Part 3: Sunlight

Chapter 27: Hope

A/N: Oh wow, so it's been a little while, I guess. I recently was reminded of this story and decided that since there are 30 chapters, I ought to just write the last four. At least have something complete, yeah? Also, I'm going to bring this up to a better standard of writing since I literally wrote the majority of this on a phone, hence the weird, seemingly nonsensical changes to language in some way.

I've moved this over to my Archive account, which is AlmaraKasada. I've cross-posted this there, too, and will probably continue to go that until the story is finished, and then I'm going to start work on the edited version, which will be much better.

Thanks so much to whoever is reading this now. It's been one hell of a journey, haha!

"Verienne. How long has it been?" General Tullius asked, circling his war table. "Twenty-something years?"

"Feels like that," she replied, leaning against the wall, "But it was actually closer to three. You tried to have me killed at Helgen." She then nodded to Rikke who was gaping at her. "Legate."

"Ah, Helgen. Nasty bit of business."

"You only tried to killed me."

"Hundreds of men tried to kill you. And, since you're standing here, I assume none have succeeded."

Veri raised an eyebrow.

"Well," Tullius continued, "Besides the vampire thing. Which, by the way, you're looking tan."

"It seems I find myself a human again."

"And did you marry that traitor?"

Veri sighed. "I didn't come here to catch up."

"That's a no, then."

"I came to discuss a peace agreement."

Tullius snorted and shook his head. "Peace, no, no. That's not going to happen, not even at your request, my girl."

"This isn't about me, this is about the world. I'm the Dragonborn, and I'm the only one who can save this world from them."

"Oh, really?"

"The Greybeards are hosting a peace council at High Hrothgar. They request your presence."

"You think I care what some old hermits on top of a mountain want from me?"

"Sir, maybe we should listen to her," Rikke said.

"She's a Stormcloak," Tullius spat with a scowl.

Veri shook her head. "Are you that blinded by hatred and disgust for the people of this country that you wouldn't even consider trying to save it?"

"You're a very poor negotiator, Nocturne."

Veri sighed. Tullius scoffed and was about to leave when she piped up. "What will it take?" she asked.

"What?"

"What will it take? What, do you want me to join back up in the war? This is important. More important than High Kings or Legions or wars. This is the fate of the world we are talking about. Alduin, the World-Eater has returned."

Tullius looked back at her, "A myth."

"A myth that burnt Helgen."

"You'll never get the Stormcloaks to agree to this."

Veri smirked now, "I already have."

"You already—I knew you would side with them. You're probably a member of his army," Tullius' face was disgruntled. He began to pace the floor, "No, no. He thinks this will strengthen his position. The bastard!" He grumbled and then looked at her, "Fine, if that's what it takes, then fine. I'll oblige you this, Nocturne. But I expect this to be an unbiased negotiation."

Veri nodded and took her leave, striding out of Castle Dour and waiting until she was out of the training yard to collapse. It was like all her demons were coming back to haunt her all at once. She let out a sigh or relief and then went to the inn to begin drafting her letter to Vilkas in Ivarstead

My Moonlight,

I don't know how, but I've done it. You can tell the Greybeards to expect both parties within the next few days.

I'll see you tomorrow, by the time you receive this. I miss your gentle touch and your comforting words. I have uncovered some old ghosts which I had hoped to bury.

All my love,

Veri

She handed the letter to a courier with a few pieces of gold and then prepared for her journey.

A Journal Entry

I've had to return to Windhelm. It's the only home I know right now. But something wasn't right to begin with. The city was oddly quiet. Tension was in the air.

As I sat in Candlehearth Hall trying to drink my guilt away, I overheard the news I wish I hadn't.

The Bear of Eastmarch is dying.

So here I am, sitting by his bedside as he sleeps and writing this. The old man was always so kind to me. He treated me as a daughter, and his own son is rotting in a jail cell. The son I abandoned. But even now, he told me how kind it was for me to stay by his side, what a sweet girl I was, and how happy I make Ulfric.

I fell terrible that none of that is true anymore.

Veri gathered her things in the morning and took off on horseback to Ivarstead. Tomorrow. She'd arrive tomorrow and negotiations would begin.

She thought of Vilkas and of Ulfric. She hated to admit it, and the very thought made her head spin and her heart ache, but she loved them both. And in her heart, she knew they would both have her if she'd only ask.