Chapter 26

Lydia

The next morning Lydia woke up alone in the big bed. She propped herself up on and elbow and wondered where Ragnthor had gotten to. As she looked over at his side of the bed she sat a ring with a massive sapphire. She gasped as she slid it on.

Suddenly the door opened. "I should have guessed that would be the first thing you would think of. Not "where is the man I just spent the night with" or "maybe I should put some clothes on". No, its "do I look good in this shiny thing?"

As Lydia gasped and through a pillow at him, she noticed he had shaved and roughly cut and washed his hair. As he sat on the bed she slid over and sniffed him.

"You smell better today."

Ragnthor laughed. "Of course I do. What you smelled yesterday was a man who spent over a year and a half in jail with constant torture."

He grabbed her hand and looked at it. "So how does it fit?"

She looked into the depths of the gem. "It fits perfect. When did you get it?"

His thumb rubbed the back of her hand. "The day I got to Markarth. I was going to propose when I got back. I was only 2 years late."

She lay on him. "About that. When do you want to get married?"

Ragnthor wrapped his arm around her. "As soon as we possibly can. I have waited for over a decade to be joined to you and I don't want to wait much longer."

She nodded. "Well we need to wait until Ralof and Brasella get back with Lucia. I wouldn't want to them to miss this. And we will need to invite Adri and Ulfberth and…who else, oh yeah, Jon and Olfina." Ragnthor looked at her, shocked.

She nodded and laughed. "A lot of things have happened while you were gone."

Ragnthor nodded. "So it would seem. And we can't forget the Jarl and his family."

Lydia nodded. "That's true. Is there anyone else you can think of?"

Ragnthor looked deep in thought. "Well I think pretty much the whole of Whiterun, they all know us and would be slighted to not be given the choice to go. And we should invite Gerdur's family, I know them from a long time back and I bought all the wood in the house from them. Other than that I can't think of anyone, I really haven't had much time to make friends."

Lydia nodded. "Well then we should get started. It will be a while though, I still need a dress. I wish I could wear my mother's."

Ragnthor smiled down at her. "Well about that…" he handed her a package.

Lydia gasped as she opened it. She stood and laid it against her, spinning around. When she stopped and looked at him, she was unable to keep from smiling.

"Where did you get it? I thought father sold it."

Ragnthor's smile widened. "I didn't just join the Guild for fun, I do have some natural talent. After your father started working for mine, on a trip to town I heard father muttering about how a woman should have a chance to wear her mother's dress. So I piped up and asked what he was talking about. He told me that he had sold your mother's dress. So that day I kept my ear to the ground and found who had bought it and stole it."

He shook his head and laughed. "I thought father would beat the skin off me when he caught me trying to place a lumpy sack in the back of the wagon. Instead he didn't say a word. When we got home he helped me fold it smooth and together we made an airtight hold in the cellar. This morning I tried to remember exactly which stone we used to hide it. I think he knew how much I cared about you sooner than I did. It's been 15, 16 years since I last opened it. I was hoping it would still be in good condition."

Lydia lay the dress on the bed and kissed him. "I'm glad he did. And thank you."

Ragnthor pulled her close and whispered in her ear. "You need to get dressed, we have work to do." Lydia laughed and started slipping on the clothes he had taken off last night.

When she got dressed, Ragnthor was outside, staring at the horses. He gave a shrill whistle and Ahearn came over and nuzzled him.

Lydia walked over to him. "So what are we going to do?"

Ragnthor gently pushed Ahearn away. "We are going to turn the horses loose. It will save us in the long run by not having to feed them this summer. The only ones we will keep are the young, unbranded ones, the stallions I don't want to breed and the ones I plan to sell. So climb onto your chosen horse and we will sort out the ones we are keeping and herd the rest out onto the plains."

Lydia nodded and saddled the palomino. She watched as Ragnthor saddled Ghardh and led him into the field, motioning her to follow.

As soon as she walked through they both swung onto their horses. Lydia stayed back by the gate as she watched Ragnthor work. He worked fast, riding through the herd and sorting the branded from the unbranded, leaving the young foals with their mothers. But he did it in such a way that the horses didn't seem to care they were being spilt.

Soon he had 2 distinct groups and he turned to her. "Lydia, open the gate then hold the younger horses over here."

Lydia nodded and swung off. She pushed open the gate then got back on and rode over to his side. "I don't know what to do."

Ragnthor smiled at her. "Your horse should know what to do. Basically stay between them and the gate until I call you."

Lydia watched as he pushed his half of the horses toward the gate. As soon as they were out the gate, Ragnthor swung off his horse a motioned for her. She quickly rode over and he let her out. Then she helped Ragnthor drive the horses out onto the plains.

When Whiterun was barely in sight Ragnthor finally stopped. He swung off Ghardh and stripped the tack off of him. Ghardh looked over at him and she saw him slightly nod then Ghardh tore off after the herd. She was entranced by the grace of the horses as they moved over the plains.

"Well its time to be going back. You mind if I swing up behind you?"

She shook her head and felt him swing up. As she felt an arm wrap around her waist she started moving.

After a while of riding in silence Ragnthor spoke up.

"You said a lot of things had changed. So what are a few?"

"Well Jon and Olfina got married. And I hear the ceremony was lovely. I didn't make it because I was not in quite the right frame of mind. I haven't made it to town in a while so I don't know any more than that. Also Ralof and Brasella got married and have a little girl. Other than that, just minor things that the Jarl will tell you when you meet with him next."

Ragnthor nodded. "So Ralof and Brasella have a child. Is that why they went to Riverwood?"

She nodded. "Finally little Bryta is old enough that they thought it would be safe to go. And Lucia wanted to meet auntie Gerdur. If only because Ralof still complains about her."

Ragnthor smiled. "That sounds about right."

Ragnthor

Soon they were home. Ragnthor slid off the horse and walked into the house. He went to their room and pulled on some clean clothes.

When he got back outside, Lydia was sitting on the fence, looking out at the fields. "We managed to get the fields all planted this year. And all the plants are just starting to come out of the ground. I think I finally understand why you want to come home and farm. Having something that you sweated over grow just makes you feel proud, like you are on top of the world."

Ragnthor smiled and put his arm around her. "That it does. But that's not the only reason I wanted too. I am tired of buying my food with blood. Maybe its just in my blood to cleave flesh and bone. One of my great grandfathers was the Eternal Champion and his brother was, is, I don't know how to call it, The Nerevarine. Said grandfather's son was the Hero of Kvatch. Even my own father cut a bloody swath through men and mer during the Great War. But me, I'm tired of all the bloodshed. I just want to have a farm and raise a family."

Lydia laid her head on his shoulder. "I don't think its in your blood. Maybe the aspect of greatness, that essence that makes both the gods and men take notice and gives you the power to shape history. But bloodlust and urge to fight isn't passed down. I have a great grandmother who lives in history the same as your grandfather. She was the Hero of Daggerfall. And yet every person in my family has been a farmer, a craftsman or a drunk. Even the hero herself settled down with a farmer she met while the emperor made her do a victory tour. Didn't said grandfathers settle down and live peaceful lives afterward. Apart from The Nerevarine but being immortal tends to mess with the mind."

Ragnthor kissed her. "You always know just what to say. Now if you're ok just watching the plants, I need to go to town and see the Jarl. And send out the invitations."

She looked up at him. "So you have decided on a date?"

He nodded. "2 weeks. That should be more than enough time for everyone to hear and make it."

Lydia nodded and smiled. "Ok. And try not to get thrown in jail while you're gone this time."

He bowed. "Of course, my dear little one. I shall hold most tightly to your command." Lydia smiled and pushed him.

A few hours later Ragnthor was walking into Dragonsreach. As he was walking through the hall Balgruuf got up to meet him.

"By the gods Ragnthor, where have you been? Its been more than 2 years since anyone has seen you."

Balgruuf grasp his arm and a shocked expression crossed his face, followed closely by anger. "What happened to you?"

Ragnthor looked him in the eye. "Things I refuse to tell." Balgruuf looked like he was going to pry then he shrugged.

"Well its good to have you home. I trust you have seen Lydia." Ragnthor nodded. "That's good. She really missed you. Was totally shocked when she came in and found out what you had done."

Ragnthor nodded. "That's what I expected. I didn't want her to know. If she had she would have followed me and things would have gone much worse. War would have risen again." Balgruuf looked like he was going to speak and Ragnthor held up a hand, stopping him.

"I will put it this way. If Lydia would have been with me, or was going to go through what I did, I would have torn down the walls with my hands and killed every person holding her. And I wager she would have done nothing less than start war between the holds to get me out. But what I do wish to talk about is what you require of me now that I'm back."

Balgruuf sat down at a table. "Nothing right now. You made a good choice suggesting Lydia be your replacement should you fail to come back. She stops in about once a month and sees if there is anything she can do."

Ragnthor nodded. "I rarely act without thinking. And I never threaten a Jarl unless I am sure."

Balgruuf laughed. "I don't think truer words have been spoken. Now about you being back. Are you and Lydia going to…" He looked at Ragnthor face and raised an eyebrow.

Ragnthor sighed and nodded. "Aye, that we are. We plan to have the ceremony in the Temple of Kynareth in 2 weeks."

Balgruuf almost fell out of his chair. "Two Weeks?! That's Hardly Any Time At All!"

Ragnthor looked at him, his thoughts heavy. "Balgruuf, I have waited for 18 years to marry Lydia and the way life has been going I'm scared if I wait much longer I might not live to see it. And we don't have many friends to invite."

Balgruuf nodded. "I understand. And the Temple of Kynareth you say. It will be a grand sight, a grand sight indeed."

Ragnthor laughed. "You romantic fool. But its time for me to be getting home. There are quite a few things to do and only a little time left to do them."

Balgruuf nodded and they walked to the door. Right before he left Balgruuf stopped him.

"One more thing. I know the trouble you had with that bard. Now I didn't bring this up in official tasks but I kept an ear to the ground after you vanished and know the things he was planning and what you said. Now I don't condone what you said but I thought I would let you know. It appears he is back and there are a few women who are worried. Now I don't know what you will do but now you know."

Ragnthor nodded, unsmiling. "Then he has gone a step too far. Thank you for telling me, I need to stop this before someone gets hurt. Or worse." Balgruuf nodded as he walked out the door.

As he walked around town doing his tasks, he kept an ear to the ground. He talked to the beggars and thieves and grew more and more worried. Toward evening he caught Carlotta on her way home.

She smiled as he approached. "Ragnthor! How are you? It's been a while."

He nodded. "That it has but we can catch up later. I am glad I caught you before you got home. I have some things to ask of you."

She smiled at him. "Its not free potatoes, is it? I know your crop died in the field."

He shook his head. "No, not that. Me and Lydia are getting married and I would like to invite you in person."

Her face grew shocked and she smiled. "Really? That's great! And about time to be honest. But what's the other thing?"

Ragnthor face fell. "This one is not so much of an ask but an order. You will be staying in at my home tonight."

She grew confused. "Why?"

"Mikael is back and planning evil things. Tonight I plan to put an end to it."

She nodded, worried. "I shouldn't say this, but thank you. If there is ever anything I can do…"

He stopped her. "No. I'm not doing this as a favor. I'm doing this to keep all of you safe. And when you get there, tell Lydia what I'm doing. She might get worried when I don't return. I tend to have a habit of getting into trouble when I leave her sight."

Carlotta nodded and was turning to leave when she stopped. "Are you going to be ok? You looked a little…" her voice trailed off as he laughed.

"A little thin and weak? Yes I suppose I am but there are times when I place the needs of my friends over my own. I don't know if you have heard what he is planning but wouldn't let it happen to my worst enemy. So go home and get a few of the guards to come with you." He reached into his pockets and pulled out a piece of paper. "This will tell them to help you. An order from the Thane." She took the paper and left.

As soon she left he picked the lock to her house and went in, locking it after him. He pulled a chair to a dark corner across from the stairs to the floor were Carlotta had her bed. Then he waited.

A few hours later someone opened the door. They quietly shut it and started sneaking toward the stairs. Ragnthor smiled.

When he spoke the person jumped. "I thought I told you to stay away, Mikael."

Mikael spoke. "When did you get here? I thought you had been killed?"

"Oh no, I can't take the time to die. Too much I need to do. Always something new, like hearing you came back."

Mikael darted to the door and Ragnthor lunged from his chair, grabbing Mikael's hair.

"No you don't. I gave you my word. Now let's go for a walk." He jerked Mikael's hair, causing him to scream.

Ragnthor walked toward the wall, not wanting to have to deal with the guards, and, grabbing the back of Mikael's shirt, swung over and climbed down. By the time he reached the bottom Mikael was whimpering and he was out of breath. He looked at the former bard and sighed, swinging his fist, not wanting to deal with the noise.

A few hours later Ragnthor was crouching in front of Mikael. He slapped the man's face, causing him to wake up. As soon as Mikael opened his eyes, he spoke.

"Just over that hill a saber cat has its den. Now I don't know when it last ate so you might be here awhile. Maybe the wolves that roam the area will get you first."

Mikael strained against the ropes that held him to the tree. "You aren't really doing this, are you?! Where's your honor, your mercy!?"

Ragnthor smiled and patted his cheek. "I no longer have any honor to call my own, nor mercy either. When the priestess binds me to Lydia I shall share hers but now I call act without fear of a stain."

As he stood, Mikael almost screamed in fear. "Give me another chance! I won't let you down again!"

Ragnthor smiled at him. "But I gave you 2 and you let me down both times. No chance of a third. You must now sleep in the bed you made. And it's no a bed of mountain flowers, but one of poisoned thorns." Ragnthor then turned and left, leaving Mikael yelling.

As he walked over a different hill and swung onto the gentle horse he had chosen to ride he heard the roar of the cat and shrill screams of the former bard. He shook his head as voice crack. All was quiet for a moment until the screams rose again. He forced them out of his mind until he was out of earshot.

He rode back to town and was just pulling up as the sun was rising. As he walked into town he smiled as he watched the whole town slowly wake up. As he sat under the tree in the main square he smiled at the peace.

He didn't get much time to enjoy it though. Soon Danica walked over of the temple and he walked over to her.

"Greeting priestess. I have a favor to ask you."

She smiled at him. "Of course, Ragnthor. And you are looking well."

Ragnthor nodded. "Me and Lydia would like to get married in the temple. In two weeks."

Danica sputtered. "Two weeks! Isn't that rushing?"

Ragnthor looked at her. "For some, yes. But we have been together for 4 years. And I have loved her for 18. And you patched me up after I fell out of the sky with a dragon. It would be foolish for us to wait any longer. I don't know if I will have to do it again, no matter what I tell Lydia."

Danica looked at him, shocked. "What did you tell Lydia?"

Ragnthor shrugged his shoulders. "That I would try to stop doing dumb shite things like that. But if her, or Lucia, or any children me and Lydia have are ever in danger, I would do anything to save them, even if it meant doing something that would kill me. And I think she know this but chooses not to think about it. But enough about this, its honestly not much of your concern. So would you conduct the ceremony?"

Danica nodded. "Of course, Ragnthor. I would be honored to conduct the ceremony. Not many people chose to get married under Kynareth."

Ragnthor smiled. "Mara just doesn't really suit me and Lydia. And I have had trouble with Riften and I promised Lydia not to get thrown in jail."

Danica shook her head. "I hope she knows what she is getting into. See you in a few weeks, Thane."

Ragnthor nodded and walked out of town.

It was noon when he rode up to the house. Lydia came out to meet him.

"So where have you been?"

Ragnthor looked her in the eye. "Removing Mikael."

Her eyes grew wide. "What did you do to him?"

Ragnthor held her gaze. "What I told him I would if I heard he was in the hold again. I tied him out for the saber cats."

Her mouth fell open. "Why the hell did you do that?"

He finally broke her gaze. "Because I always try and keep my word, even what I say in anger. My anger ran hot and thick after you left. I killed guards in Riften because I lost my temper when a guard tried to make me pay to enter the city. I was asking Mikael to leave the hold because he was causing problems again. He made a dig about my temper causing you to leave and the truth of it drove deep. I almost killed him then. I just lost control."

She walked up and put her hand on his shoulder. "My leaving hurt you that much? Sent you that far adrift?"

He looked at her. "You might not think it but you are my softer side, or at least temper my anger. Make it cooler and easier to control. Keep me centered."

She nodded. "You know, sometimes I do see that. But please, don't do anything like that again. Its not you. Not the man I love."

Ragnthor nodded. "I think I can manage that."

She smiled as he wrapped his arm around her and they walked to the house.