Dragonborn Rising

Before we begin, thanks to those who have left comments the past couple of chapters. We authors thrive on hearing from our readers. Nice to know you are enjoying everything so far, and that one or two of you are feeling inspired to have another playthrough! Keep them coming (if you'd like to.)

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Chapter 12 -- Daedric Worship

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Having Dawnbreaker in my possession urged something from within. I was already bound to Nocturnal, knowing my soul would be one with the Ebonmere upon my death. Did that disappoint me? Did I dream of Sovngrade above all? To be honest, not really. Let's face facts. I'd joined the Fighter's Guild because I almost died, and saw an escape. But I had enjoyed being a thief, and I was definitely enjoying it now. I'd been on adventures of which I'd never imagined, met and bedded some gorgeous women, and I was now rather rich.

But I became ever more aware of shrines across Skyrim to the Daedra. And if that was the case, would we find ourselves in possession of more artefacts such as Dawnbreaker? Why should the Guild, or even myself, own them? Wield them? Have them in our possession as treasures?

I sat down with Karliah one evening at my dining table, having invited her around for dinner, primarily to speak with her about these artefacts. She was surprised that I was so interested, and that I was so willing to go after Daedric artefacts, considering many were considered either cursed, or having to sell your soul to the Deadric prince themselves.

"Well, haven't we already done that with Nocturnal?" I retorted gently, "So I guess we'll just leave it to them to sort it out."

"Ragnar, are you sure you want to head down this road? It's a dark path you are considering, fraught with danger, your very soul at stake. These are powerful beings you are willing to deal with."

"The prizes at the end might just be worth the risk. Dawnbreaker is a thing of unreal beauty, Karliah. And there must be more examples out there just like it. I will admit that I want to see what we could possibly gain, not just for ourselves, but the Guild."

Karliah asked me for a map, so after clearing our plates, I poured us a cup of wine each as we sat close together, deciding what targets we could hit. She mentioned a Shrine of Azura, which I vaguely remembered seeing near Winterhold, though the weather had been awful while I was in the area each time. Karliah added further that Azura is considered a 'good' god by her people, and had been a worshipper herself before turning to Nocturnal.

She mentioned a Shrine to Peryite, a Daedra I'd never heard of, but according to her memory, there was a shrine near the village of Karthwasten. There was a Shrine to Mehrunes Dagon near the mining village of Stonehills, but even Karliah warned me about even thinking of doing anything for him. "You will be fine with most other Daedric Princes, Ragnar. Sure, they'll exact some sort of price for a boon, but Mehrunes Dagon is not someone to be trifled with."

"Why are you so worried about him?"

She laughed, at me more than anything. I didn't mind, as I loved her laugh. "Do you not know anything about the Oblivion Crisis, Ragnar? The dragon statue in what was once the Temple of the One? You grew up in the Imperial City!"

Shrugging, I replied, "I know of the statue but never gave it much thought. As for the Oblivion Crisis, I know the Septim dynasty ended then but not much else."

She said nothing for a moment, instead leaning over to kiss my cheek. "Never mind, it's not that important. But what is important is that we be very careful obtaining any of these artefacts. Yes, the Guild will benefit from having them in our possession, but as I said, just remember the price it may cost you and us."

"Anyone would think you cared, Karliah."

She gave me a gentle shove. "I care about the Guild, Ragnar. But I care about your welfare even more. You're the best thing to happen to the Guild in years. None of us can afford to lose you so quickly."

I kissed her. I kissed her hard, Karliah immediately opening her mouth, accepting my tongue. Rolling up the map with one hand, I quickly stood her up and sat her down the table, pulling at the buttons of her dress, feeling her shuffle so she could lift it up from under her arse and eventually take it off. Now dressed in only panties, as the dress she was wearing meant she didn't need a bra, I ran my hands over her soft skin as we continued to make out, Karliah pulling me into her body as she shuffled to the end of the table. She would have felt something hard press into her.

Moving my lips from her mouth, I kissed down her neck, feeling her gasp as I gave her a couple of gentle bites, nothing to leave a mark, but the sound she made was certainly appreciative, moving down past her collarbone before she leaned back to I could focus some attention on her breasts. Her nipples already hard, I had some fun with those, giving those a gentle bite too, hearing her suck a breath through her teeth as she ran her hands through my hair, holding my head in place for a moment.

Carrying on down her body, I kissed down her stomach until I reached the top of her panties, taking a moment to remove those with my teeth before she laid back on her forearms, her legs spread, her sex glistening in the candlelight, her chest rising and falling in her excitement.

I devoured her with my mouth, hearing her cry out as my tongue teased her, feeling her press down into my mouth, wanting even more. Wrapping my arms around a thigh each, I kept her in place as I ate her out like a man on death row, enjoying his last meal. Gods, she tasted marvellous. I loved going down on any woman I was intimate with, but there was something about that warm Dunmer pussy that I couldn't get enough of.

I'm not sure what it was, perhaps it was the fact I was so in control, but apart from some deep breathing, a few moans, and mentions of my name, Karliah was already on the verge of having quite the climax. Stopping for a moment, I stood back, put my hands on the backs of her legs and pushed those wide and back, opening her up completely, before lowering my mouth again, looking up to see Karliah watching me.

"Soon as I cum, you're fucking me," she breathed.

Switching my attention to her clit, I slid a couple of fingers inside her, and she was now putty in my paws. Her back arched and she cried out, knowing she was now getting close, her hand now gripping my hair tightly. "Don't fucking stop!" she cried.

Like that was going to happen. I wanted her to cum, and I wanted her to cum hard. Her body was now writhing, bucking slightly as I attacked her clit and fucked her hard with my fingers, ensuring I was hitting the right spot. It was simply too much, and I once I felt her start to squeeze my fingers, I knew she was on the verge.

"Ragnar!" she cried out as she climaxed. I didn't stop what I was doing, not until I felt her hand release my hair and for her to collapse back on the table, asking me to stop for a moment.

Lifting myself up, I looked down at Karliah, lying across my dining table, her chest rising up and down, her legs spread, sex glistening from what we'd just done. Unbuckling my belt and unbuttoning my trousers, I pulled her forward and slid my cock inside her. I wasn't going to last long at all. She cried out as I did, lifting herself up on her forearms again, begging for me to fuck her.

I didn't last too long, not that it mattered. She managed to sit herself up, holding onto my shoulders, so she could kiss me, sliding her arse forward so I could properly start to fuck her. Once we started to resume making out, feeling her legs wrap around me, there was no chance I was going to last long at all. So I enjoyed it while I could.

"Karliah," I breathed.

She just kissed me again as I buried myself inside her a few more times until I finally climaxed. I groaned loudly as I did, feeling my legs go weak as she fell backwards, collapsing on top of her, just stopping myself in time by lowering a forearm. I felt her soft kisses on my forehead and cheeks as I managed to regain some thought processes.

"What brought that on?" she asked a few minutes later, "Something I said?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Plus, the idea of fucking you was on my mind at the time."

That made her laugh as I stood up, helping her sit up. Still hard inside her, though softening, we shared a soft kiss as she threw her arms around my neck. "I was only being honest," she said quietly, "Everything you've done for me, Ragnar. Everything... It's no wonder I'm here like this with you."

Wrapping my arms around her, I held her tight, stroking her hair, her head resting on my chest. "I was only doing the right thing. I haven't always done that in my life."

"Plus you wanted to get in my panties, Ragnar."

"That may have crossed my mind from time to time." She scoffed at that. "Are you complaining?"

"Not at all. Just stating a fact."

I carried her upstairs where, after I undressed, we continued our intimacy the rest of the night. Karliah loved nothing more than straddling and riding me for as long as she could last, and there's perhaps nothing sexier than a fit Dunmer thief impaled on your cock, bouncing and riding away to one climax after another. If it wasn't that, she liked me being in control when on her hands and knees. Considering her arse was practically perfect to look at, I definitely enjoyed that position too.

Once our appetites were sated, at least a couple of hours later, she slept in my arms, murmuring how much she enjoyed our relationship. I just let her know that I cared for her as well, remembering her last words prior to starting our fuck session. I saw her smile in the candlelight before I blew it out so we could both sleep.

Wandering into the Flagon together the next morning, Delvin, Vex and Brynjolf looked at us and laughed. No doubt Karliah looked rather content with life, and I probably looked smug as fuck. Can you blame me? They've all seen Karliah now, and would certainly understand my attraction. Sitting down at the same table, we declined the offer of a drink.

"So what's on your mind, boss?" Brynjolf asked. That's what they all called me now. Boss. I didn't mind, as I was the Guild Master and it was a simple sign of respect.

"I was discussing with Karliah last night an idea that I feel I should run by you guys too, get your opinion." They all nodded, so I continued, "Obviously you know I now have Dawnbreaker, an artefact given by Meridia. I'm thinking the Guild should try and locate more artefacts."

"Daedric artefacts?" Delvin asked for clarification.

"Correct. Let's face facts. The Guild is already allied to a Daedric Prince. Those of us who are Nightingales, and that's all five of us here, have all sold our souls already. I'm not sure if the Daedra communicate, but I think Nocturnal will probably fight to keep us, so I'm thinking we could pursue other artefacts. Then we can decide whether we keep them, or sell them for a lot of coin to interested parties. What do you think?"

I looked around the table. Karliah was already on board, though wanted us to be careful. Brynjolf looked worried, but the idea that we'd make coin would swing him. Delvin was prepared to back me regarding anything considering I was the one responsible for ending the 'curse'. Vex would agree as long as it didn't put us in danger. Or that's what I figured the four of them would think.

"I'm all for it, boss, but it's dealing with Daedra," Brynjolf stated.

"Have you considered the consequences if it goes wrong?" Delvin wondered.

"I have. If the price is too high, like my life, then it's obviously not worth it. But the risk trying to obtain whatever it is just might just be."

"What are you thinking of first?" Vex asked.

Karliah had brought the map, so after clearing away the tankards, I pointed. "The Shrine of Azura lies just west of Winterhold. Apparently on a clear day you can see it from miles around. I'm wondering what visiting her will gain us..."

"When are you going?" Brynjolf asked. I must have had a look on my face, as he laughed. "Come now, boss, I know you're itching to get back on that horse of yours to ride somewhere, another adventure waiting to unfold."

"You make it sound so romantic, Bryn," I retorted a little sarcastically.

"So I assume you're taking Karliah?" Vex wondered. I must have had another look on my face, as she laughed too. "She's Dunmer, so it would make sense you would take a Dunmer to the god they revere above all."

"How do you know that?" Karliah asked.

"I know things, Karliah. You should know that by now." She looked back at me, asking, "So...?"

"I'll take Karliah, and we'll leave tomorrow."

Figuring we'd be gone a few days, I spent the night at the Bunkhouse with Haelga. If she was at my place, we'd more often than not start in the Dibellan room before moving to the bedroom. I'd learned she loved being tied up and completely at my mercy, to do with her whatever I wanted. Half the time I'd do something silly, like tickle her relentlessly. Sometimes she liked me to use the crop or a cane on her arse. She loved being spanked, cooing about the strength in my arms if I only used my hand. If she wasn't tied up, I'd have her over my knees, and after a good spanking, she'd be soaking and it would barely take a few minutes to finger her to orgasm.

Other times she'd beg for me to just ruin her, fucking her mouth, pussy and arse, cumming in all three, just using her as a living, breathing sex toy. It was amazing that, after doing that, we'd lie in bed together, where I'd simply hold her in my arms, assuring her that I loved her, and she would happily fall asleep.

If we were at her Bunkhouse, though, things were a little more 'normal', for want of a better word. Sure, the fucking could still be hard, fast and rough, headboard smacking against the wall and Haelga crying out at the top of her lungs, but more of than not, it was more tender and sensual, without the need for any real exuberance. That was when Haelga would happily ride and grind me most of the night, either leaning back so I could take in her body, she would lean forward, so we could kiss continuously, or I'd be sat back so we could look into each other's eyes with ease and share sweet and tender words of love for the other.

The night before leaving for the shrine, we made love but spent most of the night simply cuddling and talking. We were always rather warm after a good sex session, so the blankets were not covering us, and I could continue to take in her body in the moonlight. She knew I looked and would occasionally move her body so I could take in some more. She was a Nord goddess, she really was. I had noticed she now left a little mound of blonde fur above her sex, having mentioned it helped keep her scent. Just that alone helped make me rock hard at times.

"Are you going with Karliah?" she wondered.

"I am. Why?"

"I just figured you were, considering you work together often. My question is, when are you going to have us both at the same time?"

I could help chuckle. "I know you'd be interested, but I'm not sure about Karliah. She's not like you at all."

"She doesn't like being tied up and spanked?"

"We just have what I would call 'normal sex'."

"Does she take it in the arse?"

"Not yet. She's interested, but she's hesitant due to my size. We'll cross that bridge if she decides that she'd like to try it."

"Does she at least swallow?"

"Most women I've been with swallow, Haelga. I've been a very lucky man. Some just love it more than others."

"You're giving me a final load in the morning before you leave, aren't you?"

I kissed her forehead. "Like I would deny you something like that, gorgeous."

She cuddled into me, feeling her breasts press into me. "You know I love it. Maybe I'll swallow. Maybe I'll let you finish on my face. Maybe..."

We eventually fell asleep, and she kept her promise. As soon as we were both awake, me with my usual morning erection, she manoeuvred herself so she could blow me, though she knew what I'd want, burying my face in her pussy at the same time. Gods, she was already wet and willing, but while I certainly spent a lot of time licking every inch of her sex, I concentrated on what she was doing to me. As I've mentioned, Haelga was probably the best cocksucker I'd ever been with, and it didn't take her long to receive what she wanted, taking the umpteenth load in her mouth. Once I'd blasted, I concentrated on bringing her to orgasm, unsurprised hers didn't following too much longer after mine.

After dressing, we headed downstairs for breakfast, where most of those who lived in the Bunkhouse were used to my presence. I'm sure they heard us more often than not. Svana was still as flirty as always, and I think she was still interested in me, though my advice still stood. Sure, I'd take her virginity if she was adamant about it, but I'd rather not be her first, even though I still remembered Ariel rather fondly, and she'd been a working girl and my first lover, after all.

Karliah was waiting for me at the stables, asking if I'd had a good time the night before. I was always polite enough to simply say that I had, as she was genuinely only joking, Haelga and Karliah more than aware of the other. I still didn't see Ingun as much as the other two, though I knew we'd both like that to change, but juggling two was hard enough. Three would make it even more difficult.

We were leaving early, planning on making it to Windhelm by nightfall, finishing the journey the next day. Normally we'd camp if heading west, but with snow continuously lying on the ground the further north one travelled, staying in Windhelm was the only sensible option, unless you wanted to freeze to death.

Still, the slow pace of our horses allowed us plenty of time to chat. The longer time went on, the more Karliah was willing to talk about what happened during her exile. I was amazed to hear she'd been all over Tamriel, though she had spent a lot of time back in her homeland of Morrowind, simply as it was easier for her to be another face in the crowd. Skyrim had always been her real home, though, and she'd even stayed in Windhelm itself. She admitted to exaggerating about never staying anywhere more than one night, aware that the search for her had ended as soon as Mercer had taken control of the Guild. But she also admitted that she still slept with one eye open, just in case.

Being a Dunmer, I suggested that we should just stay in the Grey Quarter. Karliah understood my reasoning, so we ended up staying at a tavern, where my presence was tolerated, though I heard murmurs of resentment, even though it was obvious I was there with Karliah. So she suggested we show them how together we were, heading upstairs before the place was closed and made plenty of noise, enough that the innkeeper mentioned it the next morning, to our amusement.

Heading west and then north, following the road, it was a clear day so the statue of Azura was visible for miles. As it was a clear day, it was bitterly cold. I was okay but Karliah was huddled under furs as we rode along, muttering about my damned Nordic blood. The road took us close to Winterhold before we turned off and headed up the mountain path. Heading into the wilderness, even in a frozen landscape this far north, could lead us into some trouble. And that was the case when we ran into a frost troll.

Dismounting quickly, Karliah kept back and used her bow as I got in close, trying to turn the troll so Karliah could pepper its back with arrows. It worked but not before I took a good swipe from the troll, enough to leave an ugly gash in my armour, and I certainly felt pain in my chest. That just pissed me off at the same time, leaving plenty of wounds on the troll in return, and with all the arrows in its back, it's white skin quickly ran red with blood. Finally weakening and dropping to its knees, I dropped my shield, placing two hands on the hilt of my sword as I swung at its neck.