For All of Skyrim

Chapter 1: Falk

Falk watched Elisif, her eyes were swollen from mourning her husband who had fallen to the false king Ulfric. She sat in the Jarl's chair, which seemed made for her he thought, and smoothed out her black skirts. Her mourning clothes looked heavy and uncomfortable, but he found her to be beautiful anyway. She was patiently listening to General Tullius talk at her. Falk admired her for her patience with the man, if it were him he would have ripped the generals condescending head from his shoulders an hour ago.

"We must take action Jarl Elisif, you aren't seasoned in war," Tullius scoffed, "I imagine you would do better at court doing whatever women like yourself do."

That earned him a look from his second in command, who also happened to be a woman. Falk ground his teeth, biting back his ready defense for his Jarl.

"Allow me to handle Ulfric and his Stormcloak army, in the name of the empire I-" He halted at the raising of Elisif's hand. She looked tired, tired of Tullius, tired of the court picking away at her. She hardly had time to mourn her husband before she was thrown into a position of power and responsibility. Falk felt guilty at that, he had been one of the many voices urging her to take her late husband's place as Jarl before another beat her to it.

"General Tullius, I have no inclination to keep you from heading our war efforts." Her stare turned icy, "It is what men like you do best isn't it? Killing?" She was subtly comparing him to Ufric, the man who had challenged and killed her husband, and defending herself against the General's earlier comment. Falk smirked, impressed with her quick wit. General Tullius fisted his hands in frustration, and his face was as red as a snowberry. Falk imagined that the General felt like he was trying to explain war strategies to a child, the way he addressed her. There was no respect in his words, only frustration and arrogance.

"I do what must be done to secure the empires' claim in Skyrim, for you and for your people," he clenched jaw but then begrudgingly added, "My Jarl."

Elisif raised her eyebrows in an unspoken challenge, probably thinking that the general did what he did more for power and prestige. But if she thought so, she did not say it,

"We are grateful to have a general as experienced as yourself fighting for us, I leave these matters to you, but I expect reports on Ulfic's movements and any notable changes regarding the war given to Falk at the end of each week." Tullius agreed but did not fail to get the last word in before he and his commanders were dismissed. Falk resisted sighing with relief as he watched them go. His eyes quickly fell back to Elisif who was staring into space, lifeless and broken.

"My Jarl," he said gently, "that was the last of your scheduled meetings, perhaps you'd like to retire early and forego any petitions from your people today."

Elisif's eyes lifted to his. Her blue eyes that used to be lined with laughter and joy looked through him like a ghosts'. He tried not to flinch. "I can handle it Falk, the people deserve my time and attention."

Bolgeir, her stoic housecarl, shifted uncomfortably on his feet, his armor clinking together in the silence. The court wizard Sybille tugged and adjusted her hood, also showing her discomfort. No one knew how to handle a grieving widow. Even Falk was at a loss. He didn't want to patronize her or coddle her. He knew what she was capable of and what her strengths were, even if Tullius and half the court didn't seem to see it. He had always seen it. Since the day she came to Solitude, he saw the way Elisif carried herself, with a sureness and poise, and he knew she would be a formidable leader. The late High King Torygg had always treated Elisif with kindness and affection, but Falk had wondered if he respected her opinions on government matters. Maybe Torygg had seen his wife for all that she was and cherished her for it. Perhaps, Falk wanted to believe that Torygg was as blind as everyone else so that he would have an understanding of Elisif that no one else did. A piece of her all to himself. Falk shook his head, disappointed at his own selfish thoughts.

Just then, a farmer ascended the Blue Palace steps. When he saw the Jarl and her council watching him approach he began to wring his hands nervously. Falk noted his dirt caked fingernails and rough skin. The farmer wore a moth eaten brown cap and his clothes were patched in many places. He was a man who worked and toiled daily just to mend the same set of clothes. Falk had to look away from the man then, he felt pity for him and almost ashamed of his higher station. Solitude was a thriving city, but poverty and societal blind spots still existed there. Falk wanted to do more to help those living on the fringes of their city, but in the chaos of the Stormcloak rebellion his priorities had been elsewhere.

"Hello Horm, what can I do for you?" Elisif asked the man. Everyone looked at her in shock. She had remembered the farmers' name and addressed him as her equal. She didn't wait for formalities or flattery, she leveled the room immediately with one sentence, and with it the farmer was put at ease. His shoulders relaxed and his eyes softened. "My Jarl, I must speak to you about something very urgent, I am afraid there may be magic users killing and taking my livestock."

"What makes you think they are magic users?" Elisif questioned.

The farmer hesitated, and glanced about the room.

"All that was left of them was charred bone and a ring of ash, only one who could wield fire could have done it." he replied.

Elisif's brows knotted together, reflecting the confusion and surprise of everyone in the room. Spell casters seldom committed acts so brazen in Skyrim, they kept to their books and towers. Crimes committed by them were usually done with more secrecy and finesse. The court wizard Sybille crossed her arms defensively, clearly not believing the farmer's theory, or not wanting to.

"That is very strange indeed, I am sorry for your loss of livestock Horm, we will dispatch someone to look into the matter immediately."

Elisif reassured him, "Falk please organize a cart of food supplies, clothes, and firewood to be sent along with Horm for him and his family in the meantime."

"At once Jarl Elisif." Falk said readily.

"While you wait, please have a meal and some mead in our kitchen, I will send word that you are coming."

The farmer looked like he could fall to his knees in gratitude, but instead he thanked Elisif profusely with teary eyes and then made his way down to the kitchens.

Before anyone could say anything, Elisif quickly announced, "I believe it's time for our dinner as well." She looked about the room, her expression still vacant, and stood from her throne. Everyone stood at attention as she gracefully walked past them. She stopped at the threshold and said over her shoulder, "I will take mine in my chambers tonight I think."

"I will make the arrangements." Falk replied. Elisif just nodded and continued down the hall to her rooms. With every step, Falk's heart broke for her.