Of Eagles and Dragons, The Children of Kyne, Vol. IV Options

[Kane]

Prologue (4E 230)

Emperor Titus Mede II is dead. Convicted of Treasonous Sedition against the Empire and a Vassal State, the Elder Council cast his Writ of Execution with a unanimous vote on Loredas, the 1st of Last Seed, in the Two-hundred thirtieth year of the Fourth Era. The High Chancellor Anilay Cato was chosen to oversee the day-to-day administration of the crumbling Mede Dynasty, and the former head of state himself was hung from the gallows on Green Empire Way in the Imperial City for all to see.

It was a time of uncertainty in Cyrodiil, for there was yet to be a clear successor to the Ruby Throne, and rumors of Colovian and Nibenese warlords arming up to seize power for themselves were beginning to circulate among the populace. Many citizens of the Heartland secretly wished the Dragonborn king of Skyrim would lay claim by birthright, but so far there had been little news from the northern kingdom.

And with a patience born of long life, the Thalmor diplomats were content to watch quietly from their Embassy while their handlers ruled the Third Aldmeri Dominion with an iron fist. Altmer agents moved about in the shadows to sow discord and discontent wherever possible and worked tirelessly to keep the Empire from once again rising to prominence.

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Queen Penolore of the Summerset Isles strolled through the botanical gardens of Alinor with her royal retainer in tow. The ultimate ruler of the Aldmeri Dominion, Penolore reigns supreme over the Altmer of her homeland, the Bosmer of Valenwood, and the Khajiiti of Elswyr with an unrelenting grip. The Thalmor operate solely under her command, bringing order to her subjects and extending her reach over the rest of Tamriel. But on this day, she felt only contempt for the ineptness of the organization’s recent failures in combating the rise of a new alliance of power to the north.

The shrill fops in her retainer had followed her from the palace, prattling on endlessly about matters far beneath her station in a constant bid to curry favor with the monarch. Seeking a measure of peace and quiet, she finally had enough of the bickering for one day. Penolore came to a halt and raised a hand in warning.

“Shut up. All of you will shut up now or I shall have you thrown from the highest tower of my palace. Begone from here if you value your meaningless existences.�

They fell silent in deference to their queen and filed out of the gardens as quickly as possible. Not a single one of them were keen to be present for her wrath should it need to be unleashed upon whichever poor soul tarried. Only a single Altmer remained, clad in the traditional dark robes of the Thalmor.

“Have you more to say, Lisotel? I would have thought your inability to carry out even a single assassination of those miserable whelps to the north would have stayed your sharp tongue. Tell me what value you could possibly still offer your queen when others have been flayed alive for failures of a far less magnitude than your own.�

“I only offer news that our agents deemed relevant, milady.�

“Very well. Spit it out and remove yourself from my sight.�

Magistrate Lisotel hesitated for the briefest of seconds. It would have to be today of all days that he was assigned to her retinue, and a message from Solitude should arrive to their headquarters by carrier eagle. Penolore was already in a foul temper after his Thalmor compatriots failed to squash another uprising in Anequina, and now he was poised to deliver more unwelcome news to the surly queen.

“It is with great regret that our field agents in Skyrim report the return of the High King’s son to the Blue Palace. He apparently was spotted in the city yesterday morning in the company of an unknown Breton woman. Where he had gone or what he was up to over the last thirteen months is still a mystery, but we fear his arrival and reintegration with the royal family will push the king to finally issue a claim to the Ruby Throne.�

The queen had stooped down to examine a budding rose stem while Lisotel spoke and she snipped it free cleanly from the stalk with her pruning shears as the words tumbled from the Magistrate’s overworked mouth. It slipped free of her grasp, fell to the floor, and Penolore ground it to a pulp with the heel of her boot.

“Tell me, Lisotel, have we not discussed the merits of tending to one’s garden on many previous occasions? See how easily that is done? Pruning an errant growth is a simple task that is abundantly important in maintaining a healthy growth; one of which I know your Order is easily capable of facilitating. I am granting you a second chance to do as I have ordered. Should you fail once again, the citizens of Alinor shall bear witness to your entrails displayed upon the ruins of Crystal-Like-Law. Return to me when the task is completed, and not one second sooner.�

Bowing his head graciously, Magistrate Lisotel took leave of the queen. Penolore continued to care for the overgrown rose shrub, snipping off stray stems with malicious intent.

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“What news from Chorrol, Brother Cassian?�

“High Chancellor,� greeted the courier. “Brother Indus’ scouts report little movement from the camps deep in the Great Forest. If they have anything planned, it will likely not be for some time. Indus suspects they are having trouble recruiting loyal men for the cause. Of course, this would all be a lot easier to verify if we are given leeway to operate more independently.�

Anilay Cato set down his quill and pushed aside the letter he’d been penning. This wasn’t the first time Cassian had made a similar remark, and the chancellor was beginning to grow weary of reminding the man just how delicate the situation in Cyrodiil really was. A stronger hand may be required soon.

“This again? We’ve been over it many times already, Brother Cassian. I’m giving you the most resources I can without drawing scrutiny from the elves. If they discover the Blades have secretly been reformed, the Dominion will bring war to our doorstep immediately. Do what you can with what I have given you and let’s not speak of this again. There are plenty of other men who would love to be in your position.�

Brother Cassian recognized his dismissal and saluted smartly as he turned to leave. Anilay continued to stare absentmindedly at the door long after it had closed behind his captain. He again found himself wondering if reforming the Blades had been a wise move on the council’s part. The endgame of the it made sense to all involved, but Anilay felt the interim risk was too high, and he’d unsuccessfully pushed to have the vote temporarily stayed.

“Too late now,� he said to no one in particular. And with a heavy sigh, he returned to his unfinished letter.

There was another knock on the door and it took all of his restraint to not fling the quill at it and berate whomever deigned to bother him again. “Come in!�

An elderly Breton woman with long gray hair tied back in a ponytail, poked her through the partially opened door and saluted. “Is this a bad time, sir?�
“No, no, come on in, Delphine,� said Anilay. “Forgive my exasperated tone, I just got done reminding Cassian of our straits and I fear that I shall never finish this correspondence.� He rolled up the parchment and set it aside until the next day. “What can I do for you?�

“I’d like to request something of you.� Delphine entered the study and took the recently vacated seat across from the High Chancellor. After she settled in, Anilay gestured for her to continue. “Might I be sent back north to Skyrim? I know the High King from our time together during the Dragon Crisis, and I may be able to get a better read on his intentions than some of our other agents have.�

“Oh, really? But as I understand it, your time working together did not end well, no? As I recall, he asserted his authority as Dragonborn over you and walked away from your efforts to rebuild the order. What makes you think he’ll let you into his court after all these years?�

Delphine frowned. She hadn’t expected Anilay to be so well versed on her prior dealings as a rogue Blade in Skyrim. Truth be told, her efforts to kickstart the Blades, along with Esbern, in Sky Haven Temple had crumbled to dust after Kirin Windborne had walked away from them. Further recruiting efforts failed, and the wizened lore-keeper succumbed to illness not five years later. For her part, Delphine had faded into obscurity as a farmhand in the western Reach.

“Heard about that, did you? Well, you’re right in that there’s no guarantee, but I don’t know what else I can offer the Blades, sir. I’m old and my days of fighting are long since passed. This at least feels like something meaningful I can contribute.�

“I see,� replied Anilay. “And would you be up for such a journey, Delphine? Autumn is settling in over Skyrim and our men at Cloud Ruler have reported the Pale Pass is already under several feet of snow. It will not be easy going.�

“I’ll manage.�

The High Chancellor studied her for a moment and then he grabbed a new roll of parchment and dipped his quill in fresh ink. He scribbled away while Delphine waited patiently for his decision, wondering where fate would take her next. She had been so hesitant when the rumors of former Blades officers being brought back into the fold were swirling, and it wasn’t until Brother Cassian himself had tracked her down to a small plantation near Karthwasten that she allowed herself to believe they were true. The reality didn’t truly set in for her until she was assigned a room at Weynon Priory, on the outskirts of Chorrol, and asked to advise the younger Captains leading this new iteration of the fabled organization.

Anilay finished writing his new orders, signed, and stamped the bottom with an Imperial Seal before wrapping it up and handing it to Delphine. “Deliver this to Brother Cassian and return to Cloud Ruler with him to begin your preparations.�

“Thank you, sir,� said Delphine. “I’ll keep in touch.�

“A bit of advice, if I may?�

“Sir?�

The chancellor dug around in his desk for few seconds until he found the dossier he was seeking. Flipping it open, Anilay slid out a sketching of Cain Windborne and handed it to the waiting Breton. “If the High King offers resistance, try speaking to his son. I’ve met the man personally and he’s wise, clever, and kind to a fault. Not to say that his father is an ignorant old man, but sometimes younger eyes see things differently. I’ve gathered that Cain is back home in Solitude after being abroad following the death of his fiancé.�

Delphine bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. Everyone in Skyrim had heard about his loss, and people across the province had mourned for the young woman from Stonehills. There were even gossiping commoners in the taverns at night saying she had been pregnant at the time, but that was never officially confirmed by the High King’s court. If It were true, Delphine didn’t fault him at all for taking some time away, even if his whereabouts were a mystery.

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir.�

“Excellent. Take care on your trip, and dress warmly. I expect a letter by carrier bird as soon as you get settled in at Solitude. You’re dismissed, Delphine.�

Anilay watched her depart and then he glanced back over at his unfinished letter. Deciding it could wait until the morning, the chancellor left his office in search of a strong drink to end the day with. He wasn’t entirely convinced allowing Delphine to intrude on the High King’s court was a good idea, but he’d expected answers from Kirin Windborne for some time now, and was rewarded with nothing.

If another week passes like this I shall have to contact Cain myself. Perhaps the man would be willing to visit me in person.

The White-Gold Tower still bustled with activity in the evening hours, and so Anilay elected to don his commoner clothes and seek a drink at Luther Broad’s, instead.

[Kane]

Life's been nuts, sorry for the delay!
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Chapter VI – A Place to Rest Your Head

A small procession of feet traipsed in through the back door, save for those of a Redguard and a Breton. Gwyn had wondered over to admire the outdoor bathing area instead of entering the house and she tarried by the foot of its stone steps while Cain made his way to her side and smothered her with a pressing hug.

“I’m glad you came,� he said, breathing in the alluring scent of her curly hair. “What changed your mind?�

“Not what, but who,� corrected Gwyn. “I got outfoxed by Lin and she sicced her daughter on me. It was a dirty move but I should thank her when we go inside. I felt like an ass anyway for not going with you, and I’m glad Salihn and I got here when we did.� She untangled herself from Cain’s grasp and motioned her head towards the pool of water behind them. “Fancy a dip? Neither of us have bathed since the day before last.�

“Hmm… tempting...� mused Cain. “But I think we’re expected inside for something. Stick to me and you’ll do fine, alright? If you get overwhelmed, just ask Serana for a tour of the house or something. It’s a really nice place.�

“I can see that. Is this where Linn grew up?�

“Yeah, until she ran away.�

“She did?� asked Gwyn in surprise. “Huh. Wouldn’t have guessed that with how close you all are. I’ll have to ask her about that sometime.� Gwyn fell silent for a moment and her brow furrowed. “… Maybe I do have more in common with her and Serana than I thought.�

“I think you three need to spend a little time together – without me around.�

“I’ll think about it. C’mon let’s head inside before they start wondering if we left.� Gwyn laced her fingers in between Cain’s and squeezed his hand tightly. “Get going. If you give me a second to think, I’ll chicken out again.�

Cain steered her towards the door and pulled it open for Gwyn and then followed her inside. A fire roared on the hearth just off to the left with a few chairs, tables, and a plush rug in front of it. Across the way stood alchemy and enchanting labs, albeit emptied of supplies, and an exceedingly rare staff enchanter. They made their way up the long hallway towards the dining area. Gwyn’s eyes roved the interior endlessly, a creeping smile slowly overtaking her previous look of angst.

She noted the spacious guest bedrooms on her left and peered into the master suite on the right with bare envy, just catching sight of the tall bookcases arrayed around a quaint study. Upon reaching the open kitchen and dining room that lay just inside the front door, the light smile playing across Gwyn’s lips had become an open mask of appreciation.

Stopping just shy of his family gathered around the table in wait, Cain knew exactly what was coming next and headed her off before Gwyn’s heart was set. “We can ask, but it’s not up to me, hon. As I understand it, one must be Kyne’s champion to call this place home, and that responsibility rests on Linneá’s shoulders. “

“But just look at this place!� she stammered. “It’s so [censored] quaint and peaceful! And we’d still be living in Skyrim! You could recall to the palace anytime your needed and I would be perfectly safe here while you’re away!�

“Gwyn, please, don’t get all worked up about it. I promise we’ll discuss it with mum.�

“… Fine. But if you don’t bring it up, I will be sure to. This house is just... It’s perfect.�

Having said her piece, Gwyn steeled herself once again and a joined the Windborne table with Cain seated on her left and Serana on the right. A bottle of brandy was being passed around and Gwyn waited eagerly for it to reach her. Once in hand, she poured out a teeming glassful for herself and for Serana, and was about to knock back a heavy sip when Salihn bounder over and jumped up on Gwyn’s lap.

“I wondered where you’d gotten to,� said Gwyn, playfully tousling the elf’s hair. “Having fun at Mama Kyne’s?�

Lydia watched from across the table with an odd expression on her face. She leaned over to Kyne in wonder. “Have you ever seen Gwyn so relaxed around us like that?� she whispered. “When did she bond with Salihn?�

“Your daughter cooked that up, dear. Linn wagered the little one would break down some of Miss Gwyndala’s walls and it would seem she was correct. I can tell Gwyn is still a bit anxious, but it seems less prevalent with Salihn around.�

“Huh. You know, mum… I love my daughter very much but it would be nice if she didn’t have the solution to every problem,� giggled Lydia. “It’d be nice to get somewhere on my own for a change. I had plans on softening that shell myself but it looks like the hard part is already over.�

“I too planned on enlisting her company for a walk before we leave here today,� said Kyne. “You’re welcome to join us, dear.�

They continued conversing in low tones until the subject changed naturally and the two mums started gossiping about other matters at a more normal register. Everyone seated in the open dining room seemed to have paired off similarly and were discussing everything ranging from the latest books to matters of state.

Cain was catching up on business at the Blue Palace with his father while Linneá and Serana joked about taking their daughter on a vacation for a few weeks, just to get it away from it all. And Gwyn sat with Salihn still on her lap, nodding along while the elven child babbled on about what she was learning in school, or which dolly was her favorite. Gwyn’s idle fingers found distraction in braiding her new best friends’ hair. She felt the weight of pressure alleviating and had soon taken to gazing around the table at Cain’s family instead.

The love and respect she saw between them had once felt so foreign to her. Fifteen years of solitude had left Gwyn unable to do anything but keep others at arm’s length. Fifteen years of moving about Glenumbra like a ghost. Fifteen years of misery in a tiny cabin. And then she saved a certain Redguard’s life, and slowly began to bond with him, and all of those feelings rushed back in a torrent that nearly overwhelmed her. And this is where it brought her.

Salihn broke her reverie when she jumped down to the floor and went to sit with her moms. Gwyn also now realized that Kyne and Lydia had gotten to their feet and were looking at her expectantly.

“Care for an afternoon stroll, Miss Louvain?� asked Kyne. “It’s long past time the three of us got to know one another.� The goddess grinned knowingly at her with a twinkle behind her kind green eyes. “We can discuss the other matter on your mind, too, if you’d like. I’m not necessarily against it….�

Gwyn froze up a little inside. She turned to look at Cain and his reassuring smile was all it took to galvanize her. It’s fine, I’m fine, she told herself. They barely know who I am. I was expecting this. Gwyn finished off her glass of brandy and stood up with the Windborne matrons. “Uh, sure.� She vainly attempted to smooth the front of her patchy dress while her ruby red hair faded to black before everyone’s eyes.

“What the hell just happened to your hair, Gwyn?� asked Linneá. “I knew you changed the color of it quite often but I didn’t realize it could happen randomly like that.�

“It’s not random,� blushed Gwyn. “Nor do I want to talk about it.� She plucked nervously at her bangs until they fell in front of her eyes. “I’m ready,� she said to Kyne and Lydia.�

“Wonderful,� said Kyne. “Come, we’ll head south towards the mountains. There is a delightful copse of fir trees just beyond the estate boundary.� The front door closed with a light snap and they were gone, leaving Cain with his father and sisters.

But it seemed that Linneá had other ideas. “You two can catch up over a mead – Ana and I are taking Salihn to Whiterun City. A new clothing shop opened recently and Salihn could use a wardrobe refresher.� The little family bid Cain and Kirin goodbye and filed out the front door only moments after Kyne, Lydia, and Gwyn had done the same.

Father and son were left alone at a once crowded dining table that had been emptied of its bounty save for two pewter tankards and a jug of Honningbrew mead. Kirin filled both tankards up and passed one to Cain. They knocked them together in a wordless toast and then sipped from the mugs in short order.

Kirin smacked his lips and decided to dive right in. “Well, uh, it’s been some time since we had a moment to talk, eh son? Just the two of us I mean.� He took another pull to help ease his awkwardness and then continued: “So, now that you are back home for good, there are some things we need to discuss.�

Cain suspected he knew what was coming. His father may be the High King of Skyrim, but just about everyone knew it was only a matter of time until a Dragonborn would be seated on the Ruby Throne of Cyrodiil once again.

“I suppose you have a succession plan in mind?� inquired Cain. “Linn doesn’t strike me as someone who wants to lead her people. And that just leaves me.�

“Yes and no,� said Kirin. “I know without a doubt that your sister would do whatever she could for Skyrim if called upon. However... you’re right in that she has expressed a desire to live a quieter life with Serana and Salihn. Lydia and I would never want to take that choice away from her, which I suppose does leave just you. But you still aren’t well known among the province – we only had you in Solitude for a few weeks before you were off to Morrowind, and, well, we don’t need to get into the rest of that.�

“You don’t have to beat around the bush, dad. I know what’s expected of me. I’ve been grappling with it ever since I came here and learned what I was truly destined for.�

His father smiled warmly at him. “You’ve no idea what a relief that is to me, son. Truth be told, I’ve been putting off correspondences with an old friend of yours while you were absent. High Chancellor Anilay will be pleased to hear from me again I imagine.�

Cain balked at that. “You haven’t been returning his letters? Dad! Anska and I worked hard to cultivate that alliance! How could you at least not tell him that you were awaiting my return to Skyrim?! The poor man is probably sitting in the White-Gold Tower worried out of his mind!�

“I know, I know!� exclaimed Kirin, apologetically. “But I had to be sure my own house was in order before I made any commitments. There was a time, Cain, when we didn’t know if you ever would come home again. Not even Kyne knew where you were and what you were doing. Only your sisters had an inkling and Linn kept it from us until things were getting out of hand. And now… here you are. We can finally get around to what should have happened over a year ago.�

“What do you mean by that?� asked Cain.

“Skyrim needs to know who you are, my son. You’re first order of business will be a sort of grand tour – it’s time for you to visit each of the hold capitals and take court with the Jarls and their citizens. If I’m to make a claim at the Ruby Throne, they need to have faith in a new High King.�

His mug had run dry, so Cain helped himself to another pour of mead and topped off his fathers at the same time. He sat back in his chair and pondered over the new task at hand, rather than drinking the sweet liquor. Visiting the cities and villages one by one will be a monumental task that will take some time. And how would he convince Gwyn to go with him for such a thing? The poor girl already has her mind set on living here at Elysium – why would she want to leave and be thrust into what amounted to days, weeks, and months of social gatherings with complete and utter strangers?

It wasn't fair to expect that from her. Yet… she had surprised him more than once before. Maybe they could settle in for a while and then talk about it…

“Something on your mind, Cain?� said Kirin. “You look kind of… lost. I know it’s a to take in but we’ll make sure you’re set up to succeed.�

“Oh, I’m fine, dad.� He finally took a long drink from his mug and then set it down on the table. “Can we get some time to settle in first? It’s been a very trying year or so, and I’d like some down time to spend with everyone. And I need to help Gwyn get comfortable in a new life here in… Skyrim… hmm…� Cain trailed off quietly as he became lost in thought once again. Then he recognized the opportunity flitting about the fringes of his mind and remarked at how well it all fit into place.

“Hoo boy. What is it now?� asked Kirin. “I can practically hear the gears turning in your head!�

He’d hoped to talk to Kyne and Linn about it first, but Cain suspected that Gwyn would handle the former on her own. The Breton may be under a fair bit of stress, but he knew that she could do anything she set her mind to. It also made a lot of good sense if they were to be exploring the countryside and looping through the cities, towns, villages, and hamlets.

“Gwyn wants to live here, dad,� admitted Cain. “She’s head over heels for the quiet, rustic charm without all the hectic chaos of the Blue Palace. I suspect she’s already working our Divine mum to her side, and I also think it’s a good idea for your marching orders. We’d be centrally located for our journeys, and I can recall to your side whenever I'm needed.�

“You two want to live here instead? Hm. I don’t really see a problem with that. Lydia will probably still be expecting you for dinner quite often, so don’t think you are getting out of that! And you’ll have all the time you need to settle in – there’s no urgency for you to get underway, and Whiterun is the perfect place to get your feet wet.�

Cain breathed a sigh of relief and offered another toast while assuring his father they would join them whenever invited. Or, if they simply didn’t feel like cooking on any given night! Matters of responsibility handled, Kirin and Cain retired to the comfortable armchairs seated around the fireplace at the opposite end of the house and stretched their legs in front of the warm flames while they caught up on less important matters.

They also had a long talk about how things ended up where they did with Gwyndala.

“She’ll come around, dad,� promised Cain. “This is just all so alien to her right now. Before we met, she had no one. For many years. Gwyn’s a good person and she’ll never hold me back. You’ve seen her in her element when you came to, er, stop us from doing something really stupid, so you know that Gwyn can be rather fearless when it suits her. And she certainly isn’t afraid to keep my ass in check!�

“Aye, she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind that day,� mused Kirin. “I suppose we did show up to her home uninvited, though.�

“And she hadn’t lost me like she was fearing she would,� added Cain. “I didn’t see it back then but Gwyn was already falling for me at that point and then all of a sudden she was filled to the brim again with hope. I don’t think anything could have dimmed her mood that morning.�

Cain took another drink while gazing into the fire. He found himself wondering more than once on this day if things would have played out differently had he noticed the signs sooner. Would he have been so hell bent on saving Anska? Or would the ensuing turmoil of emotions have tamped that desire down? What stuck in his mind the most was an unnecessary worry over how he’d have reacted if Gwyn had just come right and stated her feelings. But, recognizing all of those niggling doubts as pointless, Cain did his best to cast them aside and enjoy what he’d found again.

The company of a woman who cared for him.

Unfortunately for the father and son enjoying a peaceful afternoon, that very same woman stormed through the backdoor alone moments later in a towering fury and demanded Cain take her away at once.