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]

Chapter XIII – The Wheel Begins to Turn


Luther Broad’s Boarding House stood in the Elven Gardens District of the Imperial City. It certainly did not have a reputation for being a classy establishment, but it nonetheless bustled with activity throughout the day. The bar itself had yet to begin serving drinks when the cellar door opened and closed, seemingly under its own power. The bartender stared at it curiously and then headed to his backroom while muttering something about ghosts under his breath.

He didn’t see the front door open and close either, which was perfectly fine with Kirin and Cain. They moved carefully through tree-lined streets under the cover of an exceptionally powerful invisibility spell cast on them by Linneá shortly before their departure. Deftly dodging shoppers, criers, unassuming citizens, and city guards, the unseen duo made their way towards the ever looming White-Gold Tower with haste. High Chancellor Anilay Cato waited patiently inside the tower itself and nearly jumped out of his skin in alarm when the father and son of the North materialized a few feet away from him.

“By the Eight! You gave me quite the fright, Messrs. Windborne!� He strode over to them and offered a grateful handshake to Cain. “It’s good to see you again, friend. I’m very sorry to have heard about your fiancé. Anska was a remarkable woman.�

“That she was,� agreed Cain. “But I’m doing okay, Anilay, thank you. I’ve had some time to grieve and eventually came to accept it. Now, can I formally introduce you to my father?�

“Yes, of course,� said Anilay.

The Imperial offered a low bow to the High King who quickly dismissed it. “None of that now, Mr. Cato. You needn’t be so formal, I don’t expect that of anyone.� He extended his own hand to the Chancellor. “Kirin Windborne, at your service.�

Anilay clasped it warmly in his own. “I see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’ll admit, I had some nerves about our meeting this morning, though I see now where Cain gets his easy-going nature from. However, we must retreat to a more private location. I can already see eyes lingering on us. We’ll head to my office.�

They followed Anilay deeper into the White-Gold Tower, passing numerous dignitaries and luminaries as they went, some nodding respectfully, others feigning indifference. The single common thread, though, was that all whom they passed fell into whispers shortly after Kirin and Cain’s passing. The Dragonborn King and his heir in heart of the Imperial City! Soon enough, it would be the sole subject of gossip pervading every district.
And the question that hung on the most tongues had yet to be answered: what would the Thalmor ambassadors have to say on the matter? Were they even aware of such a royal presence and its implications?

Tower abuzz with a renewed flurry, Anilay led them purposefully to the emperor’s study on the highest floor of the ancient and impassive building. “No stairs this time, Cain,� he winked. “Step into the air lift and we’ll reach our destination in mere seconds.�

Cain cast a fleeting glance at the winding grand staircase that rose up into the dimming lights high above their heads. Climbing them with Anska and Anilay felt like another lifetime ago, as if it was an echo from someone else’s mind, rather than a memory of his own. So much had changed, yet the constant motion of Time ferried him onward with more and more changes every day, every hour, every second. He suddenly recalled a passage regarding Time’s aspects he’d once read in a book that had stuck with him ever since: ‘Time is just a concept, and always the first thing to fade.’
It would seem memories also adhered to that ideal.

A hand gently gripped Cain’s shoulder. “Everything alright?� Kirin asked him. A marked concern shone in his eyes while Anilay awaited them with a similar angst. “You look as if we left your mind in Skyrim.�

“Sorry, dad. Got lost in the past. The last time I was here…�

“I know, son. I know. Do you need a minute?�

Cain shook his head. “No, I’m fine. Lead on, Anilay.�

The moment passed and they were soon seated around the same desk that Titus Mede II had occupied for decades. It seemed to Cain that very little had changed since his last visit, save for the antechamber containing Vaermina’s Orb. The High Chancellor left must have ordered it to be unbarred, because it now held a small sitting area with a vast collection of wines.

“I’m surprised you took this office, Anilay,� remarked Cain. “The pomp of it doesn’t suit you.�

“The Elder Council insisted,� shrugged Anilay. “They felt I deserved it for our work in exposing Mede’s schemes and wresting that accursed Daedric artifact from his grasp. I’d much rather be in my own office downstairs, but here we are.�

Kirin was studying the office in detail. It could very well be his soon and the practicality of it surprised him. He’d expected the office of one of Tamriel’s most powerful individuals to be far more lavish, or boastful.

Anilay noticed his roaming eyes. “Not what you had in mind, Lord Windborne?� he mused.

“Please, call me Kirin. And no, it’s not. But that’s a good thing.�

“I’m delighted that you think so,� said Anilay. “Shall we get down to business? I know you have a kingdom to run, so I don’t want to keep you here for too long.�

“Aye. I’ll also need to make sure I’m home in time to greet Delphine, eh?� winked Kirin.

That caught the High Chancellor off-guard. He momentarily sputtered before composing himself and then regarded Kirin with a new sense of intrigue. What else did this man know? What other secrets of the empire had been parsed? And, more importantly, would this taint the High King’s impression of Anilay? Luckily, the latter concern was quickly put to bed at the unfortunate expense of the Windborne clan’s keen insight of Cyrodiilic politics and espionage.

“You aren’t displeased at her impending presence?�

“Not at all. Delphine was helpful until she wasn’t. That was when we parted ways, and I bear no grudge against her. What really interests me are your intentions for the rest of the Blades. I’m also surprised that your Brother Cassian isn’t lurking nearby.�

Anilay leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. All of that was supposed to be highly classified information that the Thalmor could absolutely not be made aware of. “Forgive my bluntness…,� began Anilay, “but how in the name of Oblivion do you know all of this?�

“Let me assure you first that the Dominion doesn’t know what you are up to,� promised Kirin. “As for myself, well, Skyrim’s alliances with Hammerfell, High Rock, Orsinium, and Morrowind include a comprehensive network of intelligence sharing, Anilay. We have five kingdoms worth of spies, agents, moles, and informants working together against the Thalmor. There is little we don’t know.�

Cain looked nearly as shocked at his father’s words as Anilay did. He’d been so focused on his own problems since becoming a Windborne that he never really stopped and paid attention to what went on behind the scenes at the Blue Palace. Kirin certainly spent a lot of time in his study – far more than hosting court – and even more time consulting with high-ranking soldiers or diplomats.

In that moment Cain completely understood how woefully ill-prepared he was to fill the High King’s shoes. His tour of Skyrim to meet the Jarls was only the beginning, and he now found himself wondering if Gwyn deserved to be dragged into this world of politics and war. Then he shook those thoughts clear of his head for now and returned to the conversations at hand.

“I have to admit,� said Anilay, “that I’m no longer sure our Blades are necessary, especially if your own service is that much more robust. I suppose that will be up to you, should you make your claim.� At this point the High Chancellor rose from his seat and busied himself in the antechamber with a bottle of wine and three glasses. He returned shortly with those same three glasses filled with a rich red liquid and offered two of them to Kirin and Cain. “Surlie Brothers, and a Third Era vintage at that.�

Raising their glasses, they toasted and took gentle sips from the crystal glassware. Cain pretended to enjoy it, though he had no clue how it was supposed to taste compared to a new bottle. Gwyn or Serana would probably be more impressed, he thought to himself. He wondered if Anilay had any mead in there but thought it would be in poor taste to ask.

“It’s time to broach the subject which brought you two here,� continued Anilay. “Since we are approaching this meeting without grandstanding, I shall simply come right out and ask: will you be making an official claim for the Ruby Throne?�

Kirin took a deep breath. There was no going back after this. Their lives would never be the same. “Yes. By my birthright as Dragonborn, I’ve already drafted a formal letter to the Elder Council.�

Anilay’s shoulders noticeably relaxed as if a great weight had been removed from them. “You have no idea how pleased I am to finally hear that, Kirin Windborne. The council will also be relieved, and we’ll be able to quell the warlords trying to consolidate power on the fringes of our land. A new day is dawning over the Empire and you will have my full support when that day comes.�

-----

It was near midday when father and son finally departed from the White-Gold Tower and headed back to the Elven Gardens District and Luther Broad’s. There was far more activity on the streets at such a prime hour but thankfully no one paid attention to the hooded strangers in their midst.

“I still don’t like this, dad,� said Cain. “We should just head home where you’ll be safe.�

“Relax, Cain. No one else knows we’re here. Hell, most of our own palace staff think I’m sequestered away in my study. The two of us are going to grab a pint and relax for a little bit. There is something we need to talk about.�

Recognizing it was time to drop the subject, Cain fell silent for the remainder of their walk. He wondered what Kirin had in mind but busied himself with watching the citizens going about their business around them instead. Everyone seemed to be in a big hurry, as if Nirn revolved around their relatively unobtrusive lives. Then it occurred to him with an odd feeling that they would one day be his father’s subjects. And, eventually, his, which Cain found slightly terrifying.

Fortunately, they came to the door of Luther’s before those notions could overwhelm him. Moments later Kirin and Cain were belly up to the bar with two foaming pints of mead. If anyone in the tavern recognized them, they kept it to themselves.

“So, what did you wanna discuss?� asked Cain. “I gather you wanted to do so privately, or we’d have just gone home.�

“Aye,� said Kirin. “Tell me, son – and be honest – are you still upset with Kyne?�

There it is, thought Cain. I should have guessed that’s what this would be about. He took a pull from his mug while working out how to respond. The truth was, he had mixed feelings on the matter. Like Gwyn, he understood why Kyne had done it. But his initial anger outweighed that understanding, and Cain was having trouble letting that go, even if Gwyn had told him he shouldn’t shun the divine away. She was a huge and ever-present part of their lives.

“I, uh. I’m not sure,� admitted Cain. And he realized that was the truth, despite his misgivings. “I love Kyne, and I know she meant well, but I’m still having a hard time with it. Gwyn didn’t need to go through that again. She didn’t do anything to deserve it, and I wasn’t there to protect her. Part of me can’t help but feel I let her down and I think that’s why I’m still hung up on it.�

“That’s perfectly reasonable and sort of what I expected to hear,� said Kirin. “You love her, don’t you?�

“Unequivocally,� said Cain. “And I mean to make sure she knows it.�

“Good. I’m happy to hear that and I know that Lydia will be, too. And Gwyn seems like a good person that’s earned that love. I suggest you let your loyalty to her be all that matters, Cain. Let Gwyn and Kyne work out their issues on their own and offer support to them both in any way that you can. It may surprise you how much mum needs us, instead of the other way around.�

-----

Two pints and a quick trip down the cellar stairs later, they recalled to the Blue Palace just in time for lunch. Lydia greeted them and offered her husband and son to sit with her only to be met with a counteroffer from Cain.

“Why not come home with me? Salihn will be delighted to see us all and I want to get back there so Gwyn isn’t alone all day with her.�

“Another time,� said Kirin. “I need to review my draft to the council before it gets sent. I also need to let our allies know that the time has come.�

“Another time, then,� acknowledged Cain. He hugged them both and made sure to thank Kirin again for their talk earlier. “I appreciate you bringing it up. It gave me a lot to think about.�

“We’ll always be here for you.�

“And I expect to see you and Ms. Louvain here for dinner before your trip is underway,� said Lydia. “Got it?�

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, mum.�

-----

Soon thereafter, Cain materialized by the shrine outside of Elysium Estate with a grateful sigh. This was home and it took little time for that to be certain. It was peaceful. Serene. A far cry from the constant motion of Solitude. Only a few weeks had come and gone, yet he knew leaving it behind one day would be a monumental task. But that could be worried about in the future. Right now, someone was expecting him.

The moment Cain set foot inside the door that certain someone greeted him with a flurry of electric blue hair as Gwnydala launched herself into his arms.

“Next time, I go with you,� she commanded. “Period. I didn’t think I would miss you so much.�

He held Gwyn tight for a few seconds and then her eyes met his and Cain found himself lost in those deep pools. One green, the other a wonderful shade of brown with green flecks, they had always captivated him. There was something more in them this time though - something profound. Something he knew to be reciprocated. And he knew right then and there that it was time.

“Next time it is,� said Cain. “I love you, Gwyndala Louvain.�

“You’re goddamn right you do.�

Gwyn pulled Cain’s head down and kissed him with all her heart. Completely lost in the moment, they were still kissing when a small hand tugged at Gwyn’s robe.

“Aunt Gwyn, we weren’t done playing.�

“I’m not done with you, either,� Gwyn whispered to Cain. “And I love you, too.� Then she looked down at Salihn and beamed at her. “Then it’s a good thing Uncle Cain is here to play with us too, yeah? C’mon munchkin, let’s go see what we can get up to outside!�

-----

The sun was up and shining brightly through the chilly autumn air. It was quiet on the tundra of Whiterun Hold, save for the loud antics of an elfling and her aunt chasing each other round and round the cozy manor set between the city and the Western Watchtower. Cain sat on the steps leading to the covered forge area and watched the two with a bemused look resting on his features. Salihn was in her element but he mainly focused on Gwyn. The woman who’d stolen his heart had undergone such a dramatic transformation since the day they’d met that she was almost a completely different person.

She seemed happy. Content. A far cry from the depressed and lonely Breton he’d roomed with so many months ago in High Rock. And he was different, too. But somehow the Aurbis had brought them together when they needed each other the most and for that he would be forever grateful. What struck Cain most though, was how incredible Gwyn had become with Salihn. He could tell much she loved his niece and it just made him love Gwyn even more for it.

Then they dashed by in a blur and the joy on Gwyn’s face lit up his soul. They locked eyes and Cain knew in an instant that a life altering conversation awaited them later that night.

Gwyndala Louvain wanted a child of her own.

This post has been edited by Kane: Yesterday, 03:22 PM