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Preconceived Notions

"Any new contracts for me, Astrid?"

"Yes, actually. Oh, don't look so distraught. This one will be easy for you. Hmm, almost like a vacation." The tall, hard faced woman crossed her arms. "You've been spending far too much time in this cave after your last contract."

Astrid walked around a table, tracing her fingers along the wooden edge long worn smooth. A heavy cloth map stretched across the surface. Several iron daggers sticking from prominent points painted on the cloth's surface. Deadly exclamation points of victories past and future. She balanced a finger thoughtfully on the hilt of one dagger. Tilting to one side after receiving an unexpected nudge.

"As much as I love the Sanctuary it is cleansing to leave it. There are only so many hours in the day that you can devote to the ramblings of an old man, set in his ways or a centuries old vampire locked eternally in the body of a little girl. Don't envy her that, by the way. I enjoy my Husband's company." Astrid sighed.

"The difficulty of being the last remaining Sanctuary is palpable. You understand that, I know, and all your excellent work has been wonderfully unexpected. Things have been a little less 'business as usual' since your arrival and acceptance into the Family. I would venture so far as to say the Brotherhood's few remaining members are more, hmm, optimistic as of late. We have you to thank for that, Ariss." The woman smiled. Very slight, but the first the Argonian, Ariss, had seen when no blood was involved. She nodded politely.

"I only carry out of the will of the Night Mother in the service of Sithis but, you're welcome." The woman nodded with little conviction. Ariss knew Astrid did not particularly care for - or about - the Brotherhood's old ways. She practically laughed at the idea of the Five Tenets that once bound them. "It is different in the Brotherhood. Most of my life I was just in the way or an inconvenience. Until recently, life changing surprises have left me as somebody of consequence. I'm just happy I came into a true family like the Brotherhood." Astrid pressed the inconvenienced blade back to attention and recrossed her arms.

"Indeed, young Argonian, the discovery of your talent has been a boon to us." The woman sat lightly in a sparse old wooden throne. Or at least, one that pretended to be one. Red and black leather armor making noise as she slid against the ancient wood. Ariss loved her armor - the same as Astrid's - but it was not quite as well worn and still creaked from unbroken leather. "Anyways, about your next contract."

Ariss' shoulders slumped imperceptibly but she did not vocalize her displeasure. One lesson ingrained in her from hatchlinghood was to never bite the hand that feeds. In her case she had to apply the lesson literally. She cringed at the punishment she had received for that act; then pushed it from her mind. Subtle body language that few picked up on was her preferred method of letting her annoyance out without repercussion. She took the chair opposite Astrid.

Leather creaking in soft protestation.

"I see the armor is finally beginning to settle. Enjoying it?"

"Yes, very much. This armor is an excellent compliment to my abilities. The muffling enchantment is quite wonderful. They never hear me coming until my blade is already in their flesh."

"Perfect. You look the part of an assassin better with it compared to that hodgepodge you showed up wearing. It did nothing to show off your litheness." Ariss felt the light touch of blush tinge her scales. Such gracious words from the Sanctuary's matron! Astrid leaned forward in her chair, steepling her fingers beneath her chin, elbows taking position on the cloth map. She wore a smirk that told Ariss she already knew the answer to the question she was preparing to ask.

"Speaking of which, I'm not the only one who has taken notice: am I?"

Ariss didn't move or respond. She didn't even blink. Her face a lesson in stoicism. Astrid was correct but, Ariss was unsure of how the woman felt about it. They had done their best to keep it a secret between themselves. It had seemed like something the rest of the Family didn't need to be privy to. Astrid just wanted her to own up to it.

"Perhaps, a certain, uh, former Shadowscale." Astrid chuckled when the Argonian's stony expression cracked. "Do not worry, Ariss. I met my husband, as I'm sure you know, in this very Brotherhood. Her jubilant smile turned gravitas. "My only requirement is that any internal relationships not negatively impact the performance of either party. Understood?"

"Yes, Astrid." Ariss answered obediently. Despite the insinuation she felt much better about not longer have to worry about Astrid - or any other Family member - discovering the truth. But, how did she find out?

"Did he tell you?" She blurted out before she could stop herself. A mouth with a mind of its own got her involved with the Shadowscale in the first place.

"Of course not. Despite Veezara's loyalty to me, he would never let me into the secrets of his personal life . . . willingly. He may be a "former" Shadowscale, but he still holds those values or his old life close at heart. In fact, I'd be surprised if he hadn't attempted taking you under his wing, as it were." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "No, perhaps, 'under his tail', would be more appropriate." Astrid quipped with a wicked grin. Ariss choked on her own breath.

"What! Are you spying on us?" She managed between coughing fits. Lowering her voice after her initial outburst. A mix of surprise and outrage. Astrid slid a nearby bottle of Alto wine to the hacking Argonian. The thoughtful gift was generously accepted.

"No, no, nothing of the sort. Well, in a way, I suppose I am. I do, however, suggest you avoid that frost spiders' little den. The things he has told me would make a lady of the night flush with embarrassment. I never suspected that you, of all the Family, or even Veezara for that matter, would be so, unorthodox. My suspicion has always been on Babette being the perverse one."

Ariss felt like her face was going to spontaneously combust! She had never felt so ashamed before. Astrid didn't appear particularly phased; more like entertained. Curse that stupid spider! She thought it had been very queer the way it had watched herself and Veezara so intently. How was she supposed to know that Astrid could communicate with a damned arachnid. Who else in the Sanctuary could claim the same ability? She could just imagine what the others would say.

Wow, I never knew an Argonian could do that!

So, that's what the tail is really for.

You let Veezara do what!?

Something just isn't right about you. Either of you!

Wait, wasn't Astrid's husband a werewolf? Who knows what sort of bestial acts the woman and her mate had committed.

"Might I supplicate that you not tell anybody else?" Ariss asked, eyes pleading.

"Hah, of course not! As long as you don't tell anybody I can commune with the spider." Astrid whispered as if conspiring. Ariss nodded quickly. Relief flooding her emotionally tortured body. "He's my little secret spy. Oh, he wanted me to inform you that he appreciated the show. Said he tends to get lonely down there." Astrid laughed lightheartedly.

Now Ariss knew the Sanctuary's matron was just being cruel. She shifted uncomfortably and rubbed her scabrous cheeks. Being caught was something she normally excelled at avoiding. The Argonian was unsure how she felt about being part of a spider's sexual fantasies. If they even participated in the act purely for pleasure. She resolved that the knowledge was not something she cared to gain. How was Veezara going to handle the news when she told him that Astrid knew about them? Well, minus the spider bit.

"Well," Astrid started with a laugh, completely unfazed "enough with the subject changes. Let's get back to the next contract."

Ariss had been regretting even asking about contracts earlier. Only doing it because she felt it was her duty to prove to the Brotherhood that she was valuable. Despite the fact that Astrid already found her indispensable. Now, however, she was more than happy to talk about them. Anything was better than discussing the intimacies of her personal life.

"A woman named Nif performed the Black Sacrament a few days ago. I just received word from another Family member returning from their own contract. All I know is that she wants her husband dead because he slept with another woman. Also, something about stealing his soul. You'll have to get the details from her yourself. It sounds rather straight forward." Astrid reclined back into her high backed chair and policed a few unruly strands of hair from her face. Ariss didn't envy Humans and their strange body growths. "I want you to enjoy yourself on this contract, Ariss. So, I'm sending Veezara to assist you."

Her eyes opened wide in surprise. Tasking two Dark Brotherhood agents on the same contract was unheard of. Working with Veezara could prove intriguing but it was unprecedented. She would be a liar if she said she had not been longing to see the former - though she detested the insinuation - Shadowscale work. To try and learn from his vast experiences. He was easily two decades her senior but, neither paid much attention to the fact.

"Don't look so surprised. Yes, sending two agents on the same contract is extremely rare, but it has happened in the past. How you split the payment and workload is for the two of you to decide. So long as it gets done cleanly and inconspicuously - I don't care how you get it done. Do you have any questions, dear Sister?"

"Yes. Do you have any suggestions for what approach would be best?"

"Without knowing the clients exact request for the contract, no. Although, if you're aiming to be discreet might I suggest having Babette create you a potion to weaken the Husband's will further than it already seems to be. I'm sure he'll be taken by your resplendence. Take advantage of being young and beautiful every chance you can." Astrid tapped a gloved finger against her chin. "As long as he's into Argonians. Only one way to find out." Ariss smiled at the earlier compliment and joke.

"I'll seek out Babette and I certainly hope he's into scales. Thank you, Astrid." Ariss bowed her head and the older woman smiled serenely.

"Anything for my Family. Now, fetch Veezara and enjoy the break from all this Emperor business."

Ariss nodded and stood from the chair. She was quite looking forward to this contract. It sounded easy, she was being afforded the opportunity to handle nearly everything, Veezara was coming along and she wasn't going to have to go spelunking among rotten corpses. All the Draugr had begun to get on her nerves.

"Oh! Ariss, one more thing before you go." The Argonian turned back to the Sanctuary's matron, whose expression was deathly serious. "The Family grows only through recruitment and nothing else. I will not be happy if Veezara returns with a new outlook on life." It wouldn't be until later - when she was strolling through the cold tunnels of the Sanctuary - that she realized what Astrid had meant. That realization made her blush and unconsciously stroke her abdomen. She wondered if, maybe, she would want that with Veezara in the future or if he would even consider the possibility down the road. They had only known each other a few short weeks, after all. There was just something about the way he treated her that made her consider the possibility of a future.

In the here and now she obediently answered Astrid without really knowing what she was agreeing to and walked down the short stone steps that opened into the Sanctuary's main antechamber. Braziers and candlelight lit the open expanse, reflecting off the moisture that saturated the uneven rock walls. The chamber was warm and slightly humid, broken up by the intermittent breeze that seemed to originate from nowhere.

To her right a small waterfall - fed by the constant battle of snow and heat waged on the mountain that towered above them - that kept a small pool of pure, crystalline water at a healthy level; constantly refreshing it, allowing the Sanctuary's inhabitants to use it for bathing and drinking. The soft gurgle of the fall left behind a pleasing ambiance that complimented the small talk and activities in the Sanctuary.

Light reflected onto the surrounding stone from the water's churning surface and danced with wonderful and exotic patterns on the surrounding rock. Ariss liked to pretend it was her own little grotto when she was alone in the chamber. Lying on her back and imagine the shifting light was the changing night sky. The ever watchful, baleful stained glass visage of the Dread Lord Sithis watching over her.

Sometimes when she bathed in the chilly waters she felt embarrassed. Naked beneath the glowing red luminance haloing his skeletal figure. Empty, ebony eye sockets reading her, judging her, examining her every physical flaw.

She was the first Listener the Brotherhood had had in centuries. There was no doubt in her mind that Sithis was indeed watching. Perhaps not from the stained glass but in every darkened corner.

A small distance to her left was the Sanctuary's small workshop; a forge, workbench and grinding wheel. Not large, by any means, but more than functional for standard needs. Next to that stood a few training dummies. Red and white targets crudely painted onto their chests. One even had a metal pail as a helmet. Wooden swords nailed into their hands. Useful for releasing a little pent up aggression safely or testing the sharpness of a newly forged and sharpened weapon before use.

Personally, Ariss preferred testing and dispelling aggression on the seemingly never ending supply of bandits and highwayman polluting the roads between every city. The lack of Imperial Legion presence was glaring with the Jarl only able to protect the cities. Anyone out on the road simply had to fend for themselves.

Veezara wasn't occupying his usual place: sitting cross-legged on the floor away from the practice dummies. A natural stone slope climbed up into the next chamber where the more Arcane inclined could practice their Alchemy or Enchanting. To the right was a flight of stairs hewn from the rock itself. Ariss decided now would be as good a time as any to have Babette concoct a potion for the contract.

She trudged up the stone ramp and entered the next chamber; catching faint whiffs of spider silk and the musk of boiling apothecary ingredients. The centuries old child vampire sat alone at a small table overlooking the frost spider's den. How the girl - or woman depending on your point of view - could find staring at spider webs so enthralling was beyond her.

A chunk of bread the girl was nibbling on dropped onto the table. She picked it up at her leisure and ate it, chewing slowly. If only she knew how that table had been desecrated only a few days prior. The fallen bread would not have been picked up. She probably wouldn't even be sitting at the table or she would be watching it burn. It had taken a surprising chunk of time to get the stains out.

Ariss walked up to the table and motioned at the chair opposite the vampire. "May I?"

"Hello, Ariss. Yes, please, sit. How have you been?" Babette said politely enough. Her young, high pitched voice did not match her manner in the slightest. There was nothing child like about her demeanor. Ariss slid into the seat and folded her hands, resting them on the table.

"I'm doing well. Just received another contract from Astrid. Yourself?"

"The same as ever. Causing mischief." Her girlish chirrup was evil.

"Well, if you aren't up to any mischief at the moment, would you mind cooking up a couple of potions for me?" Babette's face lit up. A potion for a Family member usually meant something sinister was necessary.

"I do hope it's something delightfully diabolical, Sister."

"I think you'll be pleased. The first potion I need may be difficult. You would know best, of course, so I will defer to your judgment. Seeing as I'm no Alchemist." The girl vampire watched the Argonian impatiently. Her deceiving smile never wavering. "I need a potion that removes bodily control from the consumer. My intent is for the victim to be aware of their body and senses, but unable to control it."

"Interesting," Babette started with a nod "such a potion would have quite a number of macabre uses. And the second?" She asked expectantly.

"Nothing as complex, just something that makes the victim easier to persuade."

"Simple enough. Give me a few hours to mix those potions up for you, Sister."

"Thank you, Babette."

"I just have one stipulation." She leaned forward over the table, staring into the Argonian's cloudy, ice-blue eyes.

"Of course." Ariss replied trying to mask the trepidation she felt bubbling in the pit of her stomach.

"You have to tell me what you do with the potions. Every. Last. Detail." Ariss resisted a sigh of relief.

"I know you'll find my execution more than satisfying." She gushed. The fear of something more demanding from the ancient child vampire allayed. Fulfilling the request would necessitate revealing her relationship with Veezara. Maybe. In any case, she could cross that bridge later when she had to.

"Excellent! I look forward to it. I'll see you in a few hours with your potions ready so you can be on your way."

"Thank you, Babette. I'll see you then and I appreciate the assistance." Ariss inclined her head in a respectful, familiar bow and stood from the table.

A sound like wind chimes fluttering in an evening summer breeze called for her attention. Curious, Ariss walked around the thick pillar of stone that dominated the center of the chamber and found the Sanctuary's resident old man, Festus Krex, mumbling to himself and fiddling with a small blade. The table he stooped over, looked out upon by some - probably ancient - horned, three-eyed troll skull; a chalice of bone cradling a flickering green orb, a strange mist rolling from its surface. Arcane runes etched into the table's surface radiated ultramarine from an unknown power source. The glow ebbed and flowed as he spoke in a forgotten tongue she didn't care to ever learn. Ariss was content with the inborn knowledge of the ancient Dragon tongue. Enchanting some blade was far from exciting.

She preferred to bury said blade in supple flesh.

Ariss left him to his machinations without disruption and exited the chamber into a faintly lit corridor. The path to the right exiting down the flight of stairs into the main antechamber. Straight entered into a room rarely used where the ancient, mummified corpse of the Night Mother dwelt; ensconced in her stone sarcophagus. A ghostly visage masterfully carved into the weather worn stone. It was the very container where she had hid, by Astrid's command, to spy on the Keeper, Cicero, and the Night Mother had first spoken to her. That had been an experience she never wanted to relive.

The dank smell of strange oils and lingering death. Trapped in a cage devoid of all light, pressed up against a mummy until it suddenly began glowing with internal radiance. A rasping, gravely voice like claws on stone grating inside her skull. Fear clutching her stomach while the mental intrusion made her physically ill. As Listener, she hoped the next time the Night Mother spoke would be less torturous.

She chose the path that took her to the left, down the corridor. Eventually it opened into the upper level where several beds and their respective chests flanked the outskirts of the cave's wall. The den opened into the much larger dinning hall at the bottom of a log staircase. At the long table, fully set out with enough spaces for every member of the Family, sat the Redguard, Nazir, appearing as if he had just come from the distant deserts of Elsweyr. The Khajit homeland of seemingly infinite sun and sand. Ariss sighed and didn't descend the stairs. Trying to talk to Nazir about anything other than side contracts was like trying to talk to a god: you only felt daft for even attempting.

Veezara was her target and she had yet to find him anywhere. Thinking of the Khajit homeland brought her train of thought to her own - the one her people came from, not the one she was raised in - as she walked. That was something she envied about the Shadowscale. Hatched and raised amongst clan. She had been born and raised in Morrowind, knowing nothing of the Black Marsh beyond the few books she was allowed to read. Second-hand accounts was her only other resource.

Born under the celestial sign of the Shadow would have destined her to a life without parents. Taken to the Dark Brotherhood to be raised and trained in the arts of stealth and assassination. Formal training would have been the only difference between that upbringing and hers. Hatched in bondage and escaping only through the skills she was now an expert at in the present day. Following a destiny she had never known she was meant to fulfill. Dragonborn. Not even in her wildest dreams.

The Gods' sense of humor was morose.

With all the possibilities exhausted, Ariss sighed and made her way to the Sanctuary's imposing, skull blazoned main door. A door that could recognize friend from foe and speak without a worldly voice was unsettling. Her scales crawled every time she approached it. A single, bloody hand print was etched into the skull's forehead with the flawless illusion that the blood was fresh and yet to coagulate.

There was a demonic presence that hovered behind her, ethereal breath caressing her neck, through any armor, whenever she touched the disturbingly cold stone. Wearing gloves, of any sort did little to block the everlasting chill. Something sinister had been restrained within the door as penance for atrocities purposefully long forgotten. Ariss was certain of it.

Upon reaching the first landing on the stairwell to the Sanctuary's sinister exit, the door she dreaded approaching, she stopped abruptly. One flight of stairs lay between her and the door, but something was amiss in the claustrophobic corridor. The, normally well lit, stairs were dark. Only the faint illumination from a ventilation shaft above the door filtered down. A few moments of uncertainty followed until she realized she was beginning to fret over a brazier that the fire had managed to die from. She chuckled to herself and shook her head.

Then Ariss looked at the brazier more closely, curious as to why it had gone out in the first place. Granted, there was normally a steady breeze flowing down the stairs but the fire had never previously been extinguished. In fact she had never even seen the coals stoked. She had always assumed some form of magic kept them burning. Thin wisps of smoke curled in the draft from coals that glistened. As if water had been poured on them. Too late she realized that she was not alone on the landing.

An infiltrator. But how?

The unknown person spun her forcefully, shoving her up against the roughly excavated, unforgiving surface of the cave wall. She was stunned and her spine ached from the blow. A moment of surprising skill, on her assailant's part, and she was completely immobilized. Wrists held in a grip beyond her power to counter and a thigh pressed tight and up between hers that left only her toes on solid ground. She was too surprised to make any noise before she felt razor sharp teeth making themselves known at her throat; placed at the precise location where her trachea was most vulnerable. The message was clear: make a noise and have it ripped free.

Jealousy, for the skill used to capture her, and rage, for allowing herself to be so easily captured, attacked her pride. What she couldn't fathom was how they passed the Demon door without the Sanctuary being alerted. Fear began to grip her with frightful urgency. If she could be so easily subverted the rest of the Family could be in grave danger. What if there was more than one attacker?

A slick tongue dragging rudely across her throat made her shiver with disgust. Not only was this infiltrator good; they were perverted and . . . Argonian? She couldn't see with the way her head was forced back, but she could surmise they were Argonian. A Khajit's mouth was not physically capable of grasping her throat as it was, nor a Human; who do not posses such sharp incisors. She could detect the perfume of a scent suppressant on them which partially explained why she had not noticed this lowly lizard.

The teeth relented after a moment but the tongue continued to her jaw and cheek. Humid breath caressed her ear hole and the enigma spoke. "The taste of fear and panic upon your scales is decadent." The voice was dripping with unbridled ardor, articulate and husky. Very clearly owned by a male. Memories long buried resurfaced. She closed her eyes tightly and buried them back in the deep hole they rightfully belonged in. That time was long ago and she was not the same, delicate Argonian. Ariss struggled defiantly against his grasp, thrashing and attempting to tuck her snout to sink her teeth into any available patch of scale, making some headway towards escape.

He countered her attempt with an ease that bordered on preternatural and left her hopeless. An unintentional, submissive whine escape her lips and she felt like a conquered fool. Giving up was not something Ariss did lightly, but she saw no other recourse.

She resigned herself to the fate certain to befall her. There comes a day when everyone meets their superior.

Scaled lips pressed to her own, light and gentle. Ariss opened her eyes - more from surprise than consternation - and saw the very air before her eyes shimmer like spying a distant oasis. The invisibility spell that her assailant was under began to melt unevenly away. Coming into existence one speck at a time like raindrops down a pane of glass, starting with the tip of a verdant snout. Soon his smirk materialized into the realm of visibility. Then his bright green eyes. Familiar, mischievous green eyes.

Veezara.

"You bastard!" Ariss hissed with unrestrained vehemence. Anger bubbled in her veins, a hot spring of rage. She did not delight in helplessness and the feeling that all is lost. For a fleeting moment she had legitimately felt she was going to die, that it was an inescapable truth.

Veezara saw Ariss' scarcely contained animosity, his eyes widened with guilt and he bowed his head remorsefully. His grip relaxed but did not completely evaporate, unsure if she would lash out. Part of him felt he deserved for her to release her ire on him. He risked a glance into her eyes and knew he had to attempt to placate her. "My apologies if I startled you." Veezara knew it sounded asinine and cringed at her baleful glare. Under normal circumstances he could stare and get lost in her beautiful eyes for days, but now he could hardly meet them.

"I thought you were going to kill me, Veezara." She whispered, voice on the precipice of emotional control. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"I could never hurt you" he insisted quietly, Astrid was not far away and he did not want her to get involved, "this was only a game I used to partake in with other Shadowscale. Trying to sneak up on and surprise one another until they submitted. A practice to keep our skills sharp." He truly felt like an ass. Ariss had never been a Shadowscale. Of course she wouldn't have understood. Veezara sighed, regretting and wishing the previous few minutes could be erased from memory.

Veezara's hands left Ariss' wrists to cup her cheeks, thumb tracing the trio of horizontal scars that started just before her left eye. He could see her livid gaze beginning to evanesce. He leaned forward until the tip of his snout met hers and began to speak, voice plaintive. "I have wronged you, Ariss, for that I apologize with my very soul. Know that I would never intentionally distress or harm you." He swallowed heavily and closed his eyes. "I deeply regret my actions and I beseech your forgiveness."

Ariss was quiescent. Veezara was normally well spoken but she had never heard him so formal. His hands had moved to her shoulders and his head was angled so low she could see the back of it, curved horns flanking her snout. Her silence brought his head and expectant, pleading eyes up.

"Promise me you'll never do that again." He leaned forward and placed a delicate lick upon her brow.

"I promise, Ariss. Astrid may not believe in the Five Tenants but I still abide by them. My word is as binding as any written or blood agreement."

"Good." Ariss replied simply. Her heart rate had returned to a normal rhythm and only a tingle of leftover emotion sat in her gut. The Argonian crossed her arms, still leaning against the cold stone wall. She realized the easiest way to forget what had happened was to move on as quickly as possible. "I've been looking for you. I have a new contract that concerns you."

"Oh?" Veezara's brow quirked inquisitively, voice back to its usual self confidence.

"Astrid feels I've been doing well and gave me a contract that sounds simple and entertaining."

"You have been handling quite a few of the Brotherhood's high profile contracts. Not to mention a fair number of side projects."

"Yes, that is why Astrid gave me this particular contract. She told me to consider it a short vacation." Veezara's expression shifted to one of suspect.

"Vacation? Perhaps you are a true agent of Sithis. Finding an assassination to be as pleasurable as time to oneself. Though I don't see how, exactly, this pertains to me." Ariss grinned toothily.

"It's a vacation because you'll be tagging along to assist me." Veezara's voice rose an octave.

"Assist you? Two agents on one contract?" He paused, in thought. "I suppose it isn't unheard of just . . . irregular. What would my role in this production be?"

"We'll know for certain after we meet the woman that performed the Black Sacrament. I wouldn't worry if I were you. I'm sure you'll find the time spent pursuing the contract, agreeable."

Veezara placed his hands on the stone wall to either side of Ariss' head, leaning forward sluggishly until he could feel the warmth radiating from her scales on his nose. "I find any time I spend in your presence more than agreeable, Ariss. Perhaps we have time to be agreeable near the frost spider's den?" Ariss' breath caught in her throat at the mention of the spider. She turned her head to avoid coughing in Veezara's face. Luckily it was too dark for the male to see her simultaneous blush.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She started, followed by one last cough. "It's best we make way as soon as possible. Grab anything you need and we'll be off in a few hours. We'll never be far from civilization or exploring ancient ruins so pack light." Veezara frowned impishly and licked her nose. "You'll just have to contain yourself."

"As you wish. I'll return in a few minutes."

She watched him descend the stairs and disappear beneath the mountain. Eventually she would tell him why they had to leave immediately and about the seemingly unassuming spider, but she hadn't conjured a valid excuse as to why, yet. She already had everything she intended on taking, anything else could be purchased for a reasonable sum. So she waited patiently, far enough away from the Demon door to not be subject to its malicious suggestions preaching words obsidian. Foretelling horrendous events, the destruction of centuries worth of Sanctuary's and perchance foretell the future.

No possessed door, no matter how ancient and world weary, could have the prescience to know what was coming.

The Set-up

The city of Dawnstar.

If you could call it that. It was more like a fishing hamlet by Ariss' reckoning. She and Veezara had taken the carriage from Falkreath versus walking across the entire treacherous expanse of Skyrim. They had made exceptional time and arrived in two short days. Most of the journey had been spent in companionable silence. There was little to discuss about the contract and Veezara seemed content to watch the land slip by to the creak and squeal of worn wooden wheels and annoyed chuffs from the single workhorse that pulled them. What time she didn't spend sleeping she joined Veezara in watching the landscape shift; forests giving way to endless grasslands, growing in towering mountains capped with pure white snow, haloed by thick, fluffy clouds that glowed with the changing colors of dusk and dawn. Ariss had never taken much time to appreciate the varied landscape that Skyrim offered to those that took but only a moment to admire it. Only once were they forced to stop, easily fending off several piteous bandits to the gracious thanks of the carriage driver.

It was nearly night as they made their way along the bank of the small inlet that fed trade ships to the villages single, ramshackle pier. The last remnants of sun giving way to a luminous half moon. Constellations and colorful galaxies swirled at an incomprehensible distance overhead. Ariss had never devoted much time to stargazing and couldn't even comprehend what might be out there beyond her own little world.

The house the pair made way to was the last in a row to the left of the cove as you looked out to sea. A solitary ship waiting on the placid, protected waters at the pier. Ariss wondered how the hamlet managed to survive in such an isolated place. Far away from the nearest great keep and in an area that, more often than not, was pestered by frequent snow flurries. She remembered that two mines operated nearby that probably brought the majority of the hamlet's profits and taxes.

"We're here." Veezara rasped at her side, disturbing her thoughts.

Ariss looked at the single story wooden home. It was unassuming and looked like most of Skyrim's modest dwellings. Nothing original or fancy, merely functional. It would keep you out of the elements and warm but it wasn't an architectural statement. They could never hope to compare to the ancient carcasses of the silt striders that made up several cities in Morrowind that she had visited. Nothing remotely close in likeness to the great city of Vivec.

One could assume the owner scraped out their living just to afford it with the gap of wealth that seemed to afflict Skyrim. A few flowers struggling to survive in small pots on the porch were the only decoration. Together the pair of Argonians climbed the three steps to the front door.

"Ready to hold up the reputation of the Dark Brotherhood, Sister?" Veezara's teeth twinkled in the gloom from distant firelight.

"Looking forward to it, Brother."

Veezara politely rapped the heavy wooden door three times.

Wood scrapped against wood and the door opened only enough to allow a sliver of light to cut across Veezara's green scales and illuminate the suspicious glare of a tired looking Nord woman.

"Can I help you?" Ariss assumed the woman already knew exactly who they were. One Argonian was uncommon enough in this land. Two - at night, in armor - was unheard of.

"The Night Mother has heard your prayer, Nif." Ariss hissed darkly. She enjoyed conjuring fear whenever she could.

The woman's expression changed instantly. Her thin, chapped lips that spoke of long hours outdoors broke into a broad grin and she quickly allowed the pair entry. The interior was less spartan than the exterior and rather cozy. An open fireplace supplied the majority of the light and the heat that warmed the dwelling. Several tallow lamps offered their own flickering shadows to the rooms accoutrements. A single bed, desk and table was the extent of what the space could accommodate without making the single room building unnavigable. The woman didn't appear as poor as Ariss had first assumed she would. While the furniture was minimal it was of high quality woods and craftsmanship.

"Welcome, um, please, have a seat." Nif motioned to the table. The woman directed the offer to Veezara, assuming him to be in charge. Typical Human behavior. He quickly deferred to Ariss.

"Thank you but, we won't be here long."

"Of course, of course. Is there anything I can get for you? If I had known beforehand that you were coming I would have prepared some food. Your journey must have been extensive." While the woman was only trying to be hospitable, her insincere tone irked Ariss.

"We do not announce our presence. Just as we do not leave evidence of it." Ariss lowered her voice to a menacing timbre and glared at the soft-eyed woman. "Tell us, why have you summoned the Dark Brotherhood." Of course, she already knew but she wanted to gauge the woman's conviction.

"Because of my scandalous husband!" Nif's expression turned stern, eyes set on a point beyond Ariss' elongated head. "Spending money, my money, on harlots. I toil all hours of the day only to have him feed and buy these strumpets gifts! I do everything for him. I've invested years into this 'union' and this is all I get in return." She huffed and crossed her arms in irritation. "He's probably getting drunk right now with some new prospect. Every time a ship comes in he stays out 'til twilight."

Ariss nodded sagely. She was already formulating a plan. "When is the next ship scheduled to arrive?"

"Tomorrow, actually. Should be docked for a couple of days."

"Excellent. What does your husband look like?"

"Like most other Nords: Big head, strong jaw, blonde hair in an unkempt tangle, ragged beard and a large build. Despite being dressed like a beggar he still manages to woo new women." Nif's voice was cold, lacking any of the nostalgia people often display when discussing their mates despite their transgressions. Ariss nodded and constructed a mental image of this Nord. "One more thing I--" she hesitated, glancing quickly at Veezara "I just have one special request."

"That would be?" Veezara offered with disinterest. Nif appeared afraid that her request might be denied but quickly steeled herself.

"Capture his soul in a soul gem." Both Argonian's expressions registered mild surprise and they exchanged a quick look. "I already have the gem." She added quickly before they could protest. The words stumbling out of her mouth.

"I suppose you expect us to find a blade with the proper enchantment?" Ariss' tone was dangerous. She had no intention of running additional errands for this contract; she already despised the extra nonsense most contracts came with. This contract was about getting away from the Sanctuary and making a few extra Septims in the process.

"N-no, of course not!" Nif stood quickly and went to her dresser, removing a neatly folded shirt, and returned with it to the table where she reverently placed it. Carefully she unfolded the cloth, slowly revealing a wicked, s-curved blade. Only Ariss noticed Veezara's pleasured surprise at the reveal as he stepped forward, gently running his fingertips down the hilt. At first glance the weapon did not appear enchanted, not having the shimmer or glow characteristic of many enchanted weapons and armors. However, light appeared unable to escape the blade's edge, a truly obsidian edge. Shadows fell across it but a line of non-existence cut through them where they touched the sharpened metal.

"This will work beautifully, a fine specimen of smithing. Where did you get this?" Veezara asked, suddenly excited by the blade and curious as to how such a seemingly simple woman acquired something that screamed of Daedric origins. Perhaps even gifted from one of the Daedra themselves. Ariss found the higher pitch that had crept into Veezara's tone cute. A child with a brand new toy.

"Is it necessary that you know?" Nif asked, voice stern. It was obvious she did not wish to say.

"No" he admitted with disappointment "simply curious. May I?" Veezara picked up the dagger after Nif's nod of consent. He turned the weapon over, examining the blade from multiple angles. No matter how he rotated it the sharpened edge refused to catch any firelight, not even a single glint. The ghastly visages carved with infinite precision into the hilt further cemented his convictions about the origins of the dagger. He was wholly impressed and wanted one for himself. "I assume you want this returned upon completion." His gaze never left the dagger. The only sign of enchantment a pair of ruddy, glowing demon eyes among the handle's varied ornamentation.

"Yes."

"Pity." Ariss heard genuine disappointment in Veezara's voice. He slid the weapon carefully into his leather belt, unsure of exactly how sharp the blade was. "And the soul gem?" Nif reached into the pocket on the side of her dress and presented him a large, dull multifaceted gem. Both Argonian's were equally surprised to find that it was a Grand soul gem. First the Daedric blade and now a rare, highly expensive gem. This woman was not all she appeared to be.

Ariss stepped forward and took the gem, placing it in a pouch that hung from her belt. "Now the remaining issue of payment. The standard fee is fifteen-hundred Septims. The special request adds an extra five-hundred." Nif didn't have an obvious outward reaction. She hadn't even flinched. Ariss surmised she only appeared impoverished for the sake of maintaining an image. She began to question if this man was even her husband.

"I consent to the fee."

"Half up front, half upon completion of the contract."

"As you wish."

Nif stood and went to a plain wooden chest that sat at the foot of her bed. She opened it and began to rummage through its contents. Ariss could hear the sound of gold being dropped into a leather coin purse. A minute later and the rather heavy amount of gold was tied to her leather belt. "With payment completed these negotiations are concluded. We will return when our end of the contract has been upheld." She felt satisfied, payment secured and the contract settled.

"You know where to find me. I suspect you'll find my husband at the Windpeak Inn." Her voice held no perceptible amount of venom at the mention of her husband. Ariss still considered it very strange. Nif did not seem particularly upset about the fact that her husband would soon be dead by her own doing. If he really was her husband.

"Indeed. We'll find you, wherever you are, when we need you." Ariss spoke methodically. Less a threat, more a promise. She suspected that this woman had own her powerful connections from their conversation and her observations. Nobody toyed with the Dark Brotherhood and lived to tell of the consequences.

Veezara inclined his head politely to Nif, slightly bending at the waist with his hand delicately gripping the dagger's hilt. They left Nif's home, exiting into the cool, salty air of coastal night. What little foot traffic had existed before was now extinct. Two guards patrolling in the distance beneath harsh torchlight were their only companions in the darkness. The chill in the air only registered faintly with Ariss. Her Shrouded armor doing a praiseworthy job of containing natural warmth and blocking cold.

"Perhaps we should familiarize ourselves with our target and then find somewhere to rest for the evening." Veezara's disembodied voice was a whisper on the wind meant only for Ariss. She nodded and made way for the Windpeak Inn.

Reconnaissance & Reconciliation

The heavy wooden door that blocked their entrance into the inn creaked on its hinges as it opened. Ariss cringed at the disgustingly loud racket. Her intention was always to draw as little attention to herself as possible. The more recognizable your face was the more difficult contracts became. Being picked out of a crowd by a target is never a good thing. Thankfully, nobody turned their attention to her as she walked in. There was only one person in the room that could have even noticed.

Fjork was easy enough to find, sitting - as expected - at the bar, drinking himself towards chemical induced torpidity. Tankard held firmly in hand. Typical Nord. No innkeeper appeared to be around, likely asleep at the late hour.

"Sister, why don't you retire to a room. I'll sit with this Nord and interrogate him, gently, of course. It wouldn't do to have him see you before the new ship arrives. Spoiling your debut with a pre-showing would be tragic." He recognized her expression of protestation and grinned. "Besides, you're on vacation."

"You're right, of course." She wasn't pleased by that fact. Veezara moved closer until the tip of his tail alighted along Ariss'. A move that even the most perceptive wouldn't have noticed. "Perhaps you could warm this evening's nest while Veezara works for you." The corner of his lips rose minutely, enough for only her to witness.

Ariss nodded slightly and slunk into the nearest open room. Moving deliberately to avoid catching the Nord's attention. It was safe to assume that he was already quite drunk, but there was little point in testing that assumption. She closed the sturdy wooden door as she entered the inn room. The metal bolt slid easily into position to bar any unwanted access.

The room was a small, cozy space with a wooden chest that sat at the head of the bed while a small dresser and wardrobe dominated the wall adjacent the bed. While the bed looked inviting it could have stood to be slightly larger to accommodate two people. Oh well, an innocent excuse to be closer to Veezara. Speaking of Veezara . . .

The Argonian helped himself to the empty bar stool adjacent the targeted Nord; legs squeaking faintly across the worn wooden floor. Fjork looked to his new company with mild interest. Veezara noted that his expression held no negative perceptions toward him. The way his eyes swam hinted at his level of intoxication. His current tankard of ale - judging by the bitter sweet scent of hops - was not his first, second or even third. The renowned Nordic attribute for the ability to store alcohol was strong. Veezara leaned his elbows on the bar and looked around expectantly. Apparently the bar was self-serve this late in the evening.

When the Nord wasn't forthcoming with conversation Veezara decided to start it. "No service this late?" He asked, voice slightly raised above what would be considered polite.

"Aye, keep it down." Fjork's accent was nearly impossible to understand with alcohol impeding his ability to speak beyond what was stereotypically expected. "I can getcha somefink if'n ya like. The owner - e'trusts me. Jus' leave a coupla gold behind the counter."

Veezara fetched a coin from his coin purse, careful not to disturb it to avoid giving away how full it was, and dropped it behind the bar onto the counter. "I'll take whatever yer havin'." He found that drinking the same drink and speaking in a similar manner put people at ease. They felt you were just like them, making them more susceptible to question and more amicable.

"Thank ye." He said with little inflection and a subtle slur when Fjork failed at setting a tankard of Ale carefully before him. Drink sloshed over the edge and onto the, previously, clean bar. He had to give credit to the Nord where it was due, having perfectly dispensed the beverage; just the right amount of head releasing the pleasing perfume of fermentation.

Fjork walked gracelessly back around the bar and sat heavily on his stool. The wood groaned in protest under his healthy weight. He was not the ideal of fitness by any stretch of the imagination. Veezara surmised his conquests in adultery were due to reasons other than physical attraction, perhaps he was a smooth talker when not inebriated.

"Never seen you around here before, stranger. What brings you to Dawnstar?" Veezara suppressed his amusement at the way Fjork's eyelids fluttered from half-open to nearly closed; his head swaying as if he was standing on ship deck in high seas.

"One of my many travel destinations. I hear this town has good trade opportunities with the ships that arrive to moor."

"Aye, that they do!" Fjork's grin was comically large and made his face look half numb. A likeness to a victim of an unfortunate stroke. His nearly incomprehensible speech added to the illusion of medical disability. "Ship comin' in tomorrow, matter-a-fact, from Morrowind they say. Of all places." He didn't seem pleased by the idea, however, it would make it easier for Ariss to explain her arrival from the ship. Morrowind being a land where Argonians are far more common. "Probably won't have nothin' exciting though. Not for you, at least."

This piqued Veezara's interest. "Really, why do you say that?" He drawled over the rim of his tankard before taking a long drink. It was a common brew, nothing special, but quite drinkable. The gold he had left had been a little too generous. Still, he couldn't complain too strongly, it was refreshing after the monotonous journey. He would have to remember to bring some Alto wine to Ariss.

Fjork shrugged. "Just trade goods, you know? Probably no trinkets or things of much value to a traveling salesman such as yourself." Veezara nodded thoughtfully and the Nord contemplated his murky reflection in his drink. He decided he wasn't going to get much more out of Fjork before he passed out and jumped to the important matter. While he completed contracts regardless of the target's guilt or innocence it always made it easier to sink the blade into their heart when they were guilty.

"Any prospects of the fairer kind?" Veezara asked noncommittally. Fjork lifted his gaze from his drink and rolled it to the green-scaled lizard, suddenly suspicious.

"What you mean?"

"You know, any females looking for company." He whispered, leaning closer to the Nord as if disclosing secret information. Fjork scowled and looked over his shoulder. There was nobody else in the main hall.

"You got a funny way of putting things, Argonian." Time to defuse the Nord's annoyance. His sensitivity at the topic almost proved his guilt in Veezara's eyes.

"I don't mean to spend any gold, if that's what you're thinking. I'm only asking from previous experiences. Being stuck on a ship, with the same few faces for so long a journey, as coming from Morrowind by water, that they become tiresome. I'm sure some fine women, just looking for new conversation, have come through." Fjork had started nodding near the end, seemingly placated by Veezara's chosen wording. The Argonian took another long swig and wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

"I've met some interesting lasses. You're right about the long trips, ya know. A couple of them have even been very pleasant company." Fjork slurred with a knowing grin. "I'm hoping there'll be one to talk to tomorrow." Veezara nodded and finished the rest of his ale in three long, noisy gulps. He set the tankard down and sighed, content in more ways than one.

"Perhaps I'll postpone leaving in the morning and stick around to see for myself."

"You can have my leftovers!" Fjork laughed, slapping Veezara's back roughly with one large, heavy hand. The force was enough to make his back string; perhaps even leaving a hand print shaped indentation.

"You've got yourself a deal, uh--"

"Fork, Fjork Syyorn." The Nord supplied belatedly once he realized - with the depressed social grace of a drunk - the Argonian was holding out his hand.

"Veezara." He replied, unafraid of using his real name, as the Nord shook his hand clumsily. All his victims learned it eventually. When and how was of little consequence. He didn't seem at all repulsed at touching his scaled skin. Unfortunately, the Human's skin was clammy and faintly sticky. He could never understand his fellow Argonians that became enamored with the soft skinned types.

He put his tankard on the counter with a dozen gold coins for the room and tip. Fjork might have questionable morals, but Veezara did not feel he had to worry about his money disappearing. He stood and offered a slight bow to the Nord that went unnoticed but he did not allow it to offend him. Fjork's unawareness of his surroundings made getting into a room - barred from the inside - when he was supposedly alone easier to get away with. He tapped the door discretely in a predetermined pattern, fumbling in his pocket for a non-existent key as cover. When Ariss removed the deadbolt he made a show of finally finding the key and unlocking the door.

He glanced back only to find the Nord passed out at the bar.

Ariss had already moved aside and out of sight as Veezara cracked the door only wide enough to slip in. The room was nearly dark, barley illuminated by a half dozen sporadically placed candles. Once he closed and secured the solid door he turned to Ariss.

The muscles in his jaw went numb, rendering them unable to counteract the weight of bone, ivory and scale. Ariss smiled abashedly at Veezara's slack-jawed examination and looked down at his boots, unable to maintain eye contact. The flickering candlelight glittered like twinkling stars on Ariss' lustrous, supple scales. He had never seen her in such flattering light; the soft glow haloing her invited, dared him to caress her while the cold, blue smoke of her eyes was illume with internal fire. In all his decades of travel, across a dozen lands he had never seen a more ravishing sight.

Not even the old royalty of Black Marsh came close.

"Veezara?" Ariss' tone was curious and light, lacking the confidence he had come to know and expect, replaced with transitory submission. Gone was the gruffness she employed for the outside world, her true voice sonorous and luxurious, wrapping around him in loving embrace. He could never tire of hearing her utter his name.

While he didn't care much for the soft skinned, he couldn't deny their ability to spin fine clothing to distract the more salacious male instincts. The ensemble Ariss wore was simple but to say that simplicity decreased its influence would be a grave mistake. A corset-styled tight weave of fabric that the light cascaded from like raindrops from the needles of great pine trees. Starting low on her breasts, proudly accentuating a lewd amount of cleavage, and ended just above her slim hips, exposing the deliciously firm muscles of her midriff. Below that, clinging desperately to scales just below her hips, was what could scantly be called underwear, made of carefully braided silk. It both hid and hinted at the essence of her femininity.

The simplicity of the garments highlighted what mattered most: her natural born beauty; bathed in plush candlelight her form rivaled any Goddess'. Not the body of a sedentary housewife but one of a bathed-in-blood killer. Feminine and dangerously alluring yet, solid and exceptionally fierce. He drank all of her in with once more as patiently as his elevated heart rate would allow.

"Veezara?" Again she spoke his name in that pleading, submissive, mellifluous tone. Imploring him to say something, anything. He heard a vulnerability in the upper echelons of the elegant sound, yearning for an approval not often sought. Licking his lips, he idly wondered how long he had been rooted and appreciating.

He floated across the space that separated them and took Ariss up into his strong, greedy arms as a Knight returning, victorious, to his long neglected love would; hands slipping along her bare hips, fingers interlocking in the small of her back. She willingly let him pull her against his armored body with a content murmur, their cheeks touching as he nosed her naked shoulder. Desire flowed through his veins unabated and he longed to revel in the delight of scale against scale. However, if there was on important lesson he'd learned throughout his life, it was patience. Contractual business had to be handled first.

"I assume you were listening to the conversation between myself and Fjork." Veezara's voice was low, nearly a growl. A deep inhalation of Ariss' warm, inviting scent had nearly been his undoing. Nipping her neck had been his only recourse for salvation.

"Of course." Ariss gasped, hand stroking the male Argonian's head, claws tracing delicately along one of his swept back horns. An involuntary shiver resulted, his horn tingling under her touch. She smiled when she felt his body's response. Ariss felt it egotistical to find pleasure in her ability to enact such control of Veezara. Knowing how strongly he desired her and the power she felt it gave her. Much of her life had been spent out of control and with little companionship. She allowed herself to enjoy the moment without further introspection.

"And? Your plan?" He breathed into her ear, claws rasping against her scales. Pride swelled in her at his unexpected confidence in her; assuming she already had a plan, of course she did, so his confidence was not unfounded. She wanted to hear him say.

"My plan? What makes you presume I have one." She said with feigned suspicion. Veezara's laugh was a series of staccato grunts. Ariss gasped when his teeth pricked her soft, vulnerable throat. His voice vibrated into her through his snout.

"My dear, you're far too cunning and intelligent to not already have the Nord's demise planned in exacting detail. That's why you excite me. I can never be too sure of what you're going to do next. Not the spontaneous kind of unexpected but the coldly calculated. You're careful. Powerful. Deadly. Beautiful." Each word was punctuated with a nip at Ariss' throat or collar bone. The last word sealed with a kiss. His praise filled her with intense warmth, leaving her breathless against Veezara's lips. She wondered if she had ever really been in control of the situation.

"I do have a plan." Ariss muttered when their lips parted and she was about to begin explaining it when Veezara interrupted with a sharp grunt. She met his piercing green gaze and found it overflowing with lust. For her. She beamed and sashayed to the room's small bed, making a seductive display of crawling onto it and rolling onto her back, arms folded behind her head, one knee in the air, tail rising and falling languidly. Despite her performance, Veezara was patiently removing his leather armor, effortlessly sliding form muscled shoulders. His desire was quite pronounced but his seemingly infinite stoicism annoyed her. She wanted him and had made it abundantly clear so there seemed little reason to prolong the inevitable.

Veezara was most certainly the one in control of the situation.

"You were saying, before I rudely interrupted." Ariss resisted rolling her eyes. Always the gentleman when he wanted to be.

"I'll wait until dusk, outside of town to make sure nobody sees me, after the new ship has arrived and come to the inn. Then I'll sit down with Fjork and get him drinking which, from the sound of things, shouldn't prove difficult. He didn't seem to dislike you, from what I could hear, so I assume he won't turn me down solely based on being Argonian."

"Any male that would turn you down deserves the Void." Ariss blushed, watching toned muscle shift beneath well groomed scales as Veezara finished folding his jacket, placed it neatly on the room's dresser and began working at his belt. Her tail twitched in frustration but her body only grew hotter. Damn him!

"I'll spike his drink with one of Babette's potions. One that will make him even more . . . amicable, easier to persuade to join me for some late night private conversation." Veezara chuckled while struggling with his leather pants that bunched up and caught at his ankles. It amused her to watch him nearly topple over and have to use the bed post to prevent an embarrassing fall. Despite the save his scales had flushed with mild shame at his lapse in balance, folding the pants as delicately as the jacket. "Then I'll bring him to this room, to this very bed where I'll have him partake of my second concoction."

Veezara had rid himself of anything he wasn't hatched with as Ariss talked. She vocalized her appreciation of the way the candlelight danced over his well formed body. Emerald scale bathed in shifting ochre glow. The only imperfections a half dozen scars spread about, three of which were pink vertical slashes down the side of his snout. They reminded her of the trio of fleshy scars that cut horizontally over her left eye. She had been lucky that was the only residual damage of that day.

Ariss willed him to come to her, crawl over her and join with her. He finally obliged with a playful, predatory grin that set her lower body aflame. She pulled her knees up until her heels were almost touching her butt, as if trying to defend herself as he crawled on hands and knees towards her. Veezara knelt with her bunched up legs between his, pulled them to his chest and stroked her thighs.

"What happens next?" He inquired, voice pregnant with lust, kissing one of her knees. Ariss struggled to remember.

"I keep him distracted until the potion takes hold, leaving his body as malleable as wet clay. Waiting to be crafted by my hand." As she spoke Veezara's index fingers hooked under the strings of her underwear at her hips, slowly peeling them up her thighs and off her legs. Lifting her feet to finish the job gave him an unobstructed view of glistening flesh and scale that caused his heart to palpitate. He steeled himself, praying for patience and folded the damp fabric as carefully as he had his own armor.

"How do you intend on distracting him?" His scales slid effortlessly against those of Ariss' inner thighs as he low crawled over top of her. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck, pulling him down atop her.

Ariss grinned impishly until her lips closed softly with Veezara's. She gasped into his opening maw as the rest of his body sank with excruciating languor, moaning softly when his pelvis ground against hers. Veezara hissed during his descent, burying his snout into the soft off-white scales of her throat. Ariss felt it was time she attempted to wrest control from the male.

"That, my Veezara, is one of those details you'll have to wait for until it reveals itself." He nipped her throat and began rocking his hips.

"I thought this was a partnership."

"If you want to call it that. Astrid left me in charge and I brought you along as an adviser." Veezara huffed and forced himself deeper. Ariss' breath caught in her throat and her arms tightened around his neck like an ophidian's constricting coils.

"As your adviser, I find it pertinent that you refrain from keeping secrets, dearest Ariss, if only for your own sake." She would have laughed at his unconvincing attempt at an aristocratic tone if he hadn't dropped all of his weight onto her chest. The discomfort of her breasts being squished overpowered by his claws raking down her sensitive flanks. He was quickly catching on to her erogenous weak points.

"Veezara" Ariss stuttered, breathless "try not to ruin my clothing if you ever want to see me wearing it again."

The male Argonian chuffed and the weight lifted from her chest as he rose and held himself aloft with one arm, slipping underneath her back with the other. "The knot at the bottom." Ariss instructed once she realized what he was after, contorting her arms to loosen the strings that laced the garment up along her spine. It took a few moments of mirthful smiles and frustrated giggles before she was free. He reared up and began to fold the cloth just as he had the others but she snatched it from his hands and tossed it to the floor. A sense of triumph filled her at the thought of having created the only disorganization in the room.

Veezara's miffed expression made her simper as she wrapped her legs around his hips, driving him back and deep into where he belonged. His eyes closed as he inhaled sharply, arms quaking from exertion. She couldn't resist enjoying his palpable pleasure. The way her actions could bring ecstasy just as much as they could bring agony. Instead of the usual morbidity that surrounded her, this felt pure and innocent by comparison. Veezara growled then walked his hands back until they were snug against Ariss' ribs, rocking and grinding his hips until she was panting and gasping beneath him. She gripped his biceps roughly and pushed eagerly back against his assault.

"Going to tell me your little secret yet?" Veezara growled between ragged breaths, hips moving with purpose. Ariss' face was flush from the activity. The crimson streaks - that started low on either side of her neck, curling back and then returning to slash across her eyes - began to intensify from the vigorous activity.

"There is nothing to tell" she breathed "your role will reveal itself at the perfect time." The sibilance normally present in her voice was exaggerated and it made Veezara smile. He dropped onto his forearms, her body curling beneath his to accommodate the position, relinquishing itself completely to his will.

"It seems you revel in being difficult and controlling. Don't you?" The question was rhetorical and he cut off any possible retort from Ariss with his lips, rough against the softness of hers. She made no attempt to deny his statement, instead shifting her grip to his shoulders and rotating her snout, tongue reaching across the divide to explore her lover's. He reciprocated with unrestrained enthusiasm, tail coiling around hers to the extent that it was able. Being as close as possible in the physical realm was what he craved. Pleasing this female, the most strong willed and capable he'd ever known, to the best of his ability, was his only concern.

He felt the sting of her claws digging into his shoulders. The thick scales preventing their penetration into his flesh, but the pain sent him headlong into a euphoric state, his thrusts urgent and erratic. He lifted his head and grit his teeth, eyes screwed shut, a deep growl of ownership reverberating through his body as he claimed Ariss. Her back arced and she forcefully pulled him back down to her, warmth spreading through her in waves of cleansing fire.

Veezara's warm breath caressed her in fitful gasps as his lust was sated, muscles contracting in spasmodic waves that sent pleasant tingles crawling across Ariss' scales. She never felt so connected to any of the previous males she'd had. Only using her body as an information gathering tool. A pleasurable tool, but a tool nevertheless, a means to an end. Veezara left her feeling new, untouched emotions. She only hoped he felt the same; from the smile that stretched his features to the way he gently bucked into her until he was satisfied she didn't doubt it. Once the moment had passed he offered her snout a loving lick.

When he left her, lifting his body and gently repositioning her legs on the messed linen, she felt strangely empty, like a part of her was missing. There was no urge to get up and vacate the area like every time before. Waiting for the male to sleep so she could sneak away, steal what she came for or even cut their existence short. Veezara nestled alongside Ariss' prostrate form, nuzzling up her snout until their lips touched and molded together. In her opinion the vacation couldn't be going any better.

Ariss wrapped her arms around Veezara's muscular back as he nestled his head in her bosom, chest rumbling his contentment. She smiled and gave the top of his head a lick. "I'm going to sneak out of town before dawn, Veezara." Her grin broadened at his piteous whine. "We won't be apart for long, don't be such a hatchling." He chuckled and held her tighter.

"Just try not to wake me up when you leave. I want to keep dreaming that you're still with me." Ariss grinned, lovingly rubbing Veezara's snout.

"How could I be so lucky?" She wondered quietly, closing her eyes.

"I often wonder the same, dearest Ariss."

~Apologies for the abrupt ending. I actually got to this point about 6 months ago and I doubt I'll ever finish this. I figured I may as well post it so people can enjoy it for what it is. Cheers!~