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Skyrim Page 5 - "NAKED! Naked naked naked "

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As for his relations with his court, things were still tense between Madanach and Nepos and Eola, but at least all three were talking... mostly. Keirine visited regularly, and relations with her were as they always had been – mutually affectionate, even if Keirine did fuss over Madanach a little too much for his liking.

Relations with his queen were better than they'd ever been, and if the two of them paid discreet visits to one of the healers at the clinic, no one paid it any mind, just assuming it was treating Madanach for the by now well-known little Skooma problem. There hadn't been an official announcement about any of it, but the basic story was known – Liriel's in-laws had visited, wreaked havoc on the royal marriage, they'd nearly divorced, Madanach had fallen off the wagon in a fairly major way and then there'd been the kidnapping. Hardly surprising Madanach had taken a leave of absence to sort his family out, was it?

If Liriel's friend Serana started visiting more often too, everyone just thought it was Liriel she was there to see, and wasn't it nice Madanach got on so well with his wife's friends.

And so after a month of Madanach relaxing and spending time with his family, and hanging around with Calcelmo working on some sort of automatically reloading Dwemer crossbow thing, and only nearly shooting Cicero once with the prototype (Madanach insisted it was an accident, Eola strongly suspected otherwise, Liriel ended up dispatching Cicero off on a few contracts before any other incidents happened), the fateful meeting that would decide a kingdom's fate, or at least it's king's, finally convened.

On one side of the table, Acting Reach-Queen Eola, flanked by Steward Nepos on her right and Matriarch Keirine on her left, with Field-Marshal Uraccen next to Nepos. On the other, Madanach with Liriel sitting next to him and holding his hand. Miraak's robes had been restored to Madanach after a few choice words from Liriel, and he was wearing them today. Eola had opted for a set of scaled armour instead, plus the Torc of Red Eagle.

“How's Uaile?” Madanach asked, feeling a bit guilty over Uraccen's child getting injured in the whole business.

“She's fine,” Uraccen said, glaring. “Holed up at Dead Crone Rock with her stepfather, recovering nicely. Just a bit of bruising and concussion, that's all.”

“That's good to hear,” Madanach said hopefully. Uraccen's stony expression barely changed. Oh good, that was not a promising start.

“Now that we're all here, we know why this meeting's been called,” Eola said calmly. “Two months ago, Nepos and I invoked the Act of Regency in response to the abduction of our Queen Consort by hostile foreign parties and the inability of the Mournful Throne to respond due to our glorious leader's self-intoxication with Skooma, am I correct?”

“When you're done rubbing it in, daughter,” Madanach growled. “Look, I recovered in time, rescued the Queen, she's fine and she's right here, and the threat to the Reach has been averted. I've spent the intervening weeks complying in full with the Skooma treatment programme, as no doubt my healers have told you, so can I please have the Throne back?”

“I've had full reports on your progress, yes,” Eola said smoothly, flipping through various dossiers in front of her. “Minus any confidential medical details, of course, but the entire Slan Gwasanaeth seems united in that you're doing very well.”

“Relieved to hear it,” Madanach snapped. “Now, about the Throne...” Eola had raised a finger, shutting him off.

“The Council have met and discussed matters and we're satisfied there's unlikely to be any further relapses unless some major trauma happens. I hope it never does. Obviously you'll need to remain in the programme as a condition of retaining the kingship, should we choose to hand it back. That's the addiction dealt with. Next, there's the abduction of Queen Liriel.”

“I couldn't have prevented that, I didn't know Sabrinda and Meryndor were going to do that!” Madanach protested. “I'm not even sure they knew they were going to!”

“No, but perhaps if you'd been conscious at the time, you'd have realised something was up?” Uraccen pointed out tersely. “My little girl could have been killed, Madanach!”

“I know, but I couldn't have stopped that, I wasn't even in the room at the time,” Madanach sighed, frustrated.

“Perhaps you should have been!” Uraccen snapped back, arms folded, and for once Madanach sighed and backed down.

“Fine, you're right, I should have been there. I shouldn't have given in to my own dark side and had the discussion I did with Liriel. I should never have let her go, and if I and my guards had been there while Liriel spoke to her parents, this whole thing would have had a different ending, I know. As it is, I'm sorry. I've spent the last two months trying to make amends to Liriel, but if you need anything from me, Uraccen, you know you've only to ask.”

“I don't need anything,” Uraccen said coldly... but then he relented. “But my daughter and I thank you.”

One down from the look of it. Madanach turned back to Eola, still flipping through paperwork.

“Well, daughter? Are you going to blame me for my in-law's actions too?”

Eola ignored him completely and turned to Liriel.

“Well now, Brenhina, what do we think?”

“Eola, he did rescue me,” Liriel said softly. “Maybe he didn't come charging straight out of Markarth with the entire ReachGuard at his back, but he did come and get me. I think he saved my sister.”

“But not your father,” Nepos said quietly, and that did earn Liriel's wrath.

“Falmer killed my father, not Madanach,” Liriel said furiously. “Now maybe we've had our arguments, but Madanach and I are very happily married and going to remain so. If I don't hold him responsible for my father dying, I don't see why you should.”

Nepos smiled, chuckled to himself and nodded to Eola. “Well argued. Well, I don't think it needs restating that Madanach's been a bit of a fool, but I've also seen him taking care of his and Liriel's children, in particular helping Lucia come to terms with having seen her father off his head on Skooma and in helping Ancalime deal with the loss of her father. He's been doing a good job as far as I can tell.”

“Wait a second – have you been talking to my children??” Madanach cried, leaning forward, hands splayed on the table and half out of his chair.

“There's no law against that, Madanach,” Nepos said stiffly. “Eola?”

“We've had informal conversations with Sissel, Lucia and Ancalime,” Eola said, patting Nepos's hand reassuringly. “We didn't think it was necessary for any kind of formal testimony – Da, don't worry, it was all positive. Sissel was worried, yes, but now you're both back and she's fine with that. Lucia's still worried about you, Da, but she also just wants things to get back to normal. Ancalime I can't call fine because she's not, but she also saw you attacking the ones who killed her father and saving her sister's life. She idolises you, Da. Thinks you're some sort of badass superhero. I keep trying to tell her that's actually her big sister, but she won't hear otherwise.”

“That's nice of her,” Madanach murmured, a little embarrassed but it did the trick of diverting his anger.

“I knew Eola and Nepos wanted to talk to them, I was there throughout, it was fine,” Liriel said gently. “Our babies love you, cariad.”

Madanach wasn't entirely sure what he thought about Liriel not involving him but he supposed he was in no position to argue, so he just held her hand.

“So,” Eola continued. “Queen rescued, children fine, Skooma habit under control, royal marriage healthy, what else? Oh yes, diplomatic relations – what's the response from the Dominion on all this? Any trouble?”

“None,” Nepos said cheerfully. “Elenwen's last report before she mysteriously vanished stated there was no real evidence of any inappropriate action on our part, and Sabrinda's been in touch since with both her superiors in the Thalmor and her son to reassure them she's safe and has chosen to seclude herself while she mourns.”

Liriel had had a letter of her own from Haldyn, one in which her brother had wanted to know if it was true and if she was all right and how Ancalime was... and then telling Liriel to take care of their sister and enjoy being queen, she deserved to be happy. Unexpected, but Liriel knew her brother was as idealistic as she was. Support from him was worth having, and she made a mental note to maybe invite him up to the Reach. Ancalime would be pleased to see him, and she had a feeling he'd like Madanach.

“Shame about the disappearance and all,” Eola purred. “Any word on what happened to her?”

“None,” Keirine said, smirking. “She returned to the Embassy from Cwm Prendwemyn, filed that report and then two weeks later, she just vanished.”

“We've sent the necessary sympathies to the Embassy, expressing our sincere hope they find her soon,” Nepos added cheerfully.

“My thanks,” Eola said, grinning back, and Madanach could only feel a certain sense of relief that what with being on a leave of absence and all at the time, none of this was presently his problem. Of course, reinstatement would make it his problem but without proof, what could anyone do?

“So, the decision,” Liriel said hopefully. “What do we do?”

“Keirine, you've known him longer than any of us, what do you think?” Eola asked.

Keirine tilted her head, illusion glimmering – why she had them on now when everyone present knew what she really looked like was a mystery to Madanach, but maybe his sister was just feeling vain.

“Personally, I think my brother's half-crazy, but that's been the case for years and so far he's always remained functional,” Keirine mused. “It's also a key cornerstone of the recovery programme that the patient should be reintegrated back into society, find some meaningful employment, gain a sense of self-worth that negates the desire to turn back to Skooma. I know my brother, Eola. I know that if you leave him to his own devices, he'll find something to occupy himself with. If we don't give him something to do, he'll find it, and I'm very sure we won't like what he finds. So. I vote in favour. Reinstate him as king, at least that way we'll know what he's likely to be up to.”

“Thank you. I think,” Madanach said dryly. Eola grinned and turned to her right.

“Uraccen?” Eola asked. The older man just shrugged.

“Seeing as Uaile's fine, Madanach's clean and the kingdom hasn't completely fallen apart, I suppose I can agree to him having the torc back,” Uraccen sighed. “Try to stay sober this time, hmm?”

Madanach grinned and promised he would. He knew Uraccen of old – if he hated a man, he didn't waste time on sarcasm. Next up, Nepos.

“I'm of a mind with Keirine on this one,” Nepos said, idly examining his fingernails. “We cut you loose, the old gods know what you'll get up to. Next thing we know, half of High Rock will be up in armed revolution, or you'll be presiding over Hammerfell or something. No, best for all of us if you're where we can see you.”

“You know, I'm starting to feel a little insulted...” Madanach said, glowering at Nepos. His steward just shrugged.

“I've said far worse to your face before now, and yet here I still sit, unharmed. You are getting your torc back, are you not?”

“I don't know, my treacherous daughter hasn't decided yet.” Madanach sat back, arms folded and staring Eola down. “Well? Are you in favour too or are you vetoing? You have to know Liriel's in favour.”

“Are you?” Eola asked, turning to Liriel, and while Madanach felt a little insulted, he could nevertheless respect someone who didn't just take his word for it.

“Of course,” Liriel said, smiling. “Honestly, I'm not sure I actually want to run the Reach. Someone who actually enjoys it is a far better option as king.”

“You got that right,” Eola said, returning the smile and turning back to Madanach. “All right. By my right as Queen Regent, I declare this Council dissolved and the Mournful Throne restored to Madanach ap Caradach.” She removed the red-gold Torc of Red Eagle from around her neck and placed it on the table, before pushing it over to Liriel. “Dragonborn, do the honours.”

Liriel picked the torc up and as Madanach lowered his head, placed it back around his neck, patting the eagle's heads into place before using it to pull him closer and before everyone present, kissed the newly restored Reach-King for all she was worth.

“A thing for powerful men. Knew it,” Madanach murmured as he slid his own arms around her and returned the kiss. Liriel blushed and nestled in his arms as the kiss broke off, but Madanach could sense the arousal in her. Back to their bedroom as soon as possible, but first, an announcement to make.

“Thank you, daughter. I accept the post and responsibility. But not forever.”

“Not – what do you mean?” Eola asked, confused. “I thought you wanted the torc back?”

“I do, but like I said, not forever. These past few weeks have helped me refocus, remember why I did all of this, why I led the Forsworn in the first place. To correct injustices, yes, but because the Nords destroyed Reachfolk families, including mine. I've got no intention of having a new family torn apart. I want to live to raise my children, Eola.”

“You're going to live another decade to see Sissel and Lucia grown, I'm quite sure,” Nepos pointed out. “And Ancalime isn't actually your child, you know that, right?”

“I know,” said Madanach, squeezing Liriel's hand and feeling the answering squeeze of assent back. “But even so, I can't be King forever. So I'm accepting it back for twenty-five years... and then I'm abdicating. Daughter, you'd better get working on the grandchildren, you'll want adult heirs when you take over properly.”

“I – right,” Eola said faintly. “But why? You'll be an old man by then, you might not even live that long!”

“I'll live that long,” Madanach said quietly, working up his courage as he took Liriel's hand in both of his. “Start planning for a Reach-King that isn't dying of natural causes. A year or so from now, I'll be taking the blood. Serana's agreed to turn me into a vampire.”

As one, the erstwhile council exploded.

“Are you out of your mind?” Uraccen demanded. Nepos seemed of like mind, but was generally not nearly so blunt.

“Madanach, why on earth are you doing that? Liriel, tell me he's definitely not gone back on the Skooma?”

“He's fine,” Liriel said, smiling. “We talked about it, it's what we both want.”

“You're doing it for Liriel,” Eola said, comprehension dawning. “You don't want to die and leave her alone. Da, that's so sweet. But why now? You always said no before! You wanted to see Kaie and the others in the afterlife.”

“I know,” Madanach said quietly, hanging his head and trying to fight the pain that always accompanied the mention of Kaie's name. “I miss your sisters, I always will... but they're in the Void and they don't need their father there.” A pause and a look exchanged with Liriel. After they revealed this one, things would never be the same... but Madanach at least was prepared to take what came, and Liriel was of like mind, he knew that. Every healer visit made her glow, as did the little moments when they were alone and she'd run a hand over her stomach and squeal. Liriel wanted this and so did he.

Keirine, quiet so far, had raised her hand, casting a spell... and then her hand fell to her side as even a Hagraven could still be surprised.

“By Sithis, Madanach. I don't believe it. You really don't need Stallion's Draught, do you?”

“Stallion's Draught – what's that got to – no!” Eola had never been a fool, and she saw the soppy looks Madanach and Liriel were exchanging and realised just why Madanach might suddenly want to live beyond his years. “You're not kidding!”

“My dead children do not need me, and the Dragonborn of legend certainly doesn't need anyone,” Madanach said, stroking Liriel's face and idly wondering what their child would look like – Altmer obviously but would any Breton influence show through? He hoped so. “But my pregnant wife does, and my child yet unborn certainly will. How can I leave Liriel to raise our baby without me?”

“You got the Dragonborn pregnant,” Uraccen said in wonder. “Good gods, Madanach, this child's either going to save the world or destroy it.”

“I'm barely three months gone!” Liriel protested. “Give it some slack. Our baby could be the next Emperor or a humble market trader and I'll still love it anyway.”

“I'm hoping considerably better than a market trader for the next ap Madanach,” Madanach laughed. “But yes, Liriel and I are expecting. I daresay we'll have to make the announcement soon.”

“Yes, I suppose we will,” Nepos said thoughtfully. “You'll have to let me know when it's due – Uraccen, do you think our informant on Altmer culture will know anything about babies or pregnancy?”

“I'll ask, but I very much doubt it,” Uraccen laughed. “Congratulation, Madanach, and you, Liriel. Anything you need, you just ask.”

“Likewise,” Keirine said, grinning. “I have delivered a great many babies in my time, never lost a mother yet. I'll be there for the delivery, don't you worry.”

“Thank you,” Liriel whispered, clearly not having thought of death in childbirth before. She looked and felt worried, and Madanach sent back a wave of love and protection for her.

“Don't worry,” he whispered. “Forsworn women hardly ever die giving birth, we won't let it happen to our queen.”

“I'm gonna have a baby sibling!” Eola gasped, clearly still stunned by the news... but pleased. “Oh that's adorable! Any idea of names yet?”

“I hadn't thought about it,” Liriel whispered, everything having suddenly become very real all of a sudden. “I... do we want an Elven name or a Reach name? What if we can't decide on one?”

“We'll think of something,” Madanach reassured her. “How about I pick the name if it's a boy, you do it if it's a girl, and yes you can have something Elven if you want. Just be aware my vote's for Caradach – look, it was my father's name, the man singlehandedly visited every tribe in the Reach and copied all their folktales and language down, we owe nearly all our joint cultural heritage to him! Do you honestly think I'd have ever united the Reachfolk if I'd not had my father's works to help me?”

“Caradach ap Madanach. Poor child,” Uraccen sighed, a bit rich coming from someone called Uraccen ap Uailon who'd named his own daughter after his deceased father.

“Don't worry, with any luck it'll be yet another girl and the child will end up called Eluviel or something equally ridiculous,” Keirine grinned, prompting an outraged cry from Liriel.

“Eluviel? That's not a name, that means blue girl, or possibly daughter of everything, it doesn't even make sense, no one's called that!” Liriel protested.

“I like it,” Madanach volunteered, smirking, prompting a smack in the side from Liriel.

“No, you are not picking an Elven name, I will draw up a shortlist of Elven girls' names and you can offer an opinion on those,” Liriel snapped. “No child is putting up with what I got given and changing their name when they come of age.”

“You weren't always Liriel?” Eola said, surprised. “But you seem like a Liriel, I can't imagine you as anything else.”

“Valiriel originally,” Liriel sighed. “Means 'she who sings of the gods'. I changed it when I came of age to just Liriel – she who sings. Daddy always called me Liri-bella anyway, said it rolled off the tongue easier than Valiri-bella... excuse me, I've got something in my eye...”

“All right, Council dismissed, I'll recall court tomorrow, Nepos can deal with anything that arises today – right now I have a Reach-Queen to take care of, come on cariad, let's get you out of here.” Madanach was getting to his feet and escorting Liriel out, somehow contriving to be a shoulder to cry on despite being shorter than her.

“Typical, first day back and first thing he does is swan off leaving me in charge,” Nepos sighed. “On the other hand, looks like you at least can finally have some time off, Eola.”

“About bloody time, thought I'd never get to go on my honeymoon,” Eola sighed, stretching her legs and arms – or at least she was until Cicero pounced from out of the shadows and squirmed into her lap, cooing.

“Cicero has his lovely wife back!” Cicero squealed. “Cicero was getting lonely! Cicero has missed you, my sweetling! It is not nearly so much fun creeping out to stab people on his own – not that Cicero has done any such thing anywhere any of you might have to worry about it.”

“Good, keep it that way,” Uraccen said brusquely as he took his leave. “I have enough on my plate persuading the tribesfolk not everyone in our lands needs killing, you don't need to add to it.”

“Were you listening to the whole thing?” Eola asked. Cicero blushed and giggled, the answer clearly yes to this one.

“Cicero heard, he did! The sweet Listener is going to bring a life into the world instead of out of it for once! Cicero is... very surprised. But pleased! Very pleased! And Madanach will be a terrifying vampire lord – you know he did look very good in that armour, my love...”

“Somebody needs to stop listening in on secret councils to which they were definitely not invited, sweetie,” Eola said, trying to sound stern. “You're just lucky Da didn't see you. As it is, at least none of us are in charge any more.”

“We saw nothing,” Nepos said cheerfully, making his way out.

“He blabs, he's your problem,” Keirine added, following Nepos out of the room, leaving Eola and Cicero alone in the private court room Madanach used for more sensitive hearings.

“You are a very naughty boy,” Eola scolded him. “Good thing we're going on honeymoon at last. I think you need to be out of the Reach for a bit. Get you some exercise and some proper feeding.”

Cicero's mouth curved into a vicious grin on hearing this. “Cicero is going to kill some Morag Tong?”

“Cicero surely is,” Eola whispered, pulling him down for his lips to meet hers. With her father sorted out, she could finally, finally attend to her husband. Time she went hunting again.

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

A month after Madanach's reinstatement, and the Reach received its first proper state visit from High Queen Elisif and King Argis.

“How do I look?” Madanach murmured to Liriel.

“Fine, now stop fussing,” Liriel hissed back for what felt like the fifth time that morning. “Look, the carriage is arriving, look kingly.”

“Still not used to this,” Madanach muttered, flicking the torc nervously. But he straightened up and prepared to look like a leader. The Reach hadn't really had a proper state visit since its liberation and the protocol was still a bit vague, but Madanach had ReachGuard on all roofs and clifftops, anywhere potential assassins might be lurking, although Liriel assured him there were no contracts on the High Queen or her husband.

Argis was first to disembark, before immediately turning to help Elisif down, then taking Lirela off Sybille Stentor and passing her back to her mother and helping the Solitude court mage down. Bolgeir managed without needing help from the King Consort. Then Elisif was making her way over, still cradling Lirela in her arms. Ten months old now, and the future High Queen was sitting up in her mother's arms, looking about at everyone, blue eyes wide and red hair long enough now to be blown in the breeze.

“Yes, they're ReachGuards, sweetie. No they don't look like our guards, that's because they use magic to protect themselves as well so don't need as much armour as ours,” Elisif was explaining in response to Lirela babbling at her. “And that's Markarth, it's an old Dwemer city which is why it doesn't look like Solitude does and is all made of stone. And that... who's that, sweetie, hmm? You know them, don't you? Yes you do!”

Elisif was now at the foot of the steps, holding Lirela up and pointing at Madanach and Liriel. At this point, Liriel's maternal instincts won out and she was making her way down the steps, arms outstretched to take Lirela off her mother.

“Hello! You remember me, don't you? That's right, it's Liriel!”

“Li-lil!” Lirela squealed, clearly remembering gold skin and pointy ears if nothing else, because she went straight into Liriel's arms and began tweaking the ears, babbling nonsense at Liriel but looking very intent about it, clearly expecting a response, probably along the lines of why her ears were so odd compared to everyone else's.

“She missed you,” Elisif said, grinning. “For the last two months, she's been looking around going 'Li-lil?' and looking very confused. I think she thinks we keep you under a bed somewhere.”

“I need to visit more often, don't I?” Liriel said guiltily. “That's right, treasure, I need to come see you in Solitude, don't I? By Kynareth, look at you, you're huge now! How are you nearly talking, hmm?”

“They grow up so fast,” Elisif said knowingly. A deep breath and then she looked up, meeting Liriel's eyes. “We heard about your news too! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you! When's it due?”

“About eight months or so, we think,” Liriel admitted. “Altmer pregnancies last longer but with a half-blood, no one's really sure. All the Altmer literature is from Alinor, all insisting it never happens, but I know that's not true. I told Mother, she's torn between wanting grandchildren and being appalled, but Cali's not stopped bouncing since we told her.”

“I can imagine,” Elisif said, before turning to Madanach, just recovering from being congratulated by his son. “Hello, Madanach.”

“High Queen,” Madanach replied awkwardly. Elisif hadn't really said why she wanted a visit, and most of the communications had been between their stewards, but Madanach imagined it wasn't just so Liriel and Elisif could talk babies. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Elisif made her way up the steps until she was standing before him, Liriel following with Lirela in her arms, whispering to her about elves being different from humans and having different ears.

“I thought I should see how you were doing, now you're back from your, er, holiday,” Elisif said nervously. “And... er... oh Aedra, I brought some guests along. Your steward knows about them, well, sort of. Er, this is Danica Pure-Spring from the Temple of Kynareth, Colette Marence from the College of Winterhold, and Maramal from the Temple of Mara in Riften.”

Two priests and a mage. Interesting. Madanach recalled the Temple of Kynareth being the most noted centre of healing in Skyrim, and the Temple of Mara known for its mission of compassion and mercy to those less fortunate. And Colette Marence, wasn't she the notoriously prickly Restoration mistress at Winterhold? An odd combination but there was a link here, he could tell.

“Welcome to the Reach,” Madanach said, inclining his head. “Was it the magical research programme you were interested in or the Slan Gwasanaeth?”

“The latter... sort of,” Elisif said hesitantly. “We're here about the Skooma programme.”

“The... what?” Madanach scratched his head, confused. “Why would you want to know about that? You're not an addict.”

“No, I'm Queen!” Elisif sighed. “Madanach, Skyrim's got plenty of Skooma addicts and we can't send them all to the Reach for treatment. We want to know how you do it. We want to know how it works, how well it works, talk to some recovering addicts and some of the healers. Danica's interested in seeing how your Health Service operates, Maramal wants to know how you could help some of Riften's victims when the Temple of Mara never managed, and Colette thinks her colleagues will take Restoration magic a bit more seriously once she's written a few papers on its use to treat addiction. And... I confess, I'm curious to know what's involved. Argis told me a bit about it and got me some of the publicity material, but it's not the same as seeing it in action.”

“You want to know if it really works so you can decide if I'm worthy of being in polite society again, aren't you?” Madanach said, drawing his own conclusions and smirking as he saw his daughter-in-law blush. However, she recovered quickly.

“Oh, have no fear there, I already know you're not,” Elisif shot back. “But that's been the case for as long as I've known you. Doesn't mean you're all bad, or that you don't take care of your own.” She smiled hopefully, and even a hardened warlord like Madanach couldn't help but be a little affected by it.

“I can certainly manage that,” Madanach agreed. “All right, you can meet with the programme director tomorrow, have a look around, talk to people. You can't view private medical records or go to the support groups unless the group agrees, and if you want to talk to patients, be aware they have the right to terminate the conversation at any time, and their healer will be present unless the patient wishes otherwise.”

“I would never push anyone into sharing anything they didn't want to,” Elisif said gently. “Thank you, Madanach, this could benefit more people than you could ever realise. Here. Liriel, may I...?”

“Oh, of course!” Liriel said, just about managing to tear her attention away from Lirela long enough to hand her back to her mother. Elisif cuddled her baby, kissed her gently and then held her out to Madanach.

“She missed you,” Elisif explained on seeing Madanach's stunned face. “You're the only grandparent she's got, and I felt bad you didn't get to see as much of her as you could have last time. So here she is. That's right, Lirela, that's your granda, isn't it?”

Lirela had squealed, holding her hands out to Madanach, who took her without a word, holding her close while she babbled at him.

“You don't mind?” Madanach asked, amazed at the change of heart. Elisif shook her head, smiling as Argis rejoined her, arm around her shoulders.

“We had a talk,” said Argis gruffly. “I told her you'd been struggling for years and managed to stay clean since you got out, and Lirela had never come to any harm yet. Didn't think it was right you being kept away from her without good cause.”

“And he's right,” Elisif said, voice gentle and quiet. “So we decided it was high time we visited to see just how exactly you're managing to keep your people sober when the rest of us have been trying for years without any luck.”

It doesn't always work. But the defining characteristic of the programme was a gentle refusal to give anyone up as a lost cause, and if you fell off the wagon, your fellow group members would help you get back on it again. He'd seen that for himself.

But now was not the time to worry about any of that, not today. Lirela was babbling on, frowning and no doubt wanting to know why he wasn't talking to her, and he knew enough about babies to know that at that age, it wasn't so much the words as simply that you spoke to them. Cradling his granddaughter in his arms and pretending to marvel at a fictitious tale of dragons and heroism she was spinning him, Madanach headed back into his city. He had his family back and it was due to get bigger. Everything was going to be fine.

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

Eight months later

Screaming. Screaming from inside the Royal Bedchamber, and outside by the throne room, things weren't much better.

“Gods, why did I do this?” Madanach gasped. “I'd forgotten it was this horrific – gnnnfph!” A shot of jenever later and Madanach collapsed on the stone table, wishing it was Skooma. Yes, Skooma would be just the thing, it nullified the marriage bond, meaning he wouldn't be able to feel his wife screaming in agony and cursing his name every five minutes.

“Breathe, boss,” Borkul murmured, rubbing his back. “It's OK, you can get through this, you've done it before.”

“I was thirty years younger then!” Madanach said through gritted teeth, nails digging into stone but it didn't help, none of it helped, not even painkillers helped. It wasn't his pain that was ripping him apart.

“Reach-King, Reach-King, dearest blood brother, Cicero has hot water and warm towels!” Cicero trilled as he scampered out from the kitchens.

“You are aware I'm not actually giving birth, aren't you – oh, that's actually rather nice.” A warm towel across the forehead had a surprisingly soothing effect, which made a definite change from Liriel's mind in his head howling venom at him for doing this to her.

This had been going on for hours, and he'd been with her at first, even lowered her into the pool in the hope it would help but it hadn't done, not really, and then the pains had got worse and he was exhausted... and so was she and that worried him. She was young, strong, Dragonborn, she should be giving birth by now, surely? Keirine had said all was well, she was fully dilated, so where was the baby?

Madanach didn't want to think about it, if he was honest. Keirine, Sabrinda and Eola between them had this in hand, right? Right?

Then Eola ran out of the room, blood staining the front of that healer's robe she'd changed into, snapping at Cicero to get over there and taking that odd stamina booster ring off him before dashing back in, and Cicero had come back pale and shaking all over, and Madanach's fear had turned to terror... and he couldn't feel Liriel any more.

“Something's wrong,” he whispered. “I need to get in there, need to help, something's wrong!”

He tried to get up and promptly collapsed, his body long ago having given up any attempt at pretending it was anything other than that of a sixty-one year old man who'd been up for over sixteen hours. Fortunately Borkul caught him and then he and Nepos were hauling Madanach back onto his chair.

“Madanach, you are in no state to do anything and there's nothing you could do even if you were,” Nepos said firmly. “Now sit down – Keirine has done this a hundred times.”

“Liriel hasn't,” Madanach whispered, trying to reach out to her but he couldn't feel her, why couldn't he feel her??

“Reach-King. Madanach. Brother, Cicero is scared,” Cicero whispered, clearly still well and truly linked to Eola and no, no, this wasn't happening, Eola was never scared, Eola feared nothing.

Madanach pulled Cicero into his arms and clung on to the terrified jester, wanting to feel someone there, someone with their arms around him, and Cicero was all he had. Neither Nepos or Borkul did cuddling, but Cicero now, Cicero would drape himself over anyone.

Cicero was huddled next to him now, wide-eyed and frightened, and Madanach could do nothing.

“She's going to be all right,” Madanach said firmly. “She has to be, doesn't she know I need her?”

“What if Mother wants her more?” Cicero whispered. “What if she is angry with the Listener? What then?”

“It won't happen,” Madanach said firmly. “It won't!”

But he couldn't feel her, and that scared him more than anything. Not dead... but where was she?

The door to the bedroom flung open and footsteps strode out. Not Eola. Not Keirine either, and then every other thought flew out of his head as he heard what they'd all been waiting for. The sound of a baby crying.

“Liriel,” Madanach whispered and Cicero had got up, fleeing towards the birthing chamber, darting right past the figure who'd emerged, all thoughts on his Listener.

“Hey!” Sabrinda cried. “Matriarch Keirine said no one allowed in there – oh for Auriel's sake, fine, risk the wrath of the most dangerous Hagraven in the country, see if I care.”

Madanach was quite inclined to let Cicero get on with it. All his attention was on the crying, fussing bundle in Sabrinda's arms. Thalmor robes long gone, the ex-Justiciar turned Knight-Paladin was wearing a simple orange priest robe and cradling in her arms her latest grandchild – not her first but the first she'd actually met.

“Is that...?” he whispered. Sabrinda tore her eyes away from the infant long enough to meet his, and for once, she actually looked pleased to see him.

“Yes,” she said softly. “Yes, it is. I've got a grandson, Madanach!”

Somehow Madanach found the energy to stagger over, holding out his arms as Sabrinda carefully handed the baby over – his son. His newborn son, and as Madanach pulled the blankets back, he could feel tears in his eyes. He was absolutely beautiful, golden skin and red hair like Liriel's but rounder features, much like a human's and possibly he'd look a bit more Elven later but right now, he didn't look much different from a human baby... apart from the ears. He had the ears. Sithis be praised, he had the ears.

“He's gorgeous,” Madanach breathed. “Gods, look at him, Nepos, Borkul, get over here, I've got a son!”

There followed several minutes of breathless cooing as the King of the Forsworn, the spymaster of the Forsworn, an Orc who'd killed more people than most people had ever met and a former Thalmor who had been most zealous indeed in hunting down Talos-worshippers all collectively lost it over a tiny baby.

“Hey, boss, looks like he's gonna have human eyes. They're not slanted, look.”

“They don't slant later?”

“No, Madanach, of course not, skull bones don't alter that much! He's got a human face,” Sabrinda sighed. “Well, can't have everything. What?”

“I quite agree, Knight-Paladin, slanted eyes would have been nice, but I'm sure he'll have a lovely personality.”

“... Nepos, did you just imply my son is ugly?”

“What, me? Never, Madanach.”

“Oh, this is gonna be good...”

“Aetherius's sake, what is it with you. Is it a human thing or a man thing, I honestly can't decide...”

“All right, that's it, if you two don't stop disparaging my son, I'm having the pair of you executed.”

“How dare you, I am a Knight-Paladin of Auriel!”

“Oh don't worry, Sabrinda, he's always like this when he's tired. Come on, let's leave the new father to it. He has a baby to dote on, that'll sort him out.”

“I will never understand what Liriel sees in him...”

“Nor do we, my dear, nor do we...”

“My mother-in-law and my steward are ganging up on me, should I be worried?” Madanach asked, glancing up at Borkul. The Orc shook his head, grinning.

“Nah. She'll say something tactless about humans at some point, annoy Nepos but he'll be too diplomatic to say anything and just start managing her instead, which will save you having to do it. I wouldn't worry, boss. Worry about your wife and this little one and let the rest look after itself.”

His wife... Liriel. Madanach reached for her in a panic... and felt her respond. Tired, shattered, sore and weak but there, conscious and there, and Madanach practically sprinted for the bedroom, his baby son who would be named Caradach eventually but not just yet, nestled in his arms, having calmed right down once his father had taken hold of him.

Liriel was propped up in bed, pale and exhausted but breathing. Eola was sitting next to her on the bed, Cicero kneeling by it, both gently stroking her forehead and hand respectively and cooing over her.

“You're gonna be OK, Mama Liriel,” Eola was saying. “You did it, sweetie, you did it, I'm so proud of you.”

“It hurt,” Liriel whispered tearfully. “It hurt so much.”

“I know, cariad, I know,” Eola said softly, kissing her forehead.

“Listener is all right,” Cicero was cooing. “Cicero was worried! But Listener lives and Listener can still listen.”

“I don't think I can move,” Liriel whispered.

“No Listening for you just yet,” Eola scolded. “Nine days of rest, Forsworn style, and then we can think about you getting up and moving about, and then you can start Listening again, hmm?”

“Cicero has set up the Night Mother in the Keep especially!” Cicero cooed, apparently not seeming to quite realise Liriel had just had what sounded like a difficult birth, to put it mildly.

“All right, that is enough,” Keirine said, bundling up bloodstained bed linen and towels for later disposal. “Eola, nieceling, time for you to go to bed, and take your man with you. And thank you. You were invaluable, not sure what I'd have done without you.”

“You would have managed,” Eola said, grinning. “All right, Cicero, we're leaving the new parents to it. Night, Da. Night, Liriel.”

Eola chivvied a squealing Cicero out of the door and Liriel visibly collapsed as soon as they'd gone.

“Thank Sithis that's over with,” Liriel whispered. “Madanach, we are never having another. How in the world does anyone have more than one child?? Humans especially, Mother had a century to get over one before having the next!”

“I couldn't tell you,” Madanach said, smiling as he approached the bed. “Keirine, we're all done, you're clearing the afterbirth out, yes?”

The merest flinch from Keirine, but then she smiled.

“Yes, yes, consider it disposed of. Right, I'm off. Liriel, do not hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you,” Liriel said, eyes fluttering closed. Madanach edged closer, perching on the bed, their baby in his arms.

“Are you all right?” he said hesitantly. “It was a difficult one, wasn't it. What happened? I couldn't feel you at all at one point...”

“Might have been the pain potion,” Liriel said, eyes still closed. “It just dampened down everything, I wasn't even sure where I was. Couldn't feel anything, which is good because that's when Keirine sliced me open and hauled the baby out. I think I fainted at that point, Mother wasn't looking too good either.”

Nor was Madanach on hearing that – he knew Hags could do that, it had saved the life of many a struggling mother and her child before now... would have saved his own mother in fact. But it was a different matter entirely to know it had happened to his wife.

“Are you really all right,” he whispered, feeling chilled inside. He had the horrible feeling he'd nearly lost her. Liriel just nodded sleepily.

“Yes, cariad, I'm fine, just tired. Eola had a brainwave and she sorted me out. I'm fine now, just really tired.”

Caradach stirred in his father's arms, starting to fuss and wail, and Liriel's eyes flickered open.

“Oh! The baby! You've got it!”

“Of course I have, I just met my son, you think I'm leaving him lying around? No, don't say the name yet, bad luck until the naming day, but yes, he's here. Look, mabion, it's your mother. She's pretty, isn't she? Yes she is, you're the son of the most beautiful woman in Tamriel, you lucky boy.”

Liriel gasped, almost sobbing as she reached out for her son, taking him in her arms and staring at him and Madanach could cry with happiness as he saw Liriel's face light up in astonishment and delight.

“Oh my goodness,” Liriel breathed, staring down at her son. “Oh my goodness, he's adorable, look at his face! Madanach, his hands, look at his hands, they're so tiny!”

“I know!” Madanach laughed, coming to lie alongside her, arms around her as he kissed her shoulder. “He's beautiful, isn't he? He's got your skin and hair and ears, but Borkul reckons he's got a human face.”

“I don't care,” Liriel whispered, staring hungrily at him. “He's gorgeous, look at him, and he's so small and tiny and oh gods, what if something happens to him?”

“Nothing will,” Madanach murmured. “I swear it.”

“But didn't you say that to Mireen after your two oldest were born?” Liriel said, slightly sharply for his liking.

“No,” said Madanach tersely. “Because Mireen didn't give a flying fuck about either of them once she found out they were girls.” Liriel looked a bit hurt and Madanach softened immediately, snuggling in to her. “But you don't care about that, do you? You love him anyway.”

Liriel nodded, eyes not leaving Caradach and then the tears started to fall as she held her baby tight, and Madanach pulled his wife and child into his arms. He had a son – they had a son. He was a father again for the, what, eighth time now? Nine if you counted Cali.

Madanach stared down at Caradach, so fragile and helpless in Liriel's arms, and then Liriel, exhausted but still strong. He loved them both more than anything, save only his other children.

For you, I will give up the sunlight, give up my humanity. For you, I'd do anything.

Nestling down alongside Liriel, Madanach closed his eyes. He had a wife who loved him and who also loved the son they'd had together. This time, they'd raise him together, and this time, perhaps things might go according to plan.

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