For All of Skyrim

Chapter 9: Mathis

Mathis rose early that morning, just as the sun kissed the sky. He was surprised to find that the other patrons of the Winking Skeever Inn were already bustling about. He found a table near a window and asked for bread, cheese, and eggs from the inn keeper. He wasn't hungry, not really, but he knew he would need the calories for his journey ahead regardless of what Elisif's answer was.

When he thought of the Jarl he had mixed emotions. He was drawn to her beauty and character, and while he was aware that flirting with the possible future High Queen of Skyrim was futile, he couldn't help but want to learn more about her. After meeting the woman the day before though, he saw fear in her eyes. Fear of the man who shouted her husband apart right in front of her. A fear that he immediately wanted to resolve for her. He had heard the hushed gossip, and the not so tactful comments about what had happened that day. Many were inspired by Ulfric, in their eyes they finally had a leader that would stand up to the Aldmeri Dominion. He hated the Aldmeri Dominion as much as anyone, but to slaughter a man in front of his wife and his court, a peaceful man, those were not the actions of a hero. Ulfric was a hot headed bastard, a dogmatic bully who thought only one race should lay claim to Skyrim. Mathis gritted his teeth. Never mind the other races who have called Skyrim their home for hundreds of years, Fuck them right? He thought angrily.

His visit with Ulfric Stormcloak made him want to rip the man's throat out, but it had to be done diplomatically. Ulfric loved the sound of his own voice. After listing to him monologue for what felt like centuries, Mathis finally convinced the shithead Jarl that if the dragons continued to ravage Skyrim there would be nothing left to win in the war. That got Ulfic's attention, Talos forbid anyone or anything plunge Skyrim into chaos other than himself.

He slammed his cup of steaming hot tea down more forcefully than he intended to, rattling the table and attracting glances from travelers from other tables nearby. Calm down, he thought to himself, save it for Alduin, and then maybe Ulfric if you manage to survive killing the World Eater.

"Enjoying your breakfast?" A familiar woman's voice asked beside him.

His red eyes shot up to find none other than Elisif the Fair standing in front of his table. She was wearing light leather armor and a velvet blue silver hooded cloak. Not very conspicuous, he thought, but beautiful. He marveled at the fact that she was somehow even more gorgeous wearing armor. At her hip was an ornate short sword, and she had a pack strapped to her back. Beside her stood a woman he recognized as Legate Rikke, General Tullius' second in command. She was also cloaked, though her simple brown hood was a bit more effective than her friend's. Her expression told Mathis that she didn't trust him as far as she could throw him. He didn't take offense, caution kept her Jarl safe and he couldn't fault her for that.

"Immensely." He grinned wolfishly in reply.

"Are you here to give me my answer Jarl Elisif?"

She hesitated for a moment, there it was, there was that fear. Rikke rested a hand on Elisif's shoulder to encourage her to continue.

He noted the familiarity and kindness of the touch, something he couldn't remember the last time he received for himself.

"I accept your proposal Mathis Stryde. We must put an end to the dragon attacks, and I will do what I can to help you."

Mathis couldn't believe the stark difference between Elisif and Ulfic's reply. She thought her answer through and chose what she thought best for the realm, not herself. She was a brave woman, he thought, his eyes openly taking her in.

"Thank you Jarl Elisif, truly, it is an honor to have your aid in this. I do not take it lightly."

"I do have a favor to ask of you Dragonborn-"

"Please, you can just call me Mathis."

"Very well Mathis," she smiled, "Can Legate Rikke and I travel to High Horothgar with you? I believe it is the safest route in case of an ambush." She wrung her hands together, "I know it's late notice, but time is of the essence, and-"

"I could use the company." He smiled back at Elisif and winked at Rikke. Rikke scoffed and turned away, suddenly more interested in the street outside.

"I have one condition though if you're going to be traveling with me."

"Yes?" She asked suddenly sounding like she might regret her decision entirely.

He leaned forward until he was so close to her he could smell the juniper berry oil and lavender scent that she used as perfume. Devines she smelled delicious. "I get to call you Elisif."