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skyrimkinkmemeANNOUNCEMENTS: UPDATED 12/16/2017
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Ulfric/M!DB, extramarital
Date: 2013-03-23 07:28 pm (UTC)Problem is, he's had an unrequited thing for the Dragonborn since the Civil War, and the ache hasn't faded. When the DB finally walks back into Ulfric's city, Ulfric finds himself trapped between the things he wants the pretenses he needs to keep up.
Men or elves for DB's race, please! Everything else is up to you.
Re: Ulfric/M!DB, extramarital
Date: 2013-03-24 02:33 am (UTC)Re: Ulfric/M!DB, extramarital
Date: 2013-03-24 04:43 am (UTC)M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 1/?
Date: 2013-03-31 03:35 pm (UTC)“My lady,” he greeted her, leaning down to plant a customary kiss on her cheek. “It's good to see you again.”
“And you as well, Ulfric.” Elisif's voice couldn't have betrayed her more; even after however many months, she still sounded angry. Dully angry, but angry all the same. “How did the trip treat you?”
“Well enough, I'd say. The roads have been quiet, lately.” He paused, starting to cringe a little under the accusing eyes. Especially that damned mage. In her case, he wasn't entirely sure looks couldn't kill. “...Elisif, would you mind walking with me?” The queen looked around at her court, practically feeling the tension, and nodded anxiously.
When the two were out of earshot, Ulfric could finally feel the tension easing from his shoulders. “Thank you. Your people still haven't taken a liking to me, it seems.” He couldn't help but chuckle, and Elisif even allowed herself a smile.
“Do you expect them to, Ulfric? After what you've done?”
“I'm still their king, and your husband. The least they could do--” Ulfric began, only to be interrupted.
“Ulfric, you know how they feel about our marriage. The same way we ought to,” Elisif said, her smile fading into sadness instantly. She crossed the hallway, looking thoughtfully out the window. “Nobody thinks we married for love, Ulfric. And they're right, you understand that?” Ulfric stood in stunned silence. Since the wedding, she hadn't spoken so boldly to him even once. He supposed she was right, nonetheless. They hadn't married for love. In truth, he had no love for the woman. Still...
“We don't have to hate each other, Elisif,” he began cautiously, thinking through each word. “I'm not asking you to love me, but the least you could do is try to act as though my kisses aren't the most repulsive thing in Tamriel.” The queen raised an eyebrow, but allowed herself to approach him again.
“I suppose I could do that...” she murmured. Ulfric moved forward cautiously to test his theory, and was pleased to find that he could at least kiss her on the forehead without her flinching.
“Thank you, my lady. Now...” In the midst of emotion, he had nearly forgotten why he had come in the first place. The war had changed him, he realized with a start. “I understand there was an incident in the catacombs. I came to make sure it was resolved.”
“Right. It's resolved, fortunately,” Elisif sighed. “If it hadn't been, you might not have had a Solitude to come visit. A group of necromancers were trying to summon Potema, and she escaped to her bones. One of your officers was the one to stop her...the elf, I can't remember his name.” The High King blinked, surprised.
“Tomas? He was here?” Windhelm was alive with rumors of the vanished war hero. Some said he was dead, taken down by Forsworn or swept off the edge of a cliff by a rapid waterfall. Other tales were more elaborate and ridiculous—he was the new right-hand man of Molag Bal, some said, or he was a vampire last seen feasting on a bandit near Morthal. But everyone, Ulfric included, agreed on one thing. He was an elusive little bastard.
“I assumed you sent him, Ulfric,” Elisif interjected, surprised. The king shook his head firmly.
“I haven't seen him since the end of the war. He just disappeared, without saying a word.”
“I'm sorry to hear that. He seems to be doing well. And...he did ask about you, if it helps.” She paused uncertainly. “He wanted to know if you were settling in to your new role well.” Ulfric nodded slowly and looked away, refusing to let his eyes give anything away. His wife could be incredibly perceptive when she wanted to be.
“I see. Well. If he should come back, tell him he's welcome in Windhelm whenever he'd like to visit.” He turned away. “Speaking of which, I should probably get to the carriage. I have a city to keep.” Elisif nodded wordlessly, unsure what else to say. Her husband suddenly sounded....wounded by the news of Tomas. She hadn't thought he had it in him.
Re: M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 1/?
Date: 2013-04-02 05:30 pm (UTC)Re: M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 1/?
Date: 2013-04-03 05:21 am (UTC)Re: M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 1/?
Date: 2013-04-05 02:36 am (UTC)Re: M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 1/?
Date: 2013-04-03 05:32 am (UTC)fav lines
"Especially that damned mage. In her case, he wasn't entirely sure looks couldn't kill."
" In the midst of emotion, he had nearly forgotten why he had come in the first place. The war had changed him, he realized with a start."
"But everyone, Ulfric included, agreed on one thing. He was an elusive little bastard."
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 2/?
Date: 2015-06-29 04:14 am (UTC)“…but if he’s back and plans to stay, don’t you think that’s reason to worry? He’s one of the king’s top officers!”
“Perhaps he simply means to find work, like he said he does.” Before Captain Lonely-Gale could continue, he noticed Ulfric approaching, and smiled politely. “My king. How was your trip?”
“It went as well as expected. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation…” Viola Giordano, who was watching him with wide eyes, practically jumped forward in her excitement to speak.
“We were just discussing the return of Tomas, King Ulfric! He’s been gone for months, and now he just pops into the city, asking for work and chatting up the Dunmer!” she announced eagerly. “Is everything alright? Did you call him to the city to prepare for something?” Ulfric winced, feeling unusually vulnerable under the Imperial’s searching eyes. Somehow, he felt like she had known about the letters he had sent Tomas, all of which had gone ignored.
“I didn’t call him here,” he replied simply. “Do you have any idea where he is?”
“I saw him in the inn earlier, but that was a few hours ago. I’d ask there, all the same,” Captain Lonely-Gale offered. With a respectful nod, Ulfric departed, hurrying towards Candlehearth Hall despite his best efforts to keep his speed in check.
“He’s not here,” Elda Early-Dawn said apologetically. “He was here for a while, catching up with everybody. He’s just as much a gentleman as he always was.” She smiled brightly, obviously charmed by the Bosmer, and Ulfric shifted nervously.
“Do you know where he’s gone?” he asked. Elda shook her head.
“Not sure. He’s got a room here, if you want to come back later. If you’re in a hurry, he did mention going to say hello to Helgird. You could check the Hall of the Dead.” Ulfric nodded, relieved, then left the inn as well. He felt a tad ridiculous, dashing from place to place like a damned detective. But he needed to see Tomas with his own eyes. He needed to remember that he was real.
The Hall of the Dead was characteristically quiet when he entered. In the distance, he could hear Helgird laughing over a softer, deeper male voice.
So, it’s true.
Trying to keep his footsteps as quiet as possible, he approached the end of the hallway, then peered cautiously around the corner.
And there he was.
His hair was still as scruffy as ever, though it looked cleaner than it had the last time he had seen him. Everything else was the same—the dark, piercing eyes, the charming smile, the way he leaned forward when listening to a conversation. His typical armor had been replaced with some simple city clothes, but there was no doubt. After nearly a year, Tomas was standing in front of him, unaware that he was being watched.
For once, the King of Skyrim was at a loss for words. He retreated behind the wall, alarmed at the feeling of sweat on his forehead. He felt like a much younger man, flustered over an attractive friend.
What would he even say if he walked up to them? A million different options rushed through his head, each more frightening than the last. It’s good to see you. I’ve been looking for you. How dare you leave for so long? I missed you so much. It was no good. There was nothing he could say without preparing himself.
And with that, he left Tomas and Helgird to their conversation, and returned into the snow.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 3/?
Date: 2015-06-29 04:45 am (UTC)“I would ask if you had seen Tomas yet, but you have the answer on your face,” he said sympathetically. Ulfric smiled weakly, taking a seat beside him and picking up the nearest bottle of wine.
“That obvious, is it?” he grumbled wryly, taking a long swig. “Come, Jorleif, sit with me.” The steward sat obediently and returned to his meal.
“Did you have a chance to speak with him? He hasn’t come by the palace yet, but one of the guards told me he was here.”
“I haven’t spoken with him. There wasn’t a good opportunity,” Ulfric replied, keeping his eyes trained downwards. Jorleif knew him well enough that if they made eye contact, he would be able to see everything he wouldn’t say out loud. All the same, his old friend eyed him, barely concealing his concern.
“You look troubled, my king. I was under the impression that you and Tomas were on good terms. You were even planning on making him a Thane, as I recall,” he said. The king shrugged halfheartedly, taking another long drink before daring to look at Jorleif.
“I don’t know what terms Tomas and I are on,” he admitted, quiet enough that the guards wouldn’t overhear. “He left after the battle at Solitude, and that’s the last I heard. No visits, no letters, nothing. Just hearsay and rumors.” Jorleif looked genuinely surprised, taking a contemplative bite of his food before continuing.
“No letters, either? You two were very close during the war,” he remarked. “I wonder what he was thinking.” When Ulfric didn’t reply, he continued on. “What will you do now? I suppose you could tell the guards to order him to come here, but we both know Tomas wouldn’t take kindly to that.”
“He’s never been one to be bossed around,” Ulfric agreed almost affectionately. “I don’t know what I’ll do yet, Jorleif. It’s been quite some time…I don’t know how he’s changed, and he doesn’t know how I’ve changed. It’s a delicate process.”
“Agreed,” Jorleif said quietly. “If you need any advice, it’s yours. Currently, my advice is for you to get some rest. The journey must have been long.” Ulfric smirked slightly, rising to his feet all the same.
“Thank you, mother, I’ll take my leave,” he teased. “Goodnight, Jorleif.”
Despite his racing thoughts, the king did manage to sleep through the night. His return to the throne the next morning, however, sent his mind into a frenzy once again. The moment he stepped into the main hall, he saw the problematic visitor in question seated at the table, waiting for him.
“…Tomas,” Ulfric choked out, approaching him with shaky legs. The Bosmer rose quickly, smiling nervously at the sight of his old commander.
“King Ulfric Stormcloak,” he replied. “The name has quite the ring to it. I hear it everywhere I go, and usually in a positive light.” To the Nord’s surprise, Tomas wrapped his arms around him, giving him a firm hug. “Gods, it’s so good to see you.” Ulfric returned the embrace clumsily, then backed away.
“And it’s good to see you,” he said quickly. “What brings you here? Business?”
“Not this time,” the elf assured him. “Just an old friend realizing that it’s been far too long. Where’s Galmar?”
“Still asleep, the old man,” Ulfric said, allowing himself to be playful. “He’s gotten a bit lazy since we took Solitude.” Tomas laughed, shaking his hair out of his face, and Ulfric was irritated to feel his heart catch at the sight.
“Ah, damn him. I’ve missed the old bear,” he said. “I’ll come back later, if it’s more convenient. Some time when I can get the opportunity to catch up with both of you—”
“What about tonight?” The words had left Ulfric’s mouth before he even knew they existed, and Tomas blinked in surprise. “I…you can join us for dinner. We’ll have a long talk, with good wine and food.” After a moment of stunned silence, Tomas beamed, and nodded enthusiastically.
“Absolutely. That sounds wonderful,” he agreed. “I’ll…I’ll come back then. I’ll wear something nice, too.” He paused, looking up bashfully at the Nord. “Thank you, Ulfric. I’ve missed you quite a bit.”
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 4/?
Date: 2015-06-29 05:15 am (UTC)“You wouldn’t believe the kind of things people tell you if you ask them,” Tomas said, taking a swig of ale. “I do one favor for this man in Falkreath, and suddenly he’s telling me that he’s related to a vampire that’s risen from the grave, and that I have to go kill him now! Here I was thinking that Nords aren’t quick to trust.” Galmar grinned, raising a glass to his comrade’s comment.
“Ah, vampire hunting is satisfying,” he said nostalgically. “I’ve taken down a fair share of those demons in my day. Back before the war, I saved a Breton girl just seconds before she got her blood sucked out, and she thanked me by taking me to a clearing and showing me how well she could—”
“Gods, not this story!” Ulfric interrupted, roaring with laughter. “Damn it, old man, I want to eat in peace without thinking about you on your back!” Galmar chortled, taking another long drink.
“At least you believe me. Jorleif here doesn’t even think it happened!”
“The timing is uncanny,” Jorleif remarked, smirking over the rim of his goblet. Tomas laughed openly, topping off his drink with a nearby bottle.
“I only believe it because he said it happened before the war,” he chimed in. “Ulfric tells me you’ve gotten lazy since we took Solitude.” Galmar sputtered with feigned shock.
“Lazy, he says! And when’s the last time you’ve picked up a sword, my king? You’ve submitted to the old bard’s saying! ‘The pen is mightier than the sword,’ they say, and Ulfric believes it!” he cackled.
“It’s not as if I’m writing poems with my time, you bastard!” Ulfric protested. “Kingly duties and all. Surely our dear guest can understand kingly duties.”
“I wouldn’t, I’m not the esteemed High King of Skyrim!” Tomas laughed, raising his full drink. “To the health of our king!”
“May he live forever!” Galmar chimed in. As the whole table took a long drink, Ulfric looked back to find that the elf’s gaze hadn’t wavered. As their eyes met, Tomas slowly licked the extra wine off the rim of the cup, and winked.
Dinner ended with Jorleif helping a very inebriated Galmar up the stairs to his quarters, leaving the table a mess for the night. Ulfric and Tomas remained in the throne room, silent for a moment before the elf spoke up.
“That was a delight,” he said, grinning. “Thank you so much for having me, King Ulfric.”
“You of all people know that you don’t need to use titles with me,” Ulfric grumbled. In all honesty, hearing Tomas call him his king was slightly arousing, but it could just be the ale thinking for him. “Will you be staying in Whiterun for a while, then?”
“Mm. Perhaps. I’ll be in the area, at least. Plenty of work to be done in Eastmarch,” Tomas replied thoughtfully. “But for now, it’s back to the inn for me. All this excitement wore me out.” Ulfric frowned, raising his eyebrows.
“The inn? You know you’re welcome to sleep in the palace,” he began. Tomas leveled him with a cool stare.
“With you, you mean?” he asked. Ulfric remained silent, stunned at the Bosmer’s forwardness, and he scoffed. “Goodnight, Ulfric.” As he breezed out the door, Ulfric remained rooted in place, shocked.
When he retired to bed for the night, he found his shock turning into frustration. Tomas had some nerve, throwing accusations around like that. Regardless of the truth, he was out of line, and he would be right to inform him of that fact.
He knew he wouldn’t, though. King or not, he knew where he stood with Tomas. And even with royal authority, his feelings would make an interaction like that very volatile.
The best he could do was try and sleep off the emotions.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 5/?
Date: 2015-06-29 06:57 pm (UTC)“Just in time,” he said, grinning sheepishly. “I told Jorleif to tell you, but now you’re here, so…I won’t be here today.” Ulfric frowned, taking a seat at the throne.
“And where will you be?”
“Out in the fields. Tomas invited me to go hunting with him. Something about wanting to keep my skills sharp,” Galmar replied. Ulfric’s eyebrows tightened further, and he gripped the arms of the chair to suppress his anger.
“Very well. I’ll see you tonight,” he said shortly. Galmar eyed him nervously, more than familiar with the look of anger his king was trying to hide, but hurried from the palace all the same.
How dare he, Ulfric fumed silently, rising from the throne again and pacing throughout the rooms. Between his inviting Galmar alone and his comment the night before, the message was clear—Tomas was giving him the cold shoulder. The High King of Skyrim, the last person who should have to tolerate disrespect!
And yet, part of him knew that he wouldn’t punish Tomas for it. He was in his right to, and if it was anybody else, he likely would. But the Dragonborn was a different case, that much had been clear from the beginning. And even if he wasn’t the Dragonborn…Ulfric was certain that he would be just as quietly intimidating, and that he would command the same amount of respect from his fellow Stormcloaks.
He slumped back into the throne, shaking his head firmly. Damn him…
In the snowy fields outside of Whiterun, Galmar slowed his horse to a slow walk, raising his bow at the sight of a moose in the distance. Beside him, Tomas was watching curiously, waiting to see what he managed to hit from so far away. The Nord steadied his arm, took a deep breath…and fired.
“Nice shot,” the elf said admiringly, watching the moose collapse on the edge of the hill. As they rode closer to their catch, Galmar watched the elf wordlessly, unsure what to make of his breezy attitude. It certainly was a sharp contrast from his king’s stony face earlier that morning.
“And you said that I’m losing my touch,” he replied lightly, trying to keep a smile on his face. All the same, Tomas looked over his shoulder, plucking the arrow from the corpse at their feet.
“You sound upset,” he pointed out. “Seeing dead animals makes you nervous now? I know they’re not in Imperial armor, but…” He smiled crookedly, and Galmar rolled his eyes.
“Oh, be quiet. If you must know, Ulfric seemed angry that this invitation wasn’t extended to him,” he replied. “I don’t think it’s best for you to be ignoring your king the way you are. If you plan on spending time with me, the least you can do is ask him along as well.”
“He’s not a child,” Tomas retorted. “His being king doesn’t give him leave to attend every social gathering in Skyrim.” He cut a large slice of meat out of the moose and wrapped it in paper, sitting to work on the animal as he continued. “Besides, he can complain about a lack of invitation when he explains to me why he didn’t invite me to his wedding with Elisif.” Galmar scoffed, taking a knee beside him and helping him remove the antlers.
“You’re bitter about that, boy? That wedding was a bore. Just a bunch of political vows and angry ex-Imperials with too much to say. Ulfric’s lucky I didn’t bring a weapon,” he snorted. “You should count yourself lucky. I had to ride all the way across Skyrim for a wedding that I didn’t want to attend and that wasn’t even consummated. I’m having much more fun tearing this moose apart, to be honest.” Tomas looked up, raising an eyebrow.
“The marriage was never consummated?”
“He told me it wasn’t,” Galmar assured him, shaking his head. “He’s never lied to me, and I’ve known him for years.” Tomas kept his eyes down, trying to mask his relief. At long last, a question he had silently obsessed over was answered.
“…I see.”
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 6/?
Date: 2015-06-29 07:26 pm (UTC)“That was great, boy,” Galmar said as they placed the packages on the counter. “No meat tastes better than meat you work for, that’s what my father always said.” Tomas nodded his agreement, the cold air of Eastmarch invigorating him and leaving him lively.
“How about we test that theory out for ourselves? Let’s see if our esteemed king wants to join us for dinner again.”
Before they could reach Ulfric’s quarters, however, the king himself was exiting, holding a hefty bag. Tomas frowned deeply, and Galmar crossed his arms.
“Off on an adventure, are you?” he asked sarcastically. Ulfric glanced between the two, his eyes lingering longer on the Bosmer as he spoke.
“I received word from Solitude earlier. You would know that if you had stayed at the palace, Galmar,” he replied. “I’m leaving tonight to meet with Elisif. I’ll be back in a few days.” The elf’s eyes darkened, and he bit his lip.
“You can’t stay for dinner?” he asked lowly. Ulfric shook his head apologetically, and moved forward, motioning for Galmar to follow him.
“I’m afraid not, Tomas,” he replied. “It’s a long trip, and I need to get going. Political business. Surely you can understand—” Before he could finish apologizing, Tomas turned on his heel and stormed from the room, making a beeline for the palace doors. Ulfric remained in place, glaring at the empty space his old friend had left behind. “Gods damn it.” He shook his head, looking over at Galmar. “He’s gotten bitter since we saw him last, don’t you think?” Galmar shrugged wordlessly, opting not to tell him about their conversation during the hunt.
“I’ll walk you to the carriage, Ulfric,” he said instead. “Just to make sure no rabble bothers you.”
For all of her dislike, Elisif was at least comfortable enough to sprawl across her bed while meeting with her husband, watching him curiously as he paced around the room.
“Did the envoy explain what the nature of the meeting would be?” he asked.
“Only that it would be friendly in nature. The Redguards have always valued strength. Perhaps they seek an alliance, now that Skyrim has proved itself against the Legion.” Ulfric took a seat on the bed, eying the woman next to him.
“Perhaps. I’ll gladly meet with them, provided that we have a fair amount of guards wherever we choose to meet. Let’s make it twenty.”
“That’s fair. We’ve given the envoy a room here, so I’ll let him know at breakfast.” Elisif paused, observing the Nord closer. “Is something troubling you? You’ve been wandering since you arrived.” Perhaps it was just his frustration, but he suddenly felt far more inclined to open up to her than he ever had.
“It’s that damn elf we talked about last time. Tomas,” he admitted. “He came back to Windhelm, and he’s been causing trouble. Strutting around the palace like he owns the place. It’s aggravating.” Elisif’s lips tightened, and Ulfric raised an eyebrow at her. “What?”
“Nothing,” she replied quickly. “I’m sorry he’s an issue, that’s all…” Her husband narrowed his eyes.
“Did something happen?” he asked. “Remember, I haven’t heard a word about him before he returned to Windhelm.” Elisif sighed, sitting up to move next to him.
“I’m surprised you don’t know, all the same. Most people in Solitude do.” She paused, wringing her hands as she continued. “Tomas is bisexual, as most of us found out. Inge Six-Fingers, one of the instructors at the Bard’s College, found him in bed with a young man named Ataf. She ran him out of the College before he could even get dressed, so it was quite the story.” When Ulfric remained silent, she gripped his hand. “All I’m worried about is my people getting the impression that they shouldn’t take this marriage seriously. If Tomas is getting comfortable with you at the palace, rumors could spread. You must know that.” Ulfric huffed, moving his hand from her palm to her cheek.
“If you’re so worried, we could sleep together right now,” he said bluntly. “Negate the doubts before they even arise.” Elisif smiled secretively, and moved out of his grasp.
“I’ll respectively decline, King Ulfric,” she said politely. “If I’m ever unsatisfied in my bed, I’ll be sure to inform you.”
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 7/?
Date: 2015-06-30 04:18 am (UTC)“King Ulfric,” he began. “Welcome home. How was your trip?”
“Let’s go for a walk, Tomas,” Ulfric replied, nodding politely at the stablemaster and his wife before motioning for his friend to follow.
They had nearly reached the farms outside of the city before Tomas spoke up.
“Did you…want to talk to me?” he asked cautiously. “If this is about Galmar coming to hunt with me, I didn’t mean—”
“It’s not about that,” Ulfric interrupted shortly, before biting his lip. “…I suppose that’s a part of it. You’ve changed since you came back to Windhelm. And you haven’t answered any of my questions.”
“Everyone’s changed,” the elf argued. “It’s been months after one of Skyrim’s most important wars.” Ulfric pressed on all the same.
“Where did you go? Why didn’t you come to visit at all?”
“I was busy. Plenty of people need the Dragonborn’s help, believe it or not.” Tomas softened slightly, looking up at his king. “I didn’t mean any offense, Ulfric. I figured you were busy. If you had told me to come…”
“Don’t give me that,” Ulfric snapped, his temper flaring. “You know damn well I asked you to come, Tomas. Unless you didn’t read any of the letters I sent.” Tomas looked down, his face hot with shame, and stopped on the icy path.
“…Fine. I read your letters and didn’t reply. I was angry, Ulfric.” He looked back up, eyes narrowing. “What about you? Every prominent member of society was at your wedding to Elisif, but you didn’t invite me. Was I supposed to take that lightly? I assumed that was you telling me to stay away.” Ulfric’s heart caught in his throat, and he took a small step closer to the smaller elf.
“I…it wasn’t like that at all. It didn’t feel right, inviting you.”
“Why not?”
Because I would have married you if Elisif hadn’t been what was best for Skyrim.
“Because Elisif has her concerns,” he said out loud. “She told me yesterday that you got in trouble in her city for sleeping with a male bard, and she thinks that people will…misinterpret our renewed friendship.” Tomas scoffed, crossing his arms.
“That’s the best excuse you have?” he said bitterly. “What does it matter, anyway? Royals can do whatever they want. It wouldn’t surprise me if Elisif took a bedwarmer, why would anyone care if you took me?” Ulfric’s fists clenched, and he glared down at him.
“Excuse me?” he growled. Tomas squared his shoulders, trying to make himself look as big as possible in the face of the intimidating Nord.
“Galmar told me yesterday that you and Elisif haven’t even slept together,” he said boldly. Ulfric’s face reddened, but he said nothing, and the elf pressed on. “If people were to know about that, it would only make sense that you both found other options—”
He was silenced by a fist to his jaw.
When he regained his senses, he was seated in the snow, the entire right side of his face stinging and his eyes welling. He willed himself not to cry, instead trying to steel himself against the pain. Ulfric Stormcloak, his king, the man he admired and would follow into Oblivion, had flattened him with a single punch. He was still yelling, but it seemed very distant.
“Perhaps Elisif was right, and you are trying to undermine the royal marriage!” the Nord was shouting. “It’s about damn time you remembered your place in my city, Tomas! You may have fought beside me, but I am your king! And you’ll keep that in mind next time you show your face in my palace!” With that, he turned and stormed away, leaving his former officer trembling in a snowbank.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 8/?
Date: 2015-06-30 04:46 am (UTC)“You told Tomas that Elisif and I never shared a bed,” the king snarled. Galmar looked up from his work, raising a shaggy eyebrow.
“Hello to you, too.”
“How dare you give away such private information?!” Now the older man rose to his feet, his fists on the table.
“I’d watch my tone, Ulfric. If you think your damn title will stop me from knocking the sense back into you, you’re sorely mistaken,” he said lowly. Ulfric stormed forward and slammed his own palm on the table, eyes ablaze.
“You know full well that Tomas has a history with men, and you give him information that he could use against me! Do you want people thinking I’ve taken a bedwarmer? Do you not want my marriage to be taken seriously?!” he raged. Galmar shoved him firmly, knocking him back a few steps.
“You sound like an Imperial milk-drinker, sipping up the lines your lovely wife feeds you like they’re a damned stew,” he retorted. “As it happens, Ulfric, I’ve only just now learned that Tomas has a history with men, and I really don’t care. He can bed frost trolls, for all I care. But I’m not going to stand here and listen to you treat one of our most loyal officers like a traitor when all he’s ever done is support you and stand at your back!” He pushed the younger Nord again, harder this time. “You have some nerve, turning your back on him because your damned wife is worried about her precious image. Elisif can rot in Oblivion for all I care! Will you have me beheaded for that, mighty King Ulfric?” He huffed, taking in Ulfric’s stunned face. “You’re a smart man, but I fear this new power will take control of you. And you’re already letting it happen.” Ulfric took a seat abruptly, looking down at the bruises that were forming on his knuckles.
“You’re right,” he said, amazed. “Tomas is second only to you in his loyalty to me…and in his caring. And I hit him.” Galmar sat down as well, eying the bruises with disgust.
“You hit him,” he echoed, shaking his head. “By the Nine, Ulfric, you’re better than that. You didn’t rise all the way to King of Skyrim just to start beating the people you have feelings for.” Ulfric looked up, his brow furrowed.
“I’m married, Galmar. That hasn’t changed. I don’t have feelings for Tomas,” he said firmly. Galmar leveled him with a piercing look, and smiled wryly.
“Yes, you do.”
Ulundil was locking the stable doors when Ulfric and Galmar approached him. He greeted them with a bow and a smile, as always.
“King Ulfric, Galmar. How can I help you?”
“Have you seen Tomas?” Ulfric asked, masking his anxiety over the elf’s whereabouts. The path he had abandoned him on was empty, and the sun had long since set. To his dismay, Ulundil gestured at the empty space where the carriage usually was.
“He left town. Didn’t even say where, just told Alfarinn to drive until he told him to stop. He seemed like he was in a hurry.” The Altmer eyed the two apologetically. “Sorry I couldn’t be of more use.”
“Thank you anyway,” Galmar replied, already aware that Ulfric was too upset to speak. If the time before was any indication, they knew Tomas wasn’t coming back any time soon.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 9/?
Date: 2015-06-30 07:01 pm (UTC)Ulfric paused, unsure what to write this time. This would be the tenth letter he had written in the months following Tomas’ second disappearance. They had either been tossed in a drawer, never to be read, or returned unopened a few days after they were sent. Something told him that nothing he wrote would reach his friend, but he couldn’t keep himself from writing again.
It doesn’t feel right to apologize on paper for our last interaction. I’d much rather apologize in person, where I can show you in person how sorry I am.
He sounded clingy, Ulfric noted with a sigh. He didn’t want to beg him to come back, not on a paper that he could show to anybody. It didn’t help that he still wasn’t certain where Tomas had gone, and even the couriers he sent out were becoming exasperated with the king’s fruitless hunt. He groaned aloud, dipping his quill into the nearby inkpot and continuing on all the same.
I hope you’re well, wherever you are, and that you’re taking care of yourself. I…
“He’s in Riften.”
Ulfric looked up abruptly from his letter to find Galmar standing in front of the throne.
“Riften?”
“One of our contacts there saw him in the inn there. He’s been picking up jobs for the citizens of the city, and he’s recently purchased a home there. From what they can tell, he’s planning on staying.” The old man paused, raising an eyebrow at the crumbled paper on the armrest of the throne. “Writing to him again, are you?”
“Not anymore, I don’t think,” the king replied, leaning back. “I suppose I could send some men to order him to come back. Arrest him, if need be.”
“On what charges?” Galmar scoffed. “Don’t let your power get to your head, Ulfric. You may be King, but you owe something to your friends first.” When the king remained silent, he softened slightly, moving up on the steps to place a hand on his old friend’s arm. “Don’t worry about Tomas. He’ll come back when he’s ready. You can’t expect him to stay away forever, that isn’t his way.” With that, he returned to the war room, leaving Ulfric to rip his paper in half and pick up another, fresher piece.
Jarl Laila,
I am sending you a letter intended for one of your citizens. Please ensure that this is delivered directly and promptly to the Bosmer Tomas.
Best,
King Ulfric of Skyrim.
Tomas was decorating his bedroom in Honeyside when the knock sounded on his door. Surprised, he opened it to find a guard there, firmly grasping a neatly folded piece of paper.
“Letter for you, sir,” he said shortly, extending his hand. “From the Jarl herself.” Tomas frowned, but nodded his thanks as he took the letter. What could the Jarl want?
When he opened the letter, however, he recognized the handwriting immediately. And it certainly wasn’t Laila’s.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 10/?
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-07-04 04:14 am (UTC) - ExpandM!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 11/?
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-07-04 04:43 am (UTC) - ExpandM!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 12/?
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-07-04 05:12 am (UTC) - ExpandM!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 13/?
Date: 2015-07-04 06:46 pm (UTC)“Good morning,” he said affectionately, leaning down to plant a kiss on his throbbing forehead. “Did you sleep well?”
“I wish I was still asleep,” Tomas whined, burying his face in a pillow. “Too much ale…” He forced himself to look up, smiling slightly at his new lover. “In case you were wondering, I remember the way you felt inside me.” Ulfric grinned, ruffling the elf’s dirty hair.
“Glad to hear it. I was worried I’d have to remind you,” he teased, sprawling back in the blankets. Tomas smirked, rolling onto his back so that he was resting at his side.
“In that case, I’ve forgotten,” he replied. “Would you mind refreshing my memory?” Ulfric leaned down to kiss him again, but left it at that for the time being.
“You need to clean yourself up, before anything else.” He paused, biting his lip as he realized what had happened last night. “Galmar and I will talk to Rolff and make sure there isn’t any trouble. We’ll probably have to pay him a bit.” The Bosmer sighed, wringing his hands on his stomach and shaking his head.
“Gods…I can’t believe I hit him that hard,” he murmured. “I ought to at least apologize.” He hummed to himself, lost in thought. “Speaking of which…will Elisif be angry about what happened last night?” Ulfric shrugged, folding his arms behind his head and looking up at the banners above him. He wasn’t sure, in all honesty. Elisif had implied in their last conversation that she had taken a bedwarmer, and didn’t really seem to care what he did in Windhelm. But she had warned him about Tomas, and perhaps she had a point. Most of the citizens seemed to know how valued the elf was within the palace, and after Galmar had protected him the night before, rumors would almost certainly spread.
“Elisif doesn’t have to know,” he replied, moving to kiss Tomas’ neck as he spoke. “She’s in Solitude, after all. We can keep this quiet, can’t we?”
“That depends,” Tomas replied breathlessly, sighing at the feeling of his lover’s lips. “Is this the only time we’ll do this?” Ulfric kissed his way up to his face, pausing to look tenderly at him. Even hungover and messy, he was still gorgeous.
“I don’t want it to be, if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied. Tomas seemed to approve of this answer, leaning in to return the kiss.
“In that case,” he continued, “my question remains. A good Queen should know about everything that happens in her domain…especially when that includes her husband bedding his former officer.” He grinned mischievously, looking up at the ceiling. “If I was King, I’d have contacts everywhere. I imagine she has people here who report to her themselves.”
“It’s a possibility,” the Nord agreed, “but you seem to forget that I’m royalty, too.” He moved to press his chest against Tomas’, his kisses becoming more forceful. “The King of Skyrim should get what he wants, don’t you think?” Tomas’ hands trailed downwards, and Ulfric’s breath hitched as he felt smooth fingers rubbing against his shaft.
“And what does the King want right now?” he asked. Before he could say anymore, Ulfric silenced him with a deep kiss, and they both knew the answer.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 14/?
Date: 2015-08-01 12:42 am (UTC)“Thanks, Jorleif. I’ll let you know if I need anything else,” he replied, following the steward back up to the throne room. They came out just in time to see Ulfric approaching from the war room, and the Bosmer smiled lightly.
“Good morning,” he said politely, bowing his head. Ulfric smirked in response, looking curiously between the two.
“Good morning,” he echoed. “What brings you here so early?”
“I was just finalizing a purchase,” the elf replied. “I bought Hjerim, like you requested.” The king raised an eyebrow, pleased by his lover’s compliance.
“Excellent. I’m glad to see you settling in Windhelm,” he said politely. “I hope it’s worth the coin, despite everything that’s happened in there.” Tomas beamed, motioning at the door.
“It’s fully furnished and everything,” he remarked playfully. “You’re welcome to come and see it, if you’d like.” Ulfric couldn’t help but pick up on the subtly sultry undertone in the elf’s voice, and quickly hurried to his side.
“Of course. Jorleif, if anyone comes to visit, have them wait. I won’t be long.” Jorleif watched the two head out, tilting his head curiously.
“It was quite the investment,” Tomas remarked, motioning at the ground floor of his new home. As he had said, it was fully furnished, and the cost had even covered stocking the kitchen for the first time.
“I’m glad to see it being put to good use,” the king replied, peering up the stairs. “It’s such a shame, what happened here before. I was worried that nobody would buy it, with such a history attached to it.”
“I had to think about it,” Tomas admitted, taking the Nord’s hand and guiding him up to the armory. “But the Butcher was dealt with, and the room he used was cleaned thoroughly. I’m happy to be here.” He motioned at the bare mannequins, shaking his head. “I’ll have those decorated by tonight, probably. You should come back when I’ve put some things on display.” Ulfric smirked, reaching for the elf’s slim waist and pulling him to his side.
“And here I was thinking you brought me here because you were going to put some things on display for me,” he teased. Tomas leaned up to kiss him, his eyelids fluttering slightly.
“The bedroom was the next place I was going to show you,” he remarked, “if you feel like helping me break in my new mattress so early in the morning.” Ulfric responded by scooping him off of the floor with ease, laughing as he headed into the next room and tossed him onto the bed.
“Gods, you’re light,” he teased, shedding his cloak and climbing on top of the elf. “We’re lucky I haven’t broken you yet.” Tomas settled for kissing him, his pants already tenting at the feeling of his king’s greedy mouth.
“You have yourself a sturdy lover,” he replied between kisses, linking his arms around Ulfric’s neck and looking tenderly up at him. “This is quite the housewarming gift.”
“Yes, well…” Ulfric finally managed to get the elf’s shirt off, and began kissing his way down his chest. “I’m happy you’re settling down in such a nice place. And your distance from the palace is an added bonus.”
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 15/?
Date: 2015-08-01 02:57 am (UTC)It took less than a minute for him to lose that feeling.
“Ulfric,” Galmar said hurriedly, his voice unusually hushed. “My brother is in the war room, demanding to see you.”
“I didn’t know he was allowed to make demands, considering he’s not a member of the court,” Ulfric remarked, ascending to the throne. When Galmar gave him a withering look, he smirked slightly. “What’s this about?”
“It’s about how you dealt with Tomas after they had that fight,” the older man replied. “He’s not happy.” The king groaned, leaning on the armrest.
“For Talos’ sake…fine. Let me talk to him,” he said bitterly. He had dealt with Rolff countless times before, on topics ranging from the presence of Dunmer to the upkeep of the inn. He was a petty man, which Ulfric didn’t appreciate, but he was also Galmar’s kin, which gave him some hint of merit.
“Good morning, King Ulfric,” Rolff said shortly as he appeared from the war room. His eyebrows were tight over his eyes, and Ulfric couldn’t help but hear the confrontation in his voice.
“What can I do for you today, Rolff?”
“We need to talk about that elf.” The Nord stood firmly at the foot of the throne, glaring up at him. “Tomas. I assume you’re aware that he broke my nose in a tavern brawl?”
“So I’ve heard.” Ulfric sighed, looking down at his hand as he continued. “It looks as though it’s healed up nicely.”
“Sure, after an extremely painful healing process!” Rolff clenched his fists at his side. “Care to explain why he isn’t being punished for it? Anybody else would serve a few days in prison! What makes him so damned special?”
“He’s one of my top officers, if you’ve forgotten,” Ulfric growled, slowly beginning to lose his patience, “and I chose to pardon him. Galmar told me that you were enough of an adult to handle an injury like that without looking for retribution.”
“Am I wrong in wanting retribution?” Rolff asked loudly. In his corner, Jorleif flinched, and Galmar finally came out of the war room to watch the confrontation. “That little bastard should have been shipped back to Valenwood the moment the war was over. He has no place in our city—”
“He has more place in this city than you!”
Jorleif hurried into the kitchen, and even Galmar took a startled step back. Ulfric had risen from his throne and slammed his fist on the armrest, and was staring down at Rolff with flaming eyes.
“Tomas fought at my side for all of Skyrim’s children, including you, you ungrateful rat!” he roared. “I would trust him with my life! What have you done for Skyrim?! What have you even done for Windhelm?!” Rolff stood slack-jawed as his king continued his rant. “You think you can walk in here and treat me with such impertinence, because of your relation to Galmar? I am your king, and my decree was to pardon Tomas! If you think I won’t jail you for refusing to accept my rules, think again!” When the Nord said nothing, he took a seat, smoothing his hair out of his face. “Now get out of my sight, Rolff. Don’t come back here again unless you have a problem worth mentioning.” Rolff turned on his heel and stormed from the hall, not even looking at his brother as he went. Galmar, for his part, approached the throne with a short laugh.
“The only person who’s ever embarrassed him like that was our mother,” he joked, leaning on the throne. When Ulfric didn’t smile, he softened slightly. “Excuse him, Ulfric. He’s harmless. He’s a drunken fool who doesn’t know when to keep quiet, but he’s harmless.”
“I’ll take your word for that, Galmar,” Ulfric replied, shaking his head. As he leaned back in the throne, his friend’s smile broadened.
“You know,” he added, “Tomas and I are going hunting again tomorrow. I’m sure he’d be happy to have you along this time, if you feel like relaxing. Take out some of that pent-up rage on something you can eat afterwards, hm?” The king finally smiled again, looking mischievously over at Galmar.
“You do know the way to my heart, don’t you?” he teased.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 16/?
Date: 2015-08-05 04:39 am (UTC)“I’m not sure I’m going to be able to hunt when my horse is moving,” he admitted, grinning despite the embarrassment. “It’s been a while.” The Bosmer chuckled, drawing his bow and urging his horse forward.
“You’ll get used to it again,” he assured him, pulling an arrow from its bushel. “Here. Watch me.” He moved forward swiftly, closed an eye as he aimed his arrow, and fired in one graceful motion. One of the deer fell, sending the others scattering, and Galmar shouted, galloping forward with his bow drawn as well. Ulfric headed forwards as well, laughing as they pursued their dinner for the evening. There was something invigorating and exciting about the hunt, and it had been far too long since he had felt this kind of thrill.
The more he thought about it, the more he realized that wasn’t entirely true. He glanced over at Tomas, who was bouncing in his saddle at his side. His hair was swept behind his face by the wind, and his cheeks were flushed with the same excitement. The unadulterated happiness in his face gave Ulfric the same rush that ran through him when he saw the elf nude, or when he made him laugh, or when their eyes met in a moment of unspoken intimacy.
Yes, the thrill was in fact returning to his life. It finally occurred to him why he had been missing that feeling since the end of the war.
“Ulfric!” Galmar called from where he was crouching next to his freshest kill. “Are you planning on helping us get the meat off these bones, or would you rather just take in the view?”
“It is a nice day,” the king remarked, slinging himself out of the saddle and going over to join them. “Lots of things to look at, I’d say.”
Tomas said nothing, but his affectionate smile said it all.
“Thanks for coming out with us,” the elf said once they were back in Hjerim, packing the venison into barrels for salting. Galmar had gone on to the palace with his share of the meat, giving Ulfric a moment alone with his lover.
“I had a good time,” he said, leaning against the wall and watching Tomas work. “We should make it a regular thing.” The Bosmer grinned, tightening the lid on the barrel before glancing back at him.
“You think you can make time for hunting with us, with all your kingly duties?” he teased. Ulfric wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer and smirking down at him.
“I can make time for you,” he replied, planting a kiss on his lips. “Kingly duties can wait. You’re the one who says the king of Skyrim can do what he wants, aren’t you?” Tomas leaned in for another kiss, smiling confidently into the Nord’s lips.
“He can,” he agreed when he pulled away. “I’m lucky that my King wants to spend so much time with me.” Despite his best efforts, Ulfric couldn’t help but reply with the words that had been on his mind all day.
“I love you, Tomas.” The elf looked up, surprised, but his smile only broadened.
“The last time I heard that from you, I was drunk,” he replied lightly, wrapping his arms around him. “I thought I had imagined it.” Ulfric moved to kiss his neck, earning an affectionate laugh.
“You’re not imagining this one. I love you,” he repeated. Tomas grinned, pulling him back to kiss his lips.
“I love you, too. I wish you could stay here tonight,” he sighed. Ulfric nodded in agreement, resting his chin on his lover’s head.
“There’s no reason I can’t stay for a little while longer…”
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 17/?
Date: 2015-08-08 01:58 am (UTC)“Good morning, King Ulfric,” he said, holding out an expensive envelope. “I have a letter for you.” The king in question immediately recognized the royal seal of Solitude’s court on the back, and his brow furrowed.
“Thank you,” he replied, reaching for the letter with one hand and sticking his other in his pocket. “Here, have a drink before you get back on the road.” The courier took the coins gratefully and smiled.
“Thank you, your Majesty.” Once he had turned his back, Ulfric opened the letter carefully, leaning back on the throne as he read.
Ulfric,
I request your presence in Solitude. There are things we must discuss. I await your prompt arrival.
-Elisif
Ulfric frowned, folding the letter back in half. Her letters were rarely so blunt, or her sentences so short. He knew that there could be any reason for the summons, but he couldn’t help but feel as though he had done something very wrong.
“Galmar,” he called, glancing over at the kitchens. The older Nord poked his head into the doorway, half of a pheasant roast hanging out of his mouth.
“Yes?”
“I’m going to Solitude. Urgent business, apparently.” Ulfric rose to his feet, gesturing at the now-vacated throne. “I need you to stand in for me until I get back. Don’t start any wars while I’m gone.” Galmar smirked.
“No promises. Tell Elisif I said hello,” he said, heading for the throne as Ulfric strode for his quarters. When his old friend said nothing, he frowned and took a seat. He had an oddly pessimistic feeling about this unexpected journey.
Sure enough, Ulfric had barely made it to the Blue Palace when Elisif appeared at the balcony. Even at his distance, he could see her bright white knuckles on the railing.
“Is everything alright?” he asked as he ascended the stairs. The queen said nothing, and instead motioned for him to follow her to the bedroom.
She had barely closed the door when she turned to him, eyes blazing.
“Since our wedding, I have only told you to avoid doing one thing. Didn’t I?” She moved closer, her fists clenched. “Do you want to explain why Rolff Stone-Fist arrived yesterday and informed me that you are having sex with Tomas?” Ulfric’s eyes widened, and he gaped at his wife, feeling immediately numb.
“…What?”
“You heard me!” Elisif stormed across the room, her face reddening with rage. “I told you that you sharing a bed with him would threaten our stability, and you did it anyway. How dare you disrespect me like that, after everything you’ve done?!”
“Elisif! Rolff is a drunk, you know this!” Ulfric argued, following her as she stormed about. “He’ll always say things on his mind if it makes him feel better. Please—” Elisif turned to face him, her eyes dangerously narrow.
“He came all the way to Solitude based on drunk paranoia?” she asked, her voice suddenly a frightening hiss. “Don’t lie to me, Ulfric. Do you sleep with him or not?” Her entire aura compelled Ulfric, and he lowered his head, barely able to look at her.
“…I sleep with him,” he confirmed, sighing. Elisif closed her eyes, trying to keep calm in the wake of this news.
“And Rolff will make sure that much is known.” She looked up, the rage in her eyes melting into desperate sadness. “What do we do?” Ulfric sighed, taking a seat on the bed and shaking his head.
“I don’t know,” he replied, unusually demure. “I don’t know.” Elisif went to sit beside him, biting her lip as she thought.
“…We’re out of options,” she sighed, placing a hand on his. “Ulfric, we need to share this bed. And it needs to be loud enough that people will understand what we’re doing in here.” The king grew tense. He had just told Tomas he loved him the night before…but she was right.
“…Okay.”
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 18/?
Date: 2015-08-08 07:59 pm (UTC)He would be lying to himself if he said he hadn’t enjoyed bedding Elisif. She had experience, that much was sure, and it had admittedly been quite some time since he had been with a woman. Despite his reluctance, he had at least been able to forget about it for a little while. But now he was back on the road, and he had come to his senses again.
Tomas deserved better, that much was for sure. Even with the necessity of what he had done, he had broken his lover’s trust, and he could feel his heart aching dully. He loved Tomas, and he knew the Bosmer deserved his honesty, but he also wasn’t the most rational of elves sometimes. He wasn’t sure what the truth would do to them, nor was he certain that Tomas would understand his reasoning. But what kind of man would he be if he lied to him about something so important? How would it seem if the news came up later, and the one he loved realized that he hadn’t been true?
Ulfric sighed again, sitting up straight as Windhelm’s walls appeared in the carriage’s sight. Nothing he said could soften this blow, but he knew what he had to do.
Tomas looked as happy as ever to see him, and the smile on his face made Ulfric’s heart catch in his throat. He beamed, pulling the king into Hjerim and planting a kiss on his lips.
“Welcome home,” he said lightly, wrapping his arms around the Nord’s waist. “You didn’t tell me that you were leaving. I went to visit you, and Galmar said you had gone to Solitude on urgent business.” His smile faded, and he tilted his head to take a closer look at Ulfric. “Is everything okay?”
“Let’s sit down,” Ulfric replied, motioning at the nearby table. Tomas’ face paled, but he complied, and the two sat a safe distance apart. “Apparently Rolff made it to Solitude. He told Elisif that you and I share a bed.”
“How does he know that?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think he does,” the Nord explained, shaking his head. “He was angry when I didn’t punish you for hurting him. But Elisif knows, and we…we had to do something.” The Bosmer’s shoulders slumped, and he looked up at his lover, his heart sinking.
“You slept with her.”
“I did.” Ulfric reached for his hand, which was limp on the bench. “I’m sorry, Tomas…I wanted to be honest with you from the beginning, so you knew—”
“I appreciate that,” Tomas replied bluntly, rising to his feet. His knees were shaking, and his eyes were pointedly looking at anywhere except his king. “Now get out of my house, please.”
When Stenvar made his way down to the bar for a fresh bottle, he was surprised to see his old friend there, shoving septims across the counter and stuffing a bag with as much food as he could fit inside. Elda stood nervously on the other side, taking the payment as graciously as she could.
“Tomas,” the sellsword called, moving to his side. When he was close enough, he could see that the elf’s cheeks were streaked with dry tears, and he took a step back.
“Hello, Stenvar,” Tomas replied weakly, forcing a smile. “I was just getting ready to head out. Do you want to come along?”
“Maybe,” Stenvar said, motioning for him to follow him to one of the rooms. “I want to make sure you’re okay first.” Once they were alone, the elf allowed a few tears to fall, and smiled to keep his sobs back.
“You’re a good man, Stenvar,” he remarked, taking a seat on the bed. “People like you are getting harder to come by.” The Nord smiled wryly, sitting down beside him.
“Where are you going?”
“I don’t know. Just on an adventure, I suppose.” Tomas sighed, leaning forward on his knees. “I don’t want to be here anymore.” Stenvar nodded sympathetically, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
“I’ll gladly come along and keep you out of danger, if you want me to. I think you need a friend right now, Tomas.” The Bosmer sat up again, his smile more genuine now that his tears were subsiding. He glanced over at the closed door, then returned his gaze more shyly.
“I do,” he agreed, leaning in for a kiss, “but for tonight, I need a little more than that.” Stenvar’s eyes widened with surprise, but his hand quickly strayed to the small of Tomas’ back.
He could be this, too.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 19/?
Date: 2015-08-08 08:36 pm (UTC)Jorleif had quickly retreated to Wuunferth’s office, where he knew he would be safe, and the guards of the palace silently willed themselves not to run. They could hear Ulfric trashing the war room, more enraged than he had been in months, and couldn’t help but feel fear coursing through their bodies. When the king stormed out into the main room, they both flinched despite their best efforts.
“You two!” Ulfric shouted, pointing wildly at them. “Arrest Rolff Stone-Fist immediately on charges of slander and treason! Get him in a jail cell as far into the ground as you can, and tell him I’ll deal with him soon!”
“Yes, sir!” The guards hurried from the palace, leaving Ulfric to pick up a full platter and hurl it across the room. He had woken to the news that Tomas had skipped town once again, with the sellsword from the inn in tow, and there was no suppressing the rage this time around. He had lost the love of his life again, and any grief he felt had melted into a fire that burned his blood.
If he hadn’t been such a damn fool, he could have avoided this entire mess. He stormed back to his quarters, only slightly satisfied by the sound of the door slamming behind him. If he tried to make any royal decisions today, he would almost certainly end up having someone executed. He didn’t want that.
He had cooled down by the time Galmar burst into his quarters. The older Nord, on the other hand, was furious, and stood imposingly in the doorway.
“You arrested my brother?!” he asked, storming forward as the king looked up from his book. Ulfric’s eyes narrowed, and he nodded.
“Your brother is a criminal,” he confirmed, “and deserves the cell he’s sitting in right now.”
“What he did wasn’t slander or treason!” Galmar argued, slamming his fist on the table. “He told Elisif the truth, and you had him thrown in jail! What’s the matter with you, boy?!”
“I’m no boy!” Ulfric argued, rising to his feet. “I’m your king—”
“Don’t you dare give me that, or I’ll be the one breaking noses this time,” Galmar interrupted him, his eyes flashing. “You have lost your damn mind over Tomas, and I am tired of dealing with you running around and doing wrong by him. Either you love him or you don’t, but stop making everybody suffer because you don’t know what you want. You’re being selfish, and I know that isn’t you.” He softened slightly, shaking his head bitterly. “It’s time for you to figure this out once and for all, Ulfric. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, but you’re getting dangerously close to losing your housecarl. Keep that in mind.” With that, he stalked out of the room, leaving the king of Skyrim to sit in stunned silence.
This entire time, he had thought that the decision was impossible to make. Nothing in his life had been as easy as a yes or a no. But Galmar had never threatened to leave before, and the prospect of losing his best friend was more frightening than anything he had ever faced.
He took a seat on the bed, closing his eyes. Truly, with everything they had gone through together, it was amazing that Galmar had even stayed by his side this long. The same was true of Tomas, now that he thought about it. He wondered when he had stopped appreciating just how loyal the people in his life were.
Ulfric stood abruptly and hurried to the door. Another helmeted guard stood a few feet down the hall, and bowed politely at the sight of his king.
“Your Majesty.”
“Hello. Can you release Rolff Stone-Fist from his cell?” Ulfric asked, leaning against the doorframe. “Let him know that I apologize profusely for the inconvenience, and that I’ll compensate him when I return from Solitude.” The guard nodded his understanding and headed back to the main palace, leaving Ulfric to pack the bag that still lay on the floor from his last trip.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 20/23
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-08-09 03:39 pm (UTC) - ExpandM!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 21/23
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-08-09 04:15 pm (UTC) - ExpandRE: M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 21/23
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-09-17 11:17 pm (UTC) - ExpandRe: M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 21/23
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2015-10-27 09:55 am (UTC) - ExpandM!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 22/23
Date: 2016-08-21 02:20 am (UTC)“Here we are,” he said with a self-assured nod. “Good luck, Tomas. If you ever want to hit the road again, you know where to find me.” With that blunt farewell, he headed back up to Candlehearth Hall, leaving his friend alone and rigid in the cold.
Every one of the elf’s steps felt like a labor, and the fear of this reunion left him shaking. As he moved closer to the familiar palace, however, the walk became easier, and he felt more determined than ever.
Though he could feel the guards watching him as intently as ever, Tomas felt at home as he headed up to Ulfric’s quarters. Even the hallways were warm, especially after being outside for so long, and the sound of his footsteps echoing on the stone below left him unusually comfortable. He did his best to mute those footsteps when he slunk into Ulfric’s bedroom.
The king was in a deep sleep, his hair fanning around his head and his face stoic even in rest. Smiling affectionately, Tomas shed his boots and gauntlets, leaving them neatly on the floor, and moved onto the bed as carefully as he could. Once he was laying comfortably beside his lover, he kissed him softly, deeply enough to stir him from sleep. Ulfric’s tired eyes blinked into focus, widening slightly as he came to.
“…Tomas?” he whispered, reaching instinctively for the Bosmer’s hand. Tomas grinned, a lump stopping him from speaking immediately.
“I’m back, your majesty,” he finally choked out. Ulfric immediately sat up, pulling him in for a deeper kiss, and pulled the blankets back over the both of them as they fell back onto the mattress.
“Welcome home,” he whispered, burying his face in the elf’s neck. He smelled like forest. Tomas laughed softly at the beard tickling his skin, and let his eyes flutter closed as his lover lavished attention on him.
“Home, hm?” he murmured, stroking Ulfric’s hair. When the Nord continued kissing him, his smile only broadened, and he felt a fresh rush of tears behind his eyes. “Okay, got it. Home. I like it.”
“I missed you,” Ulfric replied simply, pulling away long enough to look into Tomas’ dark eyes. “More than I think you understand.” Tomas pulled him back with him, resting his thin hands on Ulfric’s broader ones.
“Show me, then,” he said quietly, meaningfully. His hands roamed towards, tugging at the robe the king slept in, and Ulfric rolled his eyes.
“Gods, Tomas,” he said with a smirk. “You disappear to Talos-knows-where, leave me worried sick and wondering if I’ll ever see you again, and the moment you come back you’re talking about sex. How typical.” Nonetheless, he was already unbuckling the elf’s belt, and Tomas grinned back at him.
“Don’t be rude,” he replied, raising his arms so that Ulfric could continue undressing him. “If I hadn’t said it, you would have.” The Nord nodded, tossing his own robe aside and reveling quietly in the feeling of the sheets and both of their nudity.
He was quick to grimace when he was inside his smaller lover. The tightness and the way the elf’s breath hitched with that first thrust was enough to finish him on the spot. Fortunately, he regained himself, and it wasn’t long before they were moaning together, cocks throbbing and sweat dripping as the bed squeaked beneath them. Tomas was far too gone to speak, save for Ulfric’s name and the occasional ‘yes, yes, yes,’ and his vision blurred as he got lost in pleasure.
Despite it all, Ulfric came first, gripping at Tomas’ ass as his entire body shook. The feeling of those huge, firm hands sent Tomas over the edge right after him, gasping and stammering as he spilled onto both of them. The moment following was silent except for a bit of gasping and a low whine from Tomas when Ulfric pulled out of him. When their eyes met, the elf nearly sobbed, overwhelmed with relief and love and satisfaction.
He was home.
M!DB/Ulfric: "Unforgettable" 23/23
Date: 2016-08-21 02:49 am (UTC)“Ulfric?” he asked gently, his voice muffled by the Nord’s chest. Nonetheless, the king opened his eyes.
“Mm?”
“What do you suppose will happen now?” The Bosmer squirmed his way up to lay next to his lover and look at him clearly. “You know, now that you and Elisif aren’t married?” Ulfric shrugged, pulling Tomas back in for another kiss.
“I don’t know, love,” he replied, giving both of his hands a soft squeeze. “For now, I’m planning to rule as best I can and take on what I need to. Taking it a day at a time, as it were.” Tomas nodded his understanding, nuzzling back against Ulfric’s neck.
“Do you think dissolving the marriage will cause trouble?” he pressed on.
“Everything causes trouble,” Ulfric replied simply. When the elf pouted at him, he gave him a reassuring squeeze. “All I can tell you is what Elisif told me. That there wouldn’t be any trouble from her people, because it was her decision, and that all she wants is to be happy. Which, believe it or not, is all I want, too.” Tomas appeared satisfied by this, and fell back onto the pillows, humming quietly.
“I’ll be on your side no matter what, you know,” he said, reaching for his king’s hand. “If you need me to go fight for you again, I’ll always do that. You know that, right?”
“I do.” Ulfric looked sternly at him. “And I appreciate that. But I’d rather have you alive than anything else. So don’t do anything stupid in your king’s name.”
“Not even summoning dragons?”
“Not even summoning dragons.” The pair snickered, returning to their cuddling just long enough for Tomas to have another question.
“Ulfric?”
“You need to let me sleep, Tomas,” the Nord warned. “One more question.”
“You said don’t do anything stupid in my king’s name, right?” When Ulfric nodded, Tomas bit his lip, wondering how to word the question. “What if I do it in my husband’s name instead?” Ulfric opened his eyes, smiling despite his best efforts.
“Being your widower doesn’t appeal to me either, Tomas. Even if it would be a little quieter.” He sat up now, running a hand through his lover’s hair. “It would be in bad form to marry you so soon after the first marriage dissolved.”
“I know.” The elf smirked all the same, guiding Ulfric back down onto the pillows. “I’ll ask again in a few weeks.” Ulfric smiled sleepily, already dozing off with the warmth of the man he loved against his chest.
“The answer is yes no matter when you ask,” he murmured before they drifted off together.