[M] Skyrim: Rise of the Stormcloaks

[lain]

An empty clothes trunk slammed onto Elisif's bed, flinging open as the young Jarl began to toss various things in it. She had received word that the Moot was meeting soon and she knew she would have to travel to Windhelm whether or not she supported Ulfric. It was a 'darned if you do darned if you don't' type situation. Attending the meeting would be bad because everyone knows what happened with Ulfric and Torygg and therefore knows that there is no way she would support her husband's murderer. Not attending the meeting would also be bad because it would appear she was rebelling. She had come to the conclusion that she would attend and simply be the last to vote, because all the other newly appointed Jarls support Ulfric and she would be outnumbered. Her vote would be meaningless.

She put an article of clothing in the trunk, but then curled slightly forward, gripping her stomach with a slight wince.

"My lady!" One of her servants exclaimed, rushing over to tend to her, "Are you alright? You mustn't work too hard."

The woman placed a kind hand on Elisif's shoulder, "Shall I call the nurse?"

"No," Elisif replied, "No, I'm okay. I simply put a little too much strain on myself..."

Elisif took a deep breath and returned to an upright position as the brief pain subsided. She was relieved it had stopped. The last thing she wanted was to lose this child. With a smile, she looked to the servant, "I suppose I have servants for a reason... if you would be so kind as to finish this for me,"

"Oh yes! Of course!" The spirited young lady took over, gathering Elisif's things that she would need for the trip.

Elisif sat down, looking at her lap. She wondered how long she would be able to say she even had a lap. The thought made her chuckle on the inside and she wore a soft smile. Her daydream was interrupted, though, when Falk entered the room.

"My Jarl," he stepped over to her, "Are you sure you won't send me in your stead? I can say you have fallen ill."

"No," she replied, "It would raise suspicion and make me look even worse than I already do. I can't appear weak when they all expect me to be."

Falk sighed, knowing that there was nothing he could do to change her mind, "Then I'll take care of things here while you are away."

"Yes, thank you," Elisif nodded and stood up, "I think I'll go for a little walk around the palace courtyard. The trees are starting to bloom even through all of this cold weather. I suppose the trees saw they had a brief moment to shine as the snow started to melt and decided to take advantage of that." She laughed, knowing it was ridiculous. But, she felt a strange sense of calm and happiness on this day, for whatever reason.

"Shall I escort you or have an attendant go with you?" Falk asked, markedly worried.

"Don't worry about me. There are guards stationed at the entrances of the courtyard," She opened her door and stepped out into the hallway, headed towards the throne area and then down the stairs to the main entrance. The light was filtering in through the windows in a hopeful and energizing way that made Elisif smile.

"Well, you are quite radiant today, my lady," Bryling, one of Elisif's thanes, commented as she walked past, "You have an otherworldly glow about you today."

"You have my thanks. It's simply the pleasant weather," Elisif covered her mouth as she giggled quietly, "I'm going for a walk around the courtyard. Please let me know if anyone needs me."

"Yes, my Jarl," Bryling nodded, going up the stairs while Elisif went outside.

"Aaah..." Elisif took a deep breath of fresh air, smelling her favorite flower in bloom: lavender.

As she walked the cobblestone pathway, she wondered where her new 'associate' was. It had been about two days and she had heard nothing from the man called Wraith. Of course, she knew he must have a lot of work to do, but she felt a small amount of worry. Trying to relax, she picked a small sprig of lavender and sat on a stone bench under the overhang of the roof, enjoying the springlike weather.

[Rayne7]

Wraith

"Actually, that's why I need to talk with you. Preferably in private." Wraith said, even as he eyed the people around them.

Raising an arm to indicate that they should continue into the Inn, he went inside and raised an eyebrow at the Tavern-keep who nodded to him, answering his unasked question. Motioning for Ali to follow, he made it all the way to the stairwell before Lisette accosted him, immediately hugging him on sight.

"Raven! You wouldn't happen to be back for another round with me, would you?" she asked teasingly, a wicked smile slowly curling. Leaning forward as she spotted Aki, she whispered in his ear "Ooh, I like the way you think."

Wraith grinned as he shook his head. "Unfortunately darling, myself and this one need to have a private chat regarding business. Perhaps after it's all be conducted I'll seek you out."

Lisette pouted theatrically for a moment before pulling him to her and kissing him just behind his ear. "Well if she doesn't want to join us later, I know of another who will." she said teasingly before walking back into the common room to begin playing her lute.

Looking back to Ali, he shrugged before continuing up the stairs. "Tell me, what has been going on in the city in the past day or so? I've been out of the city myself."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Talon

Stepping out from behind of one of the pillars, Talon smiled warmly. "Good day, Jarl Elisif. Enjoying the weather?" she asked, leaning against the pillar near the bench where the Jarl sat.

She'd received a letter from the Listener, and knew of the coming conflict, though she wasn't worried. He had reinforcements and they had a plan, she was sure. And if things didn't go accordingly, she knew it was up to her to protect the Jarl, and she'd already had the tools necessary for that.

Plucking a flower from the garden herself, she began to pull the petals off one by one. "I've received word from our friend. He'll be visiting either today or tomorrow. He'll be in the company of some rather interesting 'friends' that he believes could be helpful to our cause."

[lain]

Aura saw blurry blobs of people as she was rushed to the other side of the room. She thought she had heard some familiar voices, like the grumpy rash voice of the Nord man, Starkad and a milder voice from the women she had joined forces with.

When the three women got closer to her, she was able to make them out. She could barely hear Lucine ask her how many drinks she had consumed. It sounded like she was under water. But, she managed to understand. She held up seven fingers. Or, at least she thought it was seven. What was seven? Seven seven, seven, seven... that word didn't mean anything anymore.

She smiled cheerfully and leaned back in her chair, nearly falling over and then laughing about it. However, after a few minutes, she already felt her senses returning to normal. If she hadn't drank so quickly it would have been likely that it wouldn't have affected her much at all. She saw Raven talking with the Dark elf, still, and some other woman making eyes at him and then kissing him. A strange behavior, she thought. What did putting your lips on someone mean? They seemed to both enjoy it. But, her Falmer brethren certainly never did such a thing.

It piqued her curiosity. Perhaps she would try it? Maybe it was an important social behavior. Strangely, she leaned over and kissed Lucine (as she was simply closest to her) by the ear, as the other woman had done to Raven, having no idea what any of it even meant. She didn't feel any different. She was, however, able to familiarize herself with Lucine's scent specifically. Like metal and sweat.

"Hm," She muttered, folding her arms and thinking for a moment. Nothing. She didn't feel like chuckling like the other woman did, "Pointless."

She stood up, feeling able to walk now, "Skyrim is strange on the surface," she stated, moving over to the wall and leaning against it in a nonchalant manner with her arms folded. It appeared she had completely recovered in only a few minutes.

"When does the--er-- 'mission', start?" She asked, blowing a stray white hair out of her face, acting as if nothing odd had happened in the past fifteen minutes.

---

Elisif's tranquility was interrupted by one of her new stealthy friends, "Oh,Talon. I didn't see you there. I suppose that is a good thing, in a way." She smiled, "Yes. The weather is finally turning over to Spring. It's my favorite season that gives birth to my favorite flower."

When Talon mentioned that Wraith would be returning, and with help, she stood up, "I see. I do hope it is people that we can trust. Although I do have a lot of money at my disposal for the most part, I find that coin cannot always stop a betrayal. I will have faith that Wraith is a good judge of character," She looked over her shoulder, making sure that her guards were out of earshot.

"I trust that he will arrive shortly, seeing as we must leave soon to go to Windhelm. Perhaps I shall wait in my quarters for his return." She began walking back towards the palace, "Oh, by the way," She turned around to face Talon again, "I have made it known that you are my new personal adviser. Falk is a little hurt about it, so perhaps don't mention it to him. But, with that being said, you may freely move about the palace."

She continued on her way back into the palace, up the stairs, and into her room again. Her servants had just finished packing the trunks of supplies for the trip and they took them out soon after she reentered the room. With that, she shut the door and locked it, waiting for Wraith's return and not wanting to be disturbed.

[Fox Xalian]

Ali sat down across from Raven, oddly enough this was the same table they sat at when he first talked to her. "Other than the obvious additions to the city guard? Not a lot, people seem a bit uneasy with them, tensions are high. A few bandit groups have tried raiding the docks but all of them failed, and Falk hired a few sellswords, as well as me, to deal with them which is what I just finished helping with. Oh and there's a pirate hunter ship in the docks, the captain is an interesting man" she said. "So what is going on with the soldiers? You said you wanted to talk to me about them" she added.

------

"Maybe next time drink a few less until you're used to it" Adra said, chuckling softly. Lucine blushed a bit at the kiss. "Pointless to you maybe" she mumbled softly, before clearing her throat to answer the question. "I'm not sure, Raven said tonight is when the thing would happen so I guess we have an entire day to plan" she said. "Ultimately we'll need to reach the Blue Palace quickly once it's time to move. Also Starkad's daughter, Mara, will need to be kept out of harms way" Adra commented quietly so as not to be overheard. "Any more planning should wait until after Starkad and Raven join us though" Amber said.

[Daniel_Darkholm]

The Bastard of Daggerfall stood stationed outside Lady Elisif's quarters for the majority of the day, his normally bright, joyful eyes replaced with a tired, weary expression. "Gods, I really need a drink" he muttered, slightly taken aback by the seemingly resentful tone in his voice - he was usually quite upbeat and happy with his duties as one of the Jarl's sworn shields, seeing it as an honorable and respectable position that he was happy to fufill, yet... It was evident to most that he was unhappy with Lady Elisif's dealings with the mysterious man in black.

He had nothing against the man personally, for he barely knew him and was hardly one to critique a person based on first impressions. However, he couldn't shake off the feeling that the man was a shady figure, that he had a shrouded past best left undisturbed, and that unnerved him - a man who hid in the shadows typically was one not to be trusted. Liam respected Elisif's judgements and put faith in her decisions to lead as Jarl yet he felt she was in a certain amount of danger whenever someone mentioned seeing or hearing something regarding the man. If he ever laid a finger on her...

"Oi, Leoncourt! Thane Erikur wishes to converse with you at the tavern near the main gate"

Liam was interrupted from his paranoia by Lady Elisif's housecarl and his superior, Bolgeir Bearclaw. "Aye sir. But what of my post?" The gruff Nord raised an eyebrow and stretched the muscles in his tree trunk like arms before replying back almost robotically. "For now, I'm relieving you of your post until you speak with the man." Raising his hand to his chest and bowing slightly, the Breton knight saluted the man and headed off, much to the amusement of Bolgeir who called after him jestingly. "And stop with all the courtesies lad! You're in Skyrim now, not Daggerfall. Relax a little bit."
---------
Twenty minutes later, at the Winking Skeerver

Liam walked into the tavern and immediately grinned somewhat, the inn being something of a second home in the past for the young Bretonnian knight. Prior to becoming a sworn sword at court in service to the fair lady Elisif, he had rented one of the rooms for close to twelve months, and the place always had a habit of putting a smirk on his face, regardless of whatever foul mood he may have been in. Nodding at Corpulus, he smiled politely and ordered himself a mug of Honningbrew mead before sitting at the front of the bar and scanning his surroundings, his emerald green eyes focusing on all of the patrons at the bar.

The first person he had spotted was someone whom the Bastard of Daggerfall was well acquainted with in the traditional sense, and he instinctively ducked his head slightly when their eyes locked. "Liam! It's good to see you once again, I thought you didn't want to see me anymore." Illidi. The Bastard and the Bard had engaged in a heated night of passion a couple a months prior and she had thought they were soul mates - Liam, feeling guilty about having supposedly led her on (he was drunk when they had first been intimate) decided to end the relationship once he became a sworn shield, citing he had a sworn duty to look after the Jarl, leaving very little time to pursue romantic endeavours'. However the truth was far more... Complicated.

"Oh... Greetings fair Illdi. You look radiant as always my lady, and I'm sure your voice is as beautiful as ways. However, I must insist we continue this conversation another time, Thane Erikur requests my presence." The young bard nodded, a small flush evident on her cheeks as she pointed to one of the back tables where one of Haafingar's most powerful men was sat, flirting with a barmaid. Upon seeing Liam, he hurriedly pushed her away and beckoned Liam to sit. "Thane, you wished to see me?"

Erikur leaned back slightly, a small smirk dancing on his lips. "Let's cut to the chase - you're now my little informant amongst the Jarl. She's taken a small shine to you as of late, and I intend to exploit that to my advantage... I want to become the next Jarl of Haafingar."

Liam leaned back slightly before grabbing his mug of ale and throwing it straight into the mans face, the drink stinging his eyes with its potent stink. "How dare you. I could have you whipped for that, you insolent cun-" the words were cut off by the unsheathing of Duty. "You will hold your tongue. I, Sir Liam Leoncourt, sworn shield to the Lady Elisif of Solitude order your arrest." He pointed the weapon at the Thane, who was now beginning to panic. "Lisette, go grab Captain Aldis... We have a traitor in our midst."

Aldis proceeded to run in, surrounded by around four guardsman who all had their weapons drawn. "Leoncourt, you better have evidence for this." He stated, lined with skepticism and suspicion. "Aye, I do. This man, in his drunken state asked me to spy on the Jarl, in front of a number of citizens" at this, a number of patrons nodded, confirming his story, with Corpulus nodding at the words. "Aye. I didn't hear it, I was at the bar but a number of the waitresses overheard him, and the lad is a poor liar - he's telling the honest to Gods truth, he's not someone who lies.".

"Fine. Guards, arrest this man and throw him into the Castle Dour dungeons. Jarl Elisif will decide his fate."

[Rayne7]

Wraith

Looking across the table at Ali, Wraith's fingers drummed over the hardwood table as he considered the news. The woman was an Ashlander, a hardy people who were usually very well-versed in combat and based on the condition of her armor, she was no exception to that. Leaning forward, he interlaced his fingers with his elbows on the table as he eyed her intently. As an assassin, he knew how to assess a situation and use it to his advantage.

"There's a conspiracy to murder Jarl Elisif. Usually, I wouldn't care, but unfortunately for the conspirators I have business with her that requires her continued good health. The people who are with me are allied for the moment to achieve this result. That being said, they're mostly better equipped for an assault. I need some individuals who can get into the palace quietly. Any ideas?" he asked, his voice low in spite of their isolated seat, cocking his head momentarily upon hearing a ruckus from downstairs.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Talon

The Dunmer Assassin had retreated to the roof of the Palace after the Jarl's departure. She wasn't too concerned with an attack on the Jarl at the moment, particularly since she was sitting over her room. A casting of Detect Life revealed Elisif's safety in her room, leaving Talon to consider the Dark Brotherhood's future. In aligning the Brotherhood with the Fair Lady, Wraith and the Night Mother were taking an unprecedented path that was similar to that of the Morag Tong, making her wonder what her old Order would think when they found out.

Sighing, Talon looked up into the sky only to see three ravens circling in the sky. A shiver of excitement worked down her spine, as she considered the Omen they represented. Holding out an arm, she grinned when one of the birds accepted the perch, it's golden eye studying her with the interest of Death itself. Cooing, she reached up and petted it with her other hand as she awaited the coming events.

[lain]

Aura was leaning against the wall, waiting for Raven and the Dark Elf, when she saw a striking young man enter the bar and head straight to the back. Her senses told her to be suspicious, as there was a feint smell of fear or uncertainty under the mask of alcohol and body odor. The older man that had apparently called the young man over to the corner of the establishment appeared to be the source. Soon enough, the younger one was pointing a sword at the man and the older one was now being escorted out by city guards for inciting to plan something against the Jarl and trying to solicit this younger man's help.

"This city has problems. A lot of problems." Aura sighed, actually now appreciating the structure that she had come from-- even if it was somewhat primitive. If there was a problem, you fought and the loser died. End of story. Cruel to some, efficient to the rest.

"We should go ask him what happened. It might be good for later." She looked to her female companions and then back at the young man, who was standing triumphantly in victory.

[Fox Xalian]

"Lady Boethia revels in the unlawful overthrow of authority, but I don't think she'd mind one of her followers helping to stop something like that" Ali said, a slightly creepy smile crawling across her face. "I need to go and give the evidence of the dead bandits to Falk, so I guess I could go closer to when it is to happen so I can be in the right place at the right time" she added, her smile returning to a regular friendly smile. "Also I think my frenzy spells will come in handy for this" she said. Once the ruckus downstairs had finished she stood up. "Guess we should go and meet your new....friends" she said, heading downstairs to find the ones she saw in the carriage with Raven.

"Hello there, Raven sent me. I am Ali, Ashkhan of New Zainib" she said, extending a hand to the Redguard woman, eyeing her and her companions up and down, paying close attention to Aura and Amber, she could feel their magical power. Amber was definitely the source of high magical power she felt earlier, and Aura was also quite strong in her own right.

----

"Indeed, and it seems like the Stormcloaks aren't the only ones who were letting their ambition get the better of them" Lucine said, watching as Erikur was escorted away. "I never liked him, he tried to be involved in every bit of court life and was way to interested in court intrigue" Amber stated.

Once Ali had introduced herself, Lucine looked her over for a moment, almost studying the Dunmer woman in front of her. She shook her hand firmly. "I am Lucine and these are my sisters and...cousin. The Breton-looking one is Amber, the Bosmer-looking one is Adra and our cousin there is Aura" she said. Amber and Adra bowed their heads slightly as their names were said. "So, a friend of Raven's huh? Interesting. I take it he has...filled you in on what is happening?" Amber said. "He has. I have to get my reward for a job I did for the steward so I'll be in the Palace at the right time" Ali said.

[Daniel_Darkholm]

The Bastard of Daggerfall

Liam sat in the tavern, the shock of having been involved in Erikur's arrest having a profound impact on the lad, who had downed a couple flagons of ale to stop the shaking in his hands. With a blank expression on his face, he looked at the bottom of his cup and shook his head, his blond hair shaking softly across his brow before setting his eyes on Illidi and smiling slightly before walking across to her somewhat awkwardly. "Been an eventful night, hasn't it? Who would of thought Erikur was a traitor... Actually, don't answer that, it's something he'd have tried given the chance." Smiling that broad, handsome smile of his, he managed to create a flushed, reddened look on the talented bard's face, complimenting her snow like complexion significantly as she struggled to get her words out. "Y-yes... I'm st-still trying to get over the initial shock of the mans arrest. You were very brave Sir Liam..." Her gaze fell slightly and her time became somewhat bashful, almost flirtatious to some. "Is she flirting with me?" was the thought popping into the Breton's head, the notion somewhat ridiculous to him - It had been made clear to Illidi that Liam had no time for a romantic relationship, though perhaps she wanted something else. With a polite nod and bow, the Bastard of Daggerfall thanked his former lover and said his goodbyes, stepping over to the bar where Corpulus poured him a drink with a small smile and a compliment.

"You really showed that bastard mate. For what ya did, the ales are on me, my thanks for getting rid of that man." Laughing, Liam inclined his head politely before heading upstairs, bumping into what looked to be a Nord with surprisingly dark eyes and a silver haired woman he recognised as the tavern bard Lisette who smiled at him broadly, the two having been good friends during the knights stay, bonding over their shared love of music. "Liam! Tis good to see you! It's been a while friend." She squealed excitedly before pulling him into a hug, much to the annoyance of the big Nord. "Aye, its good to see you Lis. I'll try and continue this conversation later, i just need to head to my old room and store my sword there. First beer on me?" With a laugh, the woman who was like a sister to knight headed off and seated herself at the bar, Ilidi exchanging daggers with her, their rivalry well known to the bars patrons. Twenty minutes later, the Breton Knight headed back downstairs, grabbed two cups of Black Briar Mead and headed to Lisette who had a proud smile on her lips, and her head resting on her hand. "What's with the gloomy look Lee? You should smile more, especially when you know what you've accomplished. Believe me when I say you did the county a service." Realising she was cheering the man up slightly, she continued.

"You did well today Liam. I'm sure the Jarl and her courtiers will appreciate the information you found. Ya know, I never trusted that man, he always had a shifty look in his eyes, especially around newer residents of Solitude... Guess we know why now." Nodding his head, the knight grabbed his drink and swirled it around slightly before replying, his tone somewhat distant. "I live to serve the Jarl and Haafingar, nothing more. If it means rooting out corruption within its walls and beyond, than so be it." What was meant as a simple statement was met with loud applause from the bars patrons, who began changing the man's name in typical Nordic fashion, alongside a newer one that he appreciated. "Liam! Shield of Haafingar and Sword of Solitude!" And with that, the drinks came in thick and fast, beers and spirits being bought and given to the man who became more and more intoxicated as the night wore on. At one point, Liam was dared by a fellow guardsman to down a flagon of Black Briar Mead in less than twenty seconds.

He failed.

What happened next was a complete blur of different memories and hazy pictures, some of which were pleasant and some which weren't. Sitting at a nearby table, Liam decided to converse with a number of different patrons, many of whom wanted to know if there was anyone special in hid life. His answer was always the same thing and said with a broad smile.

"Aye... There is... She's something special alright..."

[lain]

Elisif had been waiting somewhat anxiously in her quarters for about a half an hour,
wondering if Wraith would be able to report in before they left for Windhelm. The carriages were almost loaded up and it seemed they would be departing in the next hour or so. Her worry was interrupted by firm knock on the door.

"Yes, please come in." Elisif called out, not turning from gazing out the window.

"Erikur has been arrested," Falk informed her in an urgent tone, now even more worried for her departure to Windhelm.

"I see." Elisif turned slowly, her lack of reaction to the news causing Falk to quirk an eyebrow.

"You... expected such terrible news? He was planning your murder! He asked your newest Knight,
Liam, for assistance. Of course the lad ratted him out immediately in front of at least fifty people in the Winking Skeever. The chap has a thing for loud declarations to the city of Solitude. Haven't seen such a zealous Knight in a while, to be honest. But..." Falk trailed off for a moment, recalling how Liam always looked at Elisif. He always made it known that he was her Knight.

"What is it, Falk?" Elisif turned her head to the side gently, "Do you suspect anything of Liam?"

"Oh, no. Nothing like that. It's just... the way he looks at you... Everyone knows. There isn't anything going on between yo--" Falk started, but was curtly interrupted.

"Gods no! He's my Knight! It would hardly be appropriate! And yes, I can tell he is quite taken with me. I may need to have a word with him. Such things can cloud your judgement. My Knight is supposed to protect me, yes. But, if it came to me or one hundred other people... I don't want him to choose me." Elisif folded her arms gently, looking down with her brows furrowed, "I don't think that he knows of my current... um... condition."

"That would hardly stop the lad. I'd guess he'd volunteer to raise it as his own. As would I, Elle." Falk smiled in a sad way, recalling how she had rejected his own romantic pursuits and that had caused him to lose his position as Steward.

"Falk, please. At least address me formally," Elisif shook her head, "I can't have my entire staff of men pining after my heart. It just does not work that way."

"It's hard to not fall for such a kind and gentle woman with such a beautiful countenance. We are strong as warriors, but weak in the heart, I suppose. Would you like me to have Liam called back to the palace? He could very well be deep in a flagon of ale and not making wise choices." Falk turned for the door, on his way out, but still hesitant and waiting for an answer from Elisif.

"Yes, go ahead. I will have to speak with him privately before we leave. I cannot have this. As for what to do with Erikur... death would be too shallow of a punishment. He would be much more suited for the dungeons of Castle Dour for the rest of his life."

"Aye, My Jarl." Falk nodded sorrowfully, as Erikur had been a contemporary of his for quite a while now. It was difficult to see him go down this path, "I will have a messenger sent to recall Liam and then I will instruct Captain Aldis about what to do with Erikur."

"Very well. You're dismissed." Elisif nodded back to him as he exited, then sitting down with a mildly frustrated look. She recalled what Talon had told her before. That men only think with the thing between their legs. It seemed to be proving more and more true.

They didn't understand that, right now,... she didn't have a heart to give.