Stormcloak Camp: Markarth

 

 

 

Ergon (to himself): It was good to see Divina again. Since the war started I feared she would attack me on sight. Shame I missed out on that bounty, but at least the raids will stop. I should tell command of my success.

 

 

General: Ergon, I praise Talos for your safe return. Do you come with news on the bandit raids?

 

 

Ergon: General, the raids have ended. I defeated my opponent in combat, however, the body was lost.

 

 

General: It is unfortunate that you cannot offer proof of your victory, but you are a man of honor. And true nords do not lie to their brothers. Come we must discuss strategy.

 

 

Soldier: General! Thane! Come quickly! We are under attack!

 

 

Falkreath

 

Divina: Nenya, I’m here to collect on that bounty posted outside the inn. Siddgeir has had nothing for me to do lately and I wanted to keep sharp. Here’s the body.

 

 

Nenya: You can just leave the corpse on the floor here. The Priests of Arkay will be around to collect it. Here’s the negotiated award for the body. Any reason you couldn’t bring him back alive? It’s not like you to miss out on extra coin…

 

Divina (remembering): Oh….He struggled a bit more than I thought he would. Had to put him down. Thanks!

 

 

Divina (to herself): It wouldn’t be good to show up in my black and red armor. Stormcloaks might attack me on sight. I’ll pull out my Dawnguard uniform. That should give me a little more wiggle room when walking through both Imperial and Stormcloak camps. Ergon will like that little blast from the past. Strange, I feel like I’m a little girl going on a first date. We’ve been together before, but seeing him again just takes me back to our first time.

 

Divina: Hopefully this will be a time to remember.

 

 

Divina: Bye Mr. Guard! Let the Huntress know I’ll be gone for a few days. She should be able to manage things while I’m gone!

 

Cliffside Retreat

 

 

Divina (to herself): Looks like I made it here first. I’ll prepare the table and bedroom. Maybe just the table, I might not be able to hold back…

 

 

Divina: Perfect, but I can’t help but feel something is wrong. Ergon should have been here by now. Maybe I should check his camp.

 

Divina (to herself): Is that smoke?

 

Stormcloak camp

 

 

Divina looks upon the ruins of Ergon’s camp and is overcome with fear. She searches all the bodies and tents for any sign of him, but finds none.

 

 

 

Divina : I don’t see, Ergon… ERGON!

 

 

In the rubble, there’s a faint movement. Divina rushes over to see a small, blue, goblin like creature. It seems the creature is mourning the death of the blacksmith.

 

 

Divina (gently): Hey, little guy, I’m sorry your friend didn’t survive. Do you know what happened here?

 

The creature, a Riekling, begins to pantomime out a fight scene. It ends with him running upon the camp and falling to his knees at the blacksmith. The Riekling, begins to weep again.

 

Divina (softly): There was nothing you could have done. It seems like you saw everything that happened. Do you know who did this?

 

Riekling (labored): Tal...mor…

 

Divina: I have friends here as well, only I don’t see his body. I’m afraid he might have been captured. Can you show me which way they went?

 

 

He signals to the blood trail leaving the camp. The Riekling springs to his feet and begins to follow the trail. He nods and signals Divina to follow.

 

Divina: You’ll show me where the prisoners went?

 

 

It was a flimsy connection, but Divina recalled that the Rieklings are expert hunters that can track game even in the ash clouds of Solstheim.

 

Divina: Lead the way, little guy.

Campsite somewhere

 

 

The Riekling collapses after the excursion of tracking. He clearly pushed himself to his limit.

 

Divina sits down by the fire.

 

 

Divina (to herself): I shouldn’t be breaking while Ergon is being tortured or imprisoned. But my guide clearly pushed himself to his breaking point. We’ve got to stop for the night.

 

 

Divina: Alright little guy, you’ve earned a break. We’ll stop here for tonight and get back on the path when you’re feeling up to it. Here, I supposed you’ve earned this food I was saving for Ergon. Eat it when you’re feeling up to it. I’ll take first watch.

 

Divina (to herself): This feels like I’m on another Dawnguard mission. Following a tracker, wearing this outfit… just brings back memories of when I was with my hunting group.

 

 

Divina: There were 3 of us. Valren; our shield bearer, Myself; the blade, and Gwen.

 

 

Divina: Gwen was the leader of our little band. I’d followed in her footsteps ever since I was child. When she was old enough she joined the Dawnguard and I was right beside her. When Isran assigned me to her group, I couldn’t have been happier. As long as we were together, nothing could stop us.

 

Divina: Until we met him. I never knew his name, but he was a higher vampire. He tore through Valren before he even had a chance to react.

 

 

Divina: Seeing my partner die, I charged the vampire with my sword. But was knocked aside like a child before their parent. When he came to finish me off. Gwen intervened.

 

Divina: I noticed this sword in the cavern that was unnaturally cold. I grabbed it to defend myself...

 

 

Divina: But it was too late, he spilled Gwen’s blood as I struggled to mount some kind of defense. I’d never felt so powerless before.

 

 

Divina: The whole situation was too much for me… My best friend, murdered in front of me overwhelmed me.

 

 

Divina: The last image I recall of that horrible moment was a figure with a Stalhrim Warhammer facing down the Vampire. I passed out soon after.

 

 

Divina: I woke up in an inn, with my wounds bound.

 

 

Divina: Ergon sat at the foot of my bed while I recovered. Paying for all expenses along the way. He explained how he happened upon the remains of our group and I was the sole survivor.

 

 

Divina: When I asked him of the Vampire, Ergon admitted he was dead. It was only then that I noticed his Warhammer. Ergon had saved my life, but couldn’t shake the guilt of being the only survivor.

 

Divina: Gwen’s Death is still burned into my memory. Vampirism makes a mockery of the living and all we hold dear.

 

Campsite Somewhere

 

 

Divina sees the riekling guide eating the meal she prepared for him.

 

 

Divina: Good to see that you’re still alive Little Guy. You’re quite the tracker. I’m going to sleep now, watch over me.

 

The Riekling nodded in understanding as he continued to gobble up the meal.

 

 

Divina (to herself): I’m not going to let them keep you, Ergon. I’ll save you as you did me...

On the Trail

 

The Riekling suddenly stops and begins to sniff the air.

 

 

Divina: What’s the hold up? Is it the Thalmor?

 

 

The Riekling signals for quiet and lets out a loud cry.

 

Before she realizes what happened, Divina sees three more Rieklings scurry from a nearby bush and begin to bow to her Riekling.

 

 

Her Riekling lets out a series of ferocious grunting noises, hoists his spear in the air, and bellows out “MY DIK!”

 

 

Divina (to herself): How vulgar. I hope they don’t have other plans for me.

 

To her surprise the other Rieklings stand and Shout “MYDIK!” and charge off past Divina, spooking her only slightly. Rieklings have been known to be aggressive with females of different species.

 

 

Divina: Hey Little Guy! Whats going on?

 

Divina’s Riekling gestures her to follow the group and continues to chant “MY DIK”

 

Thalmor Prison

 

 

Ergon (gasping): Do you think….that this….will break me?!

 

 

The elf brought his fist way back to deliver another blow.

 

 

The blow connected with Ergon’s head slamming him against the wall and onto his stomach. Ergon coughed blood as he stared at is attacker.

 

 

Thalmor Wizard: Indeed, I do. Ergon. The Imperial war effort has been significantly impeded in Markarth due to your efforts. You strike supply lines, imprison imperial soldiers for ransom, and butcher Thalmor teams throughout Skyrim. It is too well coordinated for any meager Stormcloak intelligence. There must be an informant.

 

Ergon: I’ll breathe my last before I tell you anything.

 

 

Thalmor Wizard: You will breathe your last in here, Stormcloak. But until that time, each and every breath will be labored.

 

The Thalmor puts a sack on Ergon’s head.

 

 

Thalmor Wizard: Now...TELL ME WHERE YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION FROM!

 

Outside the Thalmor Prison

 

 

Divina: So you’re telling me that the tracks end in there? That’s place is overrun with Thalmor.

 

Divina: Why would the Thalmor take such action against the Stormcloaks? They usually leave that to the Imperial Army. If the Empire found out that the Thalmor had such a military presence in Skyrim it would reopen the Great War.

 

 

Divina (to herself): I’m not exactly in the best position to avoid that myself.

 

She looks behind her to see a war band of Rieklings all shouting “MY DIK”. They seem ready for battle.

 

Divina (to herself): I’ve got to find a more diplomatic way.

 

Divina: Stay here, Little Guy. I’m going to get my friend back.

 

 

Thalmor Guard: Halt! This is Thalmor land, Nord. Your kind is not welcome here.

 

 

Divina: I am Divina, Thane of Falkreath and advisor to the Imperial Army. I’ve come for a prisoner you’re keeping here.

 

 

Thalmor Guard: There are not prisoner’s here. This is a customs warehouse, under the sovereign of the Aldmeri Dominion.

 

 

Divina: If this is a warehouse, then why do you have enough guards to repel an army? The Aldmeri Dominion isn’t that invested in making sure their products are safe in Skyrim.

 

Thalmor Guard: Stop! You cannot come in here...

 

 

Divina draws her sword.

 

Divina (menacingly): I go where I want to little Elf. And you won’t stop me.

 

 

As if on cue, a riekling spear rockets past Divina.

 

 

The spear hits the thalmor guard squarely in the chest and is quickly followed up by 2 more.

 

 

Divina: So much for the diplomatic option...

 

 

Divina quickly rushes forward and stabs the Thalmor behind her haggler.

 

 

Divina: Word of advice: Guard yourself first, when you’re guarding a prison. You never know what might come in or out.

 

 

Divina fights her way into the prison as the Rieklings swarm behind her.

 

 

 

 

Divina continued to cut down Thalmor after Thalmor as if they were encased in ice.

 

 

Every few moments an Elf would try to swing at her, but Divina was too fast and her blows always struck true.

 

 

After some time, Divina came upon the torture room.

 

 

Divina: Ergon! Please don’t be dead! I’ve got to get you out of here.

 

Ergon: Divina?

 

 

Thalmor Wizard: Thane of Falkreath, Divina. Did you come to rescue your rescuer? How sickeningly poetic.

 

 

Divina: Who are you? What did you do to Ergon?

 

 

Thalmor Wizard: That Stormcloak proved to be most helpful in plugging our information leak. Who knew that with just a little bit of water, a man would spill his secrets. I am Kharis of the Aldmeri Dominion. Through this Stormcloak, and your actions today, I think I have a good idea about who is leaking our intelligence.
Divina: I don’t like what you’re implying Kharis...I’ve told Ergon nothing. But your biggest mistake was not killing me while you had the chance..

 

Divina strikes several blow at Kharis, but unlike the other Elves, the Elf blocked each of them. After a few more blows...

 

 

Kharis: Divina, I’m disappointed. Your Imperial Legate claims you to be one of the best swordsmen in all of Tamriel.

 

 

Divina: I’ve not even begun to show you what I’m capable of yet.

 

 

A few blows later, Kharis overpowers Divina and forces her to the ground with a mighty blow.

 

 

Kharis: So you’ve come here to die? Is that it? The enchantments on your sword cannot slow me, my Elven blade will pierce you.

 

 

Kharis: You came here with an Army, yet here you are...alone…again. Just like with that Vampire. Oh, yes, Ergon told me all of it...Pathetic that a failed swordsman like you survived. It would have been better if the beast finished you off.

 

 

Divina (reflective): My past...is covered in blood...Bandits…Vampires...even Friends…

 

 

Divina (demonically): YOUR BLOOD WILL JOIN THEIRS!

 

 

Divina closes the distance between Kharis and herself bats his sword out of the way with her arm and stabs him in the liver.

 

Divina (demonically): Bleed for me, Elf. Let me drink deeply before you die…

 

 

Divina (demonically): Know this Elf, you fell before this wench. All your magic, all your might, all your armor are nothing before the might of the Monarch.

 

Kharis falls to his knees as Divina prepares to deliver the coup de grâce

 

 

Divina (demonically): AND NOW YOUR BLOOD WILL STAIN THESE WALLS!

 

Outside the Prison

 

 

Ergon (labored): How did you manage to clear this fort? You’re good with a sword, but I don’t believe anyone is THAT good.

 

 

Divina: Well I wasn’t exactly alone. I had help from a small friend at your camp. That’s him right there…

 

As Divina and Ergon emerge from the fortress walls, they are aggressively surrounded by the surviving Rieklings.

 

 

Ergon: I thought you said they were with you?

 

Divina: Little Guy! What’s going on?

 

 

Older man: It would be best, if I explained...your Riekling friend, Chief Meddick, sent a messenger informing me he was going to war with the Thalmor. But when I arrived...Tell me, girl. Do you feel well?

 

 

Divina tugs at her sword.

 

Divina: I’m well enough to stop anyone who stands in my way.

 

Ergon: Divina, this man is known to me. This is one of the Elder Sages of Dawnstar.

 

Elder Sage: Sir Ergon speaks true, Divina. Lord Ulfric requested that I retrieve Ergon and bring him to a war council in Windhelm. I advised your Riekling friends to act cautiously as the wind told me of your malice.

 

Divina: I’m sorry, I tend to get a little edgy when people threaten my friends and ruin my vacation…

 

Elder Sage: Nevertheless, seeing you now, I would not fathom such hatred within your heart. But I must caution you, that what you call a sword is not a mere blade. It is a prison holding a monster who longs to be free. If you let it, it will control you. Come Ergon, the High King seeks your presence.

 

 

Divina: Are you sure you can make the journey to Windhelm? You seem pretty beaten up.

 

Ergon: This is some of the most excruciating pain I’ve ever had, but Ulfric must know what happened here. Stormcloaks weren’t the only ones tortured here. There were Imperials as well. And this Sage, I think he’s a healer. I could hardly be in better hands.

 

Divina: But I want you in my hands…

 

 

Ergon leaned in towards Divina and kissed her deeply.

 

Ergon (gasping): I know, but I must tell Ulfric what I experienced here. It could save countless Nord and Imperial lives alike. Besides, I wouldn’t be the stallion you’re used too in bed in my current state. I’ll come back to you as soon as it’s over.

 

Divina (smugly): You’d better. Now get out of here Mr. Stormcloak… I don’t like to be kept waiting long.