I am Laeilwyn Riverpool (A Skyrim Adventure)

Chapter Forty Four: Muhrnibis Daelhad

-Erandur's Perspective- 

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of this Hold of Riften, and the dominions thereto belonging, on the Jarl's behalf when she cannot do so?"

"I solemnly promise to do so."

"Will you, to your power, cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgments?"

"I shall."

"Will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain the laws of Talos, the true religion in Skyrim, and will you preserve unto the priests of this Hold, and to the temples under their care, all such rights and privileges as by law?"

"All this I promise to do."

Ingun placed her hand on the Book of Talos and proclaimed, "The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. By the Nine, I do swear."

"Then rise, my child, and by the power vested in me, proclaim you Thane of the Rift and all of the dominions that belong to it." Jarl Laila finished the ordination oath by placing the Thane's Amulet around Ingun's neck. She looked out to the crowd of onlookers who had gathered around the palace to watch the youngest Black-Briar be formally proclaimed Thane. "My people! Welcome your new Thane and protecter, Miss Ingun Black-Briar!" 

The people cheered. Brynjolf, Elle and I clapped loudly. Ingun stepped up to address the people as their Thane. 

"Thank you all for coming to witness my ordination, I feel so honored, and I swear by the Nine or Twelve  that I will keep this city safe and prosperous! My first order of business is that the canals will be reopened for trade coming in from and exports going out all over Tamriel!

The people cheered loudly. That's something none of us saw coming. The citizens of Riften seemed delighted with their new Thane. Once Maven's funeral was over, and Sibbi's execution dealt with, the Guild quickly began to realize that Hemming Black-Briar was not the right person to have running Black-Briar meadery. Elle came up with Ingun to take his place, and we pushed as hard as we could for her to get a position in government, as well as to take over the business from Hemming. Everything worked out perfectly. There was still some unfinished business though...

"Elle?" I turned to her. "May we take a walk around the lake before heading back to the Cistern?"

She nodded, and we headed towards the doors to the city. Brynjolf mouthed good luck to me before the gates closed behind us. The sun was just setting on Lake Honrich, and the orange-yellow leaves of the trees in the Autumnal Forest set a truly magical scene. 

"It really is breathtaking, isn't it?" Elle said, looking out at the lake. 

Never taking my eyes off her, I responded. "Yes."

She looked back at me and I had to break my gaze. "It's wonderful how well everything worked out for the Guild. I think Sigaar and Karliah would be proud."

I nodded. "I'm sure they're watching over all of you right now, pleased with everything you and Brynjolf have done to secure the future of the Guild."

Elle nodded. "I certainly hope so. Could you imagine how different our lives would be if we never took up Brynjolf's offer?"

I chuckled. "I would imagine you would have some sort of record for most Briar Hearts harvested in a lifetime." Elle laughed loudly in agreement. "But there is something that is missing still..."

"What's that?"

I looked out at the lake and then back at her. "Whatever path our lives have taken us, and have yet to take us, I know one thing that will stay constant for the rest of my life. My feelings towards you." I saw Elle's cheeks turn a light shade of pink. "Since the day I laid my eyes on you for the first time in Dawnstar all those years ago to today, when I stand before Lake Honrich in all it's glory and see that it's beauty doesn't compare to yours, I know that I have loved you with all my heart."

Elle tried to talk, but no words came out. I took this opportunity to get down on one knee and pull the diamond ring out of my pocket.

"Laeilwyn Riverpool, daelhad am yi muhr, love of my life, will you make me the happiest elf in the entire world and be my wife from now until the day I die?"

I saw the inner battle between wanting to cry and wanting to act tough within Elle. She nodded eagerly, and when I pulled her into an embrace, the immense joy broke that stone wall that held her emotions back, and she wept. 

"Erandur..." she said between sobs, "nothing would make me happier!" 

I smiled, tears welling up in my own eyes. I slid the ring on her finger and pulled her chin up so we were face to face. "Now, there's been something I have been meaning to do for a long time."

"Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind."

-William Goldman.