Chapter 27: Soli2de

Jon hated his attire. Lydia hers. They even said as much to the proprietors of Radiant Raiment, but not for the underlying quality of the workmanship and material. It simply wasn't their styles, and Jon particularly hated the red on white coloring of them. His Arch-Mage robes were formal enough when not dirty, and he would probably just wear different cleaner robes if they were.

Lydia dreamed of being a princess, and found the uniform to be lacking. It was the first time she had worn such a dress, and it caught in all the wrong places. If she had to guess, she didn't know how to walk in it properly, and did not want to learn. She would wear something more like her Thane was, with pants.

As she stood she had her off hand holding up the skirt of her dress and it's light overcoat, and her sword hand properly in her sword's hand. The streets of Solitude were mostly clean, especially the Blue Quarter, but only mostly. It wouldn't do for a Lady to have the ends of her formal attire frayed before she even had a chance to show it off.

The finally completed the last leg of the hill up, passing a bard college and even museum. There were a pair of guardsman at the door standing as a last line of defense before entering the keep.

One spoke up, "Hail visitors. Identify yourselves before being allowed to enter Queen Elisif's court."

Lydia's long over coat could be flipped up to a hood, and it was. Jon had his Bosmer cloak on over his attire. It was partly thown over his sword hand, and it's cowl also over his crown and dragon eyes.

He said, "Hail guardsman. I am Thane Jon, and this is Lady Lydia. Of house Noonien-Signh."

"Ah, from Whiterun. Usually you're in wizarding robes. Very well. You're both welcome in the Queen's court, Dragonborn, Lady. Tis an honor."

They both smiled back as the guard opened the door for them, and allowed them in. The Blue Palace was a large keep, but not in the style usual to Skyrim. It was no mead hall. There was a foyer, with the court proper up some grand stairs. Despite the color of Solitude being red, even the stone was blue in the place. There were plants in pots around, Deathbell they noticed, benches for seating, or even tables for eating and mingling. No doubt it was for those who didn't quite make it to court standing, which was currently being held on the upper level.

There was an attendant waiting at the end of one of two curving grand staircases. He was a younger man, though still carried himself with more wisdom than his years suggested. Jon causally guessed he grew up as a servant in the palace, was well familiar with the ins and out of court intrigue, and may even advise Elisif personally. They may have even been childhood friends, her marriage probably arranged with Torygg from a young age. They may all have been childhood friends.

He stood a few curt steps away from the stairs with a warm smile. He said, "Hail friends. I'm certain this is your first visit to the Blue Palace."

Jon nodded, "Indeed it is. I am Thane Jon, Of Whiterun, Winterhold. Arch-Mage of the college there as well. This is Lady Lydia Doom-Driven.

Lydia smiled and gave half a curtsy, mostly to practice for the main event. The attendant huffed and said, "Something tells me you didn't earn a name like Doom-Driven by wearing dresses and projecting grace."

She scoffed at the light insult, "I did not. I hope I won't embarrass myself."

"Never dream of it. Elisif cares more about what feels ceremonious, than what actually is. Sometimes she makes just stuff up to giggle about it later."

That basically confirmed his theories, for whatever it was worth. Jon said, "She likes the idea of ceremony."

"Not strictly adherence to it, yes. I can tell you, your attire will turn her eye. I am so happy you both walked in. Unfortunately I can not introduce you just yet. There are vital hold matters being discussed currently."

Jon took a small measure of it and agreed. He said, "May we still go up? We have no issue waiting in the back quietly."

The attendant nodded with a smile, "Certainly, please follow me Thane, Lady."

They began up the stairs, Jon paying closer attention to the conversation. Lydia as well. It was a skill for those of their nature to be able to tune things out, "There are unnatural magics coming from that cave! I swear it! Strange noised and lights! The town is terrified, my Jarl."

"Then we will scour the cave and secure town. Have a legion comb the area immediately. It will not be said that Haafingar was unsafe under my rule."

"Th..thank you, my Jarl. Thank you."

"Your eminence. Dragon's-Bridge is already under Imperial control. My scrying has also detected nothing in the area. It is likely superstitious nonsense." Jon and Lydia had just gotten to the top of the steps. He didn't like that retort, nor the hollowness of the voice that gave it. He also didn't like the scent of the room, likely due to this probably undead person he couldn't quite see yet. Lydia thought much the same, and she finally put her dress down, having to hold it up with both hands to keep from tripping up the stairs.

"Perhaps a more, tempered reaction, my Jarl." Another voice called out.

"Hmm, yes of course. You both make good points. Falk, tell Captain Alidis I said to assign a few more guards to Dragon's-Bridge. I also want that cave investigated. Find out what is going on, whatever it is."

"I volunteer!" Jon raised his voice to say, so all would hear.

Lydia quickly shot him a dirty look from under her hood. The court attendance was supposed to be more formal, and she apparently didn't have to worry about embarrassing herself. He Thane did it for her. He needed to quietly approach the steward, not yell out in open court as he did. Wait to be introduced at least. Though he wouldn't be her sword if he did things properly. Then she smiled, and Jon smelled what she thought. He replied as the attendant happily motioned them to the front before Elisif even gave the order.

"You may approach." She said.

They worked their way though the crowed of a few dozen, most there only to observe the proceeding anyway. It was something to do for the upper class of any society. More than a few eyes turned at the bold outfits crossing their sight. When they got closer to the front he saw why the attendant was so happy to see them.

Elisif was still even wearing a cowl of morning over her eyes. Her Jarl's attire was dark if not black outright, and she looked obviously uncomfortable with the responsibility she had been given. It was her posture in the seat. Every other Jarl sat in their throne like they owned it, because they did. She was prim and upright, and occupier only. She didn't asked for any of what happened. She was merely a socialite lucky to be born to wealth, and married to power with a man she truly did love. That truly did lover her. Jon judged she was doing her best with what she had.

She smiled under how cowl, perhaps the first time in ages when she saw the bold statements the lord and his lady were wearing. She had to know, but had to first asked, "Eren, who do we have here."

Eren smiled, "Inducting to Court, my Lady, Thane Jon, of Whiterun. Arch-Mage of the college of Winterhold. With him is his Lady Lydia Doom-Driven."

Jon gave a small formal salute, now properly holding Lydia's hand again, and she gave her once practice curtsy, marginally better than before. Even with her blessing she simply could not figure the oblivion damned dress out. Ever ounce of her muscle memory was to move to fight, not move to impress.

Elisif was happy with the attempt nonetheless, and giggled some before she asked her next question, "I must know where you got those outfits. They are so beautiful."

"Radiant Raiment, your grace. Just inside the Blue Quarter gate." Jon said with a small bow again, letting only the name and the striking garments do the adveris-ment.

She nodded, and the mood of the court itself lightened some as if at her behest. In tune with her own mood. Two rays of light had walked in and brightened her life, perhaps stirred her again to some measure of happiness and joy. Everyone was eyeing the two and making the note of where to shop. Mission accomplished, he thought.

"I will certainly be placing an order with them. However, I must say I find it hard to believe you claiming the title of Arch-Mage of Winterhold. You are not a Dunmer, Thane Jon." Elisif said, almost spitting his other title. She was no fool that could be blinded only by some fine looking clothes.

"I can corroborate that, your eminence. He's known as the Thane in robes, and I've already received missives about the change of leadership. I imagine every court wizard did out of prudence." It was the hollow voice again, and Jon still couldn't peg where exactly she was. Whoever she was, a vampire certainly, she was experienced and likely didn't fall for any of his tricks. She likely pegged him immediately for what he was as soon as he walked in, and was intentionally staying well out of the way while still carrying out her duties.

Elisif curtly nodded, "Very well then, my apologizes Arch-Mage."

Jon of course was obligated to respond, "Not necessary, your grace. These are uncertain times, and one could never be too cautious."

She returned to her normal state of mourning, and a shadow seemed to cast itself back over the court's mood. She said, "Wise council. Thank you, Arch-Mage. You volunteer to investigate Wolf skull cave. Do you believe this is a threat magical in nature?"

Jon casually shrugged, "I simply do not know, your grace. The last time someone told me a ghost story, it was an idiot with a fondness for dangerous concoctions. It could be anything. Wolves, pretend ghosts, dire threats to the world from profane magics. Whatever it it, my Lady and I will find out. That I assure you, your grace."

"An Arch-Mage for some lights and noises still seems a heavy handed response." The hollow voice retorted.

"Worth about a legion, I'd say." Jon arrogantly replied. "But as I said, I volunteer. If it is the worst case, then we would be best positioned to handle it."

"He is only Arch-Mage because of a threat to all life we casually stumbled into, then just as casually prevented!" Lydia boasted in her impeccably crafted dress, and not her armor unfortunately. If only she had a mug of mead to raise, with some of that Daedric hooch to go with. This Was still a Skyrim court after all. One was allowed to boast when formally recognized, just not before.

The Nords of the court rose some with some small cheers and rattling. She cheered again, "We should thank this brave Nord for coming forward to warn us of danger, knowing he would be branded as a fool!"

The Nords of the court rose more and now fully cheered, men and maidens alike and especially the man in question. A couple of the others attending clapped as well, mostly because most others were as well. Elisif chuckled a couple times, hand over mouth, and even settled a little more casually into her throne.

She said, "Very well then, Arch-Mage, Lady Lydia. I give you leave to investigate. We are honored for your assistance. Court is now in recess for lunch."

Elisif got up, and any still sitting got up with her. She made way to exit the court to her private dining area, and others matched it for wherever they would eat in the mid day. As best they could in their clothes, Jon and Lydia made off to the rear quietly and without much fanfare. They both wanted out of the contraptions they were wearing.

It thankfully wasn't a long walk back to Raiment. Every so often one of the midday rush crowd would stop to ask where their outfits came from. They would politely answer and move on to get out of them. When they got back they politely told they sisters they would certainly put orders in for less ornate attire, but that they could keep they ones they advertised. The sisters were happy that the outfits were on full display to a full court, with a promise of orders from the Jarl herself. Business would be booming in a short while for them.

Jon and Lydia changed back into their normal attire, Lydia taking to her Expert robes to get out of the heavy plate for a while. Even for one trained in heavy armor, blessed as she was, dragon scale could be a burden to wear at times she was finding. Their next target was Castle Dour before eating and making way for the cave.

The castle was tucked into the North most corner of the city, and rose into the mount beside. There was a keep wall cutting it off from the rest of the city, but as the temple of the Divines was in the same area, it was mostly open to the public, with heavy guard around. Mostly Imperial, but some guardsman standing proudly next to them.

A legionnaire with a gruff southern accent approached, "Hail Arch-Mage. General Tullius would like a word."

Jon didn't think he actually did, given the power of Jon's words, but he nodded an obliged anyway. Lydia was right behind with her eyes up was much as they could be under a hood. They were led into one of the keep doors. Tullius's war room wasn't far behind, up only a small set of stairs near the ground floor. They had to stop because a conversation was taking place behind the closed door. The legionnaire's orders weren't specified as urgent, and the person wof interest and his Lady were so far cooperative. He was let his General finished his important discussion before introducing his next meeting.

Jon and Lydia had no problem hearing the muffled worlds, "I'm telling you. He's going to attack Whiterun."

"He'd be insane. Bulgruuf stood up for the whole damn continent against the dragons. He's benefiting just as much."

"And yet my scouts report his camps get closer and close to the hold borders."

"Hmm, that damned Jarl is still refusing any major Imperial aid. Just coin and advisors. We cant let Ulfric pillage the city because Bulgruuf wants to stand outside the Empire. Even before the dragons he was refusing the Legion's right to garrison his city. Now with the dragons? There's a concentration of power and knowledge there that can't fall into Ulfric's hands. What if he even swears for Ulfric with this is set and done?"

"Ulfric wouldn't be moving troops closer if that was the case, Sir. I know what you're thinking, and that's not how Nords operate."

"Damnit. We cant even share any of this intel because it could fracture the truce against the dragons. Ulfric launches his attack because he doesn't have any other option, we're unprepared because of your bloody Nord honor. The dragons take advantage and vex us all."

"You can't force a Nord to accept help he hasn't asked for, sir."

"I've been noticing. Dismissed Legate go get some grub in you."

"Sir!"

She snapped to attention, the motion audible with her armor. The door opened a movement later and she was wearing the same Consortium armor Hadvar was. She stopped for a moment to eye the procession and said, "Who are these people legionnaire?"

"The Arch-Mage and his Lady, Legate Rikke. I'm under orders direct from the Gen-"

"Bring em in!" Tullius yelled out from his office.

Rikke nodded, satisfied that the visitors were expected, and continued with her orders to find lunch. The legionnaire motioned, and Jon and Lydia worked passed on the steps and into the room. There was of course a dominating map, and around it and the room were various papers and books the General no doubt had a system to. He too was in the new armor, testing it with his officers before ever letting their men die by things they should have spotted and fixed. Jon judged a leader of extreme quality, though he judged that all they way back at Helgan.

Tullius was giving them his eye for a moment, then a moment more. Then he finally spoke after looking down in some shame, one arm crossed in front of him with they other hand holding his chin, "Sorry. For what that's worth. Damned near doomed all of Mundus because I wanted to be over with this rebellion."

"This is Akatosh that manipulated that whole Chain of Events. Right place right time is his modus operandi. For what it's worth, I don't hold it against you. Unlike the Thalmor you haven't sent assassins after me to finish the job."

The General scoffed, "Nor will I. Any that do will be rogue. That, ah, may happen. Even I can't control the Penitus Oculatus. They've been known to 'do what's best for the Empire' from time to time."

Jon nodded, "I understand. I appreciate the fair warning. That's where we stand General. Stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. And don't think anyone will take Whiterun by force while I have something to say about it."

"Retribution for that act will be swift for either who try." Lydia said, threat on her tone. She was technicality loyal to the Empire, but only in so far as they weren't so lacking in intelligence.

Tullius smiled down at his map, then shook his head with a couple chuckles. If he was lucky the dumb bastard would charge right into it for death and glory, "Yeah, I imagine you two would have a lot to say about that. I won't keep you any longer, Dragonborn, Lady. I'm honored for the visit."

"Just Thane is fine. The honor is mine, General Tullius. You have a hyper-competent military mind that I respect. Not often you get to meet one of the Greats." He genuinely said.

Tullius scoffed. He was certainly not one of the 'Greats.' Ysgramor, Alyssia, Mede I, Stromcrown even. They conquered empires at the same age he had just cut his teeth. He said, "Experience. It's just surviving where others didn't over time."

Jon nodded in some light thought, "Yeah...wise words. Good day General."

"You as well, Thane."

Jon and Lydia walked off to find food before taking to the cave the publicly promised to investigate. As soon as the door closed General Tullius slowly found a seat in the war room and sat down. The relief washed over him and his hands were trembling from the crash. The power of Dragonborn, Talos in particular was legendary quite literally. As long as it wasn't turned against him, he didn't really even need it turned against Ulfric, however fortuitous that would be. He took some deep breaths, and decided to take his luncheon in the comfort of his wife, Divines bless that woman for not forcing a formal ceremony in Riften. He might have been dumb enough to try it for her.