"I was glad for Celestes company on those long days that we traveled on end.
Niamh had her mind on a great many things, but even then I was still just a boy who needed companionship.
I was especially glad for Celestes strange revelations, without them it might have taken me ages to ever see that Niamh was descending into something she could not dig herself out from."
A Flower in Dragonfire
-Anonymous
It was a quiet journey along the Silver Road. The rain had subsided that morning, and so when they reached the highlands the warm sun had dried the ground just before the snow had begun.
Kesh-Ra lamented to Celeste over the changing weather.
"Never could tolerate the snow." He huffed.
"You'd really hate Skyrim, Master Kesh-Ra." Celeste laughed.
"The day I go back to marshland will be the day I bless the Hist. Hell, I'd kiss Niamh square on the mouth."
"Looks like Master Septim might beat you to that." Celeste raised her brow, settling her brown eyes on the horse far ahead of them.
Kesh-Ra looked up, seeing that Niamh was actually comfortable having her arms around Martins waist. Martin had glanced back at her, saying something that clearly amused Niamh. She pushed away the strands of hair that fell from her updo, her sharp canines exposed in a smile.
Kesh-Ra furrowed his brow and shifted himself in the saddle, "Why do you say that?" He looked back to Celeste.
She shrugged, "I've known them only a day mind you," Celeste began, "But I see that look in his eye. Same one my Elanora gave me after we first made love. I had offered to walk her home after a Jesters Day parade we had in town. She had her golden hair pulled up with her mothers string pearls. I had wanted to kiss her all night-"
"Stop yourself before I begin dry-heaving," Kesh-Ra told her, then asked, not sure if he was going to like the answer, "You really think Niamh would fall for a human?"
"Jealous?"
Kesh-Ra scoffed, "Of course not. I've the same interest in romance as you would a pile of goblin dung. No...I think it's concern. Niamh doesn't exactly have the interest of humans at heart. It doesn't make sense for her to develop feelings of that sort..."
"I think this is for her to decide, young master." Celeste said, "The heart is a whimsical thing, Kesh-Ra. Some like you have no interest, and that's how you are. Someone like Niamh, however, well they can get their heart broken. But that's her choice. Martin will have his duties of course, but all in the same this is their battle." Then Celeste added, "Of course I could always be wrong."
"What's the chance?"
"Know this," Celeste warned him, "I'm never wrong. A fact that has driven my wife crazy for many years."
Kesh-Ra kept his gaze on Niamh, frowning to himself.
The snow fell steadily as the horses passed through the highlands. It was slow going on the ascent, and Brother Jauffre suggested resting the horses halfway through.
Kesh-Ra and Jauffre had been building a small fire when Niamh went to the horses. She quietly spoke Bosmeri to them as she brushed away the snow and fed them small slices of apple.
Her ears flitted when she heard the snow crunching behind her. She pet the velvety nose of her horse before turning to see Celeste pulling her locs up into a bun.
"You look disappointed, Mistress Niamh." Celeste winked.
Niamh scrunched her nose, "I wish you wouldn't talk like that."
Celeste laughed, "Old habits die hard. When I was in the Emperors army, my superior officer was adamant we all address folks as such, despite rank. Some reason it make the peasants feel less small." Celeste shrugged, "It can be hard to break yourself of such things…"
"Well I'd appreciate it if you just called me by my name." Niamh said, turning back to her horse.
Celeste nodded, "As you wish." She smiled, "You remind me of Narya."
Niamh shot her head back to Celeste, then asked nonchalantly, "The Nerevarine?"
"Oh yeah," Celeste puffed her chest out as if she had heartburn, "She was the only other one who asked me to call her by her true name." She joined Niamh in brushing the horses, "Told me she heard the formalities all her life and wasn't interested in a friend doing the same thing."
"She was a noble?"
Celeste seemed to enjoy that question, "Second daughter to the current Grandmaster of House Dres. You can understand why she was apprehensive about the titles."
"How did you two ever meet?"
"I was in Vivec, doing an escort for a noble living in the Imperial City. House Dres has always been particularly hostile to the Empire so of course they sent the best," Celeste winked, "I got caught up right in the middle as she was begging this poor dunmer woman to seek help for herself. Poor dear had corprus, there wasn't much to do. Here I was, watching this woman in finery and jewels, set her hand on the diseased...you know it was the first act of kindness I had seen in that City." Celeste sighed, "People spat at this sick old woman, but Narya held her hand as they walked to the edge of the city. Narya gave her food and coin to get her to the Corprusarium."
"She sounds like she was a decent person." Niamh said.
"Indeed. I scoffed when she told me what house she was part of." Celeste laughed, "But she denounced them before I had met her. Something about her younger sister having her thrown on a ship of criminals." Celeste tsked, "Had the misfortune of meeting that one too...and if anyone tells you House Dres isn't full of absolute pricks, you tell them they're wrong."
"Her own sister?" Niamh stopped her brushing to look at Celeste, "I could never."
"Well you don't know Moirrin Dres." Celeste shook her head, "She's the youngest of the three, but by far the one that's most likely to sell you. Apparently Narya had the gall to suggest that the family finally change their main export. Moirrin answered for their sick father by throwing Narya on a prison ship. The oldest, Saegis, she got lucky. She became a priestess for Azura and left that family long before Moirrin ever got her claws into their father."
Niamh thought for a moment, "What ever happened to Narya?"
Celeste hesitated, "She uh-well." She set down the brush and looked right at Niamh, "Being a hero is a great toll on a person, Niamh. She just got tired."
Niamh seemed caught off guard by how curt Celeste had suddenly been, "I'm sorry…"
"I'm not." Celeste smiled, her eyes watery. She cleared her throat and changed the subject, "So why are you so determined about our little mission?"
"What do you mean?" Niamh glared.
Celeste glanced over at Kesh-Ra, who was showing Martin a bug he had captured and was studying.
"You're very protective over a man you barely know. Now, the kid I understand," Celeste said, "He's barely in his seventeenth summer and needs that little guidance we all deserve at that age. But...
Niamh hesitated, "Martin is the Emperors son-"
"And I'm the daughter of a shoemaker." Celeste said, "Your point?"
Niamh lowered her voice, "Have you ever looked in someones eyes as they died?"
Celeste didn't speak, but gave a hard nod.
"I made a promise. The Emperor didn't know me at all, and yet he released me from the prisons and trusted me with his most sacred thing. When he died...I could swear I saw myself on the brink of a great inferno and a golden dragon, and I-well-I was terrified. If I don't fulfill this promise to him I'm afraid I'll never be able to live with myself. Much as I feel contempt for humans. I can't let that get in the way of what I need to do."
Celeste pondered over what Niamh had told her.
"I see," She said, "At any rate, you're a noble woman."
"Thank you." Niamh said quietly, "If you'll excuse me…"
Celeste watched Niamh walk away, clearing a patch of snow away so that she could sit and give reverence to her god. Celeste took that as her cue to return to the fire, the chill finally settling into her bones.
Not too long after, when Niamh joined the rest of them, Jauffre suggested they set back on the road.
"We're only an hours journey from the intersection with the Silver Road. There we can set on a pace past Bruma and into the Jerall Mountains." Jauffre said.
"More mountains?" Kesh-Ra whined, helping Celeste saddle their horse, "Give me flat plains any day of the week…"
"You could use the exercise, Kesh." Niamh said, "You've no muscle on you."
"I have what I need." Kesh-Ra frowned.
"Keep your shirt on, young master." Celeste helped him into the saddle.
Kesh-Ra glared at her, "Why would I take it off?"
Celeste gave a hearty laugh before motioning for their horse to follow Jauffre.
True to Jauffres word, after an hour of riding through the highlands they were in short distance of Bruma. The skies began to turn orange and pink as the rode in the shadows of the city.
Off in the distance were the Jerall Mountains, and much to Kesh-Ras chagrin they reached the foothills only half an hour later.
Niamh could feel Martin tense up when they began their slow going ascent.
"Are you alright?" She asked quietly.
Martin hesitated, "Just up this mountain are a slew of people that would lay down their life for someone like me. I don't know if I could ask anyone to do such a thing…" He glanced back at Niamh, "You have."
Niamh couldn't think of what to say, issuing out one short and breathy "Yes."
She looked up at him, watching his breath mix with the cold. She couldn't see his face, but could feel the heat of his frustration. Niamh couldn't think of any words of comfort she might bring to him, even Kesh-Ra notes how bad she is at these sort of things. So instead, she asked him a question.
"This bothers you?"
Martin kept staring straight ahead when he finally answered.
"Yes."
She didn't ask why, afraid of his answer. They rode quietly up the mountain path, the falling snow matching their silence. It was nearly an hour before they reached the top of the road.
The silhouette of the Temple loomed before them. Jauffre dismounted and walked the rest of the way to the main gates.
One of his Blades came to meet him, and they were immediately set in grim conversation.
The Blade marched back up the steps when Jauffre called to Martin.
"Come. Martin, your Blades wish to meet you."
"Do they?" Martins complexion seemed to pale.
"You'll do just fine." Jauffre assured him, ushering Kesh-Ra and Celeste up the steps with him.
Martin held back, watching the others go forward up the steps to the Temple. Niamh held out her hand when no one was looking.
"You don't have to be nervous." She said gently.
They took each step together.
"What if they don't like me?"
"They're smart enough to keep their opinions to themselves," Niamh said lightly, "If they don't I could put an arrow in them if you'd like."
Martin gave a nervous laugh, "Not necessary." Then he added, "They'll probably want a speech."
"You're very eloquent." Niamh told him, reaching the second set of stone steps.
"It won't be very long."
"They'll appreciate not having to stand in the cold for long then."
Martin stopped before they reached the top, "You'll stand with me?"
Niamh looked at him, slowly retracting her hand, "If that is what you wish."
Martin nodded, taking a deep breath before meeting Jauffre in the courtyard.
Rows of Blades stood at attention for Martin, watching him with hopeful eyes as he walked to stand next to Jauffre. The Great Hall was poised proudly behind them. Jauffre spoke first.
"Blades, there are dark times upon us. The Emperor and his sons slain on our watch. The Empire is in chaos." His voice sounded over the courtyard, "And yet, there is hope. I bring you Martin Septim, true son and heir of our late Uriel Septim.
The Blades raised their katanas in one simultaneous sweep.
"Hail Dragonborn," They all chanted, "Hail Martin Septim, hail!"
Jauffre then whispered to Martin.
"Your Highness, you have the Blades at your command. Here, you will be safe until you take the throne."
Niamh placed herself to Martins right. He gave her a quick glance before sucking in a courageous breath.
"Jauffre…" Martin began, then looked to the Blades, "All of you. I know you all expect me to be Emperor. I will do my best, but this is all very new to me. I'm not used to giving speeches, but I would like all of you to know I really do appreciate your welcoming. I can only hope that I prove myself in the coming days, prove to be worthy of such loyalty and companionship." Then he added, "That's it...I thank you."
Jauffre nodded slowly, a faint smile on his face, "Very well then...thank you, Martin." He turned to the Blades, "Let us return to our duties then, yes?"
Martin turned to Niamh while Jauffre conversed with his Captain.
"Wasn't much of a speech…" he said, clearly jittery from the nerves, "I don't think it bothered them though."
"You did just fine." Niamh assured him, "People appreciate humility."
"All the Blades, hailing me and saluting me as a Septim...it's…" Martin sighed, "Well...I really don't mean to sound ungrateful. I know I'd be dead if it wasn't for you. Thank you." He said quietly, "Everyone is going to expect me to know what to do, how to behave...they want their Emperor, I don't know if I can give that to them."
Niamh lowered her voice, "How about we start with getting you the Amulet?"
Martin nodded, "Of course," He seemed overwhelmed, "That's the important thing...the Amulet of Kings." He looked at Niamh, "So that...we...I...can take it to the Temple of the One and light the Dragonfires. To stop the invasion from Oblivion."
"And then you will be Emperor." Niamh said.
"Emperor," Martin sucked in air through his teeth, "That's an idea that will take getting used to." He gave a dry chuckle, "But in any case we need the Amulet first. I'll speak with Jauffre on the matter, perhaps he'll know where to look first."
"I'll speak with him," Niamh said, "Get yourself inside and have a hot meal. It's been a long trip."
"I could say the same to you." Martin added smartly.
Niamh ignored him, practically pushing him towards the Great Hall when Jauffre called.
"If I may have a work with you and your companions?" He asked Niamh.
"Very well." Niamh relented, motioning Martin back towards the hall.
Jauffre signaled for Celeste and Kesh-Ra to join them.
"You three have all gone farther than I had ever thought to bring Martin to us. And for that I must thank you," Jauffre began, "You have more than proven yourself, and as Grandmaster, I officially invite you to join the Blades. We need people so willing to fight for their Empire. Martin needs loyalty now more than ever in this time of crisis."
Celeste was the first to speak.
"It's a mighty honor, Grandmaster. I may be a little older than most, but I'll take any opportunity to serve my Empire once more."
Niamh shifted her stance, "I-I don't know what to say…"
Kesh-Ra piped up, "I'm not a fighter, Grandmaster."
Jauffre nodded slowly, then extended his hand to point to the Great Hall.
"Follow me if you please." He said.
Jauffre spoke as they walked to the Great Hall.
"The Blades have always been tasked with protecting the Emperor. Be it through brute force, espionage, and any other means we see fit to use."
Two Blades opened the doors to the hall, a rush of warm air flowing over them as they entered. The smell of a warm fire greeted them, and rows of tables sat off-duty Blades enjoying their books or their meals.
"It's true we make use of our Akaviri Blades, but there is so much more than that to being part of the order." Jauffre pointed up to the hanging katanas perfectly placed along the walls and in between pillars, "To be a Blades is to be proud of our Empire. Each and every body that these katanas has belonged to has died in service for Emperor and Empire. This one-" He pointed to a blade by the fire, "Our first Khajiit, a damn fine spy at that. Many assassinations were foiled at her hands."
Jauffre motioned to one that was hanging just above Celeste, "That one belonged to a young man who had a particular skill for battleaxes. Not a graceful man, but one look would inspire fear amongst the enemy." He looked at Kesh-Ra, "You do not have to have skill with bow or blade to be part of us. And if I remember one of your many talents was your affinity for alchemy?"
"Yes, sir." Kesh-Ra said timidly.
"We can always use someone like you, Kesh-Ra." Jauffre assured him.
"Then…" Kesh-Ra thought for a moment, "Perhaps my cottage can wait a little longer. And I do have some experiments I've been working on…"
"And you?" Jauffre turned to Niamh.
Niamh thought over her words carefully, "It is a fine thing to belong to such a respectable order." She hesitated.
"We do have agents in Valenwood." Jauffre said to her.
Niamh felt her stomach churn into knots, "I understand…" Then she mustered her strength, "If Martin requires protection, then I shall be there as long as he needs me to be."
Jauffre gave a faint smile, "I am glad to have you all with us, then. I welcome you formally into the Blades as Knight sisters and brother."
"You have our thanks, Grandmaster," Celeste bowed her head, "And now the matter of this missing Amulet…"
"Ah yes," Jauffre seemed to grey, "We must try to recover the Amulet of Kings before the enemy takes it out of our reach. I will speak with my Captains here about the matter, but I feel a rendezvous back in the Imperial City will be an order. Baurus has been running reconnaissance on the assassins and may have learned something of use." Then he looked over the three, seeing they were devoid of sleep and food, "But for the night, I muse request you all get a good night's sleep. The bathhouse is behind the quarters, and you will find food in the kitchens to my right."
"Much appreciated, Grandmaster." Celeste said, ushering Kesh-Ra towards the food.
Niamh waited for them to leave before speaking.
"Grandmaster," she pulled Jauffre away from prying ears, "I may not be any use to you in the Imperial City." She pulled out the warrant for her arrest, "I assure you the entire situation is a mistake, carried out by a vengeful man."
Jauffre looked it over, then nodded as he rolled it up and threw it into the fire, "You are a Blade now, sister Niamh. Emperor Uriel placed his trust in you, and so shall I. I'll send a missive to the City to clear your name. In the meantime I would still have you go, and should any problem arise I will write you an ordinance saying that your arrest is unlawful."
Niamh let out a sigh of relief, "Many thanks, Grandmaster. It has preyed on my mind for some time…"
Jauffre held up his hand, "I know what you did at Kvatch. I need someone who has taken down an Oblivion gate to be on our side. I shall have your papers sent to the armory in the morning, for now, rest, you've earned it."
"Thank you."
Kesh-Ra curled up into his cot, pulling his blankets over himself with renewed fervor. When he settled down, he watched Celeste flick her pen back and forth over fresh parchment.
"Writing to your wife?" Kesh-Ra asked.
Celeste nodded, "Figured I'd tell her where she can send her own letters if need be. Not that I think she will, she's probably burning my effigy right about now."
"I can ask Niamh if we can take another trip to Skingrad soon…"
"Elanora needs her space now and again, I've always respected that." Celeste said, "At any rate, she'll be steamed to know I'm soldering for the Empire once again."
Kesh-Ra moved to sit up, blankets wrapped around him.
"Why?"
Celeste shrugged, "They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. The first time I was away that might have been true, but, Elanora makes it a point to say that it was my duties that led to the drink."
"Surly you won't…
"I'm no fool, young master." Celeste laughed, folding up her letter, "I love my wife too much." Then she looked to Kesh-Ra, "Do you have anyone to write home to?"
Kesh-Ra shook his head, "My father was the only family I had. Up until I met Niamh, I was a recluse."
"Well, maybe after all of this is over I'll have the distinct pleasure of receiving one of your letters, Master Kesh-Ra?" Celeste raised her brow, fluffing up her pillow.
Kesh-Ra smiled, "Of course."
He settled back into his cot, watching a few other Blades come and go as the watch changed.
Niamh came through not long after, drying her wet hair. Celeste chuckled.
"I don't think I've ever seen you without dirt on your face, Niamh." She said.
"Don't get used to it." Niamh said, throwing her stuff into the nearest empty cot, "I've spoken to Jauffre. We depart for the Imperial City tomorrow after we've been fitted for armor."
"And what of the bounty?" Kesh-Ra asked, half asleep.
"He's sending a missive overnight to try and reach the city before us. Apparently being in the Blades has perks." Niamh smiled at Kesh-Ra, "We've nothing to worry over."
"How did our prospective Emperor take the news?" Celeste asked, her eyes full of mischief.
Niamh hesitated, "I haven't told him yet. Jauffre set him up in the quarters upstairs."
"Were you going to mention it when we arrive the next time?" Celeste asked, "You have time, I'm sure he's up reading one of those books I saw him hauling."
Niamh relented, "Very well."
Kesh-Ra eyed Celeste after Niamh left the quarters.
"You're awfully pushy."
Celeste settled into her cot and threw her blanket up to her chest, "I'm just hoping the orgasm she gets will soften her mood in the morning. Goodnight, young master."
Kesh-Ras mouth widened in shock as Celeste turned to her side, softly snoring not long after.
"Well I never…" He whispered to himself, setting his head on his pillow.
Niamh poised her hand over Martins door, words racing through her head. Almost as if sensing her presence, Martin opened his door just as she was about to knock.
"Niamh!" He seemed surprised, "I thought you had gone to bed."
"I-" Niamh felt heat rise into her face, "I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking Celeste and Kesh-Ra to the Imperial City. We leave in the morning."
"So soon?" Martin furrowed his brow.
"Grandmaster Jauffre felt it best to get in contact with the Blades in the city. Baurus may have some information for us on your Amulet." Niamh explained, "The sooner we retrieve it, the better."
Martin looked at the ground, "I understand…" He cleared his throat, "Well it was nice to have a somewhat friendly face around."
"All of these Blades are here for you, Martin, no need to feel so out of place." Niamh told him.
"I appreciate your confidence in me." Martin smiled.
Niamh glanced past his shoulder, noticing the books stacked up on the bed, his blankets untouched.
"Can't sleep?" She asked.
Martin shook his head, "I've been trying to look into the daedra, try and make myself useful while Jauffre has me cooped up here." He walked over to the bed, "Some of it not really much I hadn't known already…" He closed a copy of The Book of Daedra.
"Have you studied much of them?" Niamh asked, inviting herself to enter the room.
"I haven't always been a priest." Martin smirked at her, then sighed heavily, "I know more than I'd like about the seductions of the Daedric Princes…"
"And here I thought you to be a dull Emperor." Niamh teased, going to the bed and flipping through a book on the various realms of Oblivion.
"Dull?" Martin playfully scoffed, "I assure you I am anything but."
"Well at least I know my duties won't be so boring." Niamh laughed.
"Duties?"
Niamh met his gaze, "Jauffre has invited Kesh-Ra, Celeste, and I to join the Blades."
Martin furrowed his brow, "And?"
"We accepted." Niamh told him.
Martin let out a heavy sigh, "The last thing I ever wanted was for you and the others to feel obligated to watch over me. I'm not asking for a keeper." He ran his hands through his hair.
"That's not what this is." Niamh told him, "Kesh-Ra is glad to have people who will make use of his alchemical mixtures. Says the wizards are too boring for him." She snorted, "And Celeste is more than willing to protect the Empire."
"What about you?" Martin asked her.
Niamh slowly set down her book, trying to find the words to say.
"Why do you stay?" Martin softened his voice, closing the space between them. The floral smells in her drying hair wafting up into the room.
Niamh looked at him, "Must I really say it out loud?"
She and Martin let the silence in between them grow. And it grew until Martin couldn't stand it any longer.
"So then…"
"Yes." Niamh said quickly, "And I think it's wise for me to leave in the morning. I-I must clear my head properly. It won't do any good for me to feel this way when you...well…"
"Are the soon to be Emperor?"
"Exactly."
Martin nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on how beautiful he thought her bottom lip was.
"And you joining the Blades…" He started, his breathing slowed so that he could savor her perfumes.
"So that I wouldn't be tempted to do anything foolish." Niamh answered, transfixed on the eyes gazing down at her mouth.
"Foolish…" Martin repeated, "What would that entail?"
Niamh couldn't help but smirk, a bolt of electricity running through her.
"Physical contact." She answered, "Your hand on my waist-"
"Like this?" Martin gently pulled her to him, his right hand on her hip, "What else?"
Niamhs breath hitched in the excitement, she bit her bottom lip and settled herself before she spoke again.
"My arms around your neck, like so." Niamh gently laced her arms around him, "And then...the air between us is so little that we can feel each others breath."
"And should I kiss you?"
"Very much so."
Martin leaned in, tilting her head up so that he could place her soft bottom lip between his. It was like a kiss neither of them had ever felt before, and Martin thought to himself that it rivaled all those ever written into poem or song. He felt his head swim, he eyes feeling as if they would burst from the pressure built up in his head.
They didn't want to let go of each other, but Niamh slowly pulled away.
"I must bid you goodnight." She whispered.
"Why?" Martin asked, "If you stay, time will stand still for us."
Niamh placed a hand on his cheek, "I depart in the morning. Time waits for no one."
Martin kissed her hand, "If you truly wish it."
Niamh went to the door, but Martin stopped her for one last kiss. And when he pulled away he spoke gently.
"When you go to clear your head, don't forget this. Because I know I won't." He said to her, "Even if you call it foolish."
Niamh sighed, but couldn't find it in herself to say no.
"How could I?" She said, touching her finger to his lips before tearing herself away.
The walk down to her quarters felt like an eternity. She was lost in the sweet passions of something she had desperately wanted. Niamh found herself lying down in her cot, ignoring all the strange sounds of the Temple, falling asleep to the memories of Martins dancing eyes.