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 XIV - Shimmering Steam


Linneá stood fixed and unmoving between her father and Delphine; the mysterious Blade and one time ally of Kirin and Lydia. She’d heard many stories about this agent, including how Delphine and Esbern, another agent and old Blades archivist, assisted her parents during the Dragon Crisis. Linneá also knew how that association had ended when the old woman now seeking an audience with the High King stubbornly refused to honor Kirin’s wishes with regards to the leader of the Greybeards. Paarthurnax, the ancient dragon, had proven a valuable ally to the Dragonborn, and, in the time following Alduin’s defeat, a staunch friend. Lydia had even taken Linneá on her first pilgrimage to meet Paarthurnax and his followers when she was only eight years old. As far as she was concerned, this woman had no business being here after all these years.

“I don’t give a skeever’s ass who sent you,� spat Linneá. “You don’t get to show up here after thirty years and expect anything from my father, not after the astounding amount of arrogance you tried to bully him with.�

“You would deny the High Chancellor’s wishes?� asked Delphine.

“He can take it up with me directly, if he so pleases.�

On the raised dais behind his daughter sat Kirin, with Lydia by his side. He’d of course been expecting this ghost from the past for a while now, though he couldn’t help but let himself be humored by Linneá’s strong devotion and loyalty. She’d been very overprotective of her parents ever since their return to the mortal realms and cared not for whatever reasoning one may have if she perceived a threat.

“Aren’t you going to stop her?� whispered Lydia.

“Nah. Delphine needs to understand what she is dealing with here. Gone are the days that she had any measure of power or influence over us, and she certainly will not be permitted to try it on our children. I’m tolerating her presence as a favor to Anilay.�

Delphine appeared to be getting annoyed at this point. “And what of the High King? I gathered he was expecting my arrival and would not turn me away. Does his will mean nothing to you? Maybe I ought to ignore you entirely and speak directly to Kirin? I’ve had a lifetime of dealing with petulant children like yourself and I lost my patience for this sort of thing long ago.�

If the Blades agent suspected an escalation, it was not the one that came next. The entire palace shook violently as the thunderous Words of Linneá’s remarkable Thu’um reverberated around the throne room. “MUL-QAH-DIIV!� The massive aspect of a dragon encompassed her form, looming tall and powerful over the slight Breton who took a nervous step back from the sudden display of power. Eddies of magicka swirled around Linneá with discharges of lightning flickering in and out. Ethereal horns rose from her shoulders and head, sharp and imposing.

“Insult me again and there won’t be a body to return to Cyrodiil,� warned Linneá. “This isn’t the White-Gold Tower, Delphine. You’re in the home of Clan Windborne and you better tread carefully. Respect is earned here - not freely given. And you’ve a long way to go before you earn any of ours.�
Feeling that his daughter had thoroughly made her point, Kirin decided it was time to step in. “That will do, Linn.�

She glanced over his shoulder at him, caught the wink he flashed, and bowed her head. Her shout dispelled and Linneá moved aside to finally allow Delphine an audience with her father. Through all that unfolded, none but Linneá herself paid any attention to the small mouse perched atop the banister of the steps leading down to the vestibule. It was a risky move, but Kyne was determined to be present for the arrival of Delphine. She too had a long memory and did not like the way the Blades had thrust themselves into the Dragon Crisis, even if they did ultimately have a part to play in that story. She watched and listened impassively from her unobstructed vantage point, subtly probing at Delphine’s mind in an attempt to parse out any ill-intent on behalf of the Blades. Anilay Cato was a proven ally of the family, but anyone aware of this shadowy organization’s long history was right to be wary.

Anything of note, mum?

Not yet, thought Kyne. She’s either very clever and capable of couching her intentions, or she simply wants to be relevant somehow. There is a desire to be meaningful at play in there. Delphine seems to have felt rather useless in the grand scheme of things after your father managed to prove her help was not needed. I don’t think farm life suited her.

Really? Hm. Okay, but I’m still keeping an eye on her. Why after all this time is she so interested in seeing dad again? And why now, when she’s elderly?

Time will have to tell.

Guess so. Ready to get out of here? If I stick around, I’ll probably go off on her again. Jump on to my arm when I walk past you. You can hitch a ride to our room and then we’ll meet you at Elysium.

Linneá politely excused herself to Kirin and Lydia, fired a final warning glare across Delphine’s bow, and headed for the stairs. The little mouse dove for her arm and gripped it tightly before scurrying up around Linneá’s shoulder to hide itself in the hood of her robes.

Comfy?

No. Please hurry, it’s very warm in here.

Yes, ma’am.

Down the stairs and around the bend they went, bound for the deeper reaches of the Blue Palace. Fretful faces and worried murmurs followed Linneá down the long corridors, palace staff and guards talking among themselves in harried tones.

That’s your fault, you know, Kyne spoke into her mind.

What?

The staff is on edge from your statement to Delphine. They don’t know what caused the building to rumble.

[censored]. Probably should have considered that, but they’ll figure it out before too long. I’ll let the next guard I see know.

They passed by a lieutenant not long after and Linneá relayed the news to him. He promised to spread the word, muttered something along the lines of ‘should’ve known’ and saluted smartly with a sly smile. It didn’t take long for the excitement to ebb, and everything felt normal by the time Linneá made it back to the dormitories and living areas. Serana and Salihn greeted them with an eagerness to leave, the little one practically bouncing on her heels.

“Did you really have to go overboard, Elle?� teased Serana after giving her a kiss. “We felt your stage presence all the way down in our library.�

“Had to remind Delphine who’s really in charge,� said Linneá. “Last thing we need is her ego clogging up the court.�

“Maybe she’s changed?�

At this, Kyne finally scurried free from her hiding place, dropped to the floor, and resumed her usual form.

“Mama Kyne!� yelled Salihn gleefully. She dashed up to Kyne and let the goddess pick her up. “Are you coming to Elysium with us?�

“I am, indeed, sweetheart. Are you packed up and ready?�

“Uh huh!�

“Wonderful. Let’s not keep your aunt and uncle waiting any longer!�

-----

The aroma of sizzling sausages and fresh coffee wafted around the kitchen and dining room of Elysium Estate. Cain and Gwyn made sure to be awake for their guests’ arrival this time, and had the promised breakfast ready to go. A bowl of fresh fruit sat on the table alongside several loaves of bread with honeyed butter, and juniper berry jam. The aforementioned sausages were tipped onto a platter by Gwyn at the same time a pan of scrambled eggs mixed with caramelized onions and peppers solidified under Cain’s watchful eyes. They carried it all over to the table and set it in place just as Linneá and Serana materialized in the doorway with Salihn and Kyne in tow.

“Hey, you’re awake this time!� grinned Linneá.

“And I’d much rather still be asleep,� Gwyn retorted. “Which means I’m not above kicking you out.�

Ignoring their banter, Serana began to sniff at the food. “It smells scrumptious,� she said while sitting down and helping herself to the hearty fare. Her eyes widened at the open jar next to the bread. “Is that juniper jam? Where’d you find that!?�

“Gwyn jarred it herself,� answered Cain. “She got tired of not finding it in town.�

Serana lathered a spoonful of the jam over a crusty piece of bread and took a bite. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head while she chewed slowly to savor each delicious bite. “Godsdammit, do I adore you, Gwyn. I haven’t been able to find this stuff in years.� She spread it over a few more slices and forked some of the sausages onto her plate before changing the subject. “You guys sure you’ll be okay with Salihn again? It’ll take us most of the day to reach Shimmermist which means we likely won’t be back until late.�

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,� said Gwyn. “And if it’s the wee hours of the morning when you do get back, just grab a bed and stay the night. No sense in rousing her.�

“Deal,� said Linneá. “But we won’t linger in the morning. Tomorrow’s the big day, right? You’re leaving for Falkreath?�

Gwyn frowned and nodded. She still wasn’t enamored by the idea of traversing the entirety of Skyrim, but neither would she let Cain do it alone. And tomorrow was indeed the start of their journey. Their bags were packed full of provisions and warm clothes (mostly Gwyn’s new outfits) and Cain had sharpened his sword and hung it by the door. It would take them at least two to three days of walking, but they also planned to stay the first night in the small village of Riverwood.

“Tomorrow it is,� she finally confirmed.

Gwyn was about to sit down with a mug of tea when Kyne caught her eye. “Fancy a walk, Gwyn?�

“Yeah, all right.� Her heart wasn’t really in it, but she agreed all the same. It wasn’t lost on her that Kyne sought to patch over their rocky start a few weeks ago. She’d been slowly building up to something like this with polite conversations and gentle offers to help with every little thing. “Just give me a moment to get dressed. These robes aren’t warm enough.�

-----

The road remained quiet in the morning hours. Only the stray carriage or courier slid past Linneá and Serana with the barest hint of acknowledgment. The farms nestled on the outskirts of Whiterun City already slumbered; the fields that once teemed with grains, fruits, and vegetables now stood harvested and barren. Goats bleated in their pens and cows mooed into the calm air, mixing with the endless prattle of birdsong. A small flock of choughs flew overhead, bound for the higher reaches of Skyrim’s mountainous peaks where they would roost for the coming months of cold and snow. Far off in the distance Serana espied the southern mountains of The Pale looming high above the eastern tundra; their destination hidden somewhere in those roots of stone.

“Ever been in Shimmermist, love? Was it another bolt hole of yours?�

“No, I avoided that place for good reason,� said Linneá. “There have long been rumors of a dwemer ruin buried within, including an active steam centurion. Slender women and massive metal constructs don’t mix well.�

“But slender women and dragons do?�

“Not if I had my way. I doubt you’ve forgotten the reluctance to embrace my fate that I carried with me when we first met. Besides, I’d just a soon as debate a dragon instead of killing it.�

“Uh uh,� tutted Serana. “That silver tongue is mine and mine alone.�

“Damn right it is.� Linneá stop marching and pulled her wife in for a desirous kiss. Her right hand ran through Serana’s hair while the left caressed her lower back. Breathing heavily, Serana leaned back after a few seconds to keep things from getting too sensual.

“For Divine’s sake, later, Elle! We can’t do that in the middle of the road!�

“Ah, you’re no fun. Who’s going to see us? I could pick you up and set you right on that bridge railing and the odds of someone strolling past are minuscule.�

“Later!�

“Oh, fine then.� Linneá kissed her again and gave Serana a slap on the ass before resuming their quest to Shimmermist Cave. Serana returned the favor in kind, along with a playful bite on Linneá’s neck. They moved on until the midday sun brought them to the old Tundra Homestead where they broke for a quick lunch outside the vacant home. Linneá stared at the quaint structure and let her thoughts wander down the road of what a different life might have brought them. Once upon a time, her parents had spoken of moving into this homestead and leaving Elysium to her and Serana. Until the Moot was convened, and their lives were turned upside down. Even so, she realized in the end that she wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

“Of course you wouldn’t, my love,� said Serana. “We’d have never been blessed with Salihn coming into our lives.�

“Blessed indeed. I miss that little gremlin already. C’mon, let’s pack up and get a move on. Sooner we reach our destination, the sooner we get back to her.�

After a hasty repack of their bags, they were underway again, this time leaving the road and crossing the flowery tundra. The sun was at their backs for this part of the journey, beaming its bright rays down on their pale necks while they hiked through the tall grass and sidestepped the occasional bramble or thorny shrub. It was near eveningtide when they finally came to a stop outside of their destination. Shimmermist Cave beckoned, the warning totems of a Falmer tribe erected by the cave’s gaping maw.

Leaving their traveling bags in the dirt outside, Linneá and Serana ventured into the murky black depths of a second Falmer hive in nearly as many days. Glowing mushrooms lined the rocky walls and cast a pale blue glow that did little to aid with navigating the twisting bends and sloping earthen floor. An odd mist swirled throughout the stale, tepid air; but the silence reigned supreme above all. Much like their previous delve into Chillwind Depths, it did not take long for them to notice the absence of Falmer activity.

This time, however, Linneá and Serana plumbed the depths of the short cave system and found no evidence of the stunted occupant’s fate. Their chitinous huts stood empty and not a single Falmer or Chaurus remained within the hive. Eventually, the deserted caves gave way to the partially buried ruins of a dwemer stronghold, and, to their surprise, the massive automaton that scared off many an adventurer lay inert on the ancient stone floor of its master’s hall.

“What in the hell is going on, Elle?� wondered Serana. “Where are all these Falmer disappearing to? And who or what would have bothered to take down a centurion?�

“I don’t know,� said Linneá. “Nor do I like it. We’ll have to see what dad’s scouting parties report back. Hopefully it will only be a couple weeks.�

“That soon? Skyrim is a big place…�

“It is, but they were dispatched on horseback, and not all from Solitude.�

Serana stood with her hands on her hips and looked around the empty room. “Something tells me there is nothing here to find. Head back?�
“Yeah, maybe we’ll be in time for dinner.�

They linked hands and vanished in the blink of an eye, only to reappear inside an empty house. A haunch of meat magickally rotated over the cooking spit in the kitchen, but no one seemed the be keeping check on it. A mug of tea sat on the kitchen counter, still steaming slightly in the cool air.

“They must be out back,� said Linneá. She picked up the mug of tea and carried it with her while making her way towards the back of the house with Serana. Familiar voices could be heard through the door leading outside, so they stepped out to join them around the small fire pit tucked against the back of Elysium.

Cain and Gwyn sat around the crackling flames while Salihn laughed in delight at the illusions Gwyn cast above their heads. Soaring hawks, cartwheeling dragons, bounding foxes, and leaping rabbits pranced through the air in a multi-color array of glowing sparks, shimmering ice, and searing flames before erupting into a shower of harmless stars that cascaded down over them all.

“There you three are! Here, Gwynnie, I think you left your tea inside.� Handing the mug to her, Linneá looked at the light show with an impressed wonder. “I didn’t know you could cast amusements like that!�

“Back already?� asked Gwyn. She took the tea with a smile and sipped from it, pleased it hadn’t gone cold. “Thought for sure we wouldn’t see you until after dark.� Another spell loosed from her hand and a lumbering bear of carved ice sauntered through the air. “I had a lot of free time at my cabin. Practiced any magick that wasn’t destruction.�

“They’re beautiful, Gwyn!� said Serana. “And there wasn’t much to see in Shimmermist.� She scooped up and her daughter squeezed her tightly. “Were you good for your aunt and uncle?�

“You never have to ask that, sis,� said Cain. “She’s wonderful and you two are doing an amazing job with Salihn. Staying for dinner? There’s boar roasting in there and Gwyn’s shipment of brandy from Daggerfall arrived today. Could be a fun night!�

What do you think, love? Take a break from the palace for a night?

Absolutely, came Linneá’s unspoken answer. We can help them depart tomorrow morning, too. Least we can do.

“Okay, we’re in,� said Serana. “I’ll go fix the drinks.�

“Wait for me, hon,� said Gwyn. “I need to check on dinner.�

This post has been edited by Kane: Jul 24 2025, 01:35 PM