Summary: In the aftermath of the confrontation at Falkreath, Liriel has a Brotherhood to settle down, a new recruit to induct, and a rejected jester to reassure and cheer up. The challenge of re-organising the Brotherhood is nothing, however, to the challenge of facing Madanach again.

A/N: Less action packed, this one - it is mostly clearing up the mess from that one, getting Liriel and Madanach talking again and setting up the end-game.

Liriel emerged into the hallway to see the Forsworn had gone – Kaie was the last one there, taking the collar and chains off Cicero and giving him a hug. He didn't look happy.

"You're a Dark Brother, you belong here, not with us," Kaie was saying quietly. "Come on, it wasn't going to last forever, you know that."

Cicero sniffled a bit, rubbing at his eyes.

"Cicero will miss you," he whispered. "Cicero was lonely here before, he will be lonely again. You were nice to poor Cicero!"

"You're a very sweet guy," said Kaie gently. "But you don't need us to look after you any more. I mean, you can come and visit if you want, but I know Liriel will need you here. You don't owe me anything."

Cicero didn't say anything, just sweeping her into a cuddle and clinging on to her. Finally, he let her go, nodding tearfully. Kaie patted his shoulder, looking a bit regretful, but it didn't stop her walking away. Cicero watched her go in silence, before turning and running back to Liriel, cuddling her. Liriel held him, not really sure what to do but feeling sad for him nonetheless. He'd been so happy at Druadach Redoubt – but Kaie was right, he belonged with the Brotherhood.

"I'm sorry, Cicero," Liriel whispered. "I know you liked her."

"She was kind to me," Cicero said quietly. "I'll miss her."

The rest of the Brotherhood was still sitting around, collectively looking a bit lost. Veezara and Nazir were talking quietly, Gabriella was sitting on the steps with her arms around Babette, and Festus was hanging around by the Word Wall, clearly itching to get back to his experiments but unsure if perhaps he was needed still.

"Hey," said Liriel awkwardly. She wasn't sure if they were still her comrades or not, but no one had tried to kill her so that was something.

Conversation fell silent as all five of them looked up, expressions a mixture of guilt and hope. It was Nazir who broke the silence.

"Liriel," he said guiltily. "We didn't know – none of us knew Astrid had sold out the Emperor job like that. We're sorry."

"But you knew she was taking my children," Liriel said, finding that a little hard to forgive. "Gods, some of you at least were in on the abduction."

"I was," said Gabriella quietly. "Also Babette and Arnbjorn. I think it was Arnbjorn who killed your housecarl. We didn't hurt the kids, I swear, although they're both handy with knives, and we weren't prepared for Sissel knowing Destruction magic. You taught them well."

"We're sorry, Liriel," said Babette, not meeting Liriel's eyes. "We won't go after them again, any of us. Or you. Or Cicero. We'll leave you alone."

"Don't see we have a lot of options," Festus snorted. "Our Sanctuary's compromised, our leader's dead, our big contract is dead in the water. Looks like it's the end for the Brotherhood."

"It's only the end if we give up," Liriel found herself saying, finding the words coming easily to her lips. "The Night Mother is our leader, not Astrid. As long as there's a Night Mother and a Listener to hear her, we have a Dark Brotherhood. She spoke to me. She said there's still a chance of fulfilling the contract, but I need to find the client again and speak to him. In the mean time, this place is compromised, you're right – but it's not the only Sanctuary in Skyrim." She hugged Cicero and beckoned to Eola, who had ventured in with her cowl off now the Forsworn were gone.

"Everyone, this is Eola. She's a trusted friend of mine and I just recruited her," said Liriel, holding out her other hand to the young Breton. Eola stepped forward, running a hand through her hair and nodding at the others.

"Where'd she get Shrouds from?" Veezara asked suspiciously.

"From me," Liriel answered. "Those are my old set, tailored to fit her. The ones I'm wearing are ones I acquired later. Now, she, Cicero and I will be taking the Night Mother to Dawnstar Sanctuary along with anything usable from here that doesn't belong to any of you. What you do is your own business, but you can't stay here. If you'd rather go your own way, I won't stop you – but you're all capable assassins and you served Astrid well. If you still want to be Dark Brotherhood and are willing to take your orders from me and the Night Mother – you'll be welcome at Dawnstar."

Silence as all five of them weighed this in their minds. Then, to Liriel's surprise, Babette got up and stepped forward, holding out a hand to her.

"I'll go with you, Listener."

Now that was unexpected. Babette had always maintained her loyalties lay firmly with Astrid these days – but Astrid was gone and Liriel guessed a vampire didn't waste time mourning someone who'd turned out to be a traitor herself. Liriel took her hand and smiled.

Then Nazir stepped forward, not exactly smiling but definitely respectful.

"And me. I've still got some contracts need carrying out, you'll need work to be getting on with. I'd hate to disappoint our customers."

"Thank you," Liriel said, relieved. Nazir was the one who actually kept track of most of the contracts, his experience would be invaluable. Then Veezara was there, teeth bared in a grin.

"I've been part of the Brotherhood since the day I hatched, I'm not leaving now," he growled. "I thought Astrid was a deserving leader, but I was wrong."

"As were we all," said Gabriella softly, getting to her feet. "I'd be honoured to join you, Listener."

That just left Festus. He rolled his eyes, tutting, then shrugged.

"Well, if you're all going, I suppose I should join you. You'll need someone with some sense along. Sithis knows what'll happen if I leave you on your own."

Liriel couldn't quite believe how easy that had been. They'd all just fallen into line like that, even after she'd given them a chance to leave. It was still possible they were up to something – but given their reactions to Astrid's treachery, it was more likely they were still adrift and desperate to cling to someone offering something familiar. So be it then. She'd have to see about getting a few more recruits at some point, but she still had enough for a functioning Sanctuary. All was far from lost.

"All right then, we have a functioning Brotherhood and a job to do," Liriel announced. "We still got the cart and horse Cicero brought the Night Mother here on?"

This proved to be the case.

"Wonderful. In that case, get the Night Mother packed up and anything else we might need. Dawnstar's pretty run down, bring everything that can be moved – weapons, the alchemy lab, the enchanter, ingredients, food, utensils, everything. Get it all shipped up to Dawnstar – Cicero knows the passphrase. I'm hoping you'll only need to do one trip."

"You're not coming?" Cicero whispered, eyes wide and looking nervous at the thought of being left alone with the Falkreath assassins.

"No, I've got to try and salvage our Emperor contract," said Liriel, feeling a little unnerved at the responsibility for this being on her shoulders. But if the Night Mother thought it could be done... "But don't worry, Eola's new and she'll look after you, won't you Eola?"

Eola moved to face Cicero full on, looking him up and down with what could only be described as a smirk.

"Oh yeah. Absolutely. I'll take care of Cutie ap Cutieson here, don't worry."

Cutie ap Cutieson? Liriel mouthed the words in confusion while Cicero darted behind her, whimpering and peeking out at Eola in terror. Eola pouted at him, doing her best to look soothing and not doing a very good job of it.

"It's all right, honey, I won't hurt you!" Eola said gently. "You're a predator too, aren't you? Other predators don't taste as nice as prey, don't worry."

Cicero squeaked but did slowly peep out from behind Liriel, blinking at Eola.

"Eola," said Liriel pointedly, glaring at her. "Be nice. He is your brother now. As are the others."

"I'm always nice!" Eola protested. She winked at Cicero and turned to Nazir. "You'd be second in command, I take it."

"It's never been officially set in stone, but I handle a lot of the smaller business Astrid could never be bothered with, and I've got care of the ledger with it all in," said Nazir, looking a little uncomfortable under Eola's gaze. "Why, did you want the job?"

"Just wanting to know where everybody stands," Eola purred, which wasn't a denial to Liriel's ears. She would definitely have to aggressively recruit sufficient people to get Eola a Sanctuary of her own, she could see this. Perhaps even turn Reachcliff Cave into a Sanctuary, amalgamate the Coven of Namira with the Brotherhood. Could work.

"You were using magic earlier," said Gabriella, looking Eola over rather shrewdly. "And you look like a Breton. You didn't meet Liriel in the Forsworn, did you? Is that why you defended Madanach like you did?"

Eola's eyes flickered for the briefest instant before she laughed. "Bless you, no, I've not been a Forsworn for years. I had differences of opinion with the camp Matriarch and left. Fortunately, Liriel's a lot more understanding. Well spotted though."

"Oh, it's easy to spot when you know what to look for," Gabriella laughed, taking Eola's arm in hers. "You practically reek of death and dark magic. I think you'll fit in just fine around here. Come on, let's show you around for what it's worth. We've got a lot to do."

Cicero meanwhile had shuffled over to Veezara, looking at his feet. He didn't say anything at first then blurted it all out at once.

"Cicero is sorry for stabbing you!" Cicero cried. "Cicero was going for Astrid, not you. Cicero won't stab anyone else, he promises!"

Veezara growled softly then sighed, relenting. "Much as it pains me to admit it, you had the right of it, Keeper. Just don't do it again."

"Cicero won't, he won't!" Cicero cooed. "Cicero shall tend to Mother and serve the Listener and do whatever he's told! Humble Cicero lives to serve!"

"Oh I bet you do," Eola purred over her shoulder. Cicero's eyes widened and his face flushed pink.

"Cicero needs to tend to Mother!" Cicero managed to get out before promptly fleeing for the Night Mother's chapel. There was a brief moment of silence before the entire room dissolved into laughter.

"Cicero needs to tend to Mother!" Babette squeaked in a horribly accurate imitation of Cicero's voice. "Oh bless him, that's adorable!"

"I think you have an admirer, sister," Veezara managed to get out in between gasps of laughter.

"But he ran away," Eola whispered, looking a little forlorn.

"Never mind, Eola," Gabriella said cheerfully, patting Eola's hand. "I think you just spooked him. You just have to be patient and lure him in slowly and carefully."

"No luring!" Liriel snapped, feeling someone ought to stand up for Cicero here. Honestly, he'd just split with Kaie, he didn't need to be hunted down and molested by a predatory cannibal. "Eola, Cicero is lonely and vulnerable and just split up with someone. He doesn't need anyone new right now."

"Yes, Ma," Eola sighed, rolling her eyes. "I promise not to rape Cicero. Don't you have a client to hit up for info?"

Liriel did, and much as she didn't like leaving Cicero here, she could hardly take him with her. She just hoped he'd be all right. He didn't have the best history with the others and he seemed terrified of Eola. Not an unusual reaction, of course – but Eola hadn't actually been trying to scare him and Cicero wasn't the fearful type.

Still, at least he was unlikely to stab anyone this time, and he did have somewhere to go. He could always go to Druadach Redoubt if he needed to.

In the mean time, she had a Sanctuary to organise, and then it was time to hit the road.

Some time later, and Liriel was ready to leave. Cicero had been found and reassured and told if he really couldn't cope with having the others around, he was to leave and rejoin Madanach, which had made him smile a little, and by the time Liriel had finished going through Astrid's things and retrieving various important documents, not to mention her Blade of Woe, he seemed a lot happier. He was still a little nervous around Eola, but she was making a concerted effort to be nice to him and he wasn't running away or hiding whenever she looked at him any more. It would have to do.

Saying her goodbyes, Liriel made her way out. It was with some surprise that she saw two figures still sitting by the lake, one Orc in heavy armour and a Reachman in Forsworn gear. Madanach and Borkul, and probably other Forsworn concealed in the trees. Madanach glanced up and hastily got to his feet, looking awkward.

"Liriel," he said, and the sight of the King in Rags looking nervous wasn't something you saw every day.

"Madanach," Liriel said, folding her arms and doing her best to hide her own nerves. Just because he'd seen her naked and vulnerable and in the throes of pleasure did not mean she was going to go to pieces in front of him. "What do you want? Not that I'm not grateful for your help, but you don't need to be here now. Argis has the kids, the Sanctuary's mine now. You can go home."

"I could," said Madanach. "But I wanted to talk to you."

"What about?" Liriel asked, shrugging. The indifference was feigned, of course it was, everything in her was screaming inside, wanting to jump on him and pin him to the floor and... she couldn't decide whether she wanted to scream abuse and hit him, or just fuck him. Maybe both.

She'd do neither. She still had her pride and he didn't need to know the effect he still had on her.

He was staring at the ground, looking most uncomfortable. The bastard could at least look her in the eye, dammit!

"You've really got a contract against the Emperor?" Madanach said finally. Of all the questions...

"Yes," said Liriel tersely. "And that had better not go any further."

"No, no, it won't," Madanach said quickly. "I'm not going to stop you or anything, far from it. I just... just wanted to know who'd ordered it. I mean, they'll need serious funds for that, and they must either have a daedra of a grudge or be sufficiently high-placed to personally benefit."

"This is hardly any business of yours!" Liriel snapped, beginning to feel a little irked. Of all the things they needed to have a long talk about, and he wanted to know about the Dark Brotherhood's professional secrets? "This conversation is over. I'm leaving." She tried to push past him.

"Liriel, wait!" he cried, this time meeting her eyes, and she'd seen him look many things but never terrified before. "Please, hear me out, I'm begging you, it's important, please." He'd moved to grab her shoulders, eyes staring wildly into her own.

"Let go of me," she hissed at him. "After what you said – you threw me out of your camp, took my torc back and said I was no friend of the Forsworn, and now you want my help? You have some nerve, Madanach!"

"Liriel, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it," Madanach gasped. "Look, hear me out! I'm not asking you to take me back, I just... Liriel, I rescued your children, got rid of Astrid for you, doesn't that count for anything?"

"It doesn't work like that!" Liriel shouted, pushing him away. "You can't break up with me, then swoop in like some sort of hero and expect me to just fall into your arms!"

"I don't!" Madanach cried. "Liriel, do you know what cost us the Reach last time?"

"The Silver-Bloods and the Jarl hiring the Stormcloaks, I know," Liriel sighed. "You told me enough times."

"Yes, but..." Madanach sighed, running fingers through his hair. "I mean, of course, but the only reason they were able to do that was because we weren't a legitimate government. We'd taken over Imperial territory while the Legion was busy elsewhere. The Stormcloaks could oust us with impunity because they were claiming territory back for the Empire."

"Madanach, is this going somewhere?" Liriel said wearily. "I really do have business to take care of."

"It's relevant, I promise you," Madanach assured her. "We weren't a legitimate government but we were trying to be! We'd sent representatives to Cyrodiil and everything. But in the aftermath of the war, they had other priorities. We got tangled up in red tape and ignored, and in the interim, Ulfric and friends made their move. By the time the Empire got round to the Reach, order had been restored and it was back in Nord hands. It wasn't the Stormcloaks that did for us, Liriel. It was Imperial bureaucracy."

"That's very sad, but what do you expect me to do about it?" said Liriel, puzzled. "I'm not a politician, Madanach!"

"No, but you do know people," said Madanach, and that was more like it, that calculating gaze was back. "You apparently know where to find someone high-ranked enough to want to kill the Emperor and be able to afford it, and you have a certain amount of leverage over them due to knowing they're paying you to murder the Emperor. So tell me who it is, Liriel. Because I want to meet them. I've got a few requests of my own to put to them."

"Oh no," Liriel breathed, about ready to lose it in a second. "Absolutely not, you are staying well out of this! This has nothing to do with the Forsworn!"

"It's got everything to do with the Forsworn!" Madanach growled. "This could be our one chance to get our land back! The Emperor dies, the Empire's in chaos, the Elder Council panic and order the Legions home, Skyrim's lost to the Stormcloaks... and we take advantage. We're not even rebelling against the Empire because since the High Hrothgar Accord, the Reach is no longer part of the Empire. We take it over and this time, in Cyrodiil's eyes, we're the damn heroes for weakening the Stormcloak rebels. All I need is the chance to meet with someone high up, get an agreement in advance, make sure that this time, they don't leave us hanging for months. Liriel, please."

Liriel was about ready to melt his face off by this point. "You had the nerve to jilt me for my part in the High Hrothgar Accord and now you want to use it to fuel your own bid for power," she said quietly, dangerously, and Madanach flinched back.

"Liriel... I'm sorry," Madanach said softly. "I was wrong to treat you like that. I was angry, I spoke rashly and without thinking. I've been thinking and regretting it non-stop ever since. It's not just politics, I miss you, Dragon-Queen. I'm not asking you to take me back, but please believe me, I'm sorry. Why do you think I intervened when Astrid took your daughters? I wanted to make it up to you."

"Do not bring my girls into this," Liriel whispered. "Yes, you saved them, but don't think I couldn't have got them out of there myself."

"At what cost, cariad?" Madanach asked, and Liriel clenched her fists, repressing the urge to slap him.

"Don't call me that," Liriel gasped, closing her eyes and fighting the tears that were threatening to fall, and if he called her that again, she really would lose it.

"I'm sorry," Madanach said quietly, backing away. "I didn't – look, I know I hurt you and there is not a part of me that doesn't regret that or want to change that, put things back to how they were. I don't know if that's possible and I don't expect you to forgive me in a hurry. But this isn't just you or me, Liriel. This is an entire country's future on the line. Liriel, if the Forsworn cause ever meant a thing to you, if you really cared about us and weren't just pretending in order to get into my bed -"

"I was not trying to get into your bed!" Liriel shouted, feeling herself going crimson, and she could swear she heard someone in the undergrowth snickering.

"Then you'll help?" Madanach asked hopefully, and that was a smile, she could tell. Smug son of a bitch, he had her and he knew it.

"Fine," Liriel sighed. "I will help you. But do not think I have forgiven you or am taking you back. This is about helping your people, not you."

"Understood," Madanach murmured, but his eyes were gleaming and had he been a man habitually given to capering around, Liriel was sure he would have done.

"And you're going to have to come with me now if you want to meet him," Liriel continued. "Alone – there's only room for one on Shadowmere. He's in Whiterun and I need to get there now before he goes back to Cyrodiil."

Madanach paused, glanced back at Borkul who'd been studiously pretending not to hear any of this.

"Agreed," he nodded.

"And you're not going to be able to walk into Whiterun dressed like that either," Liriel continued, indicating his Forsworn armour. "You're going to need to look a little less conspicuous."

"Fine, if you can find me something unassuming to wear, I will wear it," Madanach sighed. "As long as it's not Shrouded Armour or Cicero's jester outfit."

"He'd never part with the motley," Liriel laughed. But he might be persuaded to part with something else...

So it was that Madanach emerged from Astrid's former room, adjusting the fit of the vampire armour that Liriel had talked Cicero into parting with. Cicero had sulked a bit, but on being told it was for Madanach had changed his tune immediately – in fact, he'd smirked knowingly and handed it over, cooing that the dear, ruthless, terrifying Reach-King was quite welcome to borrow it and Cicero quite understood Liriel's need to see said Reach-King in that armour, he was sure it would suit him very nicely, very nicely indeed. Liriel had taken it off him and snapped that it wasn't like that, she just needed a disguise for him. Cicero had just kept on smirking, and Liriel was half-tempted to find Eola and tell her she'd changed her mind, do all the luring she wanted. But Eola had slipped away as soon as she'd heard Madanach had re-entered the Sanctuary, and it probably wasn't a good idea to dig her out.

As it was, she'd handed over the armour, left Madanach to get changed, and now he'd re-emerged, adjusting the belt a little and finding it actually fitted quite well. Too well. In fact, it suited him and Liriel suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

"Taken off a dead vampire, you say," Madanach said, tugging at a sleeve.

"Needed a disguise for Cicero," Liriel managed to get out, and while Cicero had managed to still look like a capering idiot jester even with the motley away and wearing that, Madanach contrived to look like a dangerous creature of the night without even trying. This was bad, this was extremely bad and she had five hours on a horse with this man. She was sure he wouldn't exactly molest her, but he was also dangerous, determined and as cunning as he was manipulative. He was very good at reading people, and it wasn't that she didn't trust him – she didn't trust herself not to end up bent over a hard surface begging for him to fuck her.

"I dread to think what he looked like in it," Madanach laughed, brushing it down. "Does it suit me?"

Mara help her. The one question she wished he'd not asked.

"You look fine," she said quickly. "Let's go."

Madanach's mouth quirked in a smile, and Liriel realised with dawning horror he knew exactly how she thought he looked in it. He didn't say anything, just followed her out and watched as she mounted Shadowmere, before getting on behind her, with a leg up from Borkul. She was pleased to note his confidence faded once he was on the horse and it occurred to her he'd probably not ridden in years – possibly not ever.

"Not a horseman, I take it?" she grinned.

"Not exactly," he said, sounding very uncertain and she knew she was right.

"Best hold on tight then," she said sweetly. "Because Shadowmere's fast."

Madanach hesitated, before rather reluctantly sliding his arms around her.

"You alright there, boss?" Borkul called up, smirking under his war paint.

"Fine," Madanach said through gritted teeth. "Just get home and tell them something cropped up but I'll be there when I can. And tell Kaie not to fuss, I'm a grown man."

"I'll do that, but she'll ignore me," Borkul replied, still grinning. "Good luck, boss. Don't fall off."

Madanach nodded, and then Liriel tugged the reins and spurred Shadowmere into movement, taking off down the road for Whiterun. She heard Madanach groan "oh gods" and felt him cling on tighter as the countryside flew past, and got a perverse sense of satisfaction out of knowing he was suffering for once. There was a certain justice in having him off his game because of her for a change. Spurring Shadowmere on faster, Liriel rode off into the night.

A brief stop just outside Riverwood for Liriel to get changed out of her Shrouds and into her Archmage gear – didn't pay to wander around too openly in the stuff – and for Madanach to get his feet back on solid ground, kneeling gratefully by the river and casting healing spells.

"Not a fan of horses?" Liriel teased as she emerged. Madanach just shuddered.

"Not the way you ride them," Madanach muttered. "Was it strictly necessary to go quite that fast?"

"Time is of the essence, Madanach," Liriel said innocently. "This is your country on the line, don't forget."

"Old gods forgive me, if I'd known winning the fight would involve hours on the back of a daedric steed travelling at speeds no man was meant to know, at the mercy of a cackling Elven madwoman, I'd have stayed in Cidhna Mine," Madanach growled, glaring at her. Liriel bit her lip, unable to stop smiling. Almost back to normal. She'd missed him – missed this, just the being around him and feeling comfortable around him, feeling happy. She didn't even care about the sex, she just missed having him around.

"I was not cackling," she told him. Madanach kept right on glaring as he got to his feet.

"Smirking then, which is actually worse – don't deny it, you're doing it right now!"

"Sorry," Liriel giggled. Madanach had his hands on his hips, staring her down and trying to look intimidating. For someone who normally managed this without even trying, it really wasn't working on Liriel.

"Don't lie to me, you are not remotely sorry, in fact I'm beginning to think you actually enjoy watching an old man suffer."

"You're not that old!" Liriel pointed out, laughing over her shoulder as she went to tend to Shadowmere.

"Enjoying it. I knew it," Madanach purred, and Liriel turned to find him right there, one arm resting on Shadowmere while he tilted his head, smiling at her, and Liriel couldn't breathe, he was right there, close enough to touch and by Mara, she wanted him.

"Liriel?" Madanach asked, smile fading as he reached out to touch her arm. Liriel gasped and backed away, staring at the ground, tears in her eyes as her heart broke all over again.

"We need to go," she said, her voice rough and ragged, and mercifully he didn't argue or push anything. She mounted Shadowmere again, pulled him on behind her, and they were off, not quite so fast this time, but Madanach still held her tight, and Liriel could only look straight ahead and try not to remember happier times.

The sun was rising by the time they finally arrived in Whiterun. Liriel stabled Shadowmere while Madanach looked uneasily about him. He'd never visited the city before and certainly it had been a long time since he'd been able to walk around freely in one. His armour was getting a few looks but mostly admiring ones, or just surprise at seeing someone nearly sixty still dressed like a warrior. No one was trying to arrest him or attack him though, and the Nord stablehands were barely giving him a second glance.

"Right, that's Shadowmere sorted," Liriel said, returning to where Madanach was waiting. "I've got a house in the city, we can rest there for a bit. Madanach? Are you alright?"

"This is so strange," Madanach murmured. "A guard just walked past, told me Destruction magic was fine, just not to go burning down any buildings, and then walked off."

"Yeah, I get that all the time," said Liriel, rubbing his back. "Come on, let's get you inside."

"They have no idea who I am," Madanach said, still sounding a little dazed. "I'm just some old warrior-mage, travelling with the Dragonborn."

"I bring a lot of strange people here, they don't even bother paying attention any more," Liriel laughed. Madanach didn't answer, just following after Liriel, wondering how on earth he could be here in the heart of Skyrim and no one recognised him, no one had realised, no one knew he'd been the scourge of the Nords for longer than many of these guards had been alive. Instead, they just greeted Liriel and waved them both on through.

They just let the leader of the Forsworn into their city. Madanach could barely believe how he was getting away with this. He'd never be able to do this in Markarth, and that was saddening – but he was here, in a city, out in the open, and it was a beautiful city, nice wooden buildings and wide open streets, water flowing through open channels and clean water at that. There was an inn on one side and the blacksmith's on the other, with an Imperial woman tending to the forge who cried out on seeing Liriel.

"Liriel! Did you find them? Did you catch up with that one-eyed Nord?" she cried. One-eyed Nord – Argis? Must be, and Madanach didn't like the woman's tone.

"Yes, we found them," Liriel said, pushing back her Archmage hood and greeting the woman with a smile. "That Nord had nothing to do with it by the way, he was my other housecarl, here to check on things while I was gone. Thank Mara he did, I don't think we'd have got them back if he'd not got here when he did and raised the alarm."

"Is that so?" the blacksmith asked, finally relaxing. "That's good to know. Are you bringing them back here? Don't blame you if not after what happened – Whiterun was always such a safe city and now this!"

"I don't think it's likely to happen again," Liriel assured her. "I found the ones behind it, they won't be causing any more trouble. Argis took the kids to my house in Markarth, they'll be safe there."

"To Markarth?" the smith gasped, looking horrified, and Madanach felt rather insulted at that. "Aren't you worried about the Forsworn? I heard their agents randomly murder people in the streets if they don't like the look of them!"

It was never random, Madanach thought grimly. Thonar Silver-Blood's enemies mostly, having to murder his own people, Forsworn in truth as he was forced to pillage and murder the land and people he should be protecting. Maybe not for much longer if this worked.

"I'm not afraid of the Forsworn," said Liriel, drawing herself up to her full height, pride and confidence all over her face and looking like a queen in truth. By Sithis, she was beautiful. Madanach had mourned and missed her since sending her away – despite Kaie constantly fussing over him, he'd never felt so lonely. Cidhna Mine hadn't seemed as depressing as life without Liriel, and the bone-deep knowing he'd never replace her, however long he lived. At least she was speaking to him again, still willing to help despite the way he'd treated her. More than he deserved.

The conversation done, Liriel was leading him away. He guessed there'd be a lot more of this to deal with – someone like her probably had some fancy mansion up on the hill, near the Jarl's palace. So it was with some surprise that he saw her stopping outside the small cottage next door, taking a deep breath and unlocking the door.

"This is yours?" Madanach asked, surprised. "I'd thought it would be... bigger."

"I'm very sorry if my accommodations aren't entirely to your liking," Liriel sniffed as she stalked in. "Alas the golden bed lined with swan feathers, Khajiit fur and adorned with the skulls of my enemies is in my other house."

He definitely deserved that and damn, he loved this woman. He'd always liked women who weren't afraid to talk back to him, and Liriel had always been that. Cariad, come back to me, I'm sorry...

Liriel had walked in and come to a halt at the foot of the stairs, standing very still, hand to her mouth. The house didn't look in disarray or anything despite having been a murder scene, but Madanach could smell fresh paint, and those stairs and the floorboards upstairs looked new. He closed the door and went over to her, placing hands on her shoulders without even thinking.

"Liriel. Are you alright?"

"This is where it happened," Liriel whispered. "Lydia's bedroom is up there on the left, she heard a noise, grabbed her sword and went to investigate and they just – they just killed her! They broke into my house, Astrid took my key while I was sleeping at the Sanctuary and got it copied, they took my babies and killed Lydia, and she was my friend! Argis found the body here, there was so much blood, the steward's people must have replaced all the woodwork here. Now it doesn't look any different but I can't – I can't stop..." Liriel broke down in tears, crying helplessly, and Madanach finally abandoned all attempt at trying to pretend he'd never loved her.

"Cariad," he breathed as he turned her around and pulled her into his arms, letting her sob on his shoulder. "Oh cariad, it's all right, they're safe, you're safe, I'm here, it's all right."

"It's not all right!" Liriel sobbed. "I loved this city, I loved this house, it was the perfect place to raise my children, they loved Lydia and she loved them! Now she's gone and this city will never feel safe again! This house was home and now..." She started crying again, sobbing her heart out on his shoulder. Poor thing. Madanach felt his heart go out to her. He'd never really been able to get attached to too many places, he'd certainly never felt safe anywhere. But he did know what it was like to have a family... and then not any more. He remembered walking into Druadach Redoubt after escaping, and being hit by memories of last time he'd been there, being dragged away while the blood and bodies of his comrades littered the place and his daughter, oh gods, Eithne... To remember all that and yet see the place again and have it just be a functioning Forsworn camp – it had not been easy. He'd retreated to his tent and just sat with Kaie for a bit, of all of them the only one who really understood.

It broke his heart to see Liriel going through the same thing.

"Have you even slept since you got back here?" Madanach murmured in her ear. Liriel shook her head, still tearful. No, he thought not, and he could do with a rest himself.

"Come on, bed," he said, keeping his voice low and gentle. "You need to sleep before your body gives out completely."

"Don't go anywhere," Liriel whispered, clinging on to him. "Please don't go."

"I won't," Madanach promised as he led her upstairs. "I won't leave you. I swear it."

Her bedroom was the big one on the right, the bed far simpler than he'd imagined but comfortable enough. He helped her get her outer robes off, but he hesitated over the final layers. Last thing she needed right now was him groping her and if she got naked, he'd have a hard time not doing so. Fortunately, she just lay down on the bed, reaching for the furs. He draped them over her and tucked her in before removing his boots and lying next to her, furs separating them, but not stopping him spooning in behind her, arm around her waist as he'd done so often before.

"Thank you," Liriel whispered. "For... for everything. For rescuing my kids. Oh gods, if Argis hadn't found out and told you... why was he here anyway?"

"I sent him after hearing you'd gone off to fight Alduin," he admitted. "Didn't like the idea of your girls being on their own."

Liriel turned around, surprised. "Why?" she whispered.

"Why do you think?" Madanach asked, reaching out to stroke her face and honestly he was this close to kissing her, just throwing caution to the winds and letting his body take over.

"I gave your country to the Stormcloaks!" Liriel cried, a tear rolling down her cheek and Madanach wiped it away with his thumb.

"Then we will take it back," he told her. "Together."

Liriel closed her eyes and started crying again, nestling into his arms like she'd never been away, howling into his chest and clinging on to him and Madanach just held on to her, crooning softly over her and kissing her hair, holding her tight until eventually she cried herself to sleep in his arms.

I still love you. Never stopped. It was quite clear she felt the same, and when they'd both rested and eaten, then they'd need to talk, about practical matters and... other things. One thing Madanach did know – he wasn't letting her go ever again if he could help it. She was his Dragon-Queen and she belonged with him.

Morning found him alone in the bed, Liriel gone, and for a horrible moment, he feared she'd run away again, or met this client without him... and then he smelt bacon wafting up the stairs and heard soft footsteps on stone and realised she'd just gone to make breakfast.

Hoping he didn't look too dishevelled, he ran fingers through his hair, pulled his boots back on and ventured downstairs.

Liriel was frying something over the fire, something involving eggs from the look of it, and milk and bacon and garlic and a few spices and by Sithis it smelt wonderful. Liriel was wearing a simple blue dress, low cut and slit up the sides, showing off those amazing legs and frankly if she'd wanted to entice him to her bed, she couldn't have done a better job. Madanach was quite used to flesh on show all over the place and could take or leave it. However, what really did it for him was a woman mostly covered up but with clothing that hugged her figure or revealed just enough to get him interested but left the rest up to his imagination. Liriel's dress of choice was one such outfit.

Madanach slid into a chair before his arousal became obvious.

"Good morning," he said, hoping he sounded masculine as opposed to just dishevelled. Liriel looked up and actually smiled, faint blush on her cheeks.

"Hello," she said, sounding a little breathless. "I was making breakfast. It's eggs and bacon, with a few things added. I raided Nazir's spice rack before I left, there's garlic and herbs added, and some baby mushrooms. Want some?"

"Yes," said Madanach without hesitation. "Absolutely, yes."

A plateful of food had arrived in front of him, before Liriel joined him at the table with her own breakfast. They ate in companionable silence for a bit, Liriel at least seeming in a better mood than before. She wasn't crying at least. Good, Madanach didn't mind comforting her, but he hated seeing her unhappy.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. "Better, I hope?"

"Not really, Lydia's still dead and this place just feels so empty without her and the girls," Liriel sighed. "I really loved this house and now I don't think I can live here again."

"Give it time," Madanach said quietly. "It's only been days if that. It's a nice little house, Liriel. A good place to raise a family. Not the sort of place I'd ever have imagined you buying, but it's cozy."

"Don't tell me, you were expecting a dragon bone palace with solid gold furniture and diamond chandeliers and Alduin's skull over the fireplace," Liriel grinned, making his heart skip.

"Frankly, yes," Madanach admitted. "This all seems a little trader-class for you."

Liriel lowered her eyes, blushing a little. "I had everything I wanted growing up," she said at length. "Big house, huge gardens, servants, a pony, a swimming pool, everything. Never had to work for a thing. Not until I left Alinor, and even then Daddy's money and contacts went a long way. Wasn't until I got taken prisoner in Skyrim and lost everything that I realised what it was like having nothing and having to start again. Then I got rich dragonslaying and it was so different knowing I'd earned all this, achieved it all on my own. That's when I decided I wasn't going to rely on anyone else to get where I wanted to go. It's so much more satisfying knowing you weren't just given something. That's why I love this place, it's the first house I bought. So what if it's not a fancy manor? It's mine. Same with the girls – they had nothing before I found them, Lucia was homeless and Sissel was bullied all day, every day. I rescued them both, but didn't want them to be spoiled like I was as a kid. So they lived here and they were loved, they really are, but they live in a normal house like normal children, they're not cosseted rich brats. And they didn't care, it was just nice to have a comfortable home, always food to eat and to have a mother that loved them. I didn't bank on the Dark Brotherhood using them against me."

"Well, they'll be safe in Markarth," Madanach promised. "I'd already made arrangements with Nepos for him to have agents keeping an eye on them when Argis brought them back. No one will touch them, no one."

"You really need to stop interfering in my family life," said Liriel sternly, but he could tell her heart wasn't in it. "You are neither my husband nor their father, you don't have to do all this." Then her face softened. "But I'm glad you did. Thank you, Madanach. I think you saved their lives."

"It was no bother," Madanach said quietly, taking her hand and squeezing it. "I know what it's like to lose children, I wouldn't want to put you through that."

"Don't pretend you did it out of the goodness of your heart, you don't have any," said Liriel, grinning. "I know what you were thinking, Madanach." She entwined her fingers with his and closed her other hand over the top. "I do still love you. I'm just not sure I can be your lover again. Not yet. I'm sorry, love."

While Madanach could hardly say this was unexpected, that didn't change the fact it hurt. He wanted to take her in his arms, shake her, scream at her he loved her, she couldn't do this to him, kiss her until she was moaning in his arms and pleading for his touch... but he did none of those things, because he'd been around long enough to know it never did any good. He withdrew his hand from hers, knowing if he touched her once, he'd not want to stop.

"My feelings for you will never change," he said softly. "It took long enough for me to realise Mireen and I were done, and you put me through a lot less than she did. You'll always be my Dragon-Queen, cariad."

"And you think we Altmer are starry-eyed romantics," Liriel laughed, but she looked like she was about to cry again. Madanach decided not to say anything to that, because if this conversation went any further, it wouldn't just be her breaking down in tears and frankly that would just be awkward for everyone.

"So you killed Alduin then," Madanach said, changing the subject. "I've noticed a definite decline in dragon activity, and the ones we've killed are staying dead now. I take it your Dragonborn mission's mostly done."

"Pretty much," Liriel confirmed, seeming relieved to talk about other things. "Alduin was the one raising the other dragons from the dead – with him gone, organised dragon attacks are a thing of the past, and you don't need to worry about the things coming back once you kill them. Best of all, the world isn't going to end, not any time soon. The Dance won't stop, Madanach."

Easy for her to say, it had done for him now. But he wasn't dead yet and knowing the world would be safe for his people, for his children and the grandchildren he was sure they'd eventually get round to providing him with, that was good to know.

"Keirine will be pleased," he replied, glad that at least he'd have some good news for her. The shrieking he'd been subjected to after having to admit he'd lost the Dragonborn was still ringing in his ears. She'd be pleased at the balance being restored, and she'd also be at least a little pleased he'd salvaged the alliance. He and Liriel's love affair was purely a matter of their own feelings, and if his heart got broken, he'd make the sacrifice. But having her on the side of the Forsworn – that was far more important than anything more personal between them.

"You be sure and say hello from me," Liriel grinned. "Oh, talking of which! You must tell Argis this if you see him – Inga didn't get eaten. I saw her in Sovngarde!"

That got his attention. "Really? You did? How is she? Does she remember...?"

"Of course she remembers," said Liriel, a touch scathingly. "You fathered her child, she's not likely to forget you in a hurry. She said to say hello and that she hopes you're doing well. Doesn't approve of Argis being in the Forsworn, but she's glad you acknowledged him in the end." Liriel leaned forward, slight smile on her lips. "I think she still had feelings, you know."

"I know," said Madanach quietly, remembering Inga fondly. Sweet, kind, compassionate, just a simple hunter, not powerful or well-educated or anything, just a kind young woman making her way in the world and who'd saved his life. The polar opposite of Mireen and that might have been why he'd given in to his impulses and taken her to bed. He didn't think it would have worked out with her as his wife, but that didn't mean he hadn't cared. "I'm glad she's well. She was a fine woman, and Argis is a lot like her, more like her than me. I think that might be a good thing on the whole."

"She was nice," said Liriel, smiling at some fond memory. "I liked her. I told her you and I had been... but weren't any more... and she gave me a cuddle and told me it would be all right. Says if anyone could help the Forsworn, it was me. I hope she knows what she's talking about."

"You killed a dragon god, you can handle a bit of politics," said Madanach, pushing his plate away. "Come on, Dragon-Queen, we've got a contract to renegotiate. Don't suppose you have a razor and a mirror in the house? I dread to think what I look like by now."

"Terrifying and dangerous, so exactly what you need to look like," Liriel said cheerfully, heading off in search of the required items. "But if you want to look like a well-groomed murderer, that can be arranged. Here. Clean yourself up while I get changed."

Madanach set about grooming himself while Liriel went in search of her Shrouds. All right, so that hadn't been as awkward as he'd thought, the alliance was still in place, and he and Liriel were still friends. It was more than he'd expected. It just wasn't, and never would be, enough.

A/N: Poor Madanach, he's clearly got his work cut out for him to win Liriel back. It's a good thing he's a man who thrives on taking on the impossible, isn't it? Next chapter, it's All The Politics Ever and the King in Rags is in his element, although Liriel will be rather less pleased with him after it all goes down.