#skyrim has made me soft

[chlorophyllium]

Silly little hc about Vilkas:

He was a bug kid. He spent a good chunk of his childhood collecting bugs, reading about bugs, writing down his little studies in his journal, and telling anyone all about them (Farkas freaked out when his brother described spiders and Tilma forbade a tiny Vilkas from talking about it during dinner.) He tried his very best not to kill them and would release them once he was done.

His absolute favorite are chaurus. He read about them in his books and bought an egg in his youth to try to hatch it with no success. Though disappointed, he still kept the egg for as long as the glow stayed until someone threw it out.

While his bug phase has shifted to hunting and keeping a codex of Skyrim creatures, Vilkas often buys chaurus eggs to keep in a bowl on his nightstand for as long as the glow lasts. The soft green blue light comforted him as a child and he still finds the light soothing on the worst of his sleepless nights.

#i had this hc for awhile and i read a fic about Vilkas talking to bees and !!! yes give me a brooding nerd who has a soft spot for bugs #baby boy probably was that kid that LOVED learning and SHARING knowledge until he was made to feel weird for doing it by family of peers #his love of dragons was tolerable because of 'ancient nordic tales' or whatever but BUGS?! #'time for a trip to Morrowind' mf been waiting for the day he could go to Morrowind when athis told him about the native bug like creatures #vilkas #skyrim #the companions

[frogchiro]

That Skyrim au thing you did a while back made me cream. But also, what if the reader is like betrothed and the guy she’s betrothed to is awful so the guys like kill him or something to keep the reader forever.

Im sorry this is probably so confusing but Im having a brain rot and I can’t think straight lmaoooo

Oh my god😭 i really didn't expect for my silly Skyrim thot to be so popular but I'm so happy ;;

Also I'm sorry in advance but I went with Graves on this bc kinda obsessive Lord!Graves is scratching an itch and I have many thoughts about him and tavern maid reader ;;

also if you desire so, it can be the same Lord Graves as the one here

fem!reader, not really nsfw but general perviness, obsessive Philip Graves (he's a lil delusional ;;), reader is implied to be chubby, gore & mentions of murder but nothing graphic really, creepy guy but dw, philip deals with him <3

OKAY SO as you can probably imagine, your arranged marriage to the local blacksmith was....anything than out of love or even affection, it was purely out of convenience on the insistence of your father. Your parents were getting older but you were still young and so beautiful, many men in the village would court you but according to your father the blacksmith was the best match; the fact that they were old buddies and often shared a drink together and the 'arrangement' was probably created during one of their drunken get togethers was an unspoken fact.

Another thing that displeased you greatly was the fact that not only was the blacksmith, Halvar was his name, your father's age but he was known to not be a pleasant man to be around. He was loud, crass, hot-tempered and terribly ill-mannered, not to mention a raging drunk so much that you wonder how did such a man keep up his workshop for so long. You knew about his drunken escapades very well, every server girl at the tavern knew about him and how terrible he got while drunk, and you were to be his wife? You felt defeated at best and simply humiliated and hopeless at worst.

You were dreaming and wondering about your wedding day and future spouse since you were a girl, would they be strong and handsome? Beautiful? Kind and caring and would take you away from this life of barely getting by? All those dreams quickly faded to nothingness when you came to terms with whom you'll be spending the rest of your life with and it was...miserable.

Little did you know about a certain someone who has been keeping his eyes on you for quite some time now. Someone who send his men, his 'Shadows' to spy on you and report back to him just to be sure that you're safe and okay and the last reports worried him greatly.

Because you see, Lord Commander Philip Graves was in love. He was in love with you and he had it bad. To him, everything about you was perfect; your clear glowing skin that looked so soft to touch, your hair flowing in the wind, your full breasts almost spilling out of the barmaid dress as you were giggling and serving him wine and dinner while he regularly visited the tavern you worked at just so he'd be able to watch you, gods he wanted to pull that annoying dress down and suckle on you tits, grope your full and soft body until you were mewling for him...

He was in love with your bubbly nature, your smile and with your full, plump body; he wanted to devour you and keep you as his, make you his Lady Wife and breed you full of his children. You'd be such a good momma Philip thought, with your caring nature you'd nurture your babies and you two would watch them grow into perfect lords and ladies. And while your marriage would probably spark a few controversies given his status as a lord and you a 'simple' villager but let's be honest, he wouldn't give two fucks about it. Let those little lordlings whine to him that he didn't chose one of their snotty daughters to marry, nobody would even listen to them and Philip would end up with a perfect little wifey.

The only problem was you 'betrothed', that old drunk blacksmith.

Philip scowled even at the thought of someone like that getting with someone like you. You were perfect in every sense and that poor excuse of a man was nothing compared to you...to him, Lord Graves.

The blonde drank deeply from his goblet, the spiced wine leaving a pleasant taste on his tongue and briefly he wondered whether you'd taste sweeter on his tongue...before his mind returned to the more unpleasant thoughts.

He was very well aware that the betrothal was an arrangement between your father and that man but it didn't lessen the burning anger in his veins, if anything it made it even worse. That old drunken bastard could barely make a straight sword nowadays so what would make anyone believe that he'd be able to actually take care of you? With him you'd have everything you'd ever ask for and more, maids and servants waiting on your command and Philip himself would tour the world if you asked for a specific kind of material for your dress or jewel.

Yeaaah, the blacksmith had to go immediately and Philip being a lord commander, basically owning all the villages around his castle, knew exactly what to do and how it'd happen.

He smiled to himself and brought the goblet back against his lips as he leaned on the windowsill to continue watching you take a bath in the lake, his keen blue eyes darkening with desire as he watched your naked body swimming in the body of water and giggling as some ducks swam by you. The blonde could already envision it; you, naked and flushed and panting, all warm and cozy among the luxurious furs and blankets of his bed with Philip panting above you getting down from his high and passionately kissing your swollen lips, growling and hugging you close to him and making sure to mark you up with lovebites and hickeys, rubbing his musky scent off on you to make sure everyone knows that you're his.

And while you'd be all smiley and cozy, drunk on your love and the warm glow from the hearth illuminating your skin, your ex-betrothed would be...less fortunate, rotting away in the deeper parts of the surrounding forest, half eaten away by nature, forgotten and completely eradicated from your mind.

#kin speaks #asks #interactions #i hope you like it ;; #cod x reader #philip graves x reader #philip graves x you #graves x reader #philip graves #call of duty modern warfare 2

[tastesoftamriel]

You know those cheesy pasta dishes with all the fancy add-ins like heavy cream and garlic so we can all pretend to ourselves that we aren't just eating mac and cheese like overgrown children? What sort of equivalent dishes do the people of Tamriel enjoy, that are basically just dressed-up "kid food" dishes?

Who doesn't love a cheeky meal that brings back memories of childhood? Across Tamriel, you'll find all manner of simple, hearty foods that will make you feel like a kid again!

Altmer

In Summerset, young and old alike enjoy mochi, a tasty sweet snack made from chewy glutinous rice flour. Mochi comes in many varieties, with fillings like sweet peanut or black sesame paste. However, almost everyone's favourite is a cold mochi filled with soft gelato of various flavours. My favourite combination is matcha mochi wrapped around a moreish azuki bean ice cream centre.

Argonians

Is there anything that makes you feel more like a kid than some snacking? Argonians are huge fans of anything that packs a crunch, both sweet and savoury. Whether it's spicy and sweet crickets, dark saltrice sauce-coated mealworms, or just good old prawn crackers with some dipping sambal, be prepared to snack your way all day long in Black Marsh.

Bosmer

If you're one of those people who stands in the kitchen gnawing a block of cheese at midnight, you're in good company in Valenwood. A popular late-night treat served at street food vendors across the Province is a simple cup of grilled witchetty grubs slathered in timber mammoth cheese sauce and topped with pulled pork. The grubs are meaty in flavour, and the pungent timber mammoth cheese complements the pulled pork when mixed all together, as the locals enjoy it.

Bretons

Pain au chocolat? Yes please! These deliciously buttery puffed pastries are essentially rectangular croissants enveloping delicious dark chocolate. Served warm, they're sure to make any breakfast or teatime a happy one! To really satisfy those chocolate cravings, pair with a classic Breton hot chocolate, complete with marshmallows and whipped cream.

Dunmer

Marshmerrow cake is the ubiquitous Dunmeri dessert that has gained popularity far beyond the borders of Morrowind due to its mild flavour and unique candy aroma. A soft sponge cake, which is sometimes soaked in comberry brandy, is layered with sweet marshmerrow crème patissiere, caramelised marshmerrow crumble, and maraschino comberries. Sure to knock some years off your age and put a couple more holes in your belt (it's impossible to stop at one slice. Source: me).

Imperials

There's nothing quite like homemade gnocchi with ragout for Imperials when it comes to comfort food. While this homey dish is prevalent across Cyrodiil, every household cooks the dish differently. In mine, my mother pan-fries the gnocchi in an obnoxious amount of butter, and tops it with her top-secret slow-cooked lamb and red wine ragout. While I cannot give away the secrets to her ragout, I highly recommend trying this delicious dish a try when you need to warm yourself, body and soul.

Khajiit

If you think you can turn away cinnamon and cardamom churros with a cup of moon sugar caramel dip, you're deluding yourself. This delicious treat can be found across Elsweyr and is considered one of the Province's most famous foods. Khajiiti churros, which are made from a mix of rice and tapioca flour, have a moist and chewy texture beneath a crisp, golden brown outer layer. They're served hot from the wok, with a cup of moon sugar caramel syrup. A truly divine pairing!

Nords

Spätzle is something I've written about in the past, and it's one of the best things I know (ask any resident of Skyrim and they'd tell you the same). These chunky egg noodles may look unrefined compared to Khajiiti vermicelli, but make up for it when liberally doused in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with fried onions. I like spicing mine up, quite literally, with some chili powder I purchased at a Sentinel bazaar.

Orcs

Nothing screams comfort food (and mess) quite like a good old echatere sausage hot dog. The echatere sausage, rather akin to Blackwood chorizo in flavour, is grilled over hot coals and served in a sourdough bun, served Wrothgar style with a good amount of horseradish mayo, fried radish chips, caramelised onions, pickles, and crispy dried baby shrimp topping. I'd say you can't stop at just one, but it's a hefty meal you can eat with one hand!

Redguards

I have probably written about gulab jamun in the past, a delicious, albeit cloying dessert popular throughout Hammerfell. An iconic dish at festivals and parties, gulab jamun is prized by dessert-lovers for its velvety, syrupy texture. These fluffy balls of cardamom-scented cottage cheese are fried and soaked in a fragrant saffron and rose water syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios. So simple, so good, and so moreish. Just be sure to stop at three, because any more and the sugar rush will send you to Aetherius!

#the elder scrolls #tes #Asks #food #cooking #worldbuilding #world building

[chaddywaddy3]

So like I'm playing oblivion and like I'm pretty fucking stupid and don't pay attention so I probably just missed something but like wasn't the whole thing about how fires of akatosh etc etc basically had a barrier between daedra entering and that's how merhunes dagon invaded by putting out those fires or whatever but how do daedra show themselves then like why does Hermaeus basically look the same in Skyrim when u meet him and the same in apocrypha or like how do u have that entire quest with sanguine or like how does a dremora get out to fuck my ass violently with a long sword

First off you're not dumb. The information they give you in game is limited unless you go digging through books.

TL;DR: the dragon fires don't stop communication and some daedra are strong and can appear they just can't interact with the world without help.

Now the dragon fires were first lit by the first Empress Alessia when she acquired the amulet of kings from the Aelids and made a pact with her patron diety Akatosh. He promised to keep the doors of oblivion shut as long as every Ruler of Cyrodill used the Amulet and lit the dragon fires.

I'm not going to go into the events of oblivion because I don't want to spoil it for Anon but you can bother me about it after you finish the game 🥰🥰

Its important to note, however that while the doors are shut, the phone lines are still working. As a result daedric worshipers can still communicate with the daedra and the daedra can communicate with their worshipers. Also, people on Nirn can sometimes open windows for dramora to come through the conjuration school of magic allows you to summon, and control if you have the strength, dremora and atronochs.

Some daedra, like Hermaeus Mora, are strong enough to open the windows themselves and peek in on men and elves and even appear to them. However they *usually** can't interact with the world without persuading a soft minded mortal into doing their bidding and running their errands for them. Think Septimus Signus in skyrim or Mancar Cameron and his cultists in Oblivion.

Tbh I don't know how Sanguine comes into Nirn I assume that he possesses a farmer that went on a little to hard of a bender. Or a worshipers summoned a dremora that has part of his soul in it. Regardless I don't think that you party with the God of parties himself just like... a version of him.

Hope this helped ❤❤

#long lost #thanks for the ask! #ask #skyrim #tesblr #tes #the elder scrolls #elder scrolls #tes v skyrim #elder scrolls skyrim #daedra #hermaeus mora #daedric lords #daedric princes #tes 4 oblivion #tes oblivion #oblivion

[thelavenderelf]

Something a little different than usual, but this is a page out of my sketchbook regarding the fur coat I designed for Sylvana that she wears during the events of Unstable. That piece can be found here.

I am a huge nerd when it comes to costume design and storytelling with costumes, so I wanted to make something that represents what she's going through in my fic. This outfit was also heavily inspired by the gorgeous fur coat Daenerys Targaryen wears in Game of Thrones.

My handwriting is kinda illegible, so my design notes will be under the cut. With some more in-depth info of course. It became a bit of an essay:

The majority of the coat is made out of an off white, creamy fur. Probably an ivory more than anything. The color represents the snow, death, and mourning. She starts wearing it after Kodlak's funeral, so it's a symbol that she's still mourning for him. The snow connection is obviously because of her snow elf heritage and it's winter time during the story. As for death, that is a bit more metaphorical. Or is IT!?!?!?

The coat is embroidered with strips of blue suede handstitched in a pattern closely related to the scale pattern of a dragon. Here is one of the reference images I used for the pattern:

Before Unstable, Sylvana was very much a reluctant hero and wanted nothing to do with being the Dragonborn. Unstable begins about a year and a half after said revelation, and she's starting to become much more comfortable with the title. This coat is the first piece of clothing she owns that was made just for her. She commissioned it from Radiant Raiment in Solitude and she specifically requested the dragon scale pattern because she thought it would be cheeky whenever a dragon tried to pick a fight and insult her with terms such as "soft belly."

The pattern also represents her growing confidence in herself and her abilities.

Blue represents her love of Skyrim and all the people she has come to care for. But most importantly, it mainly represents her growing bond with Vilkas. I also like to think that it was dyed blue with a mixture of nirnroot. Something tells me that nirnroot provides a nice blue dye.

The back of the coat features a panel of silvery, grey fur that continues to mimic the dragon scale pattern. The color silver represents change, vulnerability, and almost a sense of paranoia. And with the silver being on her back, her most vulnerable place, it also represents an incoming danger that she doesn't suspect.

And finally, the coat is lined with a light golden suede. It represents the past and a hidden connection. The golden hue is a call back to her being raised on Summerset and within the Thalmor. As for the hidden connection, it also draws back to the past, but way before she can even remember. This hidden connection represents a familial bond that she has wanted for so long, but may not be one she expects.

#oc: sylvana #aurora rambles #my art #skyrim oc

[randoimago]

I have a multi fandom request... specifically involving Dionysus, Zagreus (Hades), Fenris (Dragon Age) and Brynjolf (Skyrim) with their s/o who likes to fall asleep listening to the boys' heartbeat. Please and thank you 😄❤

S/O Likes Falling Asleep To Their Heartbeat

FANDOM: Dragon Age, Hades, Skyrim

Character(s): Dionysus, Fenris, Brynjolf, Zagreus

Type of Request: Headcanons

Note(s): Oh that's so cute!! But can't relate with Dionysus cause I'd rather sleep on his thighs oof

Also has it been mentioned in canon if Zagreus’s heart beats? I can’t recall if it is but I wrote that it does (albeit pretty slowly)

Fenris

He very much prefers having you close to him when you sleep. Just to make sure you're still there and you're both safe. So you laying on his chest is perfect for him.

Fenris would never consider himself soft (he's all about self deprecation) so he would never admit how pleased it made him when you told him that you like hearing his heartbeat. 

His heartbeat probably picks up a bit when you lay on his chest just because he’s not used to a more wholesome kind of physical affection. He’s not against it, he actually likes it a lot. 

I feel like after he’s gotten used to you laying on his chest, if you ever not sleep laying on him then he’ll be pretty grumpy until you lay the right way.

Dionysus

The guy has his tits out constantly, you laying on his chest helps keep him warm and he likes being able to just hold you.

Dionysus probably likes to ramble and talk a lot when you two are laying down together so he probably doesn’t even notice that you’re listening to his heart more than him. 

Has the biggest, dopiest grin when you tell him that you like hearing his heartbeat and it helps you sleep. 

Would teasingly call you a softy but after learning that he probably tries to be less noisy so you can sleep better.

Zagreus

Do you know how wide he'll smile when hearing you like listening to his heartbeat. Sure his heart beats on the slow side since he's in the Underworld, but it still makes her very happy.

Likes holding you close. Prefers spooning but would be glad to lay on his back if you sleep better with your head on his chest to listen. Also let's him play with your hair or draw different shapes on your back.

He would love to listen to your heartbeat, just hearing what it sounds like and honestly he understands. It is really relaxing.

Zagreus never really allowed himself to lay down and relax so now that he has you that likes to lay on him makes him take a lot more breaks or calling some favors from Hypnos so you can just have a nice quiet time relaxing.

Brynjolf

This man is going to tease you with no end in sight if you let him know that you like laying on him to hear his heartbeat. 

You’ll definitely get an “Have you gone soft on me, pet?” 

Does like you laying on his chest though. Being in the thieving business, he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to get out of something alive or not so having you lay on him lets him know that you’re both okay.

There are some nights where he can’t come home due to work, but when he is able to be there then he’ll gladly lounge with you, just having you lay on his chest while he reads a book or something. Just making up for his time away.

#skyrim x reader #hades game x reader #dragon age x reader #fenris x reader #brynjolf x reader #hades dionysus x reader #hades zagreus x reader

[dalishthunder]

Throw a Dart at the Map (p1)

Pairing: Nebarra/LDB (Gender Neutral Reader) Rating: Mature Words: 1131 Additional Info: Pining... Fluff and pining, Takes place after "Honor and Glory", Takes place during the Island Quest

During the Great War, there had always been a twinge of sadness when the battle ended. Whether the skirmish was won or lost, there were dead to count and name. Letters to write... and no time to mourn.

After Nebarra had begun mercenary work, that had shifted to a disappointment that his bloodlust could not be fully sated. The battle ended before he'd barely wet his blade.

And now... it was more relief. Relief and the wanting to see that furiosity and passion on your face longer. More often. It was odd to think that he'd been traveling with you for over a year now. But he wasn't about to ask you to bed just to see your expressions or passion between battles. You certainly didn't feel that way about him anyway. You were Skyrim's darling. The most eligible person in the entire province and even other parts of Tamriel....

Oh, Old Soldier...

He looked over to where you stood at the bow, cold sea air whipping all around, wreathed in the glow of the auroras above. There was something so wild and serene about it... about you.

It was the first time he'd gotten to be alone with you in probably close to a month. He wasn't even quite sure why you'd volunteered to come out here with him just to make a bit of coin.

Probably needed a break from all the pomp and circumstance.

Before he knew it, he'd made it to your side, leaning against the railing, shoulder bumping against yours as the waves rocked the ship.

You gave him a smile, eyes tired, haunting in the soft green glow, before leaning against him.

"You know..." He started after a long, long while, "We can go anywhere we want to now...."

A laugh bubbled from your throat like champagne, "We? You mean you're not sick of me yet?"

"Never said that." He almost wished you could see his grin. "But as far as traveling companions go, I supposed I could do worse. And someone needs to make sure you don't get yourself killed doing something irrationally stupid."

"That someone is Xelzaz.... For both of us."

"He does have a better head on his shoulders than most, I'll give him that."

You chuckled, and after a moment, you asked, "Where would you like to go?"

Home.

"Somewhere warm."

He wasn't quite sure if it was a good idea to bring you to the Isles. The Thalmor had started to show... interest in your activities, and bringing you into the den of serpents as it were would be unwise. No matter how certain he was that you would get along well with his brother. His parents....

Gods what a dumb turn of thought. You could absolutely not meet his parents.

Ever.

How much wine had he had already?

Not enough.

You straightened up, turning around so your back was against the railing and you could look at him. Your smile was intoxicating. "Alright. I'm down for that. I'm kind of interested in seeing the Sea of Pearl. Maybe Topal Bay?"

"Ohohoho, look who's been brushing up on geography. And here I thought I'd be able to mock you forever for being a dullard."

You gave him a halfhearted shove. "Sorry, been too busy saving the whole world to know every world detail up to your standard."

"Excuses don't look good on you, my dear Dragonborn."

You rolled your eyes. "So, it's settled then?"

"That you'd a dullard?"

"No!" You smacked him on the shoulder, and he just snickered. "That after everything's over we're setting sail for the Sea of Pearl."

His heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, it's settled. Once this whole mess has been dealt with, we're going south and getting some good wine. Something full-bodied. Actually, have you ever tried metheglin?"

You shook your head.

"We'll have to get some when we head south."

"What's it taste like?"

"It's a honey liquor. I haven't had any in ages.... There was a small town near where I grew up that made the best lemon infused metheglin. Last time I had it was the night before I was shipped off. Let me tell you the hangover while I was signing away my life to The Dominion was probably the worst one I've ever had." He let out a breathy chuckle. "I thought I was going to vomit over the poor hag's shoes." You laughed again, "You'll have to show me sometime."

"Maybe after the Sea of Pearl and Topal Bay."

"I'm holding you to it."

"I said maybe."

"Too late, you've already gotten my hopes up, Nebbadiah." Your smile was infectious, and as he realized the way he'd been leaning in, he was very, very glad for his helmet. He was sure kissing you was one of the dumbest ideas that had ever cursed his mind.

"Bad idea...."

"Oh..." Your smile faltered. "Yeah... sorry, that was a silly idea. The Thalmor don't really like me... no need to stir the pot even more by going into the heart of The Dominion...."

"On my oath, I will protect you if we ever do. Besides, if I'm going to retire on Auridon and buy a vineyard, the Thalmor had best get used to you or have a blade shoved through their gut."

It was difficult to make out in the dim green light, but he was pretty sure your cheeks flushed... or perhaps it was wishful thinking. And then you headbutted his shoulder. "What's the point of retiring if we can't relax."

We.

Yes, he was very glad for his helmet.

"Hmmm... I suppose we could settle for southern Cyrodil instead if we really have to." He drawled.

We.

Your forehead was still pressed into his armor. He was afraid if he moved, the mood would shatter; That nebulous future together fade on the wind....

"I think I want to travel a lot more before I retire."

"We've still got plenty of time left." After all, you were supposed to be the avatar of Talos or some such nonesense that the nords had made up. And as much as he liked to complain, Nebarra wasn't even technically middle aged.

"We've still gotta get Xelzaz to Highrock.... And figure out what happened to Lucifer."

He rolled his eyes, of course you'd have to bring them up while he was trying to live in some stupid little fantasy. He looked out over the horizon, spotting a small island. Someplace to dock for the night and potentially hide the boat until he needed it again.

Because as much as he'd like to believe the wine, and talk about sailing away or settling down together, he needed to live in the real world. So, reluctantly he pulled away.

"Yes, well, like I said, plenty of time."

#nebarra #nebarra skyrim #skyrim #custom voiced followers #thunderous applesauce #odt #I know I'm writing a lot for him #I am sorry.... It will happen again #Throw a dart at the map

[bluegekk0]

what kinda shoes would the fpk fam wear? like if they had to or something? would they like shoes?

(what im really asking is would grimm jokingly wear crocs once and hornet would despise it so much it would become a part of grimm's style forever)

I used to draw my Hornet and Zote designs with shoes, and I do think they still wear them when going on trips, they just take them off at home.

Generally most of them don't need shoes as they have paw pads. So if they wear them, it would mainly be for style, or maybe to avoid getting their feet dirty, or for warmth.

Vyrm would like comfy slippers, something that would keep his paws warm especially in winter. Soft and wool-like would be his choice. Perhaps if the summers were hotter in Dirtmouth, he'd go for something like sandals? But I think what's more likely is that he'd just walk barefoot.

Grimm has digitigrade legs so his shoes would have to be specifically made for this kind of anatomy. He'd either have shoes cover the entire foot, or leave the toes out in the open and have some decorative wrapping on the rest of the foot (like this mod for Skyrim). Not sure how crocs would work in this case, but there is potential to make them extremely cursed if you go for the first option.

Hornet has her boots and so this is the kind of shoes she would stick to, just like Vyrm she's plantigrade so she has a lot of options when it comes to shoe types we're familiar with.

Holly is the same case as Grimm, though I think they'd stick to being barefoot. They don't care about style as much, at most they'd use some wrappings to cover the foot above the toes.

Zote, like Hornet, already wears boots, though he gives me a socks with sandals type of vibe. Maybe some sneakers as well.

With the kids it's difficult to see since they're so small, but they're all digitigrade like Grimm, so it's a similar case to his. Though for now I think they would all just wear socks instead of shoes, maybe those non-slip gripper socks, even if it's unnecessary (their paw pads already work in a similar way).

#ask stuff #feral pk au #modern fpk au #fpk #vyrm #grimm #hornet #holly #zote #lewk #asta #milo

[concussed-to-pieces]

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.

#argis the bulwark #female dragonborn #f!nord dragonborn #argis x f!Dragonborn #argis x female dragonborn #friends to lovers #mutual pining #skyrim #tes v skyrim #argis the bulwark imagine #skyrim imagine #skyrim fanfiction #skyrim fandom #canon typical violence #happy valentine's day! #tor the dragonborn

[imogenkol]

— OC TAG GAME

tagged by my lovelies @corvosattano @jackiesarch @marivenah @inafieldofdaisies @voidika thank you!!! 💕💕💕

tagging: @chuckhansen @queennymeria @risingsh0t @sstewyhosseini @aceghosts @florbelles @adelaidedrubman @shellibisshe @shegetsburned @minaharkers @loriane-elmuerto @simonxriley @socially-awkward-skeleton @roofgeese + anyone else who wants to! (Sorry for any double tags!)

— FAVORITE OC

No one’s surprised. With my current and ravenous sw hyperfixation, Imogen is at the top atm. She is just so fun to write and develop. I really didn’t expect to become as attached to her as I am, but she really is my emotional support war criminal <3

— NEWEST OC

Oh, Leera, I really need to give you more attention. With the last half of the mand*lorian losing me a bit, I kinda forgot about her development. But I fully plan to give her the time of day cause I still really love her concept and was excited about her lore

— OLDEST OC

She…. Jayde has been with me going on 12 years now. She was a cringe middle school creation (and still is) but she has grown up and developed with me all these years. No matter how far I drift from her, she will always have a very special place in my heart and soul

— MEANEST OC

Oh she’s back again. There were a few contenders, but the others have hearts of gold buried under their cranky facades, whereas Imogen is straight up a cold hearted villain sometimes. Even when she’s trying to be better she’s still a bitch to everyone (except to her girl <3)

— SOFTEST OC

No real contest here. Nadya is just such a soft, kind hearted spirit. She’s been dealt a really hard hand in life more often than not and it should have turned her into an awful person, but it ended up doing the opposite

— MOST ALOOF/STANDOFFISH

Seriously who keeps letting her back in here? Anyway yeah she’s not out to be approachable in any way, shape or form. Of course this doesn’t always stop people, but they usually end up regretting it pretty quick.

Honorable mentions: Jayde Thatcher, Raleigh Pierce, Yrsa Gunnr

— DUMBEST (AFFECTIONATE) OC

She has a -1 to Intelligence. I once rolled a 0 on a check. She fell down the same flight of stairs three times in a row and got electrocuted while doing it. I can go on, but do I need to?

Can’t leave out Skyrim’s resident Himbo. He fell in love with the woman who mauled him <3

— SMARTEST OC

Given her education, training, and overall success in her field, I’d say she has definitely earned being titled the smarted. It’s also partly why I haven’t done much with her lately. I’m dumb as hell <3 but I really want to play these games and do a deep dive one of these days

— OC I’D BE FRIENDS WITH IRL

The amount of times I’ve made a comment that V immediately says in the game is kinda spooky ngl. We have the exact same sarcastic attitude and she’s just like me fr without even trying. We’d get along great irl, to the detriment of everyone around us.

#rip to me making this whole post twice cause the wifi is ass #oc insp: imogen kol #oc insp: eddy #oc insp: jayde thatcher #oc insp: kåre battle born #oc insp: nadya bishop #oc insp: Genevieve Cohen #oc insp: Leera Locke

[star-lit-mist]

Tarak x Gelebor

(Fluff and soft shit, will continue this as NSFW if requested, brain capacity is overloading rn)

The Vale was freezing cold, even more so than the most northern parts of Skyrim. Tarak trudged over the frozen lake gripping onto the bow of Auriel, ‘i should have taken the damn wayshrine..ugh how did I forget those exist?’ He thinks to himself while walking over the ice, watching his every step, he may be a vampire and cold blooded but he didn’t feel like becoming a literal popsicle.

Tarak followed along the icy crevasses and deep frozen ravines, knocking any feral falmer he came across to their deaths. Some might escape but he doesn’t worry about that he just wants to get to the chantry to return this bow to the knight-Paladin and also last known true snow elf, Gelebor. Just thinking about him makes Tarak’s throat clench up a little, ‘such a beautiful mer… why did the atmorians want to wipe them all out? I’ll never understand humans.. ha that’s kind of strange’ he thinks to himself, after all Tarak was half Nord, while his aquamarine eyes stayed pinned to the ground deep in thought he nearly tripped over one of the chantry’s many stairs “ah?!- fuck- damnit!” He grumbles as he regains his balance and looks up at the statue that stands proud at the entrance to the grand elven temple.

He grumbles more and looks away from the statue, ‘stop judging me.. I understand I’m not welcome here and just want to return your damn bow’ he quickly scurries up the stairs and opens the giant golden doors, taking a quick peak inside he notices the place seems more clean and no longer full of frozen falmer and Charus.

“Gelebor?” He says loud enough for it to echo through the walls of the ancient building, closing the giant doors behind him he starts to make his way though the temple. Peaking around every corner, looking all over, where could Gelebor be? Finally he enters the main chamber, made easier by the fact that their was now shining sliver stairs leading into the hall ‘he must of been really busy’ Tarak thinks as he wonders into the giant room, he spots Gelebor almost instantly, the small framed but tall mer sleeping against an old stone table, his head down and snowy white locks of hair in his face. Tarak approaches him, sitting the bow onto the table and reaches out to touch the mer only for him to be startled by a small yawn escaping the sleepy snow elf before he looks up, eyes adjusting to Tarak’s dark figure. Gelebor is instantly startled and jumps a little before realizing who it was “oh- well hello friend, what brings you ba- *yawn* back to the Vale?..” Gelebor says tiredly, as he goes to get up he is quickly ushered back down by Tarak.

“Sorry to bother you, knight-Paladin, I came to return the bow to its rightful place, Harkon was defeated and the bows safest place is here with you” Tarak says calmly and soothingly, his voice sounding like honey, it makes Gelebor more tired.

Tarak only smiles and pulls off his fluffy ice-bear pelt and drapes it over the sleepy snow eld “oh… what I’d sacrifice to hold you..” he mumbles softly to himself, he notices Gelebor shift and turn to face him, a tired expression on his face as he proceeds to lean against Tarak, gripping his armor tightly, seemingly afraid he may vanish.

“Then hold me, Champion of Auriel..” Gelebor grips his armor tighter as he feels Tarak pull him close to his chest he manages another sentence “I’ve been so alone..” he then feels Tarak start to brush his fingers through his snowy curls. Tarak manages a few words “you don’t have to be alone anymore, I’m here and I’ll never leave you”

#skyrim #the elder scrolls #elder scrolls #altmer #altmer dragonborn #falmer #gelebor #Gelebor is a bby Girl #nord dragonborn #quick something I spit out past Recommended hours #coffee made me do it 0-0

[starfipufftop]

Hiya! My name is Starfi Puffytop [@starfipuffytop], and I use he/him pronouns!!

[pfp made by veluv_art on picrew]

ABOUT ME:

AFAB gender-non-conforming transman

bisexual + polyamorous

ADHD + OCD + Autism

My name comes from “The Legendary Starfy”, which was a nintendo ds game I played as a kid!! The main character is a little star prince who’s very clumsy and cute, which I relate to [not the prince part… unless someone wants to make me their prince..? jk… unless..?] so I picked that name for myself after I transitioned!!

I really love art and writing, nintendo video games, all board games, listening to music like 24/7, and nature journaling!!

I am a chronic insomniac so I am excruciatingly eepy aaaall the time, but I love a good snuggle in a cozy bed!!

I am currently exploring the furry community, trying to figure out if I’m into that!! I have absolutely no issue with furries, y’all are cool as fuck!! I am just still unsure if I like it/how I like it!! I am currently in the process of making my first fursona, so if anyone has any tips I’d love to hear!!

Special Interest: art [specifically character designing] + writing [specifically dialogue]

Current Hyperfixations: Animal Crossing New Horizons, Skyrim [especially Miraak and Hermaeus Mora, Sheogorath, Cicero, etc.], Puss in Boots The Last Wish, Pokemon Scarlet [especially Arven], Dungeon Meshi, Our Flag Means Death, Sundrop/Moondrop from FNAF, Fallout games [especially Charon from FO3, Arcade Gannon from FNV, Hancock from FO4, MacCready from FO4, Nick Valentine from FO4, Kellogg from FO4, etc.], Spider-Verse [especially The Spot/Johnathan Ohnn + Miguel O’Hara], The Arcana [especially Muriel, Valdemar, Julien, Asra, Vulgora, + Valerius], Madhouse Mike from Cryptid Crush, Eddie Brock/Venom, Ultron from Marvel, Nathan Summers from X-Men/Deadpool, Otto Octavius/Doc Ock from Spiderman, etc.

A brief description of what I look like for those that are curious [or if that’ll add to your experience with this blog]: 4’9”, very soft muscular pear shaped body type, slightly wavy ginger hair in a mullet of course, I wear big ole glasses with a funky pattern on the frames, I have a big round button nose, I’ve had top surgery so I don’t have titties anymore but I have nipples that I still have feeling in, I love to wear cozy clothes like sweaters and fuzzy socks, I don’t really like to wear lingerie but really cute panties is always a must, I have a few piercings on my ears and a septum piercing, I want to get lots of fun tattoos but I haven’t yet, I have very small hands [perfect for holding and stroking🩷], and I have a ton of freckles and moles all over my body!!

ABOUT MY BLOG:

This is an 18+ ONLY blog, so minors DNI!! 

This blog is intentionally anonymous, so I will not be posting any irl pictures of myself or other personal information other than my name!! Please do not ask for any irl pics or info, or else you will be blocked!!

I wish to use this blog to explore my sexuality through primarily writing [with both fully original content as well as fanfic type of content], but I might eventually include some artwork!! I will be writing things that turn me on and that I fantasize about, but I am also interested in collaborating with people if they send me their prompt ideas!! I will only write things I am mutually into, so if I deny your request please don’t take it personally!!

I have been writing for years, both casually and professionally, but I am currently trying to mix up my style and improve my skills overall so please be patient with me if things aren’t going the way I intend at first!!

ABOUT MY SEXUALITY:

I am attracted to ALL genders/non-genders, both sexually and romantically!! I am polyamorous, but I am not interested in engaging in serious relationships through this blog!! I already have partners irl, so I am simply here to flirt and be slutty on the internet!! I welcome engagement with my content, but I have the right to set boundaries and block people if I feel uncomfortable with anything!!

TURN ONS: bondage, size difference, age gaps, being dominated, praise, rough play, [in very specific and safely set up situations] CNC, creampies [but NOT true impregnation], edging, overstimulation, use of toys, soft pain [bruises, light slapping/spanking, hair pulling, etc. cuz I am a big baby lol], crying kink, biting/marking, cuckholding, voyeurism/exhibitionism, sounding [obv not receiving cuz I have a boycunt, but watching it is just lovely!!], possessiveness, corruption kink, roleplaying [especially with mild power play scenarios like professor/student, boss/employee, but it has to be 18+ no matter the scenario], free use kink, tentacles/monsterfucking, choking, rimming, anal and vaginal, oral [both giving and receiving, but damn giving is so divine], fingering, body worship, nipple stimmulation, bullying/degradation [but when it’s mixed with praise, ie “you’re my perfect little dumb slut… good for nothing other than my pleasure…”], growling/animalistic/predator/prey, being pinned down, nicknames for me [ie good boy, sweetheart, cumdump, pretty boy, etc.], nicknames for partners [ie daddy/mommy but not in a step fantasy way, mistress/sir, etc.], gangbangs/threesomes/foursomes, partner swapping, double penetration, fear play [but in a safe/consensual manner with no real harm attached], etc.

UNSURE KINKS: full BDSM, hard pain [intense slapping/spanking, cuts, etc.], spit [I like the idea of it, but I sometimes get icked out by it before I can even enjoy it lol], dominating others [I am definitely not a dom naturally, but I feel like I might enjoy exploring it a little bit eventually], light pet play [not interested in full acts of pet play, but I love being someone’s cute little bunnyboy/puppyboy], nipple clamps [I have really sensitive nipples, so it sometimes is just too painful, but I am in search of ones that aren’t so painful so I can actually enjoy it lol], blindfolding [makes me feel a bit claustrophobic still, but I can see myself getting more into it], etc.

HARD NOS: foot fetish [sorry!! I just have a foot phobia!!], extreme aggression/violence, tickling, any unhygienic fetishes [this includes piss, sorry!!], food related fetishes, giant/ess related fetishes, inflation kink, CBT [obv not the therapy lol], pegging someone else [I love to be pegged and watch others do it tho!! I just don’t like to do that myself!!], using gags [these unfortunately make me feel unsafe, so I don’t like them], swallowing cum [devastated by my inability to do this, it’s just too yucky of a taste and texture for me lol], fisting, wax play [too messy and again yucky texture], age play, step fantasy, slave/master dynamic, etc.

CONCLUSION:

Please just try your best to be kind, patient, and respectful!! I will of course always do the same, cuz mutual respect is so important especially in these types of intimate spaces!!

Feel free to send me messages/asks with requests!! I am very friendly, but I am also very shy so I might need a little bit of practice doing this online before I get fully comfy with collaborating!! Anyways, thank you for reading!! I look forward to seeing where this blog takes me!!

#intro post #introduction #blog intro #pinned post #pinned intro #introductory post #nsft #trans nsft #queer nsft #ftm nsft #t4t nsft #suggestive #ftm sub #t4t #nsft writing #nsft art #spicy writing #spicy content #spicy creator #fanfic #spicy fanfic #spicy fanart #queer ns/fw #ftm ns/fw #ns/fw #t4t ns/fw #exploring sexuality #ao3 #fanart #my art

[tastesoftamriel]

You've mentioned food enjoyed by young children, so let's go the opposite route; what are some foods from across Tamriel that are infamous for being Old People Food?

Ah, of course. There's always that food that inexplicably only old people like. I'm never here to knock anyone's favourite foods though, so here's a showcase of some of Tamriel's dishes most beloved by its aged population.

Altmer

Heron liver pâté is, in my opinion, the least palatable Altmeri food there is. Mushy yet inexplicably chewy, this pâté has a distinctly muddy smell and texture that old Mer seem to love. If you've still got teeth, it's common to dip grissini and crudités into the pâté, but if not, the pet food texture is fine to eat with a spoon.

Argonians

Older Argonians love their papaya! It's good for the health, and...bowels, especially? This mighty fruit is often pounded into a pulp with fresh turmeric root and scuttlebloom nectar, a bit like a very thick juice, and the mixture is happily inhaled by the geriatrics throughout Black Marsh. I love papaya, but not so much when it's served this way.

Bosmer

Timber mammoth milk soup is very much an old Mer dish in Valenwood. Simply put, it's just a bunch of meaty ingredients boiled until they fall apart in a soup base made from salty timber mammoth milk. The dish is definitely an acquired taste, from the slightly slimy yet frothy texture to the practically liquid meat bits.

Bretons

Master confectioners in High Rock are always in the business of pumping out sweets that almost nobody eats, bar the older population. Whether it's violet sweets, liquorice drops, musk sticks, or butter mints, for some reason, every Breton over the age of 60 develops an inexplicable craving for these sweets. I think I'll stick to lemon sherbets, personally.

Dunmer

I know that I talk about saltrice porridge a lot, but saltrice congee infused with ginseng and gingko nuts are right up there in terms of ancient Dunmer food. Add some pulled trama root (boiled until soft), pickled comberries, and ash-cured kwama egg, and you have a strongly herbal-scented meal with the texture of snot.

Imperials

While not as old people-y as most other dishes on this list, classic dishes, like my Emperor's Venison Fricassee, are hardly considered to be exciting food on the Cyrodiilic gastronomy scene. The humble fricassee is a palatable, if slightly boring dish with a stew-like texture, but doesn't contain any particularly strong flavours. Said to be the ultimate old-person dish in Cyrodiil.

Khajiit

Age isn't going to stop any Khajiit from imbibing moon sugar, but the way it's served is slightly different. Peanut soup, which is literally just a hot slurry made from boiled peanuts, is a nutritious dish often served for dessert. However, the taste is, at best, horrifically boring, and the only way to fix that is with lots of moon sugar. The end result is something akin to eating runny peanut butter, to which I can only politely say 'no thanks, Clan Mother'.

Nords

Just because we honour the older members of our communities in Skyrim doesn't mean that we're above making jokes about what they eat. If you think pickled fish is bad, try the trout that's been fermented in a barrel for a few months, then cut into slices and served atop flatbread with beets and sour cream. It sounds worse than it is, but this is the sort of food that makes me flash back to Granny Matilda's cottage when I was a child.

Orcs

The fact of the matter is that many Orcs don't live to see old age as an adversary, but those who do develop some curious dietary habits. Steamed potato pudding with wrathberry raisins is definitely one of them- a pungent dessert that's absolutely nobody's favourite besides probably the stronghold elders. It's basically a regular steamed pudding made from potato flour and densely studded with wrathberry raisins, something like a New Life pudding. Very filling, kind of bland, and perfect for the geriatric Orsimer in your life.

Redguards

A mild Alik'r curry made with snake eggs and okra would be my pick when it comes to describing the favoured food of elderly Redguards. Whole boiled snake eggs and slices of okra float in a thin goat's milk-based curry, which is served with a side of cous cous or rice. It's simple food, but so bland and boring you'd hardly recognise it as Redguard cuisine.

#Asks #Food #Elderly #old people #Tes #the elder scrolls #cooking #food #World building #Worldbuilding

[ladytanithia]

Snippet Someday

Tagged by @dirty-bosmer - thanks for the tag! I tag @sunny-d-anomaly, @skyrim-forever (not sure if you've already been tagged by someone else), and @gwilin-stay-winnin. Of course, you are under no obligation to participate, but I hope you do!

Rules: Revisit an old fic (or earlier chapters of your current WIP) and share a snip from:

Your first chapter Your favorite chapter Your most challenging chapter

Alternatively, if you don't write longfic, feel free to share your one-shots. Provide as much or as little commentary as you want.

Mine are from my longest story to date, which has become a series. It started out with Dalliances with Dunmer, and it is kind of an old fic in a sense, and also still a WIP. (My written soap opera, haha.)

From Dalliances with Dunmer:

First Chapter: Planting the Seed

When I started this story, I didn't have any real plan for it. I just had this idea that my "slutty" LDB had gone from disliking Neloth to realizing how intelligent he was and that his self-important bluster was a facade. She got Talvas (already her FWB) to conspire with her to seduce him.

"Master Neloth, are you not the least bit attracted to me?" She moved so that her barely covered breasts were in his line of sight, watching his face as she did so. She knew he could smell the essential oil she had daubed on her pulse points and between her breasts – a subtle mix of flowers and spice. Yes, there it was: a brief flicker in his ruby eyes as they skated quickly over her chest and quickly refocused on his notebook, a brief flaring of his nostrils as he inhaled her scent.

Acting purely on impulse, she reached out and placed her palm on his far cheek, gently but firmly turning his face toward her. He still refused to meet her eyes, but amazingly, he didn't protest her touching him.

"Listen, Neloth," she said gently. "I don't know how women treated you in the past, but I assure you, I don't play games. This is not a prank, and I am not messing with your head. I do find you to be handsome as well as intelligent, and I sincerely do want to take you to bed. I'm sure you think that love and sex are unnecessary and for the weak, but I believe you really need to get in touch with that poor, repressed sexual side you keep so tightly under wraps. I would love to assist you in researching THAT." She winked at him with a kind, understanding smile, knowing that he saw her even though he wasn’t looking directly at her.

Neloth covered his bewilderment admirably. "If you are quite done, Miss Miranja, I have pressing matters I must attend to. I will let you know the next time I have need for an assistant… or a test subject."

"As you wish, Master Neloth," Miranja said, releasing his face and stepping away. She smiled inwardly at his first use of her actual name. "Please think about what I've proposed, and don't keep me waiting too long. I want you so much it physically hurts." She darted in quickly and planted a moist kiss on his soft gray cheek. He made a small choking sound but otherwise remained impassive.

Outside the front door, she lounged against the wall and waited. After a few discreet moments, Talvas came out, smiling.

"He's muttering to himself," Talvas reported. "More than usual, that is. He’s obviously agitated."

Miranja smiled back impishly. "I hope, for all your sakes – you, Drovas, Ulves, and Elynea – that I can break him down and relieve his, um, frustration. I have a feeling he might be in a better mood once that's taken care of. Thank you for your… assistance."

Talvas gave a showy bow. "You are most welcome, my Lady Dragonborn. It is a pleasure to assist you. Saving Tamriel from dragons and sexual frustration, one dragon and one man at a time. I’m happy to be one of those men."

Favorite chapter: Dreaming of Revyn

This was a flashback where Miranja was remembering her first time with Revyn, who has become one of her dearest friends and favorite lovers, in spite of his jealousy.

He released her hand and began buttering some bread for them both. She tasted her stew, and suddenly realized how very hungry she’d been. The stew was amazing, and the buttered bread made it even better. She told him the story about Odahviing, Skuldafn, Sovngarde, Alduin, and the Tongues as they ate. Ambarys listened in when he was between serving drinks and food. They praised Malthyr for his culinary skills, and Revyn tipped Ambarys well when they were finished. Miranja slipped a couple more septims into the pile by pretending to bump the coins when she reached for her cup of flin.

“Walk with me back to the shop?” Revyn asked, offering his elbow once again.

Miranja gave him a doting smile. “Of course, sweetheart.”

As they walked, Revyn placed his free hand over Miranja’s and leaned his head in toward hers.

“This has been the most pleasant evening I’ve had in probably years,” he told her. “I can’t remember the last time I had a lady accompany me to the New Gnisis. Did you feel all the eyes upon us?”

“I did,” Miranja smiled. “It was indeed very enjoyable.”

It was a short walk, and they had arrived at Revyn’s door. He suddenly seemed nervous.

“Miss Miranja, would you… want to come back into the shop with me?”

Miranja smiled coyly at him. “For another drink? More conversation?” Her smile grew wider as Revyn’s skin grew darker. “To make love, perhaps?”

Revyn looked so embarrassed she thought the ground might swallow him up.

To ease his discomfort, she offered: “Would you believe me if I told you I’ve dreamed of you asking me this?”

His expression changed to stunned yet pleasant surprise. “Really?”

“Yes, silly!” she teased gently. “I couldn’t help but notice from the beginning what a kind, intelligent, and upstanding man you are. I love those qualities in a person. And your skill in speechcraft is very attractive, too. I’ve had a crush on you for a while now.”

Revyn fumbled with the lock on the door and finally got it open, ushering her in ahead of him before locking the door again from the inside. He stood awkwardly facing her, actually trembling slightly. Miranja saw this and realized that she was strangely nervous, too. This wasn’t her usual reaction to mutual attraction, but it was pleasant in a novel sort of way.

“May I kiss you, Revyn?”

“Of course,” he breathed, glad to let her make the first move.

Most challenging chapter: Mystery solved

This one was challenging because … emotional reasons. More than this snippet would be a spoiler. Context: Miranja has been kidnapped by the Morag Tong and taken to Highpoint Tower, where she is bound naked to a rack and gagged.

Now Miranja understood why Neloth had worked so diligently to repress his emotions, isolate himself, and not form attachments. She understood why he had tried to cut her off. But it had been too late for that. His own worst enemy had been right under his roof, seeing and knowing everything. Talvas may be an apprentice, but he had already outdone his master in the art of deception. She could see through Neloth, but Talvas – Talvas! – had utterly blindsided her. She refocused her attention on what Talvas was saying now.

"I was thinking perhaps once I replace Neloth, you might want to be my wife. Think you'd like being the wife of a powerful mage-lord? Maybe you could even help me bring him down by using those considerable charms of yours to get close and either convince him or kill him for me."

Miranja's heart was utterly broken that Talvas could betray both her and Neloth this way, especially her! After how good she'd been to him, and all they'd been through together. Betraying Neloth she could understand, since he'd been pretty harsh on Talvas, and Telvanni wizards – as Talvas aspired to be – were notoriously ambitious. But how could he do this to her?

Now that she thought about it, she did remember him occasionally mumbling to himself that one day Neloth's power would all be his. But she'd never thought he could actually be this conniving. She was nearly choking on both the gag and her own anguish.

"What's wrong, Miranja? You love me, too, don't you? You said you wanted to see me succeed." He couldn't stand her not being able to verbally respond, so he took the risk of her shouting and removed the gag.

"I can't go along with this, Talvas. Have you lost your mind? Why are you in such a hurry? Master Neloth is already old; can't you just wait for him to die a natural death?"

"I didn't want him dead, originally, but when the Sarothril family responded to my message and offered me a bounty I couldn't refuse, I figured what the hell. The sooner Master Neloth is dead, the sooner I can take his place, AND I get rich in the process."

"This is not the Talvas I know," Miranja lamented.

"I'm sorry, Miranja, but you're right - Master Neloth IS old. What's a few decades sooner? Even a century? His days of abusing and experimenting on apprentices are over. And if this isn't the Talvas you know, then maybe you didn't know me as well as you thought you did. In fact, you helped me make my decision."

"How?"

"Our trip to Skyrim showed me that I'm more powerful than Master Neloth wants to admit. And of course, all the gold we split from our bandit raids and such helped me pay the Morag Tong. Neloth's been purposely holding me back and putting me down because he doesn't want me to overtake him. But I'm onto him now. And I've had enough. It's my turn."

#tag games #Dalliances with Dunmer #Tanithia writes #tesblr #skyrim #solstheim #dunmer #Miranja #slutty dragonborn #Talvas Fathryon #Revyn Sadri #Neloth

[lilflowerpot]

hello again~

I'm here to ask a question about LoZ. so, I have a friend who plays and recommended it to me because she knows I love open world games and breath of the wild is (apparently) one of the best open world games ever and I've been hesitating ever since. she might be a little biased tho lol

and like. there's a sale going on right now for botw, so the recommendation just kind made itself known in my memory again

anyway so, basically I'm here to ask if it'll be worth it? I mean, the general consensus wherever I go seems to be 'amazing, go get it u won't regret it'

(and, this is totally optional, but if you could answer asap that would be great because idk when the sale ends, thank you)

p.s I love little blade. you're amazing

I think it's obvious by now that I am a //massive// Zelda fan so tbh I'm likely no less bias than your friend lmfao, but that being said I'm going to try and give as balanced a response as possible!

Pros

BotW is beautiful, and I mean b e a u t i f u l . The graphics have this lovely watercolour quality to them as an ode to the artstyle used in Skyward Sword, but more crisp & refined. Unlike a lot of the big open world games (looking at you skyrim) BotW doesn't sacrifice colour or try to be "gritty", but rather leans into that soft-apocalypse, studio ghibli vibe.

The narrative is equally lovely and fulfilling, and depending upon what order you collect Link's memories in you will likely have a different gameplay experience. You'll also meet a lovable cast of characters to whom you'll end up unreasonably attached, which will ultimately break your heart in the end,,, I apologise in advance, but I promise you it's worth the pain.

On that note, do it for my bitch-ass bird son. You'll know him when you meet him.

Link can jump. This will mean very little to you if you've not played a LoZ game before, but my boy can fucking JUMP.

You can also climb pretty much everything (bar like one specific material) which means if you want to get to that Cool Thing Over There, then with a mix of mix of ungodly arrogance, sheer willpower, and a lot of stamina potions, you can. If you suffer from the magpie brain (ie. you see a new shiny thing and become immediately sidetracked from your original objective) this will mean that you take about 10x as long as you should to do literally anything, but my god is it fun.

The soundtrack gives me feelings that I cannot put into words, and the voice acting is //phenomenal//. Importantly, Link himself does not have a voice actor which is the only correct choice considering he's been heavily implied throughout the entire LoZ franchise to be an elective mute, and I would have //hated// hearing him speak.

Link is also just a very sweet & funny golden retriever boy who occasionally sasses back like nobody's business. 10/10 protagonist.

If you like women, you will like them even more by the end. If you don't like women, there's a 90% chance you'll seriously reconsider it upon meeting [REDACTED].

The game has something for everyone: you like exploring? Well you're going to do a lot of that. You like collectables? There are so many outfits (that you can dye to your liking!) and a wholeass compendium to fill out. You like puzzles? You'll certainly find your fair share. You like combat? The basic mechanics are what you'd expect with there are enough different enemy types to keep it interesting, but dO NOT FIGHT A LYNEL WITHOUT MAKING SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH WEAPONS BC THEY WILL BREAK AND LEAVE YOU WITH A VERY ANGRY VERY MEAN MAN TRYING TO KILL YOU.

It is genuinely very good value for money, and even more so if you can get it on sale! Not only do you have the mainline game & all its side-quests, but there's also the expansion pass, and, of course, an entire sequel just ready and waiting!

Cons

Sometimes the open world can feel a little too open. Considering the game's context, it makes sense, but comparatively games like Skyrim feel more densely packed with Things To Do, whereas BotW has several areas of overgrown nothingness that are lovely to look at, but not especially interesting (though this is better rectified in TotK).

You can't swim underwater. This was not rectified in TotK, though I dearly wish it had been.

A lot of fans used to complain about the temple format of p much every Zelda game up until this point, so the developers essentially removed temples altogether and instead replaced them with only four (technically optional) Divine Beasts, plus Hyrule Castle itself. I... did not like this. I'm a big puzzle girlie, and though BotW has shrines scattered across the landscape—most of which are puzzle-based—I personally felt that this substitute was lacking in comparison to the original. TotK does improve on this by reintroducing temples, but I still could have gone for a few more (Skyward Sword was the opposite of this, with very linear gameplay which a lot of people hated, but I personally will stand by SS's Ancient Cistern until my dying breath, and Twilight Princess had some really innovative temples that I have replayed several times over).

On a semi-adjacent note, the final boss just... wasn't my favourite. That's not to say it was bad, only as boss fights go I've had better (I did, however, like the final segment of that fight).

You will develop an immediate fear response to the Guardian music.

Ultimately though, I absolutely do think you should buy it, and am jealous that you'll get to have that bright-eyed bushy-tailed first-time experience, because believe me, if I could erase my memories and play BotW all over again, I would.

#in short: BUY IT AND ENJOY #AND TELL ME WHEN YOU MEET MY BITCHY BIRD SON & WHAT YOU THINK OF HIM ASDJVHGVDFSK #sa screams back #the author speaks #LoZ

[vosh-rakh]

“So…Magister. Or should I call you Hortator now?” 

Aryon casually pops an imported Jazbay grape into his mouth as he lounges on a chaise which floats magically over the ash and porous stone of Molag Amur. He is addressing his companion, a robed and armored Argonian who stands nearby. They both supervise the careful construction of Tel Uvirith, a new stronghold for House Telvanni. Construction was not the right word for this - growth was, as the builders slowly guide the upbringing of the giant fungal structure, tying it to certain supports made from wood, stone, and Dwemeri metal, a lattice for the mushrooms to cling to.

Ku-vastei glances at Aryon without turning her head. “You may call me by my name, Aryon. It’s a title in its own way, anyways.” She scratches the underside of her chin, her mouth reflexively opening a bit. 

“Ever so self-serious, you are,” notes Aryon. “You’d have made a fine Redoran.”

“Perhaps,” Ku replies, but seems disinterested in pursuing that line of questioning. “Besides, I’m not Hortator yet.”

“Of course. The other councilors accept your claim - except for the late Therana - yet there remains the issue of the Archmagister.”

Ku-vastei grunts and nods slowly. She watches disinterestedly as the workers begin to hoist a Dwemeri beam into place to support a budding fungal growth.

“I trust you remember my advice,” says Aryon as he lazily rises from the chaise, grapes in hand, his feet landing in a soft pile of ash. “He will not be convinced.”

“I can handle him.” Ku turns her head to watch Aryon approach. “He’s an old man.”

“You’re not getting any younger, yourself.”

“I can handle him,” she repeats, swiveling her head back towards Tel Uvirith.

“Can you handle his Dremora? Remember, you must do this alone. He has no such restraints.”

Ku pauses for a moment before answering, “I’ll figure it out.”

“Very well.” Aryon scratches his bare chin in thought. “Shall I play devil’s advocate?”

Ku-vastei groans but says nothing.

“What will you do with all that power once you have it?”

“You know what I must do,” says Ku-vastei, scoffing.

Aryon smiles and glances downwards. “I didn’t mean as Hortator. I meant as Archmagister.”

“Oh.” Ku looks towards Aryon. “First of all, no more slaves. I don’t care who has a problem with it. I’ll just kill them if they object. Then I’ll -”

A yell cuts her off. Before she can even turn to see what happened, Ku-vastei reaches out a claw towards the buildsite. Then she turns, and sees lavender light supporting a half-fallen Dwemeri beam, a poor Dunmer laborer on his back underneath it.

Then the strain hits her. She reaches out her other claw to stabilize the telekinesis, but it’s still intensive. The beam inches closer and closer to the Dunmer’s face.

Then another splash of lavender light hits the beam, and it’s pushed to the side just before it completely collapses on top of the laborer. 

Ku turns to the source of the magic, the councilor to her side. Aryon lowers his extended arm and smiles at Ku-vastei. Without a word, he bites a grape off of the bunch. Then he takes one delicately between thumb and forefinger, plucks it from its vine, and offers it to Ku-vastei. “Jazbay grapes have a wonderful property, best combined with Cyrodiilic garlic,” he says, “but just one of the two will do for now.”

Ku’s arms feel like scrib jelly, but she reaches out to take the grape and pops it into her mouth. As she chews on the hardy Skyrim fruit, she feels her magicka replenish deep within her spirit, sorely needed after her impressive feat.

Aryon smiles. “It is tempting to call you by the title you no doubt deserve already,” he says, watching the amazed workers whisper and point at the two of them, “but I will wait until it is finished.”

#short enough it doesn't need a readmore i think #oc: ku-vastei #aryon #master aryon #tes #tesblr #morrowind #dunmer #argonian #dwemer #telvanni #house telvanni #ends kinda weird but i never know how to end things #my writing