Chapter Text
If Northwatch had a good behavior chart, Galina would definitely be up there. Somewhere. Probably. Then again, good behavior generally constituted keeping your cell clean and not talking back to the guards. So, she probably actually wouldn’t be up there. But good look ? Now you’re talking. She’d noticed several guards taking long looks at her, but none more than Arkved. Since she’d arrived in the keep, her feelings for him, somewhere in the scheme of things, had shifted from antagonistic to a warm attraction.
Now more than ever, the Nord took notice of his sharp jawline, his perfectly-formed nose, the warm, pale gold of his skin, and his gorgeous amber eyes; and, while she couldn’t see much from under that pesky moonstone plate, she liked to imagine his arms were firm and strong. That he w--
What was she doing? Oh yes, talking to the Thalmor outside of her cell--who seemed to have noticed her lengthy absent-mindedness, and had taken to reaching through the bars and snapping her fingers in front of Galina’s face.
“Huh? What? I’m awake.”
In an unamused tone, and with an equally unamused expression, the Inquisitor continued, “As I was
saying
, there is a celebration to be held in the Blue Palace, just up the road. Some...
thing
for some glorified mongrel human, and the Thalmor want to make certain that nothing is said out of line. The Third Emissary is already present, but as should go without saying, we will need Justiciars there to deal with any unruly sorts that the incompetent guardsmen cannot,” Galina now really
was
fighting off sleep, only paying minor attention as the Inquisitor motioned to Arkved beside her, “that is where you come in, Nord. No doubt we will receive several accusations of bigotry, which, ordinarily, would be of little bother to us, however, in the interest of avoiding conflict... I am certain you can see where this is going. You will be accompanying the Justiciar here,” She once again motioned to Arkved, “to this party. You will be kept under very close watch, I assure you. However, if you keep on your best behavior, I am certain...we can arrange for better commodities for your stay.” That caught her ear, and she nodded in response to the excruciatingly long-winded speech.
“Fine, fine. It’s not like I have a choice anyway, do I?”
“No, you do no. Arkved here will fetch you once he is ready. You will be provided your own dress, and--”
“Dress? No no no, I don’t wear dresses.” Galina’s nose scrunched up.
“You do now.” The Inquisitor didn’t give so much as a moment for her to respond before walking off. Flashing a quick, stunning smile to her, Arkved scrambled after.
Well, a party with the only person she even remotely tolerated in the Keep...not bad, as far as rewards go. Not that she had any intention of staying on her best behavior.