(Erik's POV)
"Is this going to become an issue?" Jasker asked me with a hushed tone, "I mean, with everything going on, Erik. The whole Dragon thing, the Civil War, and much more. Is a single maid going to cause us trouble?"
We were in my study, one that Jasker had specifically commissioned for. I don't even know why he did that, I don't need one. But he had one made in this house anyways.
I was standing next to the window, looking outside, "I don't see why she would cause trouble." I said, "She's just an eccentric maid, that is all."
"I'm only asking." He said as I watched him pace about in front of the desk, "I mean, you leave for days at a time, even weeks. And you have me take care of your place and all. I just don't her bringing trouble here."
"If anyone brings trouble here, it's you." I said with a frown, "I mean, stealing a Lute from bandits?"
"Hey, hey." He said as he stopped and looked at me, "They stole that Lute from merchants that were on their way to Riften, okay? If anything, that Lute is in better hands with me than them."
"If you say so." I said, "My point is that you shouldn't talk about trouble when you're the troublemaker yourself. I mean, how many times did I have to bail you out of trouble, Jasker? Bandits, Imperial Soldiers, Stormcloaks, and the fucking Thalmor."
"Yes, yes." He said with a sigh, "I understand what you're trying to say. But what is with her? I mean, she's wearing that outfit, which is quite revealing for a maid. And not just that, she's making passes at you? Forgive me for being crude, but is she a whore?"
I sighed, "I already told you." I said, "It's complicated. Worry about keeping my house in order, Jasker. You told me you didn't want to be adventuring with me anymore."
"Well, it's fucking dangerous!" He exclaimed, "Dragons, Erik, fucking dragons!! I mean, come on! With the World Eater about, do you think it's safe for me to go around Skyrim and help the Dragonborn slay dragons."
"You speak as if you're weak." I said with a shrug, walking to the chair, "You're not."
"I mean, don't get me wrong. I can handle a couple of ruffians, stab a bandit here and there. I could escape the grasps of any man or mer, sure." He said as he adjusted his collar, "But a dragon? No. Talos's beard, I draw the line there. Fuck no."
"Hm." I sat down
"Give me a vampire, I might be able to fight it." He said, "But a dragon? I'll rather be in Oblivion than that."
"Don't say that. Daedra might appear and drag you there." I said with a chuckle, "Knowing your luck, that is."
"She's going to stay, right?" He asked, "I mean, you hired her and all. She's going to stay here."
"Listen, whatever she says to you, it shouldn't impede your duty here." I told her, "You are not just the caretaker of my home, you are my friend. I want the two of you to get along, no matter how she acts."
"That could be rough." He said, "You know my luck with the women you've interacted with."
"Let me enjoy my brief vacation, Jasker." I said with a sigh, "The dragons have eased up in their assaults and Alduin is nowhere to be seen. When he is spotted again, I will be called. Just...get along with Naerys."
"I will try to." He said, "Talos, where is Lydia when you need her?"
I rubbed my hair, "I asked Balgruuf; he told me he didn't know." I said, "She's strong, that one. She'll be fine, I guess."
"If you say so." He said as he fidgeted with his fingers, "But I just worry about her."
"Mhm." I said, "Anyways, I want you to be on guard. Those bandits might come back."
"You think so?" He asked me, "They know whose place this is, they won't do anything."
"Oh, trust me. They'll think of a way." I said as i leaned back, "When the night is dark and everything is quiet, they'll try to come back."
"And you want that." He asked with a raised eyebrow
"Not really." I said, "But if that comes to be, I will leave bodies littered around Whiterun as a warning."
"Maybe we should get some Guards patrolling around this area, no?" He asked, "As Thane, I am sure the Jarl will provide the men."
"I could talk to him." I said, "But not now. Like I said, let me enjoy my time off."
"I know a perfect way for you to enjoy your time off, Master." Naerys spoke up, having appeared behind Jasker
Jasker jumped up, "For crying out loud." He said as his face went pale, "Don't do that."
Naerys looked at him, "Leave us, Fool." she said, "I will ensure that my Master is relieved."
"Hey." I lifted my hand up, "Not now."
She walked around the desk and reached me, "Worry not." She said as she placed her hand on my shoulder, "A good shoulder rub will suffice. Your hot bath was just the beginning, Master. I will make sure that you are properly rested; it is my duty after all."
I sighed, "Naerys." I said as she started to give me a shoulder rub, "Please, do not start."
"It is just a shoulder rub." She said softly, her voice reaching my ear in a serene manner, "Do not refuse it."
I looked at Jasker, who gave me a shrug, "I...uhh...."
"I guess I could leave her to it." He said, "I'll head to the city and look for Lydia, I will return later."
I nodded, "Sure."
He left the room, closing the door behind him.
Naerys's shoulder rub was starting to feel good, the tension leaving my body. Everything began to relax as my body slightly melted, her hands were firmly rubbing into my collarbone. I couldn't help but close my eyes as she did this, my head tilting to the side.
"You are tense." She said, "As expected of a mighty warrior like you. A strong Nord requires his body to be massaged once in a while."
"Hm..." I said, "If you say so."
"Tell me, My Master." She said, "Your eyes, did you inherit the mismatched eyes from your parents?"
"I don't know." I said as I still had my eyes closed, "My mother had green eyes. I assume my Father was the one with the blue ones."
"Interesting." She said, "You do not know your Father?"
"I don't remember much about him." I said, my voice was soft and barely coming out, "He disappeared one day."
"I see." She said as her hands ran down to my chest, "Does speaking about him bother you?"
I shrugged, "Not really."
Her hand was on my chest as she leaned in to my ear, "Do you wish to relax even further?" She asked, "I know of a way to make you feel like you are in the clouds."
I opened my eyes, "I knew it was going to lead to this." I said, "Naerys, there is no need for this."
"'Tis my duty." She said as she looked at me, "You worry too much."
"I wish for this to happen."