Chapter Nine: A Queen's Mercy

"There's Solitude on the cliff over there.", Teldryn pointed as they came to a clearing in the road. Several miles away in the distance stood the huge city of Solitude. It was built right on a cliff that hung over the the mouth of the sea. The sun was rising just above the sea and illuminating the brick castles, towers, and windmills that were found within Solitude's walls.

Dagny held her hand over her brow to shield the glare from the sun. "Aye, it's a beautiful and lively city.", she said, smiling lightly as if remembering fond memories.

Katara saw the beauty that was Solitude, but she also remembered that within its walls held the Imperial city of Skyrim. That thought troubled her and made her anxious. She was going to speak with High Queen Elisif and try to put an end, or at least halt, this war that's plagued the land. She was not prepared for her their meeting. She only hoped it came to her shortly.

The city gates of Solitude were draped with the red Imperial emblem. The trees and shrubs around the walls were neatly maintained and trimmed. Several guards stood at attention along the gates.

The three of them approached the doors, the guards pushed it open for them and allowed them to pass. Inside people were hustling through the streets to various vendors and shops, horse drawn carriages trotted every direction as citizens of Solitude went on with their day.

Dagny took a deep breath in and out. "Ah, the city still smells like Imperial coin.", she said, laughing sarcastically. "The Winking Skeever Inn is right over there, Teldryn.", she finished pointing to a brick inn.

Katara had entrusted the note with Teldryn and instructed him to rush it to House Gray-Mane via a courier once they arrived in Solitude. He followed Dagny to the inn and Katara gazed in the entirety of the city. There were guards walking or standing around but they weren't Imperial guards, just Solitude city guards. It made her feel a bit more relieved.

She noticed a shop off to her right. A bright blue sign hung from its door that had carvings and paintings of fine robes and clothes on it. If she was to approach the High Queen then she should probably be dressed appropriately.

"Welcome to Radiant Ranmient. How can I be of some - Oh...", the High Elf woman behind the counter smirked when she saw Katara come in wearing clunky dirty armor, her white hair frizzed and dirt smeared on her face, arms, and legs. The leather bandage on her cut arm was stained with blood from earlier.

"I'm not sure you can afford this place, deary.", the High Elf woman added snydly. High Elves were the third and final race of Mer, they were known as the Thalmer. They were generally a very arrogant and pretentious race, and much like the Bosmer they had yellow skin, however the Thalmer were more of a faded out yellow. They were all very well spoken, perhaps more so than Dunmer, but they treated other races rudely. It was just their demeanor.

Katara glared at the woman and then proudly plucked out a fat coin purse. The Thalmer woman reluctantly smiled and took the coin before bringing out clothes on hangers for Katara to gaze at.

A beautiful fine blue robe caught her eye. It was made of fine material and stitched precisely. It's outer layer was trimmed with a thin gray satin line. It matched her eyes. She remembered she had brown boots that would match, along with gold necklace.

Katara picked out the robes she wanted and the shopkeeper began to put away the clothes. "Oh wait!", Katara blurted out. The shopkeeper rolled her eyes and set out the clothes again with an annoyed sigh. Katara scanned the clothing again and landed on a fine red men's robe, similar to hers. She smiled and added that to her purchase.

The Winking Skeever Inn, aside from its terrible name, had a busy and vibrant crowd - as was expected in a large city like Solitude. This was the first brick inn she'd seen. It allowed for their to be at least three or four oven and fires going on in its large dining and bar hall. Over the bar hung bundles of grapes and twigs of berries from a large wooden beam that ran overhead. Wine bottles, mead, tankards, and vegetables laying on the bar counter.

To her left was Dagny, sitting by one of the fires with a group of people her age. They were laughing and singing with their instruments. Katara guessed she had caught up with the friends she mentioned prior to arriving. Her eyes landed on Teldryn, who was at the bar talking to the innkeeper with the letter in his hand. She noticed him give a few septims to the innkeeper in exchange for the letter. He turned around and saw her.

"He's going to pass it along to a courier now.", he said walking up to her.

Katara nodded and followed Teldryn up to their rooms.

She laid her knapsack down on the bed and began to open up the buttons of the flaps. Teldryn watched her fiddle with the straps before pulling out two fine robes, one red and one blue.

"I got these for us across the street. We need to look appropriate when meeting High Queen Elisif soon.", Katara said as she held up the men's red robe and then tossed it to him.

He held it in his hands and looked it over with a sour look on his face. "Red isn't even my color."

She shot him an unamused glare. "It's all part of the plan, Tel. Let's put them on and get this over with."

Her white hair was washed and neatly tied in a French braid down her nape, her blue robes were fastened and fitting to her slender form, the gold necklace shimmered in the light, and her piercing gray eyes were sparkling and determinated.

Then there was Teldryn, who had thrown a fit the whole time he was dressing, Katara could hear from his bedroom. With some vulgar muttering, he finally came out of his room donned in the fine robes. His black trimmed mohawk was combed neatly and handsomely. There was nothing he could do about the purple tribal marks down his neck, but overall he cleaned up fit enough to see the High Queen.

They were both standing in front of the doors to King's Keep, staring up at the massivness of the castle. One of the guards leaned over the door.

"State your business in King's Keep.", he asked sternly.

"I am the Dragonborn, I have written a request to have council with High Queen Elisif the Fair. I believe I am expected.", Katara replied back just as stern but with poise.

The two guards looked at each and one of them stepped through the doors inside for a brief moment. He emerged outside again a minute later, pulling open the door for them to walk, the other guard followed suit and opened his door as well.

More guards stood inside where they were greeted with a large staircase that broke into two sets of stairs, separating at the base and reconnecting at the top floor.

Katara and Teldryn walked up either side of the stairs, meeting at the top. Waiting for them on the left side of the room was Fenrar donned in his armor standing with his arms crossed. Next to him was Falk Firebeard in fine blue robes, similar to Katara's. He had a book in his hand. On the right side of the room was Annette, the court wizard. Then next to her, to Katara's sudden shock, was General Tullius. He had his eye on every step they took.

In the middle of the room sat the High Queen Elisif on her throne. It was made out of fine silvers and stone. An Imperial banner hung on the wall behind her. She was wearing her pink robes with the white fur trim and her golden jeweled crown placed gracefully on her half up half down dark blonde hair. Katara was surprised to find her not much older than herself.

Katara and Teldryn slowly approached the throne, both feeling Elisif's eyes on them. They curtsied gracefully and she nodded at them.

"So you're the Dragonborn I've heard about...", Elisif spoke, her voice breaking a deafening silence in the room.

"Yes, My Queen. I trust that you recieved my letter.", Katara answered loudly and direct. She was determined to remain strong.

"Aye, we did.", Falk spoke up.

"I was curious as to what the Dragonborn of Skyrim would want with me.", Elisif said. "Who is this?", she asked motioning to Teldryn.

Teldryn stepped forward. "I am Teldryn Sero of Morrowind, Your Grace. An aid to the Dragonborn."

Elisif nodded. She stood up from her throne and placed her hands in front of her lap and walked over to where they were standing.

"What business would you have with me, Dragonborn?", she asked her genuinely and direct.

Katara took a deep breath and felt the eyes of the room on her. "I'm here to address the dragon problem in Skyrim."

"I'm relieved to hear you say that, Dragonborn.", Elisif said as she reached for her goblet of wine on a nearby table. "Every day I hear stories of more attacks coming in from all over Skyrim.", she held her cup up to her chest and shivered for a moment, as if the thought of a dragon attack terrified her. "It's only a matter of time before one attacks Solitude."

Katara hung her head for a moment. "As much as it pains me to confirm, My Queen, you're right. These attacks will only worsen if Alduin is not put to a stop."

"Alduin, he's the one that was at Helgen wasn't he?", General Tullius suddenly interrupted. Katara turned her gaze towards him but tried not to make eye contact.

"Yes, he was.", she softly replied, trying to turn her attention back to Elisif. "I am the only one who can stop Alduin, and I can do that, My Queen.", Katara's voice was powerful and demanding, pride welling up in her again.

Elisif smiled faintly. "You have to.", she softly said, placing her hand gently on Katara's shoulder in an endearing way. "I've read the legends...there is no other way."

Katara nodded thankfully and Elisif turned to go back to her throne. "Do you need my assistance for anything?", Elisif asked as she spun around to sit back down.

"That's actually the reason I came here today, My Queen. I do need your help...putting this war on a temporary truce.", Katara replied bluntly but hesitantly.

Elisif snapped back around to look at Katara, the wine in her goblet splashing around. Her aids shifted uncomfortably in their spots and General Tullius furrowed his brow for a moment.

"Excuse me...what?", the General asked in confusion.

Elisif held up her hand for him to stay silent, never while breaking eye contact with Katara.

"How exactly do you think I should halt this war, Dragonborn?", she asked, a bit defensively.

Katara looked down and stammered, she didn't know anything about war tactics and strategics. She wasn't expecting to be asked that question. "Well, I - I..."

"I can't just halt it all with the snap of my fingers.", Elisif's voice had changed to an upset tone now. "It would require pulling my Imperial troops out of every hold, telling all the soldiers to make camps only within the Reach.", she paced around in front of the throne with her wine in hand. "We just lost Whiterun, and you expect us to retreat while we're vulnerable and down?". There was confusion and genuine worry in her voice, an anxious look on her fair face.

Katara knew she was asking a lot of Elisif. She sympathized with her, knowing how much she had to deal with. She was a lot like Katara - she didn't get to choose all of this.

"Ulfric would never agree to a truce any way.", General Tullius added. Elisif did not silence him this time. "With Jarl Balgruf's treachery it puts the Stormcloaks with more ground and men gained on us. He'd be a fool to bow out while he's ahead."

"The very name makes my blood boil...", Elisif softly said through gritted teeth. Everyone was silent, staring at her. She walked over to Katara and stood close in front of her. "Of course a Stormcloak sympathizer wants the Empire to back down...", she said, staring right at Katara.

Katara and Teldryn glanced back at each other. "My Queen, I'm not a - ", Katara began to stammer.

"Save it.", Elisif said abruptly. "The moment we recieved your letter I had my archivists bringing me everything they could on you. I wanted to know who I was dealing with, Katara Aventus."

Katara looked around, her face was flushed and she felt taken off guard. She tried hard to retain her poised composure but General Tullius spoke up.

"You should know that your Dragonborn status is the only reason we're not binding your hands right now.", he sternly said. Katara felt Teldryn tense up behind her.

"Our sources tell us that you met with Ulfric Stormcloak a couple weeks ago.", the General continued. "On top of dodging the Imperial draft."

Elisif stood by the window, sipping from her goblet. She was quiet for a moment, as was Katara as she searched her head for something to say. Elisif turned towards her aids and General Tullius.

"Leave us.", she said, motioning to everyone except Katara. Everyone bowed and walked downstairs. Teldryn and Katara exchanged similar looks and he followed the rest downstairs.

Elisif walked back to her throne, finally sitting down in it again. She crossed one leg gracefully over the other and placed her hands in her lap. She sighed and looked down for a moment before returning her gaze to Katara.

"My husband, Torygg, was killed right here in this very room."

Katara lightly glanced around the room for a moment.

"Ulfric had requested council with him, just as you did today. Ulfric had been outspoken about disagreeing with Torygg's latest law outlawing Talos worship, so we thought he was here to gripe again. Torygg had awoken that morning dreading their meeting. He had so much stress on his plate that he wasn't ready to add Ulfric's screams and whines to that."

High Queen Elisif looked around the floor of her throne room.

"Ulfric walked right up those steps with several of his men at his side. He angrily called out my husband - called him a greedy king that was no longer fit to rule Skyrim. Torygg stood up, taken by surprise at Ulfric's words. Before any of my guards could react, Ulfric unleashed a sound that still haunts me in my dreams. The next thing I knew my husband was being thrown against that wall,", she pointed to the left wall behind her. "his body dismembered and mangled. Ulfric's men obediently drew their weapons to my men and struck them down. He escaped back to Windhelm and we can't seize him without harming the entire city of Windhelm. It may be Stormcloak territory but they're the people of Skyrim - my people.", she finished, her voice shaky and her hands trembling.

Katara placed her hands by her side firmly but gracefully. "I can't begin to imagine the pain you felt that day...and continue to feel."

Elisif looked at her with pleading angry eyes. "Then why do you choose to side with the man who causes that pain?"

"Because I was ripped from my people by the Empire you command!", Katara blurted out, a slight anger in her voice. The calm and sympathetic approach didn't seem to work so she switched tactics to meet the intimidating High Queen before her. "How can you allow innocent people to be forcefully taken from their homes and trained to serve the Empire - all because my father happened to be an Imperial?"

Elisif swallowed hard for a moment. She lowered her head slightly.

"I acknowledge your pain and suffering, but you need to understand that the pain has gone both ways.", Katara was holding back her own tears.

Elisif got off her throne and made her way over to Katara. She stood closely in front of her, to the point where Katara could smell the wine on her breath.

"Do you know what it feels like to be High Queen during all this madness?", Elisif asked softly, as if hurting deeply.

Katara only nodded and met her eyes. "I imagine it's a lot like being the Dragonborn - terrifying."

Elisif could no longer hold her tears, they began silently rolling down her pale cheeks. Her face reminded Katara of a dying fawn, the pitiful expressions it gives you while it takes its last breath. There was a deep, hovering sadness that enveloped Elisif the Fair. And for the first time since Torygg's death she felt like someone saw her as the grieving widow she was. Someone understood the raw pain.

Both Katara and High Queen Elisif had wiped their eyes after a couple moments. Elisif finally spoke up.

"This war is something where sides must be taken. But the return of Alduin? There are no sides in that...only life and death of every citizen in Skyrim."

"Absolutely, my Queen. That's why I come here today begging you to do what's right for your soldiers, for your people...for yourself.", Katara replied seriously.

Elisif looked at her for a long moment, soaking in her words. She looked away and nodded slowly.

"I will have to speak with General Tullius first, I expect there will be some resistance from him. But I ultimately command him so long as he stays on Skyrim soil. But there's still the matter of Ulfric.", Elisif said, turning back to her throne. "He has to agree to the truce as well."

"Yes, of course and I'm sure - "

"You're going to convince him."

Katara looked at her with wide eyes but remained silent.

"Well don't look at me like that.", Elisif said as she sat back down in her throne. "This was your idea, was it not?"

Katara looked around swallowed hard. "Yes, my Queen. But - but, I'm desperately trying to stay out of this war..."

Elisif almost laughed as she sipped her wine. "My dear, the time for that has already passed. You are just as much involved in this war as I am. You have to be the one to talk to Ulfric, convince him to convene and pull back the Stormcloak army. He'll think it's a trap if myself or the General approaches him. He already knows you, there's some level of trust the two of you must share. Your name is rapidly gaining recognition here in Skyrim, Dragonborn. Ulfric, being the true Nord he is, will listen to a legend like you."

Katara sighed but she knew it was the only route that made sense. She put her hands by her side again. "I understand, my Queen.". Katara lightly bowed and began to turn to walk away.

"There's more.", Elisif calmly said. Katara turned on her heel to face her again.

"Its far too dangerous for me to travel to Windhelm and just as dangerous for Ulfric to come here. We will need a remote location to meet at, somewhere preferably in the middle. I want no armies, I want no weapons drawn...just General Tullius and I with Ulfric and his right hand, Galmar. And you...Dragonborn.", she said sternly.

Katara waited a moment to see if the High Queen was done speaking before she spoke herself. "I will travel to Windhelm at once and speak with Ulfric Stormcloak. If you'd be so kind as to rent us a caravan for the long journey, it'd be most appreciated."

Elisif nodded. "Very well."

Katara lightly bowed to the High Queen and turned once more to leave. Elisif snapped her fingers and two guards at the top of the staircase lowered their weapons, preventing Katara from passing.

"I know where your little village is, where your people are, how to find you, and who you are. You'd do well to remember that when speaking with Ulfric Stormcloak, Ms. Aventus.", Elisif said very grimly. Katara did not turn to face her, although she could sense the High Queen's vicious gaze piercing her back. She snapped her fingers again and the guards raised their weapons and allowed Katara to pass through and out of King's Keep.

"She sounds fierce and demanding...it's almost attractive.", Teldryn said as he took a sip of his wine.

Katara took Teldryn back to the Winking Skeever and told him the entire encounter with High Queen Elisif over a bottle of wine.

Katara stared blankly for a moment. "No, she's weak."

Teldryn took another sip and waited for her to continue.

"She's scared beyond belief, and that fear makes her vulnerable...and she's painfully aware of her vulnerability. She's no different than I.", Katara took a big sip from the bottle. "Except she has an army at her back."

"But you have Ulfric and his Thu'um."

Katara shushed him. "Keep your voice down. This is the Imperial city. I'm already in hot water for telling Ulfric that I would side with him some day when this dragon threat was quelled."

Teldryn looked around the inn and at its patrons. "These aren't guards and soldiers, Kat. They're just bar patrons. I'd wager that a few of them side with the Stormcloaks as well. Trust me, if the High Queen wanted to arrest you right there she'd have done it."

Just then Dagny found their table and sat down with them.

"Ah, here's two fine faces. Are you staying the night in Solitude?", she asked, a wine bottle in her hand.

Katara and Teldryn looked at each other.

"What would one night here in Solitude hurt?", Teldryn shrugged over at Katara. "It'll be getting dark soon."

Katara shrugged back. This war seemed to rely on her next move at this point. There was no need in starting the journey to Windhelm if the caravan would need to stop at the nearest town for the night.

"We paid for the rooms so I suppose we should get our money's worth.", she finally said.

Dagny smiled brightly. "Perfect! I'll grab ya another bottle. Say, you two want to come to a real party?", she asked with excited eyes and a curious grin.

Katara looked down for a moment. "No, I shouldn't. I need to turn in so we can get an early start."

Teldryn and Dagny exchanged similar looks before Teldryn turned to Katara.

"Everything that's...happened...the past couple of days, you should relax a little tonight.", he advised tenderly. "Besides, the High Queen is providing a comfy caravan to take us to Windhelm tomorrow, we'll let them worry about the stress of traveling for once."

Dagny was still looking at Katara wide eyed and awaiting her answer. Katara looked away for a moment and then sighed.

"Alright."

Dagny led them out of the Winking Skeever and down the streets of Solitude. The sun was setting and some folks were closing shop and returning to their homes for the night. Except a few people seemed to be going the same direction as Dagny was taking them. She led them to this huge brick building. It had different colored flags draped around it, making it look warm and inviting. They heard loud music and laughter coming from the back of the building.

They walked around and back and were greeted with the sight of a huge balcony. On it were dozens and dozens of people, lots playing their instruments and singing together. Almost everyone was drinking wine or mead, and laughing with each other. Katara could smell delicious food being cooked. She noticed a few tables that were adorned with plate after plate of foods of all kind. In the middle of the balcony was a long, wide firepit that burned and cracked as the dusk hour rang in.

"Ah, the Bard's College. I haven't been to one of their parties since I was younger.", Teldryn said fondly as they stared up at the balcony.

"This is where some of the most riveting battle stories are told and where the softest of lullabies are written, lads.", Dagny said in awe as she admired the atmosphere of the party going on in front of them.

Just then a man from the crowd hollered out. He was a shorter Nord man about the same age as Dagny. He had shoulder length white hair and a black line of warpaint striped across his eyes.

"Dagny, you sultry wench!", he laughed as he approached them. "Come, enjoy the party. Enthir was just about to make his speech."

Dagny hugged him. "It's been a while, Jorn. Good to see ya.", she smiled.

The four of them made their way to the balcony. The music got louder, along with the boisterous laughter and chit chatting and the aroma of the food wafted by their nostrils.

Katara, Teldryn, and Dagny all had their drinks in hand, sipping on it as the crowd around them danced and had a good time.

A tall middle aged Bosmer man stepped to the front of the balcony with his tankard in hand. "Alright, settle down now.", he said loudly as the crowd grew quiter and turned to look at him.

"This has been another successful semester!", he said joyously. The crowd cheered, some clanked their drinks together. "I want you all to know that open enrollment for Second Seed (Spring) will be available to you all soon. I hope to see some returning faces as well as some new ones."

Jorn nudged Dagny. "I've been telling you for years that you should join up.". Dagny shrugged and took a sip of her drink.

"So for tonight, I want us all to enjoy ourselves in the company of those that brings smiles to our faces, songs to our ears...and mead to our hands!", Enthir finished as he laughed and held his drink up in the air. The crowd cheered more and the music began playing again. Everyone went on as they were.

An upbeat celtic song began playing from a small group of people in the corner. Everyone erupted in dance and laughter.

Teldryn quickly downed his wine before swiping another bottle from the table. Katara shrugged and decided to finish off her bottle as well. He noticed and grabbed her a bottle. Jorn made his way back into the crowd and began dancing along with everyone else. Dagny laughed and grabbed Teldryn by his free hand, trying to pull him into the moving crowd. He laughed and joined her as they began jumping up and down and dancing to the music.

Katara watched them and laughed as she continued to sip on her wine. Her head felt a little fuzzy, but in a good kind of way. It was new but exciting. Her body felt less tense and she found herself wanting to join the crowd of dancing people.

Dagny danced her way over to Katara and grabbed her hands, pulling her towards the middle of the balcony.

Normally Katara would've adamantly refused, but she felt the wine go straight to her head for the first time in her life. It gave her courage and made her feel less...uptight. She allowed Dagny to pull her to the crowd and the three of them danced and laughed with their drinks in hand.

When the song was over, another one quickly played after that but the three of them had stepped out of the moving crowd for a moment, catching their breaths.

"I haven't danced in years.", Teldryn laughed as he took a big sip from his bottle.

"I don't think I've ever danced.", Katara admitted, also taking another big sip. She laughed lightly and it made Dagny giggle.

Throughout the night the wine kept flowing and the music played loudly. Katara had met several people at the party and heard dozens of incredible stories and tales. The bard life was exciting and carefree, it made her envy them to some degree. People swapped poetry and beautiful songs played on their flutes and drums. Everyone was nothing but nice to her.

Katara, Teldryn, Dagny, and a few other people were all sitting around a table talking and laughing and enjoying each other's company. A beautiful Imperial woman with short black hair sat on Teldryn's lap. The two had danced together throughout the night and kept making eyes at one another.

"So I told the innkeeper 'That's not a horker, that's my wife'!", one man at the table jested, everyone cackled and sipped on their drinks.

Something in that moment hit Katara. A nasty wave of nausea built up in her throat and her head began to hurt. She set the bottle of wine down and stared off into the distance. Teldryn noticed and turned his attention towards her.

"I do think you're a bit drunk.", he whispered, laughing lightly. Katara didnt laugh. Her face was pale and almost green. She began to wobble in her chair.

"Okay, I think it's time we head back to the inn for the night.", he added as he politely excused himself from the woman sitting on his lap.

"You're leaving without me?", she asked him in a disappointing but playful voice.

Teldryn looked back at Katara, who was half falling out of her chair, then back at the woman. "I'm sorry, it's my job.", he said as he helped Katara to her feet.

Teldryn limped Katara all the way through the streets of Solitude. He had his arms wrapped around her and her feet would occasionally drag. She'd try to slur something every other step.

The inn was quiet at this hour, only the innkeeper was up and wiping down tables while the dying fires crackled. Teldryn saw the stairs leading up to their rooms and knew it would be an ordeal carrying Katara up them in this state. He decided to pick her up and carry her to her room.

Teldryn laid her gently down on the bed, pulling the sheets over her. He began to creep out of the room when she softly, and slurrily, spoke up.

"I'm sorry I took you away from - from that beautiful girl.", she stammered as her head rested on the hay pillow.

Teldryn stopped and turned to look at her. "You didn't take me away from anything. There are whores in every city, you know.", he softly replied with a quiet laugh.

"I think Sinmir had feelings for me, Tel.", she drunkenly said, her voice cracking just a bit. Teldryn paused and gently sat down on the edge of her bed. He sighed.

"I know he did. But what happened that day...that wasn't your fault.", Teldryn softly said. "Did you have feelings for him back?", he dared to ask. For a moment Katara was silent and Teldryn thought she had fallen asleep, then she softly spoke up.

"No. But I think I could have...maybe someday.", her voice was trailing off and her eyes were closed. Teldryn peeked over at her before getting up and quietly tiptoeing out of her room. He pulled her door shut and left it cracked just a little bit so the dim lights from the hallway candles could flicker through the slit.