Legacy
- 4 years ago
- 15
- 0
“Well, that was rather...”
“Anti-climactic? Boring? Astonishing?”
I picked a pillow up off the bed and threw it across the room at Serana. Though no longer a vampire, she still retained her reflexes, snatching it from the air and tossing it back at me. I caught it and put it back on the bed.
“I’ll show you astonishing.”
“You’ve already done that, my love, just looking at all the finery in this room. I think this exceeds what Father had in the castle when it was new, and I know it’s more than Elisif has in Solitude. Just how much of an ego is the Emperor of Tamriel supposed to have with his bedroom looking like this?”
“I admit that I like the brocade curtains, but ... it is a little ostentatious. It doesn’t really fit my lifestyle. But that’s not what I was talking about.”
Serana flowed over to where I was standing by the bed, taking me in her arms. “I know exactly what you were talking about, Martina. You had it built up in your mind that there was going to be a huge fight for control of the city, that the Elder Council, the Moth Priests, and even the Arcane University and Fighters Guild would contest things every step of the way. Blood would fill the sewers, there would be massive death and destruction, hundreds of lives would be lost. And instead...” She looked right into my eyes. “Instead you just walked in and were greeted, if not welcomed, as the Empress.”
“That was the last thing I was expecting. I just don’t understand exactly how it ended up happening this way is all.”
Serana started helping me remove my armor as she explained. “You were busy with the ceremony, being the center of attention for all the nobles here. Since I am simply the Empress-Consort, I was able to ask some questions and discuss the answers with Surgus, Irileth, and Erandur during your ... well, your coronation.”
Now that my armor and clothing was off, she pushed me back onto the bed itself. It was incredibly soft, giving way under me. I lay there, watching and admiring through slit eyes as she removed her own armor. “So, my Empress-Consort, what conclusions did you come up with?”
“Oh, it’s quite simple. Methredhel did a great job of spreading the word to the common folk that the Thieves Guild was supporting you. Your being a Septim restored their faith in the crown itself, something that’s been lacking for a while. As for the Elder Council? Count Renoene is brilliant. While you were marching across the bridge in full regalia with the army behind you, he’d already spread word to the nobles that Titus Mede was dead, killed by you, and a Septim was here to reclaim your throne. And had an army at her back that already supported her.”
She rubbed her belly a little now that it was bare, then climbed onto the bed next to me. “Wow, this is an incredibly soft bed, isn’t it? We’re going to have such fun here!”
I raised up a little, giving her a quick kiss. “Yes, we are. But that still doesn’t explain why they gave up their power so quickly.”
“Oh, he told them that you were the daughter of Akatosh, and according to an Elder Scroll prophecy, if they didn’t surrender and be damned quick about it, they and all their kinsmen would die by your hand. That you already had an army made up of Imperial troops may have influenced their decision a little. They’re politicians. They’ll accept you as Empress today, try to stab you in the back tomorrow.”
“Shit. I hate politics.”
“I know. That’s why I gave Surgus the rest of the Jarrin root you brought with you. There won’t be anyone left who would consider stabbing you in the back by this time tomorrow.”
I looked at her in shock. “You didn’t?”
She threw her hips over mine, straddling me. I could feel the wetness between her legs on my own belly. “Of course I did. The army has gone in strength into the sewers, to ferret out the monsters that live there, supported by Telvanni wizards in case there are vampires or other things down there. Half the members of the Elder Council were in league with the Altmer or with Titus Mede and would be plotting to overthrow you, just as Ocato kicked your mother out when he should rightfully have accepted her as Queen.”
She reached behind her with one hand, started rubbing between my legs, while starting to rock back and forth so her nubbin would rub against my skin. “Our child ... our children ... will grow up in this city, in this Empire of yours, of ours. Which would you prefer? To simply bring the traitors out and cut their heads off, or to have Surgus slip something into their food or drink while also gathering the evidence that they really were traitors and were killed by the Altmer for failing in their duties to them?”
“You know, your breasts are starting to change, just a little, from being pregnant. They look a little bigger.” I reached up and started running my fingertips around her nipples. They jumped to being fully erect at my ministrations.
“Oh, that feels good, my love.” She looked down into my eyes. “How upset are you with me?”
I continued playing with her breasts for a bit longer, then put my arms down to my sides, raising up so that she slid backwards, onto my legs. I sat up, facing her, then took her in my arms. I gave her a kiss, tender, gently swiping her lips with my tongue. I pulled back a bit, then looked in her eyes. I could see the genuine concern in them that she had overstepped her bounds.
“Serana Grize’, you are the Empress-Consort of Cyrodiil. You’re quite right, this city is going to be your primary home for ... well, a long time in human years. All you did was do something that I had overlooked in my joy at taking the city without the blood of the common soldier and citizen being shed.”
She started crying. “That’s the first time you’ve called me that. Thank you.”
“Nothing to thank, my sweets. Since you’ll be living here, you need a proper Cyrodiil name. Nords tend be descriptive in their names, so Astrid Death-Bringer and Elisif the Fair are just right for them, as I honestly doubt they’d move here. But for you, well, it was either Grize’ or Septim. I’ll add the Septim name to my own, and at least in public from now on I’ll be Martina Grize’ Septim. Presuming that you all agree, I think all of our children should inherit the Septim name.”
She blinked her tears back. “That makes sense, actually. And speaking of something making sense, or not, we’re both sitting here, in the Imperial bed, stark naked and our bodies rubbing against each other. Is there maybe something that might be just a bit more immediate than discussing dynastic names that comes to mind?”
I looked up at the curtains. “I’m guessing you’re not referring to the brocade of those curtains.” I twitched as she slipped a hand down between us and then slid a couple of fingers inside me. “No, definitely not the curtains.”
The next morning Serana and I were sitting at the table eating breakfast when Surgus entered the room. He was followed by Sapphire and Methredhel. The usual Imperial guards were a bit perturbed to see the three of them walking into the room, but when one of the guards moved to act, Lydia simply coughed and shook her head.
Surgus stopped just short of the table. I could hear in his voice that he was tired. “It’s done. The ladies have the evidence, and not a damn bit of it was faked. That was quite possibly the most corrupt group of people I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting. I’m not complaining, but just this one night probably doubles the number of people I’ve had to deal with professionally in my career.”
“Do I really want to know?”
“Your Majesty, there were sixty four members of the Elder Council, along with thirty one assorted relatives of Titus Mede and other people with Aldmeri ties that were nobles here in the city. There are now eight, five members of the Elder Council who are not actually corrupt, and three cousins of Titus Mede who are clueless. The rest ... the Temple District will be very busy for a few days, and I would hope that the city no longer has the level of corruption that once existed for quite some time.”
I saw something on Sapphire’s face, almost a grin. “Sapphire, for being a thief and not an assassin, you don’t look nearly as disturbed by what happened last night as I would expect.”
“It’s pretty simple, Your Majesty. I mentioned it to Methredhel about halfway through the evening, while we were helping Surgus. She and I discussed it, since she knew your mother. It’s ... well, it’s about you. I haven’t been with you nearly as long as Lydia or Jordris, or seen nearly as much as they have of what you can do. But one thing I have seen is what you are.”
She hurriedly continued. “That’s not meant to be bad. No, you’re ... compassionate. You truly care about the people of the realm. You’re not in this for your personal wealth or gain. You have the Skeleton Key, for Nocturnal’s sake, so there’s no lock you can’t get passed. And if you were in it for power ... well, I saw what using the power you have did to you when we were trapped under Kvatch.”
She placed one of the bundles of papers on the table. “These were all bad people, by any definition of the word. You’re the Empress, your word is law. The Empress-Consort gave us a job, to uphold your law. What these people did was ... despicable is a mild description. The least offense was treason to the crown, and it only got worse from there.”
Methredhel could tell that Sapphire was getting angry. She moved forward, touched the young woman on the arm. “It’s all right, Sapphire. They can’t hurt you now, or ever again.” Methredhel looked across the table at me. “Many of the bandit groups that were operating in Skyrim weren’t there simply because they wanted to steal from people. They were being backed by members of the Elder Council, to destabilize the region and make it easier for the Aldmeri to succeed. Many ... most ... of the attacks, the killings, the ... rapes ... were done at the behest of the Elder Council. Including the group that attacked the farm where Sapphire lived.”
I sat very still, not trusting myself to move or speak for the moment. Surgus must have seen something in my face that concerned him. “Your Majesty? Martina ... you don’t have to do anything. I’m not going to say that it doesn’t bother me, but ... they’ve paid for their treachery.”
“You’re wrong, Surgus. I do still have to do something. I’ve dealt with the forces behind things, the Daedra, the Ideal Masters. You’ve dealt with those who would...” I paused for a moment, my anger very evident in my tone. “Those who would profit off the death and destruction of their own subjects and citizens. So now it’s time to deal with the rest. Those who were the intermediaries, with their own plans.” I turned towards the entrance of the room, where Lydia and Jordris were waiting with the Imperial guards.
“Jordris! You will remain here in this city with the Empress-Consort. You are her sword and her shield. Irileth will remain here as well as her advisor. Keep two companies of troops from Skyrim, one of the Legion and one of the Dragonborn’s Own, here. I want all other troops ... and that includes the Imperial Guard of this city that allowed this to happen on their watch ... ready to march south by day after tomorrow.”
One of the guards said, “Your Majesty, we are the guardians of the Imperial City, not ... common soldiers.”
My voice grew quiet. “What is your name?”
“I am Captain Parvain, of the Elder Council Guards.”
“Who am I?”
“You are Her Imperial Majesty Martina Grize’, Empress of Tamriel. But...”
“But nothing, Private Parvain of the Imperial Army. You’re wrong with my name, and you don’t even realize it. I am Martina Grize’ Septim. Yes, that’s right, I am publicly reclaiming my family name.” I stood up from my seat, pushed my chair back. The legs made a small noise that was nearly deafening in the quiet. I stalked over to where Parvain stood, looking somewhat defiant but also scared.
“I don’t believe I stuttered when I issued my orders. I have killed dragons, I have faced down Daedric Princes in their own realms, I am the Dragonborn. Do you think that I give a shit about what you consider to be some silly ass prerogative of a garret trooper when I will be leading the armies myself? That Psijic assassin just killed nearly all of your precious Elder Council because they were traitors to the Empire itself. Do you think he would have an issue with one more death?”
The smell that came from Parvain said exactly what he thought about my comment. I nodded at him. “No further discussion. You have your orders.” I pivoted and returned to my breakfast.
The rest of the day was spent with assorted matters of court that I found rather boring. Serana paid more attention than I did, since some of them had to do with the day to day operations of the city. We were just about done when Aela returned to the city. She wasn’t alone.
She looked a bit tired, but also triumphant. “Your Majesty, I ran into Farkas on his way here to report to you. Your eastern forces completely routed the Argonians. Mournhold and all of Morrowind are back in the hands of the Dunmer.”
I frowned. “That’s good news, but ... unexpected.”
Farkas said, “It was the strangest thing. There were a bunch of Argonians moving up with the Altmer wizards in their army. Right before we thought there was going to be a big battle between the forces moving south and our forces coming up behind them, the lizards just ... turned on the Altmer and killed them. Their leaders told us that there had been something prodding them along even if they didn’t want to go. They just asked to be allowed to return to Black Marsh and ... this was weird ... they asked for forgiveness because they said it wasn’t their fault.”
Aela pulled out a letter. “Not only that, but their leader wrote this, asking to be allowed to join the Empire again. General Rikke had been ready to kill them all, but ... with the sudden change in things, she figured that you must have done something or other, so she allowed it. The Dunmer were ... well, they wanted a little bit of revenge, but getting all of their land back without having to actually fight for it ... they went for it.”
“When did all this happen?”
Aela nodded. “I think Your Majesty already knows. While you were trapped under Kvatch, doing whatever it was you did down there.”
“What’s Rikke doing now, then? Did she move on her own initiative?”
Farkas said, “She was following the Argonians back to Black Marsh, to make sure they kept their word. She said something else ... oh, yeah, that she’ll leave some forces there to make sure they’re serious, and everyone else will had for Leyawiin.”
Count Renoene hurried into the room with a Khajit. “I just heard that your couriers were here, Your Majesty. This Khajit just arrived from Riverhold, said he had news for the Dragon Empress.”
“Ah, this one has much news, yes. This one is known as Ra’Jindaar and brings greetings to the Dragon Empress from the Ri-Mane’. The abominations that have bothered the warm sands of home are no more. The Ri-Mane’ has ordered Pellitine and Anequina to once again join together in Confederation, and the Ri-Mane’ asks for forgiveness of the Dragon Empress.”
I looked puzzled by what I’d just heard, and glanced at Serana. She looked confused as well. Irileth saw the looks on our faces, and said in the silence, “Ra’Jindaar, I am the Adviser to the Dragon Empress and the Empress-Consort. I would ask you to clarify if you would. Elsweyr withdrew from the Empire, split into two kingdoms under the rule of the Thalmor. Are you saying that the Thalmor are no longer in control, and the warm sands wish to rejoin the Empire?”
The whiskers on the Khajit twitched a little. “Ah, perhaps this one was just the slightest bit unclear. The Ri-Mane’ now rules all of Elsweyr as he should. The Thalmor are no longer an issue. This one particularly enjoyed the cries and lamentations when their magics failed them suddenly, and this one’s people were no longer toys of theirs. The Ri-Mane’ had heard of the feats of the Dragon Empress, and sent this one to again pledge the fealty of the People. It is better for business, after all, if one is at peace with ones neighbors, is it not?”
I spoke up then. “Ra’Jindaar, do you happen to be related to the Ri-Mane’? Perhaps there are many businesses that you’ve been running?”
“Ah, perhaps this one might be a cousin of the Ri-Mane’, and the Dragon Empress is wise indeed to note that this one has many ... contacts.”
“Then allow me to formally ask this, for I suspect that I know exactly when things in Elsweyr came to a head such that you were able to eliminate the Thalmor. Is Elsweyr prepared to rejoin the Empire, my Empire, under the local rule of the Ri-Mane’, but also subject to my rule as the Septim Empress of Tamriel?”
Ra’Jindaar hissed slightly. “Ah, this one was asked to see if perhaps the warm sands could remain solely under the rule of the Ri-Mane’.”
“No.”
The silence that followed my flat refusal stretched on what must have seemed an eternity, but was in reality only a brief time. I could see some consternation on Irileth’s face, but she kept her peace.
Finally Ra’Jindaar hissed again. “This one would not like to enter into any business dealings with the Dragon Empress without making sure that no doors will close upon this ones tail. However, the Ri-Mane’ did mention that such a proposal might end up being made, and that with a Septim on the throne, it would be acceptable.”
“Then let it be so. The province of Elsweyr is hereby accepted back into the fold as a part of Empire, with the provincial governor answerable to the throne. The Ri-Mane’ shall be the provincial governor. Irileth, if you would be so kind as to take Ra’Jindaar and write the details down, thank you.”
Ra’Jindaar bowed to me. Irileth now had a thin smile on her face as she realized what I had done. They left, leaving me to give more orders.
“Farkas, I have a mission for you. Go to Leyawiin. Tell Rikke that she is to load all of her troops, as quickly as she can, onto whatever ships she can, and set sail for Alinor. Surgus, go to Artaeum and tell the Loremaster that it’s time for the island to reappear. And it’s also time for the Psijic Order to take direct action, in support of my armies. He won’t like it, but he’ll get over it.”
Surgus snorted. “So much for being advisers to the throne.”
“Oh, he can advise all he wants. But since I want a peaceful Empire, then he can quit playing with Domino Pigs and actually do something that’s not mysterious and behind the scenes.”
He looked at me again. “Gods, this is just too much fun. Thank you, Your Majesty.” He bowed deeply, then vanished from sight.
“All right. The army will head for Anvil day after tomorrow. Aela, please head there now, and tell the troops there to gather whatever ships they can. Once we get there, we’ll load up and head for Alinor as well. It’s time this shit ended, so hopefully we can live in peace for a while.”
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The sun was starting to go down as Lydia and I left Whiterun. “You’re very bad for me, you know. Going to lead me all astray, make me forget things, and end up at some point or the other have me doing all sorts of strange and perverted things.” “My thane, if you’ll recall, you’re the one who got the jam out and spread it over my breasts and started licking it off.” “How can that be true? I thought it went well with the honey that you had dripped into my slit and hair and then licked...
Lydia looked bothered as we climbed the pathways of Markarth, heading for the alchemy shop. She continued to look upset after I purchased some supplies from Bothela, and agreed to deliver a potion to the steward. It was only after we left the Understone Keep and were walking back to the stables that she finally broke her silence. “Martina, my love, what happened? In the Warrens, I mean.” “Why don’t you tell me what you saw and heard, so I can explain if possible.” “We went into the...
If anyone ever tells you that getting hit in the back by a frost troll is a pleasant experience, they’re lying to you. I slammed face first into the rock wall of the cave and felt blood gushing from my nose. I saw stars for a moment. The troll apparently simply ate whatever bodies that the Thalmor threw down here and must have thought I was another easy meal, which meant that for a moment, he simply, stood bellowing his thanks for the food presented to him. His mistake. I got turned around,...
The narrow canyon walls would have been perfect for an ambush, or to hold off a determined enemy. Whoever chose this as a location did well, presuming the enemy couldn’t fly. The canyon went on for quite a while, which caused me concern. Where were the guards? As the canyon opened up into a valley with a glacier fed lake ahead. I could see the high and impassable peaks of the Velothi Mountains beyond the lake, reaching far into the sky. A young farmer was sitting alongside the path. “Oh, hey...
“I’m really getting tired of this mountain. Now I understand why Klimmek wanted us to bring supplies up here.” “Look at the bright side, my Thane. It’s doing wonders for our legs and thighs.” “True. Yours were very nice when wrapped around my face last night.” Either Lydia was blushing, or the cold from climbing the mountain was bringing color to her cheeks. “I could say the ... Watch out!” A bear rose from where it was resting beside the path. I quickly ran to my right. “FUS RO DAH!” One...
As we were walking back, Lydia was curious about something. “I don’t understand something, my Thane. We can SEE the College of Winterhold from here. Why is it that if Urag or any members of the College were concerned about Septimus, they didn’t just go out and look for him themselves?” “It’s simple, really. Think about yourself for a minute. About the you that was, before you met me. How far outside of Whiterun had you actually gone?” “Well, I’d been to the meadery, and ... that’s ... I’d...
The gates of Whiterun lay behind us. We had spent a day and a half getting ready to go back underground, and I thought it was time well spent. I’d made some slight improvements to our armor, even finally getting Lydia a Blades sword to match her armor. She was so happy with that present we had to delay our preparations for an hour while she thanked me properly. I had also taken some of the things we’d found in Alftand to Dragonsreach and learned their enchantments. That enabled me to use the...
“I’m pleasantly surprised, Lydia.” “I bet Arngeir has no idea how close he came to, uh, having issues.” “That’s what I mean. He didn’t actually piss me off this time. I wonder if he made this trip to talk to Paarthurnax and got told something by the one being he respects.” “We’ll find out soon enough. There’s Paarthurnax waiting for us.” We got closer and with his deep voice, the dragon spoke. “You have it. The Kel – the Elder Scroll. Tiid kreh ... qalos. Time shudders at its touch. There...
It was two days later before we entered High Hrothgar again. Arngeir was in mediation near the entrance. “Arngeir, we need to stop the war. And while I am Dragonborn, the Nords respect you.” “You misunderstand our authority. The Greybeards have never involved themselves in political affairs.” “Ah, but you you misunderstand why we need to stop the war. Jarl Balgruuf won’t assist me while the war rages.” “I see. The dragon will lead you to Alduin, but without the Jarl’s help...” “Exactly....
I didn’t know that a vampire could faint. You learn something new every day. Lydia was laughing a bit. “ Remember Delphine? Seems like every time you get with an older woman, they have this reaction to you.” “Technically I’m probably older than Delphine, but not really, so I suppose you’re right. Here, hold your dagger tip out, so I can prick a fingertip.” She did, and I let a drop of blood well up. I held my finger under Serana’s nose. That worked like I hoped. “Oh, my. Sorry about that. I...
The entrance to High Hrothgar was before us. I couldn’t delay things any further, so I opened the door and entered the home of the Greybeards. The four of them were waiting in the entrance hall. To my surprise, two familiar faces to me had apparently walked in just ahead of me. Delphine said, “So, Arngeir, is it? You know why we’re here. Are you going to let us in or not?” “You’re not invited here. You’re not welcome here.” Arngeir said, true to form. “We have as much right to be at this...
I wasn’t sure what to expect, being a living being entering the halls of the dead. I knew from my reading that I was no longer on Mundus, I was probably on the plane of Aetherius. I found myself at the top of a long flight of stairs. Half a dozen statues of someone in robes lined the stai.rs down. It had been midday when I entered the column of light. Now it appeared to be twilight. A rainbow colored aurora lit the sky, and when I looked straight up, there were clouds rotating in a circular...
Well, even though there had been no formal coronation, it appeared that suddenly a lot more people were ready to follow me and accept me as their Empress. “I accept you into my service willingly and without reservation. Arise.” Elise yelled out, “Three cheers for the Dragonborn!” Everyone joined her. “Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!” “Okay, enough. But now, who’s going to explain this all to me?” “It’s quite simply, milady. We followed Balgruuf in battle either during the Great War or when he...
“Martina, I ought to apologize, I think. I don’t know what came over me last night.” “Well, Ysolda, if I were to make a guess I’d say Lydia, then me, then Lydia again, and finally me.” “You’re ... you’re not upset?” “Love, that was just pure fun. Now, how about we get some breakfast, and talk about your new responsibilities.” “I am hungry enough to eat a horker. Wait, what new responsibilities?” “As my personal merchant and trader, of course. Come on, let’s go see what the Bannered Mare...
We left our horses outside the entry to the canyon leading to the fort. The weather was slightly bad, with a light snow falling. Annekke looked around in awe as we walked through the canyon, then at the lake and what lay beyond. “I was a ranger, but we were never this close to Morrowind. This area is a fortress, you could defend it from attack with only a few troops.” “Unfortunately, that’s all there are right now. I’ve talked to ... someone ... and I’m sure the vampire attacks are only...
“This is a nice home, Argis. You’ve done well in maintaining it.” “It is my sworn duty to protect you and your property, my Thane. You ... well, your exploits are those that will be sung about through the ages. I am honored I was allowed to swear to your service.” “Very good. This is Lydia. Just as you are my housecarl for Markarth, she is housecarl for me in Whiterun. And this is Annekke, someone who is following me as we, as you put it, have exploits.” “I was told to expect the three of...
We ended up spending three days in Whiterun getting everything ready to head out again. Argis got to meet Irileth and Jarl Balgruuf when we had dinner with the Jarl the second evening. Proventius was unhappy at the influence I had in the Jarl’s court, and did a poor job of hiding it. Farengar, on the other hand, was ecstatic that I was able to provide him with some samples of dragon blood and bone, courtesy of the dead dragon just outside the walls, and begged for me to do that more often –...
Wolfskull Cave opened into a natural tunnel that then descended into the mountainside. There were a few torches guttering along the hallway. We’d been walking for several minutes when I saw a draugr patrolling ahead. I shot him with an arrow. We continued past his corpse and soon the passageway opened into a larger chamber. There were two figures warming themselves at a campfire along one wall of the chamber. I quickly dispatched both of them. We checked their corpses, they were both human....
The guards in Riften were a bit jumpy. A dragon had flown over the town recently and while it hadn’t attacked, they were concerned. I did my shopping, then we went back to the Bee and Barb for the night. It was peaceful inside the walls, and we weren’t expecting trouble the next morning right when we left town. More vampires were waiting in concealment for us just outside the city. And there were a lot of them with their thralls. Two master vampires, three fledglings, and half a dozen...
We arrived at the gates of Solitude in time to break up a vampire attack. “Okay, that’s enough of this. I thought that helping Sybille would take care of the issues locally. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised to find the Thalmor helping the vampires in this.” It was early evening, so we grabbed something to eat, then I sought Viarmo out at the Bards College. “Here’s the verse about King Olaf you were seeking.” “Ah, let me see. Oh, no! It’s aged such that parts of it are unreadable. And...
It wasn’t quite at a run that we made it to the stable but close. “Jordris, grab a horse. Giemund, you know us by now from caring for our horses. We need another.” He nodded and told me a fair price that I immediately paid. “Okay, mount up and ride as if Elisif’s life depends upon it. Which I suspect it does.” We left at a gallop. “Lydia, Serana, this is the way we first went when we headed for Castle Volkihar. Be ready in case of animals, don’t stop, just ride over them.” We actually did...
Climbing down from the ledge was relatively easy. Relative being the operative term, since it was snowing, late at night, and we were all tired. Somehow or other, Annekke Crag-Jumper did not live up to her name and managed to fall and break her leg. “I swear, if I didn’t know any better, I think you did that just so you could share my bed when we get back to Proudspire Manor.” She looked pale from the pain as she took the healing potion I handed her. “Any time you let me share your bed is a...
If Astrid didn’t become pregnant that night, it wasn’t due to lack of trying. After two hours, I was exhausted, and fell asleep with her sprawled across my body, with the toy still impaled inside her. Elisif and Serana had been incredibly supportive, keeping Astrid always at the peak of release while also keeping me supplied with either a drink for energy, or a taste of their own juices for ardor. For the first time in ages, my sleep was not troubled by bad dreams. I did dream, but it was...
“I thought Gelebor was going to try to force things earlier,” Serana said as she finished removing her gown. “I think if it was any other day than today, he might have. But this is one time that my ... what’d you call it, love, adventuring ways ... will not get in the way of family.” Elisif looked up from where she was crouched between my legs, gently stroking my private hair and starting to rub things. “Something like that. But do we have to have this conversation now? I totally drenched...
A very wet and cold group entered the Nightgate inn. “Oh, my, surely you didn’t all fall into a lake?” the concerned innkeeper asked. “No, stupid Dwemer construction, having a water pipe rupture and flood the chamber you’re in is not a good way to stay dry. We’ll need towels and the fire built up a bit to dry off, as well as warm food and drink. Lydia, get dried off first, I want you to get to Irkngthand and bring our party back here.” She quickly stripped her armor and underthings off,...
I don’t mind waking up stark naked in bed if I’m wrapped in the arms of someone I love. Finding myself naked, with my arms and legs tied down, gagged, and with nothing covering my modesty or lack thereof isn’t something I think I care for. That, and seeing a man sitting in a chair near the bed just reading a book. If I’m going to be tied up and on display, at least he could be leering at me, after all. I tried to speak and the gag felt like I was spitting dry sand out of my mouth. He heard...
Everyone at the table sat in deep thought after my last comment. Brunwulf broke the silence. “Seems to me that you’ve been doing what you can to unite it, at least under your own rule.” “It’s not of my original choosing, I’ll tell you that. All I came here, to Tamriel, to do was to find out about my own history. If I had my druthers, I’d have a simple life, work metal, bone, and leather in a smithy, maybe do some alchemy, and be content with the love of my wives as we all grow old together....
“You know, I’ve lived in this town most of my life, and I’ve never been here. This is all new to me and ... what is this? Are you sure this bridge is safe?” “Not really, no. If you mean, do I think it’ll collapse under us, no, there’s magic in play keeping it up. If you mean, am I afraid that we’ll fall off the damn thing because these idiots have never bothered to fix the rails, then no, it’s not safe.” He chuckled at my comment. “That’s ... not what I expected to hear the Dragonborn say...
“I can’t believe you’ve only been here a week, Your Majesty, and accomplished so much for our community, for all of Solstheim. How can we ever repay you?” “Continue leading my subjects as you have, Councilor Morvayn. With the mines open again and the cultist threat eliminated, I think you should be able to keep the Northern Maiden very busy traveling back and forth with trade goods to Skyrim. Hopefully before too long we’ll have more ships plying this route.” Captain Gjalund nodded his...
The lead element of the first column of the Redoran Guard stopped at the rebuilt Traitor’s Post. The bandits that formerly occupied the building had quickly left when the Dragonborn’s Own returned from Winterhold and took to the rebuilding of this post with a vengeance. We had stocked it with food and refreshment for the incoming troops and our cooks were ready. “I am Captain Merano of the Royal Army. My first contingent of troops will be here shortly. From the tables I see you have set up,...
“Pardon my ignorance, but I’m confused. I know that we had planned on going to war against the Aldmeri, at least eventually. We discussed that at your wedding. But you’ve ended the civil war here, and you’re the Empress. Doesn’t that mean something?” “Oh, it does, Jarl Siddgeir. It means that I have a responsibility to all the citizens of the Empire. So while I’ve been successful here in Skyrim, there’s still Cyrodiil, Morrowind, and all the other provinces that are part of the Empire. And...
The warm water in the pool was relaxing to my muscles. I was sitting on the steps, the water up to my shoulders, with Serana in my lap leaning back against me. Astrid was to my left, with Elisif in her lap. They laughed as Serana finished telling them the story of how the brave Njada Stonearm had collapsed in fear. It was rather quiet in my Luxury Suite. Leah was sitting off in a corner, playing soft and gentle music on her lute. Elise had placed a tray of drinks and light snacks near the...
The road leading south from Bruma was packed with soldiers. By now, there were civilians fleeing ahead of them, so the army would no longer have an uncontested march deep through Cyrodiil. But that army was being led by two competent leaders, so while I knew they would have losses, I had no fear that they would see defeat. In the meantime, four companies of troops, five hundred men and women total, were making their way west, away from the main body. Depending upon the resistance we met, the...
“Are you sure about this, Martina?” “No, my love, not really. But it’s the best idea I have at the moment.” With our success in the city, I had a few of the residents of Chorrol that were actually related to members of the Imperial Legion company stationed at Battlehorn Castle and Fort Rayles with our small group, as well as Honditar. The main army had continued on to the west after two days of rest and replenishment to join the Cheydinhal forces. The battlements of the castle were visible...