One Shots and Short Stories

Skyrim - Argis (part 2)

Aetella woke up at dawn as usual. She undid the braid that she had done the morning prior, brushed her hair and then braided her hair again. She got dressed and collected her belongings before walking out of the room.

"Good morning." The innkeeper greeted.

"Good morning." She beamed as she walked up to the counter. "Would you mind relaying a message for me?" The innkeeper leaned in, indicating that they were listening. "When sleepy head over there-" She inclined her head in the direction of Argis' room. "-wakes up, could you please tell him that I am waiting outside?"

The innkeeper nodded and smiled sweetly at her. Aetella bought some breakfast for Argis and herself and carried it outside. She walked down to the ancient, dragon-crested bridge and sat down on a log near the lumber mill. She ate her breakfast and sat quietly, listening to the sounds of the birds and other animals while the sun rose slowly, lighting up the landscape and making the water from the nearby falls shimmer. She closed her amber eyes and let the sun warm her cream coloured skin. She inhaled, taking in all the scents around her and filling her lungs with the fresh morning air. Skyrim was beautiful. It was so different from Valenwood and much more diverse. Valenwood consisted of mainly dense forest whereas Skyrim had everything; dense forests, snowy tundra, swampy marsh and beautiful valleys surrounded by large mountains. Aetella, of course, loved Riften's perpetual autumn look but it reminded her too much of home. She had seen all of Skyrim and she really preferred The Reach. It's mountains and valleys took her breath away and she loved how the height of the mountains allowed the rain to create the most beautiful waterfalls she had ever seen. The sound of the water crashing into the rocks below gave off a roar that she could feel penetrate her very core.

Argis couldn't help but stare at the beautiful bosmer woman. As a nord, he knew that he wasn't supposed to like elves. He knew that his father would have wanted him to find a strong nord woman to settle down with, but there was just something about this delicate creature that fascinated him. She looked so small and fragile but she was strong willed and ambitious. He gazed at her as she sat there, completely entranced by the nature around her. A small breeze blew by, blowing stray strands of her rose gold hair out of her face and rippling through the rest of her loosely braided hair. The morning sun soaked into her skin, giving it a pale orange glow and emphasising how flawless it was. Argis was pulled from his daze when he saw her shift a bit. He walked over to the log that she occupied and sat down, staring at the horizon, he greeted her.

"Good morning, Ella."

A large smile crept onto her face at hearing him use that name. "Good morning, my dear Argis." She handed him some food. "I bought breakfast."

Argis smiled sweetly and gave her a simple 'Thank you' as he took it from her hands. Aetella went back to her gazing while Argis ate and she actually found herself enjoying his presence. The mere fact that he was there gave her a warm feeling inside and she had to fight back the urge to move closer to him. Her mind started to wander. She thought about what it would feel like to snuggle up next to him. He was a nord so he would most likely be very warm. He was a strong warrior so his muscles would be firm against her. She felt her face heat up at the thought of him holding her. Her mind wandered further and she bit her lip as she mentally scolded herself for thinking that way. Mother would not be pleased.


Argis finished off the last of his breakfast and stood up. "We better get moving." He turned to Aetella and offered her a hand, which she took with a smile. "Hunting will be slow. You don't wanna be out when it's dark." He pulled her up and she brushed herself off.

Argis and Aetella walked out of Dragon Bridge side by side and began their hunting expedition.

---------- ~ Time Skip ~ ----------

Aetella and Argis made it to Solitude by late afternoon. They carried a few rabbits and Pheasants with them, nothing too big or heavy. They didn't want to have to carry heavy pelts and meat all the way to Solitude.
Aetella walked through the gates of Solitude with Argis close behind. There was a large crowd gathered just inside the gates, curious, Aetella moved through the crowd to see what the gathering was about.
It was an execution.
Argis stood behind Aetella as they looked on. The executioner raised his axe and Aetella spun around and buried her face in Argis' chest. He was slightly taken aback by this action but soon wrapped an arm around her comfortingly. He felt her jump as they heard the sound of the headsman's axe striking the block. The crowd started to disperse but Argis stood still.

"It's over." He whispered to her.

Argis felt her shift and looked down to see her looking up at him. Her hands were on his large chest and he still had his arm around her, holding her against him. Her eyes widened slightly and her face flushed with embarrassment. She had just thought about this earlier. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty for forcing herself on him like that and for thinking that way. She apologised and gently pushed herself off of him. They walked to the inn and sold the meat that they had and asked about accommodation.

"Sure. Although almost all of our rooms are full. People are coming in from all over Skyrim for 'The Burning of King Olaf'." The innkeeper leaned on the counter as he eyed the two in front of him.

"Well, we are going to need two single rooms, please." Aetella said, hoping that she wouldn't end up in a tough situation.

"Sorry. Only thing left is a double room." The innkeeper smirked.

No such luck. Aetella turned to Argis, a worried expression painted her face as she thought of Argis was going to think. Argis looked down at her and frowned. He didn't know what to do. He was perfectly fine with sleeping in a chair or on the floor if he really had to. Aetella came first. It was basically his job description. He looked at Aetella's large golden eyes. He didn't know what she wanted to do so he just shrugged.

"You're comfort comes before mine, Ella." He said to her.

"But Argis..."

Agris turned to the innkeeper. "We'll take it." He said before Aetella could continue.

Aetella looked at the innkeeper, then at Argis. The innkeeper's smirk grew as he moved from around the counter. "I'll show you to your room." The pair followed the innkeeper up some stairs and towards a open door. He stopped in front of the door and allowed Atella and Argis to enter. "Let me know if you need anything else." The innkeeper smirked once more and left.

Aetella looked around the room. It was a nice size, with book shelves around a small seating area. There was a big table that had a few treats on it a various drinks scattered around the room decoratively. The bed was a large double bed with green sheets and fluffy looking pillows. It looked very comfortable and inviting. Aetella stopped looking around and turned to Argis. She was about to speak but Argis spoke first, knowing that if he didn't she would not stop apologising for something that she couldn't help.

"You take the bed. I'll sleep on the chair tonight." He gestured to one of the chairs.

Aetella sighed, knowing that she was not going to win this one. She looked at the pelts that he had over his shoulder and got an idea. "Let's go and sell those." She gestured to the skins that hung over his shoulders. He nodded and followed her out of the inn. They sold off the skins at a good price and made quite a bit off the whole hunting expedition. Once they had walked out of the small store, Aetella noticed that the market was empty and the sun had almost gone down, she turned to Argis. "Argis, my dear. Would you like to go see 'The Burning of King Olaf' with me?"

He gave her a small smile. "If that is what you want, then I'd be happy to."

She beamed. "Fantastic!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the Bard's College.

They arrived just as the effigy was being lit. They watched the giant dummy burn and joined in the festivities. They ate meat pies and other sweet treats. Spiced wine was being served and Aetella drank for the occasion. Aetella hardly drank, so it was quite understandable when, after two glasses, she became a bit tipsy. Argis, being the strong, stocky Nord that he was, drank often. He could hold his liquor quite well. He decided to get Aetella back to the inn before things got out of hand. He grasped her hand which made Aetella's heart flutter in the state that she was in and he pulled her along as they walked back to the inn under the stars and pale moonlight. Argis ushered her inside and up the stars to their room. She unbuckled her armour, letting it fall to the floor and leaving her in the clothes that she had underneath. She climbed into the bed and pulled the covers over her chest. Argis smiled at her and turned to move to the chair but Aetella's voice stopped him.

"Argis." He turned to face her. "I've been thinking..." She sat up in bed. "You could sleep in the bed. I would hate for you to be uncomfortable in that chair."

"It's fine, Ella. I'll sleep in the chair."

She groaned. "Argis, you're being ridiculous! Just come sleep in the bed. It'll be fine, as long as you stay on your side." She pointed to the far end of the bed.

"Are you sure?" Argis asked wearily.

"Yes. I'm tipsy, not drunk. I am quite aware of what I am doing. It's quite alright." She watched him as he rounded the bed.

He accepted her offer by beginning to unbuckle his own armour. She nodded and flipped over on her side, her back facing Argis, giving him some privacy. She felt the bed shift under his weight and she peeked over her shoulder. He had taken off everything but his trousers and Aetella felt her face flush again. Thank the gods that the wine in her system masked the blush on her face. She resumed her previous position and bid Argis goodnight before pressing her hot face into her pillow and falling asleep.
Argis looked over to the sleeping form next to him. She had shifted in her sleep and was now facing him, still on her side of the bed. She looked so peaceful and beautiful. A strand of hair hung loosely in her face and he had to resist the urge to touch her face and brush it away. He sighed and placed his hands behind his head. He closed his eyes and let his body relax, letting sleep take him.