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Arc 8 Chapter XC: Of Knights And Dervishes
🕑 Added 2025-02-28 23:44:04 +0000 UTCJesus Christ, I just wanted to introduce a few characters and their factions but nooope the smoothbrain decided to flow a bit today.
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(Reyvin's POV)
My conversation with Serana stretched well into the morning, and as much as the two of us were perfectly willing to keep it going for hours longer duty called and I was summoned a mere hour after the sun rose to participate in greeting the Breton delegation.
Before I left I also made sure to order a few of my subjects to introduce my guest to the city so that she could explore it at her leisure.
No reason to keep her in my manor when she was perfectly within her rights to be here after all.
The White Gold Tower and its inhabitants were still blinking the sleep from their eyes when I arrived and Minthara quite happily extricated herself from the Imperial Senechal's grasp the moment she saw me.
The vile woman tried trapping me within the same soft authority a few days back but I would have none of it. My fashion and etiquette sense were perfectly fine without her constant badgering thank you very much! And as funny as it was to watch Minthara suffer her attention I would never consciously subject myself to the same.
'Suffering was for others, no matter the form!' Scorch nodded sagely.
My opinion was evidently shared as Minthara practically skipped her way to me and gave me a quick hug that stank of desperation "Finally!" She let out a hiss "I swear if I didn't know she had good intentions I'd probably have snapped her neck by now."
"She is letting you off far more easily these days" I point out, doing my utmost to stop my lips from twitching up "Just think back on how bad she was when you first came to Cyrodiil."
The same woman who dug through Alduin with her bare fucking hands shudders in terror "Never speak of that again."
Naturally, the only reasonable response to that was "No promises."
She grumbles before decidedly changing the topic "What do you know of our other guests?"
"The Bretons?"
"The Redguards" She gives me an odd look "A small delegation came in across the western bridge yesterday."
"Huh" I cup my chin "I had no idea they were coming. Well, I do suppose I was rather distracted so my agents probably did not want to disturb me."
"Locked yourself in your library again?" She asks, amused.
"Nah" I shake my head "Had a guest visit me in the evening, spent all of it catching up."
For whatever inexplicable reason she narrows her eyes "And who is this guest?"
"Serana Volkihar" I tell her without a care "I sent her an invitation a week or so ago." Her eyes narrow further and I give her a dry stare "Don't look at me like that, your dragon is showing."
She crosses her arms, stares at me for a bit more, and huffs "Fine."
"Now about those Redguards" I go on as if nothing happened, extending my arm to the side only to have it suddenly filled with a neatly folded scroll "Hmmm..." I hum as I give it a quick read "A Forebear delegation, one of their Count equivalents you inadvertently helped during your excursion. Seems to be interested in working with the Empire to liberate the rest of his people."
"And by liberate you mean he wants to rejoin despite our previous betrayal." She catches on quickly "Surprising."
"Not really" I shrug, and seeing her expectant look I elaborate "It is one thing to be pissed at Titus and his decisions, but it is another entirely to be pissed at a Dragonborn Septim, especially one who was already seen to be aiding the fight against the Thalmor, and from atop a dragon at that."
"Dragons do tend to encourage that kind of thinking." She nods smugly "But we can stand here and speculate for hours if we wished to, we can't know until we actually meet them."
"And I am guessing that kind of meeting will not be held in the throne room?" I ponder aloud.
She nods "Indeed, we will receive the Hammerfell delegation after receiving the Bretons."
'Probably prudent.' I nodded and our conversation trailed off for a few minutes as we awaited our guests, who finally decided to show themselves with all the pomp the nobility of High Rock were known for.
The first to enter was a tall if somewhat chubby clean shaven blonde with long and dare I say luscious hair, his deep blue coat decorated with as much gold as he could fit without looking outright garish, with the highlight being a large chain of golden squares that did more to encircle his shoulders than to actually hang off his neck.
Instead of a sword, at his belt hung an obviously magical scepter tipped with a sapphire, and atop his head lay a crown just a slight bit too ostentatious for a mere Petty King.
Behind him came another two, an old man and a young woman, both of them crowned and wearing clothes colored in their own heraldry but also small tokens here and there that showed them as allied or at least supportive to the man that entered first.
It did not escape my eyes that their crowns were also just slightly lesser.
And behind them came a pair of knights each, the most noticeable of whom was the imposing form of Reynauld Belamane, the Knight Commander of the Knights of Evermor, and the same man who aided me back in Markarth as well as throughout Skyrim's civil war.
Judging by his the heraldry he bore, the golden sword crossed with a scepter on deep blue, the man in the lead was no doubt the King of Evermor, even if his domain was more of a Dukedom.
The throne room quietened down at their approach, their assured walk ceasing only when they reached the steps to the throne itself and then as one they knelt before the Emperor.
Titus rose his hand and bit them "Rise, my friends, and be welcome to Cyrodiil."
"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty." The man in the lead once more bows his head and stands up, swiftly followed by the rest of his entourage "We, the rulers of Wrothgar, are as always loyal servants of the Empire, and are honored to answer an invitation to this, most auspicious of events."
'Wrothgar being eastern High Rock...' My eyes narrow 'So that is his game?'
Titus' own thoughts seemingly follow my own "Only the rulers of Wrothgar? Or do you represent the rest of High Rock?"
The man nearly manages to hide the shine of satisfaction from his eyes before he speaks "I am afraid our western kin have declared themselves too... busy for such an event. We are here of our own accord."
"I see." Titus says neutrally "Such is their right, of course."
"I would not dare say otherwise." The Breton nods along "But let us not speak of those too bereft to pay heed to such important shifts in our glorious nation." He claps his hands and a pair of what looks to be Evermor squires march into the throne room, a large chest between them "While the gifts for Her Highness and her intended will be given after the ceremonies, we would be delighted if Your Imperial Majesty would accept this small offering as a sign of our esteem."
'Flowery little shit, isn't he?' I hear Scorch grumble.
Humming very lightly along I answer 'But he is not stupid, and that means he could be useful.'
My eyes meet Minthara's and we have a silent conversation that follows along those very lines, the two of us sharing a nod after only a brief moment and turning back to the guests.
"The throne is as always honored to receive gifts from its loyal subjects." Titus nods along and waves for the squires to leave the chest, but not before opening it and revealing admittedly impressive piles of jewelry within.
Not terribly practical but not all gifts need to be, gift-giving of this level is usually a prestige chasing pissing contest after all.
More platitudes are shared between the two, the other Bretons remaining oddly silent as they spoke before Titus gave the man an excuse and pretty much told him to go and introduce himself to us and stop bothering him, but in much more polite terms.
That the man was not at all offended but instead seemed eager was quite telling of his goals.
The moment he walked up to us with his two hangers-on his smile only widened "Your Imperial Highness" He bowed to Minthara and then to me "Your Grace. It is a great honor to meet the two heroes who saved us all from the World Eater, the Empire's future is in most deserving hands indeed."
Not pausing a moment he goes on "While I am certain you are already aware, allow me to introduce myself and my fellows" He straightens his back "I am King Uthred Belamane, the ruler of Evermor, to my right is King Howard Mark of Morkul, and to my left is my own betrothed, the Queen Janette Deranne of Jehanna."
The two of them offer quick bows and the same titular greetings while still leaving Uthred in the lead.
"Welcome to Cyrodiil, King Uthred" Minthara parrots her adoptive father while offering the Breton a thin smile "I will admit, despite having some time to get used to my new position I am still surprised by how many people have come to show me their support."
"But of course, the truly loyal should march through all possible peril to show their devotion to the Septim name." He grins "And you shall find that we the Bretons of Wrothgar are devoted indeed."
"Awfully focused on that, aren't we?" I speak up in a lazy drawl "Why seeing the rulers of Morkul, and Jehanna deferring to the King of Evermor like this, one might imagine you to hold greater ambitions."
He stills for a split second before once more smiling amiably "And I would understand such concerns, Hortator of Morrowind, but an elf of your caliber and position must understand the importance of unity and authority, especially in these trying times."
"You are not wrong" I hum "And yet you represent but a quarter of High Rock, something that promises less unity and more strife akin to that caused by Ulfric Stormcloak" I lean in "I trust none such foolishness awaits us in the future?"
He takes another moment to collect himself while also giving Minthara a quick glance and finding her just as interested in his answer. He lowers his tone and speaks "As unfortunate as the facts are, our western brethren have begun feeling... disconnected from the central authority of the Empire. A feeling we shared before my cousin's trip to Skyrim" He points an open hand at Reynauld who grins and salutes.
"The King of Wayrest also participated with his forces, did he not?" I press him.
"True, he did." Uthred admits easily enough "But he was not happy with what little honor was directed his way for his meager support, the coastal raids from Hammerfell plaguing Stormhaven (southern High Rock) are certainly not helping in that."
"The north is not much better." King Howard Mark interjects gruffly "The orcs in Rivenspire (northern High Rock) have grown bold and the King of Shornhelm has failed to contain them, no doubt blaming the Empire for the complete lack of legion presence to aid him."
"And Glenumbra (western High Rock) is as disinterested with the rest of the world as always" Uthred adds "Too stuck within their own petty squabbles despite the fact the King of Daggerfall still calls himself the High King."
"And you are different how?" Minthara asks "Besides being the closest to the Empire and not being plagued by the selfsame issues you listed, you seem awfully certain of your position, both the one you stated and the one you are pretending you did not."
Momentarily cut off by her bluntness, the royal takes a few seconds to answer "I forget you are of Nordic heritage, Your Imperial Highness" He chuckles weakly "Please, take no offense, if my love for the games of speechcraft bother you so I shall be blunt." His expression firms "We have profited greatly due to our renewed cooperation with the Empire, as can be attested by the actions of my cousin here."
Reynauld grins happily "Indeed, King Torygg's support was quite handy when we set to purge the Reach utterly."
"A great boon for trade as well" The Queen of Jehanna interjects "Caravans not having to worry about such things as barbarian raids on the trek between my city and Solitude has improved the prosperity of my people greatly."
"As you can see" Uthred spreads his arms "We are quite content to be a part of the Empire of Tamriel, but such thoughts may not be supported by our brethren. We would see them humbled with the least bloodshed possible so that this prosperity may spread to all, and we may live in peace."
"After dealing with all the threats, of course." Reynauld states.
"Of course, my cousin speaks rightly." Uthred gives the man a mildly annoyed glare "Should the Alinori seek to invade us once more, we will naturally fight with all the might we have at the side of our Imperial, Nord, and Dunmeri brothers and sisters."
"All under your wise leadership, no doubt?" Minthara hums with only light sarcasm.
But the Breton King is not cowed "Am I at fault for seeking to guard my people? Do our goals not align? As comfortable as it would be to just leave things as they are all of us would be served much better with High Rock placed under a firm authority that does not permit its usual factionalism."
Minthara and I share another quick conversation and after an agreeing nod I speak "Your words, if true, are certainly tempting to listen to. However" I raise a finger "We will have to confirm them ourselves. I trust you will not take offense at the fact we will trust but verify."
"I have spoken naught but the truth" Uthred assures "And I will not be so impertinent as to suggest you must trust me implicitly. I know for a fact you will find yourself agreeing to all I have said, and we will be firm allies soon enough."
"Your confidence does you credit." I state neutrally.
He just inclines his head.
"Very well then. Baring any... foolishness, consider your idea to be nominally supported" Minthara finally says and the uppity Breton nearly begins jumping for joy "For now." She quickly adds which does nothing to reduce the man's enthusiasm.
Out of the corner of my eye I notice Titus signaling for us to finish up and move to the council chambers "I recommend you go and meet with the High King of Skyrim and his Jarls now" I cut in "Unfortunately we have other duties for the day."
"But of course" Uthred inclines his head "I would not dare take more of your time."
His cousin on the other hands nearly vibrates in place as he gives me a pleading look.
Feeling just a touch exasperated I sigh "Yes, Reynauld I will visit later and we can have another bout if you wish."
The Knight Commander grins "I will be waiting."
His cousin seems pleasantly surprised by this and happily invites me to visit.
Thankfully he does it promptly enough that we leave the throne room sometime today.
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We shuffle into the council chambers, taking our seats to Titus' right as we waited for the guests to arrive, though not without Minthara complaining about Uthred being an exhausting little shit to talk to.
Even if we agreed he would be useful as a stick to beat the rest of High Rock with over the head.
He would have to be incredibly fucking foolish to talk the kind of shit he spouted to us without being certain of it, and having a High King that was much closer to the heart of our power would inevitably be more useful than the going by the rumors decadent kings of Daggerfall.
Yet another kingdom and people whose politics we would have to deal with.
Honestly I might just hoist all of it on Uthred just so I didn't have to deal with it. Three kingdoms was more than enough for me, at least for a few years.
Any further lamentations of mine were interrupted as the Pennitus Occulatus opened the double doors and let in a group of six, all of them of Redguard heritage and clad in armored nomadic clothing mixed in with light to medium armor.
What clothes were not colored in simple browns was instead dyed with red and yellow, akin to that of the Empire but not quite the same, and most of the Redguards carried scarfs with the emblem of three crossed swords tied by a knot.
The symbol of the so-called Forebears, the cosmopolitan Imperial aligned nomad faction of Hammerfell.
The man in the lead was a heavily muscled if somewhat stocky man, covered in facial scars, half of whom were covered by a thick black beard, much like the rest of his head was nearly enveloped by a near mane-like growth of hair.
He looked like your quintessential nomadic chieftain, even if his finery greatly surpassed that of his followers.
The Redguard man walked up to the seated council without a hint of hesitation, even going so far as to give Titus a mild look of disdain as their eyes met.
"Emir Kasimir" Titus greets him "We were rather surprised by your presence."
"As well you should" The apparent Emir grits out, much to the outrage of a few of the council members. He ignores them utterly though and walks up to the two of us, his eyes laser focused on Minthara.
And to the surprise of many, he kneels "Emir Kasimir of Rihad" He introduces himself with something approaching reverence in his voice "I greet the child of the dragon."
"Rise Emir." Minthara tells him, even as I notice a hint of confusion in her voice.
He does as he is bid, and does not waste time "You have aided our people without demand" His voice remains firm as he speaks, though taking on a far more respectful undertone than the one he had with Titus "The Ra-Gada (Forebears) do not forget such acts, and would see themselves tied to such valor."
"You would join us despite what happened?" She asks.
"I would have my people free and prosperous." He corrects "And I see no other way than to seek the shield of the Septim once more. The Na-Totambu (Crowns) will seek independence no matter what, but they are too weak to keep it. Liberate Hammerfell and the children of Yokuda from Thalmor yoke, return the justice of Akatosh to our lands, and we will serve gladly and without complaint."
"And you speak for all the Ra-Gada?" She presses.
"I do." He nods "The Thalmor grip on our lands is tenuous at best, and all they can do is launch raids on our coasts and disrupt our cities, more than enough to cause unrest to grow and to make brother slay brother. I would have this end."
She does not hesitate "And so it will."
"And so it will." Kasimir bows, waits for a second to see if anything else to be said, and then promptly walks out with his followers.
"Well" I mutter "At least he did not waste our time with platitudes."
And naturally the moment the words leave my mouth the council room explodes with noise.
Comments
Hakkira
Thank you kindly for the chapter 😁
StarlightGhoul
Thanks for the chapter! Truly enjoyed it!!
