The Story of Iriisii Dovahkiin - Book Three Chapter Four

                                                      Book Three Chapter Four

     Iriisii: "Everyone is now on board with where we are going and what we are going to do. I will discuss the later plans when I have successfully read the Elder Scroll and have whatever it has for me to know. Everyone should begin getting whatever they need for a stay in Beauclair, even though we do not know precisely how long we will be there.

     Lambert, you will need a new set of light armor made like the set we are working on for Geralt. You will join him as a part of my guard team. Kiera, you will join Yennefer as one of my advisors on magical and political matters. If any of you need additional clothing suitable for Duchess Hennrietta's Court, talk to Elihal. He may have to make something if he doesn't already have anything in his shop. We will plan our departure when we have everything ready. Any questions? No? Good, then let us get started."

     Three weeks later, everything is packed and loaded onto the wagons, a suitable carriage procured for the women to ride in, 'Roach' bathed and groomed, a horse for Lambert, and everyone is ready to go.

     Iriisii: "Ok, we have determined the best route to use, that should mean the least interruptions along the way. Yennefer and Kiera will, from time to time, look ahead through magic to see what may be a problem for us, so we can determine what we want to do about it.

     We have decided to go to Geralt's villa first to get settled in and give us time to prepare for our entry into Henrietta's Court. Just dropping in, is certain to cause problems, Geralt can send a messenger to the Court once we have arrived, requesting a time to present ourselves to the Duchess. I know this is a lot of 'bull manure' to have to endure but trust me, I feel the same as you about it, yet it will smooth the way considerably for our stay if we adhere to local practices.

     Also, Geralt managed to contact a couple of Knights, who are friends, and they will meet us at the border and act as official escorts, so Lambert, please, as a favor to me, do not anger or insult them. Let Geralt talk to them since he knows them better than any of us. Even if they do act like 'puffed up, popinjays all of the time, once we get to the Court, their opinions will carry a great deal of weight concerning how we will be treated in general and I do not wish to spend a lot of time having to smooth ruffled feathers.

     Keep in mind that you represent 'me and mine' in this and that I can be pretty generous to those who impress me. So let us go, the sooner we leave the sooner we arrive in Beauclair."

    Two weeks later, the party arrives at Geralt's villa. As the women step down from the carriage, Geralt's steward assists each in stepping to the ground, Kiera first, Yennefer second, Triss, then Iriisii. As Iriisii steps lightly to the ground, the steward bows to Iriisii with a flourish and says, "Your Majesty, if you and your party would be so kind as to follow me, I will escort you to Master Geralt's villa, once you have freshened up, I have taken the liberty to arrange a small repast as it will still be some time until dinner is ready. The cook is delighted to be able to show off her culinary skills for such honored guests."

     Iriisii: "I am certain that her skills are the envy of all close by if what I smell is any indication."

     Steward: "I will be sure to tell her so, she will be so very happy to hear that. We get so few visitors out here."

     Iriisii: "If I may be so bold, how did you know I was the 'Royal guest'?"

     Steward chuckles, "I served at the Duchess' Court many years ago. If I may say so, you have the bearing, the stature, and the attitude of true royalty. You command respect without demanding it like it was owed to you as too many others do. You compliment where you feel it is deserved and earned. Your companions display true loyalty, loyalty earned through adversity, compassion, and a steel will that will come out when you or yours is threatened.

     You feel like the people you surround yourself with are yours, not owned but yours by their own decision. For someone trained, for as long as I was, it is not hard to see. Most in the Court will either not see it at all or misread what little they do see. The Duchess Henrietta, however, is not like the other sycophants in her Court. She will see truly, and I also think she will not see you as a threat, as long as you are honest with her.

     So few of the courtiers that visit the Court are honest, so I think she will see you as a 'breath of fresh air' in a stale room. If I may be so bold as to offer some advice, if you have any stories of gallantry and love, she especially likes those."

     Iriisii: "Thank you ever so much, your kind and thoughtful advice is most welcome. I will be certain and take advantage of it. Also, we need to send a messenger to the Duchess to request a time and date to present ourselves to her and her Court. If you would be so kind as to arrange this for me, I would be ever so thankful."

     Steward: "I will do so forthwith, and I do so wish to thank Your Majesty for her kind words. If there is anything else you require during your stay, you have but to ask."

     Iriisii: "You wouldn't by chance wish to change employers, I have a need for a good steward. My Lord Chancellor is very busy handling the affairs of the Imperial City and I am sure would not mind some assistance with matters of a diplomatic nature."

     Steward laughs and replies, "If it weren't for this place going to rot if I ever left, I would definitely entertain such an offer. As I am sure you would agree, Lord Geralt is not one well acquainted with the day-to-day running of a winery."

     Iriisii chuckles, "Indeed, I would have to agree, although I have to admit, Lady Triss Merigold's influence has come a long way with 'mellowing' him out."

     The Steward looks at Iriisii for a moment and exclaims, "They are betrothed, aren't they!"

     Iriisii: "Well if he did as I advised him to do about a month ago, I do seem to have noticed a difference in their behavior toward each other."

     Steward, "Oh I do hope so, he needs the attention of a good strong woman in his life. And it is obvious he cares for her deeply, he just doesn't know how to show it very well."

     IriisiiL: "I believe things between them are going to work out very well. I sometimes have good feelings about things like that."

     Geralt's cook lays out a feast that has everyone's mouth, watering with the savory scents floating from the kitchen on their way to the table. Geralt hints to Iriisii that there is a tale to tell her about how he acquired his cook, but that it should wait until well after dinner since it would be likely the tale would spoil everyone's appetite.

     Iriisii agreed to his delaying the story and as the last of the food was placed at the table, she rose and requested a 'toast' for the truly exquisite effort the cook put into the feast she had just laid out for everyone. The cook just smiled, but all could see the pure joy in her eyes as everyone filled their plates and enjoyed.

     Later, the steward informed Geralt that the platform he had requested to be built was completed per instructions and was in an area close to the villa, but away from the areas where work was being done so that the noise would be minimal. Geralt looked over at Iriisii, who nodded her acceptance of the news and told Geralt they could look it over in the morning after everyone has a good night's sleep.

     Just before turning in, Iriisii had walked outside in the evening sky, to look at the stars. Yennefer followed her out and stood watching Iriisii as she gazed at the twinkling lights scattered across the dark expanse. She noticed Iriisii had closed her eyes and slightly cocked her ears to the stars as if listening.

     Yennefer: "What do they say?"

     Iriisii: "They tell me what their cousins in Nirn's night sky see as they look down at the Imperial City. They tell me they see my Rigmor out on the veranda with the children, teaching them the constellations and the lore of the stars and moons. She is telling the children that if they are quiet and still. If they pay attention to the stars, then the stars will tell them of what they see of me, as I stand out under them asking them to tell me of Rigmor, of Kintyra, of Ragnar, and of Kathea."

     Yennefer: "And do they tell you of your love and your children?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, indeed they do. Once, not so long ago, Rigmor and I spent a night alone together on an island in the warm seas. It was that night that the stars promised us that even were we apart and longing for each other. We could go out like this, wherever we would be, and the stars would tell us of the other, to ease the longing that we feel when we are apart for too long. That is why I told Geralt, that when the stars were out with no moons up, I would speak a dragonshout at that time. It is to thank all of the stars everywhere for helping me through those times apart from my loved ones. 

     For far too long, it has only been holy ones, shamans, and others like them who know that the stars think and feel. So I treat them as I do any other deserving of attention and recognition. For they are there for me each night, clouds abound or not, I know they are there. Even our ancient Dwemer in some of their machines collected starlight and did miraculous things with it. It is enough for me to know they are there for me, and so I will give them my thanks in the dragon tongue for the stars, the clouds, the winds, all to hear, all to know, that I revere them and honor them."

     Yennefer looks up at the stars and whispers, "Thank you" as the stars twinkle and shine as if to reply, "Your most welcome". Iriisii sees the tear slowly trace its way down her cheek, taking a delicate finger, she touches the tear and watches as it spreads across her finger.

     Iriisii: "The stars answered you, didn't they?"

     Yennefer: "Yes, they did."

     Iriisii: "So now you know to never underestimate the power of magic that lies in the world around us if we simply look for it. Let me share something with you. I did not know what kind of person you were when I first met you. It was not until later when I overheard a conversation at the cabaret that I first heard of some of the things that were said about you.

     But as I thought about it, I knew that the Yennefer I saw was not the Yennefer I heard about. I felt the overwhelming emotional pain that was driving you down that road. I recognized it because I had been there myself. I had to stand by and send the young woman, I had fallen in love with, back home to Bruma. To take up the reins of her destiny, while I had to stay in Skyrim and take up the reins of my own destiny. Not knowing if I would ever see her again, I told her she had to go for her own sake, to find her fate.

     She asked me to come with her, but I had to tell her I could not, for I had to face my own fate and do battle with Alduin. I fully expected her to curse my name and the very ground I walked on. Indeed, I would not have blamed her had she done so. But she did something far worse."

     Yennefer: "What, pray tell could have been worse?"

     Iriisii: "She said she still loved me, even if we had to part ways, she would still love me. I had never felt pain like I felt when that pain ripped through me then. Watching as she turned and walked to the border gate. I stood there for a long time, just standing, praying I would see her come back to me."

     Yennefer crying, "But she never did, did she?"

     Iriisii: "No, she did not. The pain never went away, it just kept growing and growing inside me. Until I screamed my anguish in a shout of pure agony. The agony of a love lost. I blacked out and awoke sometime later. A hunter had heard the shout and felt the avalanche of snowfall from the mountainsides on either side of the valley. He said that he did not expect to find either me or my body when he got to the valley and saw the devastation.

     But he said he found a place near the center and saw a hole melted in the snow. Inside the circle, the grass was green, and there were flowers blooming as if it were spring. And my still body lying in the middle. He said he trudged out and found some firewood at a nearby campsite, brought it back, started a fire, and waited to see if I would wake. When I did finally wake, he gave me a cup of broth, he had made, and he told me the story I just told you of how he came to find me. That was the first time, I had that happen to me."

     Yennefer: "There was another time?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, but that is another story, for another time. That one I think is still being played out and is not finished just yet. Anyway, I wanted to say, that I felt that if I could find a way to heal your pain, the true woman inside could come out. That is why I have taken such an interest in you because I see so much of my own self in you, and I would see just what you could become if you but had the chance."

     Yennefer: "I do not know what to say."

     Iriisii: "You do not have to say anything. You have already set your feet on the path to discover yourself anew. When we get home to Cyrodiil, no one will judge you by what you have done in the past. For all of that will be behind you and no one save for the two of us, will know of your past. Your future will be as a bright shining sun, yours to make what you will of it. No troubles to hound you, no debts to find you, you will have a new life.

     That which was lost to you will be restored, this I promise you on my honor as Empress and Dovahkiin. For it is my wish that you find a new home and a new love, in Cyrodiil and in my Empire. Go and get some sleep, I will be up soon. I need to say good night and sweet dreams to my loved ones."

     As Yennefer, closes the door behind her, Triss walks from around the corner. 

     Triss: "Is all of that true?"

     Iriisii: "What does your instinct tell you?"

     Triss: "Right now it is at war with my common sense."

     Iriisii: "A fair answer and one that in your shoes I would agree with. Even after all that has happened between the two of you. You still care about what happens to her. This is the reason, you won Geralt and she did not. For in her pain, she could not bring herself to care for anyone else but herself. But when she came to see the truth within herself it was too late.

     And then I happened to arrive, and in seeing so much of my own past pain in her, I resolved to do whatever I could to show her another way. A way to let the pain go and allow her to forge a new life for herself. She has agreed with me and set her feet on the path to that new life she now knows she desperately wants. For if she stays here, she will inevitably slip back into self-destruction from which she would not be released a second time."

     Triss: "How do you know this, can you see into the future?"

     Iriisii: "No, not I, but one of my Daedric mentors, Azura, can do so. And for me as her Champion, she did this and told me of Yennefer's fate. Then she told me of the only way I could spare her from it and what it would cost me. The price is high, yet is Yennefer not worth the price if it means she can be restored to what she has the potential to be?"

     Triss: "Just what is the price for her?"

     Iriisii: "I can not say, save that it is a price only I can pay. And dear to me as it is, I judge the price fair and am willing to pay. You have Geralt now, and a life with him, and sometimes Ciri. Please do not begrudge Yennefer, her one last chance at a life that she will one day be favored to call her own. For does she not deserve better than what would await her here?"

     Triss: "When you put it that way, yes, she does deserve better. But I.."

     Iriisii: "Come Geralt, join us if you would, please."

                                                               *

     Iriisii: "Why don't we all sit over there, the night breeze is cool and carries the sweetness of the blooming flowers and trees. And please join us Yennefer, I will keep no secrets from you."

     Yennefer: "If I may ask, how did you know? I did not intend to eavesdrop, but when you did not come up."

     Iriisii: "It is quite all right, Yennefer, and thank you for looking out for me. I appreciate that you thought of me, and so does my Rigmor. She has put the children to bed and so sits outside under the stars to be close to me."

     Geralt looks a bit puzzled, as does Triss, so Iriisii repeats the story she told Yennefer about her and Rigmor's special relationship with the stars. Triss seems to understand, while Geralt just seems to take it as something he will never understand.

     Yennefer: "I have been thinking about what you told me earlier. Would you tell me just what price you have to pay for bringing me with you to Cyrodiil?"

     Iriisii: "Would that I could, but even then I am not certain I would do that. Not to keep it secret, but because to reveal it could cause you to want to change the price and that would have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences. Because it is my price to pay, and only I could determine if I was willing to pay it, the pact was made such that no one else is privy to the terms, so once set, there would be no backing out or changing the agreement. And before you ask, the agreement is between me and the Gods I follow. I asked much of them because I believe in you, in the future you will have, and in the respect and admiration you will earn from the people of my Empire.

     Yes, the cost is high, but what you will give back to me, my people, and most importantly to yourself is of far greater, far more reaching impact as to make the cost a bargain by any measure. And think also on this, if you would stay, dearest sister, I know the fate that would wait for you, and I would forever mourn my failure to save you from it. I would have no choice but to leave you to that fate, for my Gods would not allow me to take your place or try to take you away a second time. If you feel you must stay, I will release you from your word bond, that you not be forsworn. But I would ask that you please leave for the pain I would feel knowing what is to befall you would be more than I could bear each time I looked upon you."

     Yennefer looks with tears at each of Iriisii, Geralt, and Triss. Geralt and Triss, both take one of her hands and Triss says, "Yen, you must go with Iriisii. Do not give up this chance to begin again. You have a golden opportunity to change all the things that happened to you that caused you to live your life until now in constant pain and suffering. Haven't you paid enough to have earned a new life! You know how things are going here, you see the direction Nilfgaard is taking this part of the world, and where will it stop, if it will even stop.

     No, Yen, you must not stay, you have hope now, please don't throw it away. Prove to all who ever put you down, that someone does believe in you. And you believe in that someone enough to take what they offer you. That you accept the destiny they would gift you, to become the greatest sorceress not just in one world, but two worlds. Geralt, please talk to her!"

     Geralt: "There is much here I do not understand, but this I do understand. You are meant for greater than you can ever achieve here. You proved that to me at Kaer Morhen against the 'Wild Hunt'. Go and fulfill your dreams, you deserve that chance, if you do not, you will forever hate yourself for not doing it. And that will in the end destroy you. Do not let it be that way, what is it I have heard Iriisii say, 'As you will it, so make it be!' go and make your life be what you will it."

     Yennefer: "Thank you, all. I have made my final decision. Whatever the Fates may throw my way, Empress Iriisii Dohvakiin, I will go with you!"

     Iriisii with tears to match Yennefer's embraces Yennefer and quietly tells her, "Thank you, my sister, I was not certain I would be able to hold myself together if you had said no. I feel that your new destiny is entwined now with mine and Rigmor's. May it be all that you could ever want! Now please all of us need to retire. We have a long day tomorrow. I will be up soon, I need a few moments under the stars, alone with my love."

     As everyone goes inside, Iriisii walks out into the open plaza and looks up at the stars, wondering if Rigmor is doing the same in Cyrodiil.

     Iriisii: "Rigmor, my love, if the stars would give my words to you, know then how much I miss you, how I miss hearing your soft voice in my ears, your tender hands as they touch and bring comfort to me, the look of fire in your eyes when you want me, swaying together in the starlight, sitting by the bay, watching the water slowly move past, all of these things and many more I want to do with you again. So know that as soon as the Gods allow, I will be with you and I will show you how much I have missed you. You will know how much more that day that I love you than I did the day before. May your dreams until then be dreams of sweetness and love, until I can make those dreams real when I take you in my arms. Good night my love, and dream of me."

     Iriisii then turns and walks back to the villa, as her hand reaches out to open the door, she hears a faint whisper, "I love you and dream of me."

     Iriisii turns back and bows to the stars, the stars twinkling as if happy to be aiding these two lovers, soon to be the hope of a reunited Empire, a symbol of what can be, if all can be brought back under their wings. 

     Iriisii goes inside her room, Yennefer is already sleeping, quiet and content. As Iriisii lays her head on her pillow, she wishes herself to dream of Rigmor. And as she falls asleep, the stars grant her wish, drawing her dream into Aetherius and then melding it with Rigmor's dream as all of the stars wait and watch to see what unfolds, dream or prophecy, maybe a bit of both, for these two are powerful, 'Great Dreamers', holding a great secret. That together, they are powerful enough to bridge their dreams into reality. If they only knew, what dreams would come then, and what dreams have already come and made their new home on Nirn.

                                                                            *

     Iriisii: "Alright everyone, we have received word from the Duchess Henrietta's Court that we are to be ready to be presented to her tomorrow after the noon meal. You all know what this means, we must make a good impression or we will have to start over somewhere else. So please do your best, not just for me, but for yourselves as well. You never know when a favorable impression in a Court like this can be an advantage to you. Elihal, you have the most important task.

     Geralt, Lambert, you have the new 'Guardsman Armor', check them out for any last-minute issues, and remember, when we get to the Court, your only job is our security. If anyone, and I mean anyone, objects, I want to know about it. I will deal with the offender, as you represent me and I am responsible for your actions.

     Yennefer, Triss, and Kiera, once at Court, stay within two paces of me on either side. Be polite but do not mingle with the crowd, you are my Imperial sorceresses and your job is magical security. I will take ultimate responsibility for what you do. If need be, I will inform the Court that all of you are my personal security and that you are to be allowed to do your job, and that I will stand as surety for your actions."

     The next day, an ornate carriage arrives up the street and stops at the castle. Geralt and Lambert, in their new 'Guardsman Armor', looking like a cross between a High Ranger and Master Assassin. They move so smoothly, it looks like they almost glide just above the ground. Lambert whispers to Geralt, "This has to be the best light armor that I have ever put on. It almost feels like I have nothing on, but I know it protects as well as heavy steel. The Empress really knows how to design and forge armor."

     To which Geralt replies, "Yeah I know, I damn near went to sleep in mine it is so comfortable."

     They go to their posts at each end of the carriage, several feet from it giving them a clear view all around. The Duchess's footman brings steps up to the carriage and opens the door. Kiera steps out first, her gown catching the sun and reflecting from the silver threads sewn into patterns of roses. Lambert suddenly feels his heart leap as he catches sight of Kiera as the sun catches the silver roses again.

     Triss then steps out, in a simple forest green gown with gold lace around the neck, sleeves, and hem. The material is so smooth it seems to shimmer in the sunlight and a green and gold belt around her waist that drops from the gentle knot in front to a few inches above the hem.

     The color against her red hair instantly draws attention to it and the deep green emeralds sewn into her hair with almost invisible gold thread. Geralt has to make an effort not to rivet his eyes on Triss, yet his heart still tries to take a giant leap to be with her.

     Yennefer steps down in a gown of black so deep it looks darker than a moonless night. The gown is embroidered in hair-thin silver thread forming the images of dragons in flight, different ones showing as the sunlight changes its angles striking the gown. The gown itself seems to absorb all the light hitting it, leaving only the silver-threaded dragons to reflect the sunlight. Around her neck, a simple choker with a flawless diamond embedded in the front clasp. 

     Iriisii steps out last, everyone nearby catching a glimpse of her gasps in awe. She is wearing a gown of a shimmering red that looks like it was woven from fire ruby threads. The sunlight looks to almost cause it to explode in flames. Along the bottom runs a band of gold lace with a slim solid silver band above, followed by another gold lace band. The dress' front dips down to her waist showing the inside curves of her cleavage. A choker necklace of emerald jade drops a single teardrop emerald directly between her breasts. While behind, the dress also drops down the same length as the front but with emerald threaded cords crossing from side to side starting at the top of the neck and six inches apart, all the way down to her waist.

     Around her waist, a belt of rubies was sewn into a black sash. Her eyelids appear to have been brushed with powdered emerald and a very light dusting of her cheeks as well. Dangling from her ears are two butterfly earrings of emerald in a gold frame. Her hair was neatly twisted and wrapped in a circle at the top crown of her head with two emerald hairpins holding it together.

     As the party is escorted to the Duchess' private veranda behind the throne room, everyone they pass falls silent, eyes never wavering from the group until they pass from sight. The speculation as to who they are and why are they here, builds with each group of sycophants that they pass. They exit the 'throne room' and pass outside onto the veranda.

     The Court Steward then moves to announce them to the Duchess.

     Court Steward: "Imperial Guardsmen to the Empire, the Witchers Geralt, and Lambert, Witcher School of the Wolf."

     Geralt and Lambert take their places between the group and the Duchess, spreading apart about fifteen feet and able to see into the open area ahead and on both sides.

     Court Steward: "Sorceress Companions Triss Merigold and Kiera Metz."

     Triss goes and stands inside Geralt's position, while Kiera takes the opposite position next to  Lambert.

     Court Steward: "Imperial Sorceress to Cyrodiil and the Empire, Yennefer of Cyrodiil."

     Yennefer walks forward in line with the others and just to the left of the center.

     Court Steward: "Her Royal Majesty, Iriisii Dovahkiin, Empress of Cyrodiil and the Empire, by Right of Combat and Anointed of Akatosh."

     Iriisii slowly walks up next to Yennefer, as if on cue, all of the women give a curtsy to the Duchess, while Geralt and Lambert with military precision, draw swords and bring them in front of their faces, both hands upon the hilts, after a second's wait, they sheathe their blades and return to watching for threats.

     The Duchess Henrietta is at once impressed and also suspicious, given her time at her Court, there are always those seeking to impress to gain something from her. Yet here is someone who obviously does not need anything she could give, so why the grand display. Well, no way to find out without diving in. Who knows, this may turn out very well for me.

     Duchess Henrietta: "I must say that I never would have expected the great Geralt of Rivia to act as a bodyguard to anyone, even one who looks to be an Empress. And while I do not personally know the sorceresses, I am aware of their names and thus who they are. How you managed this is something I really must know about.

     Iriisii: "I would be happy to tell you, but you may not understand or like the answer, at least most of the nobles I have seen around here would likely not even care. My secret is simply, to be honest with them about my needs and willing to use what skills and knowledge I possess to help them as well. I do not command their loyalty, they give it because I have given them my loyalty. I have shown them that I can truly care about my people and I do not look down upon them as lesser. I feel all of the citizens of my Empire deserve to be treated with respect from the lowest to the highest. For I depend upon them as much as they depend upon me.

     Duchess Henrietta: "Actually I do understand what you are saying, however in this world, that kind of luxury will get you killed.

     Iriisii: "I can quite understand your point and your position, your highness. Please do not mistake the dress for who or what I am. I won my Empire on the point of a blade, leaving an ocean of blood and bodies behind me. And every single one of them surely deserved their fate. My foes make the claim that I am the most dangerous killer to walk Tamriel. For despite my current dress, I am a Warrior Empress as is my mate, she who is High Queen of Cyrodiil. We both claimed our crowns at the same time, as I separated the previous Emperor's head from his shoulders, when he thought to ambush me, while I was distracted by my mate taking ill, having come to the Imperial throne to negotiate peace terms, with our army sitting at the gates to the Imperial City.

     I inherited a weakened and broken Empire. My task, given to me by my Gods, is to reforge it into an Empire ready to repel an invasion by vampiric reptilians. For if I cannot, the 'Age of Man' on my world, will fail and the 'Age of the Undead' will begin and last for all time. I have a scant four years to accomplish this, so I have little use for diplomacy in order to overcome my enemies.

     With this as my mandated task, why am I here instead? A good question that I see mirrored in your eyes. I was returning from a task that required me to be sent to my world's future, to fight and defeat a dark evil that had arisen. Then claim some artifacts and return with them to my proper time. In the midst of my return, I was diverted from my path and sent toward a prison fortress built in the void between the spheres.

     Before I could arrive at my new intended destination, an experiment in portal magic was being conducted by Yennefer and Triss. Something occurred that caused its power level to run out of control. It reached out and was drawn to the disturbance already caused in the time stream by my diversion.

     When it latched on to the diverted timestream, it pulled me to its other end, the cabaret owned by Dandelion in the city of Novigrad, where the experiment was being conducted in one of the upper rooms. As I arrived, the device overloaded and destroyed itself.

     I found myself in the cellar of the cabaret, barely conscious when Geralt came down to investigate and found me. I do not know if it was simply chance that brought all of this together, but I doubt it. I think some other power saw a chance to set in motion events that would further its own cause and nudged those events to cause what has occurred. What or who that power is, I do not know, nor do I know what it intends to gain. I do have thoughts on it, but nothing certain."

     Yennefer steps forward and bows to the Duchess, then says, "If it pleases Her Highness and Her Majesty, may I interject?"

     Iriisii nods her head to Yennefer and Henrietta gives her permission as well.

     Yennefer: "I can attest only to the parts that occurred within the cabaret and in my presence. But there were other things that occurred as well, that have persuaded me that every word Her Majesty has spoken is truth. I, along with Triss and Geralt can bear witness to the appearance of a spirit of great power, power enough for it to have been a god. It called itself, Azura, and hailed Iriisii as Empress of Cyrodill and its Empire, it also called her its Champion. It requested that we do all within our strength to aid the Empress in a task that she would need to undertake, that would allow her to forge alliances with other entities for assistance when she returned home and faced the looming invasion of her homeland.

     She has since shown us nothing but strength as well as courtesy, truth in every word she has spoken, and a willingness to put aside her own desires to help those around her achieve their own. The love she bears for her mate and their children is greater than any other power I have seen in this world. 

     I have seen it literally breach the barriers between our world and hers, bringing her loved one here, and for a short time assuaging the deep longing and loneliness, each felt for the other. I know this to be true for each gave the other a token of their love to hold until they were together again. I know she did not have that token pendant until that night, and I saw what the power of her love did to that pendant to give her an everlasting memory of what they did with each other that night as they danced together under the stars until the break of day. Your Majesty, if I may?"

     Iriisii, her eyes slowly letting a few tears slide down her face, nods her head, unable to speak. Yennefer draws the pendant from a pouch, cleverly hidden in her gown, and gives it to Duchess Henrietta. As the Duchess lifts it up so she could look into the crystal.

     Yennefer says, "When you see the figures inside the crystal, slowly turn it into the sunlight."

     As the Duchess does this, she suddenly gasps as she sees the figures come to life, dancing inside the crystal. She instinctively knows this is real and not some kind of parlor trick. She feels the magic inside reach out and lightly brush her mind, letting her hear the music and song, the figures inside are dancing to. She feels tears of her own slowly trace their way down her face as to match those on Iriisii's face. She turns her gaze from the pendant to Iriisii's gaze and makes what might be the most important decision of her entire reign as Duchess of Beauclair.

     She returns the pendant to Yennefer, then stands and reaches out to Iriisii. Taking her hands, she draws Iriisii into an embrace and says, "If there is anything I can do to help you, you need only to ask. And may I call you, sister, for I feel in you something that calls me and asks me to walk a path that I have feared to do but know that I should, for it is the right path to follow."

     Iriisii: "Of course, my sister, for are we not all sisters, whether we rule a household, a Duchy, a Kingdom, or an Empire, for do we not care equally for those we have responsibility for, no matter their station, their race, their age, or any other trait that threatens to divide. We care for them, for they are as our children, they fight and squabble, but in the end, they are ours to love and care for. and we would do anything to protect them, even if it meant giving our own lives."

     Henrietta: "If only all our rulers felt as you do, then what could we not do for our people."

                                                                *

     Henrietta: "Steward, please bring chairs for everyone and tell the kitchen to start preparing dinner for our guests."

     Iriisii: "If it pleases Your Highness, Geralt, and Lambert should remain alert for trouble. I will see to it that they have time to relax later."

     Henrietta: "Of course, but would you tell me, who it is that you suspect that would attack you even here at my Court?"

     Iriisii: "The task that I must do here involves an entity that I would very much not like to draw his attention to you and yours. His is an incredibly old evil and powerful beyond most to even comprehend. Yet even such as he has rules that bind him, and where rules exist, there are sometimes loopholes that can be used if one is intelligent enough to make use of them properly. But I digress, you may have heard stories of a certain person that Geralt encountered whose identity is always eluded to with the words, glass, or mirrors."

     Henrietta's face pales, "you mean.."

     Iriisii: "Please say nothing further, I believe that I have found a loophole that will allow me to do something that has never been done before concerning him. In fact, something similar was almost done to me, yet the one controlling the action felt that it was his fate to duel me and seal me away if I lost. The fact that I am here proves that he made the wrong decision for his fate, but the correct one for mine.

     He gave me the knowledge I needed to see an even worse trap laying in wait for me and so I was able to escape both traps and now use the knowledge gained to lay a trap for something whose supreme arrogance will be his undoing. And I pray to my Gods, that at the same time, my action will be the saving grace for thousands of souls held in bondage over more than three thousand years! (whispering) And one of those souls is that of my own lost brother!"

     Henrietta: "Here are the chairs, please sit and tell me of your lost brother!"

     Iriisii tells Henrietta the story of her life from the time her memory began at Helgen until she found out she had a brother. And that all her memories of him were gone with the rest of her life from birth to the headsman's axe.

     Henrietta: "You were trained in the way of the Ancient Blade Dancers?"

     Iriisii: "You have heard of them?

     Henrietta: "Not personally, there is mention in some very old manuscripts in my library. These manuscripts were said to have come with humans when we arrived here during the first of the two 'Conjunctions of the Spheres'. You see, we humans are not native to this world. We came here during a rift along with many of the other races here as well as monsters.

     It is said that the Blade Dancers were the only reason we were able to survive long enough for our numbers to grow until we could sustain our population. But they disappeared during the second Conjunction, never to be seen again. Now you may have just given us the answer to what happened to them. To think they are still alive after all this time."

     Iriisii: "I have no memory of the time I was in training. I just know that it was done so that I would act from instinct and not from conscious thought in a battle. I could not say how many times it has saved my life."

     Yennefer: "I can attest to that. I have seen her spar with Geralt. They would go at each other fully. Several times I thought if they did not fight to the absolute best of their abilities, someone would end up seriously injured or dead. But I can say with pride I have seen her disarm Geralt, several times in fact. But each time, she would stop and instruct him on how she did it and how to counter that move. It has improved his skills considerably."

     Henrietta: "Yennefer, would you tell me what it is that would make you leave here and go to another world to live?"

     Iriisii: "Yennefer, please let me, I know it is still a tender subject to you and I would spare you any further distress."

     Yennefer graciously gives Iriisii permission and takes her leave so she doesn't have to hear the retelling."

     Iriisii: "You have to understand this first if you do not already know. In order for the sorceresses of this world to attain their full power, there is something they must give up in return."

     Henrietta: "You mean that is not just some story or rumor. That they really must give up childbearing?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, at first, it was not so much an issue with her. But once her king gave her a task to accompany his young Queen and her newborn daughter to another town. They were attacked on the road by a magical assassin. Yennefer was able to get them away several times but the assassin was tenacious and followed them each time. Finally, the Queen gave up and asked Yennefer to take her baby and escape one more time. As Yennefer was moving to enter her escape portal with the child, the assassin appeared and killed the Queen, then as Yennefer went through the portal, the assassin threw a blade that, unknown to Yennefer, sliced the child and caused her to bleed out before Yennefer realized it and could do anything to save the child's life. That was when the loss of what Yennefer gave up fully hit her. She has since struggled to find a way to reverse what was done to her and has been unsuccessful in her search."

     Henrietta: "But then she met you, how did that change things for her?"

     Iriisii: "I had talked about my children and about my mate, being High Queen of Cyrodiil. I also spoke of the circumstances of the birth of our daughter. You see some had come to fear me because they knew they had no hold over me. So they thought that if I had no mate or child, then I would have no desire to stay and to rule. They went to one of the two remaining assassin's guilds, this one in the country of Morrowind, called the Morag Tong. 

     They contracted a 'Grey Writ' which I found out was a special writ of assassination for special targets. In this case, the target was our unborn child, Kintyra. Of course, they would have to kill the mother in order to kill the child. I killed one team of four assassins at an Inn on the edge of Lake Rumare, where we had gone to spend a few days before Kintyra was expected. The stress caused her to go into labor and she insisted I take her home to Bruma, I got her there as fast as I could.

     Once inside the castle, her mother and her lady-in-waiting took her to her bed to await the child. I proceeded to get the castle locked down and guards placed everywhere. An advisor to me found and gave me what information he had received about the assassination writ. I told him about the first try and he told me they had no choice but to keep trying, but if I wanted to stop them cold. Then I would have to kill the leader possessing the writ, an assassin called 'The Mute'.

     Since the advisor was also a physician, I had him attend the birth in case of any problem, I did anticipate problems with the birth which I will explain about a little later. While Sethri, Cerys, and Sigunn were with Rigmor assisting with the birth, I was standing guard over them all, expecting assassins at any time. I proceeded to kill two more teams of four assassins each, when 'The Mute' used a portal to enter the room. 

     I anticipated where he would enter from and was waiting for him when he made his appearance. I took his head just as he walked into the room through the portal. It was then that our daughter was born. At first, she made no sound, such that Rigmor was concerned enough to ask me to hold her and see if she was all right. As soon as I picked her up, I felt a bond form between us. For she is like I am, Dragonborn. It is what the word 'Dovahkiin' in my name means in Dragonspeech. It is also the reason why our Gods intervened in our lives to give Rigmor our child.

     Rigmor and I both have destinies and prophecies that have entwined themselves around both of us. She is the 'Chosen Queen of Tamriel', the one to bear the 'Chosen One' of the Gods, of Royal Blood and Dragonborn. For until the birth of Kintyra, I was the last Dragonborn. It all hinged upon me and because I was female, only two ways there were for Rigmor to be with my child, one is sorcery, not totally reliable as I am sure you can realize, and the other way is Divine Intervention. 

     When I learned of Yennefer's deepest yearning of her heart, was to bear children, and why she could not. I called upon my Gods and bargained with them to undo the damage done to her. They named their price, and although it is a high price to pay, I felt it was worth the cost. But first, she would have to agree to leave this world and take up a new life in mine. To give me the incentive to convince her, they showed me what her future has in store for her if she stays. 

     They said they would give me one chance to persuade her to come with me, but I could not reveal to her the price I would pay or what would her future be here if she stayed. It had to be her true decision, to determine if she really wanted her heart's desire enough to cast aside her previous life and take a chance on a new one. She made her decision, and in response, my Gods' will give her the deepest desire of her heart.

     Also in a separate action, the God of Magic, Architect, and Co-creator of my world, Magnus, chose her to become my Imperial Sorceress. I would not force such a decision on her, so I simply made it a request that she could refuse if she so wished. She accepted the appointment and so I also used my authority to give her citizenship in my Empire. When I made all of this official and intoned the Oath of Acceptance. 

     Magnus revealed himself to us and gifted Yennefer with his personal staff as her badge of office. Voicing his approval and ordaining her as Imperial Sorceress. This has never before happened in our history. And I look forward to the commotion this is going to stir up among my enemies. For they will have no idea of how to plan for her reactions to events."

     Henrietta: "I had no idea things could be so twisted. But I do feel that your Gods are right to trust you with the tasks they would have you do. I can see that you have the qualities, the desire, the integrity, and the utter ruthlessness sometimes needed to do what needs to be done. We cannot all have our hands squeaky clean, sometimes dirty things have to be done to ensure everyone else can go about their lives. If we only allow ourselves to walk the high road, our enemies will outflank us, and we have lost the battle before it starts. And with that, I think it is time to turn in. I have had the Steward prepare rooms for you all in the palace.

     Oh, I am so going to enjoy listening to all of the rumors that are going to start flying around. Someone may just let something slip that could be important. And if someone should ask you if you think a change in leadership is in order, I would appreciate it if you would let me know."

     Iriisii: "Of course, your Highness. If our positions were reversed, I would expect no less from you. I feel we are very much alike and so I have great respect that you have flourished in these times."

                                                                              *

     Back at Geralt's villa...

     Steward: "How long will she be up there?"

     Yennefer: "As long as it takes."

     Steward: "But she hardly eats or drinks anything. The sunlight must have caused burns by now, it has been three days and nights. Surely there is something we can do?"

     Yennefer: "The only thing to do is what she asked of us before she went up to the platform and that is to stay nearby, give her what food and water she asks for, otherwise do not disturb her. Please believe me when I say, she knows what she is doing."

     Steward: "I honestly hope she does know, I really do. What...did you feel that?"

     Yennefer: "Go and get Kiera and Triss, now! Geralt and Lambert if they are where you can get them, hurry, man, hurry!"

     The Steward runs like a griffin was hunting him as he runs toward the Villa. Soon all in the group are assembled close to the platform.

     Geralt: "What is going on, my Steward said he was to get us here as quickly as possible."

     Yennefer: "Do you not see the energy disturbance around the Empress?"

     Triss: "I can see it and feel it. It is like nothing I have ever felt before."

     Kiera: "I have. When Geralt and I were tracing Ciri's steps and went into some Elven ruins. The Wild Hunt was there and opened some rifts into the 'White Frost', this feels like those rifts, but different somehow."

     Geralt: "In that case, everyone stays alert for whatever happens. Lambert, keep your weapons ready, those new magic-resistant blades might be exactly what we need now."

     The energy disturbance grows stronger until it is visible to anyone with eyes to see it. Then they see Iriisii rise to stand within the disturbance.

     Yennefer: "Look, she has pulled out the Scroll, she is going to attempt to read it."

     No one knows what reading an Elder Scroll so far away from Nirn is going to do, if this is normal or not. So they stand apart but ready. As Iriisii unfurls the Scroll, a blinding light flashes from the Scroll, and the sound of crackling lightning echoes across the land.

     Iriisii: "Show me what you will have me do! I stand ready!"

     The sound of crackling lightning continues as Yennefer feels the desire build in her to bring out the 'Staff of Magnus'. She moves away from the others to a position where she is facing Iriisii and far enough back to see her on top of the platform. Then she raises the Staff horizontally in front of her as the Staff sends a continuous bolt of white energy to curl around the disturbance, strengthening it.

     Iriisii: "Yes, I see where I need to go...I understand...WHAT!?! I will do as you ask, I see the need for it!.... Please, tell her, I love her...Yes. I understand...it will be done."

     The bolt of power from the staff cuts out and Yennefer feels drained but knows her part in this is not yet done. Iriisii closes the Scroll and puts it down. Then reaches for the blade she has named 'Wanderer'. She takes the blade by its metal in both hands just less than three feet apart and raises it above her head. The energy disturbance starts to howl, the sound audible as the crackling diminishes.

     Iriisii now speaks totally in Dovahzul, her words rolling off her lips, amplified by the howl of the disturbance. Yennefer feels a connection being born between her and Iriisii's Dragon Soul. Her task is to translate for those standing to be witnesses to this ritual. A ritual older than time, older than the metaverse they now exist in, a ritual only enacted three times before in the entire history of existence itself.

    

    Iriisii: "ZU'U BEL NAU NUST WO KRIST BO PAH"

    Yennefer: "I CALL ON THEY WHO STAND ABOVE All"

    Iriisii: "HON ZU'U AHRK AAV DII BEL, VAHLOKKE BO"

    Yennefer: "HEAR ME AND JOIN MY CALL, GUARDIANS ABOVE"

    Iriisii: "ZU'U KRIIST US HI WA SIIV IF ZU'U LOS BALAAM"

    Yennefer: "I STAND BEFORE YOU TO FIND IF I AM WORTHY"

    Iriisii: "ZU'U ASK HI WA AWAKEN FAAL TUZ SE WANDERER"

    Yennefer: "I ASK YOU TO AWAKEN THE BLADE OF THE WANDERER"

    Iriisii: "IF HI SIIV ZU'U BALAAN, MEYZ AHRK KRIIST US ZU'U"

    Yennefer: "IF YOU FIND ME WORTHY, COME AND STAND BEFORE ME"

    Iriisii: "MEYZ AHRK UNT ZU'U, MEYZ AHRK VEY NOL ZU'U DII HERITAGE"

    Yennefer: "COME AND TRY ME, COME AND CUT FROM ME MY HERITAGE"

    Iriisii: "FAAL HERITAGE DO AAN AASIMAR SCOURGE"

    Yennefer: "THE HERITAGE OF AN AASIMAR SCOURGE"

    Iriisii: "CLEANSE ZU'U DO PAH HI SIIV VOBALAAN"

    Yennefer: "CLEANSE ME OF ALL YOU FIND UNWORTHY"

    Irrisii: "GIFT ZU'U VOTH FAAL HERITAGE SE AASIMAR VAHLOK"

    Yennefer: "GIFT ME WITH THE HERITAGE OF THE AASIMAR GUARDIAN"

    Iriisii: "AAV DII SIL VOTH FAAL SIL SE WANDERER"

    Yennefer: "JOIN MY SOUL WITH THE SOUL OF THE WANDERER"

    Iriisii: "ROK WO WANDERED FAAL EDGE SE ABYSS"

    Yennefer: "HE WHO WANDERED THE EDGE OF THE ABYSS"

    Iriisii: "ZU'U ACCEPT FAAL MANTLE SE AASIMAR VAHLOK"

    Yennefer: "I ACCEPT THE MANTLE OF THE AASIMAR GUARDIAN"

    Iriisii: "ZU'U FEN KOD FAAL TUZ SE WANDERER"

    Yennefer: "I WILL WIELD THE BLADE OF THE WANDERER"

    Iriisii: "IN FAAL NAME AHRK FAAL CAUSE SE ALLMAKER"

    Yennefer: "IN THE NAME AND THE CAUSE OF THE ALLMAKER"

    Iriisii: "ROK WO CAUSED PAH DO, PAH TOL LOS, WA MEYZ WA KOS"

    Yennefer: "HE WHO CAUSED ALL OF, ALL THAT IS, TO COME TO BE"

    Iriisii: "IF ZU'U FUNT, LET HIM KOS DII JUDGE"

    Yennefer: "IF I FAIL, LET HIM BE MY JUDGE"

    Iriisii: "IF ZU'U FUNT, LET HIM DELIVER DII JUDGMENT"

    Yennefer: "IF I FAIL, LET HIM DELIVER MY JUDGMENT"

    Iriisii: "IF ZU'U FUNT, LET HIM DAMN DII SIL WA INFINITY"

    Yennefer: "IF I FAIL, LET HIM DAMN MY SOUL TO INFINITY"

     As the last words roll across the land, the echoes seem to reverberate into unfathomable distances. Suddenly a bolt of pure blue/violet power slams down from the sky and envelopes Iriisii, lifting her up into the air above the platform, and as it strikes the ground below, the platform and tower vanish. The few possessions she had up there with her are sitting on the ground undisturbed. As if coming out of a trance, everyone looks around them, before it had been just past the noon hour, and now it looks like nearly midnight, and the energy bolt was still lighting up the entire area, pulses of energy traveling down the shaft to be absorbed by Iriisii, still caught up inside it.

     As they thought to find a way to release her, Yennefer notices the Iriisii is slowly descending. As she reaches the ground, the bolt of energy splits into three parts and moves away from her a short distance before forming three humanlike figures. As one, they kneel to her and stretch out their right arm and hand, palm outward. Then a soothing blue/green glow envelopes Iriisii and seems to be absorbed into her body. Soon the figures pull their hands back, stand, and bow to their new sister Guardian.

     A deep but fatherly voice speaks out, "Sister, call upon us in your time of need and we will answer. We thank the witnesses for their duty and for their support of our sister. Go and spread the word across all the lands and worlds you wander through. There is now this day a new Aasimar Guardian to bring peace and justice to all, where ever her travels will take her. Fare thee well, in the name of the ALLMAKER!"

    And with that pronouncement, they fade from view. As everyone crowded around Iriisii to find out just what had happened to her. She announced to all that they needed to delay any questions until after sleep, it was very late, and there would be time to begin planning for a trip, and as complete an explanation of what happened, as soon as she had settled everything in her own mind. And with that, all saw the wisdom in her words, especially the last part, and all went to the villa and to bed.

     Everyone slept until the Steward came into Geralt and Triss' room, waking them to inform Geralt that Nilfgaardians had been sighted nearby and were expected to arrive within a couple of hours. Geralt had him wake the others and assemble everyone in the main room.

     Geralt: "All right, we expect at least a Brigade size group of Nilfgardians to arrive here in about an hour and a half. Any ideas about why they are here, what their intentions are, and how we are going to deal with them?"

     Ideas floated back and forth, side to side until Iriisii got everyone's attention.

     Iriisii: "They are here because I am here. As soon as I crossed over into Beauclair, it is likely their spies sent word of my arrival. They delayed until they could make a determination of why I was here, who I was, I am sure you know how this kind of mindset works. As to their intention, I am sure they wish to arrest me and take me somewhere for questioning.

     Once finished, if they feel I am no threat, I would likely disappear into a bog or some such place. If I might be a threat or of interest, I would be held somewhere until they were satisfied and then I would disappear. As to what we are going to do about them, I am going to meet with them, and see what they intend to do, if I can persuade them to move on without mentioning seeing me, we will quietly leave and resupply in Novigrad. If they will not see reason, they will be the ones to disappear."

     Geralt: "You seem to know quite a bit about how they work."

     Iriisii: "Not really, we have a similar group that has arisen called the Thalmor. Leaving a trail of destruction, death, and suffering wherever they go. I am just aware of the kind of people that seem to create these movements, most are nothing but followers, but they can be just as dangerous in numbers as the people in command."

     Geralt: "I agree with you. But if it comes to it, how are they going to disappear?"

     Iriisii: "I really did not wish to say anything about this but they may have forced my hand. You know I told you in passing about obtaining some artifacts while I was in the Fifth Era, before arriving so unceremoniously in the cellar of Dandelion's 'Rosemary and Thyme'. What I did not mention was what form these artifacts took."

     Lambert: "Weapons!"

     Iriisii: "Yes indeed, weapons, Chaos constructs to be exact."

     Yennefer audibly draws in her breath.

     Iriisii: "Yennefer, you know something about chaos constructs?"

     Yennefer: "Not much to be sure. There were some books at Aretuza, that speculated about them and what kind of effects they could have but no one I know or have heard of has been able to make one."

     Iriisii: "And a good thing for that, Chaos construct weapons are insanely powerful and incredibly dangerous. I brought back three with me. With those three alone, a determined group could overthrow any government in just about any world, and defeat any army, no matter the size. That is why I gathered them, I could not just leave them to be picked up by anyone. It was my intention to lock them away with some other artifacts I have collected while adventuring. But to the point, the ones I have are a bow, called 'Catalyst', it will on hit to a target, return to the holder a measure of health if one were to 'bash' with the bow, it produces an explosion of health energy to the holder of the bow. 

     There is also a sword called 'Altima', it can, when used in a power attack, emit a tracer that draws the holder to the target, increasing your attack speed dramatically, even if your target is in the air. If airborne, you would fall as normal but in contact with the ground all damage is converted into a shock wave that blasts everyone in the area you land in, the higher the drop the greater the shock wave.

     And last but not least, there is the staff called 'Infinity'. It is the most dangerous of all. It casts a spell blast that expands as it goes further, once contacting a being or beings, it envelopes them and pushes them into a warp in the timestream. Thus, they are forever lost and drifting in the streams of time itself. And as far as I know, there is no way to retrieve them. In the chamber they were stored in, they were referred to as 'Doomsday Weapons' and while I am not familiar with the term, I think it is not hard to imagine what it means."

     Geralt: "And you intend to use one or all of them."

     Iriisii: "Infinity only, and then I would be the one responsible for it. I would not want anyone else to bear the cost if something went wrong. But let us hope it does not come to that, and that what we have without these chaos weapons will turn the tide for us. Geralt, do you have anyone watching for the Nilfgardians, so we can judge where they will be at a specific time?"

     Geralt, "You want to meet them on ground of our choosing, I take it."

     Iriisii: "Yes, we should give ourselves every advantage we can, also it would be a good idea to move all noncombatants somewhere they can be out of the way and relatively safe. I think as far as the Nilfgaardians are concerned, 'out of sight, out of mind'."

     Geralt: "I will get the Steward to move everyone out of sight, as for a place to meet Nilfgard, I have just the place in mind. But if they are Brigade strength and we manage to kill them all if we have to. The sheer number of bodies is going to be difficult to vanish."

     Iriisii: "Infinity even works on dead bodies."

     Lambert: "Now that can be very handy in this situation!"

     Iriisii: "I do have to agree with that. I will be happy if that is the only use we have to put it to."