To Sleep, or Not to Sleep: That is the Question (Alijham and Elsynia)

Alijham tip-toed up to her room, hoping she'd already made her way up herself. He held a little wooden tray with a few unlit, pale blue candles, a mug of piping hot mint tea, and a pitcher of cream with sugar. He knocked on the door softly. Some scrawled sheet music was tucked under his arm.

She had been laying on her hammock staring at the ceiling. She hadn't even bothered to remove her armor, aside from her boots, bracers, her hood, and her arm crops. Her hands were up behind her head, and she wove her fingers into her hair, thinking. She flinched as she heard a knock at the door, shooting to an upright seated position.

Elsy hopped down from her hammock and opened the door. Her tired, frustrated expression softened slightly as she opened the door to reveal Alijham. Her smile was weak. "Hey there. Are your little ones tucked in?" She stepped aside to let him into the room.

"Yeah," he nodded with a delicate grin, setting the tray down on some side table. "Are you feeling any better?"

He leaned over to the tray, a tiny spark coming from his finger to light the candles. "I brought you something."

She certainly looked better, he thought; but she always looked good to him. He began to unfasten his armor and set it aside as well as his daggers. His usual vested shirt and pants were underneath.

Her smile was soft and slight, though nonetheless genuine. "You didn't have to bring me a thing. Thank you." She blinked tiredly a few times. "I'm alright. How are you feeling?"

Alijham blinked lovingly, holding out the cup of tea. "Surely I was obliged to, you were so pale in there. I'm okay, though, thank you. Better that you're not as bad as you were." He leaned against the table. "That was wild. I'm sorry you have to deal with that shite, you don't deserve it."

She pulled two chairs up to the table and dipped her head briefly as an invitation for him to sit. "Sorry. The sight made me feel... sick." She blanched ever so slightly just for a moment, then met his gaze. "I'm glad you're ok. And don't apologize. It's part of the job, and my responsibility."

She smiled warmly and took the cup from him. She brought it close to her mouth before saying, "It's Pact friendly, aye?"

He took a seat with a smile, nodding. "I felt the same. I guess I'm just good at hiding it," he chuckled. "And yes, the tea is Pact friendly."

He poured himself a cup and added a fair amount of cream. His lip twitched briefly, smile retaining. "That is quite the nasty job description, though. I mean, it's also mine, but.." He rubbed his head "..it's not really what you expect."

Elsy nodded and took a sip of the tea. She held onto the cup, letting it warm her hands as she took a seat across from him. She answered solemnly, "Aye." She glanced up from her cup at him, "I'm sorry to ask that of you. If you're no longer up for the job, do let me know. I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do."

He looked up, sipping his tea. "Ask what of me, love? You don't need to apologize for anything. I'm up for everything, as long as it is for the safety of you or the clan. I want to do it."

Alijham's smile faded into a slight brow dimple of concern. "It's kind of what I signed up for, anyways," his smile returned.

She nodded once. "Thank you." Her eyes flitted over him. "Be careful."

She took a quick sip of tea and brought a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes and sighing softly. "A murder... I'm beginning to feel as though I wasn't the proper choice for the position."

"Careful indeed," he said, before letting out a little yip. "Of course you were, Elsy. There is no one better fit to lead than you. Although sometimes you lack personal time, and it weighs hard on you, you are one of the most ritious and loving people I've ever known. I hate to see you so stressed over it."

She wrinkled her nose is slight disgust though the corners of her mouth flicked upward in a brief smile. "Righteous? How awful." She feigns a shudder.

Her smile becomes more genuine. "Thank you, Ali. Really. Some days I feel like you're the only thing keeping me fairly sane."

He chuckled. "Awful, like how awfully devious you are."

Alijham smiled back, reaching out to give her hand a squeeze. "Hey," he said softly, "It's what Im here for. Anything for you, everything. And.. thank you. Quit makin' me feel special."

She chuckles lightly, "Me? I think you mean you."

Elsy nods once, "I'm just thankful that I've got you. Honestly, I would have lost my mind awhile ago, I'm certain." She smiled warmly, "But you are special."

He smiled, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. A light blush cross his face. "Thank you. You have no idea what means to hear that. I probably wod have lost it, too, if not for you."

She smiled, the tips of her ears turning a slight red, then reached over the table, outstretching a hand to him. She blinked tiredly as she gazed over to him, and rested her chin on her other hand.

Alijham took her hand and laced his fingers in hers. "Wyndhenir was talking about you again," he said, setting his chin in his free palm as well. "He keeps asking about if you're going to come over. Maybe we could go hunting sometime, and I could bring him and Ylir."

Nodded, though kept her head resting on her hand. "I'd love that." She gently squeezed his hand. "What does Wyndhenir say about me?" She looked at him curiously, a smile still on her face.

He kissed her knuckles. "A lot of things," he chuckled. "He always goes through my poetry and journal entries. Mostly, he just asks if I saw you today and what we did. He's curious, y'know. He's never had anyone but me, and him and Ylir really need someone like you in their lives." Alijham shrugged. "It's hard, caring for them myself. I've got a lot of duties as well as them. I wish we had more time together, you and I, and with them."

She nodded, "You're doing an incredible job, though. I don't know how you do it. I have to admit, the idea of becoming a parent scares the breath out of me."

The blush made its way to her cheeks and her smile grew with the thought of them all having time to spend together.. "I wish that, too. Earth's Bones, I'd have to feel sorry for them, if I were to care for them. I haven't any idea of what I'd be doing."

"Thank you," he smiled, blushing a bit as well. "It scared me to death nine years ago, when my first daughter was born. It still scares me, I'm just more used to it I guess. I spend as much time as I possibly can with them, which is summed up to around four hours each day. Not enough time at all, I think." He ran a hand through her hair. "All of the trouble and stumbling about to learn how to care for them properly is worth it. Eight children later, i'm still learning something from them every day."

She nodded, peering into her cup briefly. She looked back up to meet his gaze, "You know, you don't have to see me everyday. I understand if you need or want to be with your children." She smiled gently. "I'd hate to keep you from them."

She let out a little sigh, "Like now. You should be with them."

"No, you don't keep me from them at all. I get much less time with you than I get with them. They're asleep now, and I.." He nipped at the rim of his mug. "I really want to be with you right now. And I want to see you every day. I might go mad of I have to go more than two days without you," he smiled delicately. "I need to be with you as much as I need to be with them."

She smirked. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get sick of me sooner or later."

He smile turned sweeter and softer as her blush deepened, "You haven't the slightest idea how incredible it is to hear that. I love your company, I really do. I love you. Just, every time you walk into a room. My heart skips a beat and I get the most ridiculous smile."

"If you don't get sick of me first," he chuckled, before his laugh faded and his smile loosened.

"And you haven't the slightest idea how incredible you are. I love you too. It kind of hurts how much I love you," he rubbed the back of his neck with a laugh. "There's no one id rather be around than you. I can't breathe when you look at me. I know that's cheesy, but It's true."

Her cheeks and the tips of her ears were now a deep red. She couldn't contain a grin. "Stop that. Now I'm having trouble breathing." She paused, looking to him. "And I could never get sick of you."

She shook her head, still grinning, "I'd still wager that you're sick. It doesn't sound healthy."

"Sick with happiness, maybe," he poked out the top of his tongue, folding his ears down to hide their color. "And I'm going to give you the illness. Who cares if it's healthy? It's fantastic," said the apothecary, who deals with health for a living. He should probably be the one caring, but oh well.

She giggled, holding a hand to her own face in an attempt to make her obvious blushing less noticable. "In all fairness, I think I've already got the illness. Some medic you are!" She smirked and poked her tongue out at him.

Alijham shrugged, snickering. "Oops. Too bad there's not a cure for that in my clinic," he winked, lacing his fingers in hers. "I guess we'll just have to suffer together, huh? Until we grow love hives all over our bodies and explode."

She let out a laugh. "Perfect! I look forward to it." She gently squeezed his hand and rubbed one of her eyes tiredly.

"As do I. I'll find a good place tomorrow." He layed his free hand over hers, to where he had it in both. "Do you need to get to bed, love?"

Her smile lessened some. "I'd like to, aye. Though I'm not sure if I can. I feel like... every time I close my eyes I see the corpse..." She paled and trembled slightly.

"I understand," he nodded softly. "Why don't you try for a little bit, and if you can't sleep, you can come back to siddown and talk to me about it." He picked up his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

She nodded, giving him a soft smile,. "Alright." She took a long sip of the tea and set it down on the table before standing. She made her way over to the hammock and pulled herself into it, sitting upright and cross-legged. She began to loosen her jerkin and pull it off, which would reveal a cloth shirt she had been wearing underneath, though didn't bother to change out of her guards.

Watched her with a delicate smile. He climbed out of the chair, finishing his tea, and took his wool blanket from his pack. He layed it down at the foot of the hammock and flopped himself on top of it, kicking off his boots. "I hope your sleep goes okay, he sighed. "It sucks to see you with so many sleepless nights. I used to have bad insomnia like that." He chuckled, looking up at her. "I'll stop talking now.."

She smiled down at him before laying in the hammock. She let out a little laugh, "No, no. That's fine. I actually like your talking. It's soothing. It makes me feel... safe?"

She blinked tiredly a few times. "How did you get a handle on your insomnia?"

He blushed with a little purr. "Well, I started sleeping different places and changing my schedule and whatnot. I'd try sleeping with my kids, and maybe eating a few hours earlier than normal. It took years."

She frowned. "Ah. Perfect." She let out a little sigh and and turned on her side in his direction. "I'm glad you got over it though. This is awful."

He nodded. "My insomnia was more self-inflicted than anything, but thank you. It may not take that long for you, I could make you potions and research your schedule and eating patterns. We'll figure it out." He tugged the blanket over his chest, half sitting up. "Maybe it's something simple."

"If you have the time. You're already busy as is, and it's not too dire. I can put up with being tired."

She furrowed a brow, "Something simple? I'd hope so."

"Nonsense, I always have time for you. If you don't sleep, you can't function right. That sounds pretty dire to me." He gave a nod. "It could be as simple as the time of day you eat, or the lighting where you sleep."

She shook her head at him, smiling endearingly. "Thank you... Try not to worry about me so much, I'll be fine. I've been able to function on little sleep before."

She peers over the edge of the hammock to him and nods. Her eyelids seem to become heavier.

"I can't help but worry about you," he smiled. "I know how that feels. It sucks."

He layed down, looking up at the hammock. "You should try and get some rest."

She closed her eyes, nodding. "You too." She tucked her hands under her head as she laid on her side, facing him. She couldn't help but smile a little, the sound of his breathing and the thought of him caring so much for her made her feel wonderful and secure. Almost well enough to fall asleep.

Her eyelids fluttered briefly.

"I love you," he whispered.

Alijham layed there, looking up at the hammock, for quite some time, although all he could really see was part of her arm on the rim of it. He thought about her smile, and how her ears got all red when he called her beautiful. He held back a grin as he lye; recycling in his head how absolutely stunning she was; the way she said his name; how she loved every piece of him, no matter how broken or filthy it was.The sound of her breath wouldn't take long to lul him to sleep.

She'd already fallen asleep, and didn't hear his whisper. She was already busy dreaming of him. Her eyelids would flutter now and again, and one time in the early morning hours she would quietly utter his name in her asleep state. She'd be thankful for the rest when she awoke, but for now, a small smile played across her lips as she subconsciously thought of his laughter, his own smile, his unfailing ability to cheer her up, and how wholly and utterly he seemed to care and love her.

Alijham was an incredibly light sleeper. He dreamt of her as well at one point in the night, but was woken by a faint murmuring of his name. Even though no one could see him, he buried his face in the blanket to hide his blush. He rolled on his back again, and shut his eyes, but not sleeping. He just thought about her. He couldn't possibly sleep with his mind racing like it was, so he pulled out a parchment and a charcoal stick to begin writing.

She stired briefly, but only to roll to her other side in the hammock. She slept with her knees pulled close to the rest of her and her hands tucked under her head. Her breathing was slowed and deliberate; that of someone fast asleep.

Alijham glanced up at the rustling. He listened to her breathing, a little smile on his face. She sounded asleep. He dug through his pack and pulled out a hand-made plush gazelle to lay his head on.

Her breathing picked up in pace slightly and she stired again. Her eyelids flittered for a moment and the smile on her face had disappeared. She seemed to mumble something, though words couldn't be made out. Whatever it was, she muttered in an anxious tone.

He had just begun to fall back asleep, when he heard her again. He had half a mind to wake her and make sure she was okay, but he didn't. He just listened.

She let out a larger than normal breath and her eyes flicked open. She stared up at the ceiling, trying to remember where she was. Upon remembering, she wondered if Ali was awake, and hoped she hadn't woke him. She peered over the side of the hammock to him and whispered very quietly. "Alijham?"

Ali opened one eye. "Hey," he said said softly. "Are you okay? Sounded like you were having a bad dream."

Her voice was groggy but had an air of anxiety to it. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you? I just... Yeah. It was a bad dream."

"No, love, I was already awake. Do you want to tell me about it?" He pulled his blanket down a bit.

She nodded, if he could even see it in the darkness of the room. She sat up and rubbed her forehead, then slid out of the hammock. Her movements were slow and quiet. She sat cross-legged next to him on the floor where he laid in the blanket, and blinked tiredly. "I'm sorry. I won't blame you if you fall asleep."

A yellow ring lining his pupil glew delicately. It wasn't able to be seen in the light.

"I'm not falling asleep until you do," he responded, sitting up. "What happened in your dream?"

She folded her hands in her lap, and looked to the mass in the dark that was Ali. Her hands felt cold, and she continued to unfold them and refold them. "I was, er. Well, you..." She closed her mouth, slightly embarrassed, then spoke again. "You were in my dream. At first, we were talking in the clinic, then that man was there. The corpse... And the room spun and I saw another body on the table... It was covered by a sheet. I couldn't stop myself, I approached it, and pulled back the sheet and... It was you. Lifeless. Covered in blood and cuts..."

She would be pale if he could see her, though it was apparent in her voice she was shaken.

Alijham cocked his head, reaching over to take her hands. He could see her, but he knew she probably couldn't see him. He paled a bit as well.

He swallowed gently. "I've had similar dreams before. It must be from your stress based on the situation. I wish there was something I could do about dreams, but I can't." He squeezed her hands. "I'm sorry, love. You know that would never happen."

She nodded, her voice was unsteady and very quiet. "You're probably right." She shook her head, her voice still shaking some, "It's alright. And I know. By the Green, I'd hate to think otherwise..." She slipped her hands around him and buried her face in his chest.

Wrapped his arms around her, running his fingers through her hair. He kissed then top of her head. "Do you want some more tea or something, love? I'll do anything I can to get that thought out of your mind."

She shook her head no, though left it on his chest. "I'll be alright. Besides, you need your rest... I'll go lay back down again," she said, though made no real motion to get up. She stayed there, her face buried in his chest, happy his arms were around her.

"Nonsense," he said. "If you can't rest, I can't rest. I'll stay up with you as long as you are, you need it more than I do." He layed his forehead on top of her head, shutting his eyes briefly.

She tilted her head to the side so her words were no longer muffled. "I haven't the slightest idea how you put up with me." She smirked very slightly before it faded again. She asked quietly, "Would you do something for me?" She frowned softly, "I'm sorry. I'd hate to ask more of you."

"How could I not put up with you?" He smiled briefly, picking up his head and looking to her. "Of course. Anything you need, there is no such thing as you asking too much of me."

She offered him an appreciative and grateful smile. She repositioned her head so that it was now on his shoulder, her face turned towards him and her mouth near his ear. She asked quietly, "Would you sing to me?"

He planted a kiss on her jawline. "Of course I will," he smiled. "I brought some drafted songs and a few I learned in school. What do you want to hear?" He reached over to slip the papers from the table into his lap, skimming some.

She lifted her head and smiled softly to him. "Anything. You pick."

She planted a kiss on his cheek and scooted back a bit, to give him space, but kept her hand on his.

"Alright," he tapped his chin, giving her hand a small squeeze. "I'll sing one that I wrote just a few nights ago. It's ah.. about you," he blushed.

Alijham shut his eyes and took a breath before skimming over the words. "It's called "If I Knew." After having his moment, he began to sing:

"If I knew how to write a song
I’d write one everyday
It would say that I’m in love with you
And why I feel this way

It would have to say you’re pretty
And as rare as a desert rose
It would say you’re a looker
From your head down to your toes

You are funny, dainty, fragile
And as feminine as can be
You’re smart charming lovely
And everything to me

You’re my comfort when I’m lonely
You’re my peace when I need rest
Of all the women I’ve known
I must rate you the best.

You’re the orchard in the jungle,
you’re the better half of me
You’re all of this and so much more,
you mean the world to me

Still so much is left unsaid,
It would take me far to long
I know how much I love you,
If only I could write a song."

She couldn't help but smile, and was thankful that the room was dark. She hoped he didn't see her eyes, as they welled slightly. She kissed his hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. She spoke softly and endearingly, "I've never really had anyone besides you sing to me before, and to have you write a song about me, it's just... possibly the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you, Ali. It was beautiful. And it made me feel worlds better."

She threw her arms around his neck and nuzzled into the crook of his neck.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her nose. He saw the little tears, alright, and he smiled like a fool. "Thank you, love. There is nowhere I'd rather be than with you, and nothing I'd rather write about as well," he chuckled gently. "I'm so glad you feel better. Do you want to try laying back down, or would you like to stay up?"

She placed a hand on the side of his face furthest from her and guided him closer to her mouth to kiss him quickly. She still spoke softly, "You're incredible."

She pulled back to look at what she could of his face in the darkness, though still held onto his hands. "I'll try to lie down again. I'm sorry for keeping you up."

He returned the kiss, eyes mellowing dreamily. "I think you said "Elsynia is amazing" wrong," he chuckled. He played with her fingers. "I don't mind staying up, you know. I'd stay up all night if you couldn't sleep, or wanted me to."

Alijham touched his nose to hers. "But do lye back down if you'd like. You need your rest."

She let out a little giggle and kissed his cheek. "It's up to you. I wouldn't mind staying up with you either. More time spent with you is time well spent. But I also don't want to deprive you of much-needed sleep."

Alijham flicked a wrist. He smiled bashfully. "I can take a nap later and be just fine," he said. "Sleep isn't as crucial to my job as it is to yours."

She smiled and shook her head. "I could just as easily do the same. And I make enough decisions." She touched her nose to his. "It's up to you."

Alijham shrugged, smiling. "Well then, I guess since we're already up.."

Nodded, "Alright." She kissed his hands and stood to light the candles on the nearby table. Once done she turned back to him and smiled, seeing his face in the dim light. "If you'll excuse me a moment, I think I'll finally change out of my armor properly." She glanced down to her guards.

He watched her with a small nod. "Those don't look very comfortable," he chuckled, pressing his palms to his eyes. "I won't look."

She chuckled, "You better not."

She picked up her bag and walked to a corner positioned behind him. She dropped her bag down and pulled out a neatly folded pair of pants, the ones she typically wore. As quickly and soundlessly as possible, she then peeled off her guards and slipped into the normal clothing. Then she folded the guards and placed them into her bag.

Once everything was put away neatly, she walked back over to Ali and kissed the top of his head.

He smiled, eyes fluttering open. He took her hands and laced his fingers into hers. "Much, much better. So, what would you like to do?"

She smiled. "Anything, really. Sitting and staying up with you, even if it's just talking, is fine with me." She sat cross-legged in front of him and took both of his hands, dreamily watching the candlelight flick across his face.

Alijham held her hands, bringing them to his chest. "Maybe we can play a game?" His lids mellowed happily. "Or we could tell stories. I have plenty."

"Or we could do both." She grinned. "How about we play the game, then tell each other stories?" She scooted a bit closer and planted a kiss on the side of his face.

He nodded, stealing a kiss back. "What do you want to play? We could just ask each other questions, silly ones." He tapped his chin scruff. "Hmn.."

"Fine by me. But you have to start." She gave him a quick smirk.

"If you insist," he grinned, taking a moment to think. He let out a light hum. "Let's see.. have you ever gotten drunk and woken up somewhere completely different?"

She let out a laugh, "No, actually. I've never really been one to drink that much. Certainly not enough to blackout like that."

"My turn then. Hm..." She narrowed her eyes, her nose wrinkling slightly as she thought. "What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?"

Alijham snickered. "Thank the gods. It's not fun." He wet his lips. "Damn, ahh.. I've eaten a lot of strange things. The strangest has to be the fur of a Windhelm Wolfhound. I was trying to test something for my alchemy shop. There was another type of dog's fur that gave a certain effect with Frost Mirriam, and I was curious."

"Oh? You've experienced it then?" She wore a slight smirk.

She chuckled softly, "Ah. That's not too terrible. Still, I can't imagine it tasted too great."

She brought his hands to her face, placing his hands on her cheeks and gently holding her hands on top of his. "It's your turn to ask another question, if you're still up for playing." She smiled softly.

"Yes, unfortunately," he poked out the tip of his tongue. "And yeah, it's not too bizzarre."

He smiled and leaned in to kiss her nose. "Aye, I'll still play. Hmm.. what is the strangest injury you've ever had?"

She shook her head, still smiling, "My, my. An Alijham drunk enough to black out. Sounds like quite the party." Her smile turned into a playfully mocking smirk.

Her smirk turned sweet to the kiss. "Hm... strangest injury..." She sat there a moment thinking. "Thank Y'ffre, I don't tend to get seriously injured too often... this is a difficult one..." Her eyes widened slightly as she realized the answer to the question. She turned slightly pale and any trace of a smile was wiped off her face. She spoke quietly and hesitantly. "I'll tell you. But it's... well... it's a tough answer."

He laughed. "Oooh yes, I was quite the party anima as a teenager. I blacked out a few times."

He nodded curiously, giving her hands a slight squeeze. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but go ahead of its okay. I don't want to make you uncomfortable or anything."

She smiled, "Thank you, but I'm sure."

She then let his hands fall. "I suppose I've sort of wanted to talk about it for some time now." She uncrossed her legs and spun so that her back was facing him. She collected all of her hair and twisted it up into a messy up-do, so that he would see better. Poking out from underneath her shirt, starting where her lower neck met her back, in between her shoulder blades, he would be able to see a thick band of a scar, even in the dim light. She tugged at her left sleeve, pulling her shirt down enough to expose her shoulder. The scar ran onto her left shoulder blade and seemed to continue down further. Two other thick bands of scars ran parallel.

She remained quiet, letting him look at it before explaining anything.

He observed for a long moment before bringing a hand out to trace it gently with two fingers. He was silent, eyes soft but solumn. He drew in a long, slow breath, as if he was in awe.

"It's beautiful," was the only thing he said, almost inaudibly quiet.

She flinched at his touch at first, but then relaxed. She almost wanted to laugh, and it came out as a painful push of air out through her nose. "Beautiful..." Her voice turned dark for a moment though she kept a quiet tone, "It's a mark of my stupidity, my utter and complete failure to uphold the one thing I was tasked to follow with my life."

She took in a deep breath, closed her eyes, then let it out slowly. "My strangest injury – I was attacked by my at-the-time werewolf lover."

He tilted his chin up for a moment, taking in her words, before kissing the scar. "It's beautiful to me. It may be stupidity to you, but it's human nature. We make mistakes, little ones and big ones, and it's what makes us who we are. This scar is part of what makes you who you are--and that is beautiful to me. Because you are beautiful to me, every part of you. Even the ones you may think are ugly."

She wrapped her arms around herself, leaving the scar exposed still, and thought on what he'd said. She blinked a few times then righted her shirt and undid the knot her hair was in, letting it fall back into place. She slid her knees close to her chest, hugging them tight, and rested her chin on them. She was thankful her back was to him, as her eyes were filling slightly with tears.

"Maybe..." she said quietly. "I wish I could see myself the way you saw me. I sound incredible." She smiled weakly.

Alijham climbed around to face her. He brought both hands up to cradle her chin. "That's because you are incredible, Els." He ran his fingers under her eyes to hold back her tears, and started to plant soft kisses all over her face.

She couldn't help but smile as he held her and kissed her. She blinked away her tears. She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't find words to express the love she felt welling inside of her for him, and how touched she was to hear him say that. She placed a hand on his chest near his neck, and pulled him into a long kiss.

He weaved his fingers into her hair and shut his eyes, falling into the kiss. He relaxed, bringing a hand down to rest on her waist, breathing softly.

She tensed at first to his touch but relaxed into the kiss. She slid her other hand to the side of his face, guiding him closer as they kissed. Her hand made its way to the back of his head and she ran her fingers through his hair. Her hand came to rest at the base of his neck.

He sunk to his knees, coming a bit closer. He yanked at her hair very gently, brow furrowed in loving enthusiasm. He smiled briefly through the kiss.

She finally pulled away from the kiss and planted a smaller kiss on his nose. "You're..." She smiled. "I can't even tell you all the incredible things you are."

He beamed, blushing. He ran a bashful finger down her cheek. "Nah, that's you. I'm not much more than humble, if even that. You're everything I wish I could be and more."

She shook her head. "Humble, aye. Too humble, actually." She gazed into his eyes, "You haven't the slightest idea of how entirely and absolutely incredible you are. No, not incredible - perfect."

As soon as she gave him eye contact, his face flushed red. He smiled from ear to ear. "Oh, s-shh.." He broke the eye contact, burying his face into her collar. "I think you mean yourself. you're perfect."

She let out a giggle, wrapping her arms around his head and kissing the top of his head. "No, no, no. I definitely meant you!" She slipped her hands into his hair, messing it up entirely and giggling softly.

He laughed, reaching to mess up her hair as well. "Ugh, now my bed head is ultra bed head!" He snickered. He stopped to grab her softly by her wrists and tackle her playfully.

She let out a little gasp as she was tackled, then stuck out her tongue at him. "Hey! Not fair." She wiggled to try to free her hands from his grasp.

He let go and just layed there on her, laughing. "Totally fair! I saw the chance and I took it."

She giggled and reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. She then lifted her head briefly to touch her nose to his. "Well, now you're stuck." Her arms tightened slightly so that he couldn't pull away.

He feigned a pout, frowning deeply, making his best puppy eyes at her. "Oh no! She got me, she got me! Whatever shall I do?"

He grinned nmischeviously, reaching down to tickle her belly.

She let out a yelp and began to laugh involuntarily, "Stop that!" She reached to snatch his hands and tried her best to hold them down.

He went limp, a couple tears in the corners of his eyes from laughter. "I am the tickle monster!"

She craned her neck up to bring her face closer to his, still laughing, and playfully nipped his earlobe. "No! I will defeat the dreaded tickle monster!"

He arched his back up a bit, nipping her back. "You cannot defeat me, imbisil!" He poked her belly.

She grinned deviously, "Don't challenge me, I always win!" She began to playfully poke her fingers into his sides and tickled him.

"No! Nononono!" He laughed, rolling around a bit, grabbing at her hands. He reached to poke her back.

She looked up at him, giggling mischievously. She caught his hand and looked at him for a long while, then planted a kiss on his lips.

He dropped his hands off her belly and curled his fingers around the back of her neck, smiling.

She pulled away and smirked at him, "Good. That got you to stop." She sticks her tongue out at him.

He shrugged, grinning. "Kind of hard to multitask when you're so distracted," he chuckled. He stuck his tongue out back and kissed her nose.

She let out a quiet laugh. "My plan all along! The tickle monster has been slain!"

"Oh noooo!" He rolled over and shut his eyes. "I have been defeated! How daaaaare youuuuu!"

She grinned and threw her arms up, "I am victorious!" Her grin turned into giggles. "I told you not o challenge me, I always win!"

He opened one eye. "It seems I have been bested. What would you like in return for your great valour?" He started to snicker, breaking his dramatic character momentarily.

She smirked, "Fame... riches! No! I would like... " She leans over him and her smirk turns sweet. She picks up his hand and brings it to her mouth, kissing it gently, "Nothing. I've already got everything I could ever ask for right here."

She lets out a soft chuckle, "By the Green, that was so cheesy one would think you'd said it."

His silly expression softened. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Awwuh.." He Laughed. "It was sweet, though."

She smiled, "Not quite as sweet and as charming as you, though." She smoothed his hair back and ran her hand through it, smiling sweetly to him.

"Nah," he nuzzled his nose to hers lovingly. He ran his fingers through her hair. "I think you're talking about yourself again."

She shook her head with a smile, then poked his nose. "Our question game got a bit derailed." She let out a little chuckle, "How are you holding up? Would you like to go to sleep?"

He grinned, lids mellowing. "I could stay up all night. Yourself? And I dooooo believe it's your turn.." He winked.

She grinned and scooted back over to his blanket, smoothing it out and sitting cross-legged on it. She patted the spot next to her for him to sit. "Alright... my turn..."

She chuckled, "Strangest thing you've ever done... while drunk?" She smirked at him.

He sat up and nestled beside of her, laying his head on her shoulder. "Hmn.. well, there was this one time where I got absolutely blasted. It was in one of the cornerclubs of Windhelm. I was carried outside in a little pyramid of dark elves," he laughed. "I was on the top cause I'm the smallest. They brought me to the Jarl's palace and we started taking off our clothes--in the snow--and throwing them at guards. A couple of the guards started whooping and throwing their clothes back at us, and one of the dunmer on the bottom of the pyramid got hit by a helmet. We toppled over and started trying to piggyback the beggars watching. We all spent a night in jail, needless to say, but it was fun."

She bursted into a fit of laughter. "That must have been a sight!" She shook her head, quelling her laughter. "Taking off your clothes in the snow... But it's so cold!"

She grinned over at him, "Your turn, when you're ready."

He laughed as well, whiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "Oooh yes, a sight indeed. And an experience. Hmm.. tell me about your most extraordinary family member."

She chuckled, "I can imagine so."

She took his hands. "Well, that would probably be my father." She smiled nostalgically, though it had an air of sadness to it. "I told you about his death already, but I didn't really say much about his life. He was like my best friend when I was very little."

She stared at their hands and wove her fingers into his. "I remember when I was a little girl he and I would climb the Graht-Oaks in the very early morning and watch the sun rise. He would teach me which bird calls belonged to which birds in the early morning light and mimicked them for me. And during the day we'd sit beneath the the shade of the trees and he'd tell me these beautiful stories about life and, well, anything really. His gift as a spinner was more developed than any other in the area. When he told stories, they came alive. You can imagine how incredible that must have been as a child - watching the stories leap and dance in front of you."

She blinked a few times and laid her other hand over his. "I wish he could have come to Alinor with us when we left. But a spinner in the Isles is like a fish out of water. And spinners are not supposed to move, either." She lets out a little chuckle, "Some say they are to be carried on the rare occasion that they move, since they sit so still for so long, their legs stop working."

She shook her head and looked at him, "I guess he's the reason why like stories, why I don't mind listening to people. To me a story isn't just a story - it's a piece of someone. Which is why I try to trade stories. It wouldn't be fair to take a piece without giving back one of your own."

She snickered, "He's also the reason why I got into worlds of trouble as a child. But I miss him. A lot."

He smiled softly, listening. "Sounds just like Berana and I," he said, giving her hands a gentle squeeze. He kissed her cheek. "That's beautiful. I've always wished for a relationship like that with my father, but it could never happen. My brother taught me more than I have ever learned from someone. I loved him so much." He wet his lips. "I don't know anything about spinners, really. I've seen them and spoken to them, but I feel out of place in their presence. Most of the time they can tell what I am."

"I'm sorry about your father..." She smiled gently, "I'm glad you had your brother though. Even if it was for a brief time. It sounds like he did a lot of good for you." She kissed the side of his face.

"Aye, I understand. I feel that way now... It's an awful feeling." She let out a little sigh. "I guess it's my turn, aye?"

Nodded. "Thank you, love. Aye, my brother was wonderful.." He wiggled his fingers in hers, smiling. "It is."

Nodded and bit her lower lip for a moment, thinking. "Hm..." She smiles, "Favorite memory?"

"Ahh," he considered his thoughts. "There are a number of good ones, but I think one of my very favorites was taking my oldest child to Markarth. I showed her the dwarven ruins under the city, and we explored together. She found a shelve of old books, and we went to the tavern to eat and read them." He wet his lips. "That was the first time, and the last time, I ever explored with her. I remember the look in her eyes when we found those books. She wasn't much older what Wyndhenir then, but she had such an ambition. It made me proud."

She smiled a bit solemnly. "I'm sorry for what happened... But I can imagine how fun that must have been." She looked over him, "You're an incredible father."

"Thank you," he blushed a bit, smiling. "Oh, it was wonderful. If I could have a million children I'd do it."

She let out a laugh, "A million little Alijhams running around. Gods save us!" She smirked at him.

He laughed. "Ooh yes, I do believe one me is enough.." he rubbed th back of his neck with a grin. "Too bad there's Wyndhenir! The little rascal."

She chuckled, "Ah, but he's so sweet! Most of the time."

She blinked a few times. "Do you mind if I lie down here?" She smiled endearingly. "And it's your turn by the way."

"That's what you think," he grinned. "And of course you can lay down. Hmn.. I want to ask you the same question."

She nodded, then smoothed out the blanket some. She laid on her back, laying her head in his lap and smiled softly up at him, "You don't mind if I use you for a pillow, do you?"

She let out a laugh, "I'm pretty certain that's cheating, but fine." Her eyes narrowed in thought, her gaze resting up on his face, as she searched for an answer to his question. "Well... I'm blessed that I can think of a thousand favorite memories with my father when I was a little girl... And I realize, I my particularly bad memories are few and far between. Hm..."

Her smile turned nostalgic, "Well, there was that one time a small group of us hiked up to one of the taller cliffs just outside of Alinor. I think I was about... 17? It was our last year in our secondary school before we moved into basic combat training with the Dominion, and we wanted to celebrate. I-" she giggled, "Yes, I, was the one who'd... borrowed, some alcohol from the tavern there. Being Bosmer, I was the smallest and could easily do it without getting caught. And Y'ffre knows that tavern made enough money off the people there."

She smirked, "Well, we hiked up this cliff and sat around with each other, laughing, talking, drinking... Then one of our friends got the clever idea to dive off the cliff into the water below. Ceylian was part of the group, and he bet the guy that he didn't have the nerve. And of course, with his dignity on the line in front of the females of our little group, the guy took the bet. We gathered at the edge of the cliff in a semi-circle around him. He pulled off his shirt and looked back at us- he seemed as white as a ghost but he was far too proud to back down. So he jumped." She chuckled, "He screamed the whole way down, and by the time we saw his head poke back up above the water he'd started laughing and yelling at us to join him. So everyone started pulling off their shirts and taking a dive over the edge of the cliff. I stood at the edge looking down, still a few of us left on the cliff. Ceylian was about to jump when he saw me shaking my head at them and laughing. I originally had absolutely no plans on jumping off of that cliff. That was, of course, until Ceylian scooped me up and took a running leap off of it." She laughed, "I tried to drown him once we'd hit the water, for doing that to me... and I'd never admit it to him, but I'm glad he did it. All of us had so much fun."

He ran his fingers through her hair. "Of course," he smiled softly, shifting a bit to get comfortable. "And I can't cheat at my own game, hon," his smiled playful.

As the story progressed, his expression grew more and more amused. He started to laugh, trying not to hunch over laughing and squish her. "Oh, gods!" He snickered. "I've done that before with Lucrezia and Sarena.. how wild. I never would have thought you'd be the one stealing the alcohol," he winked. "I remember jumping off into the river from big trees, as a little boy. I was barely supervised and it was so exhilarating. There's nothing quite like being with your friends, though. No matter how beautiful the scenery, or.. whatever it might be." He leaned down to kiss her nose.

She chuckled, "It's quite the thrill, falling so far for so long." Her smile turned to a smirk, "Very few realize how much trouble I got myself into when I was younger."

She looked up at him, listening to him and smiling. "Aye, truly. They're what make life livable." She blushed lightly to his kiss and reached to take his hands and fold them into hers.

"My turn, aye?" She looked up at him curiously, "What was your mother like? You've told me about her some."

Alijham squeezed her hands, smiling lovingly. "Oof, nothing compared to the trouble I got myself into!" He laughed.

"My Ma?" He asked, taking a moment to reflect. He shut his eyes for a moment with a soft smile. "She was the softest, most beautiful creature I've ever known. Her voice was so quiet you had to lean in to hear her. She was really small, looked up at me all my life. She was the high priestess, so she prayed most of the day and sacrificed a lot do Hircine, you'd never find her without her amulet. She was always so calm and ritious. Whenever I was upset, she knew exactly what to say."

His eyes fluttered open. "I did love her so," his cheeks lifted sweetly. "She deserved better than my father, so much better."

Her smile glowed warmly as she looked up at him, taking in his features and watching him reflect. "She sounds incredible. I'm glad you got to have someone like her in your life, and I'm glad she was able to help you through things." She reached up to neatly tuck his hair behind his ear and held his hands with her other hand.

He nodded, gazing down at her delicately. "She was wonderful, aye." He shut his eyes briefly at her touch. "You remind me of her sometimes. Strong but gentle, I guess."

She lit up. "You're too sweet." She kissed one of his hands and held it to her heart. "I think it's your turn again."

He leaned down and buried his nose into the crook of her neck, grinning. "Hmn.. what is the weirdest thing you've seen an animal do?"

She giggled and placed a hand atop his head. "Hm... Well, I remember my father had managed to train a hoarvor by giving it food and mimicking actions." She chuckled. "He'd taught it to place its front leg in his hand and it looked as though it was giving him a handshake. It's was absurd!"

He bursted into laughter, shorting into her neck by accident. "That's repulsive, but kind of cute."

"Absolutely. My mother was beside herself. She refused to get anywhere near my father while that hoarvor was around. Occasionally he'd bring it around the house just to watch her jump and yelp." She giggled.

She then placed a kiss on the top of his head. "My turn now... Hm..." She closed her eyes. "Favorite tavern you've ever been to, and favorite drink?" She opened an eye to peek at him.

"Gods, your father sounds wonderful," he chuckled. He looked up to kiss her nose. "I went to this one tavern in Solitude, it was huge and beautiful. All marble and stone, miss hanging from the roof.. they served this kind of wine there, made of berries only found in the Summerset Isles jungle. It was the most expensive, and most amazing thing, I have ever drank."

She nodded to him. Her smile grew as he told her of the inn and the drink. "Earth's Bones, the tavern sounds incredible. And the drink sounds interesting. If only the Pact allowed me to try it. What did it taste like?"

"It tasted like.. I don't know. It tasted like an explosion of something I can't explain," he laughed. "Doesn't the Pact allow you to eat and drink plant product when it's not from the Valenwood? I don't know. I thought so."

She smiled, "Interesting." She nods, "Aye, but I consider the Isles as much of a home as Valenwood, with how long I lived there. I know I can technically eat the plants there but it... doesn't feel right. I was taught, growing up in Valenwood, to respect the land. It's our home. And I suppose I feel the same towards the Isles. It's just respectful." She half shrugged and looked up at him. "It's your turn now, if you'd still like to play." She smiled warmly.

"Ah, that makes sense. I'm sorry, sometimes I can be a little insensitive with things I don't understand," he rubbed the back of his neck. "Hmm.. who is the most beautiful woman you've ever met?"

She shook her head, "No, no. It was a perfectly valid question." She kissed his hands.

She let out a laugh to his question. "Well... I'm not sure. I've never really thought much about it. Everyone is beautiful in their own ways."

He smiled, nuzzling his nose against hers. Upside-down of course, as he was leaning to meet her in his lap. "I really like that answer. I was just curious, it's not something I normally think about."

She giggled brought her hands up to run her fingers through his hair as he leaned down to her. "It's an interesting question." She slid her hands down to rest on either side of his face. "Thank you again for spending the night with me. I'm feeling words better." She smiled sweetly, "You're not feeling tired? I'm sorry to be keeping you up."

"I could spend entire days and entire nights up with you with no problem at all, Elsy." He shut his eyes to her and smiled lovingly. "I'm not tired at all, no. Are you?"

She shook her head, grinning and blushing lightly in the dim light. "I'd rather be spending the time with you. It's so nice to just talk and laugh with you."

"Yeah," he purred. "You're so much fun to lye with."