章 557: Dragonborn Scorned

"For services rendered to the realm and Whiterun, I grant you, Dragonborn Surtr, the title of Thane of Whiterun!" Balgruuf announces as the whole city watches.

Surtr stood beneath the Gildergreen, nods and bows towards the Jarl, a neutral expression on his face as he accepts the Axe of Whiterun. He looks over his shoulder at the crowd, taking great satisfaction in the cheers and congratulations... Even more so when he spots Saeko standing amongst the Companions. Balgruuf's voice soon brings back his attention...

"As Thane of Whiterun, you are granted both the Axe of Whiterun, and a Housecarl to carry your burdens, oversee your property, and protect you should the time arise..." he gestures to his side where a pretty, stern-faced woman with black hair and wearing plate armour stood, "This is Lydia, trained since she was young to serve whoever was worth to become Thane... I believe she will become an essential part of your retinue, should you allow it."

Lydia bows her head deeply, "I am yours to command my Thane, I will humbly serve whatever duty you require, that is my pledge."

Surtr gives a dull nod, "I accept, thank you for your kind words, Jarl."

Balgruuf smiles and pats him on the shoulder, "Your thanks are unnecessary. In fact, it is us who should be thanking you. You've put many of those blood-thirsty lizards in the ground, and avenged many of our brothers and sisters."

"There'll be more to come. Alduin isn't dead yet, so I am counting on your and everyone else's assistance should the time come."

The Jarl nods, "Of course. Now, go join the celebrations, I'm sure you'll be receiving more than enough propositions, Thanes are in high regard so be careful with who you cavort with."

Surtr shrugs, "Do not worry, I'll be taking a seat with the Companions, see what merriment we can make."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surtr takes his seat at the Jorrvaskr long table with Lydia sitting at his side, a mug of ale already in her hand.

"So, Surtr, how does it feel to finally be better than the rest of us?" Farkas snarks from the opposite side of the table.

Surtr shrugs, "I'm pretty sure we knew that before I became a Thane, Dragonborn and all..." he japes in response but crooks a brow at the somewhat awkward atmosphere, "Is something wrong?"

Farkas shakes his head, "No... Just something on everyone's mind, it's not related to you."

"Now I feel that I'm being left out... Is it what the Thalmor have been saying?" he questions, drawing everyone's attention.

"The Thalmor?"

"Aye, about the Companions all being Werewolves."

...

The Inner-Circle glances at one another with worry, none of them had heard of this yet...

"I know it's all slander so there's no point being worried about it. Let's drink the night away and see where it takes us!" Surtr offers, raising his mug. A few Companions laugh along, but the others were more cautious.

Saeko hadn't yet gotten used to her new 'Condition', making her change and go berserk during the full moon... Which just so happened to be occurring tonight. She'd be forced to leave the city and spend her time in the forest to prevent her from harming anyone.

Unfortunately, Surtr wasn't willing to let Saeko excuse herself without having a chance to speak with her... He refused to let her leave again without properly laying out his position...

Saeko lets out a sigh, "Let's talk downstairs, say what you want and be quick about it." she curtly says, not wanting to draw this out any longer.

"I wish to court you, Saeko." he states as soon as they were in private, actually going in for a kiss on her cheek.

She stops him, pushing him back with a good degree of force, "I refuse. Is that all?"

...

"You, refuse?" he blinks in confusion.

"I refuse. I don't see you like that and I'd rather we stay acquaintances." she determinately states.

...

"I-... Don't understand. I am a powerful warrior, I'm not abhorrent to look at, as I know I'm not a terrible speaker... I'm THE Dragonborn, a son of Akatosh himself! all my children will inherit my talents, just like the previous Emperors of the Empire..."

"Is that all? If so I'd like to be on my way." she dismissively remarks.

"Tell me what I have done wrong? Am I not good enough?... What does HE have that I do not!?" Surtr growls, gripping her shoulder with more strength than he originally intends.

Scowling, Saeko slaps his hand away, "Stop touching me if you value your hands! I do not need a reason to refuse you, Surtr! Would you ask the same of a married woman? Or would you ignore her vows because you are the 'vaulted' Dragonborn!?"

"I just need to understand!"

"No, you want to try and convince me away from who I've chosen. I have already decided who I want to be with, your strength, position, or whatever else you want to shout from the rooftops doesn't matter!"

Surtr shakes his head, hands trembling, "You... You don't know what you're saying."

He reaches towards her by a flash of silver stills him, Saeko hold her blade to his neck, "Move a finger and Tamriel will be seeking another Dragonborn. This is it, Surtr, do not approach me again." she growls and steps out of the room, ignoring the stunned Surtr.

...

*Crack!*

His punch splinters the wall as rage fills his throat, almost pushing him to release his voice upon the basement of Jorrvaskr. "You will regret this, Saeko." he seethes and leaves, exiting Jorrvaskr and heading towards the inn to look for women who wouldn't spurn his affection.