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Hey, it's me, Destana. Last time Runa became Listener of the Dark Brotherhood and we started on a plot to assassinate the Emperor, but it would take nearly two weeks due to travel for preparations to be made and him to get to Skyrim. Sanguine returned to Oblivion. Damien is studying to be a mage at Winterhold and potentially Manantis. Fenrir is staying with Ulfric for a little while, his birth father. I know I said I wasn't going to get him involved if he didn't want to, but we'd never discussed it after the first time and I thought it would be good for the boy. Also, Ulfric never married or had children, so I was starting to wonder if he needed somebody to court him and force having an heir upon him. That's probably not the nicest way to say that. Eh, well. I was the one who popped a baby out and raised him (somewhat) so I figured I had some kind of leg to stand on here. So I had 12 days to burn. I figured I would wear real armor today. It made me look more official, like an emissary of something. Or whatever. I ran by Windstad to find my housecarl just by himself passing the time. Gods, the house felt empty. I slipped on my Crusader armor and headed to Whiterun, because the man who sent me letters said he would be there. As I walked into the gate, two men wearing dragon-like masks approached me, "Are you the one they call Dragonborn?" "The greybeards seem to think so," I replied. They attacked, but with the help of the guards, they were easily dispatched. Why attack somebody in the middle of a hold? After that, a dragon immediately attacked. Sigh. That's definitely how not to convince me to do that job. So anyway, I walked into the Drunken Huntsman, looking for the man. "Ah! It's you!" I turned to find a haggard-looking man. "My master and I recently came from Cyrodiil. He sent me to find you. It seems a band of bandits had been using Helgen as their own base for the past few years, waylaying travellers under the guise of refugees. You're a bit famous down south. Heard you've been fighting dragons. I saw the one outside before ye felled it. He was wondering if you would help us out a bit. There's some coin in it for ye." "You're speaking my language," I said, "What's your name?" "Patsy," he replied. "Never heard that one before. Must be Imperial," I replied, "Alright. Just go to Helgen? Can confirm last time I tried to pass through there I was attacked by bandits." "He wants to meet at Dead Man's Drink in Falkreath," Patsy replied. So I went there on Shadowmere. Making amazing time. I stepped in and he was sitting at one of the new tables. Falkreath really looked good with the rebuilding and remodeling. "Well met!" Marcus shouted, "Glad you came! The locals tell me you're the resident dragon expert. Do you know anything about the Helgen attack?" "It was attacked by a dragon. That's all I know. I understand Ulfric Stormcloak was there, and a few others," I folded my arms. "I wonder if there were any more survivors," he said. "Probably not," I said flatly. The few were lucky. "Then it is as I feared. MY brother and his family are definitely dead. Gods damn it all," he said, forlorn. "Even if they survived, the bandits probably killed them." "Yes, I heard the fort was full of them." "Was?" "I have it on good authority a man named Val drove out the bandits and took over some time ago," he explained, "He's a leader of a small group of mercenaries. They seek to kill Thalmor wherever they're found." "Ok, now you have my interest," I said. "They were once insurrectionists. A resistance movement." "Against the empire? Now I'm doubly interested," I said. "If I'm right his name is Valerius Tiberius Artoria. We served many years together under the imperial legion during the Great War," he explained, "He was an honorable man in those days. But the Aldmeri slaughtered his wife and children. They did it in the Imperial City while it was held. We went into hiding. We regrouped in Skyrim." "That was... ages ago," I said. "Well we did retake the Imperial City, but at great cost. And Valerius never recovered. Though still part of the Legion, he took on covert ops. Destructive ops. Even though this was post White-Gold, he was killing Aldmeri commanders and officials. Went rogue, you might say. When they were finally caught, under pressure from the Thalmor, the Emperor locked him and his men away for the rest of their lives. I retired about then. I called in a few favors, and got him sprung through an ancient secret passageway." "Maybe... the one that Uriel Septim VII and the Hero of Kvatch escaped through," I mused. "Perhaps. From there, Val went to Hammerfell to join the Redguard rebellion." "Man, this dude is hitting all the right buttons for me," I gestured to myself in a grand gesture, displaying my skin and overall look. "It was rumored the an order called the Keepers of Haatu was formed after the Treaty of Stros M'Kai." "That's a reference to the original battle of independence for Hammerfell," I said. "Right you are," he continued, "This group, made of all races, worked towards cleanse the Thalmor from Tamriel. I've heard Valerius tied to this group." I waved my hands, "There's no need to convince me any further. I'm eating this up. So do you want me to go talk to Val?" "Give him this," He handed me a ring, "It was his wife's wedding ring. Tell him Marcus Jannus sent you, give him this note. For his eyes only." I nodded, "Errand girl activate!" I hustled over to Helgen and three 'bandits' came out to accost me. They were certainly dressed the part. "Stop right there!" The man in the front said. "I'm here to see Valerius." "Never heard of him," the man replied, "You have about ten seconds to get out of here. We don't want to hurt you." "If you were bandits, you'd just rob and kill and/or rape me. Not necessarily in that order," I paused, "Oh, I mean, you'd try. Here, I have a letter from Marcus Jannus for Valerius' eyes only. And this is his wife's wedding ring." I showed them. "Did you say Marcus Jannus, like from the war?" The man asked, "Hmm... very well. But we're going to be watching you." They surrounded me and brought me in. A voice issued from the center of the first open room, "Balfring, what do you think you're doing?" "She has a letter from Marcus Jannus. She was alone. I thought you'd want to see," the man responded. "What? That's impossible," Val replied. He sighed, "All right. All of you, return to your posts. I'll speak with her." After they walked out he reached out his hand with a cold stare. I handed him the ring and letter. "Where is Marcus?" "He's in Falkreath, awaiting your answer," I replied. He studied the ring for a moment, "I don't know how he came into possession of this ring. I nearly went mad after those Aldmeri dogs killed my family." He tore open the letter, reading for a moment, he chuckled, "Yeah, that's definitely Marcus. Always could lift our spirits." "How'd he find me?" He asked. "Val is pretty obvious, isn't it?" I folded my arms, "To someone who knows you anyway." "I guess it is. Pretty clever." "He said you were an honorable man," I said, "Even if I am a Stormcloak and a Redguard, I share your hatred for the Thalmor." "I shed my honor when I assassinated my first Aldmer diplomat." "I am literally a thief and assassin. You're preaching to the choir here," I chuckled. "Well, I suppose I would still be rotting in prison if not for him. Of course I'll see him. At least we can say our goodbyes properly." "There's the spirit," I said. Luckily, Falkreath was only down the road, less than an hour on Shadowmere. "Mind escorting me?" Marcus asked. Easy. We walked back into the keep from the light rain. Marcus said, "Valerius, you old dog. How the hell have you been?" "Marcus, why would you come here?" "I'm sure this is a shock. I came to check on my family here in Helgen, but, as you can see, it was attacked by a dragon." "Marcus, I'm very sorry. But whatever the circumstances, it does my eyes good to see you again after all these years." "The Keepers of Haatu in Skyrim. Who would've thought?" Marcus said. "So what are you really after, old friend? I know you..." "Yes, you do. I want to rebuild this town," Marcus replied, "I was raised right across the border, as a lad I used to come here often." "I don't care about this town," Valerius replied. "I know. But we might be mutually beneficial to one another," Marcus said. "Let's... table that. I have some wine downstairs, want to just catch up awhile?" Val asked. "Sure," he turned to me and handed me a pouch of gold, "I can't thank you enough. This is going to take a lot of work. I'm sure if you want, you can come back in a day or so and we'll have work for you." These old guys actually take time doing things, and I'm on a timetable. "Alright," I said. I camped out for the night (it was getting late anyway) and returned bright and early. As I walked down the stairs, I heard something collapse somewhere, but Marcus and Val didn't seem to pay it any attention. "Ah! You're back! We have a matter of grave importance to discuss," Marcus said. He turned to Val, "Do you think this foolhardy plan is actually going to work?" "I do!" He turned to a man and a woman who'd just walked in. Falco and Cienna. He had an Imperial Commander's armor on, while she had a light scout's equivalent. Two naked dead men were laying in the corner, so I guessed where they got the getups. "How does it fit?" Val asked. "Smells like death," Falco replied. "Up until yesterday it had a dead man in it," Val chuckled, "Do you know why we came to Helgen?" "I assumed it was to kill Thalmor," I replied. "Well yes, but specifically, I got a report that a group of Thalmor are holding Talos worshippers in an old dilapidated fort. Turned it into a secret prison. I sent one of my best guys to observe, but it seems he was captured," Val explained, "We were about to send these two on a mission to infiltrate and spring Korst. We took over Helgen from those bandits so we would have access to a base and supplies." "Marcus said you had a plan?" "Yes, we're going to show a writ or prisoner transfer to the Legion. Legion prisoner transports always come in groups of three. I was going to do it, but, would you like to be the frontwoman?" "I'm always down for this sort of thing," I said, "Sure your armor will fit over my big boobs?" He didn't remark on that. "Good. Subtlety. I've heard there's a particularly ruthless Justiciar named Arendil. Be careful," Val replied. We approached the old fort, just down the road, walking through the front door. "Who are you? What is the meaning of this?" A thalmor in robes demanded. "Prisoner transport. Here's the official order," I replied. "I've received no orders. I'll have to check with my superior," the guard replied. I looked around. Two thalmor in front of us, one visible up top. Probably many more. The guard reappeared with his superior. "I'm sorry," the man said snootily, "I haven't been given any orders for this. I'm afraid I won't be able to release this prisoner to you." "You will release this prisoner." "Or what? Don't think I can't tell a spy when I see one. We're going to have a lot of fun with you downstairs," he started to draw his weapon. "Don't threaten me with a good time," I said, then I shouted, "FUS!" Blowing him backwards. The other guards charged at us. I immediately laid into the mage I'd just knocked down while Falco and Cienna engaged with the two guards. I pulled out my bow and traded bowshots with the two guards now coming down the stairs. After a few minutes of combat, the Thalmor were wasted, but I knew there would be more coming soon. I threw down a Rally and a group heal and urged them forward while I kept at it with my bow. We found two who'd not heard the commotion and I, in stealth (ah stealth, I missed you) stuck one with an arrow to the throat. The other charged and I strafed around a large column while Falco and Cienna took him on head to head. When I got around behind, I slit his throat, killing him. We ventured down below. I quietly scouted ahead, laying waste to Thalmor with headshots. Occasionally the others would run in and help and I'd leave them to it because I couldn't get a clear shot. I'd just back them up and cover them if more Thalmor got involved. Finally, we reached Korst and I released him from his bonds. "Hang on," Cienna said, healing him. "Thank you, friends. But who is that with you?" "A new friend of Marcus Jannus. He's in Skyrim!" Falco said. "Why is Marcus here?" "Something about rebuilding Helgen. No time for that, we need to get the hell outta here!" Falco said. So Korst grabbed his stuff from the chest in the armory and we sprinted back to Helgen, getting in our normal armor. When we showed back up to Helgen Keep, Val was elated, "Thank the gods for our friend here. You're alive! What did they want with you? WHat are they planning?" "Heavily fortified. No prisoners but me were kept there, the rest went in and out like clockwork. It was heavily defended, but now there are none alive," Korst replied, "The Commandant was never there. I heard some of the soldiers joking he was getting soft in the embassy. Said something about him spending time with a whore in the Tall Mast Tavern. And... I think they were selling the prisoners there as slaves." I could feel my face stiffening. "Good work, Korst. Rest up and relax for a while. Dismissed," Val said. Then he turned to me, shaking his head, "I've heard of these Thalmor squads abducting people for worshipping Talos, but I didn't know what truth there was to it." "When you find out, you tell me where the slaves are going and..." I gripped my sword's hilt, "I think you know what'll happen. I'm a Talos fangirl. I was a slave and I hate the institution. This mission was made for me." "I have some contacts. I'll see what I can find out," Val nodded, "Go see Marcus." He was standing by the fire, so I just walked over to him. "Friend! You've done us a great service," Marcus said, "We're going to start rebuilding. I think you should have a say in some of the things we'll be doing." "Sure." "There's no way we can build with this few guards. We can hire mercenaries, or... do you know anyone?" Marcus asked. "I can talk to Ulfric. The Stormcloaks are strong. I'm actually a commander in their army. Semi-retired, you know, since we won and all," I said, "I got you." "While I would like to remain Independant, I guess this is inevitable. If he's amenable, it would be a strong strategic location for the Stormcloaks. We're not affiliated with the Empire, and we hate the Thalmor as much as they do," Marcus thought out loud. "He's a big softie. He'll cave," I said, "Besides, we have a son together. He's pretty much obligated to at least consider it. The men don't have much to do these days since we flushed the empire out." "By the gods! Ulfric finally settled down?" Val said from across the hall, starting into his lunch. "Not exactly!" I shouted, but offered no explanation. Marcus continued, "I actually have a man in mind already. His name is Shadrick Oak-Heart. If you go to him, say, 'My sword sings with the heart of Frandar Hunding.'" I shrugged, "Old war buddies, huh? I'll deliver your message." I rode Shadowmere, it taking until the evening (his camp was on the northern tip of Skyrim). I hopped off Shadowmere and got out my bow. "Dragon!" One of the Stormcloaks yelled. I peppered the thing with arrows until it finally landed, and it blasted the men with frost breath. I sprinted in and leapt onto the beasts' neck, slashing while the half dozen men supported me, finishing the thing off. Then, of course, the dragon's soul poured into me like normal. I noticed most of the men were dressed in the old Stormcloak armor. Only Shadrick has upgraded to the new duds. "Well, that was a hell of an entrance," Shadrick said, "How the hell have you been, Stormblade?" "Not bad," I replied, "I don't think we got many opportunities to fight together during the rebellion." "Yeah. Too few. I see you're just as sharp as you've ever been. What brings you here?" Shadrick asked. "My sword sings with the heart of Frandar Hunding," I replied. "No... who said that to you?" He asked, "After all these years?" "Valerius Artoria," I replied. "I remember back when Skyrim fuelled the Legion's ranks, back when we fought with them, rather than against them, one of the greatest commanders I ever served under (besides Ulfric, of course) was Valerius Tiberius Artoria. So why is he in Skyrim?" "They're rebuilding Helgen. They're here hunting Thalmor, independent of the Empire," I said, "Seems like more than just Skyrim and Hammerfell doesn't align with Cyrodiil's methodology these days." "I'm sure you and I could convince some men and Ulfric to side with us," he said, "But, I would like to ask you a favor before that. Since I have the ear of one of the most powerful... beautiful..." "Okay, okay, just ask me," I smiled. "Two of my men snuck out last night to explore the Sightess Pit nearby and they haven't returned. See, two more men for you if you can find them!" Shadrick replied, "In the mean time, I'll send a runner to Ulfric." "While you're at it, could you add a message for me?" I asked. "Sure," he shrugged. "Just tell him I'll be coming to get my boy in a couple weeks. There's going to be something BIG coming that is very noticeable just before I come get him. Good or ill, I don't know. Big, though," I said, "If you include the fact that this is a project I'm working on, I'm sure he'll be willing to send us guys." "Are you two... an item now?" Shadrick asked. "Not in so many words," I said. Then I walked towards the pit. I hopped down, falling into ice cold water. "Guess I'm not getting out that way," I said. It was a frozen tunnel. As I stepped forward, bandit corpses littered the walkway. Further in, a couple dwemer traps (but I don't trigger pressure plates) and then a vertical shaft leading into what looked like a dwemer ruin. I used Slowfall and jumped down, and down some more. I was silent and was able to spot the Falmer and giant spider, getting a killer headshot and body shot on them, respectively. In the next section, I got a headshot and two body shots on a Falmer mage (a little tougher). 'Shit!' I thought as four more Falmer poured out of crevices only a few feet away from me. I readied an Elemental Bolt and fired with both hands, catching ice shards and arrows in return from them. I backed up and drew two swords, using my old advance and withdraw tactic until they were all down. I let out a long sigh, healing myself. These boys were crafty today. Maybe I was out of practice. I got to a set of stairs and another spellcaster noticed me right away, who'd been hiding, and several pet spiders jumped down from the overhead. I backed off, throwing elemental bolts until the spiders were dead, then trading more bolts with the caster. I shot the last spider with my bow, who'd been minding his own business in the corner. Damn, starting to really hate Falmer. And starting to think they had some form of alert system to alert the guys down the line. In the next hallway, three Falmer jumped out of a tent, all grappling me. The two to my sides started to rip off my upper body armor, while the third slapped a Chaurus chitin armbinder on me. The armbinder guy peppered me with frost spells while the other two finished stripping me. I didn't think this sort of thing could happen to me anymore, but apparently a coordinated attack works. I growled, shouting, "TIID!" Slowing time. Excellent shout. I whipped around, both my hands locked together with the armbinder, and blasted them with Elemental Bolts until my Magicka ran dry. When I turned back there were only dried husks. So there I was, freezing, alone, frost covering my body, in an armbinder. I took a couple minutes to find the key and spring myself, then built a fire and cast a warmth spell to return to normal. I rested for a little bit. While I did, I considered just how close I came to crossing a new horizon of terribleness. Falmer were classified as monsters. They would certainly enslave me - but what other terrible things could they or would they do to me that normal men and mer would not? At the very least the thought of their weird, rubbery skin and faces made me think their dicks probably weren't any less disgusting. This is why I'd been running with groups or atleast with a buddy for so long. Even with Runa who was vastly less skilled than me could be a boon in keeping the attention of a monster so I can strike vital points. I passed through the next hallway into a huge room where I would expect to find a huge dwemer centurion, but this time I found an army of Falmer - the place was lousy with them. Maybe more than 20. This time they did not get the drop on me though. About half of them tried to snipe at me from the platform they were all on while the rest made their way down the smooth ramp that led off to the left. So they had a long path before they actually got to me and none of them jumped down. I conjured a bear - one of my recent editions to the spell list - to distract the melee attackers, and I whipped out Elemental Bolt again to deal with the ranged fighters. Because explosions can hit you around corners. When I'd slaughtered all of them, I found a cage made of Chaurus parts and let the men out. We returned via a locked elevator the Falmer were probably using for quick access. Or perhaps not, because at the top of the shaft was a strange, mutated Troll-like creature covered in scales. I'd never seen one before. But it was also slow, so while the men piled on I hammered away at its vital points with arrows. Then we returned to the surface, to the camp. "That was a hell of a ruin, your guys certainly know how to pick them," I said to Shadrick when we walked back in, "If that place weren't entirely cleared out I'd say this camp should probably move away. I got ambushed like four times. An army of better-than-normal Falmer used to live down there." Shadrick nodded, "Thanks, Stormblade. I guess all those things I've heard are true. Helgen has my full support." "What things? That I'm a thief? Assassin? Whore?" He shook his head, "You're amazing." "Trick question, I'm all three," I laughed. "Sometimes we need people like that to get the job done." I'd only killed three days. Nine to go. Making great time.

Are there any mods other than Immersive Creatures which add female draugr? I thought the female draugr add a bit of immersion, but I don't want to install the whole Immersive Creatures package.