"The Death Of A King"
Part 1: High Hrothgar
The eternal snow blizzard of Skyrim was only greater at High Hrothgar. The old Arngeir walked the halls, searching for a book of his that he had lost. The book he had lost once belonged to the Dragonborn. Arngeir remembered the defeat of Alduin like it happened yesterday. The way the Dragonborn killed the dragon was a historic day indeed. But now the Dragonborn had been dead for centuries and their Grand Master Paarthunax had passed on as well. The Greybeards were alone on top of the frozen mountain, awaiting the time when the world would need them again.
"Arngier" someone called.
Arngeir turned around and saw Borri coming swiftly down the hallway.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I have news" he said.
"Do tell."
Borri paused and said:
"The High King, Hugo of House Valmont, has died. The cause of death is unknown as of now"
Arngeir did not know the High King of Skyrim, but any time that someone in power died, chaos was sure to follow. This news was not uplifting.
"And his wife and children?" asked Arngeir
"House Valmont is still staying in the Blue Palace. You know what this means, don't you? The Jarls and their families are electing the new High King soon"
"That means that there will be fighting. The jarls of Skyrim make up in stregnth what they lack in intrigue"
Arngier turned to go when Borri stopped him.
"There's… something else"
Arngeir raised his eyebrow as he turned around. Borri revealed a dragon scale that he had hidden in his sleeve. The color was strange and did not resemble anything Arngeir had seen.
"Where did you find this, Borri?"
"Where the Grand Master used to live"
"That makes no sense. The color of this scale is strange, surely it isn't Paarthunax's"
Borri looked at Arngeir and he finally understood.
"New dragons?" Arngeir asked
"I would hope not. But with this evidence-"
"One dragon scale does not usually indicate a recent dragon flying around. We do not know the truth yet" Arngeir said
He paused for a moment, wondering what to do.
"Deliver this to the College of Winterhold and deliver this scale to the Arch- Mage Katerina. Tell her what happened here" he said
"At once" Borri said. He walked off, away from Arngeir.
Arngeir was worried. Surely one dragon scale could not mean much. Perhaps it had been there for a long time? Perhaps he just forgot the color of Paarthunax's scales? Arngeir did not know. He hoped that this did not mean anything to the Arch- Mage. But what if it did? That would mean new dragons would circle the skies of Skyrim and there would be no Dragonborn…
The Dragonborn! If there was new dragons, could it be possible that-
Arngeir shook his head. The possibility of dragons returning was too slim to be thinking about such things. Hopefully the College of Winterhold can shed more light on the situation and this will be over.
Part 2: Winterhold (The College Of Winterhold)
The carriage stopped in front of the College of Winterhold at a sudden stop. It had traveled a while, all the way from the town of Ivarstead to the snowy city in the North. The man inside the carriage was named Ian. He practically fell out of the cart, relieved that he was finally at the College. Here he would finally learn to master his powers.
Ian had found out about his powers when he was a child and was able to cast small spells. He left his hometown of Ivarstead to study at the college, and was eager to start.
"Thank you" Ian said to the cart driver and gave him the right amount of gold.
"Good luck" he said as he drove away.
Ian scratched his dirty blonde hair and walked through the bridge slowly. He stopped as he saw someone up ahead, a vague silhouette of a man. He kept moving forward and saw that he was a middle aged man with mage robes on. The man smiled.
"Welcome, pupil" he said "I am Aemund, the Master Wizard and a professor at the College of Winterhold"
Ian was nervous. He had never encountered a mage before, especially not one with such an impressive title.
"I am Ian" Ian respond "I came to learn the arcane arts"
"I thought as much" Aemund said "Follow me, there are other new students who have arrived as well"
Aemund led Ian through the bridge and to the gates. Aemund held out his hand and a glow emerged and circled Ian, then it just stopped.
"What did you do?" asked Ian, unaware of such magic
"The gates will open to you now" Aemund responded
And just like that, the old gate opened and revealed a medium sized courtyard with a glowing pillar of blue light and a statue at the center. Ian stood in awe for a second, and carried his bag into the courtyard.
"There will be a full tour for all of the new students at the college, but for now I will show you your quarters" said Aemund
Ian saw another thing in the courtyard. A small woman approaching them who was dressed in mage robes embroidered with gold.
"Arch-Mage Katerina" Aemund said "Another recruit"
The Arch-Mage looked at Ian up and down and gave him a warm smile.
"Welcome to our institution. What shall we call you?" asked Katerina
"Ian"
"Of what House?" She asked
"None of importance"
"I see" she paused and then spoke again. " I must go now, show him the way Aemund"
Katerina walked off and Ian followed Aemund to a door on the side of the courtyard.
"The Hail of Attainment. This is where you will reside as long as you are a student" Aemund said
Aemund turned to Ian with a worried look.
"I'm grateful young mages like you and the other new recruits have joined the College. I fear that magic is slowly becoming a lost art. The citizens of Skyrim fear what they don't understand-" Aemund cuts himself off a chuckles "I apologize. I should not lauge you with my worries"
Ian did not think this needed a response so he said nothing, just nodded politely.
Aemund resumed his warm smile and opened the door. The warmth of the place blew onto Ian and defrosted him immediately. "What kept this place from freezing?" Ian wondered. He supposed it was some sort of long term temperature enchantment. He walked into the warm place and followed Aemund up a flight of stairs. Ian came on the floor where a blue pillar similar to the one in the courtyard illuminated the room, only the light came from a hole with railings because the pillar was on the lower level. He saw faces of the said students. A tan girl with short dark hair. Another girl with fiery red hair. A mean looking guy. They seemed to be in the middle of a conversation.
"Everyone, this is Ian, another new recruit. I trust you will all be at your first class tomorrow"
Everyone nodded. Aemund quickly showed Ian his quarters and was off.
The students looked at Ian for a while. The red headed girl was the first to speak.
"Hello. I'm Dalia" she said with a warm smile.
"Im Rachelle" said the tan girl "It's Ian, right?"
"Yes"
"Where do you hail from?" said the only other man
"I was born in Ivarstead but sometimes I would leave for months at a time. My family travelled a lot"
"Did you?" said the man with a hint of distaste
Ian crossed his arms.
"And who are you?" Ian asked the man
"My name is Halvard" he said
Halvard was a little taller than Ian with darker hair and eyes.
"Do you have any experience learning magic?" asked Dalia to no one in particular.
"Of course" said Halvard "I come from a long line of wizards"
"I haven't" Rachelle said "I guess that's why I am here"
"Me neither" said Ian
"Surely you must have some spells you can cast. If you can't cast anything at all, how would you know if you were gifted with magic at all?" said Halvard
Ian looked at Halvard for a second and knew what he should do.
"I'll show you what I'm capable of" said Ian
Ian never had much training in the arcane arts. He found out about his abilities when he was a child and he remembers casting small levitation spells for a few seconds at a time. Even now, years later, he could not lift up a pebble for more than a few minutes. But he could not say such things in front of his peers. If he was going to get better, he needed to push himself. He cracked his knuckles.
"Are you ready?" asked Ian as he looked at Halvard.
"Of course I am-" Halvard cut himself off as Ian raised his hand up to Halvard and he started to lift off of the ground. Rachelle and Dalia looked on nervous, but excited. Halvard was five inches in the air and wore an anxious face.
"Let me go" Halvard said
Ian didn't. He moved his arm so that Halvard moved right on top of the hole on the floor. Halvard almost let out a yelp but Ian managed to bring him back to where the rest of them were standing and released him. Halvard felt relieved to be on solid ground again and walked forcefully towards Ian.
"Are you mad?" he asked in fury "If your weak magician hands accidently released me on top of that hole I could have broken a leg!"
Ian stopped a smile with a look of boredom as a response. Halvard's face turned red as he shoved Ian away from him.
"That's enough!" said Rachelle, as she stepped in between.
Ian gave an angry look at Halvard as he left to his quarters. When he left, Dalia approached both Ian and Rachelle.
"It's late" said Dalia "We should get some rest for classes tomorrow. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine" said Ian
"She's right" said Rachelle "I'm going to my quarters now"
Dalia nodded in agreement as she and Rachelle went to their different rooms but Ian stayed. He thought for a moment. The first night and he was causing trouble. He had come to learn magic, not fight with the people that Aemund told him were becoming scarce! Ian lifted his head up and walked to his room. Surely he will get a taste of what he came for in the classes to come.
Part 3: Whiterun ( Dragonsreach)
The Cromwell family sat at their dinner table awaiting their meal. Tonight they would eat roast duck, the finest in Whiterun, which was a favorite of Jarl Alexander Cromwell.
Alexander sat at the head of the table. A large man, with hazel eyes and brown hair that most of his children had inherited. Next to him sat his towhead wife, Lillian. Her frame was small compared to her husband and their children, even the girls.
Their eldest, Cecil and their second oldest, Imogen waited at the table for their other siblings and uncle. Even though all of the Cromwell children shared their father's eye color, Imogen had Lillian's blond hair, a trait which no one in their family had but them.
"How much longer do we have to wait?" asked Imogen. The Cromwell family never ate until everybody was seated at the table.
"Until Johanna and Marshall come back" said her mother.
At that moment, their third youngest, Marshall and their youngest Johanna walked in with their uncle, Alexander's brother, Henry at their heels.
"They were in the market this time" said Henry "Talking with their common friends"
"They aren't 'common friends', they're just our friends" said Johanna as they sat on their chairs at the tables.
"Try not to be late again" said Cecil "We've been waiting for 10 minutes"
"Oh please" said Marshall "You could wait a few minutes here and there"
"Enough" said Alexander "You all are giving me a headache". Alexander placed his fingers to his temples and rotated them as he would do when he would get headaches.
The people at the table laughed. The Cromwell children all had different interests and personalities, but they blended as best they could. Cecil was the smartest one, with his quick wit and book knowledge. He will one day sit on Whiterun's throne and be Jarl when Alexander dies. Imogen was smart but pretty much said whatever was on her mind. She was not as book smart as Cecil was, but she was a caring girl with a big heart and would be a compassionate ruler should she ever come to the Whiterun throne. Marshall was the most reserved out of the children and had recently developed magical abilities. He now trained with the Court Enchanter, Imdore. Johanna was outspoken and hard and dreamed of becoming a housecarl in Whiterun's court. The chances of her ever becoming jarl were slim, which meant she was free to become anything she wanted.
The roast duck was brought out and served to the family by servants. The Cromwells started to eat and engaged in family banter as they always did.
"Marshall, how are your lessons coming?" asked Alexander
The young boy looked up nervously.
"Fine" he said
"That's it?" asked Cecil
"There must be more details of your exciting arcane classes older brother?" said Johanna
Marshall blushed out of embarassment which made Johanna and Cecil chuckle.
"He hasn't been training for very long" said Imogen "Let it go"
Imogen was protective over her siblings and did not enjoy conflict, but when it was brought to her she never backed away.
"Oh please" said Cecil "Let him speak for himself"
"Listen to your sister" said Lillian "Unless you think you can throw a fireball better than he?"
Cecil smirked and cut his duck.
"What about you Johanna? Aren't you learning how to become a housecarl with Athena?" asked Henry
Johanna leaned forward, eager to share what she has learned.
"Yes and I think it's turning out well. At this rate I will be the best housecarl the world has ever seen!" said Johanna as she raised a piece of duck to her mouth.
This made Cecil and Alexander giggle with Marshall managing a smile.
"You don't believe me?" said Johanna with her voice raising "Well let me tell you-!"
Johanna was cut by Ser Athena, the housecarl of Whiterun with Imdore at her heels. Athena was a large woman with dark skin and shoulder length hair. Imdore was a smaller older man with greying hair with matching grey eyes.
"My lord" said Ser Athena "My apologies for interrupting"
"No need to apologize" said Alexander while getting up and approaching her.
"My lord we have a message from The Blue Palace in Solitude" said Imdore
"And the contents of this message?" said Alexander
Imdore and Athena looked at each other and looked back at Alexander.
"Our king, Hugo of House Valmont has… passed on" said Athena
Alexander gave a look of confusion as it finally hit him. Hugo was one of the greatest High Kings that Skyrim has ever seen. Under his rule, every hold has prospered. He was a kind man who was fierce as he was brave. He ruled with a fair hand. Now he's gone.
"And his wife and children?" asked Alexander
"The Queen and her twins are in good health" said Imdore
Lillian got up and put her hand on Alexander's shoulder.
"I'm sorry Alexander. I know you thought of him as a great friend" she said
Alexander looked down in the direction of Athena as he processed the news.
"The message brought more news" said Athena "The Queen has called for a Council at the Blue Palace to discuss the future of Skyrim and the High King"
The news spread around to all faces at the table as they processed what was happening. Alexander, Lillian, and the children would all have to go to the Blue Palace. The Council is a meeting of the Jarl and his or her family (if they choose to bring them). It would be called every 10 or so years to discuss matters in Skyrim, but in times like this it was called immediately.
"Then I know what I must do" said Alexander
"As do I" said Lillian
"Does this mean we get to go to the Blue Palace?" asked Johanna "In Solitude?"
The children looked at Alexander for a moment, waiting for his answer. Alexander spoke.
"Cecil and Imogen have come of age. They are old enough to experience the royal court, to get betrothed. They will come with us to the Blue Palace. Marshall and Johanna will stay" said Alexander
"What?" said Johanna in disbelief
"Father, we should all go-" started Imogen
"I've made my decision" said Alexander.
"We're really going to the Royal Court?" Cecil said in disbelief.
Marshall rolled his eyes.
"My lord" said Athena. Everyone looked to her.
"Who will rule Whiterun in your place?" asked Athena.
Alexander looked his brother.
"My brother has always had a mind for ruling. I trust that he will rule well in my stead" said Alexander.
"It will be my honor" said Henry
Alexander then looked to his children. Johanna and Marshall looked visibly upset while Cecil and Imogen looked quietly surprised.
"I know you are upset" said Alexander to his two youngest "But you must understand that the Royal Court is one of the most dangerous places in Skyrim. All nobles must experience it. But you are my children and I will keep you safe until you are ready"
Alexander started walking out of the room.
"We will leave tomorrow. Pack your belongings and be ready" he said.
And with that, he left the room.
Part 4: Riften (The Streets)
Finding food in the streets of Riften was something of a skill for Dorian.
Being raised in the Theives Guild, poverty was all he knew. He never knew his mother or father, all he knew was the need to survive and to protect him and his sister Etta. Whether it be stealing or getting money from the occasional heists he did with the guild, Dorian always found a way to have the essential food and water.
Unlike some of the older people in the Guild, younger members like him walked the streets freely. He did not like staying underground in The Rataway longer than he had too. Today he walked in search of some bread or fish from the harbor.
Dorian walked to the market in a brisk fashion, the way he liked to do everything when he was stopped by a child's voice.
"Dorian!" said a girl's voice.
He turned around and smiled.
Phoebe was an orphan too but unlike him, she wasn't raised in the Guild. She was around 6 or 7 and lived at the Honorhall Orphanage. A small girl that was skinny with years of being underfed.
"Hello Phoebe" said Dorian. He was always happy to see Phoebe.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To see you" he lied.
Dorian had planned to use the money he got from the last job he did to buy food but whenever he saw children like Phoebe, orphans who were hungry, he could never refuse them. This time he gave her a large majority of the money.
"Here" he said "Use it go buy some sweet rolls for you and your friends"
Phoebe broke out into a smile.
"Thank you!" Phoebe said as she hugged him as best she could "If you were not around, half of the children of Riften would starve!"
And with that she was off. The food and festivities in Riften were scarce for the lower class. The Jarl and the other rich people in Riften had an abundance of cheeses and meats and grains. But children like Phoebe had to starve. The triggered and inner resentment in Dorian that came whenever he would think about such things. He looked at his leftover change.
Damn. Not enough to buy two fish for him and Etta. Maybe he would be able to ste-
Dorian's thoughts were cut off by arms wrapping him around from behind. Dorian yelped for a split second and turned around. Dorian smiled. Of course.
In back of him stood a tall dark skinned man with commoner clothing and a burlap sack. Akeem looked into Dorian's violet eyes and Dorian quickly whipped his head from side to side. Nope, they were alone. Good. If anyone seen them like this… it would surely put them both at risk.
"I haven't seen you for a few days" said Akeem
"I had a heist job. I'm sorry"
"Don't be. It's how you survive so it's what you must do"
"I wish I didn't have to"
"I wish that we could kiss in front of others whenever we felt like. We can't have everything in the world"
"Or can we?"
The chuckled. Akeem, with his dark kin and intense eyes. He always could make Dorian more social than he was. Always see right through him. They looked at each other for a moment, arms wrapped around Dorian's waist and Akeem plants a kiss on Dorian's lips. Dorian put his hand on Akeem's chest, signaling him to stop. Of course Dorian would fuck him right then and there if he could. But he couldn't.
"So what's the latest news around Riften?" asked Dorian. He was not really interested, he just wanted an excuse to spend more time with Akeem.
"Apparently the High King is dead" said Akeem
"What does that mean for us?"
"It means the jarl of Riften is leaving for the Blue Palace"
"Thank Talos"
Akeem and Dorian laughed. Jarl Dreshner was hated by the lower class. He barely came outside of Mistveil Keep so Dorian never really got a good look at him. But the things that were said about him on the streets of Riften made everyone dislike him. The way he would make himself sick off of banquets. The way that the lower class had to scrape around for food while the jarl's court always had an abundance. Dorian decided to change the topic.
"Did you seek me out for any reason other than to have me suck your cock?" asked Dorian playfully
Akeem flashed a smile.
"I did"
Akeem reached into his burlap sack and brought out two loaves of bread.
"For you and your sister" he said
Dorian took the loaves.
"You need to stop stealing out of your own mother's cart for me" Dorian said
"Why?" Akeem asked
"Because she'll catch you one of these days"
"She won't. I promise"
Dorian looked at him in disbelief.
"I promise!" Akeem said "Do you really think I'll let my mother stop me from keeping you alive"
"No"
"You worry too much" Akeem said as he put his hand on the back of Dorian's neck and pulled him in for another kiss. Dorian let himself savor this one and waited a while before pulling away.
"I need to go back now" said Dorian "Etta will be getting hungry soon"
"Don't disappear again" said Akeem
"I won't" Dorian said.
Dorian walked away with his brisk pace back to the Guild, secretly hoping for more time with Akeem. But we can't have everything in the world, as he said. Leaves fell in the crisp autumn air as Dorian crunched his way through the streets.
Part 5: Whiterun (Outside Of Dragonsreach)
The Cromwells stood at the bottom of the steps of Dragonsreach. It was early morning, and today would be the day that the majority of them would leave for the Blue Palace. They all stood, looking towards the town as the sun rose and turned the dark sky into pink and orange.
"When will the carriage arrive?" asked Cecil
"Soon" said Alexander
Lillian broke away from her stance to look at her children.
"It might be fitting to say goodbye now" Lillian said sadly.
"Are you alright mother?" asked Marshall.
"I never liked leaving my children" said Lillian "Even if I know you'll be taken care of. My mother died when I was very young, but your mother is still here. And as long as I'm here, I will protect you"
This brought tears to the children's eyes but they fought back them and the family came in for a group hug and lingered there for a few moments. This might be the only time they would be together in a month at least (That's how long a usual Council was). They separated and went to do their individual goodbyes.
"Watch over them" Alexander said to Henry
Henry and Alexander shared a handshake.
"Try not to break anything of mine" said Imogen while talking to Johanna
"Don't get betrothed to anyone without me approving" she replied as they hugged.
Cecil put his hand on Marshall's shoulder and smiled.
"Perhaps when I come back you'll be able to shoot fire out of your palm" Cecil said
"Perhaps when you come back you'll have the ability to care for someone outside of your books" Marshall said
Cecil gave him a playful punch on the arm as the carriage rode up to Dragonsreach.
"It's time" Alexander said. The servants came and put their bags into the carriage. One by one, the Cromwells walked in until only Henry, Johanna, and Marshall were left. Alexander gave one last wave to his brother and children ad the driver moved the reins. The horses travelled down the streets of Whiterun in a hurry. The three remaining Cromwells stayed until the carriage was no longer in sight of them and lingered there until it was time for them to go.