Thanks for the reviews, guys! And thanks to my awesome betas!

Chapter 5: Waters

Elisif could feel the butterflies forming in her stomach as she paced in her cabin. The worse part of any trip was waiting for the damned ship to depart.

Cyrodiil, she mused, so long since I've set foot there.

She hardly remembered her mother's home country, and only been a couple of times when she was a small girl. Her mother would take her to Cyrodiil during Imperial holidays for family events. Any excuse her mother could make to her proud Nordic father to visit, she made. At leas t, that was before her mother passed on.

Elisif shook her head. She needed to put aside the sad thoughts. This was a time for joy! No longer would she deal with the shame of living in the tainted Blue Palace, where her home had become a slaughterhouse for Tullius and other innocent lives. No longer would she

be a prisoner of Ulfric Stormcloak!

Of course, there were moments as she walked to the hidden ship where she felt slight guilt over leaving him. Yes, she was no one's prisoner and had every right to leave but at the same time, Ulfric did save her, and that she'd always remember. Yet, there was too much doubt in Elisif to believe that he saved her out of the kindness in his heart. She knew Ulfric was a political man, and political men hated to loose. It seemed more plausible that Ulfric saved her so he didn't feel like the Thalmor won if they killed her while she was under his protection.

Ulfric was her enemy. He has been her enemy since the day he walked into Solitude and shouted Torygg to death. Though her marriage to Torygg was more of a formality that was never truly based on love, Elisif cared for him deeply. He had been a kind, gentle man who wanted nothing more than peace between Skyrim and the rest of the world. Elisif liked to think that eventually, yes, she would have fallen in love with Torygg.

But that would never happen now…

So much for a joyous event, she sighed. Elisif's depressing thoughts on her deceased loved ones were taking over her mind. She tried anything to keep her mind off of them.

Her thoughts were cut short for a knock suddenly came at her door. Elisif would've usually called for whoever it was to come right in, polite as she was. However, she was suspicious lately, and she had every right to be. Elisif quietly got up from her bed, and tiptoed to her door. The space between the door and the wall was small, but large enough for Elisif to peek through. To her relief, she saw an Imperial Captain, and sighed.

"Please hold!" Elisif unlocked the door and greeted the kind man as she stood aside to let him enter. He smiled and took of his hat, then bowed his head in a regal manner.

"Milady," he greeted back, "I trust everything is pleasant so far?"

Elisif gave him a kind smile in return. "Very, though I wonder how pleasant it will be once we sail," she joked, "I never had a strong stomach for travel, I'm afraid."

"Well, we'll be sure to bring up a remedy should that happen. We'll take care of anything you need. In the meantime, we'll be ready to sail in a half hour." The man bowed his head once more then put his hat back on.

Elisif smiled as she watched him walk away, but then realized she meant to ask him another question. "Oh! One more thing, if you don't mind?"

The captain stopped to listen.

"I understand we share this ship with the Emperor?"

"Oh, not this ship, I'm afraid," he grinned, "He is on another ship, though I'm sure his ship sailed a while ago."

Elisif smiled and let him go. She was secretly glad she didn't share the same ship as the Emperor, looking as pale and frail as ever. Her terrible looks, though understandable, would embarrass her. With a deep sigh, Elisif locked the door back up.

"There's the ship."

The Stormcloak spy pointed to the average sized ship, which stood out against the lonely waters and quiet forest. Ulfric and the boy hid behind a foundation of rocks from afar, careful to conceal themselves well. Galmar insisted he go as well, but Ulfric quickly denied him, knowing Stone-Fist would charge in and obliterate every Imperial and blow the damn ship without thinking about Elisif. Besides that, he trusted in himself enough to do this alone. He didn't want to waste anymore lives for her sake.

"I'll take care of this," Ulfric told the boy.

The spy nodded and scurried off, leaving his king to tread quietly in the dark. If anyone had seen him, he was sure that the image of a large Nord sneaking like a thief was a silly one. It was like a bear trying to stay hidden. But Ulfric had many years of experience in the art of guerrilla warfare.

Ulfric crept as slow as he could, making sure no Imperial could see him as he took steps into the freezing water. He walked careful so any ripples in the water he made could barely be heard or heard. When he got deep enough to swim, Ulfric submerged himself in the water, just enough for his nose to be exposed to air.

At last, he got to the ship. With his rough hand, he felt the sides of it for a door, and hoped that he wouldn't have to dive to the bottom of the ship to get to it. When his hand brushed against the uneven ridges, he sighed in relief when he realized it was the trap door. Ulfric put his ear to it, and when he didn't hear anything inside, he opened it and lifted himself up to get in.

Once inside, Ulfric could hear footsteps coming nearer towards the storage room, tapping against the wooden floor. Ulfric scanned around. It was a small enough room for him to ambush someone, so he quietly took his sword out and stood by the door, then listened carefully. It was just one person, he concluded, and he was getting very close.

Ulfric timed the tapping of the boot steps, and let the man walk in. As soon as he did, Ulfric was quick to grab him with his strong left arm, using it to hold the Imperial's mouth quiet and rested his blade on the Imperial's neck with his right.

"Stay quiet," Ulfric grunted against the man's violent struggles, "I look for Elisif the Fair."

The man he caught was clearly not a fighter, maybe barely even a soldier, though he still donned Imperial armor. The soldier squealed underneath Ulfric's hand like a young cub, shaking in fear. Ulfric let his hand off the Imperial's mouth so he could speak.

"Y-you're Ulfric Stormcloak!"

"I said," Ulfric put pressure on the sword to his neck, "IlookforElisiftheFair."

"I-I don't know anything!"

"Don't lie to me boy! Your life is in my hands and I've killed much worse than you!"

"Alright!" he yelled, but quickly quieted himself, "alright, I'll t-talk! She's a floor above; it's the door on the right! Just please, let me go!"

Ulfric sat there for a moment, giving a silent prayer for what he was about to do. There was just no way he could let the Imperial walk out and warn anyone. The risk was just too high. Then, he whispered, "May Talos be with you," to the Imperial. Before he had time to panic, Ulfric's blade sliced his neck, and his hand squeezed the boy's mouth to silence him as he eventually died seconds later.

Yes, Ulfric Stormcloak was disgusted with himself at that moment. But he did what he had to to survive. At least, that's what he kept telling himself. Ulfric bid the boy farewell on his journey to Sovngarde, and used a nearby cloth to wipe his sword clean before sheathing it.

Ulfric quietly treaded upstairs and hid himself to scour the floor. There weren't many soldiers, and the Imperials that were there seemed young and inexperienced. He wondered why there weren't any true guards on the ship. Ulfric kept close to the wall, seeing the rightmost door nearby. When no one was around, Ulfric quickly headed to the door and opened it before anyone could see.

At last, he made it inside, silently shutting the door closed. No one was inside, but the furnished style affirmed it was Elisif's quarters. For a second, he pondered what to do, knowing well she would alert the guards. He made haste to the nearby closet, keeping it slightly open just enough for him to jump out when he needed to.

After only a couple of minutes waiting, he could finally hear people coming closer. The door to her room opened.

"If you don't mind-," it was Elisif's voice, "I would like to remain in my quarters. I don't mean to sound rude, but given the circumstances as of late, I've become quite...well…" she thought of the right words so she didn't seem crude, "…I mean…I have faith in you to take care of me…"

"Say no more, milady," the man told her, but seemed rather agitated," If the captain needs you again, I'll be sure he sends a note instead."

Elisif sensed the man's distain but gave a weak smile anyway and excused him. Ulfric watched from her closet as Elisif securely lock her doors.

In Ulfric's head, he planned to jump out and silence her before she had time to scream for the Imperials. The damned fool still didn't realize the danger she was in, even if she seemed suspecting of it. Before he could do anything, however, the floor beneath his boots began to rumble and the clothes around him lightly caressed his face. The ship was taking off at last... he didn't have much time left. Ulfric needed to get her.

However, Ulfric was caught off guard when he turned his head to face Elisif. His jaw nearly hit the floor. No longer was she wearing her blouse, instead she stood there, bare, and Ulfric couldn't tear his eyes from her soft back. Elisif the Fair was shirtless right in front of him, and although she clutched herself to defend from the cold so he could see no more than her naked spine, it was enough for him to be left with little breath in him.

Elisif turned to grab her shirt and he was quick to turn away. It teased him. Of course, Ulfric never felt ashamed about looking at any woman's body before, but it was the wrong place, and wrong woman. He didn't have the right to want Elisif the Fair, and of all the dames in Skyrim, he didn't want to be caught staring at this one.

Talos save me…

When the boat rolled more, Ulfric turned back to look at the now clothed Elisif, who was sitting in her bed. She had her back turned to him, and so he decided that if there was any right time to grab her, now was it. Ulfric pushed the door open silently, and crept towards her. His lack of true stealth proved itself as the sound of his boots hitting the floor caught Elisif's ears. Before she had time to look back, Ulfric had already lunged forward and shut her mouth with his hand.

Elisif screamed through the rough hands that held her small mouth.

"Quiet," he ordered, "or more Imperial lives will be slaughtered."

Elisif whimpered helplessly, but nodded her head. He was slow to lift his hand off her mouth, hoping she wouldn't be foolish enough to scream and run, but let her mouth go.

"Thalmor are near," He told her quickly, not wanting her to call the guards before he explained his case on why he was there. "Surely you're not a fool to notice the spy who brought you here was dead."

"What are you talking about?" She choked up, "He walkedme here-"

"And when my men confronted him, he fell over dead," Ulfric snapped back, scanning outside the window, "He had been dead for hours. Necromancers spell of some sort."

Elisif thought back on the spy. Yes, the Imperial spy had acted strange, she noted, more strange than when she first met him. As they walked to the hidden ship, he was far too quiet, and never looked around to scan the perimeters. He simply walked forward, eyes straight forward, as if he had one purpose and one purpose only. Elisif doubted that he even blinked once. Still, she stayed silent, watching Ulfric scan around the room.

"Have you dare become so barbaric that you watch me as I dress?" Elisif suddenly challenged.

Ulfric looked up and raised an eyebrow. "This isn't the time. And for the record, no, I didn't see anything, nor did I wish to. Don't flatter yourself."

Elisif rolled her eyes and let him scout around.

Suddenly, the ship rolled violently and both could hear screaming across the hall. They whipped their heads towards the door. Soldier's boots one after another trampled across the floors, they yelled frantic before each one fell silent. Ulfric and Elisif listened, hearing nothing but silence after only a few moments. When only boot steps could be heard on the floor followed by the sound of elves laughing, Ulfric grabbed Elisif's waist and pushed them both in the same closet Ulfric had been hiding in.

With both cramped inside, Ulfric kept one arm around still around her waist, and the other holding her mouth shut as she was forced to lay on his lap. He whispered for her to "shush", and she was too scared not to listen to him. After a few moments, Elisif's cabin door creaked open, heavy boots making their way inside while the accent of the Thalmor still talked of the Imperial's demise. Elisif tried her best to keep her tears in.

It wasn't the most comfortable position to be in. Elisif would've protested being in the lap of Ulfric Stormcloak had the Thalmor not been in her room for what seemed like a lifetime. It was good the closet was dark so he couldn't see her cheeks flush, but she wondered if he could feel the heat from her as he held her mouth.

Thisreallyisn'tthetime… Elisif scolded herself.

That's when one of the Thalmor finally left, and Ulfric took his hand off her mouth. Without realizing what he was doing, she nearly yelped when he squeezed her body tight with his right hand.

"Shhh," he quieted her. Ulfric silently took out his sword from its scabbard on his left, and when Elisif saw it, she closed her eyes tight. How many Imperial lives had been claimed by that thing?

"Climb over me," he ordered her in a whisper. Elisif nodded, lifting herself from his lap to the other side. It allowed him enough room to get up and open the closet door.

Elisif wasn't sure how Ulfric killed the Thalmor agent, but she knew he killed him without much trouble. She heard a struggle outside, and prayed to Talos it was the Thalmor who was making those terrible gurgling sounds. When it was over, Elisif pushed the door open.

The scene in her room was terrible. Ulfric stood tall and victorious over a pool of blood, a golden-armored body lying by his feet. Ulfric wiped his blade with Elisif's comforter.

Ulfric noted her discomfort as he watched her creep up from the closet like a scared mouse.

The scene wasn't pleasant, he was sure, but it was time they got out of there.

"Let us leave," he turned his head to the door, peaking out. No one was around, but he was sure there were a number of them. Without looking back, Ulfric put his red-stained hand out to Elisif. "Take my hand."

Elisif was relunctant to touch the dirty hand that just ended a life, but wasn't in a position to protest. Ulfric was the only one who could save her at this point. She clutched his hand tight, and he began to pull her to the door.

"Laas Yah Nir."

Elisif wasn't sure what he just whispered, but whatever it was, he gazed across the ship for a good moment.

"What did you do?" She murmured.

Ulfric chose not to answer, instead watching his vision blur to where he saw many red silhouettes across the ship. The Thalmor didn't bring as many mer as he thought they would, though there were still a good number of them. Maybe it was luck. On the floor they were on, five occupied it, and even dragging Elisif he would still be able to dodge them. On deck would be a little trickier, as about nine patrolled outside. Ulfric guessed there would be a good fight against them, but maybe he could get by the water and jump off. Either way, he needed to act soon.

"Keep close."

Elisif nodded, clutching his hand tight, trusting him with her life. Both stayed low as they crept quickly to the ladder that led to a latch above. After spending years sneaking on Imperial boats, Ulfric knew to take it before he'd ever climb the stairs. It was hidden, and it would give them enough time to sneak to the railing.

Ulfric kept a tight grip on his sword and made sure Elisif was close behind him. She gently touched his back with her small hand, and though for her it was for comfort, Ulfric was glad she did it as a sign to know she was still there. There would be a fight before escaping, he was sure of it. Though the red silhouettes of the Thalmor since faded away, he kept the numbers in his head, hoping they still patrolled their spots.

The ladder and latch lead to the deck, just as he thought, and luck was on their side for barrels and boxes covered them. No one would knew they were there. The railing wasn't too far away, and he knew that a good sneak across could get them there before they jumped off.

At last, Ulfric took a deep breath, and slowly snuck across, keeping very low to the ground. He was constantly checking on the woman near him and she followed his exact movements as best she could. Deep inside, Ulfric was proud of her for keeping so composed.

As they shrouded themselves in the darkness, they finally got to the railing.

"Get ready to jump," Ulfric told her in such a soft whisper, he nearly mouthed it. She nodded. Before either had a chance, however, a tiny elf-like laugh crackled like a clown behind them.

Ulfric whipped his head around instantly, holding his blade out. Standing behind him were two robed Thalmor. One was a small Bosmer that did the horrible mocking chuckle. The other was an Altmer, who unlike his companion, stood tall and proud, not cracking a single smile. His stern frown made Elisif shudder.

"Ulfric Stormcloak," The Altmer greeted, then turned his head to Elisif, "Lady Elisif-"

"Let's spare them the formalities," the Bosmer snarled, "They deserve none, anyhow."

The Altmer didn't seem mad at the interruption, but instead nodded in agreement with the other. He smirked, turning his head to Ulfric, and let the words fall from his lips.

"Then let us get on with business, shall we? I'll admit, Stormcloak. You got farther than I would have imagined. I thought those lousy Imperial's would have done a better job than let someone such as yourself prance around on board."

The Bosmer grunted. "Shows you what they're good for. I went to her room myself, only to find our fellow mer dead. I was sure we'd get to her first, you sneaky bastard."

"Language, friend," The Altmer warned, but didn't seem to actually care. "You'll have to forgive him. He doesn't like when people get to his prey before he does. I commend you, Ulfric Stormcloak. You almost spoiled our plans, and with you being here, it's going to be a little tricky framing you when she's dead." He watched as Elisif's eye's turned more terrified than before, scouting the rest of the Thalmor on the deck that was surrounding them all.

"But that's fine. With the Emperor deceased, it won't be too difficult…"

Ulfric's eye shot up. "What are you playing at, elf?"

"Well didn't you hear the news?" The Bosmer chuckled, "He's dead. Sliced throat."

Elisif could feel her heart tearing inside her. The Emperor? Dead? How could that be? She turned her head to the Altmer and accused him loudly.

"You killed him?"

"Oh, no child. We do not get the honor of claiming that victory. It was a….mysterious assassination. Most blame the Dark Brotherhood."

Ulfric mused the thought. Yes, he heard about the Dark Brotherhood and their work lately. It was partly the reason he kept Elisif so locked up and constantly checked on. After the murder of Vicci, he wasn't sure who the next target was.

"You see," The Altmer went on, "A certain Penitus Oculatus officer was found dead not too long ago. He held a letter to the Stormcloaks stating he was willing to work with them and kill the Emperor."

Elisif's eyes instantly shot up to face Ulfric in both confusion and anger. He didn't look back, instead glaring at the mer.

"Whatever the case may be, it would be easier than ever to blame you for Elisif's death, now."

The Altmer took a step forward, but Ulfric was taking no chances. He gripped Elisif's waist, ready to jump, and took a deep breath.

The Altmer knew very well what Ulfric was about to do. "Your cheap shouts won't work on us! We're cloaked to the fullest!"

Ulfric's head turned to barrels, and his eye caught the shimmering light of the oil puddled on the deck.

Talosmustbewatching…

"YOL!"

Hot flames sprouted from Ulfric's mouth, heading toward the oil. As it touched the liquid, the barrels around shot up instantly shot up in flames, even catching a few elves on fire and burned their skin. Ulfric quickly grabbed Elisif and pushed her out of the way before a Thalmor could cut her, his sword clashing against the elf's. The Thalmor soldier's sword swung against

Ulfric's arm, splitting his skin open.

Ulfric bellowed loud at the pain and trying to ignore the blood as it began to spurt out.

"FUS RO DAH!"

The Thalmor flew back and knocked a few others on the ship's ground.

"JUMP!"

Elisif flung herself over the railing. She was scared to do so, but more frightened of the battle. As Elisif's body hit the water, she only hoped Ulfric's would soon follow.

The Freezing waters surrounded her face and body, and she flailed helplessly to the top. It was her hand that first got to the surface, and then her face hit the cold air.

Elisif was frightened and flailed her arms in the water, so frightened for no matter which way she turned, Elisif could not find Ulfric in the water with her.

"ULFRIC!" she shouted. No one shouted in return, just the yells in terror above from the dying elves.

Please let him live… She begged, Just this once, let him live!

Elisif struggled to keep herself above the water, then shouted again.

"ULFRIC!"