The Elder Scrolls - Skyrim: The Winds of Solitude
Chapter Two: Soft Whispers
He was gone.
Two weeks had passed and Elisif had still yet to absorb the fact that her husband was dead as the hands of his friend. She felt like a ghost drifting through a distant memory as she dealt with courtiers. The day after Torryg's funeral she was declared Jarl of Solitude by the people. It didn't make anything better but it made her humble that the people supported her.
A knock on the door to her private quarters roused her from the thoughts.
"Come in." she called wearily and watched as Falk Firebeard enter. "Any news Falk."
"Sadly I only bring grave news my lady." He answered solemnly. "The Jarl of Windhelm, Ulfric Stormcloak has rallied his troops and support and declared civil war against the Imperial Legion."
Elisif sighed heavily. "I'm not surprised, we should have known how much the people want to be free from the empire. If only Torryg had listened to them."
Silence hung over them as Elisif re-adjusted her tiara. It felt heavy on her head, bearing a stark reminder of her husband's fate. Falk cleared his throat gently.
"There is another matter my Jarl." He said softly. "As the throne of Skyrim is now vacant, the people are now pressing for a new monarch, half of the Jarls around Skyrim are putting their support behind you."
Elisif let a small, weary smile grace her face. "And the other half."
In the all the time Elisif had known him, she had never seen Falk look so regretful before now, it was almost as though he wished he had never brought the subject up.
"They are behind the Jarl of Windhelm my lady."
Elisif sniffed. Of course she wasn't surprised, those were the Jarls who wanted Skyrim free from the empire; the very same Jarls Torryg had tried to appease with a belated referendum. What use was it now that her husband is dead and a civil war that has now broken out between the rebels known as the Stormcloaks and the Imperial Legion. It's a troubling time for Skyrim and the people of Solitude are now looking to her for help. Even though the grief for her husband is raw, she could not let the people down. It was her duty to lead the people of Solitude and maybe one day Skyrim. But for now she had more pressing matters at hand and she could only hope her husband was watching over her from Sovngarde.
"Well, let's see who is more likely to stab me in the back." She said to herself quietly and walked out of her quarters with a bewildered steward following her close behind.
Three weeks passed with little event, General Tullius was proving to be someone Elisif could trust. He made a promise to her and to Skyrim that he would bring Ulfric to justice. He kept her up with the current events of the civil war and being hopeful that the war was gradually being won by by the legion.
So far things were quiet in Solitude with only regular updates from the matured General and the smooth politics of the city. Falk Firebeard did most of the talking for Elisif, she didn't have much experience in dealing with politicians unlike her husband but did well in keeping her head on her shoulders. She was determined not to be a doormat but with the lack of experience it had left her feeling vulnerable.
"My Lady, Thane Erikur and Thane Bryling have returned and are here to see you." Falk announced in a clear voice over the quiet murmurings of the court, the two Thanes of Solitude presented themselves and bowed to Elisif.
"My Jarl, we are sorry to hear the news about your husband, the great King Torryg. It is with great regret that we were not here to protect you both." Thane Erikur a usually proud looking man looked very sombre, as did Bryling to some extent.
"Do not blame yourselves." She reassured them gently. "Torryg had sent you to aid the Jarl of Markarth, you both did your duty to him and Skyrim and for that I thank you."
"My Jarl you are most kind, I swear to serve you as I did King Torryg." Bryling affirmed bowing her head to the Jarl respectfully. Elisif smiled gently.
"Anyway, how is the Jarl of Markarth, has the Forsworn threat been dealt with?" Elisif asked, changing the subject in an attempt to avoid the courts thoughts dwelling too much on the kings death whilst simultaneously trying not to be abrupt.
"We have managed to push them back along with his men but alas the Forsworn threat remains. He's managed to capture and imprison their leader Madanach along with several of his men, this of course has put a dent in the barbarians morale and they seem to be slightly more disorganised as the result." Erikur informed, standing to his full height of authority. "Now there are only skirmishes but it's nothing Jarl Igmund and his men can't handle."
"That is good news, for Igmund at least. I understand it's difficult for a man with his pride to ask for outside help. Both of you and the company who travelled with you are granted a weeks leave to recover your strength."
"Thank you my Jarl." Erikur and Bryling bowed before being dismissed by Falk Firebeard. Elisif watched as her two Thanes leave the court without a backward glance. It was strange having the two back after a month without them; she was glad they were back as she needed them around more than ever.
It was then that Falk Firebeard noted someone of importance in the room.
"My Jarl, General Tullius is here to see you." He announced as the courtiers gave way to allow the stern-faced General through.
"Madam." The General bowed in greeting.
"General Tullius, I trust your day is well?" Elisif smiled warmly, shifting in her seat more comfortably as the General handed some papers over to the steward.
"Indeed your grace, the Emperor has agreed to send more troops to join our cause in quelling the rebellion and bringing Ulfric Stormcloak to justice. We have also taken over Fort Hraggstad after a skirmish with the Stormcloaks."
"That is good news General, although I heard one spy managed to slip away with valuable information."
The matured General hung his head regretfully. "Yes, my men are scouring Haafingar and Hjalmarch for him as we speak, so far the traitor has sent us in circles in hope to shake us off but it won't be long until he is caught, you can have my word for it my lady."
"Very well." Elisif said before rising from her throne. "For now I shall retire from court, I leave all important messages and duties to my Steward Falk Firebeard. Good afternoon General."
The courtiers bowed as Elisif took her leave before resuming their chatter and businesses. When sure that everyone was out of hearing range Falk approached the General who was sorting out letters in his satchel.
"General, a word if you please." He said in a hushed tone, Tullius nodded and followed the steward into a small room. Shutting the door behind them Falk Firebeard turned to the General crossing his arms.
"That valuable information involves my Jarl Elisif and her future visit to the Thalmor Ambassador Elenwen's Soiree. From reports of my lady's personal guard that information was deliberately leaked. Why?"
The General sniffed. "You have very good spies my lord Steward, just to make it clear the Imperial army does not intend to allow any harm to Jarl Elisif and supports her claim to the throne, we have deliberately allowed this information leaked to lure Ulfric Stormcloak to make a daring attempt to assassinate my lady, of course, he and his men will be met with the full force of the legion."
"My dear General, Ulfric does not intend to kill Elisif, he is more likely to kidnap her and use her a pawn for his rebellion's advancement in the civil war. This is madness!"
General Tullius merely smirked. "This my lord Steward, is war."