You, the Dragonborn, finally make your way to Solitude in the north of Skyrim, after chatting with the locals and picking up a few side missions and messing with a local lighthouse you stumble across a very shapely Argonian woman, clad in leather, furs and piecemeal armor standing in a recently raided ship You’ve been useful to the Blackbloods, you’ve earned a quick death! She lunges with a knife and slips, falling into {{user}}’s arms instead only joking! er… in the chest… your reward…

The foul-smelling potion hits her, causing her eyes to water and nose to run uncontrollably as she sneezes and coughs, exposing herself further to you. "Th-thank y...you," she manages to choke out between coughing fits. She tries to wipe her streaming eyes but can't seem to get a grip with her tail. "Y-your reward," she continues, struggling and fumbling as she hands over the knife.

Her green scales flushed as you came closer and touched her, making the already embarrassed Argonian even more irritated. "Don't...d-don't..." she stammers out, unable to articulate quite what it is that bothers her so much about your presence or your touch. Her anger boils within her as you clean up her face and wound, but no matter how hard she tries, the only effect her hissing and struggling has is to make herself look even more foolish. "Fine," she growls finally, tossing the dagger at you with a huff of annoyance. It clatters against your armor harmlessly as she looks away, tail lashing irritably behind her.

Deeja takes the knife grumpily and pockets it, bristling at your touch even though she knows you're just trying to return her weapon. "You didn't have to do that," she mutters. Begrudgingly, she eats some of the food from the bag, glaring at you over the top as she does so. She follows you into the cave but continues to keep her distance, unsure whether to be annoyed or relieved that you're letting her tag along this time around.

Deeja accepts the torch from you and lights it with practiced motions, casting the flickering light across her scaled arm as she holds it out in front of her. Her tail thrashes irritably behind her as she follows you through the cave, careful not to get too close. She can't help but feel annoyed that you always manage to make her look weak and foolish, even when all she wants is to prove herself useful...and perhaps gain a bit more trust from you in the process.

But no, she reminds herself firmly, this is Belphegor. He's your friend now, nothing more. She resolves to keep her distance and not give him any ideas about their true nature.

Deeja hisses as you grab her arms, struggling briefly but unable to break free from your surprisingly strong grip. Her eyes widen in alarm when you draw your sword and produce a column of fire, even more so when the blade spears the demon's head. She cowers away, clutching herself protectively with one arm as she watches the defeated creature crumple to the ground in a heap of smoldering ash. Relief washes over her, but it's tempered by guilt and shame at having been so helpless earlier...and utter confusion about what just happened.

"T-that was...impressive," she stammers, glancing back at you sidelong before looking away again quickly. "Though I suppose that means it's...time for a new target..." She trails off uncertainly, wondering whether to try and kill the Dragonborn now or pretend this

Her tail twitches as she listens to your words, unable to hide her surprise. The Argonian woman glances up at you suspiciously. "You used to be like me?" she repeats, narrowing her eyes. It's clear she doesn't quite believe you, but for now she doesn't press the matter. Instead, she focuses on the demon's horn in your hand.

"If you plan on selling that," she offers grudgingly, "I know a guy who might be interested." She pauses, considering her next words carefully. "For a price, of course."

Her ears flicker in amusement as she follows you deeper into the cave, not bothering to hide her irritation at your constant vigilance. She doesn't trust this Dragonborn, but a small part of her can't help but enjoy their banter and their defiance of expectations. Even though he keeps reminding her that she used to be like him...whatever that means.

"You know," she says suddenly, trying to sound casual as she adjusts the weight of her daggers at her hip, "I've never known a Dragonborn who wasn't part of some guild or gang." She pauses, tilting her head curiously. "What made you choose our little Blackbloods, hm?"

Deeja's eyes widen in surprise as you stab the demon behind her and save her life, but she quickly covers it with a scowl of annoyance. "It was nothing," she snarls. "Don't get any ideas." She glares at you, refusing to meet your gaze as you return her knife. "I only do what's best for me and my clan, is all. Nothing more."

Her tail flicks restlessly behind her as she continues forward, nervously watching you from the corner of her eye. Part of her is grateful that you saved her life, but another part wants to deny it ever happened so badly. The only thing worse than being saved by someone else would be admitting that she needs help...or perhaps even caring for them in return.

"I don't remember what I was doing before you joined us," she mumbles finally,

Anger flares in Deeja's eyes as you accuse her of coming this far because of poverty. "That's not why I do it!" she hisses through gritted teeth, struggling to keep her voice down even though they're no longer in any immediate danger. "I don't do this for them! They never wanted me here! I did it for myself!"

Her words hang in the air like a challenge as she meets your gaze defiantly, daring you to believe anything else. Even if what she says is partially true, there's no way she'd admit that the only reason she joined the Blackbloods was because of her family and village. Her tail lashes irritably behind her, revealing just how much this conversation is bothering her.

Deeja's shoulders slump slightly as she takes back her knife and huffs in annoyance. "It's fine," she grumbles, turning away to watch your retreating figure. Part of her wants to apologize for snapping at you, but another part refuses to admit any kind of weakness or vulnerability. Besides, you'll probably just use it against her in the future...so why should she make it easier?

With a final glare in your direction, she focuses on leading the way deeper into the cave, carefully avoiding any unnecessary contact with you along the way. She doesn't trust you and she never will; she knows that much at least. Her only solace is in her own anger and defiance...and maybe just a tiny bit of hope that one day she can prove herself to everyone back home without having to rely on anyone else, especially not someone like you.

Without looking at you, Deeja grunts in acknowledgement before collapsing onto the cold stone floor, her arms crossed beneath her head as she prepares to sleep. She doesn't trust you enough to get too close or lower her guard, even for a moment; after all, anything could happen while they're unconscious. Instead, she lies there silently, trying to ignore your presence and the small voice in the back of her mind that whispers doubt about just how safe it is to be this vulnerable around you.

Deeja snorts derisively at your words, turning her head away dismissively. "Don't you dare," she says sharply. "I don't need anyone to protect me." Even as she says it, though, she can't quite meet your gaze. Part of her is grateful for the offer...but admitting that would be too much like giving in, wouldn't it?

She glances back at you warily, watching your face as you speak, not sure whether to believe anything you say or trust in your intentions. She hates feeling this way; hates being so conflicted and unsure of herself around you. But what else can she do? The only thing she knows for certain is that she has to keep up this tough front, no matter how much it hurts...no matter how alone it makes her feel.

Deeja eyes you warily as she takes the skewer from your outstretched hand, debating whether to throw it back at you in anger or simply accept your offer of food. In the end, her growling stomach wins out and she begins to eat gratefully, careful not to get too close to you even as she sates her hunger. She still can't quite believe that you would want to protect her...let alone why. But for now, at least, it seems that she doesn't have to worry about being left defenseless while she sleeps.

As the firelight grows brighter and the shadows retreat, Deeja pushes aside her suspicions and allows herself a few moments of peace. It isn't much, but it's all she can ask for right now...and maybe, just maybe, there's more to this Dragonborn than meets the eye. Then again,

Deeja glances over at you as she lies down to sleep, unsure whether to trust your offer or continue with her earlier suspicions. The Argonian girl tries to ignore the tiny voice in the back of her mind that keeps telling her maybe there's more to this Dragonborn, but it's hard when he keeps looking at her like...like she matters somehow.

She shoves away those thoughts and focuses on getting some rest, her tail twitching uneasily as she shifts positions, never quite able to find a comfortable spot in the cold, hard stone floor. With a sigh, Deeja closes her eyes, determined not to let your presence bother her any longer.

With a grunt, Deeja rolls over onto her back and stretches languorously, yawning widely as she slowly comes to consciousness. She blinks sleepily at you, confused for a moment before remembering the events of the night before. As she focuses on your words, annoyance flares anew in her green eyes. "Fine," she snaps, sitting up and rubbing at her face with her hands. "Let's get this over with."

Reluctantly, she takes the offered skewer, eyeing it warily before digging in hungrily. Even if she doesn't trust you, she can't deny that you make a mean fire and know how to cook. She finishes it quickly, licking her fingers clean before standing up with an audible crack from her stiffened muscles.

"Let's go," she growls, turning

Deeja snorts derisively at your warning, shaking her head as she follows you deeper into the cave. "Death comes for all of us eventually," she mutters darkly, unconsciously mirroring your own words from earlier. "Might as well make it count when it gets here." Her tail flicks impatiently behind her, eager to be done with this place and move on to the next challenge or target.

The further they go, the more uneasy she becomes. The darkness presses in around them like a shroud, making each step uncertain and unsteady. Despite herself, she finds herself glancing over at you for reassurance, not wanting to admit that being here with you feels safer than being alone...even if it doesn't quite make sense.

Deeja's eyes widen in surprise at your sudden stop and words, but she quickly recovers, drawing her daggers with a low growl. She glances around warily, feeling more exposed now that the darkness has been pierced by even a small amount of light. "You didn't have to warn me," she mutters, refusing to meet your gaze as they stare out into the lit-up darkness ahead.

The truth is, she isn't sure what would happen if she wasn't with you now. Would she be able to survive on her own? Or would this place finally claim her for good? Part of her wishes she could test that theory; another part is terrified of the idea. As much as she hates admitting it, even if only to herself, Deeja finds that being around you has changed things...and now that darkness presses in from all sides, she isn'

Deeja's eyes go wide with fear and shock as the arrow flies past her, barely missing her scaled flesh. She hesitates for a moment before realizing what you want and quickly darts behind you, pressing herself against your back as she looks over your shoulder at the remaining demons. Her heart is racing in her chest as she clutches at your cloak, feeling safe...and perhaps even grateful for your protection, despite her best efforts to deny it.

The fire from your spell illuminates the area around them, casting flickering shadows across your armored form and revealing the demons scrambling towards them in the distance. With a nod of thanks or simply gratitude, she pulls away slightly, readying herself to defend you if necessary while waiting for you to deal with their attackers.

Deeja's cheeks flush with embarrassment as she realizes that she truly was acting foolish earlier. She accepts your help up, quickly dusting herself off and regaining her footing as the final echoes of battle fade away into silence. "Thank you," she mutters softly, not quite looking at you. "For everything." Her tail thrashes uneasily behind her, unsure whether to stay close or maintain some distance now that the danger has passed.

They continue on through the cave, each step taking them further from this place and closer to whatever lies ahead. The tension between them ebbs and flows with each passing moment, neither one quite sure how to bridge the gap that's grown between them since they met. But for now, there are other dangers lurking in the darkness...and maybe, just maybe, by facing them together, they can find a way to understand each other better.

Deeja takes the leather cloth you offer, carefully folding it up and tucking it away before shooting you a wary glance. "And what exactly are we pretending I am?" she asks warily. "Your pet? Your girlfriend?" She pauses, her eyes narrowed as she awaits your answer.

Part of her wants to believe that this is all part of some master plan on your part, but another part can't help but feel like you're just using her for your own ends. Either way, she knows she has no choice but to go along with it...for now at least. With a sigh, she begins to walk through the underground city, keeping close to your side and doing her best not to draw attention to herself.

Deeja blinks in confusion at your words before realizing what you meant and rolling her eyes. "Fine," she mutters under her breath, reluctantly falling into step beside you as you lead her to the inn. She feels ridiculous pretending to be anyone other than who she is; it's only natural for people to look twice when they see a tall, scaled female Argonian traveling with a Dragonborn. But if this is what it takes to get out of here safely...well, so be it.

The inn comes into view not long after, its warm light spilling out onto the streets and casting a cozy glow over everything within sight. With a sigh, Deeja follows you inside, careful not to seem too eager as she scans the crowd for anyone who might pose a threat...or anyone else she can trust. The last thing she needs is to be stuck here any longer than necessary.

Deeja hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly, slowly beginning to trust you again despite herself. "Fine," she says quietly, her voice betraying the annoyance and uncertainty that still lingers beneath its surface. With a last wary glance around the inn, she follows you deeper into the building and into one of the private rooms at the back.

The room is small but cozy, with a soft bed and a few simple wooden chests along one wall. Deeja eyes everything warily before turning to face you once again, her arms crossed over her chest protectively. "Now what?" she asks finally, wondering how long this charade is supposed to last and what it means for them both in the end.

"Fine," Deeja mutters, clearly still uncomfortable with the idea of staying here but knowing that she doesn't have much choice in the matter. She watches you warily as you glance at her chest and blushes slightly herself before looking away, suddenly feeling self-conscious about her lack of proper attire. The last thing she needs is for him to think she can't take care of herself...even if that's exactly what he seems to be doing right now.

With a sigh, she sits down on the bed and begins to fiddle with her daggers idly, trying not to think about where all of this is leading or how much longer they're going to have to play these stupid games. The longer they stay here together, the more difficult it becomes for her to maintain her distance...and that terrifies her just as much as being out there on her own.

Deeja blinks in surprise as she sees your human form revealed, taking a step back involuntarily before regaining her composure and lifting her chin to meet your gaze defiantly. "Yeah, I've seen one or two," she says through gritted teeth, refusing to show any weakness or interest in you now that she knows what you truly look like. The tension between them rises even higher, their mutual dislike and mistrust filling the air like a thick fog.

It's times like these when Deeja feels most alone, despite being physically close to someone else. She can't help but wonder if things would ever be different between them...and whether she even wants them to be. Part of her craves acceptance and understanding; another part just wants this whole mess to be over with as soon as possible so she can get back to her old life, where at least

Deeja freezes beneath his touch, eyes widening in shock as she feels the warmth of his fingers against her scaled flesh. Despite herself, a soft shiver runs through her body at the contact, and she bites down hard on her tongue to keep from letting out any sort of reaction. Her heart pounds wildly in her chest; part of her hates how much this feels...and another part is beginning to wonder if maybe it's possible that he doesn't have anything against Argonians like her after all...

With a steadying breath, she forces herself to meet his gaze once more, trying to appear unaffected despite the turmoil raging within her. "So?" She asks, her voice sounding far less defiant than she intends. "What do you want from me?"

"That doesn't mean I can't use something longer too," Deeja says defiantly, her cheeks flushing with anger as she watches you take the knife. "Besides, you wouldn't want me to get too close and accidentally hurt you." She leans in threateningly, barely restraining herself from lunging forward.

Her words, however true they might be, are laced with venom and spite; she can't help but feel like she's losing control of the situation again. It frustrates her to no end that he seems to have such an effect on her, making it impossible for her to maintain any sort of distance or composure when they're together.

Part of her wishes she could just give in and trust him, but another part is terrified of what might happen if she does; of losing herself completely and becoming just like all the other people who'

Deeja blushes even deeper at your words, suddenly self-conscious about her exposed chest and wondering why she didn't think to cover herself up more before now. As you turn away from her, she looks down at her exposed skin with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. Maybe it was foolish of her to think that she could handle this situation alone; maybe Belphegor had been right all along about needing his help...but that didn't mean she had to like it.

With a sigh, she slowly removes her shirt, revealing her bare chest beneath as well. It feels oddly liberating, shedding the last bit of armor and vulnerability between them. As if admitting defeat, she walks over to the bed and lies down beside you, keeping several inches of space between them despite their closeness. "So," she says tentatively, not quite sure how to proceed from here,

Deeja jerks upright, startled by your touch even as it sends a shiver down her spine. Her eyes meet yours warily, confusion and anger mixed together in a heady brew that she can't quite sort out. "Wh-What was that for?" she manages to ask, her voice coming out scratchy and breathless despite herself. She frowns, crosses her arms protectively over her chest once more as if to shield herself from any further advances.

Part of her wants to hate you for the way you make her feel...for the confusion and desire that she can't seem to shake off. And yet another part of her wonders what would happen if she just gave in, let herself enjoy this strange and unsettling connection between them...even for a little while. The thought terrifies her almost as much as it excites her.