Niyleen awoke hours later her mind frazzled and body numb. The flames had not only stripped her of her power and strength, but also her clothing.

Unaware of her nakedness she picked up her weapon and struggled to escape the mine. Meeting no resistance she assumed that her display of power scared off the rest of Atar’s men. “A job well done… I guess,” she said blearily.

Exiting Sanuarach Mine, Niyleen leaned against some rocks and slid down to the ground exhausted. (An in and out job turned into this…) she closed her eyes and before passing out muttered, “Fucking Forsworn.”

“Mmmm… so… itchy,” Niyleen said hours later.

Sitting up, she looked around at her unfamiliar surroundings. “What a wild dream… I thought I was a god. Guess I’m just a captive…” Leaning back she pressed against something cold and sharp. Niyleen turned with a start and her eyes grew big as she looked upon her sword. “Something’s off.”

Taking her blade in hand, Niyleen stormed upstairs and was shocked at who she saw. “You… I thought I was doing you a favor! And you decide to capture me to be your plaything!?”

Ainethach stood there with a pleased look on his face. “You did do me a favor… in more ways than one.”

“You bastard!!”

 

“Calm yourself,” the Breton said playfully. “What I meant was, you’ve rid my mine of those sellswords and… I got to gaze upon raw beauty not well known throughout the Reach.”

Niyleen felt comfortable naked, probably because of her time spent as the slave of three thugs hired by the Silver-Bloods, but for appearance’s sake she covered herself. “Gazing is all you better had done.”

 

“My lady, I wouldn’t dare make unwanted advances against the woman that I now consider my heroine.”

 

Niyleen turned her head. “I’m no hero,” she said awkwardly.

“You’re brave, tenacious, altruistic, and fair. Not to mention you saved my land. So whether or not you think you’re a hero, you’ll always be mine.” Ainethach gave flashed her a smile and she turned away from him. “Well now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, let’s put something on yours.”

 

Niyleen opened her mouth to say something, but realized he didn’t mean anything sexual by it when he went to his closet to get an outfit for her to wear. She’d seen bartenders wear this and knew this wouldn’t offer anything in terms of protection in combat, but she took the clothes with a smile and put them on.

 

“Well,” Niyleen said doing a quick pose in her new attire.

“Damn, I take it back, you’re no heroine… you’re a goddess.”

 

Niyleen liked the pleased look on Ainethach’s face, but decided to chide him anyway. “Hey Breton, I was talking about the payment. As much as you think I’m all fair and altruistic, this was just a job.”

 

“One that you did admirably I admit.”

 

(You sly Breton)

“Anyway, here you go.” Ainethach handed Niyleen her payment. He looked at her solemnly and said, “That won’t be the last we hear from the Silver-Bloods, but at least we can get back to work.”

 

It took everything Niyleen had to not count the coin right then. “T-t-thanks,” she said, her hand with the gold in it was trembling hopefully unnoticed by Ainethach.

 

“Ah, so you want something else? Rather something more?” Ainethach raised his eyebrows and licked his lips. “Something that only a man could give you?”

Niyleen laughed in his face. “You clearly haven’t been to other parts in Skyrim. I could find pleasures more carnal from a female Altmer if I ask the right people.” She gave him a thumbs down. “Thanks but no thanks.”

 

Ainethach sighed. “Oh well. A man can try.”

 

“And fail.” Niyleenstuck her tongue out and spryly made for the door.

 

“Thanks again. You’ve done a good think for me and my workers,” Ainethach said trying to get Niyleen’s attention, but she briskly exited without responding.

Niyleen laughed at herself. “Not only was I called a heroine, but I let a Breton woo me.” She shook her head. “Julianos guide me.” Biting her lip, she looked out toward the Reach and began to think, (A hero, huh?)