The Dragon Princess
Chapter 1: Rising Storm
8th of Last Seed 4E 201
Aron
"She's terrifying, isn't she?", He asked putting a hand on his older brother's shoulder.
"And you are not?" The elder replied looking back, a sigh escaping his lips, "Must you always sneak up like that Aron?"
Aron's lips grew into a sheepish grin, "Sorry Tor, it's my nature. Can't help it."
Torygg shook his head, "I should know by now. And to answer your question, yes, our dear little sister is certainly a force to be reckon with."
Aron stepped forward to join Torygg, leaning casually against the banister. In the courtyard below stood their darling sister, training sword in hand and breathing heavily. Around her magically animated practice dummies lay destroyed. He watched as she wiped sweat from her brow and a fierce smile drew itself upon her lips.
"The guards still too afraid to practice with her?" Aron asked casually nodding towards the hay strewn across the yard. It was a well known fact in the capital that you shouldn't spar with the High King's little sister unless you wanted to be injured.
"Aye," he nodded, stifling a laugh. "But she insists on practicing daily. Thankfully Sybille came came up with this solution. I'm fairly certain the guards don't want her breaking any more of their bones."
"I figured. And she still wishes to join the Legion? " He asks curiously. "As much as I think she'd be a welcome addition to their ranks, and that she is a more than capable warrior, I don't like the sound of it."
"Unfortunately, she does." Torygg replied frowning. "Nothing I say seems to get through to her either. She insists upon joining, it's a conversation we have near daily."
"But why? She knows being a foot soldier would put her in near constant danger." Aron asks keeping an eye on the girl below.
"Brother you know exactly why, she wants to fight." His voice shrunk down to a whisper. "She wants to fight the Thalmor. She also wants to see the world. I can't say I blame her, but it isn't safe right now. Anyone could hold her as leverage over my head if she were to be captured."
Aron rolled his eyes, "she does realize she can do that without risking her life on a daily basis, doesn't she? We could send her to another country as an ambassador or the like. Anything but joining the Legion is a better option."
"I've tried explaining, but she doesn't listen." Torygg sighed. "You know how Lyrica is. Once it's in her mind, it has to be her way or nothing. Don't you remember when she was little and just had to climb onto her horse alone."
He nods, "And then she fell on her arse, giggled and tried again." Aron thought about it for a moment, "Well, as High King, can't you stop her? Order her into staying here or something along those lines."
"I could, but commanding her to stay in Solitude would likely only push her further away. You and I both know she doesn't like receiving orders." He contemplated it for a moment. "If only there were a way to convince her not to go…."
"Well, you could arrange a marriage for her?" Aron suggested. "I even know the perfect man. Saerlund, Jarl Laila's son. He supports the empire, and he's a noble. Plus if Lyrica were to marry him, she'd likely move to Riften. I could keep an eye on her that way. Plus Saerlund is the eldest so one day he'll be Jarl. Think of it Torygg. She'll get to be outside of Solitude. The Rift is beautiful. Maybe she'll consider it an adventure." Aron wouldn't admit it out loud, but he was quite proud of his plan. That is until Torygg outright laughed at the suggestion.
"Aron," he chuckled, "dear brother. Truly you are mad. Lyrica will never agree to an arranged marriage. Brother, do you think before you speak? Your plan is rather half baked."
"What do you mean? I'd say it was well thought out." Aron replied indignantly.
"Aron. Saerlund likes men, and his mother took away his right to inherit the title of Jarl when he announced he was an Imperial supporter." Torygg said matter of factually.
"So? Arranged marriages are like a business deal. Not all of them are based on love." Aron said thinking. "Besides maybe with Lyrica in Riften she could convince Laila to grant Saerlund his birthright back. Saerlund and I talk occasionally. He's loyal to you brother. He would understand were we to arrange this marriage. In this way we could win back Riften from Ulfric's grasp."
"Aron, stop. It's a bad idea. Trust me. Besides, we both know Lyrica would never go for it." Torygg said. He then motioned for him to look down, "I could let you suggest it if you wish? You can have that fight, I will not. I will give her
Below, their sister stood in the training yard of Castle Dour, this time a bow in hand. A few guards had joined her. They stood in a line taking turns firing arrows into targets. This time the men and women did not shy away. If there was one thing Lyrica did well, it was shoot a bow. She never missed the target and often the guards would consult her on how to better their own aim. This gave Torygg an idea.
"Wait a moment…. Aron. I've had a thought." Torygg began.
"And what may that be?" The younger asked looking up from his sister, who'd just split an arrow clean in half.
"I know how to keep Lyrica from joining the Legion, and how to make her feel as if she's doing her part to help the cause. I will name her Jarl of Solitude." Torygg said with certainty.
"Jarl of Solitude? There hasn't been a Jarl in Solitude since father took the throne." Aron replied.
"That's because there was no need for it then. However, now I have need. As High King I have much to do, with a civil war looming in the future. That and the prospect of going to war with the Aldmeri Dominion. It would be in my best interests if I didn't have to see to the needs of Solitude, but rather that of Skyrim as a whole." Torygg finished, liking more and more the sound of his plan.
"Are you sure she's ready to rule?" Aron asked. "She's just barely of age…"
"You worry too much, remember. She's the one who went and stopped the Wolf Queen's return, on her own." Torygg said. "Besides. She won't have to do it all alone. Falk and the rest of the court are still going to be there. She'll have advisers and Thanes at her side. Think of it Aron. She stays here where she's safe, and she gets to be useful. Never mind how she used to sit on father's lap during councils and in court."
Aron hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You're right. You always have been… Tor it's a great idea. Now when will you tell her?"
"Tomorrow." He said firmly. "I think it would be best if I announce it in front of everyone at the festival. If she knows she has a duty she'll be less likely to run off."
"So you think," Aron scoffed. "It wouldn't be the first time Lyrica has done something questionable. Anyways. I have some… Er, business, to take care of back at the Blue Palace."
He turned to leave, but Torygg stopped him. "Is that so? Not your normal business, is it?"
"No, no. We both know none of my men or myself are going to do business at the Palace." Aron sighed. "This strange beggar stopped me on my way over here. Handed me this." He motioned to his bag. "Its a hipbone, he claimed it was Pelagius'. Said to go to the Pelagius wing. That someone is inside. I told him he must be mistaken that wing has been closed off for years! Ever since Lyrica and I snuck in. He insisted someone was there. So I'm going to go investigate."
"You just really love to get your nose in everyone's business. Don't you?" Torygg asked amused. "Go ahead, I will see you at dinner brother. Ask Falk for the key. I doubt even you could pick that lock, after all you're the reason father had it changed."
"As you say." He replied with a nod and hurried off towards the Blue Palace.
Amelia
When she entered the General's study he was looking over reports. Not wanting to interrupt, she stood at attention and quietly waited for him to finish. A moment or two passed and he looked up at her.
"How many times have I told you, if it's just you and I, you don't need to be so formal?" General Tullius shook his head and motioned for her to sit.
"Sorry sir, er… Uncle." She replied taking her seat, "I just thought it would be best to be formal. I was, after all ordered here. I assumed it was for official legion business."
He shook his head once more, "No, not this time."
"Then why order me here?" She asked watching her uncle put away his work for the day.
"You weren't ordered here, I only asked for someone to grab you, not order." He sighed, "I'll talk to the men later, but that's besides the point. I've called you here to invite you to dinner this evening."
"Dinner?" She asked curiously, "as in not whatever there is in the mess hall?"
"Correct, dinner, as in with the High King and his family." The General replied. "He has invited me, and a guest to the Blue Palace this evening."
"So you're taking me?" Amelia confirmed, "are you sure?"
"Yes, it's not an official state dinner, and he said his family would be there, so I feel it's only fair I bring mine."
"...And I am your only family in Skyrim." She finished for him. "As you wish, Uncle."
"That's my girl, now go get cleaned up," he smiled, "that's an order."
"Yes, sir!" Amelia gave a half salute before leaving.
Aron
"Why in the world do you need the key to get into the Pelagius Wing?" Falk Firebeard asked looking at Aron with concern. "This have anything to do with your job?"
"No, no, Falk. It's nothing like that…" Aron replied with a sigh. "It's a long story… But supposedly there's someone, or something in there, and I want to check on it and make sure it's not a threat to anyone in the castle."
To be perfectly honest Aron, as usual, had absolutely no clue what was going on. He'd been on his way back from checking in on Gulum-Ei in the Skeever when a delirious old man had caught his attention. He'd rambled on about how his master was at the Blue Palace visiting a friend. In the Pelagius wing of all places. Aron has tried reassuring the man that no one was there. The wing sealed off ages ago and even he couldn't get the lock to budge, and that's saying something. In the end he couldn't get the old man to let up unless he promised he'd check it. Well, curiosity got the best of him so he decided he would check anyways. It was always better to be safe than sorry.
"You're sure about this?" The steward asked cautiously.
"Yes I am sure. Torygg told me to ask you for the key." Aron sighed. He hated this. Just because he was a thief didn't mean he was going to steal from his own family. "You know I don't lie to those close to me."
Falk nodded, pulling out a key and handing it over. "Fine. Go about your business, but don't stay in there too long. You've heard the stories."
He nodded his thanks, "I'll return the key to you once I'm done. I do not intend to go in until after dinner. My brother has informed me my presence there is required."
Torygg
"My love? Are you busy?" His wife's voice called softly from the door. "May we speak?"
"Fair Elisif, even though the political affairs of Skyrim keep me busy, know this. I am never too busy for you.", Torygg replied shutting the ledger he had been writing in. "Please, come in. It is about time I stop for the day anyhow."
She smiles and closes the door softly behind her, "Not a day goes by that I do not thank the Eight Divines for giving me a husband as caring as you."
Often Torygg forgot, until moments like these, that his gentle wife had grown up in High Rock where they followed the rules of the White-Gold Concordat to a tee. He did not hold contempt for her because of it, rather pitied her for not knowing of a great Nord hero as he had known him growing up. Every child in Skyrim knew of the great man turned Divine, Talos. With the Thalmor in place to keep check on them, many of Torygg's people only worshiped the Ninth Divine in private now.
"It is them I should also thank for giving me you?" He asks getting up from his seat to greet his wife. "Was there something important? Or did you just wish to spend time together?" No no that wasn't right. "That's not to say I find spending time with you unimportant…"
"Torygg, I understand what you mean." She says cutting him off. "Perhaps you truly did need to stop early this evening. You could use a break. I am glad to have reason to distract you, if only for a little while. Yes, my love, I have something very important to tell you."
"And what is that?" The young king asked looking at his wife. Thought their marriage had been arranged, he loved her dearly.
Elisif smiled a blush blooming on her face. He could tell that whatever she had to say clearly was causing his bride a great amount of joy. "Well," she began. Torygg watched as she subconsciously played with the trim of her sleeves. "You know how we've been trying for that… Thing… For some time now? Right?"
Could it be true? Divines, he hoped so. Standing, he quickly closed the space between them, embracing her in a hug. "Do you mean to tell me Mara has finally blessed us?"
"She has indeed, my love, we have finally been blessed with a child of our own." Elisif was besides herself with joy. "Oh Torygg, I have waited for this moment for so long!"
"As have I, my dear wife." He replied leaning down to kiss her. Torygg rested his forehead against her's, a smile playing on his lips, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I just came up from seeing Sybille, aside from her, you are the first one to know." Elisif said, eyes meeting his, "She said I am about a month along."
"That is fantastic news." Torygg smiled, "Would you be opposed to perhaps announcing it this evening?"
"Nothing would make me happier, now come with me. We must freshen up before dinner. Remember, we are hosting General Tullius this evening" She replied kissing his cheek, "Oh Torygg, my love, we are going to be parents!"
"Aye, and I could not be happier." Torygg was ecstatic, things were starting to look up. He could not be more pleased.
Lyrica would be near and still have a purpose, he and his wife had finally produced an heir, and the Legion would soon back his plans to help restore the empire. There was only one kink in his plans, the Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. Torygg hoped perhaps he would see reason, if only he can get the war hardened veteran to listen. He pushed the thought away. He would figure that out later, for now, he would celebrate the brighter side of things.
Amelia
"Remember, you are not a soldier this evening, just the General's niece", She repeated this once more to herself. It was odd for her to drop formalities in public. Tonight she was not Private Tullius, just Amelia.
Just Amelia was lost, in more ways than one. For one, she could not remember the last time she was herself and not a member of the Imperial Legion. However, that would cease to be an issue if she did not find her way to the dining hall. She was not yet familiar with the Blue Palace, and had managed to take a wrong turn.
"And they say I'm the crazy one." A male voice said behind her. She turns and meets smiling green eyes, "Sorry, did I frighten you? I wasn't expecting anyone to be in this area."
She shook her head, "No, but it is disconcerting that you were able to sneak up on me like this." Hardly anyone could slip up on her like that. "I apologize, it seems I am lost."
He shrugged, as if that statement wasn't unusual. "Well, perhaps you have finally meet your match." The young man put his hand out, "Oh, I suppose I should introduce myself. Aron Night-Blade, at your service."
She shook his hand, as a sudden realization occurred to her, "You're Prince Aron?" She'd heard very little of the middle royal sibling, other than he was a bastard, and had left to find his own path in life. She knew he often returned to visit his siblings, but not much else. Quickly she took her hand away from his and instead gave him a proper bow.
Aron laughed touching the circlet on his brow, "So it seems I am, but please Aron is fine." He motioned for her to rise. "You still haven't introduced yourself."
"Oh, right, my apologies." She cleared her throat, "Private Amelia Tullius, sir. I mean, I'm Amelia."
"Pleasure to meet you." Aron replied, "How has Skyrim treated you thus far?"
Amelia nodded, keeping it formal, "Very well sir, if a bit cold." She said honestly, "It is an honor to be here under General Tullius' command."
"I believe I heard you say you are not a soldier this evening, please do not stand on formalities for my benefit." He laughed, "I assure you, I am the last person you need to worry about being formal around."
"Are you sure? It feels wrong to not use the proper niceties." Amelia asked looking around, "I do not mean to disrespect anyone around here."
He laughed again, smirking at her.
"What's so funny?" She asks indignantly, "Why are you laughing at me?"
"You really are still new to Skyrim, aren't you?" He asked. "Don't worry about insulting anyone. I doubt you can disrespect any of us. You'll find that, unlike Cyrodiil, we do not constantly stand on ceremony."
"I will venture to adhere to your local customs then." Amelia smiled, "Though, I do believe it will be frowned upon if the High King's brother was later for dinner."
"Oh… riiiight," Aron motioned for her to follow him, "Let's go then, that's why you're here right? Tor said he invited the general to dinner this evening."
"And I am his only family here in Skyrim, and so he invited me to join him." Amelia replied, following the prince to the dining hall.
Lyrica
"...and no bothering the General about joining the Legion this evening," Elisif continued, straightening out her dress. "Please, Lyrica, this is a dinner for pleasure, not business."
"I know Elisif, I promise, I won't bring it up." She replied, trying hard not to fidget too much. "If I'm being honest, joining the Legion is the last thing on my mind right now. I'm far too excited for tomorrow night to think that far ahead."
"And your brother and I are both very proud of you." Elisif placed a plain silver circlet on Lyrica's brow. The queen beamed down at the Princess, "I remember when I first meet you; you were only eight years old, and hid behind your father most of the time."
Lyrica nodded, following her sister-in-law to the dining room, "And you were, and still are, one of the prettiest ladies I had ever seen. So pretty, I was afraid to speak to you."
Elisif blushed, "You're too sweet Lyrica, as you were back then. You eventually opened up to me, and became the younger sister I always wanted. Tomorrow you will graduate, and become a full-fledged bard. To think, that shy little girl has become one of the top performers of her class."
"And I owe it all to you and my brothers for supporting me." Lyrica beamed. At 18 years old, she would also be one of the youngest in her class. She had worked hard for this moment, and her performance at the festival tomorrow was the crowning moment. "To think, you couldn't even get me to speak in front of strangers!"
The High Queen stifled a laugh, "and now it's rare that we can get you to be quiet for more than a moment."
Lyrica could hear chatter from the dining room as they approached. It would seem her and Ellie were the last ones to arrive. The two entered the room, and were escorted to their seats, Elisif to Torygg's left and Lyrica next to Aron on the right. Opposite Torygg, the General sat, a girl between Aron and Lyrica's age next to him. Lyrica smirked, allowing Aron to be a gentlemen and help her sit. "Why thank you brother. Always such the gentlemen."
"Of course little sister," He replied slipping into his seat., "I've got to make a good impression our guests, don't I?"
"Because you of all people care what others think," Lyrica rolled her eyes, "Hello General Tullius, you seem less serious than normal!" She then looked across the table to the girl sitting next to Elisif, "I don't think we've met yet, I'm Princess Lyrica, nice to meet you."
The girl went to open her mouth to reply, but before she could the King spoke.
"Lyri…", Torygg sighed from the head of the table. "Why must you be like this?"
"No, it's fine, your highness." General Tullius replied, "Your sister is not wrong. With everything going on right now, it's nice to take a break, even if it is only for an evening."
Now, Aron spoke, "Oh and that nice young lady is Private Amelia Tullius, or she means Amelia." He laughed at something that Lyrica could only assume was some sort of inside joke.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you then, Amelia." Lyrica beamed, "Though it seems my brother has meet you first."
"And you as well, Princess Lyrica. I have hear many things about you." Amelia replied. She gave the Princess a smile, "Your brother actually helped me find my way here, I had gotten turned around on my way here."
And so Lyrica broke the ice and as it always was with her, kept the conversation going throughout dinner. Elisif was proud, she only brought up the Legion twice. Once dessert was served, Torygg spoke.
"There is something I would like to announce." He began, "And I cannot think of any company besides present to share it with."
Lyrica looked up from her sweet roll, eyebrow quirked at her brother. What could he possible have to say?
"It is my hope that what I have to say will stay between us, and no one else." Torygg continued. Lyrica noticed that he held Elisif's hand now, "It is with great pleasure that I tell you the most wonderful new. My fair Elisif has told me just today, that she is with child."
"Congratulations, brother!" Aron was the first one to respond, he gave Torygg a pat on his shoulder. "You as well, Ellie, I know you've wanted a child for so long now."
The General and Amelia both gave their congratulations as well. General Tullius assured, that until the time was right, the secret would be safe with both him and his niece.
Lyrica could tell Aron was already plotting ways to spoil their new niece or nephew. It was no surprise, Aron loved children, and did quite well with them. Lyrica attributed that to the fact her brother was on the same maturity level as them. She smiled, "I'm so excited for you both! When will you make an official announcement?"
"In about a month's time," Elisif replied. To Lyrica it almost seemed as if she was glowing with excitement, "I've only just found out today after all."
After Torygg and Elisif's announcement, there was a celebratory round of drinks. Followed by pleasant conversation. Lyrica even brought out her lute and played a few songs. A new Prince or Princess after so long was a blessing, even Lyrica knew that. To think, she'd be an aunt. She was overjoyed. She was graduating from the Bard's College tomorrow, would join the Legion in just a few months, and not long after that there would finally be a new little one in the Blue Palace. Nothing could possibly put a damper on her happiness now.
A/N: Hello lovely people. Welcome to the first of many chapters. I hope you enjoy this story, I've been working hard to get it written down. I encourage reviews, criticism or praise, really anytging to let me know if I should continue or not. I thank you for taking the time to read, and hope you enjoy The Dragon Princess. ~ Little-Insomniac