Dragonborn Rising

Chapter 59 -- Return to Riften

*****

I had some welcome news on our return to Solitude. As soon as I opened the front door, Mirabelle ran towards me in floods of tears, but the smile on her face... She managed to say she was with child, and was further along than she could ever imagine. When asking how long, she said she was anywhere up to four months along. I was... staggered. Overjoyed, but staggered. Her tears almost got me going, while the others were overjoyed to hear the news.

Lydia headed straight out to see if she was with child as well. She'd admitted to feeling funny the past couple of weeks, so figured she might as well see if she too was with child. Mirabelle went with her, as did Aela, who I knew really wanted at least one child too. I sat with Haelga and Serana, sipping a tankard of mead, waiting for them to return. It took a couple of hours...

The smile on her face told me everything we needed to know. She was a month behind Mirabelle, according to the priestess.

I then looked at Aela. "It will happen," I said, taking her hand and giving her a hug, "We'll make sure of it."

"Lots of sex?" she murmured.

"Whenever it's time, I'm sure the girls won't mind."

"Of course not," Mirabelle said, joining the hug, and it eventually ended up being all of us.

Mirabelle was... radiant after that. The smile never left her face. She'd unconsciously have a hand on her stomach whenever her mind wandered. Lydia was almost the same, though there was a little melancholy with her, knowing she had made plans with someone else. I tried my best to keep her mind off that. She had a house full of people that simply adored her, to keep her mind on the present and the future. And I was the father, which made her happiest of all.

Serana was in no hurry to be with child, while Haelga was still adamant she didn't want any, talking with the girls about simply helping them when they finally gave birth. I guess we avoided any issues by the fact she still took it in the arse more often than not, making more than one joke that she couldn't get pregnant buried in her other hole most of the time. Still, we'd pretty much picked up where we'd left off the first time. She was as kinky and open-minded as ever, as was I, and we simply had a lot of fun together.

As for Elisif, I visited her as soon as I could on my return to Solitude, though once she knew we were back, and we'd been victorious, she was not a stranger to our home, often joining us as soon as the sun disappeared. I spent a night alone with her within a week of returning, and she wanted to hear all about my fight with the Stormcloaks, and certainly enjoyed hearing my retelling of my conversation with Ulfric Stormcloak.

"I hate him," she murmured, cuddling into me after a couple of hours of lovemaking, "I

hate

him. He murdered my husband. I'll never forgive him for that."

"We gave him a good fight and a bloody nose, Eli."

"What will you do now?"

"I'm surprised Tullius hasn't been to see me yet. I've given him my report but I guess I'll be waiting. If he wants my help to end the war, so be it. But after that..."

"Ragnar, you are a warrior. I'm not the only one who wants a peaceful life, but you know who you are and that there are those out there who want to see you fall or fail."

I glanced her way. "Maybe if I have a queen by my side..."

"It's been discussed, Ragnar. I love this city and its people. But you are a good man, and it makes sense. And when the Moot is eventually called, and that's what they decide, then I will..."

I turned onto my side and cuddled her into me. "The day after... I will be king, and you will be my queen."

That earned me one hell of a kiss. "I love you," she whispered.

"Despite..."

"Oh, I like all of them, Ragnar. I can't wait until we have our own child too."

"I'm going to have a lot of bastards."

She couldn't help chuckle. "It will be a house full of love, Ragnar. The only thing I wonder is, would they be Dragonborn too?"

"I honestly don't know. I'll find out once Mirabelle gives birth. Well, not that early. When they're old enough, I'll see if they have the gift. Might take them all the way to High Hrothgar, introduce them to the Greybeards."

"You're spending time with Mirabelle and Lydia?"

I couldn't help grin. "Of course. Mirabelle is just... happy. So happy."

"Good. We speak all the time, of course. I'm glad she was the first to find out. Her love for you..."

"It's why I feel like an arsehole sometimes."

She rested a hand on my cheek. "Ragnar, you are anything but. I know your past. Everything you have done since Helgen... There is a reason why you're in bed with the Jarl of Solitude right now."

"I was thinking it was my rugged good looks, adequate sized cock and rather talented tongue."

She giggled, playfully slapping my shoulder. "Well, in addition to those things, you're a good man at heart. I think you always have been. It was... circumstances that led you down some dark paths."

I didn't know what to say. It was simply a nice way to end the night, so I hugged her in close, whispered that I loved her, hearing her whisper back the same words, before we drifted off to sleep. Waking the next morning, we made love before breakfast, and my presence was now almost expected around the Blue Palace, no-one batting an eye when her stewards walked in to find me in bed with her. They never walked in us make love, or gods forbidding fucking each other senseless, but they couldn't miss that faint whiff of sex in the air... plus the satisfied smile on her face whenever we were finished. She was happy and in love, and I think they approved no matter what.

It must have been a good month after I returned to Solitude from Whiterun when I was summoned to Castle Dour by General Tullius. I didn't mind the summons now. I liked to think I had his respect at least. As for my opinion, he clearly had intelligence, and I liked to believe good intentions, for the Empire but also for Skyrim. The fact he trusted me after everything spoke of his character. We didn't delve into personal topics whenever in conversation but we could meet each other in the eye and know the worth of each other. I'd saved Skyrim more than once. That was enough alone to earn his respect.

Two Imperial soldiers had come to our front door to request my presence. I told them I would head there quickly, returning to change into armour and arm myself. Not that I expected a fight, just wanted to look the part when I met with the General. My girls all looked concerned, Mirabelle and Lydia most of all. I didn't blame them.

I took the pair of them in my arms. "We both know what he will probably request." I laid a kiss on their forehead before meeting the eyes of the others. "Whatever the case, I do this myself. I have an idea of what's coming next. What matters it that Mirabelle and Lydia are kept safe. Aela... I want you to..." She immediately hugged me as well. Serana and Haelga quickly joined in. "I just want you all to be safe," I added quietly, "But this is my life for the moment."

"Riften?" Haelga asked.

"Aye. He won't send me to Winterhold. What's the point? He knows I have history in Riften. I'll see what he says, I'll return here and let you know, then no doubt I'll likely head south."

"I'm tired of this," Mirabelle whispered. The rest stepped back as I hugged her close. "I just want a family," she added, holding me tightly. I looked at the others. Her voice spoke volumes.

"I've survived everything so far, Belle. I'm the Dragonborn. And Ulfric Stormcloak will not get the best of me." I leaned back as she lifted her head from my chest, using a thumb to gently dry her cheeks. "I will be here to see my first son or daughter born, and they will not be the first." She choked back a sob, holding me tightly, the others re-joining quickly. "But this is what I must do. He attacked Whiterun. I have a lot of love for that city. He now cowers behind his walls in Windhelm. I... must do what needs to be done. It's my destiny."

"You should go, my thane," Lydia stated. She never called me that nowadays. "You won't be leaving yet. But you must do what is required. If it brings peace to Skyrim, then so be it."

I nodded my thanks in her direction, gently extracting myself from Mirabelle, the rest hugging her as I quickly headed outside, taking a deep breath as I leant back against the door. A large part of me didn't want to leave. I wanted to watch the belly of Mirabelle swell with our child, and then be present to hold her hand as she gave birth to what I knew would be the first of a few. I'd do the same for Lydia, Aela, Serana, and Elisif, when we eventually decided on children.

But I was the Dragonborn. And a quiet life was simply not something the Divines chose for me. Not just yet.

Walking into Castle Dour, I was now a familiar figure that I was always greeted with a polite nod of the head as I walked by guards and soldiers. Finding Tullius in what I knew he called his war room, he offered his hand, accepting it as he asked how I was. Formalities were few between us otherwise. We both knew why I was there.

"It's time to bring this war to a close, Dragonborn, but before we move on Windhelm, we must ensure the rest of his territory has been subdued to ensure we cannot be flanked."

"So you need to take both Winterhold and Riften, while ensuring he cannot raise further armies at the same time."

Tullius actually smirked. "You think like an officer already, Dragonborn."

"It just makes sense. Winterhold is small and relatively undefended. You don't really need my help for that. Riften will take hard work, planning or... a surprise..."

He gestured to the map. "I know you spent time living in Riften, Dragonborn, so you know all its secrets. I'm sending two Legions into the Rift to eliminate the Stormcloak presence. But I would like to take Riften without destroying the city. The fact half of it is wood is a concern. I don't want to see it burned to the ground. So I'm going to ask you a favour, to rely on some talents I know you have."

"Subterfuge, General?"

He nodded. "If we can take the palace without bloodshed, or at least without blood staining the fields surrounding the city... And I don't wish to see a long siege, resulting in the senseless deaths of the inhabitants. If we can take the city as quickly and cleanly as possible, then we can make our final move on Windhelm."

"Your plans for Ulfric Stormcloak?"

"He is a traitor to the Empire."

"Do you not empathise with his viewpoint? We're all Nords here, General. Talos is our god. The Empire signing that agreement... Is the Emperor really surprised that it sparked this?"

"Empathy or not, he still raised arms against the Empire. We cannot appear weak in the face of such treason."

"Killing him will make him a martyr to the cause. Even those who support the Empire may think execution a step too far."

"Are you suggesting something, Dragonborn?"

"We take Windhelm. We must crush his armies, make sure he cannot raise a force against the Empire again. Neuter his power. But... bring him back into the fold." I paused and met his eyes. "How long do you really think the peace will last with the Thalmor?"

"We cannot afford a war right now, Dragonborn. Nor can they."

"But it is unlikely that peace will remain. The Thalmor clearly have plans. And they stride around Skyrim like they own the place. What the Nords of Skyrim need to know from the Empire is that you listen to us, particularly our grievances in regards to who we should be allowed to worship."

"It's unlikely the Emperor can change his mind. If he allowed the worship of Talos... It was almost the main demand of the Thalmor, but we both saw the reason why. It was to drive a wedge between the Nords and the Empire. Devious bastards."

"Worked a charm though." I sighed. "Anyway, I think that's for later. First, Riften. If you wish, General, I can start thinking about plans to take it. Let me know when your Legions are on the march, but I think I know how to take it over without too many casualties."

"When can you leave?"

"Tomorrow. I can enter and leave the city without a problem. No-one will be suspicious of me."

"Okay, do that. The Legions are currently being organised. I will hold them back until I receive word from yourself regarding the situation. While you focus on Riften, I'll make sure our forces take Winterhold, maybe keep Ulfric busy in the north so it makes things slightly easier for you in the south." Before I walked out, I thought of one final question. "Obviously the current Jarl needs to be replaced. Who will replace her?"

"Maven Black-Briar. She's been a friend of the Empire for many years."

I managed to hold back to the smirk. An ally within the walls already was just perfect. I would speak to her before making the move.

Heading home, word must have reached Elisif already, as the six women in my life were all sitting at the table, waiting for my return. Sitting down, they knew what I was going to tell them. I was mostly worried about how Mirabelle would react... To my surprise, she smiled and grabbed my hand. "I overreacted, Ragnar. It happens when one is with child. Emotions are all over the place."

"Sure?"

"Will you want any of the others to go?"

"No, this is something I'll do myself. Or I'll call in a few favours."

"Then I'll have your girls here with me, Ragnar. Lydia is going through the same thing as me. She just holds all the tears in better." I looked at Lydia and she looked ready to giggle. "She's putting a brave face on things," Mirabelle added.

"When do you leave?" Aela asked.

"Tomorrow. The sooner I leave, the sooner I return. Though I head to Riften first, no doubt I'll be expected to assist with any assault on Windhelm. After that... I would hope for at least a little peace and quiet."

"You were always bound to be dragged into all this," Lydia stated, "Frankly, you've done well to stay out of it until now."

"Ulfric forced my hand by attacking Whiterun. I guess I should see this through to the end like everything else I've found myself involved with."

"How long do you think you'll be gone?" Mirabelle asked, "Not too long?"

"I will aim to have Riften in Empire hands as quickly as possible. After that, I don't think Tullius will want to delay too long. He'll surround Windhelm and hope Ulfric sees sense in not wanting a siege. Helps that he lost plenty of men and equipment due to his assault on Whiterun. I guess we might need to really give his armies a good battering out in the field somewhere. I guess we'll see."

That night was interesting as I ended up sharing a bed with Mirabelle and Aela. All my girls were aware of how close I was with the former, while Aela simply wanted sex as she was sure it was the right time. I don't think she was desperate, not yet, but even Mirabelle cuddled her after Aela and I made love, assuring her that it would happen. Placing one of Aela's hands on her own belly, Mirabelle whispered, "Life is growing inside me, Aela. And it will happen for you soon. A daughter, just like I know you want. Keep your line going."

"A daughter like her mother, and a son like his father," Aela whispered, looking at me, "How many do you want, Mirabelle?"

"More than two," she replied, looking at me with a cheeky grin, "Ragnar knows that already, of course."

"Definitely going to need a bigger place," I stated, chuckling away.

"Well, if you do become High King, who says you have to remain in Solitude?" Aela said.

"Hmmm. Good point. Call in a few favours, build a... mansion. The Blue Palace is big though. And there's an entire wing that isn't in use. I've asked Eli about that but she hasn't really given me a straight answer yet."

The next morning, all six girls followed me to the stables outside of the city. Even Elisif joined us, flanked by a half dozen city guard, though they knew I'd fight off the entire Stormcloak army to keep her safe. They knew I wouldn't do anything stupid, simply asking that I return to them safe and sound as always. I assured them that I'd finish the job in Riften and return to Solitude before doing anything else.

Mounting my horse, I blew them a kiss before turning my horse in the direction required and began the long ride to the other side of Skyrim. I stopped at Whiterun that evening, only making it through the city gates once the torches had been lit, heading straight for the Bannered Mare for a meal and a drink. Ysolda saw me enter alone and made a beeline straight for me. Once I told her that both Mirabelle and Lydia were with child, she backed off a little. "Would they mind?" she wondered.

"If they're not with me, they know I might make a friend. Or reacquaint myself with an old friend," I replied, before adding, "Though things are different. Mirabelle and Lydia are pregnant."

That made her smile. "I'm amazed at how tolerant they are."

"You and me both, Ysolda. But they all appear genuinely happy with the arrangement, particularly the five that live together. Elisif can't live with us full-time considering her position."

That made her laugh. "Still can't believe you're sleeping with the Jarl of Solitude."

"She's... lovely. Absolutely beautiful. Far more intelligent than given credit for."

In the end, we both had a desire to be together again, and any hesitation Ysolda may have felt disappeared once I was inside her, though only having spent a good half hour with my mouth between her legs first, appreciating the fact she was a natural redhead and her scent drove me wild. Ysolda wanted nothing more than to be on her hands and knees, begging me to just fuck her. It was intimate, yes, but after finally giving into temptation the last time, this second time was probably even better.

I had to wake with the sun the next morning to make it to Riften within the day. Ysolda escorted me to the stables, and we enjoyed a final embrace before mounting up. "I had a great time last night, Ragnar. In both the tavern and then what we did afterwards."

"If I'm ever here alone, I'll clear it with my girls for us to have some fun, at least until the moment someone sweeps you off your feet."

She sighed. "Happened once, Ragnar. Now that I've been with you, I will be comparing all the time."

"I'm just glad we finally did, Ysolda. Shame it took so long for us both."

A final kiss and I mounted up, looking back more than once to see her wave, watching me until I disappeared over the horizon. I certainly spent half the time smiling to myself for a number of reasons. Ysolda was lovely, though during our conversation between fucking the night before, I was left thinking she wouldn't have been interested in joining me up north. But I was generally still smiling about the news regarding Mirabelle and Lydia, and I still had fingers crossed Aela would soon be given good news too.

I passed more than one Stormcloak patrol between Whiterun and Riften. I thought they would have attacked me straight away, as my face was rather well known by now, but I passed by each one with barely a glance received. I knew of at least three camps on route as well, figuring they may be emptier than before their attack as I was adamant Ulfric had thrown significant numbers of men and material towards taking over the city.

Making it to Riften stables before the sun disappeared, I left my horse with Shadr as always before wandering in. The guards took a look at me then ignored me as always. Stopping a few paces inside, I looked between the Bee and Barb, Mistveil Keep and Black-Briar Manor.

Heading to Black-Briar Manor, I knocked on the door and waited for it to open. I was greeted by the face of one of her sons. I didn't know them that well, but I knew Sibbi was bald, and that was who answered. I knew of his reputation, and didn't like him based on that alone, but he was polite to me when asking who I was after. "Mother is in the dining room," he said, standing to the side.