Atone [✓]

27th of Frostfall, 4E201, PART TWO

(Dragonsreach, Whiterun)

PART TWO

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ANODYNE WAS A WOMAN I knew I could trust. The moment she looked at me, her swarming hazel eyes assessed me with a cursory glance. She looked satisfied by what she saw.

"You must be Carwen," she smiled and gave me the same crushing hug she gave to Broknar. It took me by surprise. "I am relieved that you are here," she told me as she withdrew. She looked at Broknar. "You are right, she is beautiful."

My mouth parted and looked at Broknar. He just shrugged.

"We need to talk," Anodyne said sternly. She gestured for Broknar and I to follow her into a darkly lit alcove.

She took a deep breath and looked around the hall. "Jarl Elisif is here- and I have a reason to believe that Balgruuf wants more than her good company."

"What's your suspicion?"

Anodyne sighed tiredly. "I think she's knows things about me. And I think Balgruuf told her as much when she arrived."

Broknar nodded, his jaw tight. "Why?"

Anodyne looked at me, then to Broknar. "I think he plans to use me as leverage, or as bait to get Ulfric Stormcloak to attack Whiterun. Balgruuf wants this war to happen. Ulfric can't turn down the challenge that incites."

Broknar was quiet, too quiet.

"The dossiers you brought me confirms the Thalmor and the Imperials suspicions of me. You read them Broknar. You know what I say is true."

Broknar ran a hand through his hair and released a shaky breath. "I know. It makes sense."

Anodyne looked at me sideways. "Does she know?"

Broknar shook his head. What would I know? I just met this woman, knew nothing of what their business entailed. I knew he was keeping secrets from me, and this was paramount. 

"Carwen, I know I can trust you. But what I have to say has to be kept secret if you want to be a part of this."

"What is it? What have you two been planning?" I felt betrayed by Broknar's unwillingness to tell me what was going on himself, but I knew his heart was true. He only wanted to protect me, and maybe this secret was the reason why. Maybe why the Battle-borns are so eager to destroy his family, why the Thalmor are after him. Why the Thalmor are after me...