"The Bastard of Morthal"

Part 1: The Blue Palace (The Gates)

The carriage pulled into the gates of the Blue Palace and stopped abruptly in the courtyard. Angus and Kathleen were at the palace steps, awaiting for who would materialize from the vehicle. Selene was also there, knowing that she had to be there when anyone of importance came. Other people were off to the sides, like Antoine and Anastasia, who were just bored and wanted to see was happening.

Angus's bastard Fairbanks walked out of the carriage and took a look around. Obviously, he had never been there before and wanted to savor this moment. A woman also came out of the carriage. His girlfriend, Idina took her time getting out of the carriage. Now that Fairbanks was going to be jarl one day, she had been playing up her features and wearing fancier clothing.

Selene immediately went over to greet them.

"Lord Fairbanks, welcome to the Blue Palace" said Selene

Fairbanks was taken aback. He was not used to being called "lord".

"Lady Valmont" he said as he bowed "Allow me to introduce you to my partner Idina"

Idina curtseyed and Selene nodded.

"I'm impressed that you know your courtesies" said Selene to Idina

"Of course Your Grace" Idina said.

"We will take your belongings into the palace" informed Selene.

Fairbanks nodded and looked at his father. His face was hard to read. Kathleen had disappeared. Perhaps she was so angry that this actually happened that she went inside. It did not matter when Angus's wife and Fairbanks would see each other. House Kelly would all be living in one living quarters so their meeting was inevitable.

Fairbanks continued to take in the palace. Everything seemed so clean and refined. It was strange but he figured he would get used to it. He looked to the side and saw Antoine and Anastasia, watching the scene. He knew they were of noble birth from their clothes. Anastasia was bored and was just staring into space but Antoine looked right at Fairbanks.

Antoine winked at Fairbanks, causing him to look away. He turned towards Idina.

"Is it everything you hoped for?" asked Fairbanks

"It's perfect" said Idina. She was still in awe of the palace.

"I'm glad you're happy" said Fairbanks

Angus came down the steps.

"Father" greeted Fairbanks

"Hello son" he said

Idina curtseyed in Angus's presence and he nodded.

"How has it been?" asked Fairbanks

"Madness. But at least we came up with a solution" said Angus

"Yes and one that does not jeapordize all of Skyrim" said Fairbanks

Angus put his hand on Fairbank's soldier.

"I'm glad you're here" said Angus

"Me too"

Even though Fairbanks was not Kathleen's son, he was Angus's and was treated like so. He had missed his father but in truth, Fairbanks dreaded coming here. He quietly braced himself for what was sure to be a hard few weeks.

"Let's go inside" said Angus

Fairbanks nodded and went with him up the stone steps.

Part 2: The Blue Palace (House Kelly's Quarters)

It did not take long for the members of House Kelly to bump heads with each other.

The roast chicken was hot and tasted good but Kathleen still wore an angry face. Idina and Fairbanks were sitting opposite Angus and Kathleen, much to everyone's dismay. The bright side was that Kathleen had been silent for the whole meal, but her rage still radiated off her skin.

"How is Morthal doing?" asked Angus

"Fine Jarl Angus" said Idina. She was so excited that one day she will be a jarl's wife that she expressed it when she talked

"That's good" said Angus

"So when will the coronation happen?" Fairbanks asked

"By the end of the month" said Angus

"So they did it. House Valmont made itself the royal family forever" said Fairbanks

"That they did" said Angus "That's why you are here"

Kathleen huffed a pierced her fork into the chicken.

Fairbanks was now a Kelly. When Angus named Fairbanks his heir, he was officially part of House Kelly. But Kathleen did not see it that way. He was not her son and she could never love him. He was a walking reminder of her husband's dishonesty. Of how a whore in the streets could give Angus a child and she could not. The year that he was born was one of Kathleen's worst times of her life. She was almost inclined to poison her own wine, or her husband's, or both. But now they were both old and Kathleen was tired of pretending to have love for Angus. He had, after Fairbank's birth, tried to make it up to her by doing everything possible but it could bring back the love that died. For Kathleen there was nothing, no emotion, nothing lurking in the shadows,for the Jarl Angus of Morthal. After that her love for Angus remained but in small doses and it was Angus's fault.

Fairbanks was a mistake and now he will become jarl one day. It was her worst nightmare.

Idina was happy though. She was one of the prettiest girls in Morthal and somehow fell for the jarl's bastard. She finish eating and pushed her auburn hair back and looked at Kathleen.

"I love your dress Lady Kathleen" she said.

Kathleen looked up and gave her a cold look.

"Small talk? Do you even know how ridiculous you sound?" asked Kathleen

"Kathleen" Angus said sternly. But did not change and her eyes were still locked with Idina's.

"I don't want to speak with you" said Kathleen. She turned her head down and pretend to poke at the meat on her plate.

This piece of rudeness was more than Idina could bear. But she did not yell at the Lady Kathleen.

"Why are you so upset?" asked Idina, clearly irritated.

"Because I don't know you and nor do I want to. You speak with me when you know I don't care about you or him" Kathleen said as she pointed to Fairbanks

"Maybe you should" Idina said

"Why?"

"Because Fairbanks is not a bastard anymore"

Kathleen got up angrily. The reality of it was that Fairbanks was not a bastard anymore in the technical sense. But Idina tried in what she knew she would fail. Idina would be a lady one day, should they ever get married, then she will be the jarl's wife. Kathleen would not stand to be question by her probable successor.

"I will not! Fairbanks is a bastard! A royal decree does not change that!" shouted Kathleen

Angus and Fairbanks were left dumbfounded, they both watched Kathleen with shocked expression. They did not know what to do. But Idina did.

She smacked her hand on the table and stood up so she was at eye level with Kathleen.

"It does change it! You do not get to decide what Fairbanks is!" Idina yelled

"What do you know, you are no mother!"

"Neither are you! Maybe if you were than your husband would not have a bastard!"

Kathleen was hurt. But anger overcome her hurt. She wanted Idina to be sent to the Void. How could she make such a statement? Idina had no idea what Kathleen went through when Fairbanks was born. How could Kathleen have control over any of this?

Kathleen did not have time to react before Fairbanks took Idina and left the room with her. The barren old woman looked at the door they walked out of. She was still like a painting, with angry expression, tears in her eyes, and fist balled up. She felt the familiar hand of her husband on her back.

She jerked away and looked at him.

"You need to be calm, my love" said Angus

"Why?" asked Kathleen "You made me this way".

She walked away from her husband and went to their bedroom.

Part 3: Riften (The Side Of The City)

The orange light of the sunset warmed Dorian slightly. He put his finger to the skin underneath his eye, which was nearly healed. It had been almost a week since the incident in the square but his eye was healing pretty fast. He did not regret anything from that day. During the past week he had Immanuel, Miriana, and Etta all doting on him. Even today Immanuel did not want Dorian to leave the Guild, but he had to see Akeem and get some fresh air.

Dorian was on the far side if the city when he saw Akeem turned the corner. Dorian smiled like he always did when he saw him. Akeem had a strange face on, Dorian didn't know why until he realized Akeem was looking at his eye.

"Stop" said Dorian

"You never let me worry about you" said Akeem

Dorian crossed his arms.

"Fine. I'll stop" said Akeem

Dorian and him hugged. Akeem's warmth heated Dorian's body in the autumn air. It reminded Dorian how much he missed his lover. He decided to say how he felt.

"I've missed you" said Dorian, his voice soft.

Akeem let go of Dorian and looked at him with sad eyes.

"What is it?" asked Dorian

"I'm sorry" Akeem said

Dorian raised one eyebrow.

"I wasn't there for you at the market. And look what happened" said Akeem

"It's okay" Dorian said.

He did not blame Akeem for what happened in the square. In fact, it was probably better that this is what happened. Even though he could not save the teenage orphan, Phoebe was okay and so was everyone else that was of importance to him. Akeem always felt like the hero that would save the helpless Dorian from all harm. Dorian knew he could never be this, and that was fine. He needed Akeem to be grounded with him and stop blaming himself for something out of his control.

"It's not okay. I should have killed that man" said Akeem angrily

Dorian had never seen Akeem get angry before, at least not as furious as he was now. Akeem killing someone was such a foreign thought that Dorian had never even considered it.

"And then what would happen? You would have been in jail and probably executed" said Dorian

Akeem rubbed his temple. Just how stressed about this was he? He looked backup at Dorian.

"I love you. You know that right?" asked Akeem

"I love you too"

They kissed.

It was different for Dorian this time. Akeem felt more… aggressive. His soft and gentle kisses were replaced ferocious biting of the lip and kisses on Dorian's. His hands were moving every on him. His chest, his hips, the back of his head. Akeem was being so dominant and Dorian let it happen because he liked this new side to Akeem. It felt good to feel him taking charge after all the stress Dorian had experienced this week.

Akeem's lips separated from Dorian's and he looked intensely into his eyes.

"You are mine. I'm never going to let anyone hurt you again" said Akeem. His grip on Dorian's waist tightened.

Dorian nodded.

"Can I tell you something?" asked Akeem

"What is it?"

"I think it's time"

"Time for what?"

"For us to leave Riften"

Dorian was shocked. But then again, they had both discussed it from time to time but Dorian was too young and Akeem was too poor. How could they leave with so many obstacles?

"What?" Dorian exclaimed

"Us. Leaving. Soon" Akeem said

Dorian considered this.

"My sister…" Dorian said

"Take her with us. And Miriana if she wants to"

"But what about Immanuel? He'll never leave with us. He's like a father to me"

Akeem sighed.

"I'm not saying we shouldn't. I just… don't know" said Dorian

"Fair enough. Give it some thought"

Dorian nodded.

"There's something else" said Akeem.

Dorian didn't know what radical idea Akeem would pull out now but felt inclined to listen. Akeem sighed and started to speak.

"I'm going to tell my mother… about us" he said

Dorian paused because this idea made no sense. He had thought of this before but he never followed through because his mother would not like his relationship with a thief and even worse that it was a guy. Josephine was homophobic so no matter how Akeem would go about it, it would only result in disaster.

"I know I shouldn't. But I want her to know the real me. If it fails, then we always have our epic escape out of Riften, right?"

Dorian tried to speak but Akeem cut him off.

"Just let me do this. I never liked my mother, but I can't hate her. I don't want to live a lie for years. We can't even hold hands the streets Dorian! If we could leave. Go somewhere. Not a city. We could be better, I could be better. My whole life I've never known what love was. Not until I met you. I want to have with you what I don't have with my mother. I want a family"

Dorian was at a loss for words. Now he understood. He never knew Akeem felt like this. Abandoned and alone with only him to love. He looked around. The city of Riften was a dirty one and the future jarl was one that beats orphans in the streets. He finally saw that he would always be the losing party. Like he would never have the freedom he wanted. It all hit Dorian like a ton of bricks, Akeem was right and he loved at the same time, what Akeem said seemed like pure fantasy the moment. Too many questions were going all around his head. He needed answers before Akeem did anything drastic.

"A family?" asked Dorian

"A family" Akeem said "I've been thinking about it a lot"

"Like children? Adoption?" asked Dorian

"Yes"

Dorian took a long pause. Akeem would make a great father and he had been supporting Etta for years. Maybe Akeem was right. He just needed time. To assess what would happen. Make some choices. Akeem's dreams needed to slow down because Dorian could not catch up with them right now. But he wanted to give Akeem the validation that this "this escape from Riften" will happen one day.

"Okay" Dorian said

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. But I need time. Give me a few weeks. Too much is going on. I need to think"

"Okay"

They both lingered there for a moment and Akeem broke the silence.

"I have to go" he said

"I'll see you later"

Akeem pulled Dorian for a goodbye kiss and went back the way he came. Dorian processed his many thoughts as the sun disappeared from the sky, walking toward the Guild with the moon behind him.

Part 4: The Blue Palace (House Cromwell's Living Quarters)

Alexander poked at his food slightly. All of House Cromwell had very weary faces at the dinner table.

Their predicament? Boredom. The Blue Palace was nothing but a series of meeting and preparations for the coronation which was three weeks away. Even Imogen, who once dreamed of this place, was tired of it. All of them just wanted to go back to Whiterun.

"How are your lessons?" Alexander asked Cecil and Imogen, trying to ignite a conversation.

Cecil just kept eating as if he did not hear the question.

"Fine" said Imogen.

"Cecil? Are you okay? asked Lillian

Cecil raised his head.

"I'm okay" he said

Alexander sighed. He missed Whiterun too but their time here was not over yet. He needed everyone to pull it together until the coronation.

"I know you both miss Whiterun" said Alexander

Cecil and Imogen looked at their father.

"But I need you to bear it little more until the coronation" he continued

"I don't like it here" said Cecil "It's boring"

"Then find something to do. There are a lot of young lords and ladies. You should make friends" said Lillian

"Maybe" said Cecil

"Maybe you can meet potential matches" said Lillian

"Lillian, please" said Alexander

"Only a suggestion" said Lillian

Alexander could tell Cecil and Imogen had no desire to converse with the jarl's children. But he knew that his wife was right. Cecil will one day be the jarl of Whiterun and he should have a wife and heir by then. Imogen will soon be married to a jarl's son and she will leave Whiterun. The future of their house rested in their hands now.

Part 5: The College Of Winterhold (The Hall Of The Elements)

Ian waved his hands in frustration releasing bits of arcane energy in the air.

He was alone in the Hall Of The Elements, trying to get this Alteration spell to work. How hard could it be to make a simple ball of light? He was getting so angry that he felt like he could unleash a firestorm before he casted Magelight. He had been there for 30 minutes after his Alteration class trying to make it work and he was about to leave when he heard a familiar voice saying "Hey".

He turned around and saw Rachelle, leaning on the entrance. Snow dotted her short dark hair with white, slowly turning to water.

"Hey" said Ian

"Having trouble?" Rachelle said, walking towards him.

Ian sighed.

"How hard can it be to cast a damn ball of light" said Ian

Rachelle shrugged.

Ian used this time to catch his breath. His skin was hot and red from trying so much. He always knew magic was hard, but he never thought that anything like this would happen. At this rate it will be years until he will become a master wizard.

"Maybe you should take a break" said Rachelle

Ian was in no position to refuse, so he just nodded. They both walked over to one of the stone pillars and leaned on it. For a while they said nothing to each other and Ian's breath slowed down until it went at a normal pace.

"I've got something to tell you" said Rachelle

"What is it?" asked Ian

"Me and Dalia went into town today. Apparently there's going to a celebration in Winterhold. In the Jarl's home" said Rachelle

"Isn't the Jarl in Solitude?" Asked Ian

"Yes. But her younger sister is here. Apparently there holding a celebration here for her newborn child" said Rachelle "It's open to the public"

"What? You think we should go?" asked Ian

"Why not? I want to do something different for once" said Rachelle

She was right. Ian wanted a change of pace from the classes and research of the College. He wanted to have some fun.

"You're right. Let's do it" said Ian

"Great. I knew you'd say yes" said Rachelle

"When is the said celebration?" Said Ian

"Whenever the woman gives birth. She's due in a couple of weeks"

"Good. I'm glad we're doing something else for once"

Rachelle held up her hand at Ian

"Ian" said Rachelle

"What?" Asked Ian

"I will have to choose what you wear"

"What? Why?"

"Because you'll stick out like a sore thumb. Me and Dalia need to help you pick out some proper attire"

Ian crossed his arms.

"I think I'll be fine" said Ian

"You won't" said Rachelle "Can you even dance?"

"Why would I care about dancing?"

"Are you serious? Give me your hand"

"Why?"

"I'm going to teach you how to dance"

Ian looked puzzled. Why would he have to dance anyways? He never had much time to learn anyways, and this was just a one night thing. Still, maybe Rachelle was right. It's not like he had anything to lose.

He gave Rachelle his hand.

This started about twenty minutes of Ian trying to master a simple waltz and failing. Rachelle gave up and decided to just teach him a simple dip. Ian thought this was easy enough, Rachelle was not that heavy and he was sure he could support her.

"Ready?" Asked Rachelle

"Ready" said Ian

They were both in a dancing position. Ian's hand was on Rachelle's waist. Rachelle's hand was on Ian's shoulder. He started to dip her until she was a pretty good distance off the ground.

"Good" said Rachelle

Ian didn't move. He was just watching Rachelle's face. Her hair going towards the floor.

Then it just clicked for him.

He closed his eyes and leaned in.

"What are you doing?" Asked Rachelle

Ian opened his eyes and put Rachelle upright. She looked a little frazzled.

"Nothing" Ian said

"I should go" Rachelle said.

"Wait-!"

But she already turned around and was leaving.

Fuck.

What did he just do? One of the only friends he made was now going to hate him! Ian was angry. Not at Rachelle, at himself. He thrusted his arm towards the wall and out came a bunch of fire. He kept doing this, releasing his emotions through the fire.

He pushed against the air but this time, fire did not come out.

Instead, a ball of light sprung from his hand to the wall. He stopped thrusting his arm and looked at what he did.

He did this motion again and out came another orb. Then another. Soon tiny balls of magelight sprinkled the room. It almost made him forget what happened. Like the Stars twinkled, Ian's magic did too.