Chapter LVIII – Party Planning

They left the small island after days.

Aeyrin wanted to take the southern route along Falkreath to Riverwood in order to get some supplies but Bishop insisted on going back to Brittleshin Pass and heading to Whiterun instead.

It didn't really matter, they agreed to head back to Windhelm and then move on towards Winterhold, but his strange aversion to Falkreath was starting to get suspicious. She noticed him dissuade her from travelling through that area several times already and she couldn't help but wonder what the reason was.

He made some excuses about seeing whether the pass was still clear and getting some new contracts from the Companions to earn extra gold, but she knew he would never care about either of those things enough to force the issue.

She left him to his secrets though.

She knew there was no point in forcing things. People were entitled to their secrets. Besides, it was probably something stupid, such as one of his old 'acquaintances' living there.

Karnwyr caught up to them just as they exited the pass onto the Whiterun plains.

He seemed a bit offended for being left alone for so long but his anger didn't last long as Bishop started to head towards a nearby giant's camp for his favorite activity – angering the enormous creatures and getting underfoot.

They were almost at the farmsteads near Whiterun when they noticed a man running towards them from the outskirts crossroad, waving frantically and calling out something unintelligible between his heavy breaths.

They met the man halfway as he bent over, attempting to catch his breath.

He was an Imperial with short black hair and bushy eyebrows with a large satchel over his shoulder, filled with papers.

"Oh… thank… the Eight…" he heaved, wheezing slightly from the run.

"You think he'll keel over? 'Cause I'm not reviving him…" Bishop smirked, earning an admonishing look from Aeyrin.

"Slow down. We have time," she gave him a kind smile, waiting patiently for the man to speak.

"I… uhh…. I am with… the Imperial… Imperial Courier Service…" he huffed with effort, attempting to get the words out before he got his breath back. "You… are… really… hard… to find…" he shook his head, inhaling deeply.

He narrowed his eyes for a while, his breathing finally steadying. "You are the Dragonborn, right? Bosmer girl named Aeyrin?"

She nodded a bit apprehensively, still a bit opposed to actually presenting herself as 'the Dragonborn'.

The man looked relieved and handed her several papers from his satchel.

He did say he was a courier.

"Oh. Thank you," she looked over the letters – there were two small folded notes and one more substantial letter in an envelope.

The Imperial nodded with a smile, looking back towards the road with a hint of desperation in his face – the idea of having to get back to running around and chasing people down was likely not a very pleasant one.

Aeyrin looked over the papers when he was gone. She opened the envelope to find the familiar neat tilted handwriting of Master Therien.

She decided to read the letter later. As curious as she was to see what her old mentor had to say about the events in her life, it would be better to absorb his advice somewhere other than the middle of the road.

She unfolded one of the smaller letters, only to notice the Imperial Dragon insignia at the top right corner.

.

Dragonborn,

You are hereby cordially invited to meet with General Tullius, leader of the Imperial Legion forces in Skyrim, to discuss the current tumultuous situation in said province of the Empire.

Please present yourself to the Imperial soldiers at Castle Dour in Solitude at your earliest convenience.

Long live the Empire

Long live Emperor Titus Mede II

.

It seemed familiar.

The reason for this summons was without a doubt the same as Ulfric's – offer of an alliance or a threat if she didn't accept one.

Aeyrin groaned in frustration.

She really didn't want to help anyone spur civil war. As much as she despised Ulfric, she didn't want to kill people who only wanted the freedom to believe what they wished – although… most Stormcloaks she'd met until now did not seem the noble freedom fighters she would have hoped. But she still wasn't going to help slaughter all of them.

At the very least, she could use the excuse for now that she was nowhere near Solitude.

The General couldn't possibly expect her to drag herself across the entire province just to accommodate him, right?

For all he knew, she had dragons to kill.

She sighed as Bishop grabbed the note away from her, rolling his eyes with a groan at the content.

"Great… as if Ulfric wasn't enough…" he scoffed, nodding morosely to the other folded note in her hand, expecting something very similar.

She unfolded the note tentatively, praying that the contents would actually be something she wanted to see.

.

I have a new lead. Urgent!

You know where to meet. Make sure you're not followed.

A friend

.

Well, that was almost refreshing.

At the very least they already knew what to expect from Delphine's paranoia.

The part about it being time sensitive somewhat disturbed Aeyrin – who knew how long the courier was looking for her?

"We should probably head to Riverwood now…" she sighed.

Her curiosity about the Talos temple in Windhelm and anything Winterhold had to offer wasn't 'urgent' after all.

"Good… I hate Windhelm anyways," Bishop smirked.

He was actually curious about the lead the queen of paranoia would pull out.

"Wanna bet it's something to do with the Thalmor?" Aeyrin chuckled at him, giving him a mischievous wink.

"I don't take sucker bets, ladyship. And the next time you're doing everything I say, it will be well earned, believe me," he gave her a smug wink in turn, wrapping his hand around her waist, changing their direction towards Riverwood.

"We can still make it before nightfall. Let's see what crazy wants."

"Finally! I thought you wouldn't get my message in time! Or that something happened to you…"

Delphine exclaimed as they entered the secret room behind the closet at The Sleeping Giant Inn.

"Sorry, we were out in the wilderness for a while… What's so urgent?" Aeyrin blushed slightly at the recollection of the reason they eluded any civilization for some time.

Not that she knew how the courier would have tracked them even if they haven't.

It was eerie. One man, running around Skyrim, likely relying on rumors and hearsay for his target's location… he must spend his entire life running. Or did Delphine sent copies with several other couriers? That seemed unlikely… with how secretive she was.

"I have a lead on more information on the resurrection of dragons. Luckily, you still managed to get here in time. We have only a little more than two weeks to…" Delphine breathed out a sigh of relief before Bishop interrupted her.

"Two weeks?! The fuck, woman? Don't you know what 'urgent' means?!" he barked at her in exasperation, shaking his head, scowling deeply.

"Great. He's still here. I thought by now you would have left his drunk ass somewhere in a ditch," she wrinkled her nose at Bishop with a derisive smirk.

"Again, ice-brain, this is a tavern. People drink here!" he rolled his eyes at her with a snort.

"It's not like I've seen you do much else besides threaten me with a knife under my throat and complain about everything," she narrowed her eyes.

Aeyrin wasn't really sure if this was all some harmless teasing or genuine dislike, but it didn't change the fact that it hardly got them anywhere.

"Alright, enough. What's the lead, Delphine?"

"Right… I know what you think of the theory, but I am still convinced the Thalmor are involved. Luckily there is a way to get proof."

She started to pull out several parchments, splaying them on the table.

Of course, she blamed the Thalmor for everything wrong with the world… however, there was no harm in verifying her suspicions, was there?

"This is the Thalmor embassy," she pointed to a map of two larger buildings with a big yard around them. "If they have any sensitive information, it would be kept there. That's why we need to infiltrate it," she gave a sly smile, eliciting another scoff from Bishop.

"Sure… let's just 'infiltrate' an embassy full of Thalmor. That'll end well," he gave her a level look, knowing full well that she wasn't kidding.

"I do have a plan!" she snarled at him, pointing to one of the buildings. "Here, the ambassador is hosting a… get-together. It will include Skyrim's cream of the crop," she gave out a derisive scoff at that. "It's the only time when the security will be focused on this building, instead of the other one," her sly smile returned as she gave them a conspiratorial look.

"You want to break into the other building during the party?" Aeyrin looked at the map with uncertainty. It was unlikely that there wouldn't be any guards outside and inside their target building. Besides, she was a horrible sneak! How were they supposed to accomplish this?

"Exactly. If we make some sort of distraction at the party, it will be all the better," Delphine pondered, tapping a finger on her chin.

"Wait… so you want to sneak into both buildings? But the guards will be…" Aeyrin scowled deeply. It was even worse than she thought.

"Not at all. I actually have access to an invitation to the event. One of you, preferably the illustrious Dragonborn, can get away with the pretense of being invited to the party while the other sneaks into the other building," she beamed proudly at her plan, leaving them staring at her dumbfounded.

"What the fuck was with the 'we' shit? What will you be doing while we'll be risking our necks to Thalmor torture for your paranoia?!" Bishop lunged at her, contempt palpable in his voice.

"The Thalmor would recognize me! You two have no apparent connection to the Blades! Besides, it's the best plan! The Dragonborn is a believable guest at such an event and you… well… you look sketchy enough to be able to break into a place," she shrugged, giving Bishop an unapologetic smirk.

"Fuck you. You're delusional. Thalmor don't give two shits about anything other than their Talos worshippers. I'm not taking that risk for that," Bishop scowl deepened even further, if that were even possible. He crossed his arms over his chest determinedly giving her a mean look.

"Delphine… it does seem a bit… much. It's just a suspicion, right? Can't we just… I don't know… find someone who'll talk or…" Aeyrin tried to diffuse the situation. She really didn't like that plan either.

"No! They're Thalmor! None of them will talk! And it's not just a suspicion! I know! If they're not behind it, then they know something! Or they're already after me… I… need to know what they know…" her fervor took a bit of a turn into desperation. She looked over the plans hopelessly, scanning them over and over again.

"Delphine…" Aeyrin gave her a sympathetic look, shaking her head nonetheless.

"I just… look, I get it… but it's the only lead and… we need to know what is going on," she sighed in resignation, looking at Aeyrin pleadingly.

"Please, just… go to Solitude. I'll try to find out the information another way but if I don't… I'll… I promise, I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. I have a man on the inside, I can get you equipment and anything that might be useful. I swear, it will be worth it. I will coordinate everything. There will be hardly any danger," Delphine gave them another pleading look, eliciting a sigh of acknowledgement from Aeyrin and another scoff from Bishop.

"We… can go to Solitude, but, please, try to get the information another way… this… seems like too much for just a hunch," Aeyrin shook her head defeatedly.

"I will. Let's meet up in two weeks at sundown near the old mill at the city approach. We'll discuss everything further there," Delphine gave them a grateful smile, making Bishop snarl at her angrily, but luckily, he didn't say anything further to fan the flames.

They returned upstairs to the common room in a rather unsettled mood.

Delphine's plan was not exactly filling them with a lot of optimism.

They sat themselves at their usual table, ordering some dinner and a room for later.

Aeyrin tentatively unfolded Master Therien's letter after a while, hopeful that it will ease her uncertain thoutghs at least for the night.

.

Dearest Aeyrin,

I was glad to receive your letter. Many of us have been thinking of you, wondering how your pilgrimage is progressing and praying for your safety with the latest rumors about the situation in Skyrim. You have been missed in our halls, child.

I was dismayed to hear of your turmoil. I am saddened that I cannot give you more information regarding your newfound powers. We are no better equipped with knowledge on the nature of the Dragonborn than the Nords of Skyrim, I'm afraid. I understand your trepidation regarding this supposed 'blessing'. I am inclined to believe that this is no blessing of the nature we are familiar with. Nor am I, however, worried you should fear this as you would a curse. It is a challenge, my child, a new aspect of life you are faced with and must learn to live with. I am certain you are up to the task, but I fear what it may represent to you. You are a bright and courageous woman, who has overcome much. A new circumstance should not change that. Do not let talk of legends and destiny turn your head; do not let other people's expectations consume your identity. I am afraid that the only advice I have for you, is to surround yourself with those, who know you, those you trust, those who see you for who you are, who you worked hard to be; not those who would only see you as a symbol or a source of their salvation. You yourself know what it means to do the right thing. Be true to that and do not let the people's ideas on what it 'should' be cloud your mind. There are those who would see you as a tool, as a weapon to be wielded against their enemies. Be wary of them and do not let yourself get sucked into their battles against your convictions.

I understand that such big changes in life may bring about more tumultuous states of mind. But know your strength, child. You have overcome much and are capable of overcoming so much more. Do not fall into despair at your perils – rise to them and face them as I know you are able to.

It is good to hear that you have found kindred souls among the people of Skyrim. The land is harsh and relying on friendship and companionship is no weakness. I am glad you found people you can trust and a home to return to. Cherish those gifts, but be aware that in times of troubles, you may lose much. Take them as an assurance that you are able to thrive in strife and know, that even if you lose those you care about, you have already found a haven in the inhospitable land and you may do so again.

I hope your friends bring you solace and I hope your journeys always end in a safe haven.

I think of you, I pray for you.

And I hope I will get to see you again soon, my child.

Stay strong. And know that there are people here that love you and care for you still.

Yours, Therien

.

She folded the letter back into the envelope, placing it back in her back with a smile.

It always eased her mind to hear his words, even if he wasn't there – the soothing voice in her head while she read was substitute enough for now.

She gently laid her head on Bishop's shoulder. The fears about their current mission would return in a minute, but for now, while his voice still echoed in her head, she could enjoy the brief moment of calm.

"It's ridiculous. Do you have any idea what the Thalmor would do to us?" Bishop grumbled.

They'd rested for the night at The Sleeping Giant and prepared set off towards Solitude in the morning. The trepidations about infiltrating the embassy returned all too soon, just as she suspected, and they've spent the better part of the morning discussing it with dismay.

"You heard her – she's got someone on the inside. She'll make sure it goes smoothly," Aeyrin tried to calm him, but she was hardly convinced herself. Delphine's information proved reliable before, but she also still seemed rather… unstable whenever the Thalmor were involved.

Would they actually ever go as far as resurrecting dragons?

And if so, could they ever hope to control them?

It all rang rather hollow.

"Even you don't believe that, princess," he scoffed, slinging his pack on his back as they took the road towards Whiterun.

"Isn't it faster to go through…" she didn't even finish the question before he hit her with a resounding 'no', his face irritated.

She was definitely doing it on purpose – his adamant refusal to go through Falkreath has become too suspicious. She didn't pry though. She definitely would, if she didn't think the reason was something trivial.

At least there was that.

She had no idea how much of his past he was hiding from her.

It didn't matter. It was for her own protection after all.

He knew she could not take his warnings seriously, wanting to free the region from Thorn's menace.

He could not let that happen.

She would lose. Like everyone did. No one ever beat Thorn – not him, not the other bandits and not even the fucking paladins.

Everyone just pissed him off more and he got worse and worse.

"Tell me about Solitude," she broke the silence after they left the village, returning through the old familiar route around Whiterun.

She was excited to see someplace new for a change. It seemed like they've been walking the same roads for far too long. Southern Skyrim was beautiful, but seeing new places and meeting new people was what she loved most about her travels.

"It's a pretentious gilded cage. What else is there to tell?" he grumbled.

"Is there any city you actually like here?" she laughed, recollecting his complaints about every single town they visited.

"What's to like? Besides, doesn't it bother you that the glorious Empire will be expecting you to report for duty the minute you step past the gates?" he narrowed his eyes, thinking back on the letter from Tullius.

"It does a little, but there's not much to be done. Who knows if they wouldn't eventually send for me anyways? I'm just hoping the general will not be worse than Ulfric," she shrugged uncomfortably.

All in all, her meeting with Ulfric could have gone much worse. From the rumors alone, he wasn't beyond challenging her to a Shouting match right then and there.

Nevertheless, the outlooks for the capitol were somewhat bleak – the Legion at her heel and the Thalmor just waiting for a chance to sink their claws into anyone disturbing their operations.

It was looking to be an interesting stay.