Chapter 1 - A One Knight Stand

Disclaimer: I don't own shit. Except some names.
Author's Note: Skyriiiiiiim!

A One Knight Stand

The arrow from the bandit's bow bounced off her armor, like it was made of wheat, the shaft clattering to the ground some place behind her. She watched behind the eye sockets of the heavy Daedric armor as the expression on the bandit's face turned from frustration to fear, realization of what was about to happen to him set in. “What's wrong, you big, strong Nord? Scared of a little... fire?” The voice of the woman behind the armor was soft and silky, betraying her true nature as she clenched her fists together, uttering the only three draconic words she knew. Bare nessecities, but it provided for some fun parlor tricks. “Yol... tool shul!” She shouted, her breath exiting her mouth as a gout of searing flames, engulfing the bandit in all-consuming fire.

Belting out a gut-wrenching screach, the bandit flailed about fruitlessly, trying to put himself out, until the flames finally claimed him, his form collapsing to the ground as the flames died. Something struck the black-as-sin armor on the back, a heavy object bouncing harmlessly off. “I'll... kill you!” Another bandit shouted as the armored form turned around, staring the frightened bandit in the face as he filled himself with false courage, the steel warhammer in his hand the only sanctuary he had. With a powerful backhand, the woman in the armor disarmed the bandit with her shield, the warhammer spinning widly out of his hand, sliding under a locked gate, unable to be retrieved by the bandit. Snapping her other arm out, the woman took hold of the bandit's neck and lifted him off the ground. With a strong arm, she slammed him, head-first into the ground, killing him instantly.

Something grabbed the jagged form of her sword at her side, the 'sniket' of the ebony on it's sheath told her someone was trying to steal her sword. “I'll use this! I swear!” Came the voice of a female bandit, her hands gripping the sword with a trembling grasp. The warrior's shield-hand took hold of the weapon's blade as she stared the woman in the face, her head making a sharp motion forward as the ten pound helmet collided with shattering force onto the woman's forehead, causing her to collapse with little but a grunt. Tossing the recovered sword slightly into the air, she caught the handle and resheathed it. Taking a look around the cave, the woman in Daedric armor nodded to herself. A piece of paper came from the small pouch at her side, and a quill quickly followed.

“Clean out cave of bandits. Check.” She spoke quickly, little gouts of flame following her words, remains from her Thu'um used earlier. “That should about do it for today. Jarl Balgruuf will be happy to know his hold is safe for a while longer...” Rolling the parchment back up, she placed it; along with the quill, back into the pouch at her side. As a joke, she cupped her hands in front of her helmet, about where her mouth would be, and called into the depths. “Anyone else out there want a piece of me?” She smiled to herself, not expecting an answer.

“Hello!? Who are you!?” The answering voice was female, and sounded very distraught.

“Is someone still here?” The knight mused to herself, unsheating her sword again, this time in caution. Bandits were one thing, but she didn't know who this person was, warranting her to be very, very careful. The sound of iron gates rattling in an adjacent room caught her attention, the tall, black figure advancing with sword and shield in hand. In the corner of this new room was a large cell with rusted iron bars, and inside, was the figure of a young woman, her hands placed firm on the cage door and shaking it for all she can. “Hello?” The knight asked once more, the woman recoiling in her cell in fear. “Are you a bandit?”

“Wha – No! No, if I was a bandit why the fuck would I be in here!?” The woman in Daedric armor shrugged, nodding her head at the logic.

“D'eh. Suppose you're right. So, who are you?” Sheathing her blade, she walked up to the gate, looking over the lock.

“My name is Rami Telmoe... I'm... well, it doesn't matter WHAT I am... could you please get me out of here!?” The knight gave a quick nod, giving the gate a push, the lock resisting.

“Hey... uh... does one of these guys have the key?” Rami's face darkened.

“No... the boss man threw the key down the sewers weeks ago.”

“Weeks?” The armor-clad woman muttered, scratching the back of the helmet. “Cripes, how long have you been in there?”

“Suffice to say, I haven't had a bath, or slept on a read bed in about two months.” The armored woman shook her head.

“Two months? Ugh, you must smell horrible.” She shook the lock again, looking at it in closer detail. “This looks like a pretty tough lock. I don't think I'd be able to pick it. I don't suppose you can hold out for like... three days could you? I could go and grab a friend of mine and-”

“Three days?! Not after you just killed the only people bringing me food!” Again, the woman nodded at Rami's logic.

“Yea, I suppose that would be a problem.” Scanning the cell, the woman in the armor gave an unseen smile. “Hey, suppose you could take a couple'a steps back? I think I can get this open.” With a nervous nod, Rami backed all the way to the end of the small cage, pressing flat against it. “One advantage to all this armor.” Rearing back, the knight gave the lock a good kick, the iron padlock buckling at the weight. “With all this weight I'm lugging around...” Another kick popped the lock open, the gate swinging free. “Locks aren't much of a problem.” Rami's eyes lit up at her savior.

“Freedom! Oh, sweet freedom! If I didn't smell so bad, I'd kiss you!” As Rami stepped into the light outside the small cave, the knight got first look at who she had saved. She was thin, obviously malnourished. Her blond hair fell about her shoulders in an unkept style, her red eyes and ashen skin framing her face nicely.

“You're a Dunmer.”

“Yea, you just now noticed?” The knight shrugged.

“The cage wasn't exactly in the light.” The dunmer hugged the knight, smiling.

“Oh, whatever! I can't thank you enough for rescuing me! Can – can I at least get your name?”

“Valdaranna.”

“That's a mouthful.” Rami responded, giggling, then bowing. “Oh, but who cares. Thank you, Sir Valdaranna, for the most timely of rescues.”

“I may look like one, but I'm no knight. I'm just a random adventurer.”

“Valdaranna... is that... Bosmer?”

“Argonian, actually. It's hard to tell, I lost my tail six weeks ago to a dragon but...” Reaching up, the Argonian named Valdaranna removed her helmet, her blue hair falling about her face, her light green scales marred only by a red X across her eyes. Her features were oddly soft for an Argonian, accentuated by her equally oddly soft voice.

“My, you have hair. I didn't think Argonians had hair...”

“Sometimes. It's very rare.” Valdaranna answered, putting the black helmet back on. “So, what brings you out here? And what lead to your capture at the hands of bandits?”

“I'd rather not go into that. It's a very long, and extremely embarrassing story.” Valdaranna stifled a laugh as the pair made their way out of the small room. “So... when do we head home?”

“Home? What are you talking about?” Valdaranna questioned, looking at her queerly.

“You know. Home. Where I live.” She paused for a moment. “That IS why you're hear, right? To rescue me?” Valdaranna shook her head.

“I came here to clear the cave. I didn't even know anyone was here. Don't get me wrong, though, I'd be more then happy to help you home, but I don't know where that is.” She stared at Rami again, cocking her head some. “You know, that I look at you, you look a lot like the Queen of Mournhold's daughter, Erizen.” Rami shook her head.

“I know. I'm Lady Erizen's personal impersonator. Those ruffians took me, thinking me the Princess. I told them six times I wasn't but they were as educated as the average Skyrim citizen...” She paused, and smiled sheepishly at Valdaranna before continuing. “No offense.”

“None taken.” She looked about. “Unfortunately, we won't be going anywhere anytime soon...” Rami looked perplexed at Valdaranna's statement. “Ever since Alduin died, Thalmor presence has quadrupled in Skyrim. You can't take ten steps without stepping on one, and to say I'm on their list of shit is an understatement. We can't move, not tonight. We'll have to wait until sunrise.”

“You killed all these bandits! How can you be scared of a few Thalmor?”

“I'm not scared for myself. Don't take this the wrong way, but you've been living a coushy little life in a castle you're whole life. I don't think you could take much in the ways of punishment.” She paused for a moment. “And I imagine there's a nice little reward in it for me if I get you back safe and alive. Alive... being the key word.”

“Is that all you really care about? The reward, if there is one?”

“No. But it will be a nice bonus. Relax, princess, once the sun comes up, we'll have you home.” Rami nodded, defeated.

“Can I at least take a bath? There's a stream that runs through this cave, and I think the bandit leader hides all the soap.” Valdaranna shrugged, smiling.

“Bathing couldn't hurt. I'll go find that soap for you, you start cleaning.” Rami nodded, starting towards the stream which cut across the room, removing the tattered clothes from her back.

Valdaranna, meanwhile, started at looting the bandit cheif's room, near where Rami was found, coming across two unused bars of soap. Taking one in hand, she continued looking through the chest, finding a set of very regal looking clothes, probably Rami's. The sound of someone splashing about told Valdaranna Rami had found the bath just fine, and was taking a much needed bath. Returning to where the stream was, she found the Dunmer chest-deep in the water, washing herself all over, running water through her hair to banish the grime.

“Did you find any soap?” Came Rami's voice as she heard the heavy sound of Daedric boots on stone.

“Aye.” Valdaranna replied crouching next to the water, holding her hand out. The Dunmer moved her blond hair from her back, leaning over.

“I don't suppose you'd wash my back, would you? I can't reach it very well.” Valdaranna cracked a little smile and nodded. Removing the heavy gauntlets from her hands, she went about the task at hand, running the bar of soap up and down Rami's back, dipping it into the cold water occasionally to moisten it. The Dunmer seemed to almost melt at Valdaranna's touch. “You feel awfully smooth for an Argonian...” A blush crept across her lizard-like face at the comment.

“Uh... thanks?” Was all she could think to say.

“All that armor must keep you pretty.” She was awfully friendly for someone who'd been manhandled by a bunch of barbarians. Valdaranna nodded, giving some verbal confirmation to this, but she couldn't remember exactly what it was she said. Rami turned around in the water, not even trying to hide her nakedness from the Argonian, her hand outstretched. “I can take it from here, thank you.” Shaking her head a little, she returned the soap to Rami's hand, washed her own hands off in the lake and stood.

“So... uh... once we get back on the – uh, road. Where exactly is it I need to take you?” Valdaranna continued, trying to put their conversation back on the track of normalcy.

“I should be able to get a ride back to Morrowind from Windhelm, so there will be fine. Or, if you distrust the caravaneers, I suppose I could be convinced to allow you to accompany me the whole way.” Valdaranna sat at the cave's wall, staring away from Rami as she bathed, a fact that the dunmer took both notice, and mild offense to. “Why aren't you looking at me?”

“You're naked. I was always told to give people in the bath their privacy.” Rami laughed at this, a small, girlish titter.

“Come come now, Valdaranna. Are we not both women? Argonians and Elves are not that far apart, surly.” She was right, all the races of Tamriel had similar... parts... but that doesn't mean she can go around staring at other people's perk supple breasts...

DAMN she had already noticed! Cursing to herself, she stood, putting the gauntlets back to her arms. “Right then. I'm going to take a look around this cave. Call if you need any more help.” Rami laughed at this, leaning against the edge of the small creek, her skin dripping with the cool water droplets as they cleansed her pours.

“Why don't you join me?”

“I don't think so. I'll take a bath when you're done.”

“Afraid I'll bite?”

“Respecting your space, is more like it.” Rami laughed at her quick, snappy rebuttle.

“The queen would like you. You've got bite.”

“I'm not sure I'd like the queen.” She answered, stopping. “I don't think the queen would like me any. I'm a runaway.”

“I'm sorry?” Valdaranna clammed up, staring at the passage towards the front of the cave. “Tell me, Valdaranna, where are you from?”

“Vivic.” She answered quickly, turning back to the woman in the creek. “I was born into slavery, a pawn of a cruel Telvanni overlord who believed all under his roof to be his property, living and breathing or otherwise.” Unbuckling the four straps, two at each of her side, she removed the heavy Daedric armor from her body, turning her back to Rami. “Branded his name on my back, just to show he owned me.” As the armor fell, the word 'DERENAS'  could be seen emblazoned with a brand upon her back. Rami looked on in shock at this revelation, the cruelty of one man bringing a tear of sorrow to her eye. Pulling the armor back on, she grunted. “The first memory I have of him is him standing over me, sneering and naked, telling me that I belong to him, and he could do whatever he pleases with my body. That was the start of sixteen years of hell for me. Each new day was greeted with his... with his cock inside me, my parents powerless to do anything.” Turning back around she walked towards a chair facing the creek, sitting down as she continued her story.

“The only person in that family worth their Nine-Given flesh was their son, Alvan. Kind young man, two years my senior. He would often come to me with his left overs and a smile, offering me both freely.” She offered a little giggle at her next thought. “He would often call me 'Valley', because he couldn't pronounce my name. On my sixteenth birthday, he came to my cell – and that's what it was, Rami, a cell. He came to my cell with two things; a key and a dagger. He told me that I had to get out, that my father was planning on selling me to a royal family in Mournhold; that this was a fate worse then what I had now. He gave me the key, the dagger, and a hug, and told me to run. Run, and never turn back, forget Vvardenfell and Morrowind as long as I live... to forget him.”

“So I ran. I ran as hard and as long as my feet would carry me, eventually finding myself on the banks of the small fishing village Khuul. And I walked to the mainland, and eventually found myself in Skyrim. Two years later, here I am, carving out a nice living as a sellsword.” She paused to take a breath, Rami kept in stifled silence at the story laid so plainly before her.

“How old were you when he started-”

“Raping me?” She spoke so bluntly, shaking her head and giving a little laugh. “Six, if it matters. I was his property, who would help an Argonian slave girl without a septim to her name?” Laughing again, she shook her head once more, trying to shake the tears away. “I had to cut and gouge my living out here in Skyrim. And I had to do it on blood and with steel. The Stormcloak uprising? I put down with my own sweat and skill. The dragons? Well, I won't allude you to think I'm Dragonborn, but believe me I helped. Six dragons I've single-handedly felled. Unlike that stuck up Telvanni bastard, I worked my heart out for what I have! I've earned everything I own, and I'm going to keep it...” She sighed. “If I go back to Morrowind, they'll hang me.”

“No! They won't!”

“Oh? How can you say that? You're just a body double, right? What sway could you hold in the Mournhold court? About as much as I, I dare say.”

“More then you know.” She answered with finality. The sound of something raising from the water drew Valdaranna's attention back to Rami as she advanced on the armored Argonian, water the only thing covering her skin. Rami shook her head, her hair spraying water droplets across the ground. “I'm not just a body double. My name's not Rami Telmoe... I am Princess Erizen.” Valdaranna smiled.

“I know.” She chuckled a little. “You're not very subtle, you know.”

“How'd you know?”

“Ep.” She grunted, holding a hand up. “I've answered enough of YOUR questions now. You answer one of mine.” Erizen gave a laugh and crossed her arms under her breasts.

“Fair enough. Ask away.”

“Why the lie? Why tell me you're someone you're not?”

“Because I got tired of people treating me with a silken glove! I got sick and tired of 'Oh, you can't do that, Princess!' and 'A lady of your stature shouldn't have to do that! Leave it to the servants'!” She let out a gutteral growl of frustration. “I want people to respect me for what I can do, not who I am. I want people to look at me and see a beautiful, powerful woman! Not a delicate porcelain doll!” Valdaranna nodded in approval.

“You understand what it means to live in the world today. We're not in the Third Era anymore, things won't just be handed to us, we have to fight for them. Being a woman in today's world is hard, but not impossible.”

“I suppose... you could also say I'm searching for someone. Someone who not only respects me for what I can do... but someone who can love me for who I am as a person, not as royalty.” She paused, giving a sigh. “Three months ago, I left home after my parents started talking about suitors. I didn't want to marry someone because they're royalty! I wanted to marry for love! I can't have love in that world, in that life. All I'll ever have is position. No love, no respect, no true family.”

“So, I created Rami Telmoe. An adventurous, attractive, virile young woman who just happened to be an exact twin of the Princess. I spread the rumor that there was another, and that she was to be trusted. Eventually, I started believing I really WAS Rami Telmoe. Erizen became a sub-personality while Rami became me.” She turned to Valdaranna with pleading eyes. “You can't take me back. I won't have them take me into that home, and shower me with suitors and expensive, pointless gifts. I don't want the royal life anymore.”

“You're looking for your Knight is Shining Armor.” Erizen paused and then nodded.

“Yea... I guess you could say that.” Valdaranna nodded.

“Fair enough. Your clothes are in the bandit cheif's room, when you're ready. I hope you find your Prince, Princess.”

“What if I say I already have?”

“Good for you. Go to him.”

“What if I said my Knight in Shining Armor doesn't wear shining armor... but wears the burden of sin upon their shoulder? Armor black as night?”

“To each their own?” She answered, more of a question then an actual response.

“That my Knight... is no Prince... but a self-made Princess.” Turning back around, Valdaranna continued with renewed vigor.

“To each their own.”

“It's you, Valdaranna. I'm in love with you.” The Argonian stopped mid-stride, unsure of how to continue this conversation. For the first time in her life, she had to think; genuinely think, about her response. After stumbling around for the right words, each and every one turning quickly into mush soon after entering, she finally turned around and laughed, throwing her arms to her side.

“Congratulations, Princess. You have made me loose my tongue.”

“This is serious, Valdaranna. I'm spilling my heart to you and you make jokes?”

“Joking is the only way I know how to handle this situation.” She answered grimly, giving a blank gesture with her hands. “I understand how you feel, Erizen, believe me. And, if you did want to get married to another woman...” She laughed, running a hand through her hair. “Skyrim's the best place to do it.”

“So... do you...”

“I'm not agreeing to anything yet. We just met. Let's just say that there's always the possibility.” Erizen advanced on Valdaranna once more, probably shivering from the cold Skyrim air on her wet skin, a gust of cold wind sprouting suddenly from the cave entrance. “You must be cold. Come on, go get dressed.”

“Not yet... I want to show you how serious I am.”

“I think I have a pretty good idea how serious you are...” Her last word was cut short by ashen dunmer lips across her own, the feel of flesh against her scales very strange, something she's never experienced before. A shiver rolled up and down her spine as Erizen deepened her kiss, a soft, wet intruder finding it's way into Valdaranna's mouth, the Dunmer's petite little tongue happily going about it's business of exploring. Reaching behind the Argonian's head, Erizen's ashen hand folded it's fingers around a few locks of her hair, taking a firm, but gentle grip, while her other hand clumsily unbuckled her armor's leather straps; attempting to strip the Argonian of the only protection she had in the world. As sharp motion from Valdaranna's free hand stopped her from removing the heavy ebony armor.

“Please... you can't keep bottling up your feelings... I want to see you – all of you – for the first time...” The warrior had been left wanting in the wake of the broken kiss, her lips still searching for the Dunmer's soft touch.

“Are you sure? Is this really what you want? A Princess and an escaped slave?” Erizen shook her head slowly, pulling the heavy armor from her chest, the Daedric-forged chestplate clattering loudly to the ground.

“No. A Princess doesn't want an escaped slave...” She gave a little paused, punctuated by another little kiss on the Argonian's lips. “But I want you... and I don't care how you started life... it just matters where you are now...” Another kiss came to Valdaranna's lips, followed by another, and another. “If you won't have Princess Erizen... then perhaps you'd have Rami?”

“That's not it, Erizen. I don't love the name, I love the person... but marriage? To me, of all people? I'm not rich, I'm not powerful, and I'm not important.”

“You are! You are all those things and more. You're rich in wisdom and love... you're powerful in heart and mind.. and you're important to me... and that's all that really matters.” Valdaranna was starting to warm up to this woman and her touch, her ashen skin cool against her scales and her breath warm upon her face.

“I don't know if they taught you this back home but... if we do marry, you'll not have the chance to have children; to be a mother.” Erizen chuckled at this, hugging her tighter.

“I don't care. I love you for who you are, even if you don't love me.” A curt smile appeared on the Argonian's lips.

“Who said I didn't. I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting yourself into, that's all.” Erizen gave a condescending laugh at the Argonian's concern.

“Oh... I think I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. But do YOU know what you're getting yourself into?”

“Says the woman who can't get my pants off.” Erizen chuckled a little, the ebony greaves dropping off Valdaranna's waist.

“I got them off forty seconds ago. I'm more clever then you think.”

“Oh? Who's the one who suggested you take a bath? Think I'm not clever? I got all of your clothes off without lifting a finger.” Inching closer, Valdaranna gave the Dunmer a kiss on the cheek. “Why don't we move to that big bed I saw in the other room? Gives us plenty of space.”

“A fine idea...”

The pair separated themselves from one another long enough to relocate to the large bed in the other room, the sheets fairly clean for a bed in a cave previously used by smelly, unwashed barbarians for Nine Knows What. Kicking her boots off, she piled them in a metallic heap right under her greaves, the flimsy string bikini and thong the only thing separating her from how she came into this cruel world. Erizen was the first to lay on the bed, spreading her legs for her new lover. Looking to the dormant fire pit a few feet away, Valdaranna uttered a single word.

“Yol.” A small flicker of flames from her mouth lit the stagnant pit into a blazing flame, bathing the pair of them in warmth. Erizen giggled at this revelation, happy to discover something new about her partner.

“You have the Thu'um?” She folded her hands over her chest, framing her breasts best she could. Valdaranna gave a dismissing shrug at the question, not seeing it as much of a big deal.

“Only a little.” Stretching herself across the Dunmer maiden, she drew a little circle on her shoulder. “Just enough.” The small flames that sprouted from her mouth with each word licked the Dunmer's face, causing her to laugh.

“They tickle...” It was true, by what Arngir had told her. The Thu'um only burns that which the owner wises, her flames could not harm Erizen, regardless of how long she subjugated her to them. “I'm ready when you are...” Being double-jointed had it's advantages, as her arm reached around her back to undo the little knot that held the cloth bra on her back, the piece of clothing falling to Erizen's stomach, the Dunmer taking it in her hands with a smile.

“The warrior reveals herself to me... how cute.” Valdaranna didn't answer, just gave her a kiss on the cheek, followed by drawing her tongue up the Princess' neck and cheek, the girl giggling. The last bits of water had dried from the Dunmer's body several minutes prior, but the low torch and fire light reflected off her ashen skin a tone of almost perfection amongst her species. Her face was soft and round, not hard and chiseled as was common of all elven speices, her breasts soft and supple to the touch, quaking in anticipation with each motion of her reptillian hand. She placed two of her fingers in her mouth, coating them liberally in saliva as she motioned them down to her womanhood with a tauntingly slow pace.

Erizen yipped a little at the first touch, her body starting to warm after the bath, only to be assailed by cold, saliva-coated fingers by the warm body atop her. As the fingers slipped slowly into her folds, Erizen released a series of low, erotic moans, her body ready to accept the touch of her lover.

Valdaranna could tell Erizen was still a virgin, her hymen still in tact where the Nine had graced her with one. The claws on her fingers made short work of that, the warm sensation of blood, this time given freely, trickled down and between her fingers, the woman herself releasing a shriek of agony at the motion. Valdaranna showed no remorse at this, it wasn't meaningless pain she was feeling, but a means to an end. “It won't hurt for much longer... and then it will feel so good... you'll forget all about the pain.” Tears welled in her eyes, her voice releasing several sobs, her body unprepared for what this would mean.

“Don't stop...” She moaned through her tears, her hands still folded across her chest to frame her breasts. “Please... don't stop it...” Obeying her instructions, Valdaranna continued to slowly move her fingers in and out of her vagina, her moaning becoming louder and louder, full of lust and passion, as her skin became a deeper shade of ash, almost red. With a flick of her thumb, she brushed her nail across her clitorous, a massive surge of pleasure causing a yelp to escape her lips. “By the Nine... don't stop.”

“Your wish is my command, my Princess.” Leaning across her body, she pressed her exposed breasts to that of the Dunmer, her lips making contact with the other's, their tongues intermingling inside their mouths, their heads filled with visions of lust and debauchery that would have made both Sanquine and Dibella very, very happy gods.

Erizen's virgin pussy yielded much resistance to Valdaranna's intrusion, but suffered as much a boon as a curse, the young Princess reaching her climax quickly. “Oh gods... I'm going to cum my brain out...” She wheezed between kisses, small puffs of heated steam escaping from her mouth as her breathing became labored, a climax near.

“You do whatever you want, Princess. This night... and the rest of your life... is all about what you want.” Slipping a third finger inside her vagina, the Princess' back arched in glee, a long, sharp shriek came forth, reverberating off the stone walls of the cave, her body going into a series of convulsions, ending in a satisfied sigh. Finally unwrapping themselves from each other, Erizen's hands found their way around Valdaranna's back, pulling her into a hug.

“By the -” She heaved, her chest raising and falling in rapid succession. “By the Nine... that was...” Her heave ended in a little laugh as she held her lover in her hands, sweat starting to form on her face and chest. “Tomorrow... you get the same...” Valdaranna laughed a little, fatigue starting to settle in. “But for now... I'm tired...”

“Yea... I agree. Let's hit the sack for now.” Valdaranna and Erizen slipped under the covers, curled up with each other, scaled arms wrapped around ashen skin, and fell asleep.

-One Week Later; Mournhold.-

The gates of the majestic city of Mournhold opened as the Daedric Armor-wearing Argonian escorted the fresh-faced Princess back home. The Royal Guards, decked in their strange red armor, cleared the way through the Plaza Brindisi Dorom, citizens and visitors alike staring in awe as their princess returned. The statue in the middle of the Plaza, once a majestic marble visage of Almalexia in mortal combat with the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon, had been replaced years ago by a two-hundred foot high statue of the Nereverine, who liberated Mournhold two centuries ago. Circling around the statue, the pair walked through the gates to the palace, in the door, and up the stairs to the throne room. Their presence was announced as the Royal Guard, a man of Dunmer heritage, opened the massive door for them.

“Queen Ivelana Felsnar, King Thorant Felsnar; I present to you Lady Valdaranna, savior of Princess Erizen Felsnar.” The guard stepped aside, allowing the Argonian, armored boot to scalp, inside, the Princess in tow. The Queen, a rather regal looking Dunmer woman who was clearly getting on in age, stood to meet the woman, while the King, an arrogant looking asshole, kept sitting on his throne, looking very displeased.

“Step forward, champion.” The queen spoke, opening her arms to Valdaranna, inviting her farther in. “You have saved my foolish daughter from her ideal fantasies of what life was like outside the city walls, and for that, you have my thanks. Tell us, Champion, how may we repay your efforts?”

“I require no reward, Your Majesty.” The Argonian responded, bowing. “I have brought your daughter back to you, but it would seem as if she does not wish to return.”

“I... beg your pardon?” The queen asked, stepping forward. “What do you mean by this?”

“Three months, your majesty. Your daughter was missing for three months, and what have you done to find her?”

“She would return eventually.” The king muttered in response. “She knows her place.”

“Aye. She does. And I know her place too. Your Highness. I request your daughter's hand in marriage.”

“What?!” Was the queen's response.

“Never!” Came the king's hurried answer.

“But... you are a woman!”

“Aye. And an Argonian at that.” She answered, removing her helmet to show the court her face. Her hair was covered in a pair of black silk panties, 'Erizen' stitched promenetly across the front of them. “Oh, and her underwear makes a nice hat. Her idea.”

“You unwashed barbarian!” The king growled, finally standing from his seat. “You have defiled my daughter with your beastial nature! I'll see you hang for this!”

“Defiled!?” Valdaranna bellowed, her face flashing red in anger. “I have defiled nothing! I have done nothing to her she did not wish. Your daughter loves me, and I love her.”

“Erizen!” The queen's maternal side kicked in. “Is this true? Do you really have... feelings for this thing?”

“Thing, mother? She is no thing. She's a person, just like I am, just like you and dad, you're all people.”

“Argonians are not people.” It was in that split second after those words left the King's mouth that Valdaranna was upon him, sword drawn and to his throat.

“Say that again!” She growled, her eyes flashing red. “Say it again you son of a bitch!”

“Guards!”

“DON'T!” She shouted. “One fucking mis-step, and I slit your throat, and I whisk Erizen away to a land far away from you, from your prejudice, and this life. So give me a reason. I walked into this city calmly, and I can leave the same, or I can leave a trail of blood in my wake, YOUR CHOICE.”

“You want to live with this barbarian, Erizen? Is that your big decision in life?”

“Yes.”

“Fine. Then I banish you from my kingdom, and from all of Morrowind. Take your Argonian whore and leave my city at once.”

“Very well, Your Highness. I shall take my leave.” Sheathing her blade, Valdaranna nodded.
“I shall take my leave as well. May we never meet again.”

-

The pair of lovers, the Fallen Princess and the Risen Slave walked out of the city the same way they entered, and headed north west. To freedom. To a happier life. To Skyrim.