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

[Kane]

Act I

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.

-----

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.

-----

“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.


This post has been edited by Kane: Jun 26 2025, 03:16 PM

[Kane]

It was fortunate indeed that Gariel turned out to be a Bosmer! Still, even if the clothes fit I'm not sure she'll be pleased with the departure from her standard wardrobe. Methinks she will be cooking up other ways to keep warm.

Things are definitely heating up!

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Chapter X – Growing Pains

Kirin Windborne had a headache. Not a headache born of illness or any other malady. Nor was it a headache caused by injury or inebriation. This particular headache took the form of a familiar farmer who had returned for another round, with another bag of rotting tubers in hand. The unfriendly odors of rot and decay charged the normally fragrant air of the High King’s throne room with that of reek. A reek that offered only a single minute silver lining. It had chased away the few remaining petitioners that were waiting in line for an audience.

The farmer stood there rambling on once again about poor fertilizer quality and mauled livestock. On and on and on he went about shady merchants peddling shoddy goods and cow after cow and pig after pig being slaughtered in the night. Thankfully, a nearby door opened and closed, bringing the arrival of the very last person this stubborn farmer wanted to see. Linneá took one look at the burlap sack on the floor in front of her dad and before she could raise a hand to destroy the tubers, the man snatched them up and fled from the Blue Palace.

“Wonderful timing, Linn!� chuckled Kirin. “I was fast losing my patience with that lout, but it seems he’ll remember you for the rest of his days.�

“I can’t believe he brought those damn things back here again. What’s his name? Ana and I may need to pay a visit to his farm.�

“That won’t be necessary, hon.� Kirin dismissed Grist, Brelyna, and his Thanes for the day and headed off with his daughter. “Dinner ready?�

“Always. And we have unexpected guests from the south!�

“Cain and Gwyndala dropped in I take it?�

“Yeah, they have some news about an incident this afternoon on their way home from Whiterun. Kyne will be along at some point too, I expect. Cain summoned her just after it happened.�

They kept chatting while they walked until Linneá left his side to retrieve her wife and daughter from their private library downstairs. Kirin felt stuffy in his opulent robes and decided to stop by his study to don a less formal outfit for dinner with his family. It was a little chilly in the lofty room, so he stoked the coals burning low in the fireplace and added a few more pieces of timber.

Lydia came in soon after and caught her husband mid-change. His carved, bare torso took her breath away, as it always did. “You don’t have to keep in such fine shape for my benefit you, know,� she winked. “I’ll take you any way that I can have you.�

“Life hasn’t always been easy, love. I don’t want to get caught with my pants down one day. That is, unless it’s you doing the catching.�

Her eyes twinkled. “Maybe later, husband.� Lydia crossed the room and kissed him before helping to clasp the long overshirt together at the center. “The kids are all here again. Should be a rowdy supper.�

“Aye, Linn already told me so.� He hooked is elbow and offered an arm to his queen. “Shall we?�

“Lead on, my love.�

Lydia hooked her own arm within Kirin’s and they set off for dinner together. Activity inside the palace walls was already beginning to wind down for the day. A few guard patrols passed by them, nodding in salute. The service staff scurried about to check oil levels in the lanterns, and to swap candles out of sconces to keep them burning all through the night. Delicate aromas wafted up from the kitchens and the clattering of plates and cutlery announced the impending arrival of the dinner hour.

They were the last to arrive in a familiar dining room in the lower levels. Taking their seats right next to Linneá, Serana, Salihn, Cain, and Gwyndala, the pleasantries began immediately while goblets of water, tankards of mead, and glasses of wine were poured. Dinner arrived shortly after, which meant another hearty meal became the first order of business for the young evening.

It was only after several bellies were filled that Kirin broached the subject on his son, and Gwyn’s, mind. “So, what happened earlier that brought you here at mum’s urging? It wasn’t another dragon, was it?�

“No, nothing like that,� said Cain. “A gaggle of creatures waylaid us on the road out of town. They were nothing like Gwyn and I had ever seen before and I figured Kyne would know what they were. She said they are known as the Falmer.�

“Falmer? On the plains of Whiterun?� asked Linneá incredulously. “How many?�

“Five,� answered Gwyn. “And they were creepy little bastards.�

“That’s almost entirely unheard of,� said Linneá. “One or two may stray from a cave entrance on occasion but what your describing sounds like a scouting or raiding party.�

Kirin leaned back in his chair and mulled over this bit of news. His daughter was correct in that a group of Falmer being that far out in the open, and during the daytime no less, is exceedingly rare. Something about it didn’t sit right with him. It also brought to mind the plight of the annoying farmer who’d stood before him while court was in session.

Dead livestock mauled by unknown creatures of the night. It warranted a closer inspection.

“Oh no, what are you scheming up now, dad?� asked Serana. “I know that look.�

“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’ve been my daughter for my entire life,� grinned Kirin. “It’s uncanny how easily you can read me sometimes.�

“Quit beating around the bush,� said Linneá. “Where are you sending us?�

“Hallix Farm, on the other side of Dragon Bridge. A certain farmer that you’re all too familiar with is having issues with dead farm animals.�

“The idiot with the potatoes?�

“That’s the one.�

Linneá lapsed into silence after that confirmation. That was a two to three day journey on foot at minimum if they stayed off the roads, plus the time to investigate and return. It had been a long time since she’d left Solitude with Serana for anything other than a trip to Elysium or those short visits to Gwyn’s old cabin. But for the first time in her life, Linneá found that the idea of a quest lacked any kind of thrill for her. Traveling the land with Serana; investigating a mystery; possible Falmer involvement… None of it appealed to the young woman at this point in her life.

Your secret’s safe with me, love. Serana’s voice drifted into her mind, along with a fierce rush of affection. I don’t want to be away from Salihn for that long either. You’re a wonderful and caring mother, and I love you more and more every single day for it.

Don’t do that – you’re going to make me cry.

Too late. Linneá tried to hide the moisture welling up in the corners of her eyes, but Lydia noticed them anyway, and she understood exactly where they were had sprung from. A mother’s intuition tried to sway her husband against it. “Are you sure the girls are needed for this, Kir? Can’t you send one of the constables? Or maybe have a Thane look into it?�

“I need eyes I can absolutely trust on it,� said Kirin. “And my daughters have dealt with the Falmer more than anyone else here.�

There was still hesitation lingering on his sister’s face, and Cain didn’t understand why. She constantly reminisced about the glory days of being in the guild, or venturing into the unknown with Serana. This felt like something she’d wanted for a while. And Serana didn’t look any less pleased, though she was hiding it better.

But, like Lydia, Gwyn saw it right off and tried to help. “We’re not heading to Falkreath for another five days,� she piped up. “Salihn can stay with Cain and I if you’d like.�

Kirin’s head moved back and forth between Gwyn and his daughters. Then he groaned audibly with comprehension. “Damn it, I’m a fool for not thinking about that. I can’t just send you out on a whim anymore and expect you to leave the little one behind. Your mother’s right, someone else can visit the farm and look into the matter.�

“No, it’s fine, dad,� said Serana. “Elle and I can handle it, and if we take the carriage we can be over the bridge in less than a day. You just caught us off-guard is all. I don’t think either of us realized how much we’ve grown accustomed to life at home with Salihn.�

“Only if you are absolutely certain,� stated Kirin emphatically.

“We are,� said Linneá. “It won’t be easy, but we’ll manage.� She turned to Gwyn with a smile. “And we’d love for you two to keep an eye on her. She won’t be safer anywhere else in Tamriel. We’ll bring Salihn around for breakfast tomorrow and then be on our way.�

-----

Night had fallen over Skyrim and the ad hoc gathering for dinner had long since dispersed. Kirin and Lydia sat fretting by the fire in their bedroom, unsure if they’d made the right decision in supporting their daughters to travel again. They knew beyond doubt that Linneá and Serana could handle themselves anywhere in the world, but it wasn’t just the two of them anymore. Salihn was everything to them and they were everything to her. Life was changing. Priorities were changing.

“Sometimes I wish we’d never left the estate,� sighed Kirin. “What I wouldn’t give to keep our family away from the chaos that being the High King has brought on us.�

“You can’t think like that, Kir,� said Lydia. “Think of all the good things we’ve been able to do for Skyrim and its neighbors. How much you’ve accomplished already. If you had denied the Moot, would you have been able to stand idly by and watch the land slip further and further into uncertainty? The thought of a quiet life with the kids is enticing, but our people need us. All of us.�

“Doesn’t make it any easier. And I expect things will get even more complicated after our trip to the Imperial City tomorrow. The responsibilities of a king are tiresome enough… just imagine what possibly running an empire will do to me.�

“To us, dear. You will always have me at your side, and our children at your back. If it’s the will of the Divines for a Dragonborn to ascend the Ruby Throne once again, then we will all be right there with you. And I rather think the people of Cyrodiil will rally behind your willingness to improve the lives of all whom you lead, especially after the bare competence of Mede.�

“I know that,� said Kirin. “And I’ve never once doubted any of you. It still doesn’t mean it should be thrust upon our son and daughters without regard for their own wellbeing.�

“That doesn’t matter, husband. What matters is the love and care and devotion you continue to show us. And that’s all that truly matters, and it’s what makes you the great leader you’ve become. Skyrim is lucky to have you and Cyrodiil will be, too.�

The Heartland. Would that really be their new home? At this point in his life, Kirin couldn’t envision what life would be like anywhere but Skyrim. Once upon a time he’d worked as a mercenary in Cyrodiil but that was nearly thirty years ago, when he was a much younger man. And now he stood poised to return, as the Dragonborn Emperor. It still made his head spin. The only solace he took from it all was that he knew Skyrim would be left in capable hands. And that, as Lydia often reminded him, she would never leave his side. Not after all the time they’d already lost.

But still… Kirin wished life was safer for all of them, and that he didn’t have to send his daughters out to unravel strange happenings. Or have his only son traversing the entire land with his lady, just to deal with the headaches that were Skyrim’s Jarls. To make himself known to their people.

And the Dominion still lurked in the shadows. That was an issue Kirin feared would come to head much sooner than anyone cared to hear.

“Kir, it’s far too late in the evening for you to be worrying over this sort of thing,� said Lydia, breaking his train of thought. Come, let’s go to bed. We can discuss it further tomorrow.�

“You go ahead, dear. I’m not tired yet.�

“If you insist. Just don’t be too long – it’s getting cold in these walls and I’ll need a strong man to keep me warm.� Lydia gave him a kiss and headed for bed. After pulling off her robes and donning a nightgown, she buried herself under the blankets.

It didn’t take long for her breathing to slow and for the light sound of snoring to drift Kirin’s way. He went back to brooding over the future for a while until two soft knocks on the bedroom door garnered his attention. He knew those knocks. Kirin slid on his loafers and silently went to open the door for his late-night guest.

Kyne entered with the quiet grace that only a divine could manage and took the spot on the small couch that Lydia had recently vacated. She glanced at the sleeping queen with a caring smile before conjuring up a mug of warmed mead for Kirin.

“Ah, that will do wonders for the nerves. Thank you, mum.�

“I suspected you might be awake still,� said Kyne. “Your meeting with the High Chancellor is no small matter. Are you ready for what may come afterwards?�

“I’m trying to be. Although, I don’t think anyone could say that they are ready for such a thing with any measure of confidence.�

“And you would be correct in that assumption,� said Kyne. “Claiming otherwise would be foolish self-bravado and it’s what separates you from men like Titus Mede II. Power and greed were everything to that man and he clung to those false ideals until they became his undoing. You are so much more than he could ever hope to be and I know you will be a fair and just ruler.�

“You sound just like my Lydia,� mused Kirin. “We were talking about the same thing before she went to bed.�

“She’s a smart woman, my child. Always has been.�

“I know. But I worry most about how it will affect her. And how it will affect the kids.�

Kyne placed a comforting hand on his tense shoulder. “Your devotion to us all is exactly why I know you’ll succeed. A good leader needs to know love. Not just business or war or politics. The people care little for such things. They look to their chiefs, their Jarls, their kings, and their emperor for guidance and reassurance. They want to know you care for them and that you will protect them. And I know that you will do so as if they were your own. Worry not about us… your family will always be by your side.�

Kirin raised his hand to his shoulder and squeezed Kyne’s. He couldn’t imagine life without her guiding presence. Their goddess had always cared for Kirin and Lydia during the Dragon Crisis, but she had become so much more the moment that Linneá was born. She was family. As much a Windborne as any of them.

And this deep familiarity allowed Kirin to sense that Kyne was still uneasy about something other than what they’d already discussed.

“Gwyn?� he asked her.

She nodded. “I can tell she’s still resentful towards me. It’s well-deserved, but I didn’t think Cain would remain so distant. He forgave me, but things just aren’t the same when we speak. There’s a coldness that wasn’t present before.�

“I will talk to him about it tomorrow,� promised Kirin. “That’s not like him.�

“Be gentle about it if you do,� said Kyne. “We, and especially I, may have overlooked how deeply he cares for Gwyn already. How deeply they care for each other. Getting involved romantically might only have been a small step on a long road for them. And I fear my prying betrayed any trust they had for me.�