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Fall from High Rock	By : mistressarachnia Category: +A through F > Elder Scrolls - Morrowind Views: 4940 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: The Elder Scrolls universe belongs to Bethesda. Alyssa Elbert belongs to me. I make no money from writing about her adventures.

Chapter List
- 44
- 45
Chapter 45:
Cleaning Up
�I�m looking for something� um� for
a friend�� Alyssa started, not entirely sure how to explain Vosaras�
measurements without giving away the fact that he was male.� With any luck, the
clothiers would have a few unisex robes in stock at least.� She placed her hand
to her head, blinking and stifling a yawn.� How many days had it been since she
slept?� Three?
�You are always welcome to look
around, of course,� Elegnan smiled, �Have you taken a look at our new negligees
from High Rock yet?� The fashion show is in just a few days, and I don�t think
we�ve fitted you with anything yet.� Do you think you and your girlfriend might
have time to come in tomorrow?�
�Er� Berwen?� Um� I�m not sure
actually,� Alyssa replied, biting her lip nervously.� She was pretty sure that
attending a fashion show would be a rather irresponsible waste of time since
Vosaras wasn�t even eating yet.� Perhaps today he would be able to consume
something.
�Hmm� well, it will only take a few
hours, provided you two are still interested.� I can try to convince Nona to
take one of your places, but poor Liette is still sick with swamp fever.� I
really don�t think Jolda has the figure for these things, no offence, but she�s
borne three children and is getting on in years.� Most of the other local girls
refuse to wear lingerie, silly dears.� I was really hoping to show some of this
off on a High Rock native, for exotic appeal, but if I need to find a
replacement, please let me know as soon as possible so I can start asking around,�
Elegnan explained.� Alyssa bit her lip.� She had said she would help, and she
didn�t want to back down on her word but� well, she would see how Vosaras was
feeling a little later and then perhaps she would know better.� She had given
him his medicine in the morning, but he had fallen asleep again before she
left.� She shot Elegnan an apologetic smile, turning her head in embarrassment
to stifle a yawn.
�Poor darling, you look exhausted!�
Celria exclaimed, �Is Mistress Dratha keeping you working late?�
�No, I um� well, yes,� she
reconsidered, trying to change the subject, �I was wondering if you had
anything here� well, my friend isn�t especially feminine��
�Hmm� I have some finely
embroidered pants from Valenwood, all tailored to fit a woman�s curves,� Elegnan
offered, sorting through her racks until she found a pair tailored brown
leather pants with finely embroidered leaves and flowers, obviously made to
flatter a woman�s curves, �And dozens of finely tailored shirts to match!�� She
handed Alyssa a variety of shirts, mostly peasant style with cinched waists and
corseted interlaced ribbons.� Alyssa frowned.
�No� she�s� um� a mage�� Alyssa
tried again, �Pants and shirts aren�t really her style either� Maybe just a
simple robe?� Something more traditional, but not too feminine?�� Elegnan
smiled, hurrying over to a rack with several hanging robes.
�I take it pink and purple aren�t
her colors?� Elegnan asked, flipping through her wears, �What size is she?��
Alyssa blinked.� In women�s sizes?� She had no idea.� She hadn�t measured
Vosaras all that carefully before she left either.� He seemed tall and slender
for a Dunmer man, so perhaps clothing made for a tall Nord woman or short
Altmer woman would work.� She suggested this to Elegnan, who looked perplexed.�
Most of the robes she was looking at had low cut designs or were strapless.�
Alyssa thought they were quite beautiful, really but� not for a male.
�We do have some lovely traditional
style robes that just arrived from Summerset last month,� Celria suggested,
walking over to another shelf and taking down a few to lay out on the counter
before her customer.� Alyssa breathed a sigh of relief.
�Yes, these might work,� she
agreed.� Still a bit fancy, and the designs were clearly Altmer, but at least
they were flowing, modest, and were not designed to cling to the feminine
form.� There were several shades of blue, silver, gold, and various shades of
red.� She settled on a deep crimson robe with elaborate silver and black
embroidery detailing the edges and a black sash with silver detailing.� It
wouldn�t be horrible, at least.� She held it up, frowning when she realized
that even held as high as she could, it still drug on the floor.� Even for
Vosaras it was likely to be much too long.� She sighed, setting it back down.
�Do you have any of these a little
shorter?� she asked hopefully.� Celria shook her head apologetically.
�I�m sorry darling, but so far
these designs have only been popular amongst older Altmer women, and there are
so few of us living in Vvardenfell that it is impractical to import other
sizes,� she replied, �If more young Breton girls were interested in these
things it might be a different matter.�� Alyssa bit her lip.� She certainly
didn�t want Vosaras to look like an old Altmer woman� that would be adding
insult to injury, but she had the feeling that the robes would look a little
different on him.� The deep crimson, almost burgundy, was nearly the color of
his eyes.� They were light and soft to the touch at least, probably spun from
the silk of some exotic insect.� She could try to hem them perhaps.� If she had
more time, she might try to add a bit of soft black velvet as lining to keep
him warmer since his body was still recovering, but� the temperature along the
coast was pleasant enough, and she was sure it was even more pleasant along the
coast in Summerset where these clothes were designed to be worn.
�How about this?� Elegnan asked,
holding up an interesting dress designed from the skins of several different
animals, patchworked together in a simple but interesting design, �Borwen
brought them back on her last visit to the Ashlands.� Not particularly
feminine, but some of the �rougher� girls around here have been admiring the
style.�� Alyssa gulped.� It was hideous, and smelled just as bad.� She didn�t
even want to think about ANYONE wearing it.� Besides, she was sure it scratched
in all the wrong places.
�No, thank you, but that isn�t
quite what I�m looking for� I think I might be able to hem this one though,�
she replied, trying to hide her disgust for the mass of smelly hides.� Celria
laughed.
�I can see that you and I share the
same opinion on the style,� she winked, �It�s nice to meet another young lady
around here with some actual taste.�� Elegnan laughed.
�Honestly, I just wish Elphiron and
her sisters would get the money together so I can get rid of them!� she
giggled, �But I have a needle and some matching silken thread, it shouldn�t be
too difficult to hem.� The silk of the Cloudrest water beetles is so fine, you
almost feel as though you�re wearing nothing at all!�� Alyssa giggled.� If that
was the case, she should probably look for a cloak to keep him warm � not to
mention some shoes and undergarments.� The latter part was going to be tricky.
A black woolen cloak from Cyrodiil
was easy enough to find � the weave was so fine that it felt almost like
velvet, but would keep him twice as warm if he needed it.� The furs from Solstheim
and Skyrim would be much too heavy, although some of them were surprisingly
soft. Now for the hard part.
�What size shoe does your friend
wear?� Celria asked, wisely skipping the high heels and going straight to the
boots and flats.
�Well, she is a little embarrassed
by it, but from what I remember she told me that she wore the same size as a
male Dunmer,� Alyssa replied, biting her lip as she felt her cheeks flush.� She
hoped she wasn�t giving too much away.
�Good Azura!� Is she an Orc?� Celria
asked.
�Yes, she is a Orc,� Alyssa smiled
with relief.
�A Orc mage?� Elegnan asked, �How�
odd.�
�Yes, we are very diverse in the
Imperial Mages Guild back home,� Alyssa smiled.� The Altmer and Bosmer looked
at each other with a shrug.
�Well, we�re hardly ones to talk,� Elegnan
smiled, looking up at Celria lovingly.� The tall Altmer bent down to kiss her.
�Of course not.� These boots might
fit, � Celria offered, handing a pair of black boots to Alyssa.� They ended
just below the calf level.� They would do.� She nodded.
�I don�t suppose you have any less
form fitting pants?� The type which might be suitable for wearing under a robe?�
she asked hopefully.
�Even Orcs should have some
feminine undergarments!� Elegnan laughed, �They like to feel pretty under their
clothing too, just like the rest of us!�� She immediately went to a drawer,
pulling out lacy panties, silken garters, skimpy g-strings, and all manner of
things Alyssa was fairly certain Vosaras had no intention of wearing.� Her
vision was starting to play tricks on her and she grabbed the table for
support.
�No, thank you, just� oh, never
mind�� Alyssa muttered, bringing her hand to her mouth to stifle another yawn.
�Poor dear.� I was just offering a
suggestion, but I can see that your friend is self conscious about her figure.�
If you really want loose pants there are the ones we brought back from Hammerfell,
but I�ve never heard of anyone wearing them under a robe.� It�s quite a mixture
of styles you have so far�� I think these are made from lotus leaves � they are
quite breathable and more comfortable than they look.� They�re almost all one
size � even the men wear these,� Elegnan smiled.
�They�re not entirely unflattering
either,� Celria added.� The pants were indeed loose and flowing, tying at the
waste and legs, where they ballooned out a bit.� Well� he could always tuck the
pants into his boots if he cared to.� She touched them.� They had almost a sueded
feel, but considerably lighter.� She grabbed a pair of black pants to add to
her collection.
�Is there anything else?� I don�t
suppose your Orc friend would be interested in the new skin cream I�ve finally
gotten in.� I�m so excited!� It uses Mistress Dratha�s recipie, and works
absolutely wonderful as an anti-aging cream.� You wouldn�t believe it!� In just
a few weeks, even the worst wrinkles disappear, although you have to keep up
the treatment,� Elphiran gushed.� Alyssa tried not to roll her eyes.� The blood
of her mistress� male victims made a lovely skin cream, did it?�� She sighed.�
Suddenly she remembered something.
�How does it work on scars?� she
asked.
�Oh, wonderful!� Brings the skin
back to its original state in no time at all!� she beamed, �And once you
achieve your desired results you shouldn�t have to use it repeatedly to keep
them, unless you re-injure yourself of course.�
�Oh to enjoy the simple beauty of
youth again!� Enjoy yourself while it lasts, darling, although when it wears
out at least we finally have a solution,� Celria sighed, touching her face
wistfully.� Alyssa took a deep breath and sighed, grabbing a small vial and
adding it to her bag.� Hopefully it would make up for some of the damage she
hadn�t been able to heal earlier... and it would be hypocritical not to use
these potions since she had worked so hard on them herself.� Ironic, really.�
She was too tired to care about it now, just as she was too tired to care about
the total when they gave it to her although it nearly emptied her coin purse,
even with the discount.� Ah well� she would make most of it back just by
prancing about in her underwear at their fashion show.� After making a promise
to discuss her plans for the next few days with Berwen and report back for a
fitting, Alyssa hurried on her way.
She nearly tripped on the way out.�
Her balance was going.� Her head felt heavy, but so long as she kept walking�
Food.� That�s right� Perhaps
Vosaras would like to eat today.� She left some water by his bed at least.� She
needed to eat too for that matter.� She yawned.� She needed to regain her
balance before she attempted to hem this robe, otherwise her stitches would be
all off.� She would feel horrible if she ruined it, not only because of the
cost and rarity, but because she was fairly certain she could not afford another,
and the matching thread to go with it.� And even if she could, the color
wouldn�t look nearly as good on Vosaras as this one likely would.� She hated
wasting money on clothes that wouldn�t look good on her� or whoever she was
buying them for.� What was the point?
She opened the door and nearly
dropped her bags when Berwen came running up to hug her.� No one else was in
the shop at the moment, which Berwen did not seem particularly upset about.
�I missed you SOOO much!� I thought
you weren�t going to come back!� the little wood elf exclaimed, �Usually you�re
back for breakfast but today� I guess you had breakfast with Dratha, huh?� Did
she make you eat something horrible, like squished up leaves in berry and bug
juice?� I can still make you kwama eggs!�
�That would be wonderful,� Alyssa
smiled.
�Okay!� Berwen replied, jumping up
and scurrying to make the eggs, �Want me to make you lunch too?�� Alyssa fished
around for some hackle-lo leaves, handing them to Berwen to speed along the
process of making the stew.
�That would be lovely,� she sighed.
�Does Dratha ever let you sleep?�
You look like you�ve seen a ghost!� Berwen giggled, happily stirring the pots,
�I guess that magic stuff she takes makes her hornier than a kagouti in heat,
huh?� Poor you!� I could�ve warned you, you know.� I snuck in on her and her
guard� whatshername� Sadela Areth I think�� Alyssa could feel her vision
darkening along the sides in tingly sparkly dark lights.� She shook her head to
try to clear the feeling.
�They were like� upside down on the
walls or something!� I mean, I was just looking for the necklace Elphiron stole
from me so I wasn�t like TRYING to watch but� wow, I didn�t even know WHAT to
think of that.� I mean, you wouldn�t think an old lady who could be your great great
great great great GREAT grandmother could do that kinda stuff!� Not that I
think Dratha could be anybody�s ancestor, �cause I don�t think she would sleep
with a man even if she was drunk,� Berwen sighed, �But I�m pretty sure most
young people like us don�t even do that kinda stuff.� Well, I mean, I know I
don�t� which is too bad I guess.� It isn�t fair.� Maybe if Dratha ever liked me
I�d be all reeducated too, I guess.� It looked kinda scary though, and really,
Dratha just isn�t my type.� She doesn�t have enough muscles, or a big enough�
yeah� or one at all�� Berwen giggled.� Alyssa could feel herself sweating, and
the room around her was growing dim.� She could barely hear Berwen.
�Alyssa?... Can you hear me?...
ALYSSA!!!� Voices were somewhere around her, distant, growing dimmer, further
away.� The room was spinning faster.� Suddenly she collapsed.
~*~
When she awoke she was lying on Berwen�s
bed.� What time was it, anyway?� She yawned, stretching.� She was having weird
dreams.� Something about running away from� something.� Or someone.� She didn�t
really want to remember.� She could hear people talking downstairs.� Berwen
and� a customer, from the sounds of it.� Carefully she snuck downstairs.
�There you are!� I was worried you
weren�t going to wake up!� I saved your soup for you all day, but I should
probably make you some fresh eggs � I can heat them up really quick � I�m just
about to close up shop.� I got some bread too!� We can toast it and it will go
really well with your soup, I think,� Berwen suggested.� The Imperial woman in
the shop appeared to be just browsing.� Berwen shot her an icy glare, which
confirmed Alyssa�s suspicions.� Berwen hated browsers.
�Ok, I�m closing in five minutes �
I have to make my girlfriend some dinner and besides, it�s late,� Berwen told
her crossly.� The woman barely looked up, still examining some potions over by
the wall.� Berwen sighed and shot Alyssa an apologetic smile.
�Closing?!� How long have I been
asleep?� Alyssa asked in horror.
�Well, just a few hours really �
not long enough,� Berwen replied, �It was kind of hard getting you upstairs.� I
had to run outside and ask Nina for help.� I thought we dropped you a couple
times and you didn�t even budge.� Whatever Dratha is doing to you � I don�t
like it.� Even Nina was a little shocked when I told her.�
�You told Nina?� Alyssa asked, her
face flushing.� She hoped word didn�t get around, or someone was going to
figure out she hadn�t been at the tower with Dratha all this time.� And she had
left Vosaras alone all day!� She was supposed to bring him food and clothes��
Apparently she was worse at this than she thought.� A sinking feeling of guilt
washed over her.� She would have to hurry back, and soon.
�I didn�t tell her too much, but
really, this isn�t healthy!� Berwen insisted, �No WAY am I letting you go back
out tonight!� You�re going to eat a hot meal and rest!�� Alyssa sighed.� The
woman in the store looked a bit uncomfortable and hurried out the door.� Berwen
stormed after her and locked the door to the pod behind her.
�I�ve been resting all day, and if
I don�t go back, Dratha is going to be furious with us both!� We can�t just�
hide� here forever�� Alyssa insisted.� Berwen was already making food.� She
heated up the hackle-lo soup she had made earlier and handed it to Alyssa.
�Eat it,� she insisted, cracking a
few kwama eggs and readying the bread to toast.� Alyssa cringed.� She was
planning on bringing the soup back to Vosaras.� She wouldn�t mind some eggs
though.
�I think I�ll save this for a midnight snack,� she replied.
�Screw midnight snacks!� You should
be sleeping at midnight, and not eating anything!� Berwen retorted, �You only
got a couple hours for a nap, and that was only because you collapsed on my
floor!� You didn�t look too keen to wake up, either.�� Alyssa took a spoon and
stirred it around, pretending to take small sips whenever Berwen looked over.�
She saw her shopping bags behind the counter and gathered them together,
wandering about the shop to collect sload soap and bathing supplies.� It
wouldn�t do to give her charge new clothes when he was still covered in blood
and grime.� She spied a black leather-bound journal and picked it up, tracing
the etched designs on the cover.� She added it, along with a quill and a small
vial of ink, to her bag.� At least it would give the mage something to do while
she was out � better than staring at the ceiling, at least.� Her sister, and
most of the other high ranking mages she knew, always kept such things.� She
took out the last of her coins and placed them on the counter in front of Berwen.�
If she owed her more than this, it would have to wait until after the fashion
show.� Berwen frowned, handing her a plate of hot scrambled eggs.
�You�re really going to go back
there again, aren�t you?� she whispered.
�Yes,� Alyssa replied.� Berwen
sighed.
�Well� I guess if this is going to
be how it is, I�m not going to see you much anymore, am I?� I�ll get used to
it, again, I guess.� It was nice having a friend while it lasted anyway.�
You�re still welcome back here, you know,� Berwen replied sullenly.� Another
pang of guilt touched Alyssa�s heart.� She had been rather cruel to Berwen as
of late, she supposed.
�Listen� it�s only for a short
while,� she promised.� Berwen raised her eyebrow.
�Um� I�m pretty sure Dratha is
basically immortal so� �short while� for her doesn�t really mean much,� Berwen
replied, �And you know those Dunmer.� Just because they get a new lover doesn�t
mean they feel any need to get rid of the old ones.� They are kind of polyamorous
like that.�� Alyssa bit her lip, hurring to finish her eggs.� That wasn�t what
she meant, of course.� Vosaras was getting better every day and once he was on
his way to Vos, things could go back to normal.� Or so she hoped.
�Elegnan wants us to come in
tomorrow and get fitted for the fashion show,� Alyssa finally replied, deciding
it was best to change the subject.
�You still gonna do that?� Berwen
asked skeptically.
�Of course!� I said I would, didn�t
I?� Alyssa replied with a smile, �We can go after you close shop tomorrow.�� At
this point, she rather needed the money � especially if she ever wanted to pay
back Berwen for all the supplied she had been taking.� Not that the little wood
elf seemed overly concerned about her debts.� But still, it was the principle
of the thing.
�Alright� that will be fun,� Berwen
giggled, seeming to cheer up a little.
�Wonderful!� I really do have to be
back at the tower tonight,� Alyssa explained apologetically.� Her friend�s face
instantly darkened.
�But I�ll see if I can�t get some
time off.� We�re just� working on a very important project,� Alyssa lied.� Berwen
snickered.
�Is that what they�re calling it
these days?� she mused.� Alyssa ignored her.
�Anyway, I�ll be back tomorrow
morning, and then afterwards we can go get fitted for the show,� Alyssa
replied, �Since I slept most of the day, I actually feel pretty rested.� But if
I don�t go now � well, Dratha is going to be very angry with me.� Thank you for
the food though, and for taking care of me, and for everything else besides.��
Alyssa stood and hugged Berwen, who clutched her so tight Alyssa was suddenly
afraid the little elf wasn�t going to let her go at all.� Finally she released
her and went back to pushing the eggs around her plate.
�Alrighty then.� Take some bread
with you at least.� It goes good with the soup,� Berwen finally replied, �And
if you don�t come to the fitting with me tomorrow I�m going to be really sad.� Elegnan
has such pretty stuff, but if it�s from High Rock I probably won�t even know
how to wear it.�
�Why not just ask Elegnan and Celria?�
she asked.� Berwen shrugged.
�Well if you aren�t going to be
here � it won�t be any fun, ok?� Besides, they aren�t Breton � what if the lady
they bought it from told it to them wrong, just so they�d look silly?� I don�t
want to go around with my underwear on my head or something, thinking it�s some
kind of a fancy a hat with holes for pigtails,� Berwen retorted.� Alyssa
giggled.
�I can�t believe anyone would fall
for that.� But really, I�ll be there.� And we can try on all the naughty neligees
you want � maybe even bring a few home, hmm?� Alyssa winked.
�You bet I will!� Well, unless I
feel like a total tramp or something.� I wouldn�t want everyone to get the wrong
idea!�� But I want some hot sexy lingerie for when we go on that vacation you
keep promising me,� Berwen smirked, �And I�m picky, you know?� I only like nice
stuff.� That�s why everything around here is such high quality.�
�Oh I think you�ll like it.� And if
you don�t, you can always find some Bosmer lingerie or something,� Alyssa
suggested.
�Oh, I don�t think we have
lingerie.� We just walk around naked �cause we look so damn good doing it.�
Maybe a few conveniently placed leaves, ya know?� she giggled, �But I wouldn�t
know.� Nobody puts a baby in lingerie.� At least, I hope not!� And I was a baby
when I left.� But now I�m a woman, and I want to FEEL like a woman, too!� Mmm
hmm!� But� not with underwear in places it shouldn�t be.�
�Alright, it�s a date then!� Alyssa
replied with a laugh.
��See you tomorrow!� Berwen
replied, her mood noticeably improved, �Say hi to Dratha for me!� That horny
old guar�� Alyssa giggled, gathering her things and nodding goodbye as she
headed back to the cave.
~*~
Vosaras was sitting on the ground
of the cavern when she returned.� His legs were crossed and his elbows rested
on his thighs� clearly he was feeling somewhat better if he was able to sit.�
He was idly watching moisture drip from the ceiling where a small stalactite was
forming.� The moisture ran into a small puddle below which quickly dissipated
into the cracks of the cavern floor.
�Good evening,� he greeted her when
she entered.
�Good evening, sera.� I�m terribly
sorry for being away so long� how are you feeling?� Can I get you anything to
eat?� I�ve brought you food and clothes,� she replied, feeling terrible for
leaving him alone so long.� He chuckled softly.
�I am not a child, Alyssa�� I
understand you have a life of your own, and thank you for the assistance you have
offered so far.� Don't worry. You are not placing my life in jeopardy by being
away.� I most likely would be able to carry on by myself now... but your help
is both welcome and appreciated,� he replied with a polite smile, �Some food
would be nice, yes.�� Alyssa handed him the still warm soup and bread.� He
sipped it slowly, watching her unpack the clothing she had purchased.
�I�m sorry if this isn�t your
style,� she explained apologetically, �But it is soft and comfortable
material.� If you think this will do, I can hem the robe for you a bit.�� He
looked it over slowly, a smile creeping to his face as he nodded slowly.
�Yes, it will do.� Thank you.� That
is more than I was counting on, especially on an island which isn�t exactly renown
for being a purveyor of masculine fashion.�� Alyssa sighed with relief, setting
out the needle and thread.
�I don�t have anything fancy, but I
can bring back some water and sload soap for you to wash off a bit,� Alyssa
offered, �I brought some towels and such too.�
�That would be wonderful,� he
replied with a sigh of relief.� Alyssa smiled, hurrying out to the sea to fetch
some water in the bucket she had borrowed from Berwen, along with a few logs.�
It was cool, but not cold at least.� Still, she should probably light a fire
just in case.� Soon flickering flames lit the cavern walls and all of the
bathing supplies were readied.
�Everything is ready,� she told
him, �Let me know if you need any help with anything.�� Vosaras finished his
bread and soup, setting the bowl aside and clinging onto the wall for support.
�No need to prolong the inevitable,
then,� he replied with a dark smile.� He inhaled sharply, and clutched his
belly as he stood.� Alyssa watched him nervously, but soon he was standing
straight and shot her a charming smile.� She smiled back, pleased to see him
standing.� He walked slowly but deliberately to a rock near the center of the
room and stripped his robes down to his waist.� Alyssa�s eyes widened, and she
looked down quickly at her needlework, fishing for the robe and thread.� She
threaded the needle nervously and bit her lip.
�Uh� hmm� Would you mind helping me
with my hair and back?� I think I can get the rest but that part might be
difficult,� Vosaras asked.� He bent down slowly, but appeared to be having
difficulty seating himself down to a rock.� He took a few deep breaths and
managed it, however.� He shot her an apologetic smile.
�Movement is still a little painful
when your abdominal muscles have been so recently sliced through,� he
explained.� Alyssa nodded and gulped, setting down the robe and walking towards
him cautiously.� Of course she should help him with this, she was being silly.�
Causing him to hurt himself further would be completely counterproductive.�
Still, she blushed as she bent down
to pick up a small cup, scooping up water from the pail poured it slowly over
his long black hair and down his back, where it dripped down onto what remained
of his tattered robes.� His breathing was deep and even, but she could feel her
own quickening.� He smiled at her as she bent down to get more water, fumbling
slightly with the cup.
�So, how has your day been so far?�
he asked flipping a rogue black strand over his shoulder.� She swallowed,
filling her cup and emptying it over his head again and again until his hair
was thoroughly wet.
�It was� fine, I suppose.� I just
went shopping and stopped by my friend Berwen�s house where I am currently
staying,� Alyssa replied nervously.
�Oh? �Berwen? �An elven name, I
think... hmm... Bosmer?� Anyway, I take it you two are very close since you
decided to stay at her place rather than request your own� From what I know of
Mistress Dratha it seems unlikely she would have turned such a request down.�
�Oh, she is a good friend.�
Nothing, hmm� nothing more than that, at least not in that way� although she
likes to let the other girls think so,� said Alyssa beginning to work in some
of the soap to break up small clumps where his blood had dried.
�Oh?� he raised an eyebrow, looking
at the ceiling as she worked on his hair, �I suppose it must be flattering for
her to let the others think that�� Alyssa giggled.
�I don�t know about flattering so
much as� practical,� she replied.
�Hm... I see. I can't say I have
much experience in the matter. Tel Mora is quite unique in that respect.� One
of a kind, I think.� It�s quite amusing, really.� I don�t know much about
Mistress Dratha�s past, other than the few odd rumors you hear here and there,
but it occurs to me that she accomplished the exact opposite of what she
intended. Eh, irony at it's finest.� But isn't that what life is made of?� he
replied with a smirk.
�Opposite?� How so?� Alyssa asked.�
He mused, looking thoughtful as he cocked his head to the side absent-mindedly
giving her better access to a particularly tangled knot.
�How often do we set out to
accomplish something only to find out the intent and the effect rarely match?�
he asked, �Her main objective was to bring on the liberation of women, was it
not?� To create a place of ultimate freedom where they wouldn't have to be
subjected to unfair male dominance� where they could be themselves without the
need to conform to the traditional bindings of the society.� Yet she created
Tel Mora� where women have to conform to the laws set about by a female
dominant figure and where they are bound by rules of a different society, one
that, once more, doesn�t allow them to be simply themselves and definitely
gives little as far as freedom is concerned,� Alyssa bit her lip, pleased that
the water from his hair was starting to run a bit clearer.� It was true, what
he was saying.
�I would say that the local
inhabitants exchanged one cage for another,� he continued, �But perhaps that is
indeed all that was needed to guarantee female freedom - to give them a
choice.� After all, that�s usually all the freedom people get: to choose a cage
of our own liking.�� Something about him made her� discontent with her life
here.� She wanted more than this, but what, she wasn�t sure.� A different cage,
yes� they all were, really.� But she didn�t belong here, he was probably right
about that.� But where was here?� Tel Mora?� House Telvanni?� Vvardenfell?� She
wasn�t sure.
�It�s true,� she finally
whispered.� His hair was becoming soft and smooth, and glistened in the
firelight.� She smiled, noticing a tiny knot and working her fingers through to
free it.� There was still so much she didn�t know about Vosaras� well, she
didn�t know much of anything about him really.� But for some reason she knew
that she was doing the right thing, even if she never saw him again.� Everyone
deserved a chance at life� if only� well, at least one innocent male would walk
away from Tel Mora alive.� He was right� she couldn�t keep doing this.� What if
it had been his skull she was given to polish?� She would never have even known.�
Hatred was not the opposite of love, she thought � indifference was.� And she
had been indifferent for far too long.
Vosaras looked at her over his
shoulder, smiling a small, sarcastic smile and nodded gravely as if he had just
initiated a new acolyte to one of the great secrets of the universe.� Perhaps
he had�� Sighing, he turned back, looking upwards again, and started to hum
under his breath.� It was a beautiful but oddly wistful exotic melody which
Alyssa guessed must be a folk song from his home on the mainland.�
Finally, she poured a few more
cupfuls of water over him to rinse out what remained of the soap.� His hair was
very soft in her fingertips.� It was much straighter than her own, which
probably contributed to the smoothness.� She rather liked it.� Parting his hair
down the middle, she spread it out to his sides to expose his back.� He was
slender, but well-toned.� She dipped the small washcloth in the bucket to let
it saturate, then spread it out on his back, squeezing out the water into little
rivulets that ran down his skin, soaking the dark robe.� Bunching the cloth she
began to scrub gently, causing small bubbles to form as she applied soap
liberally to wash away the grime and blood which stained the delicate soap
bubbles red.
�Oh!� The mer squinted, laughing as
thin rivulets of water streamed down his sides, �I'm sorry,� he sniggered,
�Carry on��
�I�m sorry!� I�ll try not to tickle
you,� Alyssa promised.
�Oh, I don�t mind. Some would say
it could do me some good,� he smiled, �Never a bad moment for laughter or
joy...� And anyway, it's mostly an aftereffect of nearly getting yourself
killed. �Your body feels more alive than ever.� All the senses are sharper,
especially touch.�� She smiled, dipping the cloth back in the water and
squeezed it out over his back repeatedly, until his skin was once again smooth
and clean and glistened in the light of the fire.
�That in turn makes me glad you
chose to buy silken robes.� No reason why you shouldn't make the sensation
nice, eh?� he smiled, �By the way, how much did all of this cost? There's no
reason you should be paying for me.� As I said, my pouches appear to be
untouched by the nice unscheduled little swim I took 3 days ago��
�Oh no, it�s no trouble at all,�
Alyssa replied, biting her lip.� Vosaras appeared lost in thought.� She
finished his back and looked him over skeptically.
�Will that do?� Would you, um, like
anything else?� Alyssa asked nervously, biting her lip as she felt her cheeks
flush.
�Thank you, that will be fine,�
Vosaras replied, taking the cloth from her and rubbing it across his skin to
clean his arms and chest.
�You are welcome,� Alyssa relied,
hurrying back to hem his robe.� She picked up the needle and thread and began
to make small, deliberate stitches.� Why was she feeling so nervous anyway?� It
was almost as though she believed all those silly stories the girls in Tel Mora
would tell each other, about men being unable to control themselves when they
were left alone with a woman for any period of time.� Of course, Vosaras was
injured but still� he had been a perfect gentleman and she had no reason to be
thinking�� Well, not that she would have entirely minded�� Yes she would�� She
bit her lip.� At this rate, she was going to turn out as crazy as Berwen or,
gods forbid, Tonas.
�Hmm� I am trying to remember
whether Morrowind was always like this or has changed in the last few decades.�
I suppose I should ask my father� he has a better chance of making an accurate
observation. Not that THAT is necessary, really,� he sighed, �I suppose it has
always been crazy... people are just more likely to complain now since
outlanders have been included in our little political whirlwind� they are quite
foolish to do that, but oh well.� You can't live their lives for them,� he
shrugged.� Alyssa smiled, not entirely sure what her guest was talking about.
�Did outlanders do this to you
then?� she asked, somewhat sickened by the idea.
�Hmm? �Oh, yes. �Yes, I suppose
they had a really bad day. �You see, it is customary for the Dunmer people to
kill each other, for a number of reasons, especially in Great House Telvanni. �It
would appear that outlanders arriving in Morrowind started to think the same
laws and customs would apply to them. That's quite na�ve of them, isn't it?� he
answered with a tone mingling both amusement and exasperation, �They are outlanders.
�And my people do not like strangers. Any attack on a native Dunmer by a
stranger is considered an attack against the entire local community, really. �We
may be quarrelsome, even hostile to one another but when outlanders bring
violence into our lands it is this same hostile nature that unites us.�� He
laughed bitterly.
�That being said, the ones who
attacked me had very bad luck indeed.� Had I died it may be that their actions
would remain unpunished.� But it was not so, and so I fear they will find
themselves disillusioned with our traditional judicial system very soon,� he
continued, �Ah, but I shouldn't bore you with such matters. �I wish people had
a bit more common sense, though. �All this is really counterproductive.�
�I�m sorry, sera� I don�t know who
attacked you or why, but I am sorry for anything my people have done to you or
yours,� she apologized, feeling more than a bit guilty, even though she hadn�t
actually done anything to hurt him.� At least, she hadn�t meant to.� But how
many other people had been hurt by her actions, people she didn�t even know
about?� It was hard to guess.� Everything was more complicated now.
�You are sorry?� he looked up in
surprise, �Dear girl, there is no reason for *you* to be sorry. �They will be
sorry, and pretty soon, you can be sure about that. �And� did you just say
�your people�?� he noted with amusement, �The Breton are our distant cousins,
in a sense. And I can't remember saying anything about any Bretons taking part
in my little misadventure. �And since you are a member of House Telvanni let me
give you this small piece of advice:� Don't identify with outlanders in
general. �They are not *your* people.� Not really - especially since you are no
longer a stranger to this land.� You have been adopted by Great House Telvanni�
I don't think you have realized yet what that means.� You will learn, though.�
For now, try to remember: proper behavior does not include identifying yourself
with outlanders.� End of subject.�
�Alright, I�ll try to remember
that,� Alyssa smiled, feeling somewhat relieved that she hadn�t been included
in his rant.� The stitching was coming along quickly at least � whatever silk
this Summerset fabric was made from was quite easy to work with.� Not only was
it smooth and soft, but it rarely snagged.� It felt comfortable.� Hmm, she
might have to see if Elegnan had anything in more her size and style...� She
could do that tomorrow when she went in for her fitting.
When she looked up she missed a
stitch and nearly threaded the needle into her finger.
�Ow!� she whispered, biting her
finger, which fortunately was not bleeding.� Vosaras had stripped out of his
robes completely and she could see his unusually dark profile flickering with
light from the flames as he bent down to wring out the washcloth.� He was
strangely attractive, this exotic mainland Telvanni.� She picked up the robe
and made a few feeble attempts to rethread the needle.� Although she knew it
was rude to stare, she found her eyes fixated on his form.� Yes� too long in
Tel Mora�
Vosaras shot her a furtive glance
out of the corner of his eye and with a light smirk went back to what he was
doing as if nothing had happened.
�You know, it occurred to me that
it isn't customary in your culture to help friends, and especially strangers,
in such rudimentary activities as bathing.� You consider them to be acts of an
intimate rather than casual nature, for some reason.� I want you to know that I
am grateful for your assistance, especially at the cost of your own
discomfort,� he explained in a conversational tone as he went back to grooming,
�You see, it is customary for us to treat our bodies like just another earthly
possession.� We see no reason to be ashamed of them - it's what we are, after
all.� And because I see there is some internal conflict with your eyes deciding
where they should or shouldn�t look�� I feel I should inform you that I don�t
feel violated if they happen to look at me.� No need for all the caution,
really.�
Her face flushed red and she tore
her eyes away, ignoring the shaking of her hands as she concentrated on hemming
the robe.� His words aside, she knew it wouldn�t be at all proper to stare �
and he was right, she definitely did not feel comfortable doing so.� And with
Malcus dead�� She sighed.� Quick, short stitches� no time to look up or she
might make them uneven, and that would just look terrible.� It wouldn�t do to
ruin his clothes, now that he finally had something nice to wear.� That would
just be horrible of her.
When she was nearly finished she
finally allowed herself to look up.� Vosaras appeared to be finished with his
bath and had managed to get the pants she had brought him on, at least, and was
stepping into the shoes as well.� They seemed to fit, at least.� He turned and
smiled brightly at her, his back straight and regal as he brought his hands up
to tie the loose strands of his dark hair out of his burgundy eyes.
�Nearly done, hmm?� he asked.� She
hurried to finish, tying off the last few strings and biting the thread to
sever it.� Smiling back, Alyssa stood, bringing the robe to Vosaras and helping
him to put it on.
�Ah, it feels like a new beginning
indeed! �You shed your mortal skin and then adorned yourself with the godly
symbols of Beyond...� not that I�d do that, if I could. �The Altmer are more
than a little obsessed with spiritual supremacy, eh?� he smiled.� Alyssa
nodded, bringing the ties of the robe together in the front.� Before she closed
it, however, she caught sight of the scar on his belly and remembered that she
had forgotten something.
�Just a moment!� she told him,
hurrying over to get Dratha�s necromantic cream from her bag.� He cocked his
head, watching her curiously.
�This should help with the
scarring.� It�s Dratha�s recipe� but I don�t think it has any specific anti-man
properties or anything.� Well actually � I know it doesn�t, because I know how
she makes it.� I used to help her� well, that�s another story, but� I think it
will work � and quickly too!� she offered, handing him the vial with an awkward
smile.
�Why, thank you.� That was... very
thoughtful of you,� he replied, his expression unreadable for a moment.� As he
examined the vial, his lips turned to then a small smile.� He nodded politely, then
took the cream from her to apply it to his newly acquired wound.
After he applied the salve, she
quickly buttoned his robe, kneeling to fasten the lower buttons.� She breathed
a sigh of relief.� She had gotten his measurements relatively accurate, at
least.� After tying the sash carefully about his waist, she stepped back for a
moment.� He knelt slowly to gather the belongings from his old robe.� Now that
he was cleaned and dressed, he looked less like a crippled invalid and more
like� well, a regal elven lord out of some fairy tale she used to read when she
was a girl.
�You look� wonderful�� she sighed,
�Not at all like an elderly Altmer woman � er, not that you would, but Celria
mentioned� oh never mind.� In my opinion these clothes suit you quite well.� Better
than I was expecting, even.�� He smiled, inclining his head in a polite nod of
gratitude.�
�Oh!� I have one more thing for
you.� Well, two, I suppose� or� hmm� just a moment�� Alyssa told him, running
off to collect the journal, quill, inkwell, and cloak.� She handed them all to
him.
�I� thank you. Truly you have been
a most gracious host. I have been most fortunate,� he replied with a sincere
smile.� Alyssa�s heart was beating more quickly now as she watched him. �His
smile took on a nervous edge as he took her hand and bowed lightly, bringing it
to his lips in a slow, gentle kiss.
�My lady... my gratitude is written
in my blood,� he told her, gazing into her eyes sincerely, �I am in your debt.
I shall come, when you call. �I shall pay, when you ask.�� He dropped her hand
lightly, standing upright with a smile. Alyssa blushed.� She had nearly
forgotten what it felt like to be treated� well, like a lady.
Just then the door to the cavern
creaked open.� Alyssa spun around quickly, just in time to catch the glint of
dark eyes.� The moonlight glistened off the shadowy figure posed in the doorway
and Alyssa�s heart caught in her chest.� She had promised no one would find him
here�� no� this couldn�t be happening�� They would kill him for sure.� What had
she said or done that had lead them here?� Her mind was spinning for a plan and
she began to hyperventilate, backing against Vosaras to protect him.� After all
she had been through, there was no way she was giving him up to the enforcers
without a fight.� The figure stepped into the firelight and she heard a
familiar giggle.
�Berwen!� she gasped.
- 44
- 45
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Fall from High Rock