Rikka Northwing: Contract Killer, Chapter 2: Before the Court

  • "My Jarl... are you truly sure this is a good idea?" Falk Firebeard said worriedly, "I mean... you know what this woman has done."

    "She killed the Emperor as well as several other people afterwards. Yes, we know." The court mage Sybille cut in, "She may very well be the single most lethal assassin in all of Skyrim because of it... she would be perfect for the war."

    "No. You don't understand, Sybille -- you haven't looked her in the eyes. You haven't seen her for what she really is: a deranged killer who murders at random. When the Dark Brotherhood was still a presence in Skyrim, they at least had reasons for doing what they did; they wanted to honor the will of Sithis. But Rikka, their most promising acolyte... she didn't care about Sithis. For her, the Dark Brotherhood was a safe haven where she could kill indiscriminately... documents have suggested that she was even banished from the Sanctuary itself after its leader, Astrid, realized what a monster she'd set loose upon the world."

    "Horror stories aside..." Sybille responded dryly, "We can't just turn our back on this kind of potential. This is a woman who's proven that she can carry out whatever orders she's given... no matter how difficult the circumstances, her blade will always find its mark."

    "You want to turn her into a weapon to be used by the court...? Do you have any idea what you're talking about?"

    "I know full well what I'm talking about; if we could employ the services of Skyrim's most talented killer, then nothing could keep us down. Just think: after cleaning up the mess of the Stormcloaks, she could very well go to the Isles and assassinate the queen of the Dominion! And without a leader, their numbers would fall to ruin -- all because of the ace up our sleeves!"

    "Right. And why didn't we just hire Ulfric Stormcloak to do the same, after he killed Torygg?"

    "Ulfric is a brutish thug. No finesse. No skill. But Rikka... she's something else. An artist of her craft. Those weren't commoners on Titus Mede's boat, they were trained Penitus Oculatus infantry -- and they never even caught a glimpse of her. In fact they didn't even realize Mede was dead until they'd made port in Cyrodiil. Think about the possibilities, Falk..."

    "No. I can't allow Jarl Elisif to--"

    "She has a point." Elisif spoke up.

    "What?" Falk responded with surprise.

    "Rikka Northwing is the single most dangerous woman in the province. She did kill the Emperor, despite the security on board his ship. I don't like it, but... she might just be the key to solving the Stormcloak uprising."

    "My Jarl... you can't seriously agree with Sybille on this matter..."

    "She is here." A guard announced, leading Rikka herself to the court. Everyone standing around the Jarl's throne went silent for a moment, whether out of awe... or fright. Rikka's empty eyes observed the many faces around her, before finding the Jarl and setting her eyes on the face of her almost-victim.

    "... Northwing..." Elisif spoke nervously, chilled by Rikka's soulless gaze. "You stand accused of murder and high treason against the Empire. Under any other circumstances, you would be put to death for your crimes against Skyrim and all of Tamriel..."

    "Don't do it, Elisif..." Falk muttered quietly, with a fearful tone. "Don't say it..."

    "... But given that the land is facing civil unrest and another war, we have decided that it would be best to offer a different penalty for your actions."

    "This won't be a penalty..." Falk muttered again, "This is just what she wants..."

    "As you know, Ulfric Stormcloak and his men are tearing this land apart with their barbaric warmongering. There are many in Skyrim who stand alongside Ulfric and his cause... and if they have their way, this land will fall to ruin. We need someone like you who can bring an end to this civil unrest... we need to employ your services for the good of all."

    "Damn it, no good can come from her!" Falk blurted, startling the rest of the court.

    "Falk... you don't doubt Jarl Elisif's judgment, do you?" Thane Erikur inquired, "Of course some good can be done with our new friend here."

    "New friend? Her? Someone like her can never know the luxury of friends. Her mind's too far gone for it."

    "All the more reason why she would make for the perfect royal assassin: devoted, unrepentant, and most importantly of all, we can't be held accountable for her actions if she does murder an innocent every now and again--"

    Falk grabbed Erikur by the scuff of his coat and scowled. "You really think that's the kind of empire we're running here? One that would turn a blind eye to a murdering psychopath in our midst, just for a political advantage?"

    "Falk, stand down!" A guard ordered.

    "No! I won't stand idly by while a monster is drafted into our court! Elisif -- you must reconsider! She'll kill a number of your loyal subjects if you set her loose!"

    "She won't be set loose, Falk." Elisif responded, "She'll still answer to the Empire for whatever she does."

    "And you think that will keep her from taking innocent lives, Elisif? You really think she's scared of what you're going to do if she steps out of line? Just the mere fact that you've extended this merciful offer in the first place is telling her that she has nothing to fear from you!"

    "And she doesn't. ... Not yet, anyway."

    "I can't believe this... she'll ruin us all!"

    "Northwing... step forward."

    Rikka approached the Jarl's throne as commanded. She found such irony in standing so close to her, after having been contracted to claim her life... even if the contract did turn out to be a trap. She listened intently to what Jarl Elisif had to say...

    "As Jarl of Solitude, it is in my power to have you executed for your crimes. But what you have here is a second chance... a chance to repent for your actions and serve the Empire with your unique array of talents. And in return, should you choose to accept this gracious offer... I shall grant you a full pardon for your crimes, and you will be able to walk freely as a legally recognized citizen of Skyrim."

    Rikka remained quiet and stoic, tilting her head in contemplation. Apparently, thought Jarl Elisif, she needed further convincing.

    "Bolgeir," Elisif commanded her housecarl, "Bring me her sword."

    "My Jarl... you're sure about this?" Bolgeir asked.

    "Absolutely. Bring it to me."

    Bolgeir Bearclaw did exactly as Elisif commanded, fetching Rikka's distinctive katana from its place in the Jarl's quarters and bringing it back to the court. "As you requested, my Jarl."

    Elisif accepted the sword and bade Bolgeir to return to his spot beside her. She then extended the sword's handle to Rikka... and the surrounding guards clung fast to their weapons. Falk Firebeard held his breath in anticipation as he watched Rikka reach and accept the katana, before drawing it from its sheath and holding it inches from her face as she examined it... almost as if she were looking upon it for the very first time, or perhaps admiring its lethal edge. She then returned her stare back to Elisif, and stepped closer... almost looming over her now. Tension was building, and the room had fallen utterly silent. And then, before the eyes of the Imperial court, Rikka made an unexpected move... bowing in servitude to the Jarl.

    Falk set loose a relieved sigh, but he was still utterly aghast at the terms of Elisif's deal. No doubt she'd listened too closely to Sybille's suggestions... and now he had to make absolutely certain that the situation was under control. ... No, of course it wasn't! How could it be under any kind of control? Once the court had disbanded, Falk approached Elisif in secret in a final attempt to stop this mad contract before it was too late.

    "A full pardon? Are you out of your skull?" Falk inquired.

    "Why would I be?" Elisif replied, "I know what she's done, but she's still human like the rest of us--"

    "She isn't human!" He shot back, "That's what I've been trying tell you all this time! She can't just be bought or contained like some common bandit; she's something else, my Jarl. Something less than human. A monster, Elisif -- and you're planning on setting her loose on your people."

    "She'll still have to answer to me, Falk. Surely even a 'monster' would have some understanding of what that means?"

    "And you think that gives you power over her? You think that makes her scared of you? Look into her eyes, my Jarl... she fears nothing. Not death, not retribution, not the judgment of the Eight... and certainly not you. Mark my words, Jarl Elisif... this will only end with blood on your hands!"

    "Don't question my judgment, Falk! I know what I'm doing -- I'm Jarl of Solitude!"

    "Aye, that you are... and you appeal to the hearts of your people, and their love of your fair and just rule. But you've gotten so wrapped up in this that you've made a critical mistake."

    "And that is?"

    Falk's brows narrowed and his face became gravely serious. "You've forgotten what to do when your subject doesn't have a heart."

Comments

9 Comments
  • MarkusMasterThief
    MarkusMasterThief   ·  July 29, 2015
    Ruuuuuuuun!! D:
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  July 29, 2015
    And I thought Aela had emotional problems in UOTW.  Run little children.... Run!!!!
  • MarkusMasterThief
    MarkusMasterThief   ·  July 28, 2015
    I value keeping my works as authentic to the source material as possible.  Remembering the voice work for each character helps greatly with determining what they'd say in these situations.
    And yes, Falk has darn good reason to be paranoid. Rikka's n...  more
  • Naeg Runs-Into-Walls
    Naeg Runs-Into-Walls   ·  July 28, 2015
    Ahh cool cool I'll give those a read too soon ^(^^)^  I like how the dialogue you give to the npc doesn't seem forced at all. Like I can totally see Sybille being open about recruiting an assassin and Falk being a paranoid lil bi...
  • MarkusMasterThief
    MarkusMasterThief   ·  July 28, 2015
    (Fair correction, SD had 7 chapters, plus a prologue and epilogue ^^" Hence my confusion) That would be her younger sister Erika. She's the polar opposite of Rikka; she's vocal, approachable, good-natured, and brimming with adventure. Essentially she's th...  more
  • Naeg Runs-Into-Walls
    Naeg Runs-Into-Walls   ·  July 28, 2015
    Yes yes RIKKA NORTHWING AND THE SWORD DANCER although now Im confused since theres another Northwing person... 
  • MarkusMasterThief
    MarkusMasterThief   ·  July 28, 2015
    Lissette: I'm a firm believer in keeping up suspense.  The old movie serials did it, and so do I. Besides, I'm running two stories right now anyway; gotta make room for both of them. 
    Naeg: Yes, she is. o_o Wholly devoid of emotion or any kind of co...  more
  • Naeg Runs-Into-Walls
    Naeg Runs-Into-Walls   ·  July 28, 2015
    ...damn it. I just realized there were 5 chapters that happened before these three *facepalm*  guess I'll consider those prequels. SHE'S SO SILENT! It's freaky! D:<
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  July 28, 2015
    I'm with Falk on this one. Not so sure this is the best idea... Very excited to see where this goes, but I know, lol, that you will switch and do somebody else now and make me wait. 

    I am ok with this, though.