Dragonborn Rising Ch 16

Chapter 16 - Love and Marriage

*****

"How does marriage work in Skyrim?" I asked the priest, who introduced himself as Maramal. I'd seen him once or twice in the Bee and Barb, calling all of us sinners for drinking alcohol, listening to music, and generally enjoying ourselves.

"You wish to get married?" he asked, sounding a little surprised. I guess he'd noticed me around town.

"Aye."

"Oh, well, to be honest, it's quite simple. All you need is an Amulet of Mara. Wear that near the person you intend to marry. She or he should notice it, and will enquire as to your intentions. You may then propose to that person, return to myself or my associates, and we can organise a date for the ceremony."

"It's that simple."

He laughed at my tone, as I was quite clearly surprised at the simplicity. "This is not the Imperial City. Most people simply wish for a simple exchange of vows and rings before returning to their lives. It is a reflection of life itself in Skyrim. No need for gaudy displays of affection."

Not having an Amulet of Mara, I asked if I can purchase one, and for the price of a few coin, I took the Amulet of Dibella from around my neck, placed that in my pocket, and wandered back out into Riften. The first person I needed to visit wasn't Muiri. I would need to talk to Haelga first.

She was delighted to see me as always, but I think my face must have said it all, as after she kissed and hugged me, she led me to one of the tables nearby. Taking a seat side by side, she asked, "It's over, isn't it?"

My heart nearly broke at her tone. I loved her. She loved me. But my love for Muiri was... stronger. Better. Haelga didn't want marriage. Nor children. And she would remain in Riften forever. With Muiri, I felt there were opportunities for other things. She'd made her feelings and intentions known since nearly day one. And the more time passed, the more the thought of settling down with someone, but particularly her, seemed to be the best decision I could make.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly.

She wrapped an arm around me, leaning her head against me. "Don't be. Don't be at all. I think we both knew this might happen if you were to meet someone else."

"But I feel like I said..."

"Ragnar, there are two men I've loved. I still love my husband, despite him no longer being here. And you, and I know you will still love me in your own way, even when we're no longer together."

"I will remember our time together fondly."

"As will I. As I said, you were what I was looking for. I can only hope the next man I meet measures up to even half of who you are."

"That's quite the compliment." I turned to kiss her cheek. "But I will always have a place in my heart for you, Haelga."

"And I you, Ragnar," she whispered. Her voice finally broke, and I turned to hold her. She didn't break down and cry. She was far stronger than that. But I knew this would be the last time I would hold her in such a way. And kiss her, as she looked up at me, her eyes glistening from tears that wanted to fall, and when our lips met, I knew the tears finally did.

It was one of our greatest kisses, putting all the feelings we had for each other into the gesture. But it was also the worst, as we both knew it would likely be the last. We would not be intimate again, not with the decision I had made. When we broke apart, she laid her head on my chest as I held her. "Once you go, I won't want to see you for a couple of days, Ragnar. Just to get my head right."

"Okay."

"I don't hate you for this. As I said, I'll still love you. And I'm even happy for you. Despite what you do, and some of the things you've done, you're still a decent man at heart. And Muiri is a delightful young woman." She paused, before adding, "And I won't come to the wedding. I can't see you get married to someone else, despite the fact we never would."

We sat together in silence, just holding each other, before I suggested it was best that I leave. She held tightly onto my hand as we walked to the door. Standing on the threshold, we hugged a final time, and I could feel her hands tight on my back, not wanting to let me go. I held her tightly in return, and we kissed a final time. "I love you," she whispered once our lips part.

"And I love you, Haelga. And I'll always be around if you want some company. Just no longer in the way I know we both enjoyed."

That gave her a good chuckle, and it was probably the best way we could part. "I will see you around, Ragnar. Maybe for a drink in the Bee and Barb?"

"I'll be at my usual table if you'd like to join me one time."

"You and your new wife?"

"Well, yes."

"I'd be delighted, Ragnar. But, again, maybe not in the next few days, or immediately after your wedding."

We shared a brief, final hug, before she kissed my cheek, gently pushed me back, bid me farewell, before closing the door. Not exactly in my face, but it was a symbol of what just happened. The relationship between Haelga and I had just changed, perhaps forever. I would always hold affection for her. To be honest, I would always love her. But it was now time to move on.

I wouldn't just go straight from Haelga to Muiri. In my mind, that certainly wasn't the right thing to do. Instead, I headed back to Riftweald. Aranea was sitting at the dining table, and offered to make me dinner. I eagerly agreed, and as we sat together, feasting on some roasted goat and potatoes, I showed her what I bought. "Who's the lucky woman? Or, I think the accurate question is, which one is the lucky woman?"

"Muiri."

Aranea smiled. "A good choice. She's a lovely woman. What of Haelga?"

"We'll remain friends. It will be awkward to begin with, but I think we'll be as close in the future, just without the sex."

"And Karliah?"

"We'll remain friends and co-workers, also without the sex."

"So you will be a one-woman man?"

"Aye. First time in my life."

"You must really love this woman."

I couldn't help smile as I said, "I do. I really, definitely do."

Lying in bed alone that night, I found sleep difficult as I thought about what I was preparing to do. It wasn't the fact I was scared. It wasn't the idea that I thought she'd say no. And I didn't think I was too young. Many were far younger than myself when they found themselves wed. I had never intended to marry, always thinking I'd enjoy a variety of women. But I'd felt something for Muiri within minutes of meeting her. Our first time being intimate was some of the best sex of my life.

It's probably why I'd willingly killed for her.

Waking the next morning having finally drifted off to sleep, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with Aranea before dressing in some of my finest clothes. Heading out into the market, I bought a bouquet of flowers before heading to Muiri's place. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door. Upon opening it, she smiled immediately upon seeing me standing there with flowers. "For me?" she asked.

"Aye," I replied, handing them over. She dipped her nose, inhaling the scent, closing her eyes, the smile on her face broadening.

"Oh, they're wonderful, Ragnar. And some of my favourites too. How did..."

"How did I know? I do listen to you, Muiri."

"You should come in."

As the fire was always roaring, I took off my coat and sat on the lounge in front of it, watching Muiri grab a vase, fill it with water, and place the flowers in it. The vase then took pride of place on her mantelpiece before she sat next to me, immediately leaning into hug me. "Thank you. They're beautiful," she said softly.

"I'm just glad you like them!"

"It's a lovely gesture, Ragnar. Not often a man will... pick?"

"No, I can admit that I bought them at the market."

"Well, you still managed to choose the most colourful, those with the nicest scent, and most importantly, those I love the most."

"As I said, I do listen."

I leaned down to kiss her, her lips soft, her mouth willing, as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her tight towards me. I felt the smile on her lips as we kissed before she pulled back, gently stroking my cheek. "I love you, Ragnar," she whispered, "A little bit more every day."

"Well, I'm glad you said that because..."

I reached under my shirt and pulled out the amulet. I watched her face. She didn't know whether to smile, cry, cover her mouth due to the shock. Her eyes, though. They said everything I needed to know. I knew the answer before I even started. "I love you, Muiri. And you're the only one I truly want to be with. I learned that during our week together. So, it's a rather simple question. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me, kissing me again.

"It's just you and me, Muiri. You have my word."

Leaning back, I watched her look at my face before meeting my eyes, "So even Haelga...?"

"I talked to her yesterday. We were not intimate and I told her we would remain close friends if she wanted, but that I wanted to be with you, and only you." She opened her mouth, and I think she was ready to ask a question. I could guess what that question was. "I'm sure, Muiri. I've never been so sure of something in all my life."

"Take me to the bedroom, Ragnar," she ordered, gently.

Picking her up was easy, considering how small she was compared to me, though that didn't stop her cooing about her big strong man as I carried her to the bedroom. Sitting her down on the bed, we undressed each other rather quickly, doing it rather awkwardly at times, as we simply didn't want to break our kiss. Once we were naked, she shuffled backwards on the bed so I could join her. I think she was expecting me to just slide my cock inside her, but the smile on my face suggested what I was going to do first.

I covered her body with my lips, leaving kisses everywhere, giving her small breasts plenty of attention. By the time I made it to her sex, she was soaking wet, and I thoroughly enjoyed her taste as I dipped my tongue. Lifting her legs back, she completely exposed herself, grabbing a pillow so she could watch me, my eyes ensuring I looked up into hers. "Ragnar," she hissed quietly.

I couldn't help think to myself as I ate her out that I'd happily do this every single day for the rest of my life, if she was willing. I didn't think she wouldn't be. She loved sex just as much as myself. And she was loving what I was doing at the moment, watching her face, her chest rising and falling quicker, almost panting at times, knowing her climax was approaching and inevitable.

"Clit, Ragnar. Do that and..."

Her head rolled back as I touched it the first time, her body almost unconsciously pressing down into my mouth. As I gently played with her clit, I slid a couple of fingers into her tight Breton pussy. She cried out again, hooking her arms under her knees, her eyes now wild with desire, and I knew she was desperate to cum. I knew it was going to be big, and considering what I'd done a few minutes before, probably emotional too.

"Ragnar," she breathed again, "I'm so close..."

She was, as her climax arrived no more than a minute or so later. She cried out again as she came, her head rolling back, nearly her entire body shuddering, from her little feet all the way to the top of her head. She cried out again as I kept going before I felt a hand on my head, the universal gesture for me to stop. Kissing gently back up her body, it still shaking from what I'd just done, she opened her eyes as I hovered over her. It came as no surprise to see her cheeks were already wet, throwing her arms around me to hold me close.

"I thought I'd be waiting forever for you to propose," she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

"I couldn't wait forever. And I was being selfish to think you'd put up with it forever."

"When did you change your mind?"

Lifting my head to meet her eyes, I said, "During the week we spent together. I never gave anyone else a thought while we were way. That's when I knew you were the one."

She kissed me, though needed to break it when I slid my cock inside her, watching and hearing her gasp before the smile formed. I didn't last long at all. Five minutes, tops. She certainly didn't complain. I certainly wasn't going to either. When I climaxed inside her, I'll admit even I felt the sense of occasion, though I put it down to the look of love, devotion and adoration in her eyes.

We spent the entire morning in bed, mixing lovemaking with conversation. It amazed me that we could always find something to talk about. With Muiri, I was honest about everything in my life. She knew what I did and didn't judge as I'd explained the rules by which the Guild would now work. We were still all thieves at the end of the day but we worked with at last a modicum of honour, and I still believed it was a relatively victimless crime.

Heading out at lunchtime, we went to the Bee and Barb, where I wore the Amulet of Mara above my shirt, holding the hand of Muiri as we wandered in and sat at my usual desk. Many of the regulars noticed the amulet, assumed we were now betrothed, and were quick to congratulate us. Even Maven approached us, offering us good wishes, though leaned down and whispered in my ear that she was sad to know I was now off the market.

"When would you like to get married?" I asked after we'd finished eating.

There was nothing but a smile at first, no doubt thinking of our future together. "As soon as possible, Ragnar."

"Would you like to buy a dress for the occasion?"

"No. I just want to get married to you."

I thought about what day it was. "Today is Tirdas. How about Loredas? You sound eager to be married as soon as possible. So am I, so the quicker, the better."

"Something to look forward to for the rest of the week."

"And you'll obviously move into mine after the ceremony? I was thinking you move in, and Aranea can take your place?"

"What about the... room you built for Haelga?"

"I'll lock the door and forget about it. Unless..."

She laughed lightly. "I think most of it is far too much for me, Ragnar. I prefer you when you're being gentle with me." She leaned forward and whispered, "Though I did like it when you grabbed me tightly by the hips when I was on my hands and knees and... you know..." She trailed off with a blush.

"We can do that any time you want to. Quite frankly, Muiri, we can do anything you want... within reason..."

Gently kissing my lips, she whispered, "There's a good chance I will end up thinking the same thing, Ragnar."

Heading to the Temple of Mara, Maramal explained the ceremony and what to expect. He asked if we would have many guests. I said I would have a witness. Muiri had no family, so I suggested Aranea could be there for her. Muiri didn't mind who was her witness, as long as we were wed at the end. Letting Maramal know the day, he asked when we'd like to be married. We both agreed that midday would be best.

Returning to Riftweald, Muiri stopped me before entering. "Ragnar, what would you say if I suggested that we don't see each other until the wedding?

"Why?"

"Because although I don't need a fancy frock to marry you, I would still like to surprise you. And I'm sure you can find a little something to dress in too. And, as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. So I expect us to eagerly consummate our marriage quite quickly, yes?"

"Definitely."

"So you can handle not seeing me for a few days?"

"No." She was about to say something as her face fell, so I smiled and added, "But I can deal with it."

She hugged me tightly before I leaned down to kiss her. It was a long kiss, long enough to draw the attention of a couple of passing guards. One cleared his throat and suggested we should just head inside. That caused both of us to laugh before Muiri took a step back. "Next time you see me, I'll be walking down the aisle towards you."

"I can't wait. I love you."

"I love you, Ragnar. See you on Loredas."

Knowing I wouldn't see her for a few days, I had to keep myself busy. First thing I had to do was get myself some new clothes. The finest I could lay my hands on. And, of course, I'd get those at the Guild. Heading down the Flagon, I let everyone know what had happened. I received plenty of pats on the back or handshakes in congratulations. Vex was surprised, believing I'd continue to sleep around with various women, mentioning I'd never approached her for a good fuck. I couldn't help chuckle at her tone, though she said it was probably for the best to just keep our relationship professional. I asked Brynjolf to be my witness, and I think I near enough made him cry. Considering I had few friends outside the Guild, and the relationship the pair of us had formed, no wonder I'd want him there. I then added that everyone would be invited to the post-wedding celebration at the Bee and Barb, suggesting everyone should attend though incognito. As in, dressed in normal clothing.

With three days to fill, I packed up some camping supplies and headed out of Riften, figuring I'd spend the three days I had free out in the wild, perhaps doing a bit of hunting, a bit of swimming, and trying not to think about Muiri most of the time. I also didn't want any temptation in Riften to go back on my vow, nor did I want to be too near Karliah at the hall.

I'll admit, I ended up finding it a little lonely as, despite my best intentions, I thought about her all the bloody time. Typical. At least when I was armed with bow and arrow, tracking an elk or deer, I could concentrate on the task at hand and clear my mind. But when sitting by the campfire during the evening, nursing a cup of wine, I found my thoughts would eventually drift and end up thinking about her, wondering what she was doing and if she was missing me as badly.

At least I bagged a couple of elk, so I'd have some furs and meat to take back with me. Almost ran into a bear during one of my hunts, a couple of arrows into the ground near it actually scaring it off. I had my sword and shield with me, just in case it decided to attack me, though it was always dangerous taking on a bear one v one.

I returned to Riften on the evening of Fredas, rather excited at the prospect of getting married the next day. I took the pelts to Asbjorn, who was the owner of the 'Scorched Hammer'. He asked if I wanted anything made from the pelts or if I just wanted to sell them. As I had plenty of armour, I just took the offer of coin. The meat I took back to Riftweald, where I ask Aranea to cook us up some venison, while I would put the antlers to good use.

"Are you looking forward to tomorrow, Ragnar?" she asked once we sat down to eat.

"Aye. Probably won't sleep tonight. I haven't seen her for three days."

"Is it because you haven't seen her or another reason?"

She gave me a look and I couldn't help chuckle. "No, I haven't missed her just for that reason, Aranea. As I told her, that week and a bit we spent together told me everything I needed to know. Just being with her, having her close to me... I knew when we returned to Riften what I wanted to do. It was just that selfish part of me that wanted to have my sweet roll and eat it too."

"Maybe it's a sign of your maturity?"

I couldn't help chuckle. "That's doubtful. But I'm prepared to give up everyone else for her in a heartbeat."

Lying back in bed later that night, I couldn't help think back about my life. Being an orphan. Then an urchin on the streets. A pickpocket. A thief. Then a new calling as a warrior. Losing my virginity and finding a carnal desire to be with as many women as possible. Life blowing up in my face and my effective exile to Skyrim. Then everything that had happened to me since then. Yet growing up, I'd never given marriage a serious thought. It's funny how life works out.

I woke earlier than normal the next morning, sitting out on the porch as the sun rose, eating a hearty breakfast. Aranea joined me, rather amused at my excitement. We'd spoken and she was happy enough moving out, though insisted she'd still spend plenty of time at my place. Heading inside, I picked out the finery I'd chosen. I didn't want to wear all black, too much of a reminder of my Nightingale Armour. So I went with a dark blue coat and trousers, with a white shirt and dark shoes. I trimmed my beard and made sure I had a good wash before dressing. Once I felt ready, I asked Aranea how I looked.