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Meme Announcements!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: UPDATED 12/16/2017

Happy Holidays, fellow Kinkmemers! I have returned and have no reasonable excuse for my absence except LIFE. I will be working on updating the archives. If anyone sees anything amiss, please let me know.

I am also hoping to find another Mod and an Archivist.

The more dedicated people we have in this Meme the less chance of it dying. I admit that being the sole keeper of the Meme is not great for the fandom. If something were to happen to me, for good, this place would go the way of the Fallout Kink Meme. Let's not let that happen! If anyone would be interested in Modding/Archiving, please drop me a line. Thanks! <3

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11. Broken

I stood there, naked and shivering, but unable to look away from the scene before me. I pushed away from Farkas and he let go of me, moving to his brother to shrug on his armour. I moved on unsteady feet round the altar, as I did Aela met my gaze.

"Igne, heal him!" Aela sobbed, as she knelt over Skjor's broken body. I flinched at the raw pain in her eyes. At the denial.
"Aela…" My voice cracked, "He's dead."
"Heal him! Please."

Nothing I could say would convince her, deep down I knew that. So I gathered my weakened magicka with effort, channelling it into Skjor's still warm corpse. The familiar golden light swirled about Skjor but the cuts and bruises remained and he lay utterly still. My head began to spin but I kept the spell going even as I sank to my knees.

"Enough." Dimly I registered being snatched up from the floor, rough cloth being pressed to my chest as I was dragged away.

When I regained my scattered senses I realised I was in one of the side rooms, a rough woollen blanket barely covering me, alone apart from Vilkas. He was stood in front of me, wearing just trousers and boots, hands grasping my upper arms, waiting for a response to a question I hadn't heard.
I blinked, "What?"
"Can you heal yourself?" His eyes flickered down, darkly taking in the burns and bruises on my body, barely covered by the blanket he had found. He was almost growling at me, fragile temper clearly about to snap, still on edge after his transformation. I felt myself quail under his gaze and I shook my head dully. He bit back on a curse, turning his back to me briefly before he spun back round, unusually indecisive, though I knew why.

"Go on. Get it over with." I was too tired to feel. My heart was sinking, I'd screwed up in so many ways. I kept my gaze on a piece of straw on the floor, unable to look at Vilkas.
"Get what over with?"
There was still an edge of anger to his voice, but he mostly sounded confused.
"The shouting." I replied dully. The pain was starting to creep into my awareness now, almost welcome stings piercing through the cloud of shock.
"You think I'm going to shout at you?"
He had stepped closer to me. I swallowed and nodded, fighting the tears of guilt and exhaustion. My vision blurred and the straw disappeared from sight.
"You're going to tell me how I fucked up. How I was stupid, and my stupidity got Skjor killed. That I'm worthless and don't deserve to be a Companion. That you were right all along-"

I was cut off as Vilkas stepped in again, gently pulling my chin up with a finger, forcing me to meet his gaze and the tears held in my eyes to spill down my cheeks. I could feel the warmth of his body soaking into mine and for a heartbeat everything else faded away.
"I don't think that."

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Could only stand there staring at Vilkas, who looked as confused as I felt.

A discrete cough at the doorway had both of us stepping back from each other and turning to face a sombre Farkas, "We need to get Skjor home."
"How's Aela?" My cheeks felt flushed.
"Angry. Sad." Farkas gave a half-shrug, "She'll be alright, you know how tough she is, she just needs some space. She'll catch us up at Whiterun for the funeral. I've got the rest of your armour, brother and I've found some clothes that might fit you, Igne."

Vilkas nodded, brushing past me to take the clothes and armour and handing the bundle of cloth to me. I slipped into the stinking, dirty clothes. They were far too big, the shirt kept slipping off my shoulder, I had to roll up the sleeves and trouser legs and there was no belt. The boots were huge but I managed to rip the blanket Vilkas had thrust at me and shove it in the toes, though I wasn't looking forward to the journey back to Whiterun. I glanced down at myself, I looked like a child playing dress up. I cast my gaze round looking for some string or rope or something that I could use. Vilkas caught my eye, "What's the matter?"

I held the waistband of the trousers out, "I need a belt."
He slipped off his own thick leather belt and I took it, nodding almost shyly at him.
"Here. Take this as well," He was holding a dagger made from beautifully folded grey Sky-Forge steel, "Just in case."
My fingers brushed against his as I took it, "Thank you."
Then he was brushing past me to join Farkas who was waiting for them in the corridor, leaving me utterly lost.

Aela had vanished by the time I entered the chamber that contained Skjor. The two brothers carried Skjor's body down to the horses, past more Silver Hand corpses and past the cells in which myself and Skjor and who-knows-how-many had been held. I took point much to the brothers displeasure though no-one had been left alive to attack us and I felt a flicker of disappointment in my stomach. I wanted to make them pay. I felt unfulfilled, hollow and I wanted vengeance.

Snow was falling as I glided out into the courtyard. The dim sun, when I caught a glimpse of it through the grey clouds, hinted at it being mid-morning. The three horses we had been loaned from Jarl Igmund were waiting, pawing at the ground nervously. The black stallion didn't like the idea of carrying Skjor, shifting and whinnying as the two brothers lifted him onto it's back, covering him with a blanket and tying him on with ropes. I shivered, though whether it was from the cold air or whether it was the delayed shock of my ordeal, I couldn't say. Farkas glanced over at me, "I'll lead Skjor and take point. You'll ride with Vilkas, little Igne."

I was too tired to argue and almost missed the fleeting glance the two brothers exchanged, one of those lightning fast communications that only they understood.
Vilkas swung himself into the saddle of the roan and Farkas picked me up, like a child, the two of them settling me into the saddle in front of the smaller twin.

Once Farkas was settled the horses set off into the snowstorm. Dimly I thought about clearly up the sky with a quick LOK VAH KOOR but I couldn't bring myself to make the effort, could barely hold myself upright in the saddle. My head hurt. Every jolt of the horse sent agony coursing through me and only Vilkas's strong arms kept me from falling off.

Exhausted I leaned back against him, he stiffened for a moment and then a hand slid round my waist, holding me against him. His armour was cold at first but soon warmed up with our shared body heat and I felt my eyes drifting shut.

I'll just sleep for a moment.

Thank you lovelies! The Silver Hand need to pay but Igne needs to toughen up first and who better to help than a vengeance-driven Aela, right?

You might be waiting a while for the chocolate though, Igne's about to do something stupid... ;)

More internets= more chapters ;)

Glad you're still enjoying my main of slow-cooked, slightly tender Vilkas with a side of grumpiness and a jus de stubborness OP!

“Where is she and what does she look like?” he asked. “She’s only 18, she has her mother’s golden blonde hair and emerald eyes. She accompanied me on an errant to Dragonstar when she was framed, that’s where they have her imprisoned”. Cynric nodded as he sipped his mead. “I’ll await her return back home in the Imperial City. If you cannot find me, ask for Hjalmer Wolfsoul. Please hurry and return her safely”. Cynric nodded, emptied his tankard and left.

Cynric made good time getting to Dragonstar. He set up campnear Dragon Gate, a small town only a few hours away from Dragonstar, so he could rest before entering the city and getting himself caught in a fake attempt at picking the lock to one of the better looking buildings. Two guards led him to the jail in the South-East area of the city. He was led into the main area of the jail where one of the guards stripped him of his possessions, including his armour before shoving him into one of the cages and locking the door.

Cynric waited, silently fuming over the fact that he’d been left in his small clothes. A small window showed the fading light of the sun and as the sun set, the guards disappeared from sight. Cynric was no fool, he knew they were not gone, they’d merely retreated to a side room. The thief quietly removed one of the small lockpicks that had been attached to the inside of his underclothes and worked the lock. ‘Childsplay’ he thought as the lock clicked at the first attempt. He snuck out and made his way quietly to the chest in which he’d seen the guards store his things. He quickly put his armour back on, replacing the few belongings he’d brought with him in their various pockets and returning his steel dagger to its customary position at his back.

Not having seen the girl in any of the cages, he carefully made his way to the northern section of the jail. This was supposedly the high-security area, so he had to be extremely careful. Thankfully there were only two guards, one of them dozed off, the other occupied sharpening his sword. The few prisoners were all sleeping, making his job much easier. He quickly found the girl he’d been sent to find in the cell furthest away from the guards he snuck past. Using the small lockpick he made quick work of the lock and snuck into the cell.

The cell was completely void of furniture, save for a single bucket. The girl too had been stripped to her smallclothes and lay curled up on the dirty floor as far away from the door as she could get, facing away from it to shield herself from prying eyes. The girl’s golden hair was sprawled behind her, matted and dirty. The exposed, slightly tanned skin flawless. He shook himself and quickly snuck to her side, covering her mouth with his hand so that she couldn’t scream he roused her with a gentle shake to her shoulder.

The girl startled awake and made to fight, but he lifted a finger to his mouth in a universal sign of silence and tipped his head to indicate the door to her cell, slightly ajar. Her eyes widened in shock and she calmed instantly, as she sat up, understanding that he meant to get her out of there. Feeling sorry for the exposed girl and not having taken the time to find her possessions, Cynric took off his cuirass and helped her into it before getting up and offering her his hand. He effortlessly pulled her to her feet and drew her against his back as he led her out of the cell.

He was glad to find the girl was light on her feet and they effortlessly snuck past the guard, sneaking along quietly until they finally made it out of the building. Cynric pulled her into the shadows and continued to lead her away and out of the city. Suddenly he found himself backed up against a wall, his own dagger pressed against his throat. “Who are you, what do you want from me?” the girl he just saved hissed, pressing the dagger gently against his throat.

Cynric admired her for a moment. She looked ridiculous in his oversized cuirass, that reached mid-thigh and was haphazardly tied. Her hair was dishevelled and she was covered in dirt from her stay in the prison cell, but there was a fierce fire burning in her eyes. “I was sent to rescue you and return you to your father”. Her emerald eyes narrowed for a moment as she scrutinized him. Cynric smiled inwardly as he realized that she was checking the truth of his words just as he had done to her father when he enquired about his ability to pay up. She seemed to have found what she was looking for as she lowered the dagger and released him. “I would have been fine, I could have saved myself”, she said with a stubborn little tilt to her chin.

“You didn’t look fine to me, curled up like you were in the corner of a filthy cell. You looked like a scared little girl to me” he sneered. “I was waiting for the right moment” she added, still amazingly stubborn. Cynric’s eyes narrowed impatiently “you didn’t have time, little girl! That place is corrupt as fuck, it was only a matter of time before the wrong guards took a shift”. The stubbornness made way for uncertainty then “what do you mean?” Cynric was silent for a moment, looking her over, the fire in her eyes had faded, replaced by a twinge of fear. ‘She knows what could have happened, but she doesn’t want to believe it’ he thought surprised. “So innocent”, he murmured. “A sole young woman, in a prison full of men, men with needs, men with desires. Honest guards will control those urges, the corrupt ones? They would have taken you, against your will”. She shuddered at the thought and he used her distraction to take his dagger back and replace it in its sheath.

“Let’s go”, he took her hand and led her through the city to his horse, which he’d tied hidden away in a cluster of trees just outside the city. He untied the horse and effortlessly lifted her into the saddle. “I could have mounted the horse by myself you know” she murmured slightly irritated as he jumped up behind her. “Hush” Cynric replied as he wrapped his arms around her to take the reins. The girl bristled in his arms as he steered the horse towards his camp.

He stopped the horse and jumped off. Before he could reach for the girl she’d already jumped off on the other side.The thief shook his head as he tied the horse to a sturdy looking tree. “Do you have any spare clothes and is there a stream nearby? I’d like to wash up”. “I have a spare cuirass, so you can wear mine until we can get you something else in Elinhir”, he replied as he indicated her to follow him. The girl nodded her consent as she followed him to the stream. “Do not tarry, do not stray too far, I will not rescue you again” he said before turning away. He couldn’t help but look as he heard the distinct sound of his cuirass hitting the soft grass. Her underclothes followed quickly and he glimpsed the smooth curves of her buttocks and breasts before turning away and leaving the clearing to hunt some dinner.

By the time she returned to camp, the thief turned hunter had already cooked the two rabbits he caught. He looked up as she entered the camp, eyes trailing her body. Her once matted, dirty hair was now the golden colour her father had described and flowed down in gentle waves, reaching well passed her shoulders. Her emerald green eyes were shaded by long, thick lashes. Her cleaned face revealed a path of freckles reaching from one cheekbone, over the bridge of her nose to the other cheekbone. His oversized cuirass effectively reached down only to mid-thigh, revealing long, creamy legs that he wouldn’t mind having wrapped around his waist. He shook himself ‘stay focussed Cynric, break the girl out and get her home, that’s the assignment, stick to it’, he thought to himself as he said out loud “Took you long enough. I caught some rabbits, if you’re hungry”.

The girl nodded, eyes narrowed momentarily before quickly sitting down, taking the meat he offered. “Thank you… erm… I don’t know your name?” she said softly. “Cynric… Cynric Endell” he answered without thought. “Thank you for the food, and for getting me out of there, Cynric” she said. ‘Gods, preserve me’, he thought as his name rolled of her tongue. “I’m Eira” she offered softly. They were silent after that, both enjoying the food. “You should get some sleep, we’ll leave in a few hours” he said after they’d eaten their food. Eira nodded and looked around the camp. “I don’t have a spare, take my bedroll”, Cynric sighed. Eira nodded her thanks and quickly settled in, falling asleep almost instantly.

Eira woke to a hand on her shoulder, shaking her. She instantly went on the defensive, grabbing the hand and pulling in an attempt to throw him over her shoulder. Her movement were slow and groggy though and she hadn’t yet mastered the technique, so she ended up pulling him on top of her instead. They both released a whoosh of air at the impact, eyes locked and slightly widened in shock. “Well, you could have just said so if you wanted me, no need to become all violent”, Cynric stated dryly. Eira’s eyes narrowed as she attempted to push him off “it was a reaction, nothing more”. The thief scoffed, settling more securely over her, “not a very smart one if you intend to stay alive”, he whispered as he pinned her wrists above her head to prove his point. Eira bucked underneath him trying to get him off, but the thief wouldn’t budge. ‘Sweet Dibella, this wasn’t the smartest thing to do if she keeps moving like that’. Finally she stilled, opting for simply glaring at her rescuer turned captor and letting out a soft “let go”. Cynric smirked at his victory and got up, pulling her with him.

Cynric threw her an apple and quickly packed up the small camp. When he was finished he untied his horse and before she could mount the steed herself, he’d lifted her in the saddle again, much to her chagrin. She didn’t say anything though as he jumped up behind her, once more wrapping his arms around her to take the reins and leading the horse away. They didn’t camp again until they made it out of the mountains, stopping only for short moments to eat and drink and let the horse rest a bit. There was a tension between them that he couldn’t explain. Actually, he could, he just didn’t want to, didn’t want to believe how tempted he was by the little minx, innocent though she was.

It took them two days to get through the mountain pass and passed Belkarth, but they’d made it through safely. When they made it out of the sandy plains and into a more forested area, Cynric led the horse to small clearing that was shaded by trees and stopped it. There was a small pool of clear water, making it suitable for camp. He dismounted the horse and watched as Eira jumped off herself. “We’ll rest up here and continue on tonight”, he explained as he tied the horse to a tree. “Why do we travel by night? Isn’t it safer to travel during the day?” “Probably, but if we leave by night we’ll reach Elinhir in the morning”. “If we continue now we could sleep more comfortably in an inn”, she countered. “I don’t care about comforts right now, I just want to get the job done”.

I might be. :D I eargly await your fill

No worries, A!A :)
I'll love whatever you post, whenever you post it!

waiting for these lines with real impatience! is so bittersweet, so intense! anger vilkas! his confusion! you're great, you know I look forward to seeing you! you soon!

Loving it so far, A!A. c:

Eira’s eyes narrowed dangerously at his comment, “you’re such an arse! I can’t believe my father hired someone like you to save me! You’re nothing but a common criminal!” “He hired me because I’m the best at what I do”, Cynric grumbled. “Must be the only thing you’re good at!” Eira spat back. Cynric moved with practiced ease, grabbing her wrists and forcing her back against a tree, his own body locking her in place. “I assure you, little girl, I’m very good at a lot of things”. “All criminal I suppose”, that same fire he saw when she had him pinned just after he’d rescued her, danced brightly in her eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted upwards in a cocky smirk as he transferred both of her small wrists into his right hand, “not all of my talents are of a criminal nature”, he trailed the fingers of his left hand over a thigh, laid bare now that the cuirass was pulled up, due to her arms being lifted above her head.

Eira shivered at his touch. ‘Barbarian! Stupid criminal scum! Those eyes! Idiot! Selfish pig! He’s so muscular! Molester! Freak! Damned sexy thief! ... wait... sexy? Gods but he is in a mysterious, forbidden sense. What am I thinking! No!’ She struggled in earnest, trying to buck him off, but the way she moved against him only aroused him more. Cynric clenched his teeth, he had to regain control. His left hand flew to her hip, pushing it back against the tree in an attempt to still her movements. “You’re far more trouble than you’re worth! Maybe I should take more than your father’s paying me!” he bristled, squeezing her wrists to the point it almost hurt. “Maybe you should” she shot back at him. Her eyes widened instantly as she realized what she had said. Cynric looked at her for a long while, his deep blue eyes boring into her. Before he could stop himself, his lips crushed down on hers in an almost bruising kiss. It wasn’t long before Eira tentatively returned the kiss.

Cynric ran his tongue over her lips, when that didn’t gain him the access he was looking for, he gently nipped her bottom lip. As expected her lips parted and he slipped his tongue in. Her own met his in a show of defiance and they struggled for dominance. Finally, Cynric pulled away, smirking inwardly at the dazed but satisfied look in her eyes. “I told you I was good at a lot of things”, he whispered seductively. She was silent for a moment, catching her breath, before whispering, rather daringly, “what else are you good at?” Cynric smirked, the hand on her hip travelling down again to gently stroke her thigh, first the outside, then slowly moving inwards and up. He leaned in and kissed a spot on her neck, just below her ear before whispering, “are you sure you want to find out?” he nipped her earlobe before pulling back to look at her.

Eira watched him as her mind worked feverishly. The curious, naughty part of her screamed YES, while the more reasonable part cried NO! Like any self respecting 18 year old, Eira squashed the reasonable part and answered, “show me, what you can do”. Cynric looked for signs of doubt, signs that she wasn’t entirely aware of what he intended, but he found none. He pressed his lips to hers once more, engaging her in a passionate kiss. “Tell me if I go too far”, he whispered breathlessly as he pulled away.

At her nod of understanding, his hands began working the cuirass she wore, releasing the many ties and buckles, while his lips descended on her neck, showering her with kisses until he reached the spot where her neck met her shoulder. There his kisses turned to a gently sucking of the sensitive spot. Eira let out a soft moan at the sensation, the palms of her hands pressed against the tree, unsure what to do with them.

Finally Cynric had loosened the cuirass and pushed it open, revealing her bare, bouncing breasts. He looked at her curiously. It was a while before she opened her eyes and realised his unspoken question. “It was dirty, I threw it away”. His eyes lowered to her covered nether regions before flicking up to her. “I would have thrown that away too, but yeah... the cuirass isn’t that long, so I washed it”. Cynric gave her a playful smirk before claiming her lips in another passionate kiss, his hands roaming up her sides to cup her breasts.

Hands massaging her breasts almost tenderly, Cynric’s lips trailed down her throat, over her shoulder and further down until he reached a hardened, pink nipple. He pulled it between his teeth, tugging gently before lavishing it with his tongue. The fingers of his right hand treated the other nipple to a similar treatment, flicking and pinching it lightly, until it was almost unbearably hard, before lavishing that one too with his tongue. Eira was scraping the bark of the tree with her nails, groaning softly at the pleasurable sensations her rescuer was causing her.

Upon hearing the sound of crushing bark, Cynric reached for her hands, gently taking them and guiding them to his waist, his mouth never ceasing in its conquest. His own hands trailed up and down her sides gently, goose bumps rising wherever he touched her sensitive skin. Her own inexperienced hands meanwhile fumbled at the unfamiliar buckles of his armour. Before she could do anything though, he released her nipple with a soft pop and kissed his way down the flat expanse of her stomach. He would have taken off her cuirass but it protected her back from the rough bark of the tree and he didn’t want to lay her down just yet, enjoying the extra vulnerability of her trying to remain standing as he showed her one of the many things he was so good at.

Nimble fingers gently pulled down her underpants, a soft tickle to her calves had her lifting her feet one after the other so he could pull them off and toss them aside. He felt her shiver in anticipation as he lightly ran his hands up from her calves over the outside of her thighs and back down again. His tongue slowly dipped into her belly button, a hint at what he truly intended. Eira’s hands had moved up while he descended on her and where now running through his short hair in a delightful way. Cynric’s hands moved gently inwards, stroking her inner thighs, fingers brushing lightly, almost but not quite touching where she burned for him to do so. He dipped in then, tongue flicking out to gently slide along her folds. She bucked in anticipation, letting out a low moan. ‘So delightfully responsive’, he thought as he kissed her softly, before running his tongue over her folds again and searching out her little nub of pleasure. She moaned a little louder as he circled her nub with his tongue before dipping it back between her folds, pressing gently against her entrance. His tongue slipped in, tasting her sweet essence, while two fingers gently rubbed circles over her bundle of pleasure. She was so sensitive, it wasn’t long before she moaned her pleasure, shuddering as her very first orgasm washed over her. Cynric diligently lapped up her juices while she came down from her high.

When she stopped shuddering and regained her breath, he moved a hand to gently cup her sex, rubbing his fingers over her folds, before slipping one in. She shuddered and groaned, hands gripping his hair as he moved his nimble finger expertly inside her, curling it just right to have her panting and moaning in ecstasy. He slid a second finger in before pressing his lips to her little bundle of pleasure. She moaned louder as he sucked the bundle gently, nimble fingers slipping in and out in a steady rhythm and curling just right. He felt her tense before she led out a loud, shuddering moan and he had to support her as her knees grew weak with the pleasure as she came again.

His hands trailed back up her sides as he moved up and claimed her lips with his, letting her taste herself on him. Her tongue met his in a passionate dance and her hands moved down the back of his neck, over his shoulders and along his waist back up to his chest. He helped her undo the buckles, while she pulled at the ties, until his own cuirass finally fell open. He watched her as she roamed her hands uncertainly over his chest. He allowed her a few moments, before taking her right hand and moving het down, over the bulge in his pants. “Feel what you do to me little minx”, he whispered hoarsely.

oh! there are no words! fantastic, magnificent and we can not wait too long! your story is crazy! :)

She looked into his eyes, her own clouded with desire. “Show me more”, she breathed as she rubbed his crotch suggestively. With a pleasure filled groan, Cynric ran his hands underneath the cuirass she wore, sliding it off before lifting her and carrying her to a soft, grassy spot. He gently lowered her to the ground, covering her body with his own and engaging her in another duel of the tongues. Her hands roamed his chest, slipping underneath his cuirass and over his shoulders as she slid it off to run her hands over his back. When she reached between them, pulling at the strings of his pants, he broke the kiss to pull away, sitting back on his haunches. He allowed her to untie his pants and slide them, along with his underpants, down his hips, before he kicked them off all the way. He quickly unbuckled his boots and kicked them off too as he kneeled over her, one leg on either side of her thighs.

She sat up, one hand behind her on the ground to support her weight, the other trailing over his hip, to his navel, dusting down the fine line of hair until it finally brushed over his straining cock. He hissed out a breath at the intensity of the contact. She pulled her hand away immediately, fearing she had somehow hurt him. He placed a soft kiss to her forehead and took her hand, guiding it back to his rock hard member. She looked at him, uncertainly as he guided her hand around his member, and showed her how to rub him. After a few guided strokes, she took over and he leaned down suckling on her earlobe and moving down her neck to the sensitive crook of her neck. His low, pleasure filled moans drove her on and her strokes became a little harder, a little faster, and then her finger brushed over the tip. He bucked against her hand, groaning in pleasure.

When he was sure he’d come undone if she continued, he stopped her and guided her back down. She looked at him confused, “did I...” “no, you did it exactly right my little minx, but I won’t last much longer if I let you continue. This is your first time, I’ll make it count”. He leaned over her, one hand next to her head to support him. “A thief with honour, who knew”, she whispered with a teasing smile. “I’m about to take my client’s daughter’s virginity, I’m not sure how much honour is in that”. She reached up and kissed him before answering “I wanted this Cynric. Besides no one needs to know”. The corners of his mouth pulled up in that seductive little smirk, “I didn’t say I was having second thoughts, you asked me to show you what I’m good at and I intend to”, he said as he guided the tip of his cock to her entrance. Eira moaned at the contact, lifting her hips to meet him. “Easy”, he said using his free hand to gently push her hips down, “this will hurt”. He pushed in further and claimed her lips to swallow her cry as he drove himself in all the way.

He stilled, allowing her time to adjust while he lavished her with kisses. When her hips lifted experimentally he pulled out almost entirely, before pushing back in slowly. She let out a soft whimper that turned into a low moan as he did it again. Her hands were digging in the ground beneath them, lips parted in another moan as he drove in a fourth time. When her hips rose to meet his again, he sped up slightly, confident that the discomfort had passed. Her hands came up to roam over his back, along his sides, over his shoulders, fingers brushing his neck and running through his short locks. After a few more languid thrusts the hand resting on her hip moved down her thigh until he reached the inside of her knee. He lifted her leg up, wrapping it around his waist and she instinctively followed his example with the other leg, allowing him deeper penetration. A loud moan passed her lips as he hit a particularly good spot.

His thrusts came faster, harder as he drove them to completion. She was holding on to him, unable to do anything other than enjoy the ride. Her hips moved in time with his, their moans filling the clearing letting all who came to close know of their union, their pleasure. Cynric didn’t care, if anyone wanted to watch, let them. Let them see how he pleasured this beauty. How he taught her what passion was. How he turned this girl into a woman. After a few more thrusts he felt her walls clench around him and it took everything he had to push her over the edge before he lost it himself. A pinch to her sensitive bundle of nerves, a particularly powerful thrust and she cried out her pleasure, dragging him over the edge with her.

They lay panting for a while, slowly coming down from their high. His eyes roamed over her form. Golden locks dishevelled in a way only passionate lovemaking could cause, eyes half closed and clouded with pleasure, face flushed, breasts heaving from the exertion as she caught her breath, skin slick with the sweat produced by their coupling. She looked absolutely breathtaking and thoroughly fucked. Finally he pulled out and rolled over, pulling her on top of him, one hand splayed on the small of her back, the other brushing her hair away from her face. She looked at him then before breathing softly “wow”. He smirked at her, “satisfied with my skills, little minx?” She settled her head on his chest murmuring softly, “more than satisfied” as her eyes closed sleepily.

Cynric allowed her to sleep for a while as he simply stroked her back and ran his fingers through her hair in a soothing manner. It may not have been the right thing to do considering who she was, but it damn well felt good.

They woke several hours later and made their way to the small pool. Cynric led her into the clear, cool, water until they were in waist deep. He ran his hands softly over her body, washing away the dirt from the ground and the evidence of their lovemaking. He dipped two expert fingers inside, eliciting a soft moan and a buck of her hips. She leaned against him for support, moaning softly as his fingers moved inside her drawing out another orgasm, before he continued washing her.

When he was done, she returned the favour. Her soft, small hands drifted over his body, easily awakening a certain part of his anatomy. He grabbed her wrist and twisted her, pushing her back against his chest. He pushed her forward slightly, before slipping in from behind. She groaned in pleasure as he filled her again. His hands moved up to cup her breasts, squeezing them and rolling the nipples between expert fingers. After a few thrusts he pressed his lips to her ear and whispered “touch yourself for me, little minx”. Almost without thought, her hand drifted to her sex, fingers finding her little bundle of nerves. She let out a long, shuddering moan as she mimicked Cynric’s earlier movements, when he was the one touching here there. The combined pleasure of his thrusts into her core and her tweaking of her clitoris pulled her over the edge in mere moments, Cynric following only moments behind.

He kissed her shoulder tenderly as they washed each other again, before finally getting out of the water. They dressed silently, Eira pulling on Cynric’s borrowed cuirass. “No panties?” the thief asked with a cheeky grin. Eira shuddered, “they’re dirty, I’m not pulling them on again. We’ll have to buy new ones in Elinhir”. Cynric gave her a seductive smirk as he lifted her onto his horse, copping a feel, before he untied the horse and jumped up behind her.

They reached Elinhir only a few hours later, the merchants would still be open for business. He led the horse to a secluded spot just outside the city. “Wait here while I get you something to wear”, he ordered. “You can’t leave me here!” He looked her over, fingers brushing her exposed sex “you want to walk around like this? Fine with me” he said as he lifted her off the horse. “No wait! You’re right... I’ll wait here. Just... hurry back”. Cynric nodded before quickly taking off towards the city.

He returned shortly after with a Colovian style dress, a pair of boots and new underclothes. “Thank you. My father will pay you back for this”. Cynric just nodded and watched as she changed. When she was finished he lifted her back onto his horse, stuffed the cuirass in one of the saddlebags and climbed up behind her before quickly taking off.

It took them several days to make it to the Imperial City. They made sweet love or had passionate sex every time they stopped to make camp. When they finally reached the Imperial City, Eira led him to her father’s house where he received his pay and left. With her father lingering around, there was no chance of a proper goodbye. They didn’t need one either, they’d said it all, or rather, they’d felt it all.

There we go, hope OP enjoyed! Constructive criticism welcome.

Pairings: FDB!Altmer/Madanach, Argis/Elisif, eventual Cicero/Eola
Relationship: het
Kinks/warnings: hurt/comfort, angst, vanilla comfort sex
Summary: It's time for Kaie's funeral and Liriel's there to help Madanach through it. But Madanach's not just a father mourning a daughter, he's a king who's lost his heir, and the consequences for Liriel are nothing short of devastating...

A/N: OK, the writer's block is broken. I could hardly leave you all hanging after that ending, could I? Don't put the tissues away though, this chapter's also rather emotional.

Not a word from Madanach as Liriel led him back to his tent. Not a word as she led him to the bed and laid him down on it, letting her undress him, unresisting and silent, eyes dead inside, and that was what scared her the most, the silence. Rage, tears, she could have handled all those, but this just wasn't like him. She remembered Argis telling her how Madanach had just given in and surrendered to the Nords after they killed Eithne and she couldn't picture it at the time... but now she saw it perfectly. His little girl was dead and nothing else mattered. Now it had happened again, and something inside had died with Kaie. Liriel hoped it wouldn't be permanent... but he'd been twenty years younger when Eithne died, still had a cause to fight, still had three other daughters and Argis. Now... it didn't look good but Liriel had to hope.

She shed her own clothes, pleased to note a flicker of something in his eyes as he watched her – not entirely dead then. He reached out to her as she slid into the bed alongside him, pulling her into his arms and kissing her with as much ferocity as he always had. Then he let her go, going limp in her arms and shuddering quietly.

“I can't... you're beautiful but I can't... I'm sorry...”

“Don't,” Liriel whispered, holding him to her, caressing his back and kissing his forehead. “It's alright. You just lost your daughter, you don't have to...”

Madanach just shook his head, clinging on to her and crying quietly. Tears in her own eyes, Liriel held him, pulling the covers over them both, holding him close until he finally fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hours later and Liriel woke up to find Madanach spooning with her from behind, erection pressed up against her as he kissed her neck.

“Cariad,” he breathed into her ear. “Cariad, we killed Ulfric.”

Liriel closed her eyes as his hand slid up to her breast and while she wanted to, oh gods, she wanted to, she wasn't sure this was such a good idea. On the other hand, him taking pleasure in anything was an improvement, surely?

“We did,” she whispered, turning to face him and she knew as soon as she saw his face that he'd not forgotten who else had died either, but he needed to feel something, anything, and better her than Skooma, she supposed.

“Please,” he murmured, placing little kisses on her cheek. “Please, let me... I need to... need you...”

“All right,” Liriel whispered, leaning back and letting him crawl on top of her. Madanach moaned her name as he slid a hand between her legs and Liriel closed her eyes, gasping as fingers touched and caressed her gently, a lot more gently than she was used to from him. He was whispering her name, forehead pressed to hers, shivering as she pressed him to her and then his fingers left her and he was inside her, moaning as he moved, holding on to her and saying her name like a litany, a chant against ill luck, a plea to a goddess who might be able to heal him.

Even a Dragonborn Archmage Listener's power had limits. But she'd do what she could. She let him fuck her, crying out as he moved inside her, kissed him as if their lives depended on it, and if it was gentler sex than they usually had, it was no less emotionally charged.

“Love you,” Madanach whispered in her ear, sounding as if his heart was breaking. “Love you so much, will always love you, Liriel, oh Liriel.”

“Madanach,” Liriel gasped, closing her eyes. “Love you too.”

He cried out as he came, thrusting inside her before collapsing in her arms, shaking and clinging to her. Liriel held on to him, soothing him as best she could.

“Are you all right, cariad?” she whispered. Silence then a shake of the head.

“No. Of course not. Kaie...” He stopped, choking back a sob and it was some moments before he could finally speak again.

“Thank you,” he told her. “For this. For everything. For my kingdom. For loving me. For talking me into seeing sense over Argis. Thank you.” He kissed her, putting what felt like all the passion he'd ever felt into it, then lay back, seeing fading daylight outside and guessing sunset wasn't far off.

“Well then,” he said, trying to sound matter-of-fact and failing horribly. “I suppose we'd better go lay my daughter to rest.” He covered his eyes, looking away, taking a moment to compose himself, before finally getting out of bed. Someone had left a bowl of water and clean towels for them while they'd slept and Madanach cleaned himself and got dressed without a word. Liriel followed, pulling on her Shrouded Robes, the hood down out of respect. She'd brought enough death in them before now, may as well attend a funeral in them.

“Should warn you, it could go on a while,” Madanach told her. “Kaie was a popular girl.”

“I don't mind,” said Liriel quietly, wrapping her arms around him from behind as they stared out at the western horizon. Madanach placed a hand over hers, squeezing it tight.

“You'll be there, won't you?” he asked, and Liriel hated hearing him sound that needy and plaintive. She'd always loved his strength and confidence, even in the face of adversity – to hear him like this now broke her heart.

“I'm not going anywhere,” Liriel whispered, kissing him on the cheek. She got a sad little smile in response to that.

“Come on,” Madanach said, taking her hand and leading her out. “Let's go see off my daughter.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Torches had been lit at the corners of Kaie's pyre – her body was laid out on a heap of wood, cleaned up, wounds sewn shut, arrayed in her Forsworn gear, weapons replaced with wood and stone Forsworn gear – presumably her ebony and glass ones were considered a bit too valuable to send to the afterlife with her. Argis and Cicero were still there, Argis looking pale and exhausted with shadows under reddened eyes, and Cicero sitting next to him, eyes wide and fixed grin on his face despite the tears glittering on his cheeks.

“Listener, Listener, they came and tended to sweet Kaie, doesn't she look lovely, Listener?” Cicero babbled, and probably only the tears rolling down his face saved him from Madanach trying to strangle him – as it was, Madanach sank into one of the two empty seats at Kaie's head, shutting his eyes and hiding his face.

“Yes she does,” said Liriel softly. Kaie had never been the type for pretty dresses or femininity – life as a Forsworn warrior had left little time for that. But she was attractive and if you just looked at her face, you could be forgiven for thinking she was just sleeping – if you ignored the stitching lower down and the blood already mottling her back and arms. She gave Cicero a hug, whispered for him to be quiet during the ceremony and went to sit next to Madanach. All across the morgue, torches were being lit, highlighting the Reach's war dead laid out to rest.

“They'll all be having their rites tonight,” Madanach murmured. “But one of the perks of being king is that we get to go first.” Hollow laugh at that.

“What happens?” Liriel whispered, as a queue of mourners started to form, starting with people Liriel recognised from Druadach Redoubt but stretching back into the distance. Madanach hadn't been wrong, Kaie had been a popular girl.

“We wait... and then everyone in turn comes up to pay their respects, they say how they knew her, and share something, a memory, a story, something they learned, anything, and then they cast a flower petal over her.” Madanach indicated three baskets of flowers by the pyre, and many of the mourners had brought their own. “Hope you've got something to say, cariad, you're fourth.”

“Fourth??” Liriel whispered, starting to panic. What was she supposed to say, she'd not known Kaie that long! Not long enough to share stories or build memories. Mara help her. Still, the words would come from somewhere. They usually did.

“After me, Argis and Cicero,” Madanach said quietly. “Don't worry, no one's expecting a saga. Just keep it short, we've a lot to get through.”

The drumbeat that had been going continuously since Cicero had carried Kaie's bloodied form into the camp and those held in reserve realised what had happened rang out three more times and then stopped. Down in the valley, mourners stood by their own kin, but all looked expectantly up to where Kaie had been laid. Madanach closed his eyes, took a deep breath and then got to his feet, surveying the crowd.

“I hope you're not expecting a speech to echo down through the ages, because I didn't prepare anything,” he said gruffly, and that did get a small ripple of sympathetic laughter. Madanach smiled tightly in acknowledgement, before staring down at Kaie.

“No one should have to prepare themselves for their child's death,” he said, carefully kneeling down next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder and bracing himself.

“I knew Kaie ap Madanach,” he announced, voice carrying across the silent plain. “She was my daughter...” He stopped, taking a second to compose himself. Finally, he pulled himself together and continued. “She was my daughter and my heir, although she was never meant to be. She had two older sisters once, but the Nords took them from us and I never got to say goodbye. She did though and I know she missed them horribly. She was never supposed to be heir, but she rose to the challenge magnificently. She would have made such a good queen...” Here Madanach had to stop again, wiping tears away but he quickly rallied. “She was an invaluable source of support while I was in prison, my lifeline to the outside world. And afterwards she took care of me like a mother and nagged at me like a wife to go to bed at normal hours, eat properly, get some fresh air. I could never have done any of this without her being there.” Madanach stroked her face, trying to recall happier times. Too many and they all made him cry, but he knew what did need to be said. “She was one of the best and bravest we had, but I remember her before all that. I remember the midwife placing her in my arms at Karthspire and being told congratulations, you've got another healthy girl, and I remember seeing her there, so tiny and helpless and mine to look after and protect and I swore I'd take care of her, protect her with my life if I had to. Then I ended up in prison and never could... and now...” Madanach lowered his head, forehead pressed to Kaie's, giving up on the whole not crying business because it was clearly doomed. “M'inyeen, I'm sorry. So sorry. I love you...” He stayed there for a few moments before giving her one last kiss on the forehead, reaching for the flower basket and scattering a few petals from the blue mountain flowers over her, then retreating to rejoin Liriel, head in his hands as he wept silently, leaning into Liriel as she held him.

“See, told you you could come up with things off the cuff and make them sound amazing,” she whispered to him.

“I'd trade it for witless idiocy if it brought my daughter back,” Madanach said softly. Then Argis got to his feet, pale, exhausted, but doing this for his sister if it killed him.

“I knew Kaie ap Madanach,” he began nervously, glancing at Madanach as if for permission to continue. Madanach just smiled faintly and nodded for him to go on. Argis drew a breath and continued.

“She was my sister,” he finally said out loud, and if that drew a little ripple from the crowd who'd not entirely believed it until now, Argis ignored it. “And my friend. I used to sneak her in to see Da while he was inside. She didn't know I was her brother, but I did and I looked out for her as best I could. She -” and here he stopped, biting his lip and blushing a little. “Oh gods, this is embarrassing.”

“Yes, but is it funny?” Cicero queried from next to him. Argis laughed and ruffled his hair.

“Yeah, but – ah Void it, I'm saying it anyway, she can't hit me now. All right. Kaie always noticed how nice I was to her, how gentlemanly, and while she knew I was part-Reachman and loyal to the cause, she didn't know who'd fathered me and made assumptions. One night as I was seeing her out, she tried to kiss me.”

Much snickering from the crowd, and Cicero blinked then started to giggle. Madanach had sat upright by this point, crying “She never told me this!” and looking most put out, while Liriel could only place her hand to her mouth, trying not to laugh.

“Oh, it gets better,” Argis promised, grinning. “Obviously I had to turn her down, and she looked really confused and wanted to know why, and I had to tell her something. So, er, I told her I preferred men.”

Cicero actually shrieked at this point, falling back on the ground, howling in delight. Liriel was only just managing not to laugh, then she made the mistake of catching Madanach's eye. He looked at her, began to smile, and then began to laugh, wiping tears away but tears of delight this time. Liriel took his hand and finally let herself smile.

“It gets even better than that,” Argis grinned. “Clearly once I'd told her that, she wanted details and every time I saw her she'd ask how I was, if I was seeing anyone, and to keep her from getting suspicious, I ended up inventing a fake boyfriend in the guards. He was a tall, blonde Nord a bit older than me called Sven and...” He stopped, seeing that both Madanach and Liriel had lost it completely by this point and Cicero was actually having hysterics on the ground. Argis had to laugh himself.

“Yes,” he admitted. “I lied to my own sister over a period of years, spinning an entire fictitious love life to throw her off the scent. She consoled me through three break-ups, squealed with me over several new love affairs, and believed me when I told her that due to the beliefs Nords had over sex and marriage, no one must ever know or I'd lose my job and not be able to help her and Da any more. Then after nearly two decades of this, Da finally mans up and tells her the truth, and next thing I know she's down there in Markarth and the first thing she does is hit me. Entirely deserved, and I am just fortunate she forgave me and that she knew before she died.”

Everyone in hearing distance had broken down in laughter by this point, and Madanach had the grace to look guilty over the whole thing.

“I am so very sorry, son,” he finally said when he'd recovered himself. “I had no idea. You're right, I should have told her years ago.”

“Damn right you should, I was starting to believe it myself after a bit!” Argis cried. “I ended up heartbroken over men who never existed!”

That set Madanach and indeed everyone else off again, and Liriel sat back, watching Madanach actually smile again, and began to realise why the Forsworn did this – to remember the good times and laugh over them. Finally the laughter subsided and Argis turned his attention back to Kaie, face falling.

“Thanks, sis. Thanks for listening all that time and being a good friend, and for not actually killing me when you found out the truth. I miss you.” He kissed her on the cheek and reached for some purple mountain flowers, scattering a couple of petals over her and retreating, stopping by Madanach and Liriel.

“Are you alright?” he asked quietly, looking at Madanach. He nodded, still trying not to laugh.

“Oh you're my son all right,” Madanach said fondly. “Inventing an entire love life and keeping the story going for fifteen years, and convincing Kaie of all people who is no fool...” He stopped, eyes falling on Kaie's form again and his smile fading. “Was no fool,” he corrected, hand over his eyes again.

“Da,” Argis whispered. “Da, you don't need to be here for all of it...”

“Yes I do,” said Madanach quietly. “Go on, go, I had a couple of bedrolls and a tent put up just behind us for you and Cicero. You kept watch all day, now it's my turn.”

Argis nodded and went in search of said bedroll. Liriel had a feeling he'd be back before the end, but she had to agree, he needed sleep. With Argis gone, next up was Cicero, who crawled forward, nervously crouching by Kaie's pyre.

“Cicero hopes no one is expecting him to top that,” he said, licking his lips. “Cicero doesn't have stories of fake love affairs and sexual exploits – he has a lot of real ones, but doesn't think they'd be appropriate.” He shot a nervous glance at Madanach who had narrowed his eyes but motioned for him to get on with it.

“I knew Kaie ap Madanach,” Cicero began hesitantly. “She was... she was kind to me. When poor, lonely Cicero had to run away from the Dark Brotherhood after the Sanctuary turned on him for following the old ways, and the sweet Listener Liriel saved him and sent him to safety at King Madanach's camp, Cicero knew no one, had no one, and was lonely and afraid. And then sweet Kaie saw me and liked me and looked after me and found me a bed, and then a day later took me into hers. She understood poor Cicero's needs and... and took care of them and me. Even when Liriel said it was safe to return to the Night Mother, Cicero never forgot, and when he saw her again at Markarth and she wanted someone to celebrate with, Cicero said yes, of course he did, she's – was – lovely. Cicero was with her on the balcony the day after, protecting her, making sure no assassins got to her. Cicero was with her the night before Windhelm too, and she was happy to see me, so very happy. Then there was the battle and... and we got separated in the fight... Cicero was looking for her and he turned a corner just in time to see her against four Stormcloaks, fighting but losing, and then she killed one and the others turned on her and...” Cicero stopped, not wanting to remember this and from the look on his face, Madanach didn't want to hear it either but he said nothing, just watched ashen-faced as Cicero spoke.

“They hit her with their battle-axes and she fell to the ground and... and Cicero went for them. Cicero stabbed them, all of them, he doesn't really remember it but there was blood, lots of it! And then they were dead and Cicero ran to Kaie but she'd lost too much blood and she just gasped my name. I told her to hang on, I'd find a healer, but she just gasped “Tell Da... sorry...” and closed her eyes. So Cicero picked her up and carried her out of the city back to camp but by the time he got here she'd... she'd gone.”

Everyone had gone silent on hearing this, tears on most cheeks, and Liriel guessed this was the first time he'd told this to anyone. Madanach was bent over, head in his hands, not even moving. Cicero leaned closer to her, lips brushing her cheek, tears rolling from his eyes.

“Cicero is sorry, sweetling!” he wept. “Cicero failed you! Cicero should have been tending to you, watching you and... Cicero should have saved you and he didn't! And now you're in the Void and Cicero misses you! You were kind to me! Nice to me! And now you're gone.” He dried his eyes and kissed her lips once. “Goodbye, sweetling,” he whispered. “You are in the Void now, with your sisters, and Cicero shall pray to the Night Mother to look after you. You killed lots and lots of people in your time, I'm sure she'll like you. And when Cicero dies, maybe he'll see you again. That would be nice. Cicero... Cicero would like that...” Unable to say any more, Cicero scattered some red mountain flowers over her and fled to where Liriel was sitting, curling up at her feet in tears.

“I'm sorry!” he sobbed. “Cicero is sorry!”

Liriel reached down and cuddled him. Of course he blamed himself. The last one to see her alive, and if he'd got her to a healer in time, who knew. Probably not terribly likely it would have made a difference – Kaie's wounds had looked deep.

“Cicero,” Liriel whispered, trying to comfort him. “It wasn't your fault.”

Cicero just howled harder and then to Liriel's surprise, Madanach reached out and patted his shoulder.

“It's not your fault, boy,” Madanach said gruffly, not looking at Cicero. “Thank you... thank you for bringing her back.”

Cicero detached himself from Liriel, flinging himself at Madanach who to Liriel's absolute amazement, actually cuddled him back while Cicero wailed all over him.

Finally Cicero subsided and Madanach lifted his head up to look at him.

“You avenged my daughter and brought her home. You ever need anything, be it a favour or just company, you can come see me at Understone Keep any time, understand?”

Cicero nodded, still sniffling. Madanach gave the faintest smile as he brushed Cicero's tears away.

“I name you blood-brother,” he said casually, as if it was no big deal, people just earned this honour every day. “Blood of my blood, whoever harms you harms me.”

A little whimper escaped Cicero's throat as he stared up into Madanach's eyes, and a murmur went round the assembled throng. Liriel could feel her eyes welling up. He'd just offered Cicero a home. A family, no matter what. Cicero not stuck in a Sanctuary with Falkreath people who'd ill-treated him and Eola who – well – that little mess was complicated and likely to get even more so. Cicero having somewhere to go where he'd actually be looked after and taken care of when Liriel wasn't around – that was more than she could have dreamed of, and Cicero clearly knew it too, because he turned pleading eyes on her, begging for permission.

“Of course you can accept, Cicero,” she told him. Cicero squeaked and cuddled Madanach's legs.

“Yes, yes, of course, of course!” Cicero squealed. “Cicero shall be Madanach's blood-brother and if Madanach needs anyone discreetly stabbing, anyone at all, he need only ask and Cicero shall see the matter dealt with immediately!”

Madanach chuckled, patting Cicero's cheek. “Not the traditional response, but it's close enough. Go on, go find Argis, get some sleep. You look like you need it.”

Cicero nodded, getting to his feet, a cuddle for Madanach and then another for Liriel, before scampering off for a nap. Looking at the rest of the mourners all awaiting their turn, Liriel had a feeling it would be a long night.

And then Madanach patted her hand and told her it was her turn. Oh. Oh gods. Liriel really wasn't sure about this. Too late now though. All eyes were on her and Madanach was looking expectant. Still, it didn't have to be lengthy, did it? Just long enough to say goodbye.

She made her way over, trying to ignore everyone watching her, and knelt by Kaie's side. She had no idea what to say, but she was sure she'd think of something. At least there was the traditional formula to start her off.

“I knew Kaie ap Madanach,” she began. “She was daughter to my lover. She was the first one I saw after getting out of Cidhna Mine, waiting there with all my things and only being a bit sarcastic over the amount of stuff I was carrying. Then I saw her again at Druadach Redoubt and she was pleased to see me, welcomed me in like I was one of her own – and in her eyes, I was. She knew by then Madanach wanted me, she saw the way he changed when I was around, and one of the last things she said to me is that Madanach had been lonely for years and that I'd come along and actually made him smile again, so I pretty much had to marry him, she wouldn't have it any other way. That's who she was to me – the one who loved Madanach as much as I did, the one who took care of him when I couldn't be there, the one who welcomed me into her family and was pleased to see her father happy again. None of us will be the same without her, not her kin, not those of us here today, or those back in the Reach. All the Reach is poorer without her. Rest in peace, Kaie. We'll miss you.”

Hand shaking, she reached into the basket and scattered a couple of jazbay sprigs over Kaie before returning to Madanach's side, slipping into her chair.

“How was I?” she whispered, risking a glance at him. He was watching her and though there were tears in his eyes, he was smiling gently at her. Taking her hand, he squeezed it and kissed her fingers.

“You did well,” he told her. “What you said... thank you. Kaie liked you, you know. Said you were good for me, and there's no way I'd ever be satisfied with anyone ordinary.” Sad smile on his face and haunted look in his eyes as he held her hand. “You were right about the Reach too. It's not just me who's bereaved today.” He beckoned the next one through, Borkul this time, and so the funeral went on, one after the other, all with different stories, different sides to her, telling their tales. She was my friend, she was my lover once, she was my cousin, she was my blood-brother's precious daughter, she was my commanding officer, she was my mentor, she was my trainer, she helped me, listened to me, she took care of my abusive ex-lover for me, we never did find his cock (that one was delivered by a small young Reachwoman who couldn't have been more than twenty if that, who told her story then looked up at Madanach, going bright red with embarrassment, and Madanach had just laughed to hear it, said, “that's my girl” and looked altogether far too pleased with himself for words), she was kind, she was fierce, she was fearless, we miss her, we're so sorry. For hours this went on, and Madanach listened to it all, tears in his eyes but sitting up straight and he'd never looked so proud. Finally the last mourner had left flowers, and Kaie was literally blanketed in them by this time, barely visible under the petals. Argis and Cicero had both woken up by this time, shuffling out to listen as the night wore on, wrapped in furs and looking sleepy but proud to be there.

“Now what?” Liriel whispered. Madanach got to his feet, eyes downcast but ready to perform one last fatherly duty.

“Now we say goodbye,” he said roughly, indicating for Liriel to rise too. Everyone got to their feet, although most cleared back from the pyre as Madanach raised his hands to the sky.

“Kaie ap Madanach, Kaie ap Mireen, on this night we commend your soul to the Holy Void, to the embrace of Sithis and the company of your ancestors gone before you, those that have not returned. To the stars above, home of our beloved dead, may another one shine in your name tonight. When we watch the sky on future nights, we will whisper your name, all those who loved you, and know you are watching over us. And when your time comes to return to Anu's realm and rejoin the Dance, we will return with you, and we will know and love and remember you again. From the Void we came, to the Void we return. Dance in starlight, Kaie.”

“Dance in starlight,” came the refrain, and then fire magic crackled in Madanach's hands as he summoned power, raised his hands and then brought them down, the spell firing into the pyre and causing it to blaze into life. All across the valley, others were doing likewise, the sharing for the other war dead having finished a while ago, and only now Kaie's pyre was blazing did others feel it safe to do likewise. The drumbeat started up again, a dull, thudding monotone and somewhere a woman started to sing a lament in a tongue Liriel didn't recognise but it sounded so familiar.

“What's that singing?” she asked, following Madanach as he turned and walked away from the pyre, clearly heading back to camp.

“It's a traditional lament of the Reach for the souls of the dead,” Madanach said quietly. “It's in the old tongue. I'm not translating it or I'll just end up crying again, but it's basically singing the souls of the departed home.”

“To the Void. Where you came from,” said Liriel, looking up at the stars, recalling the words Madanach had lit the pyre with, presumably an old Reach invocation. “It's up there, isn't it, out in the sky. I never thought of it before, but that's like what we believe. The Aedra are up there, Aetherius is out there, that's where our ancestors are. And you think the same.”

“In a way,” said Madanach softly. “I don't know if there's a literal place called the Void out there or not – I hope so for Kaie's sake. But our oldest tales talk of another world that was our first home and it's out there somewhere, travelling round a distant star. A world with blue skies and seas and mountains, and only one moon, and we lived like gods there, Liriel. We didn't have magic like we do here, but we had machines like the Dwemer have to do everything for us, clean our clothes, cook our meals, sweep our floors, take us anywhere we liked, hold all human knowledge for us to look at whenever we wanted. It was paradise, Liriel. But we got too greedy, took too much, our machines changed the very weather and the world changed. So we built ships of steel and silver, great sky ships and we left and we came here, and we were all one race, not Nords or Bretons or Imperials yet. The Nords went north to their Atmora home, the Imperials went south to the jungles of Cyrodiil and we went west to High Rock and the Reach, and that's where we met your folk. Thousands of years later, and here we are, part-elven witches. I don't know if it's true or not, but we'll never know for sure so why think too much on it? All I know is we're alive here and now. So we make the most of it.”

They'd reached the camp by this point, and once inside the gates, the atmosphere shifted, becoming a bit more lively, more like the camps Liriel was familiar with. There were drums, flutes, fiddles in the distance, and a bit nearer, the sounds of at least one couple in a tent having a very good time.

“Are you alright?” Liriel whispered, squeezing Madanach's hand. He looked exhausted and at the end of his resources, but he nodded.

“Yes,” he sighed. “The Dance didn't stop just because Kaie's did. Life goes on, with or without us. I...” He stopped, breathing heavily as he stared at his feet. “Life goes on,” he whispered. He raised his eyes to look at her, haunted, desperate expression in them.

“Liriel, stay with me tonight,” he begged. “Don't leave, don't go, just come to bed with me, make love to me, let me love you any way I can. Please.”

A strange request – where else would she go? - but he'd just lost a loved one, it probably had made him a bit clingier than usual.

“All right,” she whispered, taking his hand in hers. “Let's get you laid.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

They spent the rest of the night making love, Madanach getting creative and getting her off in as many different ways as he could think of. She'd laughed and told him to slow down, they had the rest of their lives together. He'd just smiled sadly and told her no one knew when the Dance would end and so she'd given in and acquiesced to whatever he wanted. Finally they'd collapsed in a heap, exhausted, and Madanach had clung on to her like he was afraid she'd vanish. Liriel had pulled covers over them both and held him, stroking his hair and soothing him until he drifted off to sleep. Then she closed her eyes and soon joined him.

When she woke, it was daylight and the bed was empty. Liriel sat up, immediately casting her eyes about to look for Madanach. Where was he? Should he be left alone right now? Or did he need privacy? He was used to having people around but he was also vulnerable right now.

She needn't have worried. He was still there, up and dressed, sitting at his desk, brooding.

“Madanach?” she called, reaching for her own clothes. “Are you all right?”

He hesitated before answering. “Not really, but it hurts a little less than it did. I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Come, cariad, get dressed, we need to talk.”

Four words that never boded well, and Liriel felt all her hair start to prickle. He sounded gentle enough, but he wasn't looking at her, and all sorts of little signs from the past day started to slot together. She'd chalked it all up to grief... but perhaps it wasn't just Kaie he was mourning.

Liriel pulled her Shrouded Robes on and perched herself on the bed behind him.

“Madanach? What's up? Is something going to happen?”

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