Nate accepted Escher's hand to shake it absently, then did a double take. Escher's fingers were as cold as ice. Releasing him, Nate pointed to the roaring fire pit in the center of the Inn, telling him with a light chuckle. "Better warm yourself, Friend. You'll catch your death out here. You should think about warmer clothes too. Skyrim winters are brutal." Escher chuckled softly to himself, laying his free hand across his crossed legs to tap his leather riding gloves against his thigh. Flashing a charming smile that revealed perfect teeth, Escher elegantly told him in a cool tone of voice. "I've weathered through many of Skyrim's bitter winters. Despite what my fair appearance suggests, I'm quite resilient to the cold. As are you? If I'm not mistaken?" Nate lowered his mug of mead away from his lips to eye Escher with guarded narrow eyes. He wasn't in the mood to take anymore jabs at his racial traits. Escher casually leaned on the table with his closest elbow, discreetly raising his hand to tap his own pointed ear beneath his straight golden blonde hair. Then his gorgeous blue eyes turned to meet his, before cooing out in a sweet voice. "I mean no offence. I can just sense it in you. You're the same as me. Hardy. Powerful." Nate snorted, mumbling out just as discreetly. "I don't know any Elves that can weather the cold. And you sure aren't a Breton with ears like that."

Escher smirked, his lips forming into a thin smug smile before he told him confidently. "Oh, I'm sure you do. You just don't think of them as Elves anymore. They haven't been thought of as Elves for... a long time. In fact, if you were to put us side by side. You wouldn't see much similarity in us anymore. Centuries of enslavement and confinement took its toll on my kind. I may very well be the last of my glorious race and THAT is depressing." Nate brought the mug back to his lips, telling Escher hopefully before drinking. "Oh, come on. A good looking guy like you. I'm sure you can find a nice girl to save your species with." Escher laughed and Nate blushed at the sound. His laugh was heavenly. It was genuine and had a calming effect on him. Escher tilted his head back to look up at the ceiling, replying through a light chuckle. "If only it were that simple. But even if I could, the offspring would be a Breton. It wouldn't save my kind. The blood would fade with time..." Nate set his drink down, feeling bad for him as he said honestly. "I'm sorry, man. That sounds rough." Clearing his throat, he decided to change the subject by asking curiously. "So, this Lord Volkihar. Is he new? I've never heard of him. What Jarl does he owe allegiance too?"

Escher turned his head to look him in the eyes, saying with a soft seriousness. "No. The family is quite old. Some say that the family can trace its line back to the early days of Skyrim. I guess you could say that he lives in Solitude. Close to High King Torygg and his young wife Elisif." Nate gawked at him, saying impressively. "Must be well off to live up there. Too rich for me." Escher rolled his eyes, glancing around at the other Nords in the room as he dryly stated with boredom. "Wealth means very little to Lord Harkon. Even the politics surrounding Skyrim bore him. He believes the High King will fall like all Kings eventually do. After all, High King Torygg has barely seen thirty winters... and for a Nord, he spends a lot of time conversing with the Thalmor. That's a dangerous place to stand with so many Nords in unrest over the White-Gold Concordat." Nate swallowed his mouthful of food and glanced at the other Nords himself. The Nords that sat around the Inn all began to look over their shoulder at Escher with dark eyes. Escher had offended some of them by outright offending their King. While others turned away with stony features to hide their agreement with him.

Nate tensed uneasily but hunched over his plate more to finish eating. Even he knew about the White-Gold Concordat treaty that the Empire forced between the Thalmor and the Nords. It heavily favored the Thalmor by banning Talos worship and the disbandment of the Blades. It even allowed the Thalmor to hunt down the remaining Blades and Worshipers of Talos. The Concordat had been in place for a few years now, but Nords held onto grudges with a fierceness only rivaled by the Dwemer Dwarves of old. Nords believed in honor and the Empire dishonored them by allowing the Thalmor to get what they desired despite completely slaughtering their legions in Cyrodiil. The Empire feared the Thalmor's Imperial Army that was in a position to overwhelm the Empire... So, the treaty was made to placate them. The Empire had lost too many of its own soldiers in the Oblivion Crisis against Necromancy and two more legions in the battle of Red Ring to protect the Imperial City from being sacked by the Thalmor troops. However, instead of calling for aide from both Hammerfell and Skyrim to drive the Thalmor back farther... The Empire signed away both Skyrim and the Southern part of Hammerfell. The Nords felt cheated having been forced to lose their traditions without a fight. Which now left all of Skyrim divided amongst itself. Those that trusted the Empire to look out for them and those that didn't.

Nate had made it his life moral to stay out of politics. Politics always led to war and he wasn't a fighter. He preferred to live a simple life. Clearing his throat, he told Escher in warning. "I'd watch your tongue, Friend. Or you may not leave this Inn. I don't know if you know this... but Helgen is the biggest supporter of the Empire. Second only to Solitude. After all, Helgen sits on the border." Escher rolled his eyes but stated aloud innocently. "I mean no offence. Just stating fact. King Torygg was elected to be High King by the other Jarls because they respect him. However, out of all the Jarls... He is the youngest. In my experience... Youth is easily swayed when enough pressure in applied." A silence overtook the room, before an Imperial woman jumped to her feet with a flute and a mug of ale. Raising the mug high, she announced aloud with pride that was a bit forced. "Hail King Torygg and the Empire! Long life to both!" The Nords all in the Inn raised their mugs to drink, then turned their eyes on them. Nate drank just to keep the peace, but Escher had nothing to drink from. Escher sat so relaxed. He didn't appear to have a care in the world.

Seeing the Nords all tensing up for a fight, Nate cleared his throat and handed his mug to Escher. Escher casually took the mug, looking inside at the liquid. Then with a heavy sigh, he raised the mug and told everyone in a charming voice. "Long live the King." Escher then brought the mug to his pale lips and drank down the last of it. Handing the mug back to Nate, Escher asked him curiously as the Bard began to play a lively tune to change the mood of the Inn. "You smell of the Imperial City. Yet, you've ventured all the way to Skyrim. Why?" Nate pushed his finished plate away, answering casually. "I was born here. My father was a Lord. He owned land in Dawnstar. When I showed potential in the arcane arts, my mother took me to the Mage's guild in Cyrodiil. She lived long enough to see me graduate the guild and go into the Arcane University." Escher bit his lips, saying apologetically. "I'm sorry for your loss. How did it happen, if you don't mind me asking?" Nate tapped his mug with a finger, saying with a chuckle. "We're going to need more of this." Escher picked up the mug and gestured the barmaid over to refill it.

After she did, Escher put it in front of him and he reluctantly answered him. "She was attacked by a vampire. Drained dry. I wasn't there because I forced to stay on campus. They cremated her without my knowledge because they were afraid that she'd turn. All I have from her now is this." Nate lifted his left hand to show him the steel metal cuff bracelet with Nordic writing engraved around it in thick bold letters. Escher looked over the bangle bracelet, clearly able to read that it was a token of protection. Nate pulled his sleeve over it, letting Escher comment with blunt curiosity. "Not to be a smartass... but was she wearing it when she was...?" Nate huffed, mumbling back with a smirk of his own. "She was. But not all evil can be countered with tokens and charms." Escher nodded, saying impressed. "Very true. And your dad?" Nate spun a brass dragon ring on the middle finger of his right hand, telling him openly. "He went hunting for the vampire that did it. Next thing I know... I get a letter with the ring. A last will and testament." Escher raised an eyebrow, asking gently. "Do you know if he killed the vampire that did it?" Nate shook his head, sliding a finger around the rim of the mug as he told him honestly. "Nope. But I want to believe that he did, because I don't want to go down that same road. I want to live my life. I'm tired of waiting to live."

Escher turned to face him better on the bench, chuckling out more lightly. "Yes. I have heard how the Mages hide away in their towers. I can't imagine doing that myself. Sounds worse than a nunnery... and being the sex addict that I am... That would have me clawing the walls on the verge of insanity." Nate nearly snorted his drink out of his nose. Escher chuckled as Nate coughed a little. Blushing a bright red, Nate tried to change the subject as he asked. "Escher, what brings you so far from Solitude?" Escher leaned closer to him, whispering discreetly to him with a lusty purr to his voice. "We got word that an old rival was going to attempt crossing the border. I came to see if the rumors were true... but I got hungry. Now imagine my surprise when a guy like you crosses my path." Nate turned his head a little to look into his eyes, cautiously asking. "You think I'm the rival?" Escher's hand moved to pull Nate's riding cloak away from his neck with cold slender fingers. Sliding the knuckles of his fingers down the side of his neck, Escher whispered to him with a playful grin. "No. You're way too young to be him. However... I find you... Irresistible."

Nate stared at Escher's features closely. He was attractive. Even by Elven beauty, Escher was beyond expectation. His pale skin was smooth and flawless like porcelain. His perfect teeth made his smile as pure as starlight. Despite Escher's feminine Elven features, he seemed to possess an inner strength that was unmatched. He was confident and bold... but at the same time had a free nature about him that was just as irresistible to Nate. Nate inhaled the powerful cologne that was rubbed over Escher's wrist. The cologne was sweet but rich like wild berries. Feeling Escher's hand on him made his heart race. He hadn't had sex in months thanks to the University's strict laws on physical contact. Escher's icy fingers drifted across his throat, leaving a cold chilly line behind. Touching the other side of his jaw, Escher turned his face toward him more and whispered over his lips breathlessly. "What will it take for you to spend this night with me?" Nate licked his sudden dry lips, before whispering back. "Depends. What am I worth to you?" A smile pulled at Escher's lips, answering promptly. "You're priceless to me." Nate narrowed his eyes on his blue ones, trying to read what his game was. Gesturing to the food and drink, he told him seriously. "Alright. Then my dinner is on you." Escher removed his hand from Nate, answering with a wicked smile now. "I'll get the room."

Nate started gulping down his drink, while Escher got up to pay for the meal and a room. Nate slightly scolded himself for agreeing to this. He had rules about taking strange people to bed, but now that Escher had brought it up... He was finding his desire hard to ignore. Escher came back just as Nate finished his drink, tapping him on the shoulder and pointing to a room nearby. Setting the mug down, Nate rose to follow him. Nate was a bit relieved that the Nords in the Inn were back to their casual conversations and were disinterested in him and Escher. The music was playing loud enough now that it brought up the spirits of everyone except one. Vilod. She watched him go with disappointment in her eyes. He thought about asking her to join but held his tongue. That wasn't for him to offer when Escher was paying. Giving her a small smile, he tried to cheer her up. He told himself that if he was still in the mood later that he might seek her out. It was no secret to the people that knew him that he wasn't the monogamist type. His heart was too wild to tame. He liked trying new things in all its many forms. Especially, when it came to love. While Cyrodiil looked down on same sex couples or the wild ones like him that liked both. Skyrim was much more open. The Nords didn't care because when you spend your life living for a glorious death... You get love where you can find it.

Slipping into the bedroom, Nate closed the door slowly and locked it. The only sound that could be heard through the door was the faint music. The room was dark and had no windows. All that was inside was a little square table, a dresser, and a bed. Feeling uneasy without the ability to see Escher, Nate raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the white candles on the table and dresser sparked to life. Lighting up the room in a dim warm glow that showed Escher standing right in front of him. Staring into his eyes, Nate told him bluntly. "I know what you are. I can sense the magic you're using. Alteration magic." Escher waved a hand in front of his face, causing his bright blue eyes to fade to a gorgeous red that reflected with a fiery orange hue when the light hit them. The whites of his eyes were darkened to a solid black, making his bright eyes bone chilling to stare at. Even Escher's golden hair faded to pure white. The rest of him was still just as beautiful as before though. Escher placed his hands on the door over Nate's shoulders, telling him in a calm tone. "And yet you still followed me in here... willingly. Why?" Nate lowered his hand, taking a deep breath to keep himself calm.

Shrugging, he answered Escher softly. "Well, you were trying so hard to influence me that I didn't want you to look bad. One of the perks of being part Elf. You'll have to try MUCH harder than that to play mind games with me." Escher smirked, bringing his lips closer as he purred out perplexed. "I'll keep that in mind. But I wasn't using my power on you. I genuinely wanted to have fun with you." Nate narrowed his eyes on him, asking seriously. "Why? Because you're hungry?" Escher moved a hand to hold Nate's jaw in a tender grip, pushing him gently back against the door as he looked deep into his eyes. Nate stood very still, focusing hard to keep his heartbeat steady. Escher tilted Nate's head a little, bringing his lips to his as he said in a tantalizing voice. "There are many types of hunger. While I won't deny that I desire a taste of home... I also hunger for your affection. Harkon has grown indifferent to me... I'm not used to it. I want to be seen... I need a little attention. Please?" Escher's thumb pushed Nate's chin up, his lips drawing closer to Nate's throat. Swallowing, Nate put his hands on Escher's hips to keep him at a useless distance as he breathlessly panted out with unease. "I don't trust you..." Escher's cold lips touched his skin in a light kiss over the vein, causing Nate to inhale sharply. All Nate's concentration faltered as the hairs on his arms rose and a shiver rushed up his spine. His body was starting to tense up like prey cornered by a predator.

Escher's lips pried off his warm skin to whisper against his ear affectionately. "I'm not asking you to trust me. You can turn me in now if you so desire. But if even part of you wants to live a little dangerously... I'm willing to have a little fun. I'm tired of waiting to live too." Nate closed his eyes, turning his head enough that it brought his lips close to Escher's. He could feel his cold breath on his warm lips and found himself parting his lips. He didn't know if he wanted to say something or not. Leaning in, he surprised himself when he kissed Escher. Escher's hands cupped the sides of Nate's neck and jaw to hold him steady. Their kiss started light and hesitant. Nate was afraid of being bitten. While Escher seemed to be struggling to keep himself calm and collected. Sliding his hands up Escher's shirt, Nate asked breathlessly. "You ever been with a living person as a... vampire?" Escher gave him a small smile, answering truthfully. "No. You would be my first. But I have fed off plenty of mortals to know my limits, if that is what you're worried about. I haven't killed a mortal during a feeding in a long time."

Nate relaxed only a little, admitting awkwardly. "Ya. That does help a bit." Escher stepped back, his hands dropping to take Nate's wrists as he pulled him toward the bed. Giving him a playful smile, Escher asked him curiously. "This your first time with a man?" Nate shook his head, replying in a shaky voice. "No. My first with a vampire though..." Escher pulled Nate closer, then released his wrists to unbutton his jacket. Nate watched Escher remove his purple vest jacket and his loose white shirt to reveal a muscular lean torso. The sight of his muscles made Nate a little self-conscious, but he brushed it off as he stepped in to kiss Escher with more confidence this time. Nate knew his parents were probably furious with him right now... but he had never been a 'good' kid exactly. To Be Continued...