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skyrimkinkmeme) wrote2011-10-29 12:36 pm
skyrimkinkmeme) wrote2011-10-29 12:36 pm
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
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.2
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)“Not terribly humble in that get up,” Brynjolf said, looking her over. “That gear's rather nice, and as for that glowing sword...” He actually whistled. “Nice piece of kit you've got there, lass.”
“Quite,” said Elisif tersely. “But it's the only gear I have so it stays.”
“Oh, I wasn't suggesting you give it up,” Brynjolf said, looking thoughtful. “Only it's likely to attract attention if you walk around populated areas.”
“What, like thieves, you mean?” Aela said, remembering where she'd seen armour like Brynjolf's before.
“It's not the thieves that bother me,” Elisif said, shivering as she remembered that Argonian assassin.
“Nor should it be,” said Delphine, calling them all to attention again. “We've all got bigger problems than petty thieving to worry about. Aela, welcome back. Good to have you back with us. Is your presence likely to be temporary or permanent?”
Aela leaned forward, resting her hands on the table opposite Delphine. “Let's just say I think Elisif is going to need my help for a while longer, and I'm not sure I want to leave her alone with these two strangers when I don't know who they are.”
“In that case, we're glad to have you aboard,” said Delphine, lips quirking in a smile. While it was clear she didn't entirely approve of Aela's reasoning, it was also clear they needed all the help they could get. “Brynjolf, Esbern, this is Aela the Huntress, one of the Companions. I've already introduced Brynjolf, but Esbern here is an old friend of mine from... from before. He's the greatest dragonlore expert the Blades had and he's who the Thalmor were trying to find. Fortunately we got to him first. Esbern... this is Elisif. The Dragonborn.”
“The Dragonborn,” Esbern breathed, stepping forward into the light so Elisif could see him clearly for the first time. Nord, like her, must be in his sixties if not older, clearly having had a rough life if the state of his clothes was anything to go by. He must have been on the run from the Thalmor too. Elisif felt a wave of sympathy for the man. Not easy being on the run for anyone, but at his time of life, he deserved better.
“Is it true, what Delphine says? You can really Shout? Really take a dragon's soul?” Esbern was gazing at her in awe, as if she was the answer to his prayers. Elisif nodded, smiling herself at the genuine delight on his face.
“It's true. I really can,” Elisif promised. “If we run into a dragon, I'll show you although I hope we don't.”
“I hope so too, although I fear it will be otherwise,” Esbern sighed. “But never mind that, you're Dragonborn! This is marvellous news! The world isn't doomed! There is hope! Young lady, you can't even begin to understand what this means for us all.”
“Here we go,” Delphine sighed, rolling her eyes. “Elisif, you'll have to bear with him, he's a little... well, he's got some odd ideas, that's all.”
“You won't be quite so flippant when I'm proved right, and so far I have been,” Esbern said, reaching into his pack for some books. “Here, the prophecy in the Book of the Dragonborn. Once something all Blades knew by heart, although in recent years it appears most of them have been pre-occupied with other matters.” This was followed by a pointed glare at Delphine, and Elisif decided she liked this Esbern. She sidled over, looking over his shoulder at the prophecy he indicated.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.3
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)When the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped
When the thrice-blessed fail and the Red Tower trembles
When the Dragonborn Ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls
When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding
The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn.”
Esbern stood back after reading it out, indicating the words. “It's all come true, you know. The Imperial Simulacrum, the Warp in the West, the fall of the Tribunal and the Red Year, the Oblivion Crisis, the fall of the Imperial City and... well, the last two lines speak for themselves.”
When the Snow Tower lay sundered, kingless and bleeding. Skyrim, ripped apart by civil war and with no king. Ulfric had a lot to answer for, she knew that... but the return of the World-Eater?
“Wait, Alduin the World-Eater?” Elisif gasped. “The dragon that will eat the world at the end of time??” She felt her knees tremble as she saw Esbern nod, entirely serious. “He's real?” she gasped.
“Oh yes, quite real,” Esbern confirmed. “If my suspicions are correct, it was him who tore Helgen apart and has been raising the others.”
Elisif remembered the black dragon that had been at that dragon mound near Dawnstar and felt sick to the stomach. Alduin the World-Eater, real and here, working to bring about the end of the world, and what was worse... it seemed she was the only one who could stop it.
“I have to kill Alduin or the world's doomed,” she whispered, horrified. Esbern nodded sadly.
“I'm afraid so. But Delphine and I are Blades, sworn to the service of the Dragonborn and we'll help you any way we can. Won't we, Delphine?”
“Absolutely,” Delphine promised, smiling for once, and for once, Elisif actually thought it might just be genuine. It was only Brynjolf looking nervous.
“Hey now, I didn't sign on for killing dragons, lass,” he protested. Delphine shot him a sly grin, raising an eyebrow.
“Why not, you're a killer shot with a bow, Bryn,” she laughed. “But don't worry, it's not all dragonslaying and providing bodyguard services to the Dragonborn. There's always been a covert ops side of things too. I'm sure we'll need your skills for that.”
“I'm all right with dragonslaying and guarding the Dragonborn,” said Aela, placing a hand on Elisif's shoulder. Elisif squeezed it, feeling reassured already.
“Thank you,” Elisif whispered. “I don't know what to say.”
“Maybe you should perhaps wait until you've heard what else Esbern has to say before passing judgement,” Delphine told her. “Esbern, tell her what you told me earlier.”
“Mmm? Oh! Yes, quite. Well, much of the ancient Akaviri dragonlore of the Blades was lost when the Thalmor sacked Cloud Ruler Temple, but I was able to save a few things. In particular, I kept this.” He placed a book on the table called Annals of the Dragonguard.
“What is it?” Elisif whispered. She'd vaguely heard of the Dragonguard but didn't know if their records would be any good. They'd never fought the World-Eater, after all.
“The records of our Akaviri predecessors, from back in the First Era,” Esbern told her. “The Skyrim Dragonguard had a great temple in the Reach, Sky Haven Temple – look, here it is on the map.”
“I know where that is,” Delphine said thoughtfully. “That's the Karthspire mountain, on a big island in the middle of the Karth river.”
“I know it too,” said Aela grimly. “It's the home of one of the bigger Forsworn camps. We had to retrieve a stolen heirloom from there last year, the place is tough. Farkas barely made it out alive, and we'd already lost a younger recruit on that job previously. They've got a Hagraven, Delphine, and she's tough even by Hagraven standards.”
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.4
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)“Why do we need to go to Sky Haven Temple?” she asked, wondering if there was a better option available. Yes it was a secure base from the sounds of it, but surely there were other options?
Esbern flicked the book open and tapped another paragraph.
“Because it's the home of Alduin's Wall,” Esbern said, looking triumphantly at them all as if that was supposed to mean something to them. He was to be disappointed.
“You mean you've not heard of Alduin's Wall? Any of you?”
Blank looks on all faces, but it was Delphine who answered.
“Let's say we haven't,” she said delicately. “What's Alduin's Wall and how does it help us with the dragons?”
“It's a great work of art, a legendary example of ancient Akaviri stonework – really, I'm surprised none of you have heard of it...”
“Esbern,” Delphine sighed. “Please. The point?”
“The point? Right, yes, of course, I'm coming to that,” said Esbern, recollecting himself. “The point is, Alduin's Wall is where the ancient Akaviri set down in stone all their accumulated dragon lore, including the defeat of Alduin himself at the end of the Dragon War. If we can find Alduin's Wall, it may tell us how they did it and we can use the same methods they did.”
A slim chance, Elisif knew, but it was better than nothing. There were five of them after all, and what were a few Forsworn compared to the end of the world? She nodded assent at Delphine.
“Sky Haven Temple it is then,” Delphine said, taking the book and gathering her things. “Come on, let's get going. We've got no time to lose.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a bit of discussion, they decided to take the long way to the Reach – south through Falkreath and along Lake Ilinalta before bearing north then west along the south road into the Reach. Delphine felt it best to avoid Whiterun and that five of them travelling together would attract attention, so the less populated Falkreath route would be better. Elisif agreed, although not for the same reasons. The Dark Brotherhood would never think to look for her in an out of the way place like Falkreath, surely?
They reached the famous Guardian Stones about an hour out of Riverwood.
“They say those favoured by the gods can change their fate if they pray at a Guardian Stone,” Aela explained as she patted the Warrior Stone. “I'm not sure if that's true, but I used to come out here to make offerings all the time. Who knows if it worked.”
“I left some septims for the Thief Stone first time I came out this way,” said Brynjolf, stroking the Thief Stone fondly. “I don't know if it worked or not, but I'm not dead yet so that's something, right?”
Thieving. Elisif knew it. Brynjolf was far too silver-tongued for his own good and certainly anyone else's. Still, he'd got the information they'd needed from the Thalmor and helped Delphine rescue Esbern, so he couldn't be all bad. All the same, she really couldn't condone thieving.
She could use all the help she could get though. So she patted the Warrior Stone, hoping for some of it to rub off.
“Help,” she whispered. “I need to kill Alduin the World-Eater or everyone dies, both here and in the afterlife and oh god, Torygg's in Sovngarde, I don't want Alduin to eat him! So please help because I'm not sure I can do this on my own.”
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.5
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)“Oh,” she whispered, letting the Stone go. “Oh!” She turned to where the others were watching, a mix of surprise and pleasure on their faces. “What just happened?”
“Looks like someone's favoured by the gods,” Delphine remarked, sounding a little sarcastic, but she was smiling. “Come on, let's get going. All very well getting the blessing of the Guardian Stones but power's no good if you never use it.”
So they journeyed on, and along the way Elisif found herself getting braver. First the troll, and Elisif Shouted it down, sprinting after it and finishing it off with Dawnbreaker, with mage fire from Esbern and arrows from Aela, Delphine and Brynjolf in support. Then the wolves, and with a little help from Elemental Fury, Elisif was carving through them too. The necromancer and Atronach were a little trickier and while his fire magic sent her staggering back, Delphine charged in, her magic resistance protecting her. Elisif tried sending a few arrows the mage's way and to her surprise, some of them were even on target.
The skeletons near the junction with the road to Falkreath itself were easy prey – one strike from Dawnbreaker felled one and the fiery explosion from the death saw the other one off.
“I'm getting better at this!” Elisif called, actually starting to feel rather cheerful about how things were going.
“You weren't bad at it before!” Aela called back, grinning. Brynjolf also looked pleased, as did Esbern and Delphine... was that actual approval on the woman's face?
“You've got a way to go before you're facing down Alduin,” said Delphine, sounding only a little critical. “But you're learning.”
Elisif sheathed Dawnbreaker, feeling rather pleased with herself. Probably as close to a compliment as she was likely to get out of Delphine. She leapt off the rock, rejoining the rest of them on the road, and then her blood chilled as they all heard it, a sound out of nightmares. The howl of a savage beast.
“What was that?” Elisif whispered.
“I don't know but it's coming this way,” Delphine replied, drawing her katana.
“I know what it is,” Aela said grimly, raising her bow. “It's a -”
“HEEEELP!!!! WEREWOLF!!!!”
A flash of red as someone sprinted up from Falkreath, hair and clothes streaming behind him, a shrieking red blur that ran up and crashed straight into Elisif.
“Werewolf?” Elisif gasped. “Where? And why... hey! I remember you! You were the man with the wagon!”
“Yes!” Cicero squealed as he grabbed her shoulders, eyes shining in delight. “Cicero remembers pretty Maia! Kind Maia! Sweet and generous Maia who helped poor Cicero!” His smile faded as he stared desperately up at her. “Could sweet and heavily armed Maia and her dangerous-looking friends help poor Cicero again? Please?”
“I -,” Elisif began, but she didn't have time to answer. The werewolf that was chasing Cicero had emerged into view and would be on them in seconds. Cicero shrieked and dived into the undergrowth. Heart in her mouth, Elisif raised her weapons. The huge werewolf hadn't shown any signs of stopping... at least not until Aela fired at it.
“I know you,” Aela growled. “Time for an end to this!”
The werewolf staggered to one side, lifting its head and letting out a ferocious roar as it saw Aela standing there, and reared on its hind legs, preparing to turn on her. Elisif saw, felt her heart stop and then the world slowed down as something propelled her into action.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.6
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)Said poor Cicero had crept out of his hiding place, scurrying over and crouching hesitantly next to her. He'd tilted his head, face pale, eyes wide and a nervous little smile on his face.
“Maia!” Cicero squeaked, cheeks flushing pink. “You saved me!” Without warning, he launched himself on to her, flinging his arms around her as he cuddled her tight, head resting on her shoulder. Which was all very lovely but didn't explain why he was here
“Cicero!” Elisif gasped, patting him awkwardly on the back. “Are you all right? What are you doing out here, did you bury your mother? Why was that werewolf chasing you?”
Cicero hesitated, letting her go and sitting back on his heels.
“Cicero brought his mother to her new crypt, yes,” he said softly, turning oddly serious. “Cicero has... laid her to rest. But Cicero didn't know what to do next so he waited, hoping for a sign. But no sign ever came.” He sighed, expression halfway between a pout and a scowl. “No sign from the gods for poor Cicero, no Words to comfort him in his hour of need, no. Is it any wonder Cicero became angry? That he lost his temper? That he became enraged after some filthy pretender mocked and slandered his poor deceased mother?” His eyes slid to the werewolf's cooling form, Aela and Delphine currently examining it, and Elisif could guess that maybe he'd got in a fight with someone who he'd not realised was a werewolf.
“Who was he?” Elisif asked. “Aela, you said you knew him.”
“That's right,” Aela nodded. “He was a Companion once. We used to hunt together... until his methods got out of hand and we asked him to leave. That was ten, twelve years ago? I didn't know what had happened to him and didn't care to... well, I guess I do now. Odd, I didn't think he lived in Falkreath. I know most of the townsfolk there, and he wasn't one. His name's Arnbjorn.”
Elisif had never heard of him – it was a common enough Nordic name after all. But Brynjolf apparently had, because he'd gone very pale.
“Arnbjorn??” he breathed, horrified. “Sweet Dibella's tits, we just killed Arnbjorn? By the Eight, we need to get out of here. Did anyone see us?”
Delphine looked up sharply. “You know him?” she asked, frowning. Brynjolf nodded, eyes not leaving the dead werewolf.
“Aye – well, not personally. Not very well, and I didn't know he was a werewolf. But if my guess is right... Delphine, he's not an ordinary thief or bandit. He's married to Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood.”
The Dark Brotherhood... Elisif couldn't help but cry out. They'd already tried to kill her once, and now she'd just killed their leader's husband? Things couldn't get any worse. Slowly, she turned to look at Cicero, wondering if he'd known this, and while he looked pale and nervous, he didn't look surprised. He'd known his pursuer was Dark Brotherhood, or at least suspected it.
“They've got a contract out on you as well, haven't they?” Elisif whispered, suppressing a wave of fury at the way they could just go out there killing people, bringing innocent lives to an end without a care for the harm they caused, the damage they did. First she'd had to run for her life, and now poor Cicero, who didn't have any of the resources she did, was being hunted too. He didn't even have armour, just his tattered jester outfit and a dagger. A very nice dagger, to be sure, but just a knife when all was said and done.
Cicero nodded, still looking nervous.
“Cicero offended the wrong people,” Cicero whispered. “Now Astrid wants to kill me! Murder poor, innocent Cicero!”
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.7
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)“They want to kill me too, someone already tried in Solitude,” she told him. “But they haven't got me yet, and when I'm... when I'm ready, I'm going to come back and take them all on, and they won't hurt anyone ever again! But right now, we're going somewhere safe, somewhere they'll never think to look. Why don't you come? We can look after you too.”
“Wait a second,” and that was Delphine, interrupting as usual, and Elisif could cheerfully have throttled her. Why did Delphine always have to act like she was the one in charge? Sure enough, she was sitting across from Elisif, glaring at her again.
“Do you mean to tell me someone took a contract out on you with the Dark Brotherhood?” she demanded.
Elisif nodded. Possibly she should have mentioned this earlier, now she thought about it.
“Why didn't you tell me?” Delphine cried. “Dammit, how am I supposed to protect you if you don't tell me these things?”
“I didn't ask for your protection!” Elisif snapped. Delphine just glared back.
“Tough, I'm sworn to guide and guard you anyway,” Delphine snapped. “And you've got Ulfric Stormcloak after you and now the Dark Brotherhood trying to kill you too – I'd say you need it all right.” She got to her feet, looking around. Esbern was doing likewise, casting some sort of spell.
“No life signs anywhere near, I don't think anyone's seen us,” Esbern said quietly. “But we can't stay here.”
“You're right,” said Delphine. She indicated the body. “Brynjolf, Aela, get this out of here. We're not far from the lake, dump it in there, it'll keep the evidence hidden long enough for us to be far away. And as for you...” She was staring at Cicero, lips pursed, clearly not trusting him in the slightest. Cicero had also got up, looking thoughtfully back at Delphine, faint half-smile on his face.
“Hello,” he purred, suddenly looking a lot less innocent and harmless than he had before. “Cicero doesn't think we've been introduced. Cicero is sure he'd remember you.”
“Hey!” Brynjolf snapped from where he and Aela were manhandling the dead werewolf away. “She's spoken for!”
Delphine shot a glare at Brynjolf that could have chilled lava. “I am not -!” She stopped, possibly seeing the grin on Cicero's face and realising that could be seen as an invitation.
“I am not after companionship,” Delphine growled. “I'm more interested in exactly who you are, where you came from and why you just happened to be here, with the Dark Brotherhood on your tail.”
“Oh, Cicero is just a harmless little fool!” Cicero cooed, pirouetting over to Delphine and leaning up against her, gazing up at her, still grinning. “Just a humble merryman from Cyrodiil, making his own way in the world after his dear Mother passed on. Just poor Cicero, all alone, with no Family left to him.” His grin faded as he pouted up at Delphine. “Cicero's been very lonely, you know.”
Delphine grimaced as she stepped back, pushing him away from her. Elisif felt obliged to intervene at this point. Maybe she wasn't exactly fond of Delphine, but she didn't need Cicero harassing her.
“Cicero, stop bothering her!” Elisif sighed. “Come on, come over here, if you want a cuddle, I can manage that.”
Cicero looked up, laughed softly and shook his head, still smiling but not quite in the same way, looking surprisingly gentle.
“Maia is very pretty but not at all Cicero's type,” he said, sounding actually kind. “But Maia is Cicero's friend, yes?” He bounced back over and stood before her, arms folded as he looked her up and down. Despite being two inches shorter than her, Elisif felt a little intimidated by him. Close up, he was older than he'd seemed at first, probably close to Brynjolf's age, late thirties at least. Not unattractive... but not really Elisif's type either.
“Yes, we're friends,” she said, and while she did genuinely like him, she also felt some primitive instinct telling her she would not want to be his enemy.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.8
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)“Friends,” Elisif confirmed. “Does that mean you're coming with us?”
“Cicero would love to!” Cicero cooed. His face fell as he glanced back down the road, scowling. “Si- Stendarr knows Cicero doesn't have anywhere else to go,” he muttered. Elisif felt her heart go out to him. Poor man. He'd not been well-treated just lately, she could tell. The poor thing just seemed so lonely. Well, maybe he'd be happier with some company.
“I hope you're all right with that,” Elisif said firmly, turning to Delphine. “But I'm not just leaving him on his own for the Dark Brotherhood to kill.”
To her surprise, Delphine just shrugged. “It's preferable to having to kill him as well,” Delphine sighed. “He's seen too much to just let wander around. Fine, bring him. Just keep an eye on him, make sure he behaves himself. And you, Cicero or whatever your name is. Don't cause any trouble, and do what you're told, and there won't be any problems. We're on an important mission, I don't need amateurs getting in the way and messing it up.”
Cicero turned back to Delphine, that crafty smirk back on his face again as he giggled.
“Cicero doesn't mind you giving him orders, oh no,” Cicero purred at her. “You can boss poor Cicero around any day.”
“Talos help me,” Delphine growled, and the glare she was giving Cicero was positively glacial by this point. “Look, jester, just keep your hands to yourself and your thoughts private, am I clear?”
“Perfectly clear!” Cicero chirped, although the grin never left his face. “Cicero is a good boy!”
“Delphine, are you sure-?” Esbern murmured, looking a little concerned himself by this point.
“No, but what choice do I have?” Delphine sighed. By this point, Brynjolf and Aela had returned, Brynjolf scowling to see Cicero was still there and his mood didn't improve on learning Cicero was coming with them.
“Fuck's sake, Del, are you sure I can't bury him in Lake Ilinalta as well?” Brynjolf sighed.
“Bryn,” Delphine sighed. “He's harmless – mostly harmless. And our Dragonborn likes him. We'll keep him unless he becomes a complete liability.”
Brynjolf's expression clearly said he thought Cicero was well past that point already but he said nothing further, just drawing protectively closer to Delphine and glaring at Cicero every time he got near. Elisif watched Cicero scampering about, singing to himself with not a care in the world, and edged closer to Aela.
“Did I do the right thing, bringing him with us?” she whispered. Aela didn't seem at all certain, but at length she nodded.
“I think you did the honourable thing in saving him, and I don't think he's got anywhere else to go,” Aela sighed. “I just hope he doesn't cause trouble for us.”
Elisif hoped not either, but looking at Cicero, she couldn't be terribly sure of that. She'd just have to keep an eye on him and hope for the best.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Despite the unexpected having to hide a body and acquisition of a demented jester, they made good time and nothing else went wrong. Until that is they rounded the corner after Half-Moon Mill, made their way down the hill... and ran straight into the dragon.
“DRAGON!” Cicero shrieked, diving behind Elisif. Well of course he was scared, he'd got barely any weapons or anything.
“Stay with me,” Elisif whispered to him, her own heart pounding. “I'll look after you.”
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.9
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)“Maia,” Cicero whispered, tugging on her arm. “Maia!”
“Cicero, what is it, I'm trying to fight a dragon!” Elisif cried, trying to focus on the scaly beast before it came in for another sweep.
“Maia!” Cicero wailed, tugging at her arm even harder. Mara help her, but unless he'd seen someone sneaking up behind them...
“What??” Elisif snapped at him, feeling a bit guilty for losing her temper, but really, now was not the time for fooling around.
“Cicero knows archery!” Cicero cried. “Lend Cicero your bow, he can hit that dragon!”
Lend him her bow? He really didn't look like the warrior type, but if he said he could shoot... She passed the bow and her supply of steel arrows over. Kyne knew he couldn't miss any more than she was doing.
Cicero shouldered the quiver, and nocked an arrow to the bow. As he raised the weapon, his entire demeanour changed, the foolishness fading as his eyes narrowed, face looking deadly serious as he focused on the dragon, eyes tracking it in flight. He moved along with it, eyes never leaving it, utterly calm, faint smile on his lips... and then he let go. The arrow flew faster than Elisif could see but she could see the dragon seem to fall back as the arrow smacked into its side. The beast recovered quickly and came round for another go, but Cicero had another arrow nocked... and that didn't miss either. Then he broke off, turned and ran down the road, looking over his shoulder at the dragon as he did, pausing to shoot off another arrow, and that didn't miss either, before continuing to the bottom of the hill.
The dragon, enraged beyond all measure by the irritating little joor that kept shooting it, followed, breathing fire at Cicero, who somehow contrived to not be there when flame hit ground. Elisif had to hand it to him, the little fellow was good. Talented archer, agile too – Elisif was beginning to wonder if he really was a jester at all, in fact she was fairly certain by this time he was no such thing. But she didn't have time to speculate. Cicero needed her help.
“VICTORY OR SOVNGARDE!” she howled at the dragon as she ran towards Cicero. The dragon had crashed to the ground, advancing on Cicero, who'd put the bow away and drawn his dagger. Brave, but unlikely to be much help to him against a dragon.
“Get after her!” Elisif vaguely heard Delphine shouting, and Brynjolf and Aela's arrows whistled past, all thudding into the dragon. Elisif had her weapons drawn by this time, ready to dual-wield.
“SU!” she Shouted, and she felt the world slow down as she flung herself into the dance, carving into the dragon's side as she turned and weaved, the Warrior's wisdom showing her what to do, knowledge instinctively coming to her as she attacked. The dragon turned from Cicero to her, growling as its head swung at her... and then it cried in pain as Cicero pounced on to its head, dagger clutched in hand and face twisted in a rage that might have been frightening had Elisif not been too deep in a warrior's trance to notice.
“DIE, DRAGON!” he howled, stabbing into its head and eyes as he crouched on its skull, clutching one of its horns in his free hand and he definitely wasn't a jester, Elisif was positive of that now. But she didn't have time to think about that, not with a dragon to deal with. Arrows and magic were flying everywhere, and Delphine was on its other side with her katana at the ready, doing some damage of her own.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.10
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)Elisif stopped to catch her breath, cleaning her blades off before getting to her feet. The dragon was already smoking, flames crackling up and devouring it from within... and Cicero was still sitting on top of its head, cackling to himself.
“Cicero!” Elisif cried, alarmed. “Cicero, get down from there, it's on fire! You'll be hurt!”
Cicero whooped in delight, but he did leap off the dragon's head, landing cat-like in front of her. Getting to his feet, he danced in front of her, capering about, squealing about how they'd killed a dragon.
“We killed it, we killed it, we did, we did!” He stopped dancing, face inches from her own, wide smile in place. “Pretty Maia stabbed it! With her shiny, shiny sword! You were very good at it. So fast! So much blood! You must be very talented.”
“Oh, there's better warriors than me out there,” Elisif sighed, but the praise was nice. “You weren't bad yourself! You didn't miss once with that bow, and not many would have flung themselves on to a dragon with just a dagger in their hand.”
Cicero just giggled, face flushing bright red as he swayed from side to side.
“Maia is too kind, too kind!” he cooed, eyelashes fluttering, clearly a little embarrassed at the praise. He was pleased though, Elisif could tell, and it was nice watching him be happy. Definitely not her type, but he was rather sweet.
Then the dragon soul boiled out of it, wrapping itself around her and Elisif gasped, bracing herself as the dragon's essence sank into her, her own mind trapping it deep inside until she found another word wall. Elisif shook her head, opening her eyes to see a dragon skeleton and her companions all looking on with various degrees of satisfaction and surprise. Pride from Aela, satisfaction from Delphine, absolute delight from Esbern, amazement tinged with worry from Brynjolf and from Cicero, utter shock.
“But you.. you just...” He gestured at the dragon, staring at its skeleton then back to her, waving his hands frantically. “You ate it!” he breathed, sounding awestruck. “You ate a dragon!”
“Oh. Well, yes,” Elisif admitted, feeling herself blush. “I, er, took its soul. That's what happens when I fight one. It's a bit frightening to watch, I know, but don't worry, it doesn't hurt and isn't anything to worry about, really...”
“You took its soul...” Cicero breathed, before chuckling once, then twice, then he'd broken down into howling, hysterical laughter.
“Oh but that is ridiculous, ridiculous!” Cicero howled, slapping his thigh. “Maia surely hasn't done that. Because that would make her Dragonborn, like in the stories, and Maia isn't Dragonborn, the Dragonborn's Jarl Elisif, and there surely aren't two. And you can't be Jarl Elisif, because Jarl Elisif lives in a big palace in Solitude...” His voice trailed off as he looked up, probably remembering Elisif telling him she'd been in Solitude not long ago.
“Your name is not really Maia, is it,” he said, and his expression was completely unreadable, but Elisif could see Brynjolf circling behind him with dagger in hand and felt Aela move closer.
“No,” Elisif admitted. “I'm sorry, Cicero. I'm Elisif, Jarl of Solitude, and I'm Dragonborn, like in all the stories. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but I've got enemies and I don't know who to trust.”
Cicero had a hand over his mouth, eyes bright and then he was squealing again, face bright pink as he capered about before staring at her, fascinated.
“Cicero never met a Jarl before!” he gasped. “Not close up anyway. Er. What is Cicero meant to call you? You have to forgive humble Cicero, he is just a lowborn simpleton with no idea about protocol or etiquette or anything. He hopes he's done nothing improper.” This last was followed by a nervous giggle and Elisif bit her lip before she burst out laughing herself. Really, the last thing she felt like right now was a Jarl.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.11
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)“No, no, Cicero understands,” Cicero purred. “Cicero can quite see pretty Elisif not wanting anyone to know who she is. Cicero knows she has... enemies.” His face grew serious, brooding look in his eyes as he stepped back, staring solemnly at her as he scratched his cheek.
“Pretty Elisif has enemies,” he repeated. “The Dark Brotherhood are seeking your death, you know.”
“I know, I told you earlier,” Elisif sighed. “They tried in Solitude, which is why I'm not there now. And why we can't linger – look, let's see if this dragon's got anything worth having and go.”
Cicero nodded, faint smile on his face, and then he reached out, taking her arm. “Sweet Dragonborn, pretty Dragonborn, do not be afraid,” he said gently. “Cicero shall look after you. The pretender Astrid wants to kill you, but she wants to kill poor Cicero too so do not fear. Cicero will take her down first. She has already lost her sheepdog and her lizard. We'll kill her other pets too, fear not, pretty Jarl.”
Elisif nodded, relieved to have the support, and then she realised Brynjolf had his dagger out again, Delphine was raising her bow and suddenly it dawned on her she'd never told Cicero her assailant in Solitude had been an Argonian...
“Oh gods,” she gasped, ripping her arm back out of Cicero's grasp. “You – you're one of them. That's where you learnt to fight, you were in the Dark Brotherhood too!”
Cicero had gone very still, eyes widening just a fraction, and then he bolted, fleeing down the road towards the Reach... or at least he did until Brynjolf sprang after him, long stride easily outpacing Cicero and he'd tackled the shorter man to the ground, pinning him down in a hold that stopped Cicero from getting at his dagger.
“LET GO OF ME!!!” Cicero howled, writhing in Brynjolf's grip, teeth bared in fury. “CICERO SHALL STAB YOU, YOU THIEVING WRETCH!”
“Del, we can bury him in a shallow grave now, right?” Brynjolf called cheerfully. “Right – argh! Son of a...” Cicero had bitten his hand and was trying to get free. He almost made it too, but by this time Aela had caught up and planted a boot on his hand before he could get his dagger.
“Elisif, I've changed my mind,” Aela announced, also sounding pleased at the prospect of bloodshed. “Saving him was a terrible idea, in fact the honourable thing is actually to put the little murderer down for the good of everybody. Never thought I'd end up agreeing with a thief, but dumping him in a shallow grave would solve an awful lot of problems.”
A wail that was part fury and part terror emanated from Cicero's mouth and Elisif felt it tear at her heart. This was horrible to watch – she'd got to like Cicero. Even if he was quite mad, he was sweet and charming and friendly and he'd promised to protect her even if he was Dark Brotherhood – or had been at any rate. It sounded like they'd kicked him out, which was a little worrying if someone was considered too mad or dangerous even for the feared assassins' guild.
“Please,” Elisif gasped. “Please don't kill him!”
Brynjolf and Aela just looked at each other, sighed wearily and turned their attention back to Cicero. He'd stopped struggling, but the pained whimpering from where Aela was stepping on his hand wasn't much better.
Delphine had arrived by this point, standing over Cicero with her arms folded, and Elisif knew this was it, he was dead, Delphine wouldn't hesitate to order his death, she wasn't a woman who messed about. So it was Elisif could barely believe her eyes as Delphine motioned for Aela to step back before kneeling at Cicero's side. Elisif moved closer, surprised to see Delphine actually looking thoughtfully at him. Cicero blinked and looked up, wary but no longer fighting.
“Changed your mind?” Cicero gasped. “You want Cicero for a pet after all?” He yelped as Brynjolf's knee, already wedged between his legs, jerked up into his groin.
“Bryn!” Delphine scolded. “Stop that.” She turned back to Cicero, heedless of Brynjolf groaning.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.12
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)“Cicero still is Dark Brotherhood!” Cicero hissed, face twisting in a grimace. “They, they are the heretics! The false Brotherhood! Deceivers, liars, pretenders! All dancing to the tune of that harlot Astrid!!!”
“So you said,” Delphine said calmly, sitting down next to him, cross-legged on the tundra. “I also heard what you said to Elisif.” She beckoned her over, and Elisif approached, sitting next to Delphine. Cicero did look up at her then, actually smiling, heavy-lidded eyes blinking slowly at her.
“Pretty Elisif,” Cicero laughed, still a little breathless. “Cicero is sorry if he scared you. And for the contract too. It wasn't Cicero's idea, you know. Astrid organised the whole thing.”
“Astrid,” Elisif said softly, thinking over everything that had been said so far. “The leader of the Dark Brotherhood.”
The wrong thing to say. Cicero's face clouded over as he started shrieking again.
“LIES! TREACHERY! ASTRID IS NOT THE LEADER OF THE DARK BROTHERHOOD, MOTHER I-!” Cicero immediately stopped talking, horror in his eyes as he realised perhaps he'd said too much.
“Mother,” said Esbern softly, looking absolutely fascinated. “You mean the Night Mother, don't you? She was the one who split from the Morag Tong all those centuries ago, your order's founder.”
“But she must be dead by now, surely?” Elisif heard herself say, and then it occurred to her that the mother Cicero had been transporting to her new crypt hadn't been his own but the mother of his order. He'd been taking her... where? To the Dark Brotherhood's Skyrim base, that much was obvious.
“CICERO IS TELLING YOU NOTHING!” Cicero howled, eyes darting nervously between them all, and Elisif had a feeling he was going to go for his knife again.
“It's all right,” Delphine said, sounding gentle and kind and utterly unlike her usual self. “I'm not interested in the details of Dark Brotherhood politics. I'm just looking to protect my Dragonborn. I was a Blade once, sworn to protect and guide any Dragonborn that might arise. You understand I'm not pleased this Astrid of the Dark Brotherhood has taken a contract against Elisif.”
Cicero glared at her, spitting on the floor. “Oh, Blades. Cicero has heard of the Blades. Blades killed Dark Brothers and Sisters once. Protecting their Emperor. Pah!” He scowled at her, pouting a little and then his mouth curved into a smirk. “Cicero has heard the Blades are not doing so well these days either.”
Delphine steeled herself, pointedly not rising to the bait. “We've had better days. But we have a Dragonborn again and a purpose. We've got dragons to kill, a world to save.” Then Delphine actually smiled. “Want to help?”
“Delphine!” Brynjolf shouted. “You cannot be serious!”
“He's a murdering little fiend from an organisation that we know has it in for Elisif!” Aela protested. “How do we know he's not planning to kill us all?”
“Oh, Cicero is tempted,” Cicero muttered darkly. He glared up at Delphine. “What is in it for Cicero, hmm? And why is Delphine offering? Cicero doesn't actually believe Delphine secretly wants him for a plaything.”
Delphine did grin at that. “Sorry, Cicero. That's not what I'm after. But what I do want... The Dark Brotherhood aren't going to stop hunting Elisif. Not when there's a large amount of coin and a lot of professional pride at stake. I can help keep her safe and one step ahead, but she's going to be queen. She can't keep running forever. To get her out of this, we need to take the fight to them. But to do that, I'd need to know where they lived and how to get to them.” She tilted her head, smiling sweetly at him. “That's where you come in.”
“Delphine, this sounds like a terrible idea...” Esbern said, looking warily at Cicero. Brynjolf also looked dubious, but Aela was starting to nod in understanding and Elisif realised what Delphine was getting at. The Dark Brotherhood's safety lay in secrecy, but if someone were to spill their secrets, an outcast member with an axe to grind...
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.13
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)Cicero looked up, eyes wide and sorrowful as he nodded at her.
“Mean they were to poor Cicero. Teasing and mocking or ignoring him!” Cicero whined. Brynjolf rolled his eyes, clearly sympathising with Astrid on this one.
“Dark Brotherhood assassins being terrible human beings. There's a shocker,” he muttered. Cicero glared at him, hissing under his breath.
“Not to each other!” he growled. “Dark Brothers and Sisters are Family! Children of the Night Mother! But Astrid isn't. Astrid thinks she doesn't need Mother any more. Astrid thinks she's better than that. And the others all follow her, the sheepdog, the lizard, the Redguard, the unchild, all of them! Heh. Well, not the sheepdog or lizard any more, pretty Elisif took care of them!” He giggled, grinning at her again. “Cicero likes Elisif! She was nice to him. Helped him! The first person in cold, frozen Skyrim to show him any kindness or sympathy.”
What that said about her fellow countrymen and women, Elisif wasn't sure – yes, Cicero was an odd little lunatic and a hardened killer, it turned out, but even so, for no one other than her to be nice to him at all was terribly inhospitable.
“If Astrid gets her way, no one in Skyrim ever will have been kind to you,” Elisif said quietly. “Is that what you want?”
“No!” Cicero gasped, shaking his head, wide eyes not leaving hers.
“Then help me,” Elisif whispered. “You know how they work, even if you never tell us how to find them, you know who they are, you can warn me if they're nearby.”
Cicero grinned, sly look in his eyes.
“If they are nearby, Elisif can be quite sure Cicero will do more than warn her. Do not fear, Cicero will happily deal with the problem for her.”
Elisif looked hopefully at Delphine, who hadn't taken her eyes off Cicero. The grin on her face mirrored Cicero's own.
“All right, he's in,” Delphine said. “Let him up, Bryn.”
“You are not serious,” Brynjolf said, shaking his head in disbelief. Still, he let go Cicero go, glaring at him.
“Don't get any ideas, lad,” Brynjolf growled, standing back as Cicero climbed to his feet, flexing his fingers and retrieving his dagger. “You're only here because your friends are after the lass here. Otherwise you'd be in the same state as that dragon.”
Cicero brushed his clothes off, pointedly ignoring Brynjolf before glancing up at Delphine, grinning at her.
“Delphine likes the idea of giving sweet Cicero orders after all, does she?” he purred, grin only widening as Brynjolf growled at him. Delphine sighed, rolling her eyes.
“Just behave yourself, don't stab any of us and do what you're told, and there won't be a problem,” she told him. “Now come on and get moving. We've got a way to go before we get where we're going.”
“Where are we going?” Cicero asked, tilting his head.
“To the Reach,” Delphine said. “There's a safe place out there where we can hole up and start planning. But before we can get there, we'll probably have to get past a whole ton of Forsworn first. Have you heard of the Forsworn, Cicero?”
Cicero's eyes lit up, malevolent glee spreading across his face. “Oh yes. Cicero has heard of the Forsworn. They think they're so scary? Cicero shall show them who's scary!” Leaving Delphine, he scampered over to Elisif, linking an arm in hers. “Don't worry, pretty Elisif! Cicero shall kill lots and lots of Forsworn for you and then, then you shall have your Sanctuary. Safe, safe, from prying eyes and lying, heretical false Brotherhoods. Come, come, walk with Cicero! You and I are going to be fast friends. Fast friends!”
So saying, he skipped alongside Elisif, cooing and babbling to her all the while and to her credit, she only looked a bit nervous and humoured the little fool with good grace. All the same, Aela followed close behind, shadowing them both with her own dagger at the ready if Cicero tried anything.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.14
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)“I hope to the Eight you know what you're doing, Del,” Brynjolf muttered, still glaring at Cicero. “The man's not just a murderer, he's an unpredictable sociopath. Who knows what he might do?”
“I know,” said Delphine, still watching Cicero fondly. “But he's useful. He's our key to getting the Brotherhood off Elisif's back, and who knows, he might be able to help with the Thalmor too. He'd definitely make a good dragonslayer, did you see the way he went for that one?” She did look up at Brynjolf then, looking a bit sheepish. “Is it wrong for me to be a bit fond of him despite everything?”
“Yes,” said Brynjolf firmly. “Delphine, the man's insane. Please. Please tell me you don't fancy him.”
Delphine laughed, shaking her head, amused. “He's a sweetheart, but I have the feeling he'd be a bit high-maintenance.” She glanced up, sly smile on her face as she caught Brynjolf's eye. “Jealous, are we?”
“What, of him?” Brynjolf snorted. “Hardly.” A pause, during which Delphine's grin never wavered, and more than a hint of anxiety crept into Brynjolf's expression.
“Del, you wouldn't. Would you?” Brynjolf asked nervously. Delphine shook her head, laughing to herself as she looked away.
“Del?” Brynjolf asked, starting to look genuinely concerned that she might actually take up with Cicero. “Del, please. Promise you won't. If you're going to turn me down, please don't let it be for him.”
Delphine reached out and squeezed Brynjolf's hand, smiling as they made their way along the road to Karthspire. No, Cicero wasn't really her type when all was said and done. But still, he had his uses. Delphine took her oath as a Blade seriously, and if her Dragonborn was threatened by the Dark Brotherhood, she'd do whatever it took to bring said Dark Brotherhood to its knees. If that meant recruiting a homicidal lunatic with an extremely eccentric dress sense, then so be it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the other side of Skyrim, in Windhelm's Palace of the Kings, Ulfric was receiving the official report of the Battle of Whiterun. Needless to say, he was not pleased.
“What do you mean, you failed?” Ulfric snapped. “We needed that city, Ralof!”
Ralof only flinched slightly at Ulfric's wrath.
“The Legion were there in force, my King,” said Ralof, standing rigidly to attention. Always best to never let Ulfric know quite how much he got to him, no matter how angry the Jarl of Windhelm got. “And... and the Dragonborn was there. Jarl Elisif. She was on the frontlines, fighting. We couldn't get close, but her Shouts felled many of us.”
Ulfric hissed. This was not good news. For Elisif to be able to do that meant the Greybeards had taught her all three words of Unrelenting Force. Which meant her Thu'um now matched his. Not that he intended to tell Ralof that.
“She cannot Shout constantly,” Ulfric growled. “Shouting leaves you weary, you cannot keep doing it. Why is it none of you got close enough to injure her? Are the Stormcloaks incapable of shooting straight now? Is there no one capable of carving a path to her? While I'd have liked her alive, I will tolerate her death. The gods can call another Dragonborn. The Empire will have difficulty finding another puppet ruler.”
“She had protection, my lord,” said Ralof softly, his voice shaking a little as he prepared himself to deliver the next blow. “The Companions of Ysgramor took the field against us – three of them at any rate, including Aela the Huntress. They didn't stray far from her side, and they cut down anyone who came near her.”
Ulfric did straighten up at that, brow furrowing. “So. Kodlak Whitemane has taken a side. I'm disappointed. I thought him a true Nord. I also thought him committed to Ysgramor's legacy and keeping the Companions out of politics. It seems I was wrong. No matter. We will retreat and gather our forces and when we attack Whiterun again, we'll take the city and then we will see where the Harbinger's true loyalties lie. Dismissed, Ralof.”
Ralof nodded and took his leave, leaving Ulfric alone with Galmar Stone-Fist.
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.15
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)“She's a menace for as long as she remains free,” Galmar growled. “Recruitment's dried up as of late and morale's slipping, Ulfric. No one wants to raise a sword against a Dragonborn. We need to find her.”
Yes, they did. But abducting her from Solitude was a suicide mission, and when she left Haafingar, she'd proved extraordinarily good at going to ground. Ulfric was certain she wasn't so foolish as to wander around Stormcloak territories in any case, and on the Empire's side of the battle lines, there were always those prepared to help their Dragonborn Queen in waiting. Ulfric would wager she was long gone from Whiterun by now. But there was hope. There were also plenty of Stormcloak supporters in the Imperial Holds, and they'd be watching too. Sooner or later, she'd make a mistake, and then he'd have her. He hoped so anyway. This war was definitely not going according to plan, but really, who could have planned for a Dragonborn rallying the other side?
“Who approaches the Jarl of Windhelm?” Galmar barked out, reaching for his axe. Ulfric glanced up, surprised to see a young Nord woman walking into his war room without a care in the world.
“Only the very brave or the very foolish approach a Jarl without summons,” Ulfric said, standing up to look at her better. “I'd have your name, kinswoman.”
“Njada Stonearm, sir,” she replied, looking rather confident for a mere mercenary. “Formerly of the Companions of Ysgramor... until our Harbinger fell for the Dragonborn's charms and turned out to be an Empire-loving milk-drinker.”
“Harsh words,” Ulfric murmured, but there was something about the young warrior's attitude he liked. He'd always liked women with a backbone. “Tell me, do you treat all your former lieges like this?”
“Only the ones who turn out to not be what I thought they were,” Njada said proudly. “They tell me you're a true Nord, a true son of Skyrim who will bring the worship of Talos back to this land and send the elves fleeing back to Alinor. Is that not so?”
“Watch your tongue, girl!” Galmar snapped. “You're standing before your true High King!”
“Galmar,” Ulfric said, waving for his housecarl to be quiet. So there was at least one Companion who felt she could no longer back her Harbinger with any honour. Interesting. Very interesting indeed. “Our friend's come a long way. We should be hospitable, no? Well, Njada. I will let history judge me and the opinions of others fall where they may. Whether any of us are true Nords is not something we ourselves are ever the best judge of. But I do intend to rid Skyrim of the Thalmor and their Imperial toadies for good. Should I end up as King in the process, I'll accept the responsibility.”
Njada smiled, delighted to hear it. “Good, we need a proper ruler, not that pathetic child the Empire wants to land us with. So what if she's Dragonborn? Takes more than being some mystical dragonslayer to make a good ruler.”
“You don't think she'd make a good queen then?” Ulfric asked, eyebrow raised. Truth be told, he was actually starting to think Elisif had the makings of a fine ruler... but he kept the thought to himself. Others might mistake his respect for the young Dragonborn for agreement with her.
“She barely makes a good Jarl,” Njada sneered. “How much has she been in Solitude lately, hmm? Hardly at all, it seems she'd rather spend her time in Whiterun tagging along behind Jorrvaskr's glory. And all she's done is drag Jorrvaskr down to her level. Which is why I left and have come here. I want to fight for a true Nord, and there's none truer than you, Jarl Ulfric.”
“Well put,” Ulfric said, approving. Any new recruit was worth having and a former Companion... he could use that. “So then, Njada Stonearm. If Elisif has been associating with Jorrvaskr, what have you learnt about her? Is she staying there now? Going back to Solitude? Somewhere else? If I can find her, I can bring her to our side, or at least deprive the Empire of their Chosen One.”
Re: The Wolf Queen Awakens 10.16
(Anonymous) 2013-10-30 11:07 pm (UTC)(link)Ulfric smiled, a sudden sense of certainty settling in his heart, a sense of triumph snatched out of the jaws of defeat. Maybe he'd lost Whiterun... for now. But knowing Elisif's pseudonym, that might just deliver her into his hands.
“Galmar,” he said, grinning. “Get Jorlief in here, I've got letters to write to our friends out there. To Laila, Skald, Korir... and to Dengeir, Sorli and of course Thonar. About time we started hunting our runaway dragon in earnest, don't you think?”
“Aye, Ulfric,” Galmar said, having perked up immensely. “I'll get right on with it.” He nodded approvingly at Njada. “She'll do. You want to swear her in or shall I?”
“I'll let you have the honour,” Ulfric said, always preferring to let Galmar do the oaths. It always felt a bit odd to lead someone into declaring him King. Much better for a devoted underling to encourage the others, made him look less egocentric. “Welcome aboard, Njada. I think you and I are going to do great things together.”
“I hope so, Jarl Ulfric,” Njada smiled as Galmar returned, ready to take her oath. “Anything you need, you just ask.”
Ulfric just smiled as he watched her swear loyalty to him. Things had just moved that bit back in his favour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I am so sorry about Cicero, he was not supposed to be in this one! Except the little fetcher's insinuated himself in anyway. Still, he's here and he's making himself useful, so may as well put up with him. I suspect I may need to up the rating, Cicero has a way of increasing the questionable content in any fic just by being there. Ah well. OTOH, look, he's here and on the side of the Aedra (sort of). :D
Sky Haven Temple next chapter, and the Blades will need their wits about them to get past the Forsworn... both with the initial fight and the aftermath.
ION, this fic is on both FFnet and AO3 should anything go horribly wrong with the version here. Just a heads-up.