It was very early morning in Solitude. The first day under their new King Ulfric. Though the Moot had not met to inaugurate him as of yet, it would no doubt be soon. A few would not stand for it, but many would support Ulfric Stormcloak to their deaths. Even Jarl Elisif herself was forced to give her allegiance to him and his cause. The very man that had murdered her Husband Torygg weeks earlier, was now her superior. Elisif cringed at the thought. How someone so fierce could gain the love and adoration of his subjects was beyond her understanding. It was unclear to her how people could value brute strength and power over understanding and kindness. They failed to understand that the only reason Torygg agreed to the White Gold Concordat was to end the war and prevent more bloodshed. It seemed to make the most sense at the time and Skyrim needed--deserved-- a break from conflict.
Ulfric Stormcloak didn't seem to agree with him. He challenged him to a duel and as his blade pierced the heart of Lady Elisif's beloved, said:
"How can a man who cannot defend himself, defend his people?"
Elisif had been in mourning for at least a month. Then she became inherently angry for the next and this was her current stance. She... was... furious.
It consumed her. Every waking moment she was thinking about how to rid Skyrim of the tyrant Ulfric. She was angry because though Torygg's death seemed unjust, it was actually by the rules. He was challenged to a duel and he accepted and he lost.
"There has to be a way to expose Ulfric for the tyrannic racist he is!" She shouted inside her mind, sitting on her throne in the dim light of morning. She had been sitting there all night without a wink of sleep. How could she sleep? She was too frustrated to sleep. All of her emotions were running high-- but alas-- her face appeared as calm as a trickling stream. It would be unlike her to show that she was having any negative emotions. She struggled to appear the steadfast leader that her people needed.
Her people... she cared so much for even the smallest of them. To see the people gathering in the marketplace for trading and their children running and playing tag was perhaps the only thing that kept her going. She wanted to see this peace again.
And by the gods, she would find a way.
"My lady?" a stewardess peeked out of the kitchen, "Can I get you anything?"
Elisif turned to her with a warm, but tired expression from staying up all night, "My dear servant, I require nothing. In fact, I was thinking of making a trip to one of the Inns for nourishment. I wish to see how my people are fairing."
"M-my lady..." the woman stuttered.
"Yes, what is it? Please do not be afraid to let me hear your voice." Elisif replied.
"I would be afraid for you to leave the palace." the stewardess' faced softened, but showed slight worry.
Elisif stood up and the woman bowed her head. Elisif placed her right hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, "My dear servant, I shall be fine."
The woman nodded and smiled cautiously, "Very well, my..." she whispered and trailed off, "...queen."
Elisif smiled kindly, "Please, do not address me as such. I have not been given that title as of yet, though you may wish it upon me. Plead to the gods for me to be guided along the best path."
"Yes, my Jarl." She bowed one last time and excused herself.
Elisif watched her scuttle back into the kitchen where they had only now begun preparing breakfast. She felt as though someone was watching her, however and turned around to Falk standing in the doorway behind her. He was looking at her suspiciously.
"You don't intend to go out alone in the wee hours of the morning, do you, my Jarl?" He asked.
Elisif smiled and let out a small bit of laughter, "I haven't the slightest idea what you would think I would do so, Sir Falk Firebeard."
He sighed and stepped towards her, "If you must go into town have a few guards follow you and for Sovngarde's sake, wear a disguise."
Elisif nodded, "Please don't worry about me. I know that I am young. But, I can take care of myself."
She went back to her quarters and put on some less recognizable clothes and a cloak to not only hide her face, but to shield her from the cold and snow that had come over Solitude this month. Her guards kept back from her so that it wouldn't be obvious that they were following her.
She wondered how the new Stormcloak guards stationed here were treating her people. Especially since all of them had supported the Empire.
She managed to walk down to the shopping district where the market was just beginning to set up. Everyone seemed to be proceeding as normal. But, really, what else could they do? These people had to make a living. She smiled to herself, admiring their ability to continue on even though they might be hurting on the inside. She did not want any of them to lose that.
"Fine work sir. May I have a look at your wares?" She asked a man who had just finished putting out fruits and vegetables for sale and walked up to his cart, browsing his inventory with a soft smile.
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