Elisif IV

The plans had been made.

At the Elenwen's party tonight, Hadvar and Aldis would backdoor Erikur. If all went according to plan then we would be able to arrest him. His title of Thane would pass to his sister, and maybe we would cause enough of a scandal to get Elenwen sent out of Skyrim.

I hoped they would get him on something truly treasonous, so we could show people not to betray each other for the elves. Honsetly though, I just wanted Erikur in a cell so he could not plot against me. He is a danger on the streets, and house arrest is too good for him.

We arrived early at the part and met with Elenwen and several of the Jarls. Most of the Jarls were currently living in exile within Solitude. I saw them frequently, but not when I could socialize.

Balgruuf, in particular, was an interesting person to talk to. He was by technicality a Stormcloak Jarl. However, he was really a supporter of mine. He hated Elenwen, the Thalmor, and loved Talos. He was here to be able to talk to me.

Tullius walked in followed by a dark haired Imperial man. Tullius introduced the man as Aeneas, a servant of his. Very little did Tullius discuss with me. He mainly spoke with Balgruuf about the movement of Stormcloak soldiers and the politics of Eastern Skyrim. He occasionally stopped to ask Aeneas opinion. The man was more than a mere servant.

Not long after Tullius and the "servant" left to talk to the East Empire Company Representative, a drunken Redguard swaggered over and began harassing me for a drink. He had no idea who he was even talking to. Thankfully Balgruuf stepped in to rescue me away from the Redguard.

As he was leading me to a corner, I heard everyone in the room go silent. Turning I saw a tall Nordic man walk in. He was dressed in exquisite clothing that would have made Torygg jealous.

When I saw him I did not recognize him at first. It had been years since I last saw him and then only briefly.

At first I saw his sky blue eyes. They were bright, piercing. They had a laughter to them that reminded me of before the war started. He scanned the room, looking over everyone. He was judging everyone in the entire room. For a brief moment we locked eyes, then Elenwen walked up to him.

I watched as he laughed at something Elenwen said. I did not know if it was real or fake, but it was infectious. Others near him began to smile, some even slightly chuckled. I found myself captivated by the man. The way his laugh filled the room, causing people to turn and stare, caught my attention.

"Elisif?" Jarl Balgruuf called my name. "Elisif, what are you staring at?" then he turned to look as well.

"By the Nine." He muttered, I'm glad no one heard it here. His mead fell from his hand and shattered on the floor. It's golden liquid splattered everywhere. "It's him, Elisif. Dammit, its him."

"Him?" I looked to the Jarl of Whiterun for an answer.

He turned and smiled at me, "That man there, that's Uther of Bruma, Thane of Whiterun, and the Dragonborn. Elisif, the damned Dragonborn just walked into the Thalmor's embassy.

"You're kidding, right?" I looked closer at him. His face had aged some. He was little different than the man I remembered, but I guess it was just enough of a change over long enough of a time that it threw me off.

He carried himself differently now. He was less of a cocky mercenary and more of… Wel I am not really sure what to call him now.

"Excuse me, Jarl Elisif. May I steal Jarl Balgruuf for a moment?" He spoke. His voice was pleasing to the ear.

"No, you may not." I smiled back at him, teasing.

He looked taken back, offended even.

Balgruuf looked between the two of us, looking a little surprised at my banter. "Well then, lad, you heard her. Tell me whatever it is with her here."

"Okay, I was not expecting this." He grinned and began to whisper, "I have met the last of the Blades. I am here on a mission. I am a merchant from Bruma, please do not blow my cover. If I need to leave, please don't question it. I will tell you all that I can afterwards at Dragonsreach."

"Why? What is going on?" He asked confused, but I grabbed his arm.

"We are probably are safer not knowing correct?" I asked the Nordic legend. My brief experience with Hadvar and Aldis taught me not to ask questions.

"Correct." He smiled. If I could give out an award for best smile, he would win every year.

"Well what would you do until you have to leave?" I asked Uther.

"I will do my best to keep you company." He smiled again. Balgruuf balked at our blatant flirtation.

We talked for what felt like several more hours. Balgruuf left us, the Emperor walked over and the two men spoke. Tullius had no idea who he really was, and I think that's why I enjoyed overhearing the conversation so much. If the legends were true then Uther's voice would put Ulfric's to shame. If Tullius knew he talked to the Dragonborn, not some wine connoisseur and traveling merchant from Bruma he would be recruiting.

Others came, Nord and Imperials, Dominion or man, merchants and diplomats. They all came and went, the only constant thing throughout the evening was the Nordic hero at my side. He could talk with all of the diplomats, but talk of only the politics of Skyrim or Morrowind. He claimed that was where most of his business went on.

The only interruption throughout the entire event was when a Bosmer girl began screaming about Erikur groping her. I saw Matthias slink back through the crowd to where most of my envoy was sitting. A shouting match between the girl and Erikur ensued until he began to yell for Elenwen to come to his rescue.

She sent off the young wood elf.

Elenwen next came to us and apologized for the embarrassment that the girl brought on my court. "Oh don't you worry, First Emissary. We will do an internal investigation of Erikur and handle the situation. The man will not assault any more of your staff, I am sorely sorry for such a scandal at your party." Elenwen turned on her heel and left without more than a grunt.

"Do me a favor?" I looked to Uther.

"Yes, My Jarl." He looked down at me, our eyes locked.

"Rescue that girl."

"Of course." He smiled again. Does he know what runs through my head when he does that?"

"Also, if you see anything on Erikur, please bring it to me." I asked this time

My only reply was a wink as a Wood Elf bartender approached Uther.