragonborn, she had to but speak and she would be flooded with proposals. 
Aye, and there was the problem with the whole thing. It would be some grasping nobility, some starstruck yearling coming to her to ask you're looking for marriage?, greed or awe shining in their eyes. Not the one person she sought. 
Tor straightened her shoulders, smoothed her expression, and opened the door to the inn.
"Ah." His conversational skills had always been lacking, but now Argis was at a loss. Tor, for her part, turned about the room again, seeming to be searching futilely for a second bed. 
"It would appear," she began carefully, shooting him a look that was downright apologetic, "that this lodging has afforded us one bed."
Argis grunted in reply. He may only have the lone eye, but it still worked. He settled down into one of the chairs beside the bed, placing both their trenchers on the somewhat-rickety table. "Come eat. You must be hungry. I know I am." He tried to soften his words somewhat, gesturing towards her with an already-full spoon. 
Tor lowered herself gingerly into the chair across from him, exhaling a sigh when the furniture held her weight. 
Argis couldn't help his chuckle at that, shaking his head. "My Thane, if these matchsticks could support me, they'll assuredly support you."
"It's always so damp here though, I fear the moisture gets into the wood." Tor mused, tearing a piece of warm bread from the loaf and dunking it into the stew they were to share. Argis caught himself watching her hands and he quickly adjusted his posture, staring down at the baked potatoes in front of him. 
He heard Tor's spoon clatter against her trencher, the woman exhaling harshly once more. "What is it?" She erupted crossly. "That's the fourth time you've done that today alone! Have I upset you, my housecarl?"
"I-" Argis stuttered, bewildered. She didn't usually snap at him, her temper always held in the burning, tense posture of her shoulders. "I apologize, my Thane. I meant no offense. I…I find myself at a loss, is all."
"Whatever for?" She still sounded annoyed, her voice sharp and carrying that burr of draconic rumble. "Look at me, Argis. What is the matter?" Tor continued after a moment of him studying his potatoes further.
"That is the matter." Argis was horrified to hear his own voice mutter, the warrior betraying himself at the bitter end. He heard her breath hitch. "I shouldn't look at you. If I so much as look at you, my mind…does things I cannot allow." He tried to explain, the words coming painfully slow. "I am your housecarl, and you are my Thane."
"Be honest with me, Argis." Why was her voice so soft? "What are these thoughts you struggle with?"
"Daydreams." Argis grated out, praying for mercy. 
The gods were not with him this evening, however, as he heard and felt Tor lean her weight onto the table. "Daydreams, aye?" Her voice now held a note of teasing, almost smug, but too warm for it to endure. "Daydreams about your Thane? Oh, surely that would be unheard of."
"Do not mock me, woman." Argis growled, glaring intently down at his meal.
"I could never." Tor insisted, and Argis finally dared to look up at her. She was just sitting there, elbows propped up on the table with a serious expression on her face. "The question is, would you rather keep it to your daydreams?" 
Argis opened his mouth, then paused. "You would have nothing to fear from me regardless, my Thane." He replied stiffly. "I am able to master myself and this…issue doesn't need to impede our current arrangement." Please don't send me away.
Tor sighed, rubbing her upper arms in a clear effort to banish some phantom chill. "I'm not concerned with impedement, Argis. What concerns me is that you may not understand the gravity of what could happen to you if you…if we become involved." Her face had gone pensive with contemplation. "I am the Dragonborn. You've witnessed time and again what lengths my enemies will go to in order to remove me from this mortal realm."
"I am sworn to carry your burdens," Argis rasped around the traitorous lump of hope in his throat. "Whatever they may be."
"But is this what you want?" Tor pressed. "I would not have you risk your life for me out of a misplaced sense of duty. We need not discuss this again, should you reconsider."
"I will not." Argis snarled. "I've thought and thought about this, I can't bear to think about it anymore. I…I want to." He was ashamed of how quiet his voice was when next he asked, "are you looking for marriage?"
"You've asked me that once before," was her light response, offering him no true resolution. 
Slowly, carefully, Argis slipped a finger beneath the leather thong around her neck, tugging the amulet of Mara into view. "Answer me, Tor." He murmured, using the sturdy leather cord to ease her closer. "Answer me. This goes no further than what you'll allow." She avoided his gaze for several long seconds, the woman obviously turning something over in her mind. Argis merely waited patiently, the uncertain conclusion twisting his stomach into a tight knot.
"I am." The Dragonborn, the woman, answered his query softly, glancing up at him through the curtain of her lashes. "Are…Are you interested?"
Argis cleared his throat. "I am."
"You are." She breathed, her whole face lighting up. "Soon?"
"Aye." Argis agreed eagerly, rising from the table and extending her a hand. "Now."
"Now? But the food-!"
Argis groaned in exasperation, knowing he could never tear her from a hot meal. "Finish the blasted thing, then. But hurry."
Maramal, priest of Mara, raised his hands while smiling at the couple before him. "It was Mara who first gave birth to all creation, and pledged to watch over us as her children. It is from her love of us that we first learn to love one another. It is from this love that we learn a life lived alone is no life at all."
A breathless hush had fallen over the crowded shrine. All that could be heard was the sound of crackling torches and the fierce downpour outside hammering on the courtyard.
It's perfect, Tor decided, giving Argis' hand a small squeeze. The priestess at the shrine and multiple enthusiastic faithful had seen fit to adorn her hair with flowers scavenged from the altar, carefully braiding the delicate blooms into her long brown locks. Argis had simply stood there and watched it happen, an odd little smile on his face the entire time while Tor protested half-heartedly. 
"We gather here today under Mara's loving gaze, to bear witness to the union of two souls in eternal companionship. May they journey forth together in this life and in the next, in prosperity and poverty, in joy and hardship." The priest then turned to Argis, asking the time-honored question, "Do you agree to be bound together in love, now and forever?" 
"Now and forever." Argis echoed, his voice strong and certain. 
Tor closed her eyes, a wave of relief washing over her. No matter how much she had tried to reassure herself, there had been that fear he would decide against this…incredibly impulsive course of action. 
Now though it was her turn to respond, the priest giving her a proud, warm look as he queried, "do you agree to be bound together in love, now and forever?"
"Now and forever." Tor said it softly, but the rafters still shuddered overhead from the power of the Thu'um. Argis chuckled, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand.
"Under the authority of Mara, the Divine of Love, I declare this couple to be wed." The officiant intoned, smiling broadly. The packed shrine burst into cheers, pilgrims tossing flowers and offering well-wishes to one of the many newly-wedded couples they would see that evening alone. As Tor and Argis stepped aside to make room for the next pair, Tor was startled by her housecarl sweeping her up in his arms and bringing their mouths together in a searing kiss.
Not my housecarl, she corrected herself hazily after a moment, my husband. 
"Sorry." Argis apologized, the man sounding as breathless as she felt. "Wanted to do that for a long time."
"Well don't stop now." Tor implored, dazed from the kiss and the sincere smile that he was aiming at her. "Surely you have more you would like to give?"
Argis opened his mouth, seeming to be about to retort, but he abruptly shook his head. Instead, he grasped her hand once more, urging her outside. 
"My wife," Argis breathed against her mouth, trailing kisses down her jaw. Tor was still fumbling with the buttons on her tunic, soft, helpless little whimpers catching in her throat. "Should we wipe the paint off first?" The man asked after a moment, his thumb smearing her customary facial adornment. 
Tor seemed to come back to herself, jerking fully upright. "Yes, I-I ought to-I mean, I should." Argis moved to fetch the ewer and basin, inciting her to frantically protest, "I can do it myself!"
"Shh, let me." He soothed, dampening the washrag. "Let me tend to you, my wife."
"But…" Tor's eyes half-lidded when the cloth met her cheek, and Argis felt her lean into his touch. 
"You can clean mine off, how does that sound?" He bargained, chuckling when she nodded silently. "Our first compromise." The Dragonborn opened one eye to glare at him but remained silent, tilting her chin when he asked her to so he could clean the paint off her brow. "There, my…" Argis tripped over his words momentarily. He had considered so many options, had thought about this moment for much longer than was appropriate, yet he had never settled on what he would call her. "...my love." He finished softly, making one last sweep over the bridge of her nose.
Tor cradled his face in her hands, her eyes bright with emotion. She brought their foreheads together, whispering, "my love." 
A tremor ran through Argis' body, so like when she was using the Voice near him in battle and power surged in his very bones. Yet it was also different, for the sensation sent a rush of heat to the core of his body. Argis mutely enfolded her in his arms, everything that he had longed to say still tangling up in his chest.
Tor's sigh was deep, but it did not seem to be borne out of discontent. She pulled away from him, picking up a fresh washrag to remove his own war paint. "What will we do after this, my love?" She clearly relished the title, lingering on it a bit longer.
Argis stayed silent, waiting until she had finished cleaning the marking from his cheek and jaw. Then, the Nord man surged forward, capturing her mouth with his own and pressing her back against the wall. "Whatever your heart desires, Tor." He rumbled, relishing the shiver his voice drew from her. "Whatever you ask of me, whatever you need. I am yours."
Tor plied her fingers greedily through his damp hair, her eyes focused on the collar of his shirt instead of his face. "I…would greatly enjoy it if my husband…"
Oh, she was everything he could have dreamed of and so much more, her face aflush and her fingers sliding down to cup the back of his neck. "Ask it of me and it shall be done." Argis promised. Then, unable to keep from teasing her a bit, "surely the Dragonborn can find their Voice?"
Tor huffed at him, obviously embarrassed. "Fine, if you will force me to say it!"
"Never." The man replied gently. "I will have it from you willingly or not at all."
"I am willing, it's just that…well, it's you." Tor explained awkwardly, tight fists resting on his shoulders. "You are…different. Special."
"High praise, but I've carried your spoils across the entirety of Skyrim. Flattery will get you nowhere." He had rarely witnessed her so rattled. If he hadn't been smitten before, her actions now would have certainly tipped him over that edge. "I would hear you say it if you can, my Thane."
"I…take me to bed." She mumbled out in a rush, burying her face in his neck. "P-Please, Argis, take me to bed and make love to me."
"Have you ever before?" Argis queried while easing them down on the counterpane, letting her continue to hide her face for the moment. He felt her nod into his shoulder and he smiled without meaning to.
"I was very young." The woman tried to justify her answer, seeming concerned about his judgment. "Old enough, of course, but foolish."
"Likewise. Good to know that this isn't a first attempt for either of us." Argis rolled his neck, grunting when it popped and released some of the tension he carried in his back. "I'm not sure I would be able to keep my hands off of you," he admitted ruefully, offering her a crooked smile. "I would try, of course."
"Suppose that's all I can ask of you." Tor chuckled.
It was always him. 
That was how it felt, anyway. Since the day she had stumbled through the gates of Markarth, worn and haggard from the road, it was as if she had been drawn to him.
Argis had been gruff at first, not unpleasant but not overly friendly either. He had kept his distance from her until he had witnessed her fight for the first time, witnessed her using the Thu'um to scorch a path before her. Even then, he didn't cower in awe or fear. He merely hammered the flat of his blade on his shield and raised his voice with her own, unleashing the ages old fury of the shield-mate dirge. 
They had stood back to back on that rise, her axe and his sword falling upon their enemies with fervor. "Forgive me, my Thane!" The man had apologized mid-strike through gritted teeth. "I did not believe the stories. I should have known better than to doubt."
"No harm done!" Tor rasped in reply, her throat raw. "Hard to believe without seeing."
"You are as gracious as you are fierce in battle!" The compliment had shot down her spine, providing strength to her weary limbs and reinvigorating her prideful spirit. 
Once they had finally routed the enemy troops, Argis had clasped arms with her.
"Honor to you, my Thane." The man had said sincerely, the faintest shadow of a smile on his face. "I will protect you with my life."
After that skirmish they had fallen into an easy camaraderie, oftentimes riding out to scout the way ahead of the battalion's movements. For all that she wanted to keep her distance, Tor had cherished those times on the road together. It had been peaceful, normal even, like she was a regular woman. 
Soon enough reality would crash back down on her however, leaving her tossing and turning in her bedroll while nightmares of Alduin plagued her sleep. 
One night Argis had woken her from a particularly harrowing dream, and she had nearly used the Voice on him before she realized where she was, who he was. The Dragonborn hunched over in a rare moment of visible weakness, her shoulders shaking with the force of her barely-contained sobs as she cried, "it's too much, Argis, it's all too much, I can't do this-" 
"You don't have to do it alone." Argis had cut her panicked rambling short. She could still recall the sharp shadows playing over his face from the low flames of their fire, the ferocity of his expression while he stared her down. "I am sworn to carry your burdens."
It was always him. 
"Argis," Tor breathed in his ear, loving the way he shuddered against her. "Thank you." Her arms lazily slung around his neck while he thrust into her, the woman basking in the attention her new husband saw fit to lavish upon her. He was not gentle by any means but he was also not without care, seeming content to touch his forehead to her own and softly mutter praise under his breath.
That is, until he settled back and draped her legs over his thighs. One finger traced a line between her breasts, down her stomach, over her mound, and all the while Tor trembled with anticipation. "May I?" Argis asked, his hand resting above where their bodies were joined. The woman nodded rapidly and he graced her with that rare smile once more, thumb cautiously circling on her clit. His hips shifted, hilting his cock fully in her, and Tor saw stars. Her head rolled back, fingers clutching at the tangled blanket beneath her while her new husband tenderly worked her into a lather.
"Argis-" she managed to sob out, moaning when he halted his touches. Instead, they were replaced by an adjustment in position, the man easily tugging her upright to ride his cock. Tor ground herself against him and Argis busied his mouth with her breasts, all the while his hands grasping at her hips until she was certain she would be bruised.
"My love," Argis grunted suddenly, "I am close."
"T-Touch me again," Tor begged, attempting to widen her stance. The man took the hint, middle and index finger working in tandem to help her to her climax. The nails of her free hand dug into the scarring left by the hagraven on his shoulders, and Tor arched her back. "I'm never–" she gasped, struggling to speak. "Never letting anything harm you again." Her forehead met his with a renewed urgency, dragon blood running high when she snarled, "You are mine." 
"As long as you're mine in return." The Nord man responded, rumbling in what could only be satisfaction when Tor nodded without a moment of thought. "Come for me, my love." His voice then dropped to a seething whisper, "come for your husband, be a good wife and come." 
Something about the way he spoke made Tor's entire being quake and she found herself crumpling into his chest as she came, her shoulders heaving with some forgotten sensation. Pleasure, she realized dimly, it is a good feeling. She had denied herself so long it seemed as though a dam was breaking, the experience powerful enough to have tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
Argis muttered an oath, picked her up off his cock like she weighed nothing and slid her down to rest on his thighs. Tor grasped his cock, needing no prompting to stroke him to his own completion. The man exhaled a shuddering groan as he came, his hot seed ending up smeared across her stomach in spurts. 
Tor dipped a finger in the mess, tucking it into her mouth for a taste. Argis groaned again, his hands carding through her disheveled hair. "Gods woman, mercy, mercy." He implored with a breathless laugh. "Have pity on me before you carry on doing something like that!"
"I love you." Tor blurted out, freezing immediately afterwards. Argis stilled as well, his lone eye wide. "I…I know we've only just married, and I'm--well, I'm not certain if you feel the same, but…" the Dragonborn trailed off awkwardly, fidgeting.
"Woman," Argis sighed finally, cupping her chin. "Do you really think I would have dealt with the frippery of that shrine if I didn't love you as well?" She could feel his hands shaking despite his stern tone. "This is not for duty or anything else you may tell yourself. This is…what I'm doing is for love."
"Ah." Tor said weakly. "I had hoped that was the case, but I didn't want to assume-" 
Argis cut her off with a kiss, laughing a little. "You are permitted to assume. Assume away," he teased, "especially if you do it while naked in my arms." Tor could feel her flush spreading down to her shoulders, which only seemed to encourage Argis' mirth. 
"Not certain how much longer I can endure you being in such good humor." She finally muttered, a bit sulky. 
"Don't pout, my love." Argis murmured, giving her one last kiss before pulling away. "Let me clean you up, and then we will rest."
"I can do it mys-!"
"Hush, love. Let me take care of you."
It really wasn't fair how he could look at her a certain way and all the fight seemed to leave her body. Tor felt a bit domesticated and she scoffed at herself, laying back at her husband's insistence and allowing him to wipe her clean. Before he could pull away again, she drew him back in for another kiss. "Forgive me my petulance?" She asked softly.
"It's already forgotten." Argis replied just as quietly, his expression warm if a bit tired. "Are you well?"
Tor waited a moment to mull the question over, taking inventory of how she felt. "Aye," she mused, stretching luxuriously. "That I am, my love." She paused, then glanced up at her husband. "Though I am a bit cold. Perhaps we could share the bed for tonight."
"Oh, only tonight?" Argis jibed, a low rumble of laughter punctuating the query when Tor huffed at him. "Of course, whatever you need my love."
"I ask for time in this." Tor whispered once they had made themselves comfortable in the bed. "I am…set in my ways." She half-hoped her new spouse had dozed off without hearing her.
"We have our entire lives." Argis slurred, the man clearly already half-asleep. A kiss landed on the nape of her neck. "All I ask in return is that you remain honest with me."
"I…" Tor bit her lip, the worries rushing to the surface anew. As if sensing her mental discomfort, Argis wrapped his arms around her, the large man protectively tucking her against his body. 
The Bulwark.
"I…I will, my love." Tor twined her fingers through his own, bringing his hand to her mouth and painstakingly kissing each knuckle. "I will do my best to give you the honesty you deserve."
"Good." Argis mumbled. "Now, be quiet and sleep."
Tor barely managed to stifle her giggle at the grumpy declaration, snuggling back into her new husband's embrace and humming in contentment. Oh certainly, the dawn would bring more work to be done! But here and now, in this moment, she could be at peace.
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itssuppertim3 · 3 years
Note
So, we got "meeting the folks", but what about parenting? How chaotic or good the Skyrim boys would be as parents?
Skyrim Husbandos as Parents:
HOOOHOOHOOHOH
Doing this with a female reader!
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Ulfric Stormcloak: Definitely wanted an heir to take the throne. When discovering the big news, he'll fantasize about the sheer joy their future son will bring. The new High King will become excited at the thought of having a powerful and ambitious prince. That is, until "prince" is later edited to "princess." That's right! Turns out Ulfric gets a little girl instead! In fact, I feel like it's one of those scenarios where he has, like, seven kids in total and they're all girls LMAO.
What kind of a parent would this guy be if he wasn't a busy one? He loves his children more than Talos himself, but in the end he's still the same politically driven Nord. He says, "not now, dear", "go play with your sisters", "the tea party will have to wait, my snowflake", etc. etc. He tries, though.
Veezara: Poor guy has little-to-no parenting skills (at first). It's sad, really. With his assassin career quite literally starting in his early infantry, he's never experienced parental affection, let alone having parents in general. So forgive him if he seems a bit clueless on how to treat his young. But he's a quick learner!
Surprisingly enough, Veezara would most likely be an extremely gentle parent. It isn't until he first holds his child in his arms when he finally realizes the beauty of life. And due to this, he turns his back on the Shadowscale along with the Brotherhood and will convince you to do the same. His children mean the world to him, and he'll spend every moment of every day with them. He doesn't want them to be associated with violence, however, he'll certainly teach them how to properly defend themselves.
Argis the Bulwark: Pshh, screw "Argis the Bulwark", it's "Argis the Papa Bear" now. If anyone were to approach me and tell me that he wouldn't be an awesome dad, they're getting expensive wine splashed in their face. They get another splash if they tell me he doesn't say dad jokes, either.
I imagine Argis to be the type to portray some kind of beast to startle his kids. There will be regular occasions of him simply chasing after his children throughout the house, roaring like an animal in response to their giddy squeals. An energetic dad, by far.
Teldryn Sero: I see Teldryn as the immature type of dad. Hell, you might as well be raising him, too. Instead of having your husband backing you up when disciplining your children, he's just as guilty as they are! In fact he's usually the one delivering the influence. So when getting onto your kids, expect lots of "papa told us to!" and, "papa said we could!"
On a sidenote, he loves telling bedtime stories. The children will plead and beg him to share more, which kind of defeats the purpose since they're supposed to be asleep. He also has a knack for reminiscing back on the time when you both first met. It's heartwarming, but they can't help but gag in corny disgust.
(often refers to his kids as "runts" or "rascals")
Ancano: DEFINITELY treats his kids like spoiled brats, which only comes naturally to his Altmer genes. He wants them to have the best of the best; the best education, best manners, best home life, best everything. To clarify, Ancano doesn't want his children to be the best. He just wants them to have the best. Much of this is comes from the neglect he received from his own family as a child.
Affection doesn't come easily for the poor mage. He loves his kids to bits, but he has a difficult time expressing it sometimes. He may become startled or even grimace when being squished into a clumsy hug or when being greeted by a peck on the cheek, but he's trying. He enjoys giving his children head pats and shoulder squeezes a lot. He'll also like to write brief notes for them, an example being: "Be sure to eat every crumb of the lunch I made you or there will be blood. - Sincerely, your endearing father. Mother blows many kisses."
Miraak: He rarely gets emotionally attached to anything. But much like Veezara, the first time he held his child in his arms was absolutely groundbreaking for him. And when they reached out their fragile hand to latch onto his finger, he swore he could feel his heart skip three beats.
He's very protective of his kids. He already suffers enough separation anxiety with you, and having tiny versions of yourself running around is even worse! If Sahrotaar or a cult member can't watch over them, by Akatosh he might as well put a leash on the little things. As a bonus, Miraak will make sure that his children are very knowledgable in the ancient dragon ways. He'll personally teach them Dovahzul, he'll teach them how to ride dragons, and when they're at the right age, they'll even undergo training to harness the Voice if they so wish.
Savos Aren: He loves his kids to the plain of Oblivion and back, but boy do they stress the shit out of him. Arch Mage? Yeah right, more like Arch... Paranoia. I don't know where I was going with that. Poor Savos can't even focus on his work the majority of the time while knowing his kids are doing gods know what around the college. What if they fell off the bridge? What if they injured themselves in one of the alchemy labs? What if they were meddling around with the students' experiments?!
Under no circumstances are they allowed in his garden, either. Left and right, "don't touch those!", "no, you can't pick them because they are pretty. They are poisonous!", "gods above, I need your mother in here."
Whiterun Guard: (it was only a matter of time before I threw him in the charade) He boasts... a lot. Feel sorry for the unlucky soul on patrol with him, because he won't be able to shut up about you and the beautiful children you made together. You know the whole "arrow to the knee" phrase? It's that, just worse. "I used to be an adventurer like you. Then the best possible thing on Nirn happened to me and now even better. Look at this picture my boy drew me. I don't care if you've already seen it, I said LOOK."
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I decided against adding Romlyn in this go-round since I already have some cute family headcanons for him. You can read them here!
ALSO, sorry for the slow content. School's been giving me an ass-whooping🥴
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lacyjaybird · 5 years
Text
"Are you jealous?"
Saw an answer @keichanz did with this line in it and honestly it stuck with me with a hilarious concept. 
@mustardyellowsunshine this is also for you, my darling.
---xx---
"I'm going to marry him." Kagome decided, nodding her head and taking another octopus puff from the bag from where it rested against her bare thigh.
“Which one did you decide on?”  Sango asked over her headset, in her own apartment a few miles away doing case work for her precinct. 
“The hottest one, of course. And he’s super strong with a huge house. I mean, Vlindrel Hall is a little dark and I can’t really have an alchemy lab if we add on once we have kids. AND the smithing amenities and Smelter are across town BUT you get four HUGE bookcases and plenty of room for storage. Plus once you upgrade the master bedroom it becomes super luxury. Only the best for my kitten!” Kagome ranted, gesturing with her hand at the screen’s menu as her Skyrim character rotated slowly to one side. 
“Why do you always choose Khajiit? Is it so you can reference that meme any time you get something you want? Like when you marry your Markarth hubby.” Sango laughed, making Kagome laugh as well. 
“AH! Yes! Khajiit do has Argis the Bulwark! But this Khajiit isn’t looking for sale! “ Kagome mimicked the species particular type of speech in the game as she toed a blanket closer to herself and pulled it over her legs. 
From the kitchen, Inuyasha curled a lip as he scrubbed the same bowl for the past 10 minutes. Since she had beaten the game, Kagome had been diligently searching for someone to marry in Skyrim. Looking at every eligible bachelor across the map, checking their level cap, what they had to offer her in terms of a home and their fighting style. And most of all, how attractive they where. 
 He watched as she got out of the character menu and ran towards the Great Hall where the dude she chose was staying. 
“Yeah, Yeah, I already completed all the quest from jarl Throngvor Silver-blood and am a Thane. So all I have to do now is buy the house and then he is my personal housecarl and I can wear the amulet and make him my handsome hubby and this can be my dream house as i go complete every side mission!” Kagome cheered, her armored cat-creature climbing the steps to the Great Hall. 
“Keh!” Inuyasha huffed, pulling the stopper to the sink drain and rolling his eyes. Every night after work for the past six months, Kagome allowed herself an hour and a half of game time. Weekends and holidays/ sick days were free to play as long as she wanted when she didn’t put in as much effort as possible spending time with her friends and him of course. 
And he had been perfectly fine with watching her battle it out, starting from the bottom as a nobody on a slave cart to be executed to slaying dragons and cyclops with ease. Usually he finished grading his students papers or even cheered her on.
But as she began this new journey.. searching for a husband.. he got more and more irritated. Need he forget the close call when she considered becoming a werewolf to wed one of the options.
“Find someone you ain’t gotta change for. You’re perfect just the way you are, ya fuckin’ walnut.” 
Now he sat on their bar stool, his hoodie sleeves rolled above his elbows as he leaned back onto the bar and hair tied into a bun, with a bowl of walnuts in his lap.. ironically enough.. watching as Kagome sat on the low couch and went through all the necessary steps to make this... Arse dude her in-game husband. 
He couldn’t even help his ears flicking in agitation. 
Deftly, clawed hands slowly wedged razor like nails in between weak points in the tree-nut’s hard exterior and gently pulled the sides apart as if it where the wrapper to a straw. His golden-honey eyes never left Kagome’s face and body as she chatted aimlessly with her friend. 
How is it that they have been dating for 4 years, and any time marriage is mentioned, she shies away from the topic. But now she hasn’t stopped imagining her fake life with a fake character in a fake game for the past hour. He already heard what she wanted to name their kids. 
IT WAS INFURIATING.
“There’s this girl standing beside me. But you know that you would be my maid of honor, if i did a western style ceremony. So I’m going to pretend she’s you. Okay. Annnnnd ‘I do. Now and forever.’ BOOM. I’m now Mrs. Escargot Pudding the Bulwark! Oh? Okay! I’ll see you Thursday after work for dinner. Sleep well!” 
Kagome hung up her phone, taking out her earbuds, and continued clicking through dialogue as she giggled to herself. “So handsome! Look at you!” 
“’I do. Now and forever.’ You serious?! Dude looks like a meatball. He has a face tattoo for fucksake!” Inuyasha growled, tossing one sweat-pants clad leg over the other, bare foot tapping wildly in agitation.
Kagome paused the game and turned her attention to the half demon munching angrily on the meat of one poor walnut, his gaze averted. Her eyebrows seemed determined to lose themselves in her hairline.
“Inuyasha.” She asked, her tone slightly amused. 
“Are you jealous?”
“Jealous?!” He scoffed, his action so dramatic she was sure his jaw would dislocate. “Why would I be jealous of a dumb ass fuckin’ video game! It ain’t like that’s a real person you’re talkin’ to. Marry whoeverthefuck ya want. I don’t care. Don’t bother me none.” The man rambled, his chin jutting out in distaste. 
Kagome, ever wise to her lover and his mind, saved her progress and turned the game off.
Long, slender legs carried her in front of the pouting man and she stood, hands on her waist, for only a moment before she decided how she wanted to approach this. Her best bet? Sweep his feet right from under him. 
She noted the way he still avoided her gaze and rolled up the sleeves of her pea-green sweater, its hem barely coming to the edge of her denim shorts, as she spread her legs to either side of his. Quickly, almost startlingly quick for Kagome’s usual movements, one of her hands slapped the wall to the right of Inuyasha’s head and the other went behind him to rest on the counter. Making her small yet full frame VERY MUCH in his face in a full kabe-don pose. 
“Well in that case, Takahashi-kun.” She snickered, licking her lips playfully, a giggle threatening to escape from her throat when his eyes snapped in her direction.
She hadn’t used honorifics or any type of formal language with him since she met him in primary school. 
“ I would like to think that you were perfect marriage material. Was betting on it, actually. But I can’t have a husband who lies to me when i ask him a simple question. So i suppose I’ll just have to start aaall over-” “You’d actually marry me?” He interrupted, pulling her by the waist as he uncrossed his legs and made room for her between them, his canine ears standing painfully straight. His heart simultaneously feeling like it wasn’t beating at all but also like he was running faster than the wind itself. 
Kagome looked into his eyes now. All trace of irritation and fussiness gone. They swam with questions and fear, hope and excitement. Their spun gold and honey mixed with amber was alive and searching for anything and everything only she had to give.
For months now, she had been afraid of their future together. Unsure if the past would remain there. If she was truly enough for him. If he actually wanted more than just this cohabitation with her. A family. A life. A marriage. 
And strangely enough, watching him get jealous over a video game character answered it all for her. He did want her, but his stupid mouth and brain just didn’t know how to communicate it.
“Yeah.” She whispered, her hands traveling from their positions on the wall and counter to his immediate body and slowly towards his face, her eyes closing slowly as she couldn’t help but smile, her lips brushing against his as he sighed. His chest rose up to meet hers as a clawed hand gently scraped up her neck. 
“I do. Now and forever.”
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itssuppertim3 · 3 years
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Skyrim Husbandos and Their Kisses:
Not too sure if someone's done something similar but meh, eat my toe if they have.
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Ulfric Stormcloak: His smooches are surprisingly mighty gentle... sometimes. For such a dominating figure, you think he'd randomly approach you, yelling, "get over here and let me smack you with my lips, wench!" But oh, no. You're his literal pride and joy. Mister Stormcloak over here will feather you in tiny, savory kisses throughout your day. At times it'll be a peck on the cheek or forehead. Others, a kiss on your hand. He likes to leave the hot and heavy kisses for a more appropriate hour.
Veezara: I think about this more often than necessary, but how on earth would you go about kissing a lizard? Do Argonians even have lips? Do they just... nuzzle? I'm so confused. Anyhoo, I imagine Veezara's kisses to be very romantic. I view him as someone who doesn't throw affection around lightly. When this assassin wants to give you some sugar, you better cherish it, because it's going to be slam packed with nothing but pure love and adoration.
Argis the Bulwark: Sloppy. Very, very sloppy; shameful, even. Especially when he's tipsy. They're also never expected, either. You could be sitting in the comfort of your home, unsuspecting of any alarm, only to be swooped up like a pillow and have your lips crammed onto the ones belonging to your housecarl. Argis will have an entertained grin blessing his face. And when you ask him what that was for, expect an, "oh, nothin'. Just wanted to greet my thane properly." Sweet bastard.
Teldryn Sero: He tends to get pretty creative with his kisses. They can be slow, clumsy, gentle, passionate, you name it! But more often than not, he leans towards the goofy kind. Teldryn's kisses are somewhat childish in a way. Kind of like kissing a teenager. He'll be chuckling to himself as he pecks your lips on repetition while clamping his hands tight on your thighs. And when sujamma has its way with him, he'll LOVE to give you hickeys. He enjoys branding your neck in those miniature bruises (mainly as a form of warding off guys) and relishes the way your cheeks burn in the heat of embarrassment.
Ancano: You can't tell me this man's kisses aren't suave as hell. Like look at the yellow bastard. Look at him!! He'll have no shame as he struts over to you, doesn't give a goat's hide what you're doing, and twirls you around to face him before he tips your chin and blasts you away with a kiss. It'll make your knees wobble and have you swooning for the remainder of your day. Yeah he's got magic and sinister plots up his sleeve, but there's some total ladykiller in there too. Psh, Onmund could never.
Miraak: He's a mix between, well, all of them. Maybe not Argis, though. But sheesh. This guy is already powerful enough. If he really wanted to succeed in killing you, all he'd have to do is grab you by the shoulders and dip you into a long lasting kiss. He likes to kiss you in heated moments. And I'm not talking entirely about sex. After a strenuous battle, something just kind of clicks in his brain and he's overwhelmed with the urge to just pull you into him and kiss the mess out of you. This only occurs when you're away from prying eyes, though.
Savos Aren: Savos' kisses are so sweet it's as if you're tasting candy. As mentioned in my previous headcanon, he loves to kiss your nose. But it's when he kisses your lips that really makes you grow faint. Additionally, he'll like to do this during a lecture. While your instructor is teaching a lesson, the Arch Mage will casually greet his students before taking ahold of your face and kissing you tenderly. Without another word, he'll simply take his leave as if he wasn't there to begin with. Special treatment isn't his thing, but good God does he love their dumbfounded expressions. What he loves even more is how brightly flushed your face becomes.
Romlyn Dreth: This mer's kisses are slowburn, but tend to be a bit messy at times. But who doesn't like a little messy in their lives? He'll greet you eagerly after a long day and allow his lips to trail along the entirety of your face, taking in each and every detail. Afterwards, he'll bless you with a weary smile saying, "hello, my love." Kissing your hair has always been a winner for him. Can you blame him? He loves how you smell! When lying in bed together, Romlyn will turn to peck the back of your head as a cute way of telling you goodnight.
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If anyone's interested in sending a request for a Husbando Headcanon, go ahead! These are hella fun to make.
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itssuppertim3 · 3 years
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Skyrim Husbandos Showing Affection:
Ulfric Stormcloak: There's nothing he loves more than kissing your shoulder. More often than not, he'll approach you from behind and cradle his head into your neck and plant his lips against your skin.
Ulfric's a fan of lingering touches. When the two of you are near one another, his arm is latched around your waist quite tightly. This is mainly a warning to anyone who requires it as well as the need to keep you closeby in case of any danger. He's protective, controlling, possessive, and pretty much everything in between, but it's adorable nonetheless.
Veezara: For an assassin, he sits a lot. Anytime one of his brethen goes to interact with Veezara, there he is in his little corner. But do you know what's missing? ~You~
That's right. Mr. lizard man can't stand to have you out of his lap. When you happen to be around, he'll throw a pout at you from afar while practically whining, "Come sit with me. I miss you when you're far away like that." It isn't until you finally have your head against his chest and your legs sprawled over his thigh when he has a satisfied grin stretched over his reptillian features.
Argis the Bulwark: He'll sometimes deny it out of pride, but he's crazy about giving hugs. What's better than being snatched up and smothered into a giant hunky man's chest? Argis's strong arms will barricade around you as he lifts you off of your feet with a barking laugh.
Another thing he'll do is hoist you up with one arm and let you sit against his bicep while carrying you. You can try demanding him to let you down, but your words are only falling on deaf ears. Your housecarl will only shoot a smirk your way and continue his business in defiance.
Teldryn Sero: Noogies! He doesn't care how long it took you to pamper your hair, it's going to be ruined. This is more of a platonic way of showing his affection, but Teldryn just can't be the playful mer he is without tucking your head between his arm and grinding his knuckles against your scalp.
He also loves squeezing your knee or thigh when sitting down. Somehow it's become second nature to him. Anytime you both are ready to enjoy some downtime at the Netch, his hand will come flying to your leg. (((imagine the grippppp)))
Ancano: Ancano? Him? Being affectionate?
Yeah, it'll certainly take a lot of time, effort, and patience to so much as receive a single compliment from the bastard. If anything, he's all about hand kisses and surgary words exchanged over expensive wine. And speaking of compliments, he's got plenty locked and loaded.
On your way to class after a long night of studying? Before you can process it, Ancano is already in front of you and pecking your cheek. "I'd say you look most ravishing this morning," he'll smirk before leaving you with nothing but your flustered thoughts to keep you company.
Miraak: Much like Ancano, he's good with compliments, though they aren't always quite as flirtateous. Believe it or not, he's more of the praising type. It's kind of like the sensation of having a teacher or mentor showing approval towards a difficult question you managed to get right. The only difference is he isn't giving you a gold star over algebra. It's dragon slaying. After finishing a battle, Miraak will press his mask against your forehead and say, "you fought most bravely, Dragonborn."
He'll also heal you after every fight, even if you're unscathed. Yeah, yeah, tell him how much magicka he's wasting. He doesn't give a shit.
Savos Aren: The concept of affection startles him a bit, especially when he first realizes his feelings for you. He's cautious at first, careful not to make things awkward or to upset you. Another thing Savos is nervous about is showing an apprentice special treatment. Eh, screw that he's the Arch Mage.
His touches are subtle, yet charming. If he notices a frayed strand of hair shielding your vision as you study, he will gingerly tuck it behind your ear without another thought. He's also a diehard fan of nose kisses. Agh, he loves them! Especially if your nose has a bump. He'll go mad if he can't kiss it at least once to start his day off right.
Romlyn Dreth: This mer's all about caresses. And I'm talking about the kind that melts you into jelly. After a busy day at the meadery, he'll often come home and kiss your temple while cupping his palm over your cheek. It's cute when Romlyn does this, but it's when his calloused thumb brushes your skin in a repeated motion that gets any girl weak in the knees.
And he does this constantly. You could be holding hands and his thumb will stroke your knuckles almost automatically. Kissing is even more swooning. He'll be completely and utterly focused as he tilts your chin and grazes his thumb over your bottom lip before drawing closer and planting a savory kiss.
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My parents are concerned that I'm simping for so many fictional characters but I'll just leave them to worry while I continue writing more headcanons.
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