User:Lonesome Courier/Forge World

Markarth, 1st of Morning Star, 4E 203

In the Silver-Blood Inn, Korgrav, Yslana and Arabelle were interrupted by Darius, who had come back from Understone Keep.

"I have good news, and interesting news."

"Oh man, here we go."Arabelle sighed

"Who do we get to kill now?"Korgrav grinned, rubbing his hands together.

"Not yet, Korgrav." Darius held up a hand. "First, the good news: The Steward's agreed to talk with us. The interesting news: He'll only do it at the New Life Festival Ball tonight."

Darius stretched his neck. "The ball's couples only."

"I am not wearing a monkey suit!"Korgrav grimaced.

Arabelle gulped. ''This is going to be interesting... At least I get to dance with him...''

Yslana slyly grinned, scratching the spot behind Korgrav's ear that he loved so much. "I'll have you singing a different tune, my bear..."

''This should be interesting. At least dancing with Arabelle should make it less awkward...''

"My recommendation? Get something nice to wear." Darius stated. "I have my Archmage robes."

Arabelle looked at Darius and quickly got up to go to a shop. She had no idea what to wear.

"Grrmmmm, you don't play fair my angel."Korgrav groaned.

"How do you think I tolerate the more stubborn patients?" Yslana quipped.

"Looking for something to wear to the New Life Festival Ball?" The shopkeeper asked. "Who are you going with?"

"Darius Stormblade, the Last Dragonborn..."Arabelle smiled with a sigh.

"Do you have anything in green?"She asked.

"Well I don't think they'd have anything in my size."Korgrav smiled.

"I can certainly make them have something..." Yslana giggled.

The shopkeeper smiled, showing Arabelle the selection.

Arabelle pulled the one she wanted and went to purchase it.

"How?"Korgrav asked raising an eyebrow.

"A healer has her secrets." Yslana smiled mysteriously.

(Actually, Theives Guild contacts. XD)

The funds for Arabelle's clothing came out of Ulfric's "other expenses" fund.

When Arabelle got back to the Inn, Darius was waiting, dressed in a stunning dark grey ensemble of Archmage robes, enchanted rings, and a engraved medallion.

Arabelle looked at him and smiled. "I'll be down shortly."

"Well let's go take care of that then"Korgrav smiled.

After about thirty minutes, Arabelle began her descent in her new dress.

Darius' jaw dropped, "You look... Absolutely stunning."

Yslana held up a finger, and walked outside.

She came back with a Nordic-style suit, in dark blue and brown. It was just Korgrav's size.

Yslana, on the other hand, picked a stylish black mage robe. She wasn't one for extravagance.

Arabelle turned bright red.

"You're absolutely dashing."

Korgrav came out of the bedroom shortly with his suit on,"I feel like an idiot..."

Darius turned a bright red as well.

Yslana laughed. "You don't look like an idiot to me, and we don't have as much tension as those two..." She gestured at Darius and Arabelle.

Darius smiled. "I think it was implied, but, Arabelle Dewleaf, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the New Life Festival Ball?

He held out a hand.

"Aww and I was hoping Yslana was going to ask me."Arabelle giggled,"Of course I will."

"Yeah... You are quite beautiful Ys. Those two, I swear, it so painful to watch."Korgrav sighed shaking his head.

"Well, once those two get past their initial awkwardness, I have a feeling that their relationship might shape Tamriel's fate..." Yslana stated.

Darius grinned, allowing Arabelle to hook her arm in his. "Let's get up to the Keep."

"That actually scares me more!"Korgrav laughed offering his arm to Ys.

"Lead the way, Mister Dragonborn."Arabelle grinned.

"Well, they better know what they're doing, or we're all fucked." Yslana smiled slyly.

A Few Minutes Later...

They entered Understone Keep as the announcer announced Darius.

"Introducing Lord Darius Stormblade II of Windhelm, the Last Dragonborn, Archmage of Winterhold, Shield-Brother of the Companions of Jorrvaskr, and scholar of the art of the smith!"

A loud round of applause was heard as the announcer paused.

"Accompanying him: Lady Arabelle Dewleaf of Falkreath!"

Darius smirked as another round of applause sounded. "It's not an actual Nordic ball until they roll out the barrels of mead..." He whispered to Arabelle.

"Of course."Arabelle smiled.

"No introduction for us?"Korgrav grimaced,"Hell I'm actually Nobility."

"Also introducing, the very impatient Lord Korgrav Titanborn of Solstheim! Accompanying him, Lady Yslana Vailborn of Riften, master healer of the College of Winterhold!"

Yslana giggled as the announcer made his announcement, staring daggers at Korgrav.

"I'm gonna kill him."Korgrav growled about to jump at the announcer.

Yslana scratched the spot behind Korgrav's ear, making it look like she was brushing away dust. "Not so fast..."

A few women stepped forward to rather unsubtly flirt with Darius, but were met with a polite smile and a "go away, please."

"But he insulted me publicly punkin..."Korgrav grumbled.

"So popular Mister Stormblade. You sure you don't want to dance with any of them?"Arabelle smirked seductively.