An Prolonged Love

Fandom: Elder Scrolls Series (Skyrim with DLCs)

Author: CatandKaraForever

Rating: T

Genres: Romance, Adventure, Action, Fantasy

Allea's Point of View:

I stood on the balcony, looking out into the sun as it rose over the newly constructed aboveground sections of my Hold, the town we called Diamond City, from the palace that had been built as an entranceway to the main city underground. It'd been six months since we defeated the Khazad at what we'd started calling the Battle of Janwen. Arissa and the other members of the group besides Serana and I all had official positions throughout my Hold, in reward for their service in besting the Khazad. Sasha and the other Sirens from Pazarath had returned to the stronghold, as they were still part of the clan there and had been ordered to help rather than being part of the prophecy. Melodia served as a messenger when I needed a message sent to Pazarath, as she was a Siren and therefore had nigh complete access to the fort. Inigo served as a bodyguard and swordsmanship instructor. Vilja was an alchemist, running a shop down in the underground portions. Arissa worked as a thief and infiltrator, stealing items on my behalf if a conflict rose or something of that like. She also had been hired as an assassin, though we hadn't needed her in that function yet. I felt Serana's arms wrap around me, and she whispered in my ear.

"What are you doing up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep," I admitted, "Figured I'd come out here catch some of the sights."

She chuckled, and I turned around, kissing her softly. She pulled back, brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes to stare at me.

"You're so beautiful," she said with a smile, "How did I ever get so lucky to have you in my life?"

I smiled wide, "I'm lucky to have you too."

I leaned in, kissing her again. We broke apart after a moment and she joined me in looking out over the city.

"I..Wanted to ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"As beautiful as Skyrim is," she began, "I want to go somewhere new."

"Alright, where? I can start making diplomatic arrangements for us," I said, figuring she meant another province.

"I want to see if there's more out there, beyond Tamriel."

I pursed my lips in contemplation before nodding.

"There has to be," I admitted, "As big as Tamriel is, it's unlikely that there's not anything else. Are you sure you want to leave Tamriel? It could be dangerous."

"What do we do that's NOT dangerous?"

"Fair enough," I conceded, "We should make a plan for starting the voyage."

She nodded.

"Before we do that we should see if any of the other provinces wish to send anyone with us," she suggested, "Perhaps a cartographer from each province?'

I nodded in agreement.

"I'll try to arrange a meeting," I told her, "I'll go see Ulfric and talk to him about attending, then when I get back we'll find some messengers and we'll get rulers of the other provinces to meet with us."

She nodded.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"I think for the sake of time you should oversee preparation of the ship, maybe start working on a travel plan with El-Lee and oversee the preparations."

She nodded.

I approached the palace, the guards giving me suspicious looks. Though I'd cleared up the mess from when I was turned into a Believer, they were still distrustful of me.

"Relax," I told them, "I just need to speak with High King Stormcloak."

"The last time you said that you slaughtered a dozen of us," one of them pointed out.

"Are you going to block my entry?"

"I ought to," the guard said, "But no. The High King has ordered that you be treated as if the incident never occurred. Count yourself lucky you have a friend in him."

I nodded gratefully, pushing open the door. I approached Ulfric, kneeling before him.

"Greetings," he said, "You needn't bow to me."

I rose to my feet, looking him in the eye.

"What brings you here?"

"You know that I am a Jarl of Skyrim," I started, "I would like to request your presence at an event next week."

"What event?"

"I'm planning something," I told him, "One week from tonight. It's important."

"What are you planning?"

"That's complicated. I'd rather only explain it to the group at the event if that's alright."

He nodded.

"Very well," he said, "Shall I bring my own security?"

I shrugged.

"If you'd like," I said, "Diamond City guards will be on hand for the event, and with the presence of one if not two Dovahkiin, the odds are good that it'll be safe. However I expect other dignitaries will bring their own security, and if you desire to bring your own they will not be turned away."

He nodded again.

"Understood."