Blue Palace, Solitude, 9th of Hearthfire 4E 203

The woman had turned her chair slightly towards the wall behind her table. The window was open, and Aurora was looking through it. The Jarl was not observing anything in particular – she merely felt the chilly, northern breeze caress her cheeks and forehead. A few hairs were moving back and forth in front of her eyes, but they did not bother her.

It had been more than a month since she had asked Bryling to order a few appropriate dresses. Aurora understood that it was expected of her to look different as Jarl than Dragonborn or an officer in the Stormcloak army, and since she had immediately fired Elisif's Steward – the job fell on the Thane instead. Bryling had been quite displeased with that task, however, Aurora had only seen her upset about it the very moment she had ordered the dresses to be sewn.

The woman sighed. The initial stress of rising to the Haafingar throne had passed, and Aurora was adapting to the new circumstances and the new type of pressure. The first three months of her reign had passed so quickly that it already felt as if she had been Jarl for at least half a year. At the same time, though, she still felt overwhelmed about how slowly time passed. Perhaps it was not time, she thought. Perhaps it was simply so that matters and problems resolved themselves slowly.

Aurora trusted her capacity, but the circumstances always seemed to work against her. It was as if she was a great runner, but had encountered a giant wall, that moved oh so slowly. In frustration, Aurora began o look around to see if there was a way around or over it, and meanwhile, the wall moved painstakingly slowly.

She still had not heard back from Ulfric, meaning that she had no answers to give to Vittoria, making her avoiding the business woman because it was embarrassing not to have anything to say. Simultaneously, the inflow of new citizens appeared to be eternal. Houses and shacks were popping up like mushrooms in the forest, yet there still were not enough apartments for everyone. The area around the docks had grown into a suburb of a considerable size, making Solitude reach from the cliff, down the mountainside to Katia's farm and almost all the way to the lighthouse. The stables were now situated awkwardly in the middle of the U-shaped town, creating jams as carriages and carts were trying to get in and out of town, or simply pass Solitude.

Issues that neither Aurora, her Thanes nor her Stewardess had thought of arose too. The city did not have a sufficient plumbing system, meaning that she had to triple the workforce tasked with removing waste and bringing fresh water, whilst builders worked with resolving this matter permanently.

The woman had not felt the sensation of being lonely in a long time, though. All the people that surrounded her, the drama and the new impressions prohibited this feeling from taking over. Even though it had been quite a while since she had an openhearted discussion with Olfina or received a letter from any of the Companions, Aurora still felt content on a personal level. The emotional wound caused by Vilkas still ached, but in a different manner than previously. She had been constantly worrying about their relationship for two years, and it had made her exhausted. It felt like an aching tooth – at first, one tried to pretend that everything was fine, and that the nasty sensation when eating was in one's mind; then it grew more intensive up until the point where one would be prepared to pull it out with one's bare fingers – just so that the constant pain would go away. One would be prepared to face the healer who would say that the tooth could not be saved.

Nilsine had just had one of her lower, back teeth pulled out. Aurora was amazed with the woman's transformation. It would be wrong to call Nilsine shy, but she was not as keen on joking or standing up for herself as Olfina or Vittoria. Aurora had told her to go to the temple and have it examined by a priestess. She had warned Nilsine that it would only get worse, but the woman simply brushed it off until the point where she could no longer take the constant pain and began to fall out with everyone at the castle for no obvious reason.

Two days ago, Nilsine had finally given up and gone to the temple. This was after she overheard the maids talking to one another about avoiding her in the corridors. Aurora had tried not to laugh as Nilsine returned to work almost unable to talk properly and with a swollen cheek.

Aurora smiled a little as she sat by herself, remembering Nilsine's unfortunate situation. She decided to be more considerate towards her the following days as it was not a problem she would wish on anyone… well perhaps Vittoria would deserve it a little, she thought. On the other hand, then she would be even more of a bitch than usually, and that would directly be Aurora's problem.

"Aurora, there are nobles here to see you," Nilsine's voice was suddenly heard.

Aurora turned around in the chair, still smiling a little. She was leaning her jaw against her left knuckle but opened her hand as she turned around to face the Stewardess.

"Tell them to book an appointment tomorrow!" Aurora playfully hissed, biting her index finger.

"They claim to know you," Nilsine said without the same playful tone Aurora had used.

"Everyone does," Aurora chuckled, lowering her head slightly, but pinning her gaze at Nilsine. "What are their names?"

"I don't know," Nilsine said, walking closer.

"What do you mean?"

"They are not from around here."

"Anyone can buy nice clothes and claim to be nobles, that's not a reason to let them in," Aurora grinned and turned around in her chair again, throwing her hair to the side.

Nilsine looked on Aurora as if she did not know what to do. The Jarl, on the other hand, decided to stand up and lean against the window frame. "Well, what do they look like?"

"One is very tall and has dark hair, then there are three short ones. I think one of them might be a servant or something," Nilsine explained.

Aurora chuckled.

"What?" the short woman asked, stopping mid-sentence.

"No, it's…" Aurora grinned, hiding her face in her right hand. "Just… just let them in."

The Jarl's Stewardess looked at her with a somewhat confused expression before turning around and walking up to the door. Aurora thought that she heard a what am I even doing here? before Nilsine quickly pulled the double door open and stepped aside.

Aurora placed herself on both her feet and took a dignified pose, slightly turned towards the end of her cabinet. She placed her right hand on the left in front of her and raised her chin as she saw the men enter.

Two men were walking in front of two others: one had dark, wavy hair that was shorter around his face, but otherwise reached just past his shoulders. The man wore a simple, but perfectly fitting black jacket with silver buttons and a black jabot around his neck, black trousers and boots. His younger brother, on the other hand, had messy, almost red hair, a blue tunic at least twice his normal size, dark trousers and boots, that although reminding of his brother's, gave a completely different impression on him.

Ratibor was smiling from ear to ear, and Aurora immediately felt it was heartfelt, making her grin too.

"Bogdan! Ratibor!" she exclaimed and walked up to the men. "Vecheslav!"

The Jarl had noticed the tall man behind Bogdan. He was two heads taller than both Aurora and the Goldwine brothers, and looked sublime. The man always made sure every detail of his clothing was immaculate and that his hair looked its absolute best, something that made Aurora giggle a little. The woman jumped up and embraced her friend, although he soon put her down, took her hand and kissed it, bowing.

"Oh, Egor!" Aurora continued, looking at the eccentrically dressed painter.

The man who was half-Nord and half-Imperial was smiling too, and even though Aurora did not particularly fancy the theatrical jester-type of men, she had to admit that she was attracted to him. Egor's smile could melt hearts, and his sense of style was unusual, slightly provocative, yet rather… charming. The way he moved, his grin and body language formed a delightful entity, that was intensive, although not so much that it could make people uncomfortable. He too bowed his head, smiling.

Aurora turned towards the group, which was now standing in a small circle close to the door. "How was your trip?" she happily asked.

"Excellent," Vecheslav said, graciously bowing his head slightly whilst remaining in eye contact with Aurora.

"It was alright," Ratibor spoke politely.

"It was dull," Bogdan answered as if he was absolutely bored to death.

Aurora looked at Bogdan for three seconds, remaining silent. "Lord Goldwine," she then said, turning to the older brother and giving him her hand. Ratibor bowed and kissed it, after what Aurora curtseyed, smiling.

She then looked at Bogdan. Although she was happy to see them all again, the woman did not quite know how to handle the younger Goldwine.

"Bogdan," she smiled, but did not give him her hand. She remembered how awkward it had been at the party in Cyrodiil, when Eupaxia, the hostess, had given him her hand but was left ignored.

The young, Imperial man smirked at her by turning the left corner of his mouth slightly upwards. Aurora then turned her gaze to the painter.

"You must be Egor," Aurora continued. "I think we met at Eupaxia's party in the Imperial City."

"That is correct, milady," the man said and kissed her hand.

Aurora appreciated his charm and was left in a sublime mood. "Please follow me, gentlemen. I will show you the house," the woman said and began walking out through the doors and towards the stairs.

"My Jarl, I could…" Nilsine began as Aurora passed her.

Aurora walked past her with a subtle smile. "It's alright," she whispered.

The woman stopped just before the staircase, remembering the social norms regarding being escorted. Ratibor and Vecheslav simoltaneously offered their arms to her, after what the men looked at one another. Aurora figured they were thinking of who of them should be the one to offer their arm considering their rank. Aurora did not quite know what to do, but had her gaze set at Vecheslav.

Ratibor understood the subtle clue and gestured towards the tall man. Aurora smiled and bowed her head slightly to Ratibor before walking up to Vecheslav.

The pair proceeded with walking down the staircase, being followed by Ratibor, Egor, and finally – Bogdan.

"Really?" Bogdan asked, rolling his eyes as if he had just witnessed something incredibly silly or obsolete.

They all turned their heads towards the younger Goldwine as he had spoken, but soon disregarded his comment. Ratibor, on the other hand, wrinkled his forehead, looking at Bogdan as if to warn him from uttering more words.

Aurora happily turned her gaze at Vecheslav. It had been so long since she last met him, and that was nowhere near enough for making up for the year that had passed since they had last spoken through half the night. Upon seeing the man again, Aurora felt embarrassed for the way she had left him in Morrowind, even though she understood that he bore no grudge towards her for those actions. The woman observed him carefully as he led her down the stairs, not taking his gaze off the ground. His face was long and narrow, with a masculine nose and bold, heavy eyebrows. The man's cheekbones were high, and the jaw prominent. Short sideburns decorated the sides of his face, which was beautifully framed by his hair, which by then reached half way down his upper arms. It was tied back with a black, silky band, which had the same colour as his hair and brows. Thin lines reached from the sides of his nose to the mouth, making his age apparent.

The man usually had a very warm glimpse in his eyes and a subtle half smile on his lips. This was not an exception, although it was probably due to the fact that he had noticed that Aurora had been observing him carefully. As they descended from the staircase and walked towards the main doors, the man quickly caught the Jarl's gaze before turning it to the ground again.

"A dress would suit you better," he grinned.

Aurora smiled sarcastically at him. "You always say so."

"Well, I mean it," he said and looked down at her with his eyes shining.

"What is it about me being a soldier you are so intimidated of?" Aurora asked, pretending, albeit very badly, to be upset.

"I'm just saying that there's nothing wrong with appearing elegant," he looked away and laughed. "I've said it before – it's a shame fighting seems to be the only thing you think of," the man continued with a hint of mockery, leaning in over Aurora slightly.

For two seconds, he placed his right hand on hers, which was holding his left arm, and looked at her, still smiling. Vecheslav then looked up at Eirikur's house, which they were just passing, with his grin very much present. Aurora chuckled and looked down to her left whilst pushing the man slightly with her hip.

"I missed you," Aurora said, avoiding to look at the tall Imperial.

"I missed having our conversations," Vecheslav spoke with a warm tone. "It appears you are reconstructing the town," he then quickly changed the subject.

"I am," Aurora said.

"The road here was horrible," Vecheslav complained. "It lacks capacity."

"I'm dealing with it," Aurora answered dryly.

"No need to get defensive!" Vecheslav said, smiling and pushing her lightly.

"I'm sorry, I'm just tired," Aurora lied in order to smooth over her previous, unfriendly comment.

"Everything will be perfect," the man happily said, pulled his arm down, making Aurora let go of it. He then quickly placed his arm around her, making her grin even wider.

A few seconds later, Aurora stopped and halted Vecheslav in front of Proudspire. She let go of the man and dug in her pockets, found the keys to the manor, smiled at the four men and twinched with her head towards the stairs leading up to the building. Ratibor held his arm out as if to tell her to go first.

The woman quickly climbed the staircase and opened the door. She took a few steps into the house before placing herself out of the way. Vecheslav was the first one to enter, looking around the living room area. Ratibor and Egor followed him, having walked side by side from the palace. The older Goldwine was slightly more discrete than Vecheslav when it came to inspecting the place.

"I hope it will suit your needs, Goldwines," Aurora spoke neutrally, however, she was unable to hide her smile. "Please go upstairs," the woman spoke and held her arm out to the side.

Vecheslav bowed his head before walking onward, towards the staircase. Ratibor followed, also bowing his head as he passed Aurora. The woman smiled after them and was just about to retreat her arm as Bogdan walked past her, holding his arms awkwardly across his chest, as if he was holding something inside of his tunic.

The Jarl followed the men upstairs. "I just had it rebuilt, so there are now four bedrooms on the top floor and two in the cellar," she said, walking upwards.

Vecheslav, Ratibor and Egor stopped just after the staircase, awaiting further instructions from Aurora. Bogdan, on the other hand, simply continued forwards and into one of the chambers. Aurora threw a confused gaze to the men before hurrying after Bogdan, provoking the rest to do the same.

"The walls here are thin," she said and knocked on the newly built wall that divided what was previously only two chambers.

Aurora had ordered Nilsine to ensure the chambers were furnished, and the Stewardess had not disappointed her. The rooms, albeit small, had a very warm feeling in them. Heavy fabrics decorated the bed, windows and floors. The upper floor had been refurbished in an Imperial manner, with beautifully carved chairs and tables, and tasteful pillows, tablecloths and curtains.

The group had walked from room to room as they spoke of the long trip from the Imperial City to Solitude. Aurora had received an official request from Ratibor that he and his brother wished to live in her city, and Egor had written Nilsine a letter, explaining that he too intended to move. Vecheslav, however, had neither written to her nor spoken of the subject that day, making her unsure whether he was going to stay for long or not. The Jarl hoped that he intended to stay together with the Goldwine brothers and the painter. He was the only one person who fully knew her story, and Aurora imagined how they could spend nights together, talking, just like in Morrowind.

Olfina was a good friend, but she was never an easy person to speak to, the way Vecheslav was. The Grey-Mane was an interesting and, usually, a fun person to be around – when she did not complain about her life situation that was by no means critical, according to Aurora.

Egor's mood was splendid – it was written all over the man's face. He was beaming, and his smile was lightning up the entire upper floor of the manor. It was obvious that he cared much for the Goldwine brothers, and that it was a considerable milestone in his life to be living in the same house as the heirs to Kvatch, albeit not as much due to the prestige of being close friends to highborns, as to share living space with his best friends.

Bogdan, who had kept himself in the background, hiding behind the talkative Egor and Ratibor, had brought a bottle of wine with him – hiding it inside of his tunic. Whilst Aurora conversed with Vecheslav, Ratibor discretely hissed at his brother, ordering him to put it away. Aurora, however, noticed this, and chuckled at the younger Goldwine without looking at him.

Bogdan was fatter than she remembered him to be, but he was even more adorable. The man was not physically charismatic or manly, however, it was obvious that he was very stubborn and knew what he wanted or not. Ratibor, the older brother, was determined, but in another, softer and more diplomatic way. He was open and sociable, making the man easy to uphold a conversation with.

Ratibor, Egor and Vecheslav were discussing the manor when they suddenly saw a rather feminine dressing table in one of the rooms. It was eerily reminding of the one Aurora had ordered to be moved from Elisif's old chamber when the new Jarl moved in. Nilsine had done her best to save some gold, Aurora figured, chuckling.

"Who would even need that?" Ratibor exclaimed with a joking tone.

"This would be perfect for social climber like Umbranox," Bogdan grinned sardonically at the tall man.

"Vecheslav – the bastard, of course, how could I miss that?"

"Shut it, brother, some think you're illegitimate too," Bogdan continued, almost dropping the bottle of wine he still thought Aurora had not noticed.

"Why?" Ratibor asked with a wide grin.

"Because of your lack of manners!"

Ratibor laughed at the irony, which his brother produced. Egor was grinning at the absurdity in Bogdan's comment too, but Vecheslav did not appear to be as entertained. "He was born to the Count of Kvatch and a daughter of a Baron before their marriage," the man explained to Aurora.

"See, I'm surrounded with lower class people!" Bogdan exclaimed jokingly.

"Guys, I'm going downstairs," Egor said, quickly placing an arm on the younger Goldwine's shoulder in order to shut him up. "I need more space for my paintings."

Ratibor quickly looked at Vecheslav and grinned before leaping towards the same room, making Aurora laugh again. The men reminded her of two youngsters who heard their mother's call for dinner, being afraid of being left out of the best bits. Bogdan, on the other hand, stayed with Aurora in the corridor. The pair looked at one another in silence – the Jarl still grinning, and the Goldwine with a careful expression. Aurora let her gaze fall on the man's chest area, indicating that she had seen his bottle of wine. He slowly reached for it, careful not to drop it as he lifted it out of his tunic, and offered it to her. Aurora grinned but declined.

"How's your work?" he asked her with his characteristic, half closed look.

The man constantly looked as if he was just about to kiss the person he was speaking to. His eyes were unusually big, with prominent lids reminding of a frog. The lower lid had a crease below it, further contributing to this look. His entire face expressed a silent intelligence, embraced by a calmness that Aurora had not ever seen in a person before. His massive sideburns did nothing good to his overall appearance, especially considering his round, somewhat chubby face, though. It was more difficult to guess his age now than in the Imperial City, when his hair was shorter and he lacked the sideburns. Aurora knew that they were born in the same year, but she would barely have given the man eighteen four months ago. His messy hair and sideburns aged him, but his skin was as perfectly smooth as a baby's. With a haircut and a visit to the barber's, the man could have been somewhat handsome, Aurora thought, but that would also require him to change into some clothes which would not look like a tent on him.

"It's fun so far," Aurora said, leaning back against the wall in the corridor.

The man did not answer, he merely looked at her with his calm, non-intrusive gaze. Aurora could hear the voices of Ratibor and Vecheslav from behind the wall – the men were laughing at something. Having felt that the silence had been too long, the woman asked:

"What are your plans for life, Bogdan?"

"Me?" he asked with his eyes half-closed and a somewhat colder tone. "Besides squandering my inheritance, you mean?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "I'll make every day count – booze, women and of course... literature."

Aurora had a feeling that the man did not answer her question sincerely, but was soon interrupted by Ratibor, who stuck his head out from the room.

"My brother and I will attend your court, milady," Ratibot said, almost being pushed over as Vecheslav emerged behind him.

"Will you be staying too, Vecheslav?" Aurora asked, redirecting her attention to the tall man.

He nodded, walking out into the corridor, placing himself between Aurora and Bogdan. The older Goldwine brother closed the circle, placing himself opposite Vecheslav. He was just about to say something and gestured with his arm, accidentally hitting his brother's hand, making Bogdan lose his grip of the bottle and coming close to spilling it over Vecheslav.

"Bogdan!" Ratibor hissed as Vecheslav caught the bottle before it could create damage to either the floor or the man's clothes.

Aurora chuckled as she passed the men, walking towards the stairs, but Vecheslav and Ratibor were not as amused. Bogdan received an angry gaze from his brother before he followed the Jarl downstairs.

"The Burning of Olaf festival is barely a fortnight away. You made it just in time, gentlemen," Aurora said as they entered the living room area. She had expected to find Egor there, and did in fact see him leaning against a pillar.

"Who'll be staying with us?" Ratibor asked enthusiastically, descending from the stairs.

"A young man named Serge, he's an Imperial artist..."

"Serge!" Bogdan suddenly exclaimed in a low tone.

"You know him?" Aurora asked.

"Apparently everyone but I does," he sighed.

"Then there is a historian named Aifur Blue-Quill," Aurora continued.

"Never heard of him," Bogdan said and looked at his brother who twitched his shoulders.

"This will be wonderful," Ratibor said as he walked towards the balcony door, inspecting where it led. "Thanks for arranging this for us, Aurora," he said as he opened the door.

"No problem. I wish to help the young intelligentsia," Aurora said, turning towards Vecheslav. "Besides, I can't house you all at the palace. There are too many nobles requesting apartments there as it is," the woman said as she moved towards the main door. "Serge should arrive within a week, and the other one... Aifur should be here now... Either way, gentlemen, make yourself at home," she said and bowed her head slightly, preparing to leave the manor.

As she opened the door, Bogdan had leapt towards her, stopping the woman. She looked inside the manor and saw Egor and Vecheslav discuss something as they walked upstairs. "You aren't going now, are you?" Bogdan asked.

"I have work," Aurora stated kindly, yet firmly.

The man looked at her for a few seconds without lowering his gaze. "I didn't finish answering your question," Bogdan said.

The woman observed his face – his round cheeks and somewhat long, straight nose. His eyes were slightly hid behind his messy, wavy hair, but had a strong intensity to them, even though the rest of his face expressed nothing but calmness. Aurora remembered how his character had come to life when they had decided to get drunk at the Dockhouse in the Imperial City. His eternally sardonic smile hid teeth with gaps between every single one of them, even though they were all straight. His temper and nature were eccentric, and she had never met a person quite like either of the Goldwine brothers before.

"To be sincere, I have no idea what to do," Bogdan said neutrally, looking into the woman's eyes. "Father only cares for my brother as he will be the one to take over one day, but I'm left to my own fate."

Aurora thought that the man did not have time to finish his sentence, as Ratibor suddenly walked up the main stairs to the manor, having exited through the balcony and apparently gone out to inspect the house from the outside.

"Guess whom I just met," the man spoke with a wide grin on his face.

"Whom?" Aurora asked, turning her eyes towards the older brother.

"I have no idea," Ratibor grinned. "But we're invited to her party tonight."

"That would be Gisli," Aurora said.

"Who is Gisli?" Ratibor asked.

"Erikur's sister," Aurora chuckled. "I went to her last party. It was boring."

The woman winked happily at the older brother before turning her heel and walking down the stairs.

Ratibor walked into Bogdan's room. He was looking through the window.

The man was standing with his hands in the trouser's pockets. The tunic creased along the back, and especially at the bottom of the sides, where his arms were pressing it against his hips. Ratibor knew what it meant when his brother stood tranquilly like so, and he did not like it. Bogdan had a tendency of thinking too much of his emotions, and Ratibor never knew what Bogdan could have imagined and therefore did not approve of it.

"Things will be good here," Ratibor said and put an arm around his brother.

Bogdan instantaneously turned his face towards Ratibor, with his half closed, turquoise eyes turned towards the floor. His nose created a sharp contrast against the roundness of his cheeks and eyes that Ratibor had not paid much attention to in the past. Even though it can not have been his intent, there was a sense of obstinacy in his expression. Ratibor suddenly felt as if his brother's messy, and quite frankly hideous sideburns, were not the only feature contributing to the aging of Bogdan.

"There is a theatre under construction, isn't that great?" Ratibor continued after a short while.

Bogdan nodded but did not utter a word. He lifted his gaze to the window again, standing with his face turned in profile against Ratibor. Ratibor had a subtle feeling that the younger brother was on the beginning of his own road, but could not quite formulate what he sensed.

"What is it?" Ratibor asked instead, to what Bogdan merely shrugged his shoulders. "Everything is new. It will get better in a few weeks," the older brother said, clapped Bogdan on his right shoulder and walked out of the room.