Lilith remembered her hikes through the Vale with her mother. It was hard for her to picture her now. She couldn’t look above her chin in the eye of her memory. Her mother had died when she was merely eight years old. What she did remember was a faceless imperial woman clad in dragon scales. A katana sheathed in a dragonbone scabbard and a dwemer crossbow on her back.
The dragonborn visited as often as she could but would leave soon because of her duties as the dragonborn. But whenever she did visit Lilith her devotion was more than any child could get. When she didn’t come visit for over a year she questioned her falmer father who told her for many years she woud not be visiting anymore. When she was twelve he told her the truth.
Her mother was well connected with every faction as to keep everyone in check, as knowledge was the key to control. However she was named the Listener in the Dark Brotherhood, a guild of assassins that was now in shambles. The matron was jealous of her power and poisoned her in her sleep. A cowardly murder but Gelebor expected no less from that snake. Gelebor had told her that after their assassination of the Emperor the Brotherhood had been staggered to three disorganized members.
“But father, how do you know all this?”
Gelebor sighed and reminded her “As your mother knew well, knowledge is control. I had to know you were safe from Astrid’s grasp thus I have looked into the guild in the year that followed her death.”
This walk with the High Prince for an odd reason reminded her of those walks with her mother. The fascination of the land that they passed, the silent company, it was all very similar. Yet very different.
Galmar once more attempted to strike up conversation, “Your mother was the dragonborn.” Lilith stayed quiet, “Was your father a high elf?”
“No.”
“You don’t look dark elven. Nor Bosmer.”
“Falmer” A look of disgust crossed him, “Not the Betrayed Ones, the ones you are picturing. A true Snow Elf.”
Down below was the Karth River, glistening in the setting sun. Up ahead was the natural arch the shouldered Solitude. It was still miles away, though.
“They still exist?” He was very intrigued now.
“Only my father. My Uncle was the only other but he was corrupt and was forced to be slain by the dragonborn, before I was born.”
“My father told bold stories about your mother. One of them was that she faced off a whole fortress of Imperial Soldiers single-handed.” It put a small smile on Lilith’s face that he admired her mother. Other than the love that her mother had given her, she had not known anything about her adventures as a dragonborn. “Another tale was when she had faced off four dragons before slaying a dragon priest by the name of Miraak in a realm of Oblivion. She was named the Oblivion Walker by some but you know all of this already.”
She laughed a sing-song laugh “Tell me more, it is fascinating hearing what you Nords have to say about your hero.”
“I’d rather know more about the Snow Elves. What are they like?”
“I guess they look like altmer, but paler in complexion as pale as the snow as is their hair and eyes. Magic runs through their veins deeper than an altmer. But they are hardier than Nords in the cold. They are magically attuned to the snow and ice.”
Galmar scoffed. “You aren’t hardier than a Nord.”
“Have you swam in a lake in dead winter and enjoyed it? She challenged.
“About the magic,” He changed, “What school are you adept in?”
“Personally, conjuration. But innately restoration and alteration.”
It may sound strange, as you barely know me. Could you teach me magic? Alteration.”
She agreed and the rest of the journey to Solitude they practiced the simple spell to summon an orb of light.
They rented a room at the Winking Skeever; they got the top suite because of Galmar. The suite was richly decorated, abundant with lounges, a bookcase filled with various books, even a bathing room. However there was only one bed. It looked immensely comfortable and she could sleep on it horizontally and still be able to stretch her arms and legs.
Lilith thought she would stay in town for a while and changed into a more comfortable attire, close fitting leather trousers and a hooded leather jacket, which she left open, revealing a white blouse. Galmar let out a low whistle as she reappeared from the bathing room.
Her skin was more pink in the golden candlelight and if not for her high cheek bones and almond eyes, she could have been pure Imperial. Her hood was down revealing her silver locks that she had tied back except for two on either side of her face in a noble Imperial fashion. There were rumors the dragonborn was highborn, and it definitely reflected in her daughter.
“You flatter yourself, Lilith.” He stood up in front of her, his hand trembling half an inch from her cheek. He pulled it away ashamed, “I’m sorry. You. You’re different.” He turned around, “Most people see me as the prince and nothing more. Someone to be respectful to, to obey. You don’t.”
Lilith smiled tenderly, “I’ll take that as a compliment. Would you show me round the city tomorrow? I’d like to see it, but it is late now.”
“I’m heading back to the Blue Palace. I’ll pick you up from the inn, in the morning.”
He left brusquely. She sipped at a spiced wine that was sitting by her bedside. At the bottom of the glass tinkled a small pearl. She remembered from her alchemy lessons that when a small pearl is submersed in alcohol it works like an aphrodisiac. She was furious at what Galmar was planning. But impressed that he had resisted. However she had finished the glass and could feel it taking effect.
The half-elf sat at the bar the next morning, sipping at tea and enjoying a boiled egg. Another delicacy she had never thought of. Who would have thought to cook a bird’s egg in boiled water and the contents would solidify and actually taste good! It was nicer with salt though.
Galmar in his grey fur coat sat next to her, leaning over the bar trying to get another look past her hood. He had to admit her exotic features enticed him, and he always wanted to see them again. Still no avail. “Dashing as always, Lilith.” A charming and eager grin on across his blonde stubbled face Once again the inn was silent. Their young prince was socializing with a complete stranger.
“Thank you for the wine last night. The flavor was quite exquisite, and… enticing.”
His grin soured and he streaked his fingers through his mane, breathing out deeply, “Yes. Uhm. I regret that. It was brash.”
“I noticed.” She stayed emotionless in tone but behind the hood she was blushing at her actions last night. She had never felt that desire before and it embarrassed her. “I’m not a courtesan, Galmar, or one of your maids. Find your exotic pleasures elsewhere.
He started stuttering, “Lilith. No. That’s not what I. Lilith. I told you last night… you’re different. I don’t want to treat you like them.”
“Well you have. And Akatosh damn you! I just wanted to visit the Capital and now it looks like I am the latest affair of the prince of Skyrim.”
He grinned cheekily, “You might just be.”
“Go fuck your maids or something, I’m getting the hell out of Solitude.” With that she stood up and left the Winking Skeever, not bothering to pay the bill. She kissed her amulet of Akatosh and prayed for forgiveness outside the inn. Then left the main gates and headed east, her white rucksack on her back. East was Morthal, that was her next stop on her tour of Skyrim.
I hope you enjoyed, comments would be appreciated.
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