Elisif III

It had been months since my husband had been killed. I had offered something to all of the Divines except for Talos. I did not worship him, but I know Torygg did so it has been on my mind since then to offer something. I just did not know how or when or where. His worship was outlawed and I grew up in Cyrodiil.

It was expected for me to act like an Imperial lady in waiting. My father worshipped him in Bruma, but I was a ward at the court of Kvatch under the care of the count there. When I came to Skyrim I never started to worship him as I was dangerously close to the Aldmeri delegation.

I did not know where the Shrine of Talos where still located. I did not know which ones were under watch by the Thalmor and which ones were still hidden. I did not know what to offer the Divine. He was a god of war and Torygg never went to war. I did not know how to offer him anything. I talked with Falk and Aldis for hours on end. Sybille tried to give her advice but she worshipped no gods. I sent word to Jarl Balgruuf.

Balgruuf the Greater was a man I knew worshipped Talos, but still was loyal to the Empire. He threaded the fine line that was getting even finer these days. He was attempting to stay neutral in the escalating Civil War. He met with Stormcloaks and Imperials alike in his court. Surely he could help.

And help he did.

After several letters delivered back and forth between the two of us he wrote to me telling me one of his trusted Thanes would be coming to help. I did not expect it to be the man that showed up in my court one day.

A tall, dashing Nord in fine Nordic armor walked in. No helmet was atop his head showing his shoulder length light brown hair. Stubble had built on his chin but he had no beard. A tall, muscular raven haired Nordic woman well armored walked at his side. His housecarl, perhaps? He carried himself like a Thane should, but I knew this man.

"Are you not the mercenary who escorted my brother here for my wedding?" I stood to greet the man. On hearing this the guards snapped to attention.

"I am, my Jarl." He bowed his head. His lips formed a frown.

"And are you not the man who took my brother to Windhelm before the wedding, forcing my brother to skip a week of celebration?" I pointed out with ire in my voice.

"No, my Jarl. You have been misinformed." He began to explain.

"Oh really? My brother lies?" I interrupted. I was being less than tactful. This man represented Jarl Balgruuf's court. I could cause a scandal. I didn't care.

"That was not what I meant to apply, Lady Elisif. I found your brother in Windhelm. He and his wife were wondering around outside the Temple asking for someone to take them. Windhelm isn't safe. A killer is on the loose. I offered to bring them here free of charge." He looked at her, his eyes stared into hers. She noticed the silver blue color staring into hers.

"Well, what of knocking my brother out? He could have saved my husband. Then you fled after escaping the guards. If you were in Windhelm before you came here maybe you were part of Ulfric's plot." I shouted at him. Then I noticed the anger in him had built up.

"Look, I mean no offence but your brother would have been cut down by Jarl Ulfric before he could get a swing in." The court began to murmur. "I stopped your brother from getting himself killed by Ulfric or by ancient laws. If you are to rule the people of Skyrim, or just Solitude, you should know our laws. No man can interfere in the duel of another, unless appointed as champion or in a duel with a designated second. If he does so he shall be put to death. I saved your damn fool of a brother." He shouted back. The court had a mixed reaction. Aldis and Bolgeir both put their hands on their blades. Erikur was rolling around in his seat, dying of laughter.

"Now then, I did leave the guards as I thought they would have more urgent matters. I left under the custody of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater and he dealt with my punishment." He tried his best to calm down.

"By naming you Thane?" I threw my hands in the air in frustration.

"No, that came after I saved his son form a Daedric prince. I have been serving Jarl Balgruuf's court since I left here that day and have helped in any way. I have heard of your predicament and have been sent to help you. Also, Jarl Elisif I did not assist Jarl Ulfric in killing your husband. I had not met him before I came with your brother. We talked maybe once or twice before the duel happened. I would not actively help anyone kill the High King unless he had done something to deserve it. I may have been a mercenary but even then I had a code of honor." The Thane of Whiterun stood back and crossed his arms and stared at me.

"Um, yes well. I guess I have acted rashly. Would you like to meet where we can discuss this issue?" I felt my face flush red with embarrassment.

Bolgeir and I left the court to head to a more private room. I left Falk to handle any issues while I met with this man in a more discreet location. His woman followed close at hand. She had extraordinary cheekbones I noticed. Maybe a lover and not a housecarl?

"I would like to apologize for my behavior, my Jarl." The Thane bowed his head.

"No, don't do that. It is I who should apologize to you." My voice came soft.

"Well, I understand I am to make an offering at a Shrine of Talos for your husband?" He lowered his head. "For what it is worth, I am sorry for what happened. No one deserves to think of their wedding day that way." His eyes were full of sorrow. I did not want his pity.

"Yes, take this war horn. Deliver it to the Shrine Jarl Balgruuf wrote of. Return when it is done so you can receive payment." I told the Thane.

"Jarl Elisif save your payment. A man deserves to be blessed by his gods when he dies. It is on the way home. I'll take it for free."

"It was not out of your way to come to Solitude?" I looked at the man. This was certainly odd.

"Oh this was not the only reason I came. Whiterun Hold has taken over the Falkreath village of Riverwood. The Jarl of Falkreath was doing nothing to help his people with the dragons and they requested aid from Jarl Balgruuf. We have sent word to all other Holds, but Jarl Balgruuf thought this could be told in person as I retrieve your offering." He smiled. It was a crooked grin.

"Are you sure you do not want payment?" I asked. No one was this altruistic.

"If you want to pay you can send it to Jarl Balgruuf. Or you could give a poor person here the money. I think there is an old veteran who needs some money, or that poor Breton who wonders the outside of your palace."

"Can I at least learn your name?" I wondered aloud. Damn, I hate when I do that. That was supposed to stay in my head.

"I am Thane Uther of Whiterun." He bowed at the waist.