DRAGON CRISIS
Destiny Unraveled
X
15th of Sun's Dawn, 4E 203
The murder in the Bannered Mare had sparked dangerous rumors around Whiterun.
The incident was considered a scandal because it was a known fact that the Dark Brotherhood was responsible for the murder. Jarl was informed of the matter as soon as possible and he ordered an immediate investigation into the identity of the victim and his assassin. All who witnessed the man's corpse were brought to Dragonsreach to be questioned on the matter. As the list of witnesses was long - nearly all of the Whiterun's citizens witnessed the corpse - the city guard had quite a task ahead of them. After the civilians were questioned, Commander Caius of the guard summoned Ziiah, Kaani, Veilheim, and Nyx to testify. The Jarl ordered to question Ziiah and Kaani personally in the courtroom as they were influential individuals while Veilheim and Nyx were questioned in the dungeons by the Commander.
Fuck my life, Ziiah thought as she and Kaani were escorted by a pair of guardsmen to the court. Already present were Balgruuf, his Housecarl, and his Steward. The Jarl's brother was noticeably missing from the assembly. A short while later, the women stood before the Jarl who seemed to have even more wrinkles since they last saw him. Poor man, Ziiah thought sarcastically.
"Why is it that whenever you're in my city," he said, "something grand happens?"
Ziiah shrugged it off. "You know my history. What did you expect?"
Balgruuf sighed. "Well, I hoped your particular streak of fortune would mellow out after some time."
Kaani chuckled. "Speaking from experience, my Jarl, I wouldn't hope as much."
Ziiah gave her friend a piercing glare which went ignored by the Khajiit. On the other hand, Balgruuf chuckled in return.
"In any case," he said, "I heard you were among the first to see the body."
Shit, Ziiah and Kaani thought. The two exchanged worried looks, knowing that neither of them could confidently testify. Kaani was reluctant to point a finger at Elvaynu and she knew Ziiah would never rat out the Dunmer. Veilheim, on the other hand, might talk if his reaction to her name was any indication of ill will. I guess it all comes down to what he has to say, Kaani thought worriedly. Clearing her throat, Kaani spoke first.
"My Jarl, I cannot say much besides that this was the work of Dark Brotherhood," Kaani said. "There was a bloody handprint above the deceased's body."
Balgruuf hummed. "I heard that much, mistress Kaani. I'm interested in what might have led to this assassination."
"The man was apparently hiding in Whiterun," Ziiah said suddenly. "Whatever led to the assassination, he was aware of it and had been anticipating an attack."
"Do you have proof of this claim?" Balgruuf asked.
"The tavern owner, Ysolda, said that the man paid handsomely to stay incognito," Ziiah said.
"Could she be an accomplice?" Irileth asked accusingly.
"I doubt that," Kaani said. "Besides, the man paid his stay and additional expenses without complaining. She could call him the best customer she ever had."
"A dead one too," Irileth commented under her breath.
"Ysolda is not an accomplice," Ziiah stressed. "She's collateral damage in this mess."
"Regardless, we will question her," Balgruuf said definitely. "Proventus, have the innkeeper brought in for another round of questioning. Make sure to alleviate her worries."
The Steward bowed to the Jarl, silently accepting the order.
"That would be all in regards to this matter," Balgruuf said then looked at Ziiah. "Despite the bad luck you carry around, I was hoping you'd come back to the city."
Ziiah lifted a brow. "I figured since you sent spies after us."
"I wouldn't call them spies," Balgruuf said. "Evidently, they failed to remain inconspicuous."
Kaani crossed her arms. "We did as you asked. Ziiah met with the Greybeards."
"And I am grateful," Balgruuf said. "However, I regret that it may not be enough."
"People will never be satisfied, my Jarl," Kaani scoffed, repeating the same words she had said to Farengar and Hrongar when they came to the Bannered Mare.
"The burden of responsibility, mistress," he said solemnly. "The kind of relationship between a sovereign and its subjects is synergistic if imbalanced at times."
"So, you will bow to the opinion of the masses to keep your throne?" Ziiah asked somewhat rudely.
"To keep the world safe, Thane Ziiah," Irileth barked. "You should mind your tone when in the presence of the Jarl."
"The Jarl should mind not to intrude where he's not wanted," Ziiah said evenly, her gaze piercing the Jarl of Whiterun.
Balgruuf was calm though under the mask of indifference, he was very much alarmed. So, this is the presence of a Dragonborn, he thought as he took a good look at his Thane.
"If I had to choose between keeping my people safe," he said slowly, "and being considerate of your feelings, Thane Ziiah, I choose my people still."
"If only that were true," Ziiah responded. "Thane Tarhrin said that the Emperor is dead and that it somehow complicates the politics of Skyrim."
Balgruuf nodded. "With the Emperor dead, the Stormcloaks gain an upper hand in the civil war."
"Which is an issue, I presume," Ziiah said.
"Depends on whom you support," Balgruuf answered.
"And whom do you support, my Jarl?" Ziiah asked.
"That is a very good question."
The entire court turned around, their attention directed at the front door. Entering the keep was Thane Tarhrin with Loro just behind him. The men took their time climbing up the stairs that led to the courtroom.
"I expected you to be in Riften by now," Tarhrin said as they walked up the stairs. "Morthal is quite far away. I got blisters on my feet."
"At least you had a good look at my backside," Ziiah said sarcastically.
"You are fit, I admit," Tarhrin offered a polite smile before bowing to the Jarl. "Thane Tarhrin reporting."
Loro saluted as well. "Loro Yagg reporting."
Balgruuf sighed. "I'm already aware of your failure gentlemen."
"Failure?" Tarhrin asked, offended. "You wanted Thane Ziiah back in Whiterun to deal with the civil war and dare I say, here she stands."
Ziiah rolled her eyes while Kaani groaned.
"She's here to report on last night's murder, Thane Tarhrin," Balgruuf said.
"Is that so?" Tarhrin asked, feigning ignorance. "Messy business, that. If only it were a common civilian but Amaund Motierre, a member of the Elder Council, tsk tsk..."
Everyone stared at the Bosmer in utter shock as he unveiled the most important piece of information. Balgruuf even rose from his seat.
"How could you possibly know that?" Irileth asked.
Tarhrin scoffed. "I am a spy, Housecarl and I have a certain reputation that I must uphold."
Irileth glared at him. If looks could kill, Tarhrin thought.
"Elder Council?" Kaani asked. "The ruling body of the Empire?"
Tarhrin nodded. "Currently, the only ruling body I'd imagine."
Balgruuf said breathlessly, "This is not good."
No shit, everyone in the courtroom thought.
"Irileth," he suddenly said, "gather the men. Fortify the walls and issue a curfew. No one is to leave or enter the city at night without prior notice."
Irileth bowed. "Yes, my Jarl."
"Proventus, make sure nothing leaves this court," Balgruuf ordered. "Any rumors are to be put to rest as soon as possible."
"At once," the Steward replied before excusing himself from the court.
Balgruuf then looked at Ziiah, "You can ignore this war for only so long. Sooner or later, you will be forced to choose sides."
"All of us will, my Jarl," Ziiah said while turning on her heel. "Until then, I wish you all the best."
"You dare turn your back - " Irileth barked but was silenced by a single raise of Balgruuf's hand.
The Housecarl grumbled but said nothing as the Thane left the court. Balgruuf sighed once the door closed after her and then glanced at the Khajiit mage who surprisingly didn't rush after her. From the look on her face, she had something to say. The Jarl was silent as he gave her space to talk.
"Jarl Balgruuf," she began, "with all due respect, Ziiah has been at death's door at least three times in her lifetime. She has seen a lot of destruction, betrayal, and corruption for someone her age. Peace is something she desperately wishes to achieve."
Balgruuf frowned. "I presume there is a point to all of this?"
"Indeed," Kaani said. "Count your blessings, my Jarl. Should you pressure her any further, she might unleash her fury on your precious city."
With so much as a bow, the Khajiit followed after her friend, leaving the courtroom. Tarhrin and Loro barely glanced at her as she passed them by. On the other hand, Balgruuf tried to calm his breath as anxiety and nervousness crept in on him. She might unleash her fury on your precious city, he recalled Kaani's words.
"My Jarl," Balgruuf was snapped out of thought by Tarhrin. "If I may, I'd like to propose a different approach."
The Jarl of Whiterun thought shortly before nodding.
"Thank you," Tarhrin replied. "Mistress Kaani made a fair point. You will achieve nothing by force so I advise that for now, you do nothing."
Balgruuf cocked his head to the side while Irileth scoffed, "Nothing!? You'd have us ignore the war?"
"Technically," Tarhrin said, "Whiterun doesn't support either side of the conflict."
Though it seems they lean towards the Imperials, Loro thought as he noticed an Imperial Legate talking to a guardsman nearby.
"Either Tullius or Ulfric could launch a siege on my city at any given moment," Balgruuf said slowly.
"No, they can't," Tarhrin said. "General Tullius wouldn't outright attack unless Jarl Ulfric makes a move and Jarl Ulfric would rather have you as an ally. I doubt any attack would come unannounced, especially considering Whiterun's central position in Skyrim's commerce."
Balgruuf frowned. "You seem quite confident in your statement."
Tarhrin smiled somewhat cynically. "A spymaster has eyes and ears in all courts, my Jarl. Knowing people and how they think is just another skill in my arsenal."
Irileth rolled her eyes at his words, finding them self-serving at best and arrogant at worst. You'll never change, she thought bitterly.
"Very well, Thane Tarhrin," Balgruuf said. "I'll listen to your proposition. Question is, how long must I wait?"
"However long it's needed," Tarhrin answered. "The gods chose the Dragonborn for a reason and I'm certain she'll have a role to play in the civil war when the time comes. For now, let it all unfold naturally."
Balgruuf breathed out through his nose, not entirely satisfied with the Elf's answer. "Alright. In that case, you're dismissed. Safe journey on your way back to Falkreath."
Tarhrin bowed and retreated from the assembly. On his way, he glanced at Loro who nodded subtly to the Elf.
"You've been quiet, Harbinger," Balgruuf said once Tarhrin left the keep.
Loro sighed. "I'm just trying to figure out my part in all of this."
Balgruuf was quiet for a while. "Perhaps you should let the time do its work as well."
Loro scoffed, shaking his head. "I think I'll just return to the Companions. Hopefully, Jorvaskrr is still standing."
"You haven't seen them yet?" Balgruuf asked in a surprised tone.
"We arrived recently," Loro answered. "The incident at the tavern had Tarhrin's attention and despite my best efforts to leave, he was insistent about me following him to the keep."
Balgruuf chuckled. "In that case, I won't keep you any longer. You're free to go back to Jorvaskrr."
Loro smiled. "Thank you."
Meanwhile, Ziiah and Kaani rented a room at the Drunken Huntsman as the Bannered Mare was locked down until they clean up the place. Though Ziiah wanted to head to Riverwood as soon as possible; she was talked out of it by Kaani who was exhausted from their travels.
"I need to sleep, Ziiah," she whined. "We can go first thing in the morning."
Frustrated, Ziiah complied with Kaani's wishes and agreed to spend the night in the city. While Kaani was fast asleep in the warm bed, Ziiah found it difficult to sleep. Various thoughts rampaged through her mind like a hurricane. She tried to control her train of thought, tackling one thought at a time. Dragonborn, civil war, Whiterun, Riverwood, Greybeards, Empire, Stormcloaks, she thought constantly, repeating the words like a mantra. Suddenly, her mind went blank save for one particular thought - I want to go home, she thought desperately as she silently grieved. Brynjolf...
"It seems even the Dragonborn has her woes."
Ziiah swallowed the lump in her throat before she spoke in a grave voice, "Drop dead."
Tarhrin chuckled. "Come now, I was jesting."
"It is a poor joke, Elf," Ziiah spat. "What do you want?"
Tarhrin was quiet for a moment. "I merely wished to talk."
Ziiah scoffed. "About what?"
Tarhrin was careful as he sat on a chair next to her. He made sure his movements were slow and steady. Once he was certain that she wouldn't brandish a dagger under his throat, he cleared his throat.
"First, I'd like to apologize," he said suddenly.
Ziiah lifted a brow. "For what precisely?"
"For stalking you," Tarhrin began, "for forcing you to return to Whiterun, for throwing you into the Lord's arms."
By Lord's arms, Ziiah had been certain that he was referring to Sheogorath. "Bit too late for that last one."
Tarhrin smirked. "Perhaps but still."
Ziiah sighed. "If I forgive you, will you leave me alone?"
Tarhrin smiled somewhat somberly. "I doubt that will ever happen."
Ziiah glanced at him over her shoulder. "Why?"
"Because destiny has other plans for me," Tarhrin said, "just like it has other plans for you."
"I don't believe in destiny," Ziiah scoffed.
"Maybe you should," Tarhrin countered. "After all, you were brought back to this city for a reason. You and I met again for a reason."
Ziiah was silent for a while. "I know you were sent by the Mad God. I wouldn't call that destiny."
Tarhrin nodded. "Even my Lord is a slave to the great order of the universe. He was just the one to point the way."
"Funny how he's always there when you need him," Ziiah chuckled sarcastically. "He saved me once, you know. I thought I was dead for certain that time."
Tarhrin didn't reply. While for a fact he did not know she could've died, he still wondered why would his Lord rescue a human girl. Beautiful, intelligent, and capable as she is, what could possibly justify a divine intervention to have her saved from death's clutches? I don't break a word once given, Tarhrin thought back to their conversation at the Lakeview Manor, remembering the serious expression on Sheogorath's face. Did they form a pact?
"I've never told this to anybody, you know," Ziiah said softly. "The whole thing with the Mad God. My father saw him once but didn't pressure me to talk about it."
Tarhrin nodded. "I understand he may come off weird to someone who doesn't understand."
Ziiah glared at the Elf. "I don't understand."
Tarhrin chuckled.
"Though, I should give credit where credit is due," Ziiah confessed. "Still, I prefer his absence more."
"While I agree he is intense," Tarhrin said as he leaned back in his chair, "he saved my life as well."
Genuinely interested, Ziiah took a good look at the Bosmer. She had observed his face only a couple of times before but never long enough to notice wrinkles and dark spots on his skin - barely noticeable, mind you. There were a couple of scars as well, mostly under his jawline and near his ear. Happens with hostages, she thought as she resisted the urge to go over her own scars. She realized that he too, despite the lavish lifestyle he led, once had a hard life.
"What happened?" Ziiah asked, adding, "If it's not a secret."
Tarhrin hummed. "It's not a secret but it isn't pretty."
Ziiah smiled softly. "I can handle it."
Tarhrin glanced back at her, finding her golden eyes warm and comforting. Strange, he thought, considering whom you got it from.
Whiterun's dungeons were a stinky place. Rodents, arachnoids, and felines dwelled within its underground tunnels, hence the stench. The Dawnstar Sanctuary is not far off, Elvaynu thought as she contemplated eating one of the skeevers.
"Please tell me you're not going to eat it," Babette said with a certain level of disgust.
"The rest of us can't live off blood, my dear," Elvaynu said as she sniffed the roasted skeever leg which she previously fried with some fire magic. "Considering we're stuck here for at least another night, might as well dig in."
Babette nearly hurled as the Dunmer stuffed her face with rodent meat. Elvaynu herself held back the bile that threatened to plunge out of her mouth. It's better than starving, she repeated to herself.
"Like chicken," she tried to laugh it off though the burp that followed her statement proved otherwise.
Babette gave her a worried look. "Thankfully, I packed a spare curing potion in case you come down with something."
Elvaynu wanted to thank her but she was focused on keeping her dinner down.
"We could've had a decent meal elsewhere," Babette grumbled. "For example, back home?"
Elvaynu was silent. She knew that her Sister was annoyed with the recent turn of events.
"You should've drawn out Motierre," the vampire girl commented. "I could've drawn out Motierre."
Elvaynu sighed. "Yes, I agree."
Babette glanced at her. "We could've handled this differently."
"Yet, you listened to me," Elvaynu snapped.
Babette was silent for a moment. "Because you're my Listener. You're the head of our Family. I'm bound to you, just like I'm bound to the Unholy Matron and Dread Father."
"I'm just a person, Bee," Elvaynu said somewhat sadly.
Babette looked at the ceiling. "Not to me and not to the Family."
Elvaynu wanted to argue her point but changed her mind when she noticed the solemn look on Breton's face.
It wasn't the complete silence that worried Loro when he arrived at Jorrvaskr.
The Companions had a reputation for throwing loud and drunken day-long parties often. On occasion, it's been known to happen that they were too hungover to continue the merriment. In such cases, the entire group would retire to the sleeping quarters in the basement while Tilma - the wonderful housekeeper of theirs - handled the mess they would make. However, upon Loro's return, he found all of his Shield Siblings sober and awake, sitting in the mead hall with furrowed brows on their faces.
"I'm back," he said in a happy voice but it oddly sounded like a question.
Aela slammed her fist against the wooden long table, startling some of the Companions. Vilkas and Farkas weren't one of those; they had grown used to her outbursts. Loro as well but she didn't much care for him.
"Where were you?" she seethed. "You left in the middle of the night without a goodbye or a letter, at least."
Loro hummed as he approached the table. "Well, Balgruuf asked me for a favor - "
"It's not a problem for you to help out the Jarl," Aela went on. "The problem is that you're our Harbinger. You're an example to all of us. You can't behave like this!"
"I don't know what you want me to say, Shield Sister," Loro said as he sat down. "I was sworn to secrecy."
Aela growled, "Secrets?! Again?!"
"You really want to do this now, Aela?" Loro retorted. "Here?"
"What Aela meant to say," Vilkas cut in from the other side of the table while Aela was fuming, "was that we were worried about you. Few of the pups saw you leave Dragonsreach with some Bosmer."
"Also, the Steward didn't tell us anything when we asked," Farkas added.
"Not to mention, she was there tonight as well," Aela said accusingly. "We saw her climb up to the keep with the guards handling her."
Loro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can we talk about this in the morning, please?"
The entire hall was silent until Vilkas spoke, "We can."
"We will," Aela said and stormed out of the mead hall, slamming the door shut behind her.
With the tension in the air and the new recruits slightly spooked, Farkas urged the youth to retreat for the night. Ria and Njada helped him manage the pups while Torvar and Athis went to look for Aela. Vilkas remained seated, his eyes fixated on his Harbinger. He had many questions: where had he gone, why did he leave, who was the Bosmer, what took him so long and why was he at the Dragonsreach with Ziiah?
