Author's Note:

A very special thanks (again :D ) to Vivifriend for their amazing advice on what angle to take in an important plotline. And all the other help and support they had given me with my saga :) Check out their fics on AO3 if you haven't already. They are amazing.

Enjoy the chapter :)

Chapter XXXV – Rotting Just Below the Head

"So wait, who's coming over again?"

Jordis didn't get much information about their guest tonight. They merely mention that someone was coming over late at night. Not that they wanted to keep it a secret, there was just no reason to spread it around. But now it seemed like Jordis wanted to stay up late. Apparently, even though she had to spend some time looking for a new blank canvas after a moment of confusion, inspiration struck and she was now very eager to finish her drawing of Dragon Bridge in a storm.

"An annoying tin-head with a stick up his ass," Bishop smirked. He wasn't exactly thrilled about this. He knew Aeyrin was kind of invested in this entire fucking conspiracy mess, but he would be so fucking happy if she just stayed away and let the paladins drown in their mess.

"Interesting," Jordis smirked. "And by tin-head you mean…?"

"Paladin," Aeyrin explained with a shake of her head at Bishop's direction. They were all just relaxing by the kitchen table, watching Jordis draw and drinking after another great dinner.

"Hmm, why is he coming so late though? I know they claim they have a lot of work, but the soldiers say that the paladins just walk around trying to look important and better than everyone else," Jordis chuckled.

"That's exactly what they do," Bishop smirked.

"I don't know about that," Aeyrin shook her head again with a soft smile decorating her lips. Maybe sometimes, but they were still doing good things. Most of them. Casavir was. Even though nobody knew about it. "He just… can't really be seen coming here."

Jordis scowled for a while before recognition dawned on her face. "Oooh, it's like a secret threesome thing? A forbidden paladin fruit?" She chuckled.

"Ew! What? No! Fuck no!" Bishop shuddered in disgust. What kind of images was she trying to put into his head? Repulsive. With a fucking paladin? And Casavir of all people? That was making him sick.

"No, it's nothing like that," Aeyrin had no idea why this was the first thing on Jordis's mind, but it didn't matter. "It's just that him coming here might raise some questions. Not about sex."

"Why? It's not the guy that poisoned you, is it?" Jordis laughed.

What? How? Why did that occur to her?

Dammit, Aeyrin and Bishop's silence was all too telling.

"Seriously? The guy that poisoned you is coming over? Why?" Jordis's brows furrowed.

"He… he's not the one that poisoned me, alright? It's… complicated," Aeyrin sighed. She shouldn't be spreading this around too much. Casavir asked her not to say anything.

"What? That guy is dragged through the muck around here!" Jordis gaped. She completely forgot her drawing by now and just stared at Aeyrin incredulously. "Why don't you tell someone if you know it wasn't him? Who was it?"

"It doesn't matter. Like I said, it's… complicated. It's just safer for everyone this way. I know Casavir is going through something awful here, but… it's his choice. He asked me not to tell anyone. It might put people in danger," Aeyrin tried to explain as vaguely but convincingly as possible.

"That's so weird," Jordis shook her head. "You two get into weird shit."

"Tell me about it," Bishop scoffed. He could do without half of that. Or more.

"Well… whatever floats your boat, I guess," she shrugged. "Should I scram or…?"

"You don't have to," Aeyrin shook her head. She was just going to take Casavir aside and talk to him alone. It was not gonna work with Bishop interjecting anyway. It was for the best if Jordis was there to talk to him and distract him from paying attention to Casavir. Even if they both he and Casavir agreed to stop doing things to each other, blaming each other for horrible things, they would still not get along in one room together. And she wasn't even going to try to get Bishop to walk away. He kept telling her to 'better not get involved'. He was gonna be there to make sure. Jordis would distract him though. The two of them seemed to be getting along well so far.

Aeyrin really hoped to get some information out of Casavir. The whole conspiracy he had talked about was still making her nervous and she had no idea just how wary she needed to be around Azshan. It was nerve-wracking.

She just wanted some answers.

…

It was late when the knock on the door finally rang through the chamber.

Aeyrin promptly rushed to open it and she ushered the man inside quickly. Casavir was not dressed in his full plate that night. After all, the shiny armor attracted too much attention. Instead he had a dark grey doublet on with black trousers – something to blend into the night more easily. Or it would be if it weren't for the small bouquet of around five bright-red roses in his hand.

"My lady," he inclined his head to Aeyrin. "Thank you for reaching out. Ehm… for you," he handed her the flowers promptly.

"What the fuck?" Bishop's angry growl echoed through the area promptly. Only now Casavir seemed to notice him and another stranger sitting nearby by the dining table. "The fuck do you think you're doing?"

"A gift," Casavir scowled at Bishop promptly. "Lady Aeyrin lives here, I thought she might like some flowers to put in a vase."

"So you thought it was a good idea and the best way to be discreet by marching with a fucking meadow in your arms to the house of the woman everyone thinks you framed me for? Seriously?" Bishop's brows furrowed at him deeply. He was sure that the asshole was just doing this to piss him off.

"Bishop, leave it be," Aeyrin sighed. He did have a bit of a point about the subtlety of this. People might notice him more if he was carrying the bouquet, but what's done is done.

"I'm sorry if that was inappropriate, my lady," Casavir turned his gaze to her with a regretful sigh of his own. "I thought you'd like them. That's all. And I did not expect him to still be around to take offense."

"What? Why the fuck wouldn't you think I'd still be around?" Bishop growled again. What the fuck was that supposed to mean? That Aeyrin wouldn't be with him this long? The tin-head had been here for like a fucking minute and he was already pissing him off to no end.

Casavir stayed quiet. It actually kind of seemed like a provocation. Especially when he just casually answered a few moments later. "No reason."

"How about we stop this now? Come on, Casavir, let's go over here. The two of them will just… ignore us, right?" Aeyrin gave Bishop and Jordis a meaningful look.

"We'll be as good as we can be," Jordis grinned at her.

Somehow that was not comforting at all.

Aeyrin ushered Casavir towards a bench at the other side of the chamber. Bishop and Jordis began to talk amongst themselves, fortunately. And about nothing bad too – Bishop was asking her about the scene she was drawing – whether it was from memory or imagination, if she traveled to all the places she drew and such. That gave Aeyrin the opportunity to talk to Casavir comfortably.

"How have you been, Casavir?" She was worried about him. They weren't in the city long enough to hear more rumors or see more effects on his life and career from what had transpired. She could only hope that things eased up a bit, but she really doubted that. She knew all too well how persistent rumors could be.

"It's… been trying, my lady," he sighed. "Nothing I can't handle, but trying to operate under these conditions is not ideal. I barely have anyone left who trusts me here."

"I'm sorry this is still going on," she shook her head. "I know you have your reasons, but I really wish you would let me tell everyone what happened."

"No, my lady. I really appreciate this, but that can't happen. It would put everyone in jeopardy."

She expected this answer. But she still felt a little better for prodding again.

"So did you find out anything else?" She asked. She really hoped that despite the situation, he was able to do something at least.

"Yes. I did. I have found someone invaluable to me, actually," his forlorn face turned into a smile. "I came across a young noblewoman who had just moved to the city. She was still… not poisoned against me and she approached me on the streets when she got lost. And she… clearly needed someone to confide in. Her name is… Rose," he chuckled a little as his eyes wandered towards the bouquet in Aeyrin's hands. She realized that she should have put the flowers in some water right away, but now she was more interested in listening to him. "She entered a political marriage with one of the local noblemen she didn't know very well. And soon she started to notice that he's tangled up in something… unsavory. Her family are big supporters of the Empire and when she overheard her husband talk about undermining Her Majesty, she became understandably concerned. I think she approached me under the guise of getting lost just so she could talk to someone. Without my reputation, my status as a paladin still garners trust, fortunately."

"So now you know that her husband is involved in this too?" Aeyrin asked curiously. That was good. Casavir said that he just needed to find out who was involved in this conspiracy to take over the city's leadership.

"Not just that," Casavir beamed proudly, but before he could continue, Bishop's and Jordis's conversation drowned them out. All too loudly. It sounded deliberate.

"So this one has a stick up his ass?" Jordis chuckled. Oh Gods, really?

"Don't all of them?" Bishop scoffed. "This one has a non-removable stick though. I'm surprised he can even fight. Or walk."

"Bishop!" Aeyrin chastised him instantly while Casavir merely let out an unimpressed sigh.

"Hey, don't mind us, we're not minding you," Bishop laughed in response. And here she thought pitting those two together might distract them. It may have just made things worse.

"You were saying?" She turned back to Casavir.

"Yes. Lady Rose. When I told her a little about the plot, she came up with… a surprising suggestion. A bold one. I couldn't recommend going through with it in good conscience, but… I have to admit, her determination is impressive. She offered to pretend to take interest in her husband's activities. To talk about dissatisfaction with the current leadership until her husband would involve her in the schemes."

"That's clever," Aeyrin smiled. "Did it work?"

"It's… progressing. See, this is beneficial for her too. She loathes her husband. He is a disgusting lecher." Casavir seemed to stop himself somewhat nervously after he said it and his eyes darted towards Bishop. He fortunately thought twice about whatever subtle put-down he was currently thinking of. "She hopes that by helping me uncover all this, we can put the culprits to justice. And rid her of her husband while retaining her new wealth and influence. Her husband is welcoming for now. He had told her about their main plans, about how they wanted to replace the leadership of Haafingar, including Her Majesty, in order to rule the city themselves. In order to decide where to allocate funds, how to handle major decisions and that sort of thing. If this worked, the war effort would be in a lot of trouble with such unpredictable people in charge. Not to mention the damage it would do for the lives of our loyal and trustworthy leaders. And her husband, Lord Erik, he introduced her to many of the allies of this conspiracy."

"That's great. So you have their names?" Aeyrin beamed. "You can end this thing soon?"

"Not… exactly," he sighed. "We have names, but we have no evidence. We have no knowledge of their immediate plans or schemes and we have no more details. It will still take more time, more investigating. And on my end, I am quite stumped. I try to watch Azshan and monitor what he does, but… it's difficult. He still has my Order wrapped around his finger."

"You still think nobody will believe you without evidence?" Aeyrin gave him a sympathetic look. Elisif would, wouldn't she? If Aeyrin backed him up, she would believe him for sure.

"I am sure of it, my lady. And Lady Rose is new here, barely with any credibility. The fact that she is a woman and I would attempt to discredit her husband… with the current narrative… it really does not bode well for the results," he looked into the ground morosely.

He may have had a point. It was a pattern hard to disprove.

"So, what do you think?" Jordis's voice suddenly got louder again. "The vows. Are they bullshit? Or are they all just doomed to polish their own swords and stuff their own sheathes?"

Aeyrin only slapped her forehead in exasperation while Casavir cleared his throat in discomfort. She could have sworn she saw him blush.

"Take your pick. Some just like to pretend to be all fucking high and mighty like idiotic repression makes them better or some shit like that. Some are so fucking brain-washed they actually don't even pretend," Bishop laughed. Alright, they clearly had just enough to drink to be acting like assholes.

"Seriously?" Aeyrin growled at them loudly. "You keep being an ass, Bishop, and I'll make sure you'll get a taste of that 'idiotic repression' soon."

Bishop let out another laugh at that, but it at least put a stop to that conversation. Though it didn't help much with Casavir's discomfort. And Aeyrin really hated the fact that he gave her a concerned expression right after that, through his blushing and fidgeting. As if he was worried about her being with someone like this. Bishop was doing this to himself with the way he acted. And she knew she shouldn't care, but she couldn't help but get disappointed that Casavir could never see Bishop for who he really was, when he wasn't deliberately provoking him.

"S-so," Aeyrin stammered a bit, trying to get past the uncomfortable moment. "You've made progress but there's no way to prove anything yet? And you have no idea what they're planning next?"

"No. But I fear any future public event may become another opportunity to disgrace someone in power," Casavir sighed. "My lady, you did not by any chance get invited to come here by Azshan again, did you? It could give us a hint to…"

"No, sorry," she shook her head. "He did come to see me though, right after we came to the city. He has… people alert him to my presence, apparently. And he was acting all nice and he told me to come spend some time with him. I don't know if he's still feeling unsure about whether I figured out what happened at the ball and with the dragon and Forsworn and wants to… suck up to me. Or if he has anything planned."

"I have no idea either, unfortunately," he pondered. "They haven't been idle either. One of them accused Lady Stentor, the court wizard, of being a vampire of all things. Preposterous, of course. But she is being investigated for the claim and in the meantime, one of theirs, Melaran, took over Lady Stentor's position. It is… concerning. With Lady Bryling, Melaran and Lord Aeresius being already in the royal court, there is only Her Majesty and Lord Firebeard left there to make important decisions in favor of the Empire and Haafingar, rather than their own greed and lust for power. It… seems like there is rotten influence everywhere. As if the proverbial fish was rotting just below the head, but spreading the decay nonetheless."

That was concerning. These people took over the majority of the royal court and they took over the Order too. And with how Tullius led his men, there were far too few decent people left in Solitude to look out for the citizens.

"I'm… sorry to hear that," she sighed. "Maybe I should go see Azshan. If he plans something… well.. I think I would be able to tell the duplicity a bit more easily now. I hope. We might get lucky and get some evidence."

"I'm… not sure, my lady. I have no idea how determined Azshan is. I have no idea if he would be willing to do… actual harm to you if it served his purposes. Every time he had put you in the face of danger. He poisoned you, dragged you to a dragon slaying. Not to mention exposing you to that horrible lecher Erikur's revenge schemes."

"You dragged me to a dragon slaying too," Aeyrin smirked at him. "And vampire slaying."

"I… yes. You are correct. I respect your prowess in battle, my lady. And I had no idea about what the dragon souls do to you back then, but… I understand you still don't shy away from them. Though I really wish it wasn't so pressing to put yourself in such danger, but with how things develop now…"

"Wait, what?" Was he still talking about the dragons?

"You haven't heard? First there was the destruction of Karthwasten. A terrible tragedy. And you already know of the farm outside the city. And a few weeks back…"

"What happened a few weeks back?" Aeyrin's eyes widened. She didn't know about anything.

"Two dragons attacked Dawnstar. Two. Together. There were many casualties, though the city prevailed. It was still a devastating attack. The dragons are getting bolder, it seems," Casavir's brows creased in concern.

"Impatient," Aeyrin mumbled. That was what Paarthurnax said. Some dragons were impatient, hungry for the hunt.

"I'm sorry? 'Impatient' for what?" Casavir cocked his head to the side in confusion.

Dammit. She shouldn't have said that. Alduin, the whole 'dragons taking over the world', it was supposed to be a secret. Casavir would not keep this to himself, not like they had to. The Blades, the Greybeards, her and Bishop and Ulfric were the only ones who knew what was coming. But the panic would not help. And if it ended the war, it might make things worse.

But wasn't it worse already? Aeyrin was so tempted to tell him.

No. No brash decisions.

She would have to think about this a lot more before she spilled the secret. This wasn't smart.

"I don't know… I assumed they want to burn everything down," she shrugged noncommittally.

"They are beasts. Ancient and intelligent, but they are still beasts. They have no leaders to govern them and direct them towards such plans. I suspect they act on their hunter instincts. Something a lot of people would do well to suppress." His eyes went to Bishop again briefly, but Aeyrin had no idea if that was supposed to be an insult about anything specific or just a general one.

That was… a good general narrative. A safe one, for now.

"I guess you're right," she nodded with a wry smile.

"In any case, my lady, I cannot, in good conscience, ask you to talk to Azshan. I worry about his plans."

"Like you couldn't ask Rose to infiltrate the group right? I get it, so this means, 'please do, but don't blame me if it goes wrong'?" Aeyrin chuckled at him.

"What? No! I really do not wish for you to put yourself in danger," he shook his head vehemently.

"I know, Casavir, I was just joking. I'll… I'll see how things develop. And I'll let you know if I find anything more," she smiled softly.

"Yes, I am grateful, my lady," he returned her smile.

"So… I was hoping to ask something else," Aeyrin broached the subject carefully. Casavir would know a lot about this. More than drunk legionaries, certainly. "I heard some… things. The war isn't going well? I hear there was a huge army of reinforcements from Cyrodiil. And that some forts were taken."

"Yes, it's unfortunately correct," Casavir sighed. "The General's latest recruitment tactic alienated some of our supporters and… it seems Ulfric is just gaining them left and right. Things are getting dire. I worry a lot for… certain people."

'Certain people'. Right.

"They can't do that, right? They can't just… they can't just chase all elves from Skyrim," Aeyrin gave him a concerned look. Was that really possibleM

"Oh. I… I have not thought… the war is not lost, my lady. Not by a long shot. The Empire still controls the most powerful and prosperous Holds in Skyrim. And it has the support of the College of Winterhold as well. The underworld, from what I hear, remains detached, so Ulfric really has no weapon but his forces. But we can get reinforcements. The High Chancellor will not let Skyrim fall to the rebels," he nodded determinedly.

"So… what exactly are you worried about?" Aeyrin cocked her head in confusion. "You make it sound like Ulfric's efforts are pointless."

"I worry for the lives lost each day. And I…"

"Worry for 'certain people'?" She raised his brow at him. She wasn't sure whom he meant now.

"I know it is not easy for Her Majesty," Casavir sighed in resignation. "Not being by her side through all this, while she has to placate the riled up masses that lose more and more money and faith in the Empire each day, it's heart-breaking. I doubt that Azshan is willing to help her with such things. Help her with her responsibilities to her people. And I… I feel guilty."

"It's not your fault that you can't be there for her," Aeyrin tried to sound reassuring. "You tried. But… if she believes those rumors… just… maybe once you clear this out, things will get better."

"I sincerely hope so, my lady. I wish for nothing more than for her to trust me again."

He really did sound heart-broken. He was very likely much closer to Elisif than a mere Order representative. He kept talking so highly of her, even though she was one of the people who kept perpetuating the rumors of his disgrace.

But Aeyrin could still feel the worry and longing in his voice when he spoke.

"I hope she can withstand this storm in the meantime."

…

Elisif sat on her throne, looking over the report in her hand with a crease between her brows.

They were troubling. She had felt for a long time now as if the world had been crashing down around her. And she felt so… alone. She had never felt so alone before. Not even after Torygg was murdered. Was it a horrible thing to be thinking? That should have been the most heart-broken and lonely she had ever felt. Maybe it was just because it was all so fresh and her beloved's death had long passed. Maybe it was because back then, she had all these people around her who cared for her, been there for her. Now she felt like those numbers just waned and waned.

"What should we do, Your Majesty?"

Falk's concerned words tore her away from her mournful ruminations. At least she had him. Him and Sir Bearclaw. Those she could still trust. But her dear Sybille was in prison now and she wasn't sure if she could help her. Sybille was talented, but she was what she was. The accusations were true. And maybe even she wouldn't be able to hide forever. Not when Elisif feared that her influence did not hold as much sway as it used to.

Sybille wasn't the only one lost to her. Lady Bryling may have still been there, but Elisif could feel the way she distanced herself. Not just from her decisions. As a friend. She was cold and whenever she was willing to talk, Elisif felt uneasy. As if she was suddenly too eager, despite her usual coldness lately. Elisif lost faith in her. And she wasn't even sure how it happened.

And she couldn't even ask for counsel from those she always used to trust. From the paladins. Ever since Sir Casavir did that… awful thing… she just couldn't. Sir Azshan was doing his best to replace him at the court and help Elisif with whatever she might need of the Order, but it wasn't just that. He wasn't… her confidant. Her friend. She needed those much more than underlings. She just felt like she had lost so many.

Her decision was the right one. She needed someone else in the court to advise her. She wasn't sure why she felt like she couldn't trust those around her, but she didn't. And Falk and Sir Bearclaw did not see into everything she might need. Sometimes politics were a bit out of their area of expertise. But she knew just the man to help with that.

She always liked Viarmo. He was such a talented bard and he was so well educated in politics, history and nobility. The position of court loremaster was an old tradition, abandoned a century or two ago. But there was nothing wrong with reinstating it, was there? Viarmo was a kind man and, she dare say, a friend. She was so excited to name him her loremaster and welcome him to the court. Only a few more days left.

"Your Majesty?" Falk prodded her again. By the Nine, she couldn't concentrate on anything today.

She looked over the report briefly again. Another noble house was withdrawing its support. That would be devastating for the people. Not the war, the people. Tullius was so demanding, she had no idea how to handle him now. Sir Casavir would know. But she didn't. She used to be good at this, but this feeling was just… draining. She felt like she could do nothing right anymore. And Tullius would not stand for having his funds cut again. The money would come from the people now. They would be the ones suffering.

She knew that if Sir Casavir was here, he would offer her the Order's funds to cover the deficit. He had done so a few times before and none of the paladins seemed to mind. It was for a higher purpose. And more prestige and goodwill. But Sir Azshan never offered such a thing.

"I… I don't know, Falk. I don't know what you want me to do about this," she sighed. "Let the General know, but… we both know what his reaction will be."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Falk nodded somberly. "I wish there was something I could do."

"I wish there was something I could do as well," she concurred.

"I will take care of this immediately," Falk said with determination.

"Don't. Get some rest, my friend," she gave him a sympathetic smile. There was no reason for him to get chewed out this late at night.

"You should get some rest too," he reached out to squeeze her free hand in a familiar gesture. He could never do that so casually, but there were only guards around the corners now. Nobody else was still awake at this hour. They couldn't see them get so friendly. Even if it was just a friendly gesture, people were so keen on perceiving any closeness she had with a man as a scandalous affair. The inevitable fate of a widow, apparently.

"I will. What's on the agenda tomorrow? Aside from you getting yelled at by the General and me disappointing my people again?" She tried to smirk, but it was hard to turn her lips that way when she said it. It was all too true.

"Jarl Ravencrone will arrive tomorrow. We will house her at the Palace and I scheduled you for lunch and dinner with her. You also have a meeting with Lady Gisli again, I suspect she wants to complain about her lack of thaneship once more, and then we need to call in a court session for the current issue," he gestured towards the report in her hand.

"Ah. Idgrod is coming?" That brightened Elisif's expression. She liked Idgrod. They had a good working and personal relationship. She reminded Elisif of Sybille. "How come I didn't know? Is she coming for the festivities?"

"No. I don't know, actually, she might stay for those. But she is coming with some news for your ears only, apparently. She mentioned her visions. The letter only arrived this afternoon. I think she is visiting very urgently."

Oh. Urgent visions. Elisif liked the woman but she did not like her visions. They were all doom and gloom. Could she never have visions about happier things? Visions of someone's wedding or a child being born or some grand victory in battle or such.

She was glad to be able to see Idgrod again.

But she was already dreading more bad news.

…

"Alright, I'm heading to bed," Jordis got up from the table, stifling a yawn. Fortunately, she and Bishop did not provoke Casavir any longer, but even his conversation with Aeyrin died down a bit and it was getting really late.

She grabbed her canvas, possibly worried it would get lost again when she slept, and she waved to Bishop before she approached the stairs from where she could see Aeyrin and Casavir. "Sorry if you got offended or something, tin-head," she smirked.

"You two are the worst influence on each other," Aeyrin scowled at her while Casavir merely let out another sigh.

"He's the worst influence on everyone," the paladin mumbled, almost silently.

"Night," Jordis only chuckled before she headed downstairs into her room.

"I should probably go too, my lady. I don't want to keep you that late into the night," Casavir smiled at her a bit and they both stood up from the bench. Bishop got up from his chair at that note too and he headed over to them.

"Good idea," he scoffed at Casavir. "Besides, I still need to rub some more stuff all over you, princess," he smirked at Aeyrin somewhat cockily. Again, he just said it to rile Casavir up.

Casavir made a somewhat disturbed face at that and Aeyrin couldn't help but blush.

"Bishop," she hissed under her breath. "Healing poultice," she quickly explained. "I got hit by a fire spell."

"Oh. Would you like me to look at the burn?" Casavir promptly offered, but even before he said anything, Bishop's expression did the talking for him.

"Fuck no! She saw a priest already. An actual priest, not a glorified noble fop," he growled.

"Bishop, seriously," she chastised him again. She knew he had something to drink and that he still hated Casavir, but she really hoped he would be less hostile this time. And less childish. No such luck though. She may have gotten too hopeful from their visit to Raven. Those two now seemed like actual friends. But the same was clearly not going to happen here. "I am fine, Casavir, thank you though."

Casavir gave Bishop a nasty look, but then he nodded at Aeyrin in understanding.

Good. Bishop was sick of this asshole's antics. Aeyrin kept acting like she couldn't see it, but that fucker just came here with flowers for her like he was going on a fucking date or something. It pissed Bishop off. He couldn't decide if he thought that Casavir knew he would be here and wanted to rile him up or if he hoped he wouldn't be here and tried to charm Aeyrin again now that they were 'friends' once more. He knew if that was true, that idiot wouldn't get anywhere, but the mere idea of it still made Bishop mad.

"In any case, my lady, I was just curious," Casavir said. "You said Azshan didn't call for you, but did you come here for the festival?"

"What? What festival?" Aeyrin gave him a confused look. She didn't know about any festivals.

"The Burning of the Old King Olaf. It used to be a tradition, but Her Majesty canceled it after her husband's death. She worried it would be insensitive. But the Headmaster of the Bards College convinced her to hold it again this year. It is going to be a big event. And I know you enjoy music, I just assumed," Casavir explained.

"I haven't heard of it," Aeyrin shrugged.

"How is there some fucking ball or festival every damn time we're here?" Bishop scoffed. It was uncanny, really.

"There's one almost every week. Some smaller, some bigger," Casavir shrugged. "Solitude is the center of culture. And it helps morale and high spirits."

"Why did you ask about this one?" Aeyrin pondered. "Do you think Azshan and the group are planning to do something there?"

"I don't know. I only know that there are a lot of travelers here for it. The inn is already at capacity. It's the biggest event this season, especially since it had been previously cancelled," Casavir explained. "It is possible they could be planning another public disgrace for it, but I really can't say. It was really just my curiosity in asking. I certainly won't be attending," he sighed somberly.

"Ah fuck," Bishop groaned. "Azshan kept insisting you spend time together, this is fucking it, isn't it? He's gonna want to drag you to this thing and use you for some fucking scheme of his again, won't he?"

"Well… at least I'd be ready for it this time," Aeyrin shrugged. It wasn't a bad opportunity, was it?

"Truth be told, they haven't used a grand event to further their agenda since the ball. That was half a year ago. In the meantime there had been more subtle shifts in the promotions and court positions and such," Casavir explained. "It might be just that, a simple festival."

"It sounds nice. The Bards College is holding it?" Aeyrin asked, earning a nod from Casavir. "I'll see what Azshan says. If he'll invite me to that. Then we'll figure out what to do about it. When is it?"

"In three days," Casavir confirmed.

"Good. If Azshan has no agendas, we could just go to that," she nudged Bishop with a brief wink. He didn't completely hate the last time they were seeing a performance at the Bards College, right? And this would be a whole festival.

"Is it free?" Bishop asked Casavir with a deadpan look. "And is there food and drinks?"

"Charming," Casavir scoffed.

"Well… we are a little broke," Aeyrin chuckled nervously. It was a fair question on Bishop's part.

"Oh. My lady, if you need…"

"Shove your money up your ass, if you can fit it in there with that stick," Bishop growled. He wasn't sure why it didn't piss him off when Azshan offered, but it did when Casavir offered. Weird. It was probably just a natural reaction to anything the tin-head ever had to offer.

"Not how I would put it, but we really don't want your money, Casavir," Aeyrin mumbled nervously. "We're fine, we just spent a lot. We'll get more soon."

"Alright. I apologize if my offer offended," Casavir nodded. "I will… go. If you find out anything more, please contact me again. I have no idea how you are getting the letters to me, but whatever you're doing, I think this is a safe way."

"There's this guy who does that for us. Smuggler and a fence," Bishop smirked. That should make Casavir uncomfortable.

"Uhm… and he gets into the Castle?! No… no… never mind. I did not hear that. The situation is important and I need to hear from you, so I did not hear this." Casavir sounded like he was mostly talking to himself just then.

"Yeah. No need to worry," Aeyrin smiled weakly. "Thank you for coming, Casavir. And for the pretty roses," she held out the bouquet she kept forgetting to put in a vase. "We'll be in touch."

"Good night, my lady," he smiled before his eyes turned to Bishop. He looked somewhat malicious suddenly. He actually smirked before he spoke again.

"I do hope you'll keep the promise of introducing him to some 'idiotic repression'. He could clearly use it."