Disclaimer: The following story is centered around my own character, Mhari Freysri, who is the only character in this piece that I own. All other characters and elements of the world within the Elder Scrolls series is the intellectual property of Bethesda. This story contains, not just massive spoilers, but is in and of itself one very long spoiler, as it is based off of my playthrough of Skyrim: Special Edition. You have been advised. Please enjoy this newest installment of my cringy fanfiction.


Music: 'A Winter's Tale' - Jeremy Soule (from the 'Skyrim' soundtrack)


Mhari awoke in her bed at the inn, having kicked the blanket onto the floor at some point throughout the night. She sidled out of bed with a grumble and heaved the blanket back onto the mattress before stretching her arms above her head with a hearty yawn, taking a moment to consider the day ahead of her. There's so much I ought to get done before I even consider leaving for Dead Man's Cairn... Mhari emptied the contents of her pack carefully onto the floor, scanning through what she had.

"Hmm...I've enough provisions for a day's ride; I really should make sure I have at least three day's worth. I have most of what I need to set up a decent camp, I just need to sew some warmer clothes with those leathers and wolf pelts..." Mhari frowned, running through the journey in her head. "I still need a horse and I'm a good few hundred gold short; even the gold I do have'll be spent on my provisions and supplies."

Mhari's eyes moved over to the hip bone she'd been given from Dervenin. I still don't even know what to make of that...

"Alright, let's break it down," Mhari sighed. "First; a mortar and pestle, maybe a couple of spare potions. I can pick up medicinal herbs along the way. Second; a bow and some arrows; I can hunt and forage for my food. Maybe I should buy a shield and a spear just in case I run into trouble."

Mhari nodded to herself. Okay. I've got a plan. Time to make it happen. She tucked the hip-bone into the chest at the foot of the bed, locking it securely and tucking the key away on her wooden beaded belt.

"Good morning, Corpulu-" Mhari began, but stopped in momentary surprise to see Sorex at the counter, with Corpulus nowhere in sight.

"Good morning, uh...don't tell me," Sorex tried to remember her name for a moment before snapping his fingers. "Mary? Mahara?"

"Close," Mhari chuckled. "It's Mhari. Where's Corpulus?"

"Running errands by the docks," Sorex replied with a shrug. "East Empire Company's been raising their prices for shipping product; my father figured out that if you're willing to go down to the docks and haul up your things yourself, you save a little extra coin."

"Fair enough," Mhari yawned as she sat at the counter. "You wouldn't happen to have some fresh fruit or vegetables available for purchase would you?"

"Sure." Sorex brought forward a bowl of mixed fruit from the pantry around the corner from the counter. "Take your pick."

"Thanks." Mhari selected a bunch of red grapes, placing a small handful of coins on the counter for Sorex. "Were you at that execution a couple days ago?"

"I showed up to watch, yeah!" Sorex chirped. Mhari was surprised at his overtly-enthusiastic tone. "I dunno if they were right to execute him for what he did, but I'll tell you something; it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."

"Oof," Mhari winced as she popped a small handful of grapes into her mouth. "That seems kind of harsh, don't you think?"

"Listen, Roggvir and I grew up together. It was just us, a few others, and Vivienne," Sorex's expression softened slightly at the mention of her name. "Vivienne Onis."

"Oh, I think I've seen her around before," Mhari nodded in understanding. "Were you and Roggvir rivals in love or something?"

"That's the thing; I don't know why, but one day I told Roggvir I liked her. It was a stupid thing to do; he mocked me incessantly after that," Sorex shook his head just thinking about it. "From that point forward, anytime Vivienne and I were anywhere close to each other, he made sure to humiliate me."

"Oh, come on, Sorex," Mhari chuckled, shaking her head. "He couldn't have humiliated you that badly."

"He'd beat me up, dump mead on my head, anything he could get away with," Sorex recounted angrily. "Once he even slipped a beehive into my bed!"

"A beehive?!" Mhari exclaimed.

"We were children, sure. But Roggvir never outgrew that immaturity or his cruelty." Sorex thumped his hand on the counter for emphasis. "So any talk about him being an 'honourable Nord?' Pure folly."

"Don't get me wrong," Mhari began. "From what you've just told me, perhaps he doesn't sound like a great person. But don't you think his execution was a bit...brutal?"

"Perhaps, but necessary," a cold, familiar woman's voice spoke from nearby. Mhari and Sorex had not noticed Vivienne Onis walk into the inn. "My cousin Fura is out there somewhere, fighting Ulfric Stormcloak and his damned insurrectionists. She wouldn't have to be there at all if not for Roggvir; and my aunt wouldn't have to worry about her daughter."

"Your aunt?" Mhari asked.

"My aunt Angeline," Vivienne clarified as she took a seat beside Mhari. "She runs Angeline's Aromatics next door."

"Why exactly were they executing him?" Mhari asked, having finished her grapes, reaching for a cup of water. "I only arrived at the time of the execution; I had no context before that."

Sorex and Vivienne exchanged a surprised look. "You really don't know?" Sorex asked in vague disbelief.

"He let Ulfric Stormcloak escape Solitude," Vivienne added. "Ulfric rides in, murders the high king, and Roggvir lets him ride right back out."

"Ah, an accessory to treason, then," Mhari frowned as Sorex and Vivienne nodded grimly in response.

"Oh, Vivienne," Sorex started, eager to change the subject to something less grim. "Did you need something?"

"Do I need a reason to visit you at work?" Vivienne folded her arms in a false scowl. Sorex chuckled and leaned against the bar with a wink.

Alright, then. I think that's my cue. Mhari quietly stood from her seat and walked out to the streets of Solitude. I ought to try the alchemist first. If they don't sell what I need for foraging and mixing herbs; I don't know who will.


Mhari pushed open the doors to the shop that stood beside The Winking Skeever; Angeline's Aromatics. The moment she crossed the threshold into the building, her nostrils were flooded with the scents of dozens of plants and flowers. This shop is aptly named. It's like I've just walked into a field of wildflowers. The shop was small and well-organized; beautiful arrangements of various flowers and grasses were placed neatly in wicker baskets upon the counter, and a small alchemist's table was placed in a small alcove to the side of the shop's counter.

"Hello!" an elderly voice greeted Mhari from behind the counter. "You're a traveller, correct?"

Mhari regarded the woman for a moment; she was grey-haired, with kind-eyes filled to the brim with worry. "I suppose you could say that; I'm not from here, at least."

"Have you been to Whiterun?" the woman asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry; I haven't," Mhari replied. "I'm new to Skyrim; I only arrived here a couple of days ago."

"Oh," the woman's eyes dulled sadly. "Ah, well. It was worth a shot."

"What's in Whiterun, if you don't mind my asking?" Mhari asked, approaching the counter.

"My daughter, Fura, was assigned to Whiterun after she joined the Imperial army. I was hoping you might have met her," the woman explained, idly braiding three strands of lavender as she spoke; Mhari suspected this to be a long-standing nervous habit. "I haven't heard from her lately. I've tried talking to Captain Aldis, but he hasn't been any help."

"I'm sorry; I haven't met her," Mhari shook her head sadly. "But I could ask around; perhaps I can try talking to Captain Aldis."

"Oh, that's very sweet of you," Angeline's eyes lit up with gratitude at the prospect. "Anything you can find out would be welcome news."

"I'll see what I can do," Mhari's eyes scanned around the shop for a moment as she admired the various plants and arrangments all around her. "This shop is quite pretty; do mainly sell perfumes and potpourri?"

"We mostly carry herbs and alchemical ingredients, that sort of thing. Before the war, our stock was mostly used for aromatic use in homes," Angeline explained. "These days, we have more people coming in looking for healing and the like."

"Actually, I was wondering if you had a spare mortar and pestle I could buy off of you," Mhari responded.

"Hmm, I might have a spare set around here somewhere," Angeline thought to herself for a moment; she walked to the back of the shop and moved several arrangements out of her way before emerging once more with a small 'aha.' "Here you are. This set is quite old, but it'll do in a pinch. I'll be happy to sell it to you for ten gold pieces."

"I'll take it," Mhari smiled as she dug out the gold pieces from her coin purse. "Oh, and if you have any in stock, I'd like to buy a couple healing potions."

"Of course, dear," Angeline answered sweetly, carefully placing the merchandise on the counter in front of Mhari, taking the coins with a smile.

"Would you happen to know where I can find Captain Aldis?" Mhari asked, tucking her new supplies carefully into her pack. "I can't guarantee I'll be able to get him talking, but I can try."

"Oh, yes; this time of day, most of the Imperial soldiers that are stationed in the city are in their training grounds just beyond the forge and the fletcher's shop," Angeline explained. "Once you leave the shop, look to your left and you'll see stairs; those will take you right to the training yard."

"Thank you, Angeline," Mhari smiled and gave a small wave before walking back out into the sunlight. This is as good a time as any to see what Solitude's blacksmith has in stock; and surely I can pick up a bow from the fletcher.


Mhari made her way to the stone steps to the upper levels of Solitude when she overheard Sorex's angry voice from nearby.

"I'm not interested, Jaree. I don't care how many times you ask."

Mhari turned to see him folding his arms in irritation, shaking his head stubbornly; Vivienne stood beside him, scowling in disapproval as they faced a male Argonian; the majority of his skin was peach-coloured with dappling the same colour of the jet black feathers that protruded from the back of his head. He leaned nonchalantly against the wall by Angeline's Aromatics, fiddling with a gold coin, flipping it between his long, sharp claws.

"You might want to rethink that," he crooned. "You're missing out on some great opportunities, working in that bar."

"Sorex," Vivienne put her hand on Sorex's shoulder, stopping him before he could respond. "Let's go."

The Argonian let out a 'tsk' of disappointment as he watched them retreat to the marketplace.


Music: 'Amas Veritas' - Alan Silvestri (from the 'Practical Magic' soundtrack)


Mhari shrugged and continued to make her way up the steps. She could see the sign of the Fletcher's shop dangling over the door ahead of her; she pulled out her coin purse and walked in to see a Redguard man behind the counter carefully waxing the string of an Imperial bow. He had a long tuft of strawberry blonde hair swept to one side, the other half of his head shaved; he had piercing blue eyes that held the expression of a hawk circling it's prey as he worked, preparing to dive to it's kill.

"Hello and welcome, my friend," he spoke, his eyes not leaving his task. "How may I help you on this fine day?"

"I'm in the market for a new bow," Mhari replied as her eyes scanned the plaques on the wall, where dozens of different kinds of bows had been mounted with care. "I'd like to see what you've got for sale."

"Well, I suppose that depends on what you're hunting," the fletcher replied. "Have a look at the selection on the wall and tell me which piece draws your eye."

"It's so hard to choose," Mhari whispered as she stared in awe at the craftsmanship of an ebony bow. "They're all so exquisitely-crafted."

"Well, you are speaking to Fihada; the most talented Fletcher in all the land," he boasted, finally looking up from his work; he eyed Mhari's frame for a moment. "I would suggest something with a lighter draw; some of these bows may prove difficult for you to pull."

"I don't want to sacrifice too much power," Mhari replied, resting her thumb on the bottom of her chin in thought. "I may just need to choose a bow that's slightly heavier than what's comfortable; I'll get stronger the more I use it."

"True," Fihada replied, nodding his head. "But that only helps you in the long run. Might I suggest the Elvish bow at your left?"

Mhari inspected the bow. It was elegant and beautiful, but clearly very sturdy as the metal had the unmistakable iridescence of moonstone, smelted with quicksilver. Judging by the soft glow emitting from the bow, Mhari suspected it to be lightly enchanted. "Beautiful and deadly," Mhari whispered. "How much are you selling it for?"

"Two-thousand-four-hundred-and-seventy gold pieces," Fihada replied simply. He frowned when he saw Mhari's jaw drop. "Judging from your expression, I assume that is well out of your price range. Perhaps the Imperial bow two plaques to the left?"

Mhari quickly shuffled to the cherry-wood and leather-bound bow the fletcher pointed towards. It was not nearly as aesthetically-pleasing as the elven bow, but it was still a strong-looking weapon. Surely this one is more within my limits. She thought hopefully.

"Imperial bows may not be as intricate as elven make, but they are made for our own soldiers here in Solitude," Fihada explained, walking over to stand by Mhari. "I find them incredibly dull to create, so I mostly leave them to my apprentice. His work is far inferior to my own, but this is still a well-crafted bow. Its longevity and effectiveness will rely on your ability to maintain it."

"If there's one thing I know how to do, it's to maintain the little I can afford. How much?" Mhari asked.

"Jawanan!" Fihada called over his shoulder. Another Redguard man appeared from the storage area behind the counter. "You have a potential buyer. What price would you ask for this bow?"

Jawanan stalked over to the bow, patting his work gloves on his trousers to dust of the wood shavings from whatever he had been crafting in the back. "I'd say... around a hundred gold pieces. I'm happy with how this one turned out. It might not be flashy, but it's as sturdy as stone."

"I can manage that," Mhari sighed in relief. "Do you mind if I inspect her for a moment?"

"By all means," Jawanan unclasped the leather straps holding the bow to the wall, handing it to Mhari carefully. Fihada walked back to the counter to return to his work. "Tell me what you think. I'm always looking for advice on how I can improve."

"That's admirable," Mhari smiled as she held the bow. Jawanan hadn't been kidding when he'd said the bow was sturdy; every surface of the limbs were perfectly sanded and finished, and Mhari could tell he had reinforced the bow with steel rather than iron. The bow was not flawlessly-balanced, but it was damn close. As she placed her hand over the grip, her fingers curled around the leather comfortably; she faced the wall and drew the string back. The bow's draw was quite heavy, but not unreasonable. "Most bows I've used still pale in comparison; I'm surprised you're only an apprentice, sir."

"Ah, thank you, ma'am," Jawanan scratched his nose sheepishly at the compliment. "I'll throw in its quiver and a dozen arrows for an extra fifty gold if you need."

Mhari nodded and handed the Redguard apprentice one-hundred and fifty gold pieces and strapped the bow to her back along with the leather quiver. "This is perfect. Thank you both."

"Perhaps we'll be seeing more of you," Fihada spoke as Jawanan stalked to the storage area once more.

Mhari waved farewell and exited the shop. That's one thing done. Next, the blacksmith. She thought to herself, counting down the remainder of her gold in her head.


Just across the stone walkway of the upper level of Solitude, Mhari could see the Imperial blacksmith tinkering away at his workbench; Mhari remembered Sayma mentioning he was her husband and that he had been tasked with making weapons and armour for the Imperial soldiers. Certainly seems as though they keep him busy. That's a lot of Imperial armor.

"Excuse me, sir," Mhari greeted as she approached. "Do you have any shields for sale at the moment?"

"Sorry, miss," the man placed his hammer back on the surface of the workbench. "I'm out of stock at the moment. Our troops needed to pick up the last of my stock this morning, and I've not had the time to make more."

"Oh." Mhari frowned. "That's alright; thank you anyways."

"You know," the blacksmith began, wiping the sweat from his balding forehead, leaving a streak of charcoal in it's place. Mhari stifled a small laugh as he continued. "I do have the materials you'll need if you want to make your own. That is assuming you know how."

"I have a basic idea," Mhari replied with slight uncertainty, eying the forge carefully. "It'd be better than nothing."

"Good, good." The blacksmith motioned to a table piled high with metal ingots, wooden planks, and various pieces of leather and hide. "Just pay me for whatever material you use."

Mhari nodded and spent the majority of the afternoon working around Beirand as they chatted idly about the war and current events around Solitude, Beirand occasionally interjecting with advice on her shield-making process.

"If you don't mind me asking," Mhari began as she hammered a thick block of wood from end-to-end upon the back of her shield for reinforcement. "Why haven't you joined the army yourself? It sounds as though you're itching to join the fight.'

"I would if not for my wife and son. Oh, Sayma would have my hide if I even suggested setting foot on a battlefield," Beirand explained with a mocking shiver. "You think Stormcloaks and Legionnaires are dangerous? Ha!"

Mhari chuckled as this as she continued her work. After a couple hours, she sat atop the study table, smoothing off the last rough areas of the handles of her shield, and finished polishing the iron boss she had bolted to the face.

"That's not bad for a beginner," Beirand complimented with an approving nod.

"Thank you," Mhari sighed with a tired smile; she dug into her purse and placed a good pile of coin on the table-top beside her. "Here's what I owe you; and a little extra for letting me use your forge."

"Might as well take any leftover wood and leather scraps you have," the blacksmith suggested. "Could come in handy later."

"Don't mind if I do." Mhari tucked the pieces away into her pack before jumping back down to her feet and stretching. "I'm off to speak with Captain Aldis."

"He should be in the courtyard just past Fihada's shop, there," Beirand pointed to the large stone archway beyond the building. "They're usually working on their aim this time of day."

Sure enough, Mhari could see the captain as soon as she rounded the corner. Three Imperial guards were lined up in front of straw archery targets as Captain Aldis walked behind them, inspecting their form and advising on how they could improve. He took no notice to Mhari's approach.

"How goes the training?" Mhari began.

"Their aim could be steadier, but they're battle ready," the captain replied.

"I see..." Mhari nodded awkwardly, uncertain of how to proceed. She decided to be as up-front as she could about her inquiry. "Angeline Morrard sent me to ask about her daughter."

Captain Aldis sighed in irritation with a small roll of his eyes, clearly tired of the subject. "Generally posting information is need-to-know only."

"It's her daughter," Mhari pressed, folding her arms, but trying to be careful of her tone. "I think she needs to know."

"I...I've-..." Captain Aldis began to bark back, but caught himself within half a second, his expression turning grim. He shook his head in resignation, knowing Mhari was correct. "I've been trying to find the time and place to tell her..."

"That...doesn't sound promising," Mhari said with a wince.

"Look; her daughter was sent to Whiterun. The skirmishes there have been violent; but the Whiterun legate, he needed to know the Stormcloak's positions. He send out a party to scout the area. They happened upon a large force and..." Captain Aldis trailed off for a moment; Mhari waited patiently for him to continue. At last, he let out a shamed sigh. "I was told none of them made it back."

"Fura was in that scouting party..." Mhari whispered in understanding. Captain Aldis nodded. "That's all I needed to know. I trust you won't object to me telling her this?"

Captain Aldis shook his head sadly. "No. She needs to be told."

"I'll let you get back to your training, Captain. But you know," Mhari said, turning to leave. "You should be telling the families of the dead as soon as you are able when their loved ones are killed in battle. I trust you would appreciate the same respect. Even if your intentions are honourable; that doesn't make them right."

Mhari chose not to look back to the Captain, who said nothing in response as she made her way back to Angeline's Aromatics.


Music: 'Science and Magic' - Patrick Doyle (from the 'Thor' soundtrack)


As Mhari walked into the shop, Angeline looked up from her arrangement at the counter, their eyes meeting for a moment. Mhari didn't need to say anything - Angeline could see the truth written on her face. There was a deafening silence before Angeline's momentarily hopeful expression changed to devastation.

"I told her..." Angeline shook her head with her eyes clenched shut. "I told her the Imperial army would kill her. That this was a war of Jarls and Imperial Generals, and that we had no part in it, but... she just wouldn't hear it."

Mhari frowned as she approached the counter. "I'm so sorry, Angeline. I wish I was here with better news"

Angeline buried her head in her hands for a moment as Mhari waited in silence, knowing nothing she could say would improve the situation. Angeline seemed to waver for a moment as if she may collapse at any moment. Mhari came around to the other side of the counter and carefully guided her to a wooden bench by the alchemist's table, helping her to take a seat. Mhari sat beside her in silence as Angeline cried; it had been nearly an hour before Angeline began to tire.

"Mrs. Morrard," Mhari started. "What was Fura like?"

"She was always a righteous girl, even when she was little," Angeline reminisced tearfully. "Even as a child, she always said one day she'd become a city guard."

"Sounds like she was a fighter." Mhari smiled warmly. "I wish I could have met her."

"Oh, she always was a fighter, yes. I think she would have quite liked you, dear." Angeline let out a bittersweet smile, wiping away another stray tear. "It was brave of you to come to me with this, dear. I can't thank you for it; but you have done me a service."

"You deserved to know, Angeline; I'm sorry Captain Aldis kept it from you for so long," Mhari patted Angeline on the shoulder. "I'm going to head back to The Winking Skeever. Are you going to be alright on your own?"

"Oh yes, dear; Vivienne will be by soon. I should pass on the news to her," Angeline sighed, dabbing her cheeks with a small cloth to dry them. "Visit again soon, Mhari."

"I will, Mrs. Morrard."

Mhari returned to the Winking Skeever for the night, emotionally exhausted and ready for a good night's rest. As Mhari finished her instrumental drum song for the night, her eyes met those of a very pensive Captain Aldis from his table across from where she performed. As she took a bow to the patron's applause, he gave her a sheepish look and raised his bottle of ale. Mhari nodded in response as she approached his table and took a seat.

"You told her?" Captain Aldis asked. Mhari nodded as she grabbed an unopened bottle of wine from the table. "How did she take it?"

"Well, of course she's in mourning; and things might be hard for her for a while..." Mhari took a drink of the bittersweet beverage with a sigh. "But she will be alright with time."

"Thank you for telling her," the captain sighed, rubbing his temple with his hand, staring at the surface of the table. "This war has been filled with far too many tragedies; and now, between Roggvir and Private Morrard..."

"Weren't you the one presiding over Roggvir's execution?" Mhari raised her eyebrow in confusion.

"Not my finest hour." Captain Aldis frowned and took a long sip from his bottle. "He was a fine and honourable man."

"So you think what he did was right?" Mhari leaned on the table with her elbow, waiting curiously for his response.

"No. He was entirely wrong, and his execution was justified and necessary. Being honourable might make you a good man, but it doesn't make you right." Captain Aldis finished the last of his drink, setting the bottle back on the table as he waved Corpulus over to order a second. "Be a better world if it did."

Mhari and Aldis shared a another round of drinks and a plate of grilled meat and garden vegetables before finally, Mhari rose to her feet. "I'm going to turn in for the night. Listen, Captain..."

"Hm?"

"I don't agree with how you handled Fura's death; and I can't say whether or not I agree with you on what happened with Roggvir," Mhari began, placing a couple spare coins on the table as a tip for Corpulus. "But I do know that if you weren't an honourable man yourself, these things would not be weighing on you as heavily as they clearly are. It seems to me that you need to be reminded of that."

Captain Aldis let out a slight sigh, his shoulders relaxing, but his eyes remained as pensive as they'd been since he'd first spoken to Mhari. "Thank you, bard."

Mhari retired for the night, falling asleep nearly the moment her head hit the pillow.

~To Be Continued...~


Note From the Author: Thank you again for reading the latest chapter of Songstress of Skyrim! If you enjoyed this chapter, please consider following this story and dropping a comment. I'd love to hear what my readers think; what their favourite parts were, what they'd like to see more of, etc. I hope to see you in the next chapter, dear reader.

~Voth Werid