My Random Skyrim Stories

My Sword, My Shield, My Heart (Argis) 4

Dinner was pleasant after that, if a little awkward. Argis wasn't used to having Chrystara sitting practically in his lap while they ate, and as much as he was savoring the moment, it was difficult to pretend it was natural and not something new.

Argis's heart jumped when the topic of children came up... Elyn mentioned that Chrystara's mother was sure to want to come meet her grandchildren eventually, and Chrystara had simply shrugged and said that her parents would be welcome to visit as long as her father wasn't going to hassle her about the fact that his grandchildren were going to be half-Nord. She even promised she'd write to let them know whenever that happy event eventually occurred.

Part of Argis's mind began to entertain much more hope as the evening and conversation progressed...

Then after dinner Argis excused himself to change out of the armor he wore most of the day and into his simple cotton trousers and shirt for relaxing in. Changing in his Thane's room was a little awkward, but he honestly felt like he could get used to it, there was at least enough space... and she did have a bed big enough for two...

When he got back Chrystara was alone in the kitchen, pulling down one of their more expensive large bottles of mead.

"Elyn's in your room getting herself situated, I told her we could sit and have drinks after that and tell her about a few of our adventures," she told him in a low whisper.

"Mmm," Argis nodded. "I see y're breakin' out the good stuff," he commented with a smirk as he noticed the bottle was Black-briar Reserve.

"Yeah, I figured I owe you one," she sighed sheepishly.

"I'm sure not about t' complain," he shrugged.

"I think we've got her convinced," she added hesitantly, "we just... need to keep her from questioning now..."

"Alright then," Argis nodded and stepped slowly and deliberately closer to her as an idea formed in his mind. He took the bottle from her gently and set it on the table, then very slowly reached out to settle his hands on her hips. She looked up at him looking a little startled, but didn't make any move to pull away from him. He couldn't help but smirk slightly as he pulled her closer to him.

"A-Argis...?" She whispered, looking up at him in uncertain confusion.

"Figured I c'n make 'er think she interrupted somethin' wh'n she opens that door," he explained with a gentle smile.

"Ah," she breathed softly, and Argis's heart jumped as he saw her looking obviously to his lips, "probably a good idea," she murmured, as she slowly reached up to wrap her arms around his shoulders.

Argis's heart began to race as she leaned closer still... how many nights had he dreamed of holding her just like this? Of seeing her actually leaning into his arms like this...? He realized then that she was trembling slightly... this couldn't be part of the act... could it?

He'd been thinking he'd simply be close so they could separate sheepishly when Elyn opened the door, but Chrystara's reaction changed his plans... he ducked his head the rest of the way and met her lips again in a gentle kiss... and to his amazement, she kissed him back.

She wrapped her arms more tightly around him, pulling herself closer and tangling her fingers into his hair. Argis let out a soft, almost involuntary groan as he held her flush against him as the kiss grew more heated. He had wanted this far too long.

And then all too soon, Elyn opened the door and they were pulling apart, looking sheepish and embarrassed.

"Sorry," Chrystara said with a sheepish laugh as Argis busied himself pouring tankards of mead.