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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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You've just reminded me, I'm so sorry for the delay, everyone who's reading this! I ran into some work issues and such so I haven't had as much writing time as I've liked, but now that I've sorted them out, expect semi-regular updates!

Oh my gosh, more wonderful chapters, this story is consistently making my day! I am so excited to see how Ariella will deal with all of this and the tenderness Vilkas feels towards her just makes my heart skip. You are writing a beautiful story, thank you for your updates, i can't tell you how happy this makes me!

I miss your story! update please!

I love that you're updating often! your story is really special! I

Pairings: FDB/Madanach, Cicero/Eola
Relationship: het
Kinks/warnings: allusions to sex during a period, but no explicit details. Haematophilia on Cicero's part.
Summary: Liriel arrives in Markarth to find a city desperate for its Dragon-Queen to come home and a King who needs her like he never has before, more so than even he realises. But while Liriel is persuading Madanach that the Reach just might be in trouble from its own people, Cicero, left to his own devices, finds an unexpected ally in tending to the beleaguered Reach-Princess.

A/N: I really liked this chapter. I really really liked it! A nice mix of angst, romance, fluffiness, comedy and a bit of family drama sorting itself out. Eola and Madanach are back, and my god, I love writing the two of them together. They really do make a disturbingly good father-daughter pair.

Liriel didn't wait around after leaving Castle Dour. She paused only to collect her travelling gear and Cicero, kiss her daughters goodbye and promise to send for them as soon as it was safe, then visit the Blue Palace to say goodbye to Elisif and Argis and reassure them both that Rikke wasn't invading and that she'd sort the whole thing out personally.

Then riding south to the Reach on Shadowmere, Cicero clinging to her back. Liriel didn't stop (apart from dealing with some bandits on the way) until she got to Broken Tower, the northern border control, and oh gods this had been one of Sharreela's camps once, what if she'd recruited it back?

Liriel needn't have worried. The border guards started to ask her name and business then saw the torc round her neck and the grinning jester poking his head out from behind her.

“Go through, Brenhina,” the woman gasped, stepping back and saluting her with a fist to the chest. “Old gods keep you and the Garra-Lann.”

“And you,” Liriel called, spurring Shadowmere onwards into the late afternoon. At least one camp still loyal to Madanach, and the patrols she saw on the road all leapt to one side, giving the same fist to the chest salute the border guards had given. Madanach was clearly still a man in charge of most of the Reach.

Most was not good enough.

Liriel finally galloped into Markarth's stables as evening fell, getting late but not unsociably so, just coming up to ten o'clock. Banning was just closing up but he stopped work as he saw who'd just ridden in, relief all over his face.

“Liriel! You're here! Thank the gods, this country's not the same without you.”

“Things are that bad?” Liriel asked, dismounting and holding Shadowmere's reins to him. Banning just sighed.

“Not bad as such but the ReachGuard keep looking at me funny, there's talk of incidents out on the border and the King doesn't seem to care. He's too busy fussing over Eola. Our Eola! His daughter and now heir to the throne. Except after the first two weeks, we've hardly seen her. Hogni's made deliveries to try and see how she is, but they say she just keeps to her room these days. Hardly anyone sees her. They say the King's obsessed with her, is keeping her prisoner. They say one of the two's gone mad but we're not sure which one it is. Liriel... Liriel, they say you were his lover once.”

“They're right,” said Liriel, fingering her torc. “Except for the fact that I'm still his lover and I'm Eola's friend. Whatever is going on, I'm going to sort it out. I promise.”

“I believe you, Champion,” Banning whispered, saluting her and leading Shadowmere away. Liriel sprinted for the gates, heart in her mouth. Everyone gossiped, Forsworn camps were notorious for everyone knowing everyone else's business, royal courts were worse. She should have come weeks ago. As it is, this whole business felt like it was balancing on a knife-edge.

The gate guards took one look and opened the doors, bowing low and letting her and Cicero in. The citizens of Markarth who were still up all stopped to watch her go by, mouths open in awe, and Liriel heard the whispers of “Dragonborn”, “Madanach's mistress”, “they call her Dragon-Queen” as she ran by. Up the winding pathway, up the steps and into the huge stone edifice that was Understone Keep, and again guards who took one look at the torc and saluted, opening the gates without even a question.

This queen business definitely had its perks, especially the look of awe in the guards' eyes as they saw her. It was the first time she'd been to Markarth since Madanach took power, and the changes were both obvious and very subtle. The stockading on the run up to the city, the stakes hammered into the gatehouse, stone melted with Destruction magic so they could be cemented in, Forsworn warriors on guard duty rather than helmeted Nords, silver banners with a crowned red eagle hanging off the gatehouse and Understone Keep balcony. Goat's heads on pikes outside all important buildings. But it was more than that. The city felt different. Calmer. Less fraught. Not a caged beast any more but an animal well fed and at ease. The festering wounds Liriel had always sensed before finally healing. Everything just felt better. Maybe Markarth by day would be different. But Markarth by night seemed peaceful.

Understone Keep also seemed much the same, aside from more red eagle banners and the Forsworn on watch, all of whom stood to attention as she ran past. The Mournful Throne was empty – well, Madanach must be in bed by now. Only it occurred to Liriel she had no idea where his bedroom was.

Fortunately some of the servants were still up. One old Reachwoman was sweeping up in the kitchen.

“Er... hello,” said Liriel hesitantly. “I've got business with the King, where is he?”

The woman looked up and nearly dropped her broom in shock.

“Goodness! It's you! I mean, good evening, my lady.” She dropped a curtsey immediately, eyes lowered. “You'll find him just up the corridor there, either in his own room or saying goodnight to Princess Eola. That poor girl.”

“I heard she wasn't well,” Liriel said quietly, aware of Cicero creeping closer, all ears for this one. “How is she?”

“She has good and bad days,” the woman said quietly. “Mark my words, what that poor child needs is some fresh air and exercise and something to do. But you try telling the King that. After losing his others and thinking the kingdom was doomed, he doesn't like letting her go. Frets if he doesn't know where she is, and she doesn't like upsetting him. But now that you're back, Brenhina...”

The message was unspoken but the same one Liriel had heard all along: please, Dragon-Queen, please heal our princess, please look after our King. Mara, but she should have come back here weeks ago.

“Thank you,” Liriel said, trying to sound reassuring. “I'll go find him.” She stepped out and turned to leave, only to walk into someone as she left the kitchen. An elderly Breton, older than Madanach, bald and with a rather outsized nose. Nepos the Nose, Madanach's spymaster and steward. Liriel had never met him before, but she guessed this was him. Behind her Cicero started giggling, at least until she grabbed his shoulder in a pincer grip.

“Good evening,” she said politely. “Is Madanach around? I have urgent business with him.”

“I imagine you do, Davrha-Brenhina,” Nepos said calmly, although his eyes seemed transfixed by the torc. “Yes, I know it's you, the guards sent word and there can't be two red-haired Altmer women running around with a dragon torc in the Reach. Certainly not with the Garra-Lann in tow – yes Cicero ap Stelmaria, your description is well-known to me. Welcome, both of you. You're long expected.”

Again, that flash of relief in his eyes, and Liriel forced a smile to her face.

“It's a pleasure to meet you. Nepos, isn't it?”

Nepos nodded, faint smile on his face. “Yes indeed. Come with me, he'll be pleased to see you, very pleased indeed.” He led them up a corridor, and up ahead, standing in the doorway of a bedroom flanked by two guards, was Madanach himself, dressed in a jarl's fine outfit, circlet in place, leaning on the doorway and staring into the room. She'd never seen him look like that before, never so needy and hopeful and desperate all at once.

“Are you sure you're all right?” she heard him say, slight tremor to his voice that hadn't been there before. “Is there nothing I can get you?”

Then Eola's voice and if Madanach had sounded off, Eola sounded like a different person.

“No, Daddy, it's fine,” she said, her voice soft and trembling. “I just need rest.”

Fingers flexing on the door jamb, and Liriel could sense the frustration in his voice. “You've done nothing but rest all week!”

“I'm in pain!” Eola cried and she sounded on the verge of tears. “It really hurts, Da!”

Instant contrition on Madanach's face. “You're right, I'm sorry,” he said, sounding nervous and Madanach giving in to anyone that easily was all wrong. “I should let you sleep, daughter. You be sure and let one of the guards know if you need anything, all right?”

“Yes, Da,” came the response and Madanach just nodded, that helpless look back on his face.

“I love you, daughter,” Madanach told her, voice shot through with need and desperation and underneath it all, absolute love and adoration mixed with a large dose of terror. Madanach was terrified and nothing scared Madanach normally, absolutely nothing. Liriel realised with mounting horror just how much losing Kaie had damaged him. Fool she'd been to think sending Eola would make it all better.

“I love you too, Daddy,” and that little-girl voice just sounded so wrong coming from Eola. “Goodnight.”

“Sleep well, cariad,” Madanach murmured, closing the door and stepping back, before placing one arm on the door and just resting his forehead there, eyes closed. Liriel felt her heart go out to him and all she wanted to do was call his name, run into his arms and never let him go.

“Madanach,” said Nepos, raising his voice only slightly. “Madanach, you have guests.”

“At this time of night?” Madanach snapped. “Who in the Void calls on anyone at this hour?? Apart from the Brotherhood of course and I'm not expecting...” He looked up, eyes falling on Liriel, first the torc and then her, face going through all the emotions from amazement to hope to disbelief to unalloyed delight.

“Liriel,” he breathed, heedless of anything else but her, just sprinting down the corridor as she held out her arms to him. “Oh Liriel.”

She stepped towards him and then he was in her arms, clutching her to him and kissing her fiercely and she had him again, her beloved Reachman hers again, by the Eight she'd missed him.

“Madanach,” she breathed as he finally let her go. “Madanach, I'm sorry, I should have been here weeks ago...”

“It doesn't matter,” he whispered. “None of it matters, you're here, you're back with me again, that's all that matters, all...” He broke off guiltily, looking back at Eola's door. Liriel reached out and turned his face back to look at her.

“I know, love,” Liriel said softly. “Argis told me, that's why I came here. We need to talk, don't we?”

Madanach nodded, pulling her into an embrace again. “I need you,” he breathed into her ear. “I don't think I can do this on my own.”

“What, be king?” Liriel asked, rubbing his back.

“No, running a country's easy,” Madanach laughed bitterly. “Parenthood now, that's what I'm apparently terrible at.”

“Oh love, it's not that bad,” Liriel soothed him. “Come on, we should get you back to your room, we can talk there, right?”

Madanach nodded mutely and took Liriel's arm in his. Behind him, Nepos coughed discreetly.

“The Garra-Lann is also here, Madanach, what should we do with him?”

“Hello brother!” Cicero cooed. “Cicero is here, look!”

Madanach tensed up, forced a smile and glanced back at Cicero.

“Hello Cicero. Welcome to Markarth. I'm going to be busy with Liriel tonight, but Nepos will find you a bed and then we can talk tomorrow, yes? Nepos, find him somewhere to sleep, there's a bed in this city somewhere, isn't there?”

“Will do, Madanach. You and Liriel have a good night now.”

Madanach nodded and led Liriel off to his own bedchamber. Leaving Cicero alone with Nepos.

“Right, you two,” Nepos said cheerfully to the guards. “I need to have a private conversation with the Garra-Lann here, so it's about time you both went for your break. Off you go, don't let me stop you.”

“But sir, the princess,” one of the guards began.

“Will be fine,” said Nepos curtly. “Cicero and I are right here, no one's going to get past both of us. Go. That's an order from me – the king has a problem with it, the king can take it up with me.”

“Sir.”

“Yes sir.” Both guards slinked off to the kitchens, and now Cicero was really alone with Nepos, feeling a bit nervous. What exactly did the man have in mind that he didn't want Madanach knowing?

“So you're Cicero,” Nepos said, stroking his chin. “I've heard about you. Talented assassin, near unstoppable in a fight, they tell me.”

Cicero tittered nervously, blushing a little. “Cicero is very good at stabbing things, yes,” he giggled. “Did Nepos have someone in mind?”

“Not for that, no,” Nepos said with smile. “But you are Dark Brotherhood, aren't you? Like Eola was before she came here. You knew her, didn't you?”

Cicero nodded, wondering where this was going. Nepos' smile widened.

“Were you friends at all?”

Friends? Friends?? The designing little hussy had had her eyes on him since day one, and after seeing her slaughter Arnbjorn, Cicero had had to use all his willpower to resist her. It had been no use. Despite trying to keep his mind on Kaie, his traitor cock had had other ideas and many had been the night he'd crept off for a frenzied session of self-pleasure, imagining Eola writhing beneath him. Afterwards, full of guilt and self-loathing, he'd crept back and tried to avoid her, but she'd kept on seeking him out and trying to talk to him anyway. Damn her. Then they'd finally argued, had it all out and it had ended with Eola agreeing it'd never work, he should go be with Kaie. Because if he'd left Kaie because she was a king's daughter and too good for him... Eola was out of his league for the same reason. Cicero had wanted to cry when he'd realised. He'd lost more than just Kaie. But Liriel had said it could happen, he was blood-brother here, he was eligible. Cicero wasn't quite so sure, but he did know one thing. Eola needed help and he was damned if he was letting her suffer any more.

“Cicero is very fond of dearest Eola and she gave Cicero to understand she felt similarly,” Cicero said nervously. “Cicero comforted her after Kaie died. She was very upset about it.”

“I can imagine,” said Nepos, voice sympathetic but he was smiling. “Listen, Eola loves her father dearly, but there's some things a daughter just can't share with her father. She needs friends, Cicero. People she knows and trusts. I think Madanach thinks he can be all things to her, but he can't. Just as she can't be everything to him, and thank Anu Liriel turned up when she did. If you're truly her friend... yes. Yes, you'll do.” He knocked on Eola's door sharply, before Cicero could ask what he was supposed to do exactly.

“What?” Eola called out. “That you, Da?”

“No, it's Nepos,” he called back. “You've got a visitor. Says he's a friend of yours. Name's Cicero.”

Sharp inhalation from Eola. “Cicero? What, short little red-haired guy in a jester hat?”

“That's him,” Nepos said cheerfully. Behind the door, Eola actually cried out.

“Send him in!”

“As you wish, my dear,” Nepos grinned, reaching for the door handle. He took hold of it and turned to Cicero.

“Now, I'll be out by the throne for the next hour,” he said calmly. “Come find me before then, I shall show you to a bed. If you're not there in that time, I shall assume you found one.” There wasn't an awful lot of doubt in Nepos' voice as to which bed he meant.

“But won't Madanach be very angry if he finds me in bed with his only daughter?” Cicero asked, confused. Madanach hadn't seemed to mind him being with Kaie, but Madanach's relationship with Kaie was very different to that with Eola. He'd been a lot less protective of Kaie.

“Quite probably, yes, but unless you've done something silly like violate her or something like that, there's not a thing he can do about it. Eola's a woman grown, has had her initiations, and it's about time Madanach had a reminder of that. In you go!” He opened the door and waved for Cicero to go through. Before Cicero could argue, he'd been shoved into Eola's bedroom, the door clicking shut behind him.

Eola was there, sitting up in her night shift, blinking up at him in the light of a magelight. She looked horribly pale, and she'd definitely lost weight and she was staring at him like she could barely believe her eyes. She was also staring at him like a starving man looked at a steak and given Eola's habits, that was not comforting. Fortunately, Cicero had come prepared.

“Sister,” he breathed. “Sister, Cicero heard... heard you were unhappy! Why did you not write, Cicero would have come sooner!”

“Couldn't get away from Da long enough,” Eola said, still staring hungrily at him. “He watches my every move and when he's not there in person, there's always guards. I didn't want to write anything down in case he saw it.”

“Would he have punished you?” Cicero whispered, coming to join her on the bed. She shook her head miserably.

“Worse. It would have broken his heart. He's trying so hard but it's not enough, none of it's enough, I've not eaten properly since I got here, I miss all of you so much, I...” She had her head in her hands, a sob coming from behind her fingers and Cicero could take it no more. He took her in his arms, holding her tight and stroking her hair.

“Hush, hush, Cicero is here,” he crooned. “Cicero is not going anywhere. Cicero will not leave you, sister. Never, no never.” He kissed her once on the cheek, feeling her shiver in his arms.

“I'm so hungry,” she whispered, clinging on to his motley. “I haven't... I need to... I can't feel Lady Namira any more, not like I used to, I'm not even that far from the shrine! I'm scared, Cicero!”

“Do not fear, my sweetling,” Cicero murmured, letting her go and reaching for his pack. They had had to deal with bandits on the way to Markarth, he and Liriel, and they'd picked out a particularly fine looking corpse to butcher and cooked the better cuts from it. These were now being presented to Eola.

“They are cold, and not rare and bloody like Eola likes her food, but Liriel did not think they'd keep otherwise and we did not wish to have to defrost them,” Cicero said hesitantly. Eola moaned at the sight.

“Redguard, you got me Redguard, didn't you?” she breathed and Cicero nodded. Eola didn't say anything more, just tearing into the food, sighing happily as she swallowed, and really no woman had any right making noises like that, not when lonely Cicero was there, right there, watching, getting harder and harder as he watched her devour what he'd brought her, oh Sithis, had she no shame? Well of course not, he knew that, had known that from the moment she'd smirked at him and called him Cutie ap Cutieson. Finally, she finished, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand and licking her fingers, looking much more like her old self.

“Is that better?” Cicero asked, trying to sound caring and doing his best to ignore the erection in his loincloth and the screaming urge to leap on her. Eola nodded, eyes meeting his, and she still looked hungry for flesh but not in quite the same way.

“Much better,” she purred, and that was her, that was the scheming little hussy he remembered. Sithis, this erection of his was actually starting to hurt. She smiled up at him and shifted closer, lifting the covers.

“Join me if you want. I could do with the company.”

Cicero heard a little keening sound coming from his throat, his cock throbbing with need, and he could take it no more. Pouncing, he leapt on top of her, pinning her down and kissing her. She gasped in surprise, but judging from the way she was spreading her legs and wrapping her arms around him, it wasn't an unwelcome surprise.

“Sithis, I missed you,” he whispered in her ear.

“Likewise,” Eola gasped. “Gods, Cicero, you have no idea. Only... you know I'm on, don't you? Do you really want to...?”

“Yes,” Cicero growled, hand sliding under her night shift. “I know. I can smell the blood.” It was true, it was true, he couldn't resist the smell of blood, never had been able to.

“You're depraved,” Eola whispered, but she sounded very very pleased about the fact. Cicero could only nod.

“I'm a very bad boy,” Cicero murmured, beginning to plant kisses along her stomach. “A very bad boy indeed.”

“Yes,” Eola gasped. “Yes you are. Sweet Namira, Cicero, don't you ever stop.”

Cicero didn't. Afterwards there'd be giggling and having to strip down the entire bed and change it with fresh sheets while Eola shoved the original bedding into a Dwemer chest and torched it, but inconveniences like that aside, both of them fell asleep in each other's arms with not a care in the world.

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

The door had barely closed behind Liriel before Madanach had his arms around her, saying nothing, just holding her while his head rested on her shoulder.

“Madanach,” Liriel whispered. “It's all right. I'm here. You're not alone.”

“I think being alone rather comes with the job,” said Madanach gruffly. “But thank you.” He lifted his head and kissed her lips before clutching her again.

“I missed you,” he told her, quite unnecessarily, she could see that for herself.

“What happened?” Liriel asked, leading him to the bed and stretching out on it, beckoning for him to join her. He did so after placing his circlet to one side, kicking off his shoes and crawling into her waiting arms. He closed his eyes and sighed happily as he moved closer and Liriel, for all she was worried, wrapped her arms around him, loving the feeling of having him there again. Never again, she was never going away again, not for long anyway. He was hers and she was not letting him go again.

“I don't even know,” Madanach whispered. “She came back, I went to bed one night and she was here, sitting in my chair and waiting for me. When I realised it was her, I couldn't even speak. You found my daughter. My little girl. You sent her back to me.”

“Yes,” said Liriel quietly. “In fact, I've known her longer than I've known you – Madanach, if you'd told me her name earlier, I could have brought her back months ago. It was her who told me all about the Forsworn, what cariad meant, what this symbolised.” She fingered the torc, remembering Eola's reaction to it – entirely explicable when you knew she was a king's daughter. Madanach looked up and traced a finger along it, smiling.

“You're wearing it again,” he breathed. “It suits you.”

“If I'm going to be your queen, I should show it off, yes?” Liriel grinned. Madanach's smile broadened and he kissed her again, a long, slow, lingering kiss that left Liriel a little breathless.

“Yes,” he gasped into her ear. “Yes, please, yes, marry me.”

“I'm not going anywhere,” Liriel reassured him. “It's clear you need me. But first, I need to hear just how you managed to turn one of my best assassins into a nervous wreck in two months. Eola's not exactly weak, physically or mentally. What have you done to her, Madanach?”

“I haven't done anything!” Madanach cried, frustrated, rolling away from her and lying back on the bed. “All I've done is love her, take care of her, try and look after her to the best of my ability. And nothing's ever enough. She just smiles and says thank you and that she loves me, and I'm sure she does, but I have no idea what she wants! She's my daughter and I love her dearly, but she's a stranger to me. I don't know what happened, it was going so well at first, she was interested in the Reach, in running it, was getting on with people, was actually flirting with Nepos, and she didn't seem to want to be anywhere but with me. And I didn't want her to be anywhere else. I missed her so much, all these years not knowing and she's finally here and... and nothing I do makes her happy. And here you are and you know her better than I do. Liriel, help me. What do I do?”

Liriel stroked his hair, wondering what to say. She could hardly tell him that Eola was most likely craving the flesh of the dead, could he possibly have a condemned criminal carved up and served to her? Madanach might want to spoil his daughter, but even he had limits.

“You can't make someone happy, Madanach,” Liriel whispered. “You just give them somewhere safe to make their own happiness.”

“That's what I'm trying to do!” Madanach sighed. “She doesn't seem to want any of it. Was she like this in your Sanctuary?”

“No,” Liriel admitted, remembering Eola and Gabriella trying to outcreep each other and Eola's shocked face when she lost, and Eola making Babette blood cocktails by siphoning blood off a torture room victim, and Nazir telling her off for butchering another of said victims in his kitchen and Eola just pouting and saying she fancied a midnight snack, and Festus grudgingly admitting to Liriel that the girl was one of the few people who really got Destruction magic. She'd fitted in at Dawnstar, done well there. Because she'd been able to be herself and no one had really minded or judged her. At her father's court, she was on display all the time. No wonder she hardly left her room any more, the strain must be killing her.

Madanach lay back on the pillows, looking defeated.

“I've failed,” he said quietly. “Failed as a father. Gods, Liriel, don't bring your kids here, keep them at Vlindrel, I'll get you a nanny. I don't want any more innocent lives messed up by my terrible parenting skills.”

“Bit late for that, I told them we were getting married and they were going to live here with us,” said Liriel firmly. “They've wanted a father for ages, they were delighted to find out it's going to be you. You are stuck with them.”

Madanach said nothing, just laughing softly.

“Then I apologise unreservedly. They're going to be very disappointed.”

“Don't say that!” Liriel cried. “You're a really good father, you and Kaie had a really good relationship. You loved each other, understood each other, you took care of each other! You can do the same with Eola, I know you can.”

“Can I?” Madanach asked wearily. “I had Kaie visiting me every week without fail once she came of age. She was easy to understand, she was a Forsworn witch who loved her king and her country, she was like a sane version of her mother. She was my right-hand out there and my source of support when the rest of the world turned on me. Eola's a mystery. How am I meant to take care of her if I don't even know what she wants?”

“She doesn't need you to take care of her, she's twenty five years old and spent the last decade surviving quite well on her own!” Liriel sighed. “Just let her be an adult, let her do what she wants, go where she wants. Eola's not one of life's victims.”

“Nor was Kaie and she still died!” Madanach cried, and this was it, this in a nutshell. Madanach didn't want to lose his last remaining heir, couldn't face the prospect of life without her.

“Cariad,” Liriel whispered, drawing her into his arms. “Eola's not going to die. Not any time soon. She just needs her freedom. You're killing her keeping her locked up like this.”

“She's not a prisoner, she can go wherever she likes as long as she has guards and lets me know where she's going and when she's coming back,” Madanach protested.

“See?” Liriel sighed. “Prisoner. Eola's never had to account for her whereabouts or take guards in her entire adult life! Madanach, trust me, the last thing you really want to know is where she's gone or what she's doing.”

“But she doesn't have to be an assassin now, I can get her anything she wants...” Madanach stopped, it belatedly occurring to him that it was just possible Eola didn't join the Dark Brotherhood for the coin and comfortable home. “Don't tell me she'd rather be out murdering than being heir to the Mournful Throne.”

“Don't tell me you don't miss it too,” Liriel whispered in his ear. “Don't tell me that at twenty five years old, you would have tolerated anyone telling you what to do or keeping tabs on your every move.”

“At twenty five years old, I was murdering my way to the top of the Forsworn,” Madanach laughed, recalling the memory with a smile. “Tell me what to do? They were swearing fealty or dying. But Eola doesn't need to do all that, I got the throne for her! I've given it all to her on a plate.”

“Sweetie,” Liriel said gently. “Eola once told me the best meals were the ones you'd hunted and killed yourself. I don't think she's changed her outlook much.”

Madanach was silent, digesting all this. Finally he closed his eyes, looking anything but comforted.

“So I was right,” he finally said. “I've failed her. I can't give her anything she wants, because what she wants is what can't be given.” He looked away and Liriel could almost feel the spark dying out of him.

“Take her away, Liriel,” said Madanach softly. “Take her back to your Sanctuary. She's still my heir, I'm not disowning her, but I can't bear to see her like this. She was happy there – so take her with you. Let her be an assassin if she wants to. Just... just keep her safe, Liriel, if anything happened to her...”

Liriel took his hand, not sure what to say but knowing what this was costing him.

“I'll take care of her,” Liriel promised. “And send her back to visit – I was thinking of setting up a Sanctuary in the Reach anyway. I could put her in charge of it, that'd keep her safer than if she was running jobs. And she'd not be far away, she could come and see you. I think she'd want to.”

“I'd like that,” said Madanach, smiling faintly. “If she can be like she was when she first got here... she was a delight to be around. I loved having her here so much. I still do, when she's happy, she just lights up the room but when she's not...”

Liriel squeezed his hand, understanding. Eola had her father's gift of being able to turn on the charm when she wanted, but it relied on her feeling strong and confident. With her connection to Namira gone, her strength would be waning fast. No, for everyone's sake, Eola needed to be back in the Brotherhood as Speaker of Reachcliff Sanctuary, only living part-time at Understone Keep and coming and going as she pleased. A priestess of Sithis and high-ranked Dark Sister would not be obliged to take orders from a king, even one who was her own father. Perhaps especially not her own father.

“Thank you,” said Madanach softly. “I'd be lost without you, you know. What did I do before I met you?”

“You sat in your cell drinking Skooma and assassinating your own people,” Liriel reminded him, and the memory of Madanach penned up like a wild beast and left to go mad reminded her that his kingdom was not as secure as he might wish. “Listen, Madanach, I didn't just come here for Eola. You're in trouble, a lot of trouble.”

That actually got a smirk. “Oh really. What did I do? Whatever it was, I'm very sorry. How can I make it up to you, hmm?”

Oh gods, Cicero's bizarre predilections were starting to infect her husband-to-be.

“Not like that!” Liriel cried. “I'm serious, Madanach! You nearly had the Legion invading! I had to talk Rikke out of it!”

Frown from Madanach. “What do you mean?” he asked, clearly puzzled. Not know – how could he not know there'd been Forsworn border raids? On the other hand, if he didn't know, that meant he'd not authorised them. He was innocent – well, innocent of that, anyway.

“The raids!” Liriel snapped. “There's been attacks on travellers all along your eastern border between Rorikstead and Falkreath, and the survivors say it was the Forsworn! Madanach, what's going on?? Don't tell me you haven't heard of them.”

“I've heard rumours,” Madanach shrugged. “But thus far, no actual proof it was anything other than beasts or bandits or dragons. When someone brings me proof or officially reports something to me, which no one's actually done yet, then I'll think about doing something, but with Eola the way she's been, I've really got no time for attacks that haven't even happened in the Reach.”

Dear sweet Lady Mara. She should definitely have come down here earlier.

“Well, consider this the official report,” Liriel said tersely. “You might not think it's your problem, Rikke thinks otherwise. Rikke thinks you're behind them – either that or you've lost control of the Forsworn. Madanach, she was planning an invasion! The only way I managed to talk her out of it was by persuading her to send me to investigate. She knows it'd be costly in both lives and coin to fight you direct, so she agreed. Madanach, you have got to act or... or you won't have a throne for Eola to inherit!”

Madanach had gone quiet, that sharp mind of his ticking over, considering all this, and with Eola's wellbeing settled in part, he could finally put aside the worry and give this his full attention at last. Liriel waited for him to react and from the way his eyes were narrowing, it was clear he didn't like where this was going.

“Come with me,” was all he said, getting up abruptly and walking out of the room. Liriel ran after him, following in his wake as he led her to what turned out to be his study. It was a large Dwemer room dominated by a long table that had clearly once been used for banqueting, but was now taken up by various bits of paperwork, and Madanach's map of the Reach from Druadach Redoubt. Next to it was a map of Skyrim, all the major towns, cities and forts marked on it. Madanach indicated the big map.

“Show me where these attacks are taking place.” He handed her a few blue flag pins to mark them off with, and Liriel tried to recall what Rikke had told her. One just south of Rorikstead, one near Gjukar's Monument, another just north of Lake Ilinalta, by the dragon mound. Madanach hissed as she finished, nudging a few silver flags near the ones she'd marked.

“Not good?” she asked. Madanach shook his head.

“No. All those locations are within easy striking distance of our border camps – Bleakwind doesn't really have the troops, but Serpent's Bluff does. Then there's this one.” He tweaked the one furthest east, not far from the red flag indicating Fort Sungard. “Lost Valley Redoubt. You remember I said there were four factions in the Forsworn? Keirine headed one, Drascua another. Mireen was the third. All three of those we either had in the first place or you took care of for me. Not so the fourth.”

“Matriarch Sharreela of Lost Valley,” said Liriel, meeting his eyes and feeling a little bit satisfied to already be in the loop. “I know, Argis told me. He thought it might be her.”

“He's a smart boy,” Madanach nodded. “She'd fallen into disfavour with the other Hags after she lost Broken Tower, she'd lost a serious amount of face with them. I didn't think she really had the strength to take me on and she'd seemed keen enough to fall in with the new uprising. I didn't exactly trust her, but I'd no reason to think her disloyal either. Not until now.”

“What are you going to do?” Liriel asked. No doubt about it, this could spell trouble if not nipped in the bud fast.

“I don't know,” Madanach said, worried, and that didn't bode well, Madanach not having a plan. “I need information, I can't just attack Lost Valley without solid evidence they've turned traitor. I'd rather not attack it at all, it's built into one of those old Nord ruins – near impregnable from the ground.”

“But open to the sky,” said Liriel thoughtfully. Madanach confirmed this was so, before he reached the same conclusion she did.

“My goodness, Liriel, are you suggesting we get a dragon to set the entire place on fire for us? That would be most unfortunate for them and helpful for us, I must say. If only we knew someone who might be able to arrange something like that.”

He met her eyes, and Liriel couldn't help but giggle, and he was grinning back, and suddenly Liriel remembered just why she loved this man.

“They don't stand a chance, do they?” Liriel laughed, already looking forward to it.

“Not when I catch up with them, no, but first I do need proof she's actually turned on me.” Madanach strode for the corridor, flagging down one of the guards. “Get Nepos and Uraccen out of bed, I need to see them both. Yes, now. What do you mean Uraccen's got company tonight? I don't care if he's entertaining Queen Barenziah herself in there, get him out of bed and in here.” The guards disappeared off to find Madanach's commanders, and he turned back to Liriel.

“Cariad, this may go on a little late, but you don't need to be here for this bit. I just need to go over all recent reports and communications from Lost Valley and Serpent's Bluff, check for anomalies. I'll join you later, yes?”

Liriel assented and went to kiss him goodnight, a kiss which turned steamier than Liriel had expected. Apparently giving Madanach a problem to fixate on that he could actually deal with worked wonders for his sex drive. If only there was time tonight.

“Don't stay up too late,” she whispered. Madanach kissed her cheek and laughed.

“We'll see. Go on, go, Uraccen won't be pleased at me interrupting his fun if he finds you all over me when he gets here.”

He was unlikely to be pleased anyway, but Liriel could see how her presence might make it worse. Retreating to Madanach's bedroom, she left him to it, already mentally drafting a report to Rikke. It's not him. He's taking it seriously at last. My Reachman will deal with it, General, that is a promise.

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

Liriel was half asleep when Madanach finally did come to bed. She felt him crawl into the bed alongside her, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her on the cheek. She smiled sleepily as he followed it up with a nip to her ear (he was obsessed with the ears, forever teasing the points – it was a good thing she liked it really) then let her go and burrowed into the pillows. She drifted off to sleep soon after.

She woke up to Madanach's arms around her again, just stroking her skin and watching her.

“What time is it?” she whispered.

“About eight o'clock,” he murmured. “I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful.”

“I felt it,” Liriel whispered, rolling over and putting her arms around him. “This bed is so comfortable.”

“The perks of being king,” Madanach told her, kissing the tip of her nose and making her giggle. “Now, did you want breakfast or did you perhaps want to stay in bed a little longer?”

Now that was a tempting offer. On the other hand, Cicero was loose in the Keep somewhere and Liriel wasn't sure it was wise to leave him alone for long. Not to mention she needed to see how Eola was doing.

“I should probably get up,” Liriel told him, sitting up and reaching for her Shrouded Armour. “We've both got things to do. Did you find anything last night?”

“No,” said Madanach, but he didn't look frustrated, which was odd if things really had been fruitless. “All the reports are in perfect order, all giving the impression all is well and there's no problems anywhere.”

“But?” Liriel asked, sensing there was more to this.

“Exactly, they're too perfect,” said Madanach, eyes narrowed. “No mention of these alleged attacks, no talk of bandits, which given that some sort of incident is occurring, is worrying. I don't pay them to decide what's a threat and what isn't, I pay them to send me all the information and I'll decide. That all this has been occurring within range of their scouts and not a whisper in any of the official reports – I don't like it.”

Liriel didn't like it either when he put it like that. Past time to do a little scouting of her own, it seemed.

“What are you going to do?” Liriel asked quietly.

“I don't know yet,” said Madanach, reaching for his clothes. “But give me time. I'll think of something.” His eyes darkened and his face fell as he contemplated what else lay ahead of him that day. “In the mean time, I should go see if Eola's awake. You should come. She'll be pleased to see you, she's missed you. Yes, she – she'll be pleased.” Madanach got up abruptly, making for the door and Liriel followed after, feeling a little nervous herself. She had no idea what state Eola would be in or what awaited them. Whatever happened, this conversation would be rough on all of them.

It was with some surprise then that Liriel followed Madanach to Eola's room only to find the guards absent. Madanach stopped dead in the corridor.

“What in the name of... where are they? There's meant to be guards on here at all times! Eola, oh gods, Eola!!” He ran to the door, flinging it open... and the bed was neatly made, the room immaculate, Eola nowhere in sight.

“She's not here,” Madanach breathed, going pale. “Sweet gods.” He fled the room, racing down the corridor. “Nepos! NEPOS!!!”

Nepos materialised at the end of the corridor, looking reprovingly at Madanach.

“Yes, Madanach, I'm here. Is it really necessary to shout?”

“Yes, it's necessary!” Madanach shouted at him. “Where in Sithis' name is my daughter?”

Nepos sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. “Come with me, and for the love of Anu, do try to get a grip. We can't have everyone thinking you've completely lost it.”

“I could have you executed, you know,” Madanach grumbled, following in Nepos' wake.

“So you could and you've been saying that for over thirty years and have yet to do it. I'll rest easy a while longer,” said Nepos calmly as he made his way out to the central court area. He stepped out of the way, motioning for Madanach and Liriel to make their way out, and to Liriel's surprise, she could hear Eola, sounding exactly as she used to.

“Hogni, you are an absolute sweetheart, thank you so much!”

“Well, you know, I had some special meat come in and thought it should go to a special princess,” said Hogni, sounding a little embarrassed. “Bloody and rare, just how you like it.”

“You know me too well,” Eola purred, smiling up at him as she took another bite of the steak he'd brought her, sighing in delight as she swallowed the pieces down. “Hogni, you bring me regular deliveries like this, you can be my blood-brother when I'm queen.”

“That's too kind of you,” Hogni said, definitely blushing now, and Madanach was just staring in amazement.

“She's up,” he whispered. “Dressed, in that old studded armour of hers, as if I've not got her a whole wardrobe of things to wear, but still dressed and out of bed, day two of her time and she's fine, look at her!” He looked absolutely transfixed, smile starting to spread across his face as he watched Hogni take his leave and Eola tucking in to her steak. Next to her was Cicero in his motley, eyes not leaving the meat for a second.

“Sister,” he whined, tugging at her arm. “Sister, I'm hungry...”

“Did you want some, Cicero?” Eola sighed, carving off a bit for him. Liriel put a hand to her mouth, not sure she wanted to see this, but on the other hand, at least Cicero had to have guessed that was probably not beef or venison she was eating. He nodded enthusiastically, opening his mouth wide for Eola to feed him, taking the meat off her fork and swallowing it down, looking worryingly cheerful about the whole thing. He wiped his mouth delicately with a napkin and folded his hands on the table, smiling at Eola with genuine affection and happiness in his eyes. Eola stopped chewing and looked back at him.

“What?” she asked, grin on her own face. “Something in my hair?”

“No, no,” Cicero said softly. “Cicero just likes looking at you. Cicero did not think he would ever know another like him.”

Eola put her fork down, smile widening and her whole expression softening.

“Same here,” she said quietly, reaching for his hand. Cicero took hers and lifted it to his lips, and that was when Liriel realised Madanach's face had turned from joyous amazement to incensed rage, lightning crackling at his fingers.

“Madanach, don't you even dare!” Liriel cried, voice ringing out, and as one, Cicero and Eola looked up, faces frozen in identical looks of horror.

“Oh this is not happening,” Eola whispered, looking absolutely mortified. Cicero just meeped before diving under the table, taking cover under solid Dwemer stonework that looked like it could stand up to even Madanach's magic.

“WHAT IN THE NAME OF SITHIS IS GOING ON HERE???” Madanach roared. Cicero howled in terror, cowering under the table. “I DID NOT MAKE YOU BLOOD-BROTHER SO YOU COULD SEDUCE MY LITTLE GIRL!!”

“He did not seduce me!” Eola cried. “I'm quite capable of making my own decisions!”

“You've been bed-ridden all week!” Madanach snapped at her. Eola slammed down her cutlery and got to her feet, moving with all the predatory grace Liriel remembered.

“I'm feeling better,” Eola growled. “Healthy and strong and fed, and if I decide I want a man in my bed, that is my business and no one else's, father!”

“One of my blood-brothers steals into my little girl's bedroom, I'd say it's entirely my business!” Madanach shouted, bearing down on her. He still had the spells armed and while Liriel didn't think he'd used them, not on Eola anyway, she drew closer, poised to intervene if she had to. Eola was standing her ground, glaring back, her own magicka flaring in response and Liriel realised that it wasn't far off Madanach's own in intensity.

“I am not a little girl!” Eola announced, drawing herself up to her full height and shaking her hair back. “I'm twenty five years old!”

“You're in a vulnerable and delicate mental state!” Madanach shouted back.

“I'm not delicate!” Eola yelled. “Or fragile, or vulnerable, or anything like that! I'm a Forsworn-trained nightblade, priestess of Sithis, Winterhold-trained mage and as fearless and capable as you are! I can decide for myself who I'm going to love!”

“Love??” Madanach seethed. “Eola, he was having an affair with your sister!” By now the entire court had fallen silent, all gathering around to watch what had to be the single most interesting turn in Madanach and Eola's complicated relationship.

“I know!” Eola shouted. “But Kaie is dead, Da! She's not coming back! Her dance is over! Damned if I'm turning my back on someone I love just because my sister took a shine to him once!”

Cicero had peeped out from under the table, blinking as if he wasn't sure he'd heard that correctly. Eola ignored him, eyes not leaving her father. She had her hands on her hips, clearly in no mood to back down, no mean feat considering most people faced with an angry Madanach usually ran or prostrated themselves in terror.

Madanach looked no less grim, but the anger at least had subsided. He lowered his hands, spells flickering out of existence.

“How long,” he said quietly. “How long has this been going on, Eola?”

Eola did look away then, folding her arms and looking defensive.

“I always liked him. Ever since I first met him at Falkreath, after he killed Astrid. But nothing happened, Da. He didn't even seem interested at first. Then later, a little – but he still mostly avoided me. Before the battle of Windhelm, we finally talked it over but I could see he was still pining over Kaie so told him to go after her. Then she got herself killed and...” Eola took a deep breath before continuing. “Cicero and I mourned together, but nothing happened between us. I knew I'd have to come here by then, didn't think it'd ever go anywhere with him so I just said goodbye and left. Didn't see him again until last night, and that's the first time we've been together, I swear it, Da. He didn't cheat on Kaie, I promise. Not unless cuddling is cheating, and he cuddles everyone.”

Madanach said nothing, but something in his stance had softened just slightly, and Liriel had a feeling that maybe, just maybe, he was going to relent.

“Liriel,” said Madanach thoughtfully. “You said Cicero wasn't always... like he is. That he was more normal once, until he ended up alone for a decade.”

Liriel confirmed this was so. “Why do you ask?”

“So... it's a response to events and not inborn then? It's not hereditary?”

“I don't think so,” said Liriel, beginning to smile as she realised where Madanach was going with this. So did Eola, because she was looking up, astonished.

“Da? What are you saying?”

“It's too soon for either of you to be getting married,” Madanach growled. “Mourn Kaie properly first, both of you. She deserves no less. However, seeing as he's managed to make you smile for the first time in weeks, I suppose I can permit some form of courtship for now. But no getting engaged for at least six months, and no wedding in the next year, understand?”

Eola stared at her father, hardly able to believe her ears.

“You... you mean it?” she gasped. “You don't mind?”

“Of course I mind, the man's a gibbering halfwit,” Madanach growled. “But if he makes you happy, I suppose I'll have to live with it, won't I?”

Next thing Liriel knew, Eola had flung her arms around her father, clinging on to him tightly, head resting on his chest.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I love you, Da.”

“I love you too,” Madanach said roughly, kissing her forehead and hugging her back. “Cariad, you should have told me. If I'd known you were unhappy because you missed your lover, I'd have sent for him weeks ago.”

“Didn't think you'd approve,” Eola said. “And you nearly threw lightning at him when you saw us, so I wasn't wrong, was I?”

“No,” Madanach admitted. “But if he makes you happy... he does make you happy, doesn't he?”

“He does,” Eola reassured him, smiling. “Very much.”

“Good,” Madanach growled, giving Eola another kiss on the forehead. “He'd better.” He turned to where Cicero was crawling out from under the table, looking hopeful. “And as for you, Garra-Lann. If you mistreat, abuse, cheat on or treat my daughter with anything less than the greatest of respect, you had better run and hide because not even Liriel will be able to save you from my wrath. Do we understand each other?”

“Yes sir,” Cicero gasped. “Cicero would never permit any harm to come to sweet Eola, sir. Cicero is a good boy! Cicero loves his sweet sister!”

“I'm glad to hear it. Make sure it stays that way.” Madanach turned and made his way over to where Liriel was waiting for him with a proud smile and a hug which turned into a kiss as passionate as any Cicero and Eola had shared.

“Look at him,” Eola sighed, shaking her head. “Has a go at me for having someone then starts copping a feel of the Listener. Fathers are such hypocrites.”

“Cicero wouldn't know, he never had one,” Cicero said, finally emerging from beneath the table and getting to his feet. He glanced shyly up at Eola, peeping at her from under his eyelashes. “Eola meant it? Eola is in love with sweet Cicero?”

Eola hesitated, then nodded.

“Yeah,” she admitted. “You're adorable and sweet and patient and funny and you're a true-born killer like me. You get me. You understand my... needs. I'd given up hope of finding someone who actually understood and didn't find me intimidating. A lot of people do. I can't think why.”

Cicero, having seen her tear into a man's liver with her teeth before now, could think exactly why, but wisely said nothing. Instead he just took Eola into his arms and held her close.

“Cicero loves you too, sweetling,” he murmured. “Cicero was worried. Cicero missed you. Cicero is glad you're happy again.”

“So am I,” Eola said, forehead resting against Cicero's. “I really missed you. Thank you. For everything.”

Cicero just giggled and kissed her again, tasting blood on her lips still and that made him want to kiss her even more. Really, he should have taken her to bed ages ago, but then again, that might have made Madanach reconsider throwing lightning at him and Cicero would rather not be on the receiving end of that.

“Come on,” said Eola softly. “Let's go see Liriel. I need to thank her for turning up when she did. I think you and her between you just saved my life.”

Quite possibly – Eola still looked far too skinny, but at least she wasn't so pale now. Never mind. She was Cicero's now. Cicero would take care of her. Cicero would love her and feed her and tend to her, and if there eventually did turn out to be giggling red-haired grandchildren in the House of Madanach after all, Cicero would tend to them too and teach them to sneak and stab and follow the Tenets and serve the Listener and love the Night Mother. Yes, yes, grandchildren for Mother! Perhaps, perhaps. All things in time. He followed Eola to where sweet Listener Liriel was still cuddling the Reach-King. About the only way today could go any better was if he got the chance to stab someone. Never mind. If he was patient and very good and hung around Madanach long enough, it was just possible he might get the chance.

~~~~~~~~

A/N: Cicero and Eola are very sweet together, aren't they? For a Daedra-worshipping cannibal and a giggling lunatic whose number one hobby is stabbing people, anyway.

Madanach as crazy overprotective father is a lot of fun to write too. He's probably one of the few people out there capable of successfully intimidating Cicero.

Next chapter, Madanach gets the proof he needs but not in the way he'd have liked, and it's time for Eola to finally really show what she's made of.

Ariella was led to Aela’s room and sat down.

“Wait here.” Aela said before leaving for a short moment. Ariella sat there awkwardly wondering what was happening.

When the door open Aela and Farkas came in followed by Skjor and Kodlak.

“We were going to wait until after the celebrations.” Kodlak said, sitting on a chair, joints popping as he sat. “However, some people-”

“Yes, yes patience of a child I know.” Aela said with a laugh. Farkas handed her a large wrapped package, which Aela handed to Ariella. Ariella cocked a brow and slowly unwrapped the package.

Inside the leathers was a brand new bow with metal tips and the names of all the Circle members carved into the wood. “It can replace the bow you broke in the Cairn.” Aela said with a smile.

The craftsman ship was fine and Ariella was sure Eorlund must have made it.

“Yeah enough with that. Mine now.” Farkas pushed his gift onto Ariella’s lap. She knew what it was before even unwrapping it.

When she did unwrap it she saw a fine steel sword.

“Skyforge steel, only the best.” Farkas commented. Ariella thought that would be all but soon Skjor placed a small satchel on her lap.

“The old man and I noticed you’ve been writing in that scrappy journal with charcoal.” He commented. Inside the satchel was a fine leather journal with a quill and ink.

“Thanks.” Ariella said to them, even though she wasn’t sure why they had given her anything. She had spoken with both of them at length before but she didn’t think she knew them well enough to deserve this.

“So why couldn’t the other whelps see?” Ariella pondered as she put the journal, quill and ink back in the satchel.

“They didn’t get gifts when they joined, but we like you.” Ariella laughed a bit and then a bit more when she realised Farkas was being deadly serious. “You’ve done more for the companions than you know, Shield-sister.”

Ariella blushed under Farkas’ praise, though she didn’t really understand it.

“We better go help Tilma, Farkas you coming?” Aela announced. Farkas grumbled in reply and followed. Aela stopped in the door and turned, “Skjor?” The older man followed her out as well. Ariella briefly wondered where Vilkas had gone off to and then faced the old Harbinger who looked like he wanted to speak.

“Is everything alright, Kodlak?”

“Hmm? Yes, just thinking. Forgive and old man and his age.”

“Um, can I ask you something?” The Harbinger nodded and they made their way out of the Huntress’ room. “What did Farkas mean?”

“Ah.” He chuckled, “You’ve brought peace among the Companions.”

“Peace?”

“Yes. This lot were at each others throats constantly and then you came along.” Ariella was more confused. “You’ll understand some day.”

She nodded and left for the whelp room to put away her new things.

Ariella had been sitting in the courtyard for a while now. Vilkas could see she was clearing in thought. She had been staring at the ground tracing senseless patterns with her fingers.

She had been doing that when Vilkas went downstairs to talk with Kodlak and was still doing it now even though a few hours had passed.

Vilkas sat down opposite of her putting a tray down.

“What’s this?” She asked a smile forming on her face.

“You’re an initiated Companion now and initiated Companions get war paint.” She cocked an eyebrow at him and peered at the assortment of jars he had beside him. “What colour do you want?”

“Surprise me.” She held her face out for him, eyes closed. A small smile was on her lips, Vilkas was glad she at least seemed to be in a better mood.

He decided on a blue and gently held her face with one hand while he painted her face with the other.

“It tickles.” Ariella said with a smile as Vilkas coated one of her eyes. Vilkas just laughed and continued his work. A line trailing down her cheek and Vilkas had to tilt her chin up to continue the line onto her neck.

The process was taking longer than it needed to but Vilkas didn’t mind, Ariella didn’t seem to mind either. As Vilkas had just finished her other eye he noticed the sun was setting which meant the celebration would begin soon.

Vilkas was finishing off the last line as the sun was only just peaking over the horizon. His hand didn’t leave Ariella’s face though.

Her lips were parted slightly and Vilkas wanted to capture them with his own. His hand slid into her hair going from holding her face steady to something else. Ariella’s breath hitched but she didn’t pull away.

Vilkas leaned forward and just as he was inches away from her face one of the doors of Jorrvaskr opened.

“Brother, come inside the- Oh.” Farkas called. Vilkas sighed and moved away from Ariella who opened her eyes and sighed as well.

“We’d better go inside it seems.” Vilkas said. Ariella nodded and helped Vilkas pack up the warpaints.

Well, I was wondering where this fail of a post ended up.
If a wonderful mod could delete it, that'd be great.
It's posted where it should be anyways......

Thanks :)

nooooo! farkas! I can not believe! ahahaha! these chapters were super! I really like how you are sending out the story! oh yes! I like how vilkas paints the face of ariella! was an intimate scene! oh gods

I just found this little morsel and I spent most of the day working my way through it. So worth it. I can't wait for more :)

I’m so happy to see this completed, because this anon doesn’t like to read anything before that. And the only thing that I can say after reading the whole thing is that the wait was totally worth it!

This was really fantastic. So kudos A!A for the great job; I really hope that you write more in the future and if it’s anything with this two the better. ;)

A!A here. Would love to write these two some more. :9 Honestly had some ideas brewing for followups if people had wanted. Didn't expect to get attached to them but hey, it was a fun experience!

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