16th of Sun's Height
"Except for the figure at its center it is a copy of the monument that stands above the final resting place of General Tullius." Aric said.
"Does that figure hold a little girl as this one does?" Samuel asked
"Did General Tullius have children?" Sara asked.
"I believe it is the most beautiful monument I have ever seen." I said.
It was, indeed, a most beautiful monument, with a most beautiful figure at its center. A figure of an Imperial sergeant holding a little girl in his arms. The flowers and candles that we had just arranged on its base added to the beauty. My tears where they had fallen upon the stone were still visible, but rapidly drying in the afternoon summer heat.
I hope you paid the stone mason extra. Railius voice said in my mind. I was never that tall or had arms like that.
It is how I remember you I said.
I'm not objecting, mind you. He replied. I'm just saying.
"I may build a house nearby." I said to Aric. "That way I can be close to him when I choose."
"You are certainly wealthy enough to build wherever you wish." Aric replied. "And the road they were required to cut to deliver and install your father's monument will be a great help to any builders."
With the exception of Serana, we were the same group as when Aric saved my life so long ago. Could it truly have only been seven months since that day? Could so much have transpired in that short a time? Can a life change so utterly in less than a year, as my life has changed? Unless this has all been a fever dream, the answer to all those questions appeared to be yes.
Seven months since the man standing next to me became a part of my life. Three months since he carried me from the battlefield of Silent Moons camp. Three months since I rode, a bundle in his arms, back to Whiterun to be placed in bed where I would lay motionless and senseless.
Some actions require payment in advance. Some, it would appear, require payment upon completion of service.
I awoke, finally, in the large bed in Aric's home in Whiterun, as the sun filtered through its windows. Quiet, mundane household noises could be heard from below. I did not understand the cause for my weakness at first, nearly falling down the stairs as I attempted to make my way down.
"Thank the Gods." Lydia said. "You are returned to us. We began to fear the worst."
"I feel as weak as a newborn kitten." I said.
"You have lay motionless for two days and two nights," Lydia said, "and more than half of today. Allow yourself time to recover. Sit here and I will bring you a bit of broth."
News of the battle had traveled quickly. And no one in Whiterun, apparently, failed to observe Aric carrying me through the city gates and whisking me into his home. A series of concerned friends arrived in series, soon followed by well-wishers, and concerned citizens. The phenomena was repeated when Runa, Farkas, Lucia, and Vilkas, still covered in blood and mud, returned. Soon anyone wearing any mud at all was asked if they had been present at the battle and was it true that the Reverend Mother had transformed into a huge bird of prey and swooped down to shatter the Thalmor force.
The story was apocryphal, but the Thalmor force was indeed shattered. Corelan was dead, as were all the Penitus Oculatus he commanded. Half the Thalmor force lay dead on the field of battle. No officers of any rank survived. It was a question for Elenwen now what was to be done with the Thalmor common soldiers that survived. She had not joined the battle, remaining with the horses and baggage, along with her bodyguard.
Ulfric and his son had paused only briefly to take council with Balgruuf before returning to Windhelm. He had lost a third of the men who had accompanied him. His entire force would return to Eastmarch, the Haafingar camp to be garrisoned with new men, it's old residents would certainly have a story to tell.
Rikke, her daughter and soldiers remained longer to provide security for Elenwen and to guard the Thalmor prisoners. The Imperials had lost a quarter of their soldiers. Those that survived would also be sharing stories of the encounter in the Inns in and around Solitude.
One of those stories would be the complete lack of wounded. Dead, yes certainly there were more than enough of those to go around, but no wounded. Men covered in their own blood, who had begun to hear the voices of their ancestors welcoming them into Sovngarde, would tell the tale of how they had escaped death that day.
The news would eventually spread across Skyrim; spread across Tamriel, once the official reports were written and sent. Whiterun simply absorbed the news and continued in its daily routine. This was to be expected. Those directly affected by the battle were concentrated in a single house. The steady stream of wounded who would normally have filled the temple and anywhere else required to house them failed to appear because they did not exist.
The only change in Whiterun's routine was the steady foot traffic in and out of the Thanes home.
But even that returned to normal eventually.
"I still cannot believe what I have heard." Danica said during the first of many visits.
"Do not believe all accounts from a battlefield, Danica." Lydia said.
"Did you heal every wounded and dying soldier who remained on the battlefield with a single spell?" Danica asked me.
"Yes, however…" I started.
"Yes is all the answer I require." Danica said as she hugged me.
"I have never seen Ulfric behave in such a manner." Balgruuf said during his only visit. "He is not one for hyperbole or wild exaggeration, but you would not know it from his description of what he saw you do. He wore the oddest expression the entire time we spoke."
"I would have grieved for him if his son had been lost." I said. "I am happy for him. But too many mothers lost children that day."
"Many more would have been lost if not for you." He replied.
"I had hoped to avoid a battle entirely." I said. "I believe I would have succeeded, but for the actions of one elf, whose name escapes me now."
"You saved those you could save, my friend." Balgruuf said. "Remember that, while you wander the forest of grief for those who were lost."
"You have been a good friend to me, Jarl." I said. "I do not deserve such friends."
"My friendship is a poor reward for your efforts, dear lady." He said. "You deserve much, much more."
"We wished to see how your recovery progresses." Saffir said during her visit with Amren and Niha.
"I am nearly recovered." I said. "Lydia oversees my care, and I will soon be able to return to my training regime."
"I have heard more than one report from the battlefield, revered student." Amren said. "I feel a complete fool now, teaching you the sword when you possess such powerful weapons."
"You should feel no such thing, sir." I said. "Your instruction and your friendship are beyond value to me. I cannot begin to thank you."
"You must excuse me, your Grace." Amren said as his eyes filled. "I am overcome by your words."
The rhythm of life resumed.
"Jordis and I must ride to Solitude tomorrow." Aric said one afternoon as he and Lydia and I sat outside and enjoyed the cool breeze. "Elisif is owed a full report on what transpired. Should you wish to visit Solitude, this time in your own form, you are most welcome."
"I thank you, sir." I said in reply, "But I have business that keeps me in Whiterun for a bit longer."
"Business?" Lydia asked, as she poured more excellent ale into my oversized mug.
"I have spoken with Balgruuf." I said, "and have purchased his hunting lodge. The one with the excellent bathhouse on the road between Whiterun and Riverwood. We have arranged to remove those possessions he chooses to keep, and install what few possessions I own, or will purchase soon. I will take possession a few days hence."
"Do we truly lose your company so soon?" Lydia asked.
"I have imposed on your generosity far too long." I said. "I am a grown woman, and it is past time I began to explore life as such. But it will wound my heart greatly if I do not receive visitors from Whiterun regularly. Visitors from Solitude as well, since I will write to my sister Sara and invite her to stay, once she can separate herself from the new addition to your family."
"In that event, you will certainly require assistance as you move into your new home." Lydia said, "I know several sets of willing hands that will not take no for an answer."
"I will pass back through Morthal to report to Idgrod, and to speak to my builder on the progress of my new home in Hjaalmarch." Aric said. "She I bring you anything when I return?"
"If your stay in Solitude allows the time, I would appreciate a robe from the sisters that is a better fit over my armor, that accommodates weapons, and that can be removed quickly. The sisters should still have my dimensions."
"Your dimensions have somewhat altered of late, and the addition of armor will alter them further." Lydia said, "But I believe they are up to the task."
"They may put their derision and condescension in writing, and you may deliver that with the garment, since they cannot deliver it in person." I said to Aric.
Spring had begun to turn into Summer when A familiar face greeted me as I walked the streets of Whiterun while the supplies I had purchased were being loaded for their trip to my new home.
"Your Grace, I hope I find you well." Sergeant Alens said.
"Sergeant, you return from Rorikstead." I said. "It is wonderful to have you home again."
Aric and I had promised to return to that small hamlet during the summer season that was now beginning to come alive, but it seemed that it would not be to celebrate or attend a wedding.
"The house sits as it always has." Sergeant Alens said. "Them two don't speak a word to each other."
"It is sad, and certainly inconvenient in a village that small." I said. "They can barely keep their distance from one another."
"They are still young." He replied. "They may patch things up. Love is a funny thing."
"You speak the truth, Sergeant." I said.
"You are a blessing, Nabil." I said to the tall Khajiit who stood before me with his brother Nader.
"Nabil's heart is warmed equally by such a beautiful smile and such beautiful words, gracious Priestess. This one will always be at your service. Simply whisper the name of Nabil upon the wind and I will soon be by your side."
"I believe he likes you." Adrianne said as the two Khajiit rode their cart back down the main road towards Whiterun.
It no longer seemed appropriate to refer to my home as a hunting lodge, since I had never hunted and had no intention of ever doing so. Lydia introduced me to Ysolda, a local trader who in turn introduced me to Nabil and his brother.
"This is what family is for." Lydia said when I thanked her. "You must grow accustomed to others poking their noses into your life and helping you, even when you do not request it. That is what comes from being a part of a large family. Do not cry, dear child. It will ruin your reputation as the newest godling of Skyrim."
"I would ruin it gladly." I replied as I wiped my nose on my sleeve. "I apologize, that was far from a god-like thing to do."
Nabil and his brother now rode away with the last vestiges of hunting that had remained, leaving in their place hand crafted carpets, wall hangings, furniture, and an assortment of books that I could not have dreamed owning a year ago.
My alchemist work bench was now as fully stocked as any in Aric's homes. New planters dotted the outside of my property. A supply of kló crystals (the common variety) sat in a jar on a shelf near my bath. But my Enchanters workbench was not linked to Aric's network.
"It is a short journey to Whiterun." I said to Lydia. "And I hope and pray to Mother Cybele that my life will now be one of peace, with no need for urgent messages."
"I cannot imagine what the Jarl was hunting that he needed a forge that would rival my own were it to have a weapons smith as skilled as I am." Adrianne said as she observed her just completed repairs. "And if he wished to hunt, he needed to look no further than his forge's chimney. Every manner of animal in Skyrim seemed to have made a home within it at some point."
"There is no weapons smith as skilled as you." I said to her.
"There are some in Whiterun who hold a different opinion." Adrianne said, though I could see the pride she felt clearly on display on her face.
"I am not one of them." I said. "and neither is Aric."
"What is that unusual looking forge in the small, covered alcove outside?" Adrianne asked.
"It is a Atra Luna forge." I said. "It is used in the development of bound weapons. It is a field of study that has held my interest for half my life."
"It looks to be a recent addition." She said. "The stonework appears new and does not fully match the rest."
"You have a keen eye." I answered. "The son of the original builder finished it not a week ago. He used stone from the original source and reassures me that in a few years you will not be able to tell the difference."
"You have not yet brought it to life." She said.
"Not yet." I answered. "I will do soon. It requires a particular enchantment and a combination of salts and shards of soul gems, but once it is lit it requires very little attention."
"I am intrigued." Adrianne said. "I would very much like to see it once it is lit."
"In that case, sister, come with me." I said.
It is a distinct advantage to have the proper materials, all fresh and plentiful, and a reserve of health to draw upon when lighting an enchanted forge; advantages I did not have in the Rift. This forge flared to life immediately, the blue/indigo/black fire displaying its full beauty.
"Gods!" Adrianne said. "It is beautiful."
"You may thank your neighbor in Whiterun." I said. "He reviewed my recipe and changed the ratio of salts slightly. He has an eye for such things."
We sat and talked and gazed at the enchanted flame until it was time for her to depart.
"Do not be a stranger to Whiterun, now that you have such a cozy home, tucked in such a cozy nook." She said to me as we parted.
"Do you not become a stranger, now that you know in which cozy nook my cozy home resides." I answered.
Alone finally, I sat on my covered porch with a cool drink and simply breathed in the sights and sounds and smells. The waterfall provided a soothing tone that began to put me to sleep; a dangerous prospect if I fell forward out of my chair, since the waterfall would be the first thing that would break my fall. I retreated to a hammock that was rigged in shady spot and drifted off to sleep. I awoke late in the afternoon but did not stir immediately. Could my life truly revert to one of calm and simple tasks?
I returned to my former daily routine in Whiterun eventually when peace and quiet began to give way to loneliness. Loga was happy to visit her old stable mates. Jervar paid her extra attention to insure my care of her was adequate, but also because it seemed he had missed her.
Amren agreed that our afternoon sessions would be conducted in the hills near my new home.
"It is an ideal location to train" He said, "And it will spare you the time and effort of making two round trip journeys to Whiterun."
Danica welcomed me with her customary affection before we began our rounds treating the sick of Whiterun; many of whom would only speak to me in hushed tones, and rarely looked at me directly.
"They do not know how to act in the presence of a godling." Danica said. "There is no one in Whiterun who has not heard stories of what occurred. Be patient with them."
Aric returned eventually from his assortment of meetings with Jarls, accompanied by Sara and Samuel.
"Sister!" Sara squealed as she ran up the steps of my porch and gave me a hug more suited to someone twice my size.
"Peace, sister, you will kill be with affection." I said as we both laughed. "Gods, how I have missed you."
"I missed you just as much." Sara replied. "When last I saw you, I almost cried out at your appearance, even though Jordis had warned me, and I thought I had prepared myself."
"Was my appearance so startling?" I asked.
"That is not the word that was foremost in my mind when I first saw you." Aric said, "as you may recall."
"I recall it nightly in my dream, sir, if I am fortunate." I said as I kissed him.
"Samuel comes bearing gifts." Aric said. "The sisters were called before both the Jarl and the General and informed that if they did not outdo themselves, they would be drummed out of Skyrim."
"In all fairness I should object to the behavior they received, but upon my life I cannot find the strength to do so." I said taking the wrapped bundle. "Gods, this is heavy enough to contain a set of chain mail."
"Robes and garments fit for the High Priestess of Skyrim was the order they received. It may seem like overabundance, but once they had the bit between their teeth, they would not hear of anything less." Aric said.
"Gods, Aric, these cannot possibly be for me." I said as I lay the garments out. "They must surely have given me a parcel meant for Elisif."
"I promise you that these are intended for you." Aric replied, "Elisif being somewhat taller, and lacking your fine warriors form."
"Would you please refrain from referencing her form in the presence of your children, Father?" Sara asked.
"Father brings more than a parcel of clothing." Samuel said. "He has letters specifically addressed to you. One is from the Emperor."
"Do not jest, young sir." I said to Samuel, "are we not still friends?"
"It is true." Aric said. "Fasion Adus was true to his word. His messengers both reached their destinations. As did General Rikke's official report of unsanctioned activities in Skyrim."
"Divines save me." I said as I sat down. "I am not sure I am comfortable with the Emperor being aware that I exist at all, let alone knowing my name."
"It will not only be the Emperor that is aware you exist." Aric said. "Elenwen wrote also, speaking at length of how you risked your life by placing yourself between the two forces and urged each side to consider a peaceful solution."
"Did she also mention that I was heavily armored, and conjured a magical bird of prey the size of a dragon that in no way contributed to this wished for peaceful solution?" I asked.
"She may have omitted a detail or two." Aric said.
"You did WHAT?!" Sara asked me, her question rising in volume with each syllable.
"You did not tell them?" I asked Aric.
"I may have omitted a detail or two." He said.
"FATHER!" Sara screamed.
It was true. I letter from the Emperor.
By the hand of the Emperor, Titus Mede II, in recognition of her service to the Emperor and the Empire, Reverend Mother Noxaura Jarnesus is hereby Appointed and Granted the Titles of High Priestess and Custos Urbi of Skyrim, and Advisor to the Imperial Court of Cyrodiil.
"What does Custos Urbi mean?" Sara asked
"It means that her Grace is, by order of the Emperor himself, a Prefect over all of Skyrim." Samuel said.
"During religious festivals only, my soon-to-be brother Cleric." I said to him.
It was not the only letter I received.
Sister,
We have received reports from both the Imperial Council and from the Aldmeri Dominion High Council of your actions in Skyrim, performed in the name of Cybele, our Divine Mother. We had thought you lost to us many years ago and are filled with joy at your return. We are overwhelmed by the magnitude of your efforts, which are equaled only by your dedication to the Blessed Mother and her charge to be a beacon of light to the entire world. We are aware that the Emperor has charged you to take up the burden of Skyrim as its High Priestess. We look forward to your return to Bruma at your earliest convenience for your formal reinstatement and investiture as High Priestess of the Maetreum of Cybele
Blessings of the Mother Goddess be upon you,
Mother Superior Helena Oranius
"Is it bad news, Sister?" Sara asked as my tears welled and spilled onto the letter.
"No." I said, handing her the letter, "It is quite the opposite."
"This is wonderful news!" she cried as she hugged me.
"I confess that my nightly prayers did not forget to include a formal reinstatement." I said when I recovered my voice. "It is a blessing from Cybele."
"You deserve, and are owed, much more." Aric said, his face shining with joy. "I feel I will burst from happiness."
"You will ruin my new rug if you do." I said, as I placed my hand upon his chest and filled my eyes with his exquisite face from a closer distance.
"I have other news that is not written down." Aric said in that softer version of his voice that made me wish we were alone. "The stone mason has set off for the Rift with the monument for your Father. It is expected to be installed in three- or four-weeks' time, depending on the condition of the roads."
"I see our journeys will once again take us the length and breadth of Skyrim." I said. "We must keep our promise to return to Rorikstead during the summer season. And I will fight like a saber cat before I give up my reunion with my twin elven sisters. I am resolved that they and Sara will meet and form a close bond if I have to tie them all together to achieve it."
"Well," Aric said. "I am well acquainted with your claws, madam. I would not dream of standing in your way."
"If you are done flirting, would one of you for the love of the Gods recount the story of Noxaura's dragon sized bird of prey? Sara asked.
"You have your work cut out for you." Railius said as we sat upon the grass and gazed at his monument.
"It was only a month ago that I thought my life had reverted to its more peaceful variety." I said. "I now find myself an itinerant wanderer. I begin to lose count of the destinations I have yet to visit before the colder months set in."
"The life of a Prefect is not an easy one." Railius said with a smile as he carved a horse from a piece of wood.
"It is a title only." I said. "Though the villages enjoy having a Prefect recite something grand to mark the opening of a festival. The main danger to me is one of gluttony. I must practice the art of polite decline if I am to be able to wear the excellent garment from the sisters of Solitude."
"They know their work." He answered. "And, however they might fuss and complain, they take pride in saying The High Priestess of Skyrim wears our cloths. You can expect gowns fit for a Prefect once words gets around.
"At this rate, I will require a pack animal of my own to accompany me on any journey." I said.
Railius laughed. "Do you recall that tiny chest that held all your worldly possessions?"
I laughed back before hugging him. "Yes, and I recall how you carved my name into the lid. I believe it was the first time you demonstrated your skill for me."
"My hands had not acquired their palsy yet." He said.
"You make too much of a minor shaking, Father." I said. "Your current masterpiece shows no flaw or blemish."
"That is because you are dreaming, lass." He answered. "Such things are smoothed over in dreams."
We sat quietly for a time, as small curls of wood flew from the knife in Railius' hand.
"We must be away tomorrow." I said. "We must visit the cousins in Helgen and plan their return home. We must visit Rorikstead. We must visit a host of places before our journey south begins in earnest. Chorrol, Bruma, Nibenay should I wish to visit the home of my youth. When will I have time to select the site for my Temple? When will I see my cozy cottage again?"
"You have all the time in the world, lass." Railius said. "And you have a family now. Remember what Lydia said about family."
"You are my family also." I said to him. "You must keep your promise that you will never leave me."
Railius smiled. His hair had darkened during our recent dreams, his arms had become stronger and the lines on his face had smoothed. I wondered if it was only my dreaming mind that had made him younger or was the Shaping of my mass healing upon the battlefield still working.
"How does your knee feel?" I asked him.
I will never tire of his laughter.