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Hey, it's Destana. I called a moot in Skyrim. And, for the most part, it seems like the Jarls are willing to go along with my plans. But I had a lot of work ahead of me. This had gotten bigger than just gathering Elder Scrolls to finish the vampires' fool plan. Now, I was on my way to kill Alduin and Harkon. I took Serana to High Hrothgar, leaving the others. I approached Arngeir, "I need a shout that will kill Alduin." "What have you heard? Who have you been talking to?" "Alduin's Wall." "The Blades. Of course. They specialize in meddling with matters that don't concern them. They've always sought to turn the Dragonborn from the path of wisdom. Have you learned nothing from us?" "They're helping," I meant it as both an explanation and a rebuke for the graybeards. "Of course. Unfortunately, I can't teach it to you, because I don't know it. It's called 'Dragonrend,' and we do not regret this loss." "Sounds pretty legendary," Serana said. "So how can I defeat Alduin then?" I asked. "Only Paarthunax, the master of our order, can answer your questions, if he chooses," Arngeir said. "Why haven't I met this guy before?" I asked. "He lives in seclusion on the top of the mountain. We will teach you a shout to open the path," he said, and the old men started slowly walking out back. "Well, congratulations. You're officially Skyrim's errand girl. Even if others don't appreciate you, I do. I hope your name echoes through the ages," Serana smiled. They taught me Clear Skies, and I made my way up the mountain, throwing out the first word of the shout to clear the path as I went up. We only met an Ancient Frost Atronach and an Ice Wraith on the way up, then we were at the summit. A dragon roared, landing in front of me. "Of course this is the secret. I bet you're Paarthurnax," I laughed, "And that's where the Graybeards learned shouts. And why you are a master of the voice." "Greetings, Dovahkiin. You are correct, I am Paarthurnax. I am as my father Akatosh made me. Why have you disturbed my meditation?" "I need to learn the Dragonrend shout." "Drem. First we must greet each other," Paarthurnax said. He had a wizened, old voice. If dragons could grow beards, I imagine his would have been gray and long. "A... dragon?" Serana had lagged behind and just reached the top. "Keep up, hon. This is the leader of the greybeards." I said. "Figures." Paarthurnax turned to the stone wall across the summit and blasted it with fire, "A gift, Dovahkiin. Understand fire as the Dov do." I walked over to the smoldering fire and power drew into me, teaching me, 'Yol.' "Now, show me what you can do. Greet me not as mortal, but as Dov!" "Okay," I smiled, "YOL!" And fire burst from my mouth onto Paarthurnax. He chuckled, "YES! Sossedov los mul! The dragon blood flows strong in you. It is long since I had the pleasure of speech with one of my own kind." He swooped into the air and landed on the wall he'd burned earlier, "Greetings. You have made the journey here. Not so easy for a mortal, even one of dragon blood. What would you ask of me?" "I need to learn Dragonrend." "Prodah. I have expected you. You would not come all this way just to speak with an old Dov. You seek a weapon against Alduin. But I do not know the shout you seek. It cannot be known to me," Paarthurnax said. "Well, shit," I said. "Your kind created it as a weapon against my kind," he explained, "Our minds cannot conceive of the concept. But I know of a way. Drem. All in good time. First, a question. Why do you seek to learn it?" I paused for a second, then said, "I guess... I like this world. Even for all its faults. I don't want it to end." "Some would say that all things must end, so the next can come to pass," he replied, "Perhaps this is only the egg of the next world, destined to be born. Would you stop it?" "The next world can take care of itself," I replied. "Paas. Well said. Maybe you only balance the forces that bring the end of this world. Even we who ride the currents of time cannot see past time's end. Those who seek to delay it may bring it forth. Those who seek to end it may delay it. But... you have indulged my love for speech long enough. Do you know why I live here on this mountain?" "Well," I shrugged, "Dragons like mountains, right?" "True. But not many know this is the spot where Alduin was slain. Perhaps none but me remember how he was defeated." "Dragonrend?" I asked. "Yes and no. The shout weakened him. It was an Elder Scroll," he said. "Ah, there's our scroll," I said. "Yes, they used it to cast him adrift on the currents of time. Time flows ever onward. He has returned," Paarthurnax said. "How does this help me?" I folded my arms. "Patience. With the Elder Scroll used to cast Alduin to the future, you may be able to peer back through the wound in time. See how your shout was done," he explained. "Hmm... do you know where to find it?" "No. Thousands of years have passed since then. You are likely better informed than I," he replied, "When you find it, return here. You may be able to see my friends Hakon, Gormlaith and Felldir." "Friends?" "Three mortals I first taught Thu'um, who created Dragonrend," Paarthurnax said. "Oh, one more thing, if it doesn't kill dragons, what does it do?" "I've never seen it done. It is said to force immortal dov to experience the concept of mortality, weakening them greatly for a time," he explained. So we trekked back down the mountain. As we walked, Serana said, "I'm at a loss for words. I just saw you talk to a dragon. Not just with words, but literally breathing out fire. Just don't do it to me, ok?" I smirked, "Of course not. But I guess that leaves us nowhere." I went and talked to Arngeir (and got in a sneak feed, and he was a blue blood, as I suspected), who basically told me if Paarthurnuax wills it, then I should go find that elder scroll and learn Dragonrend. Of course, a stodgy old man in a mountain also had no help for me. I stopped by my Private Tower in Helgen to pick up some new clothes. I disenchanted everything that'd been lying around for a while, then used a 'High Alchemy' spell (that was alteration) to transmute all the junk I had into gold. Not quite as lucrative as selling it, but way more convenient. I kept the Crusader Armor, but fished out some new sets of clothing (the joke had worn pretty thin) and enchanted them to my liking. One of them was a leather set from UCM, the other a brown leather set from a mix of places, making me look pretty barbaric. That last one was for much later. Meeting the Forsworn. Though I could just go topless. Then I headed to Sky Haven Temple to ask Esburn about that scroll, who I saw had found a way into the Armory there and was wearing a kimono. Delphine was wearing Akaviri-style armor, and I figured it might be time to take a look. "That's a pretty puzzle," he said in response to the Elder Scroll, "The college of winterhold may be able to help." "Hmm, good idea!" I said. I looked at the armory, though it was mostly heavy armor. But I did find a katana that dealt huge extra damage to dragons: Dragonbane, so I grabbed that. I traveled over to Little Vivec. I asked the dunmer hunter there, "Have you seen any new people pass through here recently?" "Strange question. Stranger still for a stranger such as yourself," he said in deep, dulcet tones. I folded my arms, "Okay, what do you want for the info?" "There's a bandit camp just south of here that've been trying to rob us. So far they've only gotten arrows." "Say no more. When I get back, I expect information," I replied. But when I got there, the bandits were already dead. Well, that's never happened before. Had somebody else been fighting them recently? I took the leader's distinctive helm as proof and walked back. "Curious," the hunter said, "This is his, but you said it was done already? It could have been him." "Who?" "You tried to do our village a service, you have a right to know. A warrior passed through here wearing armor from Morrowind. Powerful and honorable. We talked for a time. I mentioned the bandits, but didn't ask him for help, and gave him no reward. He mentioned a dwemer ruin named Kagrenar." "Thanks," I said, turning to leave. "Wait," the hunter said, "That warrior. He is more than you can imagine. Keep your wits. Azura guide you." "Yeah someone else said something to that effect too," I said, "Now I'm excited to meet him." I looked at my map, "Oh wow, that's east of Windhelm. I turned to Serana, "Let's stop in Windhelm. I want you to meet my other son. Then would you mind going ahead to Winterhold and talking to the Librarian? Urag gro-Shub is his name." "Sure. What are you going to do?" "I think I'm going to take a short trip to see this criminal. Shouldn't take more than a day out of the way," I replied. "Okay. Just don't forget about me," Serana replied. "Never," I smiled. And... three dragon attack in Windhelm! As if I didn't need another reminder to hurry up. Ulfric came out and helped with the battle and went back in while I was looting the dragon corpses. We walked into the Palace of the Kings and Thane Skjorta greeted me by the door, "If it isn't Stormblade! How you doing? That was a hell of a moot. People are still talking about it." I smiled at her, "Busy on the hunt for Elder Scrolls." I walked forward, noticing it was just after sunrise, Ulfric just sitting down on his throne. "Hey! Good to see you!" He shouted. I walked over, holding Serana's hand, "Got any time in your busy schedule for me? I know court affairs are mighty important to you." He chuckled, "Gods, this is the most boring part about being a Jarl. What do you need?" I leaned in and whispered to him, making sure Serana came as well, "I want you two to be 'formally introduced." They both raised an eyebrow. "Hear me out," I said, "I think you're both beautiful, and there's room enough for both of you in my life. Why not get acquainted? I'm going to take Serana to your bedchambers. Meet us there in ten minutes." I grabbed her hand again and led her upstairs while Ulfric was handing out a septim award to another adventurer. "I'm not sure about this," Serana said as she closed the door behind her. "I mean, he's handsome, right?" I asked. "Yes. He looks like he's not much older than us." "That's what I said! Oh my gods, I'm stupid. I assumed because I saw you at those DKOs... are you okay with the company of men?" I asked. "Yeah, that's fine. I think I'm like you," she replied, "It's just hard for me to open up to others, you know that." "I know. Just focus on me and ... this'll be fun." "Okay," she smiled. Good to know even with the several coming apocalypses we could take some time out to remember what we were fighting for. I stripped off her robes (they were called robes, but they looked more like a dress) and started to touch. The door cracked open and I peered over, still working. "Sorry," Ulfric said, "I couldn't wait." "It's okay," I held Serana's hand as Ulfric got out of his armor, walking over. First, I kissed the both of them, I laid Ulfric down, got him ready and slid on top of him. I pulled Serana over and had her sit on Ulfric's face while I kissed her. After a while, we switched to me sucking him while he stood, her gripping my hair and forcing me down to the hilt (they both seemed to be enjoying this). I kept going and Serana pressed herself up against Ulfric's back. Then he started to fuck me again. "Lasting a long time today," I smiled at him. We switched soon to our original position, but Serana was laying down being fucked and I was sitting on her face. When he was about to finish he popped off her and came on both of our faces and chests. "Feeling acquainted?" I smiled at them both. "Oh yes. You found a treasure in this one," Ulfric grinned at me. Serana smiled back, "You're pretty good looking for an old guy." He chuckled. "Pretty good looking for anyone!" I said, "Did you see those abs?" "Anyway, I should get to that Library," Serana started to dress. "Before you go, I don't think you're met Fenrir," I said, dragging her over to his room. "Hey kid," I said as I entered. "Mom!" He hugged me, "Who is this?" "This is Serana," I said. She reached out her hand, but he pulled her in for a hug, to which she blinked. Of course Fenrir thought she was pretty too, and he was a smart boy. Her boobs were about face height and he was a kid, so he was doing this with impunity. He sat back down. "I heard you were getting married to dad. Other dad. Ulfric. So what about dad? Sanguine," Fenrir scratched his head. "Well, he's probably going to be gone for a long time," I said. He sighed, "I was starting to think that. I haven't tried to contact him yet. Now I'm starting to wonder if there's a point." I hugged the kid, "You be strong. I'm sure he has very important things to do. Anyway, I'm going to head out to a dwemer ruin. I was just saying hi to you and Ulfric." "I shall go.... to the Library!" Serana cheered. I chuckled, "Yeah, I'll be there soon." I gave them both a hug and headed over to the old Dwemer ruin by myself. First thing I noticed was a dead troll out front. Inside, more dead dwemer spiders and such. There were four pedestals with replicas of the Heart of Kagrenac, Sunder, Keening and Wraithguard. Huh, Morrowind history buff lived here. I took the heart as a souvenir. In the next room I found a book labeled 'The First Question,' and a chest labeled 'The First Answer.' Hmmm... perhaps a riddle. I looked at the book, but it was in dwemer. With rough dunmer scribbled in the margins: 'Powerful magic given form, two souls it binds with an ancient force.' More wordy than I'm used to, like the olde time riddles, but ok. In the room there were a collection of potions, spell scrolls, soul gems, and at the end, curiously, dwemer marriage medallions. Thinking I saw the trick, I grabbed one of the medallions and put it in the chest and in a burst of green the door opened. And of course I ransacked everything of value. I walked through the door and could sense several presences (a new vampire power), so I stealthily approached with my bow. Three dwemer walkers. I shot at one, but he moved at the last second, alerting them all to my presence. But, not a big deal, I shot the three of them down before they could get to me. Second room, second question: The mightiest weapon in all creation. With it, mortals become gods, for it can slay time. Hmm... I looked over to see the door was open. Malfunction with the bots maybe? I looked around the room, a little intrigued by the question, but just took everything (it was mostly dwemer weapons and armor, but I did get some dwarven arrows) and walked through the door. Third room, third question: when cold it destroys, when hot it creates. Let it encase your heart for what lies ahead. Sounds like water or something. I looked around. This room was lined with metals and gems. I swept the table of gems into my bag and picked up a steel ingot, eyeing the bound dwemer centurion in the corner. I put the steel in the box and in a burst of green the door opened. Right again! I stepped through the door to another locked door (requiring a key) and an elevator. When I stepped off the elevator, I heard the sounds of explosions. A woman was yelling, "You picked a bad time to get lost." But not at me, around the corner. I peeked my head out and found a dual wielding man fighting a woman. Had she followed him in before me? I let the fight commence, and he blasted her down almost immediately. He saw me, but he sheathed his weapons, "Hail stranger." It was my original target. Wearing a set of chitin and dwemer custom armor, using two blades and casting magic like a pro. Who was this guy? "That's awfully dangerous to just sheathe your weapons. I was sent after you too," I said. "I've been expecting you, Dragonborn," he said calmly. "You know who I am? Who are you?" I asked. "In a way, I know you better than anyone else. The weight of destiny weighs heavily on your shoulders. Just like me," he said, "I can't say I even remember my birth name it's been so long. Mortal minds weren't meant to deal with immortality. The people of Vvardenfell started calling me the Nerevarine." "Get the fuck outta here. I would be more inclined to believe you if you said you were Akatosh himself. If you are the Nerevarine, where did you go?" I folded my arms. "I went on an expedition to Akavir some two hundred years ago. That much people know. I left there for lands beyond many years ago. Eventually I wound up here. My thirst for adventure knows no bounds. After I defeated Hircine in Solstheim, Morrowind seemed so empty. I needed to see the world. I know you've felt it too," he said. "Okay, maybe I have. Why does nobody know you're back, then?" "I willed it so. I thought maybe I could atone." "For what? What would the Nerevarine have to be ashamed of?" "The oblivion crisis for example. Where was I?" He asked. "Good question. But no. You can't do that to yourself. When big things happen, big damn heroes always seem to find their way to the problems. Like the Hero of Kvatch. Like the Hero of Daggerfall. Like you," I said. Maybe I was starting to believe him, "So why are you here now?" "The Dwemer Smith Kagrenac's lab was here - one of them." "You think he left something here?" "Not just something. When Tiber Septim united Tamriel, he did so with a giant golem called the Numidium. I destroyed a second one later on. This looks like a similar model." "Tiber Septim.... Numidium?" I asked, nearly vibrating now. I looked down at my hands, that were starting to shake, then I looked up at him, "Sir. I'm probably one of your biggest fans. I'm an even bigger fan of Talos. And you know why?" "Why's that, Dragonborn?" "Both of you were mortals that reached for the heavens and found yourselves amongst the immortals. He... embodied an old missing god and you... kind cheated I guess," I smirked, then clapped him on the shoulder, "You want me to help you fight a giant golem? I'm game. If you truly are who you say you are, practically nothing would stop us." It was a pretty epic battle. The golem had an invincibility shield at the beginning and the Nerevarine drew its attention. Taking the hint, I deactivated the beams granting the shield and destroyed the power cores. Then we both laid into the golem. When it went down, we looted the scrap and he nodded to me. "It's been a while since I could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with somebody as strong as me," he smiled. "A good fight deserves a good reward, doesn't it?" I smirked. "I don't have any gold, but I do have some treasures I could give you," he replied. Not what I meant, *wink*. "I have a mace, a greatsword and a bow," he continued. "Oh! Bow!" He handed it to me, and it looked ethereal, like a bound bow. And when I willed it, having it equipped, it casted Invisibility on me, making my mouth water. Speaking of which, I turned back to him, and he was readying a teleportation spell. "Wait!" I said. He stopped, "I'll be at the Shrine of Azura for a while if you want to talk some more. I think I need to have a break." "Wait," I said, and I reached out and pulled off his helm. A dunmer, of course, with a shaven head and dark eyes. "For some reason nobody seems to be clear on what type of person you are," I said, "I always thought you were female." "Yeah, it happens with legends," he replied, "Probably happen with you someday. They'll be saying you're a male Nord." "Probably," I chuckled, and in the meantime I'd been running my hand along his cheek. "Please, dragonborn, you debase yourself. I left feelings such as those behind me long ago," he sighed. "I don't debase myself at all," I said sweetly. Also, how dare he slut-shame me? "Think of it as the ultimate form of fan worship. Or the deepest want of understanding from one hero to another," I said. I started to kiss him on the neck. I could feel him shiver, and without protest, I started pulling his armor off. Then mine. Eventually, he accepted my advances and laid me down on the cold stone. "You have a lot of tattoos," he commented. I could feel he was enjoying my body. It was somewhat vanilla - missionary. But it felt pretty good. I kissed him and he put back on his armor, then he repeated that he'd be at Azura's shrine if I needed him. I could swear I made him blush. So I tried to walk back toward the room that was locked, but the elevator was broken. Guess I needed to go around again. I went out the back way. And Mandyn Hlaalu was outside the bars of the elevator, waiting for me. "I was starting to think I wouldn't be able to find you. Would you kindly return that ring I lent you?" "Sure. Take it. You didn't tell me who the target was, asshole." "Such a shame. If you'd killed him the ring would be red with his blood," the dunmer said, "That coward is not worthy of mercy. And after allying with him, neither are you." He started to draw and I squinted, "So you want to try and kill the person you think was his equal, but you weren't willing to try and kill him?" "Whatever, fuck it," I said. Been meaning to test this out, "YOL!" I shot fire in his face, and he stumbled back, though now he had the fire resist ring I'd just given him back. "Well, going with the tried and true FUS-RO-DAH!" I shouted and he ragdolled off in front of me, slamming into a tree. When I got to him I took one swipe at him, which hurt him quite a bit. He took a swing at me, which I knocked away with my dagger and I slashed him again. He dropped his dagger and ran. I took out my new bow, taking aim and getting him in the back. I may or may not be a hero, but I'm not above shooting people in the back. So I walked back to the room that was locked (by entering the original entrance again), and it was still locked. But there's more than one way of opening doors. When it opened, it had only a key inside... for the lower level. So I circled around again and opened THAT door, and all that was inside was an old unreadable Dwemer tome and a couple trinkets. Oh well. I headed on to Winterhold. I walked into the Library to Urag gro-Shub walking around gathering materials and Serana just staring. "Oh hey!" She said, "Have you ever seen anything like this?" "What's that?" "Books! Many books!" She seemed to be reduced to the vocabulary of a child by this, I laughed inwardly. "I can't even... this is too much. I've never been to a Library this huge before. I mean, I've never been to a proper library," she continued, "Countless tales of old, legends, whew... okay Serana. Just breathe. I know we have important things to do, but could we relax here a little bit?" "Well it looks like we might have to. How long has Urag been looking?" "A few hours, it seems like," she said, "I figured it wouldn't take so long so I waited downstairs and just now walked up to the higher level." Serana and I read books for a while, and I discovered a few new bound spells lying around (whip, claws, etc) and a note and key about a secret lockbox. Then I noticed Urag was gone. It was definitely getting late, so I walked over to his room to find him sleeping. "So, any luck?" I woke him up. "Still looking," he said. "Seen Damien?" I asked. "He's over at Manantis," Urag replied, rolling back over, "I'll most likely find what I was looking for tomorrow." "Crud," I sighed and shut the door behind me. I sat down in the sitting area next to Urag's room with Serana, "So I guess here we wait until he can find something." Then for a bit of catharsis, I snuck into Phinis Gestor's room and cracked open a lockbox. Inside was a lot of gold, and a dragon icon that when I pocketed it turned into 15,000 gold. Which, I threw onto the pile.

Disclaimer: This might be a little boring to some. This is nearly 100% conversation and world-building. Hey, it's Destana. My friends and I are in Sky Haven Temple to find Alduin's Wall, and I learned that the Greybeards might know about a shout that can help me fight Alduin. I must confess, I had an ulterior motive to coming here. I wasn't sure if it'd be suitable for this purpose, but I wagered it would be, and it is. When we left Riften about a day and a half ago, I wrote a letter. More accurately, many many letters. I found the courier in the square in Riften. I said, “Hey, so, this is kind of a big ask. But it’s pretty important.” “You’re sending a Letter to Elisif the Fair… Skald… Laila Lawgiver. You’re sending a letter to all the Jarls? Including some of the deposed ones?” He thumbed through the stack without so much as asking for more money, “I’ll get these out. Get my courier friends on it.” “I knew you were the right man for the job. A real professional,” I paused for emphasis, “Courier who delivers the inheritance letters. You remember that time you found me when I was in the middle of the wilderness after my slave master had been slain?” “Yeah. Never forget a delivery,” he nodded, and he was on his way. Who was invited? Jarl Elisif of Solitude, of course. Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak of Windhelm. Also, of course. Jarl Skald of Dawnstar. Jarl Dengeir and Siddgeir of Falkreath. Jarl Thongvor Silver-Blood of Markarth. Jarl Sorli the Builder of Morthal. Jarl Laila-Lawgiver and Maven Black-Briar of Riften. Jarl Vignar Graymane and Balgruuf of Whiterun. Jarl Korir of Winterhold (who... I don't think I'd ever met). Archmage Savos Aren of the College. Brynjolf, Guildmaster of the Thieves' Guild. I'd given him the letter myself a couple days ago after I initiated the vote to remove myself from office. Kodlak of the Companions in Whiterun. Runa Fair-Shield, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood. Not given a letter, but she'd come with me. Serana of the Volkihar. Also not given a letter, but came with me. And Delphine to represent the Blades, but she was also already here. Of course, I wasn't necessarily going to tell the Jarls who the last few were. They were invited for their expertise. "Wait.. what is your last name?" I asked Serana. "I don't have one," Serana replied. The letters read as follows, with slight variation, based on who they were: Many of the letters added a paragraph that reminded the given person what I'd done for them specifically over the past few years, or some detail about our relationship. I waited until the 15th of First Seed, which was three days after I arrived at Sky Haven Temple. The letters got sent from Riften, which was the farthest away hold, so I figured if they all came, they'd be getting here at about the same time. I was sitting on a rock outcropping overlooking the great stone head (which I'd opened) when they started to arrive. "Ulfric!" I shouted down. "Stormblade!" He shouted, "What is this all about?" He was flanked by Galmar and a blond woman, adventurer-turned-thane Skjorta. "It was explained in the letter!" I shouted, "We'll get into it when everyone's here." "Ulfric!" A voice shouted as it emerged into the cave area. I casted Slow Fall and jumped down. "Balgruuf!" I shouted, "If you came then there's hope." "Well the contents of your letter gave me some reassurance," he said. He was accompanied by Irileth and Hrongar (his brother). Behind them followed Elisif and her retinue: Falk Firebeard, Bolgeir Bearclaw and Erikur (gods, why did they bring him?!). "Dragonborn," she nodded. I could see a smile on the edge of her lips. She knew how much I didn't agree with this Dragonborn business and now I was apparently embracing it wholeheartedly. Erikur eyed me warily as they entered. A few minutes later, Dengeir and Siddgeir arrived with Thadgeir and Tekla. "You're Destana?" Jarl Siddgeir asked. "Greetings, Jarl," I said, "Curious that you'd arrive together." "I moved back to Falkreath," Siddgeir said, "It's been a while since the civil war." "Good," I replied. I waited a while, then switched places with Shirley, who'd taken to greeting the Jarls while I went inside to wait as they gathered. Sofia, Inigo and Serana had been handing out food and drinks, because Jarls are nobility. They need refreshments. None of my group had left when I told them who was coming - they all wanted to meet the Jarls. I was worried for a while that not everyone would come. That this was not going to be effective. Then Skald and his group showed up. Then Thongvor Silver-Blood and his. Sorli and her son. Laila and her housecarl with Maven, Maul and Brynjolf. Finally, Korir, his entourage and the Archmage showed up. After some milling about and light conversation, it seemed like we had everyone we were going to have. Everyone had come. Except... "Where's Jarl Vignar Graymane?" I asked, "I find it hard to believe he was the only one who didn't show up." "Vignar has fallen ill. Brill is taking care of him," a woman said. It was Olfina Gray-mane. She continued, "I am to take the news back to the Jarl." "Well, I guess he is in his 80's," I said. I cleared my throat, stepped up onto the huge stone slab in the middle of the room, and started, "All right. I've never done one of these before, so bear with me. I call this meeting of Skyrim's Moot in 210 of the fourth age to order. I've called you all here to inform, to request and to take requests." 1. The dragons I paused again, "First point, Alduin the Time-Devourer has returned. I've seen him. He's the one who's bringing dragons back to life. Sometimes, I think, more than once. Because were there really hundreds of dragons here? In my letter, I said I've killed over 50 dragons, and many of your men have killed many more. Fifty dragons in the last 9 or so years. Fifteen dragons in the last year. Five dragons in the last week. They're getting stronger and more numerous." "Alright," Baalgruf said, "You're the dragonborn right?" "Yes. And I'm offering to deal with this," I said, "But not for free." 2. The vampires "Second point. My friend here, Serana," I grabbed Serana's hand and pulled her over to me, holding her hand as I talked, "Is a member of an ancient and elite family of vampires." "Vampire?!" Pactur shouted, putting his hand on his sword. "Listen," I said, "Even worse, her father, Lord Harkon is currently working on an... idiotic plan.... using Elder Scrolls and Auriel's Bow, for the sake of all vampires, to blot out the sun." "Shor's bones!" Maul yelled, and there was a general clamor and ruckus. "Listen!" I shouted, "I am the one who is working on this." "How is this good news? We know what you're capable of," Ulfric chimed in. "Ulfric. Listen," I said a third time, "Of course I'm not going to do this. The sun is how our plants grow. No plants means no animals, which means no humans, which means no vampires. He's an idiot. But, he is powerful. I'm also offering to deal with this. I plan to kill Lord Harkon when the time comes, and if I need to I'll hand over the bow to the Dawnguard. But when I do, I expect no great moves to be made against the non-feral vampires, like Serana. She will be the heir to the dynasty, and thus, will be able to actually control the movements and actions of rogue vampires. Think of it as similar to the Thieves' Guild and Dark Brotherhood in stopping random vampire attacks and spread of the disease." "Neither of which any person here wishes existed," Balgruuf said, but then he sighed, "But are a necessary evil, and like a rat's nest besides, impossible to be rid of forever." "Control is good," Elisif said. 3. The Empire "Third point. The Emperor of Cyrodiil is dead. And a man calling himself the Bandit King, Ariel Sethius had laid siege to the Imperial City. From what I've heard, the Thalmor are disrupting Imperial Troops' supply lines. If they take the Imperial City, they'll turn north. And we'll be next. With dragons on our backs, I don't imagine we stand a chance." "You... haven't heard?" Elisif asked. "Heard what?" "Cyrodiil has fallen," Ulfric said, "We haven't told the people yet. I imagine that's part of why a lot of us showed up here." "We thought, for once, we would have a unifying force, in you," Elisif said. "At this point the outcome is unclear. The war continues, but they lost the Imperial City," Galmar said. "Well, that's bad," I said, "But I am also bringing quite a lot to this discussion. With the crises out of the way, we'll be free to unify and become as strong as I know us to be. I plan to travel and find out the damage. Then I plan to intercede with foreign nations on our behalf. Hammerfell, Solstheim, Morrowind, Elswyer. None of them want Thalmor rule. Also, I'm pretty damn good in a fight if it comes down to it." "That's for sure!" Balgruuf chuckled. "I've never been party to one of these.... moots, either," Maven Black-Briar said, in her usual 'you're wasting my time' tone, "You're taking a lot of time elaborating on our problems. The businesswoman in me wants to know, what do you want from us? What do you 'need' to help you?" 4. Strengthening Skyrim "The short answer is, a lot," I took another breath, "Fourth point. If we're going to be able to fight practically the rest of the world, we need to be unified. We need to be strong. Even stronger than you can imagine. And to get there, a lot of things need to change in Skyrim." "And you think you're the one to dictate to all of us how Skyrim should be?" I turned, "Of all people, of all the Jarls in the room who had a legitimate right to ask such a question, it's you who asks? Erikur?" "I think you're just a vagabond who has no right to make any decisions for this land," Erikur said. "Here's what I think," I said, standing. I walked over to him, "Hey Elisif, would you mind moving over a little. My aim is pretty good, but it's still kinda wild." Erikur blinked, "Are you threatening me?" "No, I think you're here to offer guidance to your Jarl. She seems to be able to think for herself," I said, and noticed Elisif had been inching out of my way. "Also... FUS!" Erikur fell backwards out of his chair. "Sorry," I said, "But I hate Erikur." He got up, hand on his sword and Falk Firebeard put his hand on the man's shoulder, "Sit down, Erikur. This is serious. Not somebody you can push around." Erikur grumbled and sat. "This is what I propose as the first step - Skyrim needs a High King." "Of course it would come to this. And of course you want your friend Ulfric to be the next High King," Baalgruf said. "Yes. He did invoke the right of combat," I paused, "Also, I would propose a marriage for Ulfric. He has no heirs, which would put us in the same situation as Torygg's death. He should have a queen that can be a foil for him." "Who would be Ulfric's wife?" Elisif asked, possibly wondering if I was suggesting she get married to him. "I propose that after Alduin is dead, I be Ulfric's wife," I replied. "You?" Was said by half a dozen people. Galmar was elbowing Ulfric, who was smiling, though he didn't know I noticed. At the same time, Serana was pulling away, looking at me fiercely. Her eyes a mix of angry and surprise. I shook my head, and she seemed to get the message that we'd talk about it later. But I held onto her hand and she continued to stand by me. "A vote, then?" Elisif asked. She seemed relieved that I wasn't trying to blackmail her into marrying Ulfric. I met eyes with her and smiled. Of course I wouldn't do that, I was beaming the thoughts through my looks. I expect Elisif to only marry if she wants to. "All in favor say aye," Ulfric said, and a unanimous aye from the actual ruling Jarls. "All opposed," Ulfric said. Only one, Balgruuf. "It passes," Elisif said, "By order of the Jarls of the Nine holds, I declare you Ulfric Stormcloak, High King of Skyrim. Destana Stormblade, High Queen of Skyrim. Of course, this won't be in effect until the official ceremony." "And that won't be until after I've killed Alduin and saved the world. I know I'm asking a lot, but I have some large task ahead of me," I said. 5. Boons "Fifth Point. Something I'd like to call a boon for a boon. I'm going to ask something of each hold and guild here, and they can in turn ask something of me. I will use my powers as the dragonborn to perform every task asked of me," I said. "And this - is in return for you saving the world, and Skyrim, and the sun?" The Archmage asked. "Yep," I smiled, "I feel like my requests are going to be reasonable, given the monumental tasks I'm undertaking." Windhelm I turned to Ulfric for Windhelm, "You first. I want you to allow all races of people to live anywhere in Windhelm, and give grants to the Gray Quarter to make it better. I know there is little room for new houses in the holds, but I ask that you lift the restrictions placed on Windhelm. Skyrim might belong to the Nords, but there are a lot of other people living here too. And I know not a single one of them wants to be ruled over by the Thalmor." "Done," he grinned. I smiled back, "Why are you grinning so much?" Galmar chuckled with him, "Seems you've already captured the Jarl's heart. He's already done this." "Dang," I said, "Well I guess I used up my request. What is your counter?" "I'll hold my request for later," Ulfric smirked. "Probably in the bedroom," Galmar chuckled, and a few of the men laughed. "Alright. Alright," Maven said, "Who is next?" Riften I turned to Laila and Maven, "Okay, this is more of a request than a need. You know how little real estate there is available here in Skyrim. I had a hell of a time buying my first house here. I think as a businesswoman, you could definitely get onboard with some development. And south of Riften is a good place to do it." Laila Law-giver said, "I would consent to more buildings being built there." "Sounds like an excellent idea," Maven folded her arms, smirking slyly, "I'll keep my favor for later too." Whiterun I turned to Balgruuf, "For Whiterun, Balgruuf the Greater is part of a line of Jarls that extends back over a thousand years. Here's what I want. Vidnar Greymane holds the position of Jarl for two more years (bringing it to a full ten), at which time the position reverts to Jarl Balgruuf. Unless Vidnar adbicates or dies, in which case it passes immediately. Vidnar and his family get a large gold payment to vacate. For the time being, Dragonreach is big enough to house both families." Balgruuf shrugged, "Sounds good to me. But I don't think I can just oust him." "If we take a vote, then it becomes a decree, I think?" Elisif asked. "All in favor," Balgruuf said. Mostly ayes. "All opposed," he said. Only a couple nays. "It passes!" Balgruuf was all smiles. He'd never dreamt that was what he would achieve when he came here. No more living in the Blue Palace basement! "I don't have anything to ask of you!" Balgruuf said to me. "I'm not sure what Vidnar will say about this," Olafina Graymane said, "But I'll pass it along." Falkreath Then I turned to Jarl Dengeir, "I think, for Falkreath, you may have turned over Jarldom too early." "Agreed," Dengeir said, "Here's what I am thinking, dragonborn. I retain Jarldom until Siddgeir is ready, then I pass it on naturally, once the boy has some more work under his belt." "That's what I was going to say," I said, "How does ten years sound?" "Sounds fine. Or, if I feel it is time sooner, then we can revisit this at a later moot. I will also hold my request for the dragonborn." "Can I make a separate request?" Siddgeir asked. "Um... sure." "I'll talk to you later," Siddgeir said. "Well, okay then," I said. Winterhold, Morthal, Dawnstar "I don't really have anything to say to Winterhold, Morthal or Dawnstar. We could definitely afford to build up the smaller holds," I said. "Agreed," Jarl Korir said. "But for the Archmage, we should figure out what the Eye of Magnus is and how to use it. If we face the Thalmor, it could be a weapon for all we know," I explained. "Do you think that's wise?" Savo Aren asked, "The Psijics warned against it." "Eh, well. Got anything for me?" I asked. "I would ask you to come convince the Psijics to assist," Savos Aren replied. "Alright." Markarth "To Markarth, and really, this is to the whole moot. You might think this is controversial, but I think the Forsworn should have a seat on this council." "The Forsworn? Are you mad?" Someone shouted. There was a general angry clamor. "Do you really think those savages should be a part of our community?" Jarl Thongvor Silver-Blood asked. "I think the Forsworn are savages, yes. But the rest of the world thinks nords are savages. What I'm floating to this group is maybe if we made peace with them and reserved some land for them, perhaps beyond the Reach, they would lend us some of their giants and mammoths to fight the Thalmor." "Hmm... you bring up a good point," Thongvor said, "Well, then, my request is that you be the one to negotiate with them. Find me a representative that can speak for the tribes. We may be able to come to an ... arrangement, given enough time." "Bloodthirsty savages, all of them," Reburrus Quintillus (his steward) said. My eyebrow raised. This guy supported the Stormcloaks and has a rich imperial steward. "That may be the case," Serana said beside me (supporting me even though she was mad), "But there are many of them and you've not had much luck eradicating them so far. Perhaps they're a dangerous instrument you can point at your enemy." Thongvor nodded, "Let me know what comes of this, Dragonborn." I nodded. That was something to file in my quest log for much later. Solitude "That leaves Elisif," I said, "I don't have much more to say to you, other than thank you for supporting me." "Even if you don't make a request for me, do I get one?" Elisif asked. "...Sure, I guess." "Come visit me. I might have more jobs for you," she said, then she stepped up to the stone slab we'd been standing on, whispering, "I don't have many friends, really." I stood back up, "Well, okay then. If that's all, I'm going to take my leave now. I need to go visit the greybeards." I jumped down from the slab, pulling Serana with me. "But wait, who are those people?" Ulfric pointed to those he didn't recognize that'd been here when they walked in, "Some of them were standing with us during the moot. Why'd you invite them? Your entourage maybe?" "Oh, those are the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild, the Listener of the Dark Brotherhood, and of course, you've already met Serana." "Dragonborn! You've got a lot of nerve inviting people such as these into the midst of a sacred gathering such as this!" Jarl Skald of Dawnstar said, "We should consider making this whole moot void for these heinous acts." "Now, now," Jarl Laila rebuffed, "Sometimes it's not all just honorable warriors that win a war." "Yep," I said, "I figure if we're going to be fighting a war against everyone, we're going to need everything: assassins, underhanded thieves, vampires, forsworn." "Kodlak Whitemane, can I rely on your support in fighting this war?" "The Companions are ready to support," he replied. "Delphine," I turned to her, standing near the mural in the back, "Can we count on the Blades?" "Of course, Dragonborn. Though, if you could help us recruit a little, that'd be great. There are only two of us," Delphine chuckled. "Guildmaster," I said to Brynjolf, him wearing his Nightingale mask to conceal his identity, "I request your aid in disrupting the Thalmor and Imperials when the time comes." "Of course, lass," he replied, "I have no requests. If anything, I owe you." "Listener," I said to Runa, "I ask that you help assassinate key members of the Thalmor when the time comes." Several head scratches, as she didn't seem like an assassin. And Ulfric knew she was my daughter. I think he was the only one who put two-and-two together. "You have our full support... my Queen!" Runa smirked when she said that. "Not yet!" Somebody said from the crowd. And with that, the moot was over. As people were leaving, I let Serana go, and she walked up to the balcony. I followed. "Could you... could you leave me alone?" She asked, about to cry. "I'm sorry. It doesn't mean I don't love you," I said, "But this has been my plan for a long time." "Could you have given me some warning first?" She asked, "What does this mean for us?" "Listen," I took her hands, "I am already married and separated from my first husband. I'm about to get married again. And I don't intend on settling down anytime soon. Did you hear all the things I promised those people in here? Even if I do marry Ulfric, you're the one I'm going to be out there spending all my time with. This... this act was a bid for authority. A bid to actually have the ability to make this land strong. I may or may not ever go back to Hammerfell. Skyrim is my home now, and I intend on keeping it alive, and making it stronger." "But to do that you feel you need to be queen?" Serana looked up at me. "Yes," I said, "Please, understand." She sighed, "I can't say I will. But for now... I'm going to stay." "And don't forget," I pulled down my lower eyelid, emphasizing my vampire eyes, "If we both stay this way, there's going to be a lot of time." "That's right, I guess," Serana nodded, "Wait... you said you were going to give him heirs. Were you lying to the Jarls?" "No, he already has an heir now. We have a son together." "You have another son, with Ulfric Stormcloak?" Serana nearly shouted. "Yeah! Remember, we've only known each other a month," I said, "And if we get married - BOOM - Fenrir Stormcloak is the legitimate heir to High King of Skyrim." "Oh wow, a half-Redguard High King. You think they'd ever accept that?" "I dunno. Maybe someday."

Hey, it's Destana. So, I just killed the Emperor of Cyrodiil and part of the rest of Tamriel. Not really Hammerfell, or Skyrim, or any of the Elven nations. Or Elswyer. That's mostly controlled by the Thalmor, I've heard. High Rock? Black... Marsh? Oh, nope. They seceded after the Oblivion Crisis. Only Cyrodiil and High Rock. WHAT AN EMPIRE! I decided I would leave Runa and the others to do the rebuilding, both of the Dawnstar Sanctuary and of the Dark Brotherhood itself. Also, Runa was intent on tackling some easy jobs of no-name people from the Night Mother. Anyway, I'm also a vampire. And I've accepted I'm going to be this way atleast for a little while. It has pretty cool powers and so far I've been able to stop myself from doing anything too heinous. People I was going to kill anyway, I just drink their blood. No problem! So I figured the 'mission' the Dawnguard gave me a couple days ago would be a neat thing to pursue. A vampire artifact seems like something that could benefit me. And even before I was a vamp I could kill other vampires without much trouble, so I figure I go as the Dawnguard guy and kill the vampires and just take the artifact for myself. Whether or not I work for the dawnguard after that is up to them, I guess. And I'm mostly done with going into dungeons by myself. I got ambushed by Falmer a few too many times for comfort in the Sightless Pit while I was working with the Helgen Boys. So, I called upon Inigo and Sofia. A slightly smaller, stealthy group. We trounced the vamps by the door with Shadowmere's help (too bad he doesn't come with us into dungeons) then headed inside. The first area was a pretty standard ranged pick-off session. As we went deeper, I found vampires fighting draugr. I let them fight it out and killed the survivor. We pushed our way in more, where a vampire was interrogating a vigilant of Stendarr. I shot him in the head and my guys finished off his two friends. And then, some kind of sliding brazier puzzle, unlike any of those in the Nord ruins. I slid them around a bit and figured it out, the bottom of the dais descended to turn into a pillar. Curious, I opened it. A woman came out. A vampire, I could tell. But her eyes were different and she didn't immediately want to kill me. (Maybe vampires just need better PR, and manners?) "Who sent you?" She asked. "Isren, of the Dawnguard. Though, I don't really work for them." "Does he work for my father?" She asked. "Who's your father?" I asked. "Hmm... well, he's very powerful. Or maybe he was," she replied, "I'm surprised a vampire wouldn't know who he is." "Yeah, well, I've been a vampire for about a week. Of course you'd be able to tell. Pretty obvious." "I could smell you before my eyes were open," she smiled. "The Dawnguard will want to kill you," I said. "I don't know why you'd associate with them. Only a matter of time until they turn on you," she said. "A means to an end. They didn't serve a purpose, other than giving me your location," I replied, "Why were you locked up here?" "I'm not sure I trust you," she replied, "But if you want to know the whole story, get me back to my family's home." "Where's that?" I asked. "West of Solitude on an island," she turned to leave, "By the way, my name is Serana. Nice to meet you." I smiled at her, "Nice to meet you too. Destana." "Holy shit is that an Elder Scroll?" I pointed to the thing on her back. "Yeah. But its mine." "Alright," I shrugged. We killed a room full of skeletons, but it was quick work for the four of us. And in a gilded throne, an Ancient Draugr Lich, though he wasn't very impressive. I snagged a word wall, then we emerged from the cave. While I was looking at my map for where to head next, I asked, "So how long were you down there?" "I dunno. Who is Skyrim's High King?" "Up for debate. I'm going to try and get it for Ulfric Stormcloak," I said. "Never heard of him," she replied. "The Empire, of course, backs Elisif. But we flushed them out," I continued. "What empire?" "The... one in Cyrodiil," I replied, "If you predate the empire, that puts you in there for ... like 450 years." "We should get back to the castle." We skirted the coast until we came to a boat overlooking the castle. I never knew this area existed. We hopped on the small boat and I rowed across. "Hey, before we go in there..." she said as we pulled ashore. "Are you alright?" I asked. "Just wanted to thank you for freeing me," she said, "After we get inside, I think I need to be on my own for a little while. Let me take the lead in there." I nodded, "Sure." "Wait... tell me something," she continued, "Why did you do this for me?" I smiled, "Frankly, I'm interested in this whole 'vampire family' thing. And you look interesting too." "Perhaps I am," she replied. "You guys should probably not come with us," I said to Inigo and Sofia. "I'll be in Riften," Inigo replied. "I think you'll miss me," Sofia said, "And I'm curious." "All right. Come in at your own risk," I said, walking in the front door. "How dare you trespass here!" A man accosted me, "Wait, Serana! I can't believe my eyes!" Then he ran to the balcony overlooking the great hall, "My lord! Serana has returned!" "My long lost daughter!" The master said as we walked down the stairs, "I trust you have my Elder Scroll." "That's the first thing you ask me when I come home?" Serana asked. "Of course I love you, daughter. Must I say it? If only your traitor mother were here. I'd put her head on a spike after the reunion. And who is this soul who brought you back to me?" "Destana." "Greetings, I am Lord Harkon. Of course, you know the nature of our family. One of the oldest vampire families. You have done me a great service. Now, I would like you to be rewarded. I offer you my blood. Take it and walk as a Lion among sheep," he said finally. "I'm already a vampire," I replied. "You contracted a disease, perhaps. But you are no true vampire. Take my offer and you'll know the difference," he explained. He groaned, then he transformed into what looked to me like a giant werebat. I smiled, "What the hell. Why not." "Hold still," he said. I awoke some time later next to a fountain of blood. "Ah, you're finally awake," he said, and I started to get crippling anxiety that I was going to wake up in a cart somewhere and this all was just a dream. "Let me show you how to use your newfound power," he continued, and I was snapped back to reality. I could feel a sudden power... like the power of being a vampire, but moreso. My skin crawled until, like blood bursting from my pores as I assumed the form he'd shown me. He went through the suite of powers my alternate form granted me. He taught me how to transform, and when we were done he told me he had a job for me. I didn't really feel great about doing jobs for a powerful vampire. This could only end badly. I may now have made a full transition into immortal monster, but I wasn't planning on doing anything I didn't want to do. But I would go along for now. I talked to Garan (one of the court vampires) who sent me to use the Bloodstone Chalice at Redwater Den. Great. More fetch. I grabbed a bit of a drink (not lethal) from one of the blood wenches there. When I got there it was 1 am. I'm not really keeping track of time very well now, since I don't really need to sleep anymore. A man was standing by the dilapidated, collapsed building. "You here for the Skooma? Go through the trapdoor," the man said. I went inside, and the doorman said to me, "If you're heading down below, keep your weapons to yourself and you'll be fine." I walked down further. A line of private rooms, people coughing pink smoke to my right, a counter to my left. "You're new down here. Welcome to the Redwater Den. Finest Skooma in the world!" The dunmer woman said. "How about a sample?" I said. Clearly not interested, I wanted to get access deeper inside. "Sure. Just pick a room," she replied, handing me a red bottle of Skooma. After looking at the patrons in the rooms, I was doubly not going to do this drug. Emaciated and dying was all I could say about them. Something inside me, call it my 'remaining humanity' wanted to stop this operation. Ironically, the easiest way to do that might be transform into my Lord form and start blasting. I resigned myself to my normal ways for now, sneaking and stealth. But I had a powerful trump card. I walked into the empty room by the barred door at the end of the hall, waited until the safety patrol was looking on in another guest, popped my head out and picked the lock, closing the door behind me silently. Beyond was a large room with large vats with a man working them. I ventured past stealthily. I wanted to disrupt this entire operation - I could see in front of my eyes what it did to people. But I would do the job first. I made my way up a ramp to a small sleeping area and found a vampire sleeping, his thrall patrolling and heading for me in her normal path. I waited behind boxes and cut her down. Either I made a lot of noise or the vampire was attuned to his thrall's wellbeing, because he started to rouse, so I stabbed him in the chest with Dawnfang. I walked to a path through what looked like it used to be a mine before the red water business. Seeing a thrall and there was nowhere to hide, I used Invisibility and got the drop on him, finishing him. I did the same with the next thrall and a skeleton, who reanimated once and I had to cut him down a second time. A secret pullchain opened up a stone wall which revealed the vampire's sanctum. I killed her two death dogs, then opened her coffin and killed her. Going deeper, I found the actual spring and overheard two more vampires talking. "Why not just drink the blood from the spring instead of run a skooma den?" The man asked. "The boss said it's not actual blood - it's just profaned," the woman replied, "Drinking it gives you strength, but it gets you pretty messed up. That's why we started selling it in Skooma." I took out my bow as I walked down to the lower area. I aimed for the man's center mass, when the woman started to walk around. I smiled, lining up a shot on the woman as she passed directly in front of the man. The arrow traveled right through her chest and clipped the man in the shoulder. By the time he looked up I was already shooting him in the head. But then I could feel half a dozen others running in my direction. I drew my sword, still with invisibility in my offhand and shrouded myself - no fair fights here! As the first one came for me but couldn't find me in the shadows, I stabbed her in the back. I strafed around a structure and went for the others, but I slipped! I toppled and fell into a hole. Falling forward, I hit my chest on a crossbeam in the pit and the second crossbeam I landed on my feet, barely keeping a grip on whatever I could purchase with my hands. I looked down about ten feet and the pit was filled with man-sized spikes. Shor's Bones! I nearly ate it right there! I jumped to the side to the path leading out of the pit, avoiding the pendulum axe blades with a Whirlwind Sprint. I wondered if it was time to test out these new skills. Yes. Yes it was. I walked up the path and as soon as I found the way out I transformed. I paved a path in blood through the rest of the people there, until I reached the Redwater Spring. Two vampires emerged from the structure on the opposite side of the pool. "Good. Now I can make quick work of both of you and return the chalice to Vialmo," the woman said. "But the plan was we take the chalice back together," the man said. "My orders were actually to kill you both," she replied. Still in Lord form, I just threw some drains and was done with the both of them. I exited and realized I was in a back room with barrels of the skooma, behind the counter at the beginning. I decided it was time. Popped out from the back room and instantly slew the receptionist, then the safety guard. Then the skooma producer. I continued my onslaught until all the dealers were dead, including the doorman and the outside doorman. Unfortunately, all the addicts had already died of their extensive use. I headed back toward the castle. But decided I would take the scenic route. I passed through Fort Greenwall - a bandit fort. When I got there, two Eldergleam Druids, or Storm Mages seemed to be attacking, but they were killed by the bandits before I even reached them. I just killed all the bandits. Something I may have done anyway, but with every kill I enhanced my Lord powers, some of which enhanced my regular vampire powers now. I transformed back into my regular form to travel. I passed by Windhelm near sunset and I figured it was a good time to take a break and get a snack (hehe). I walked into the Palace of Kings and Ulfric was still sitting on his throne. "Hey!" He shouted from across the hall. "Hey, Ulfric! Is Fenrir annoying you that much?" I said as I slowly walked towards him, making sure not to approach the throne yet. "Actually, quite the opposite. Training the boy this past month or so has been a great distraction from court affairs." "Where is he now?" "Galmar took him out for a hunt this morning. Should be back tonight." "Ahh... now I see why you're bored," I said. "Why... why are you staying so far away? Would you come closer so I don't have to shout?" He asked. "Sure, but, I'm going to ask you to prepare yourself," I warned him. I'd been wearing my full helm on my way into town, though a lot of random townspeople don't seem to notice the blatantly obvious golden eyes. "All right," he said. I got closer and pulled off the helm, my white hair falling into place. "I see. You're a vampire now," he said, not sure what to make of this. "So you're one of the perceptive ones," I said. "I see you're in control of yourself," he looked me over, "Either vampires aren't the feral beasts easily swayed to evil we've been told about, or you have a lot of willpower." "Meh, it's not so bad. I do have cravings, yeah. But, really, killing a dozen bandits is a normal Tirdas for me. Now I just drink their blood." "As far as I know, there's no cure," he said, "Except, becoming a werewolf." "That doesn't seem like a solution. Like burning your house down to kill a rat infestation," I replied, "Anyway, I think I might stay this way for a while." He raised an eyebrow, "Going to raise a few questions about your legitimacy as a prophesied... savior of... whatever." He chuckled. He was just trying to push my buttons, but he could see it wasn't working. "My thoughts exactly!" I smirked, "So, are you curious?" "Curious...?" "You know..." I started, then I walked up the steps to the throne and sat on his lap, "You might be asking yourself, 'is it cold now?' The answer might surprise you." I kissed him, biting his lip a little. He blinked, "Hey, Jorlief, leave us be. Tell the guards at the door to step outside for a bit." "Are you sure, my Thane?" The steward whispered, "She's a vampire, you know." "Jorlief!" He said back, "I trust the Dragonborn implicitly. We're practically..." He looked at me. I wasn't sure what he was going to say, but I think I wanted to know. Jorlief walked out. "What were you going to say there?" I asked. "... Family," he replied. "What are you proposing?" I said, but it came out as, 'What? Are you proposing?' "Perhaps," he said, "A High King needs a proper queen." "I'm anything but proper," I chuckled, and so did he. "Sure you want a commoner, slave, prisoner...vampire as your queen?" I asked. "You're you. No matter what you become," he replied. "That is the most wise thing I've ever heard you say, old man. I think you really have changed in the past decade," I said, "You know what? I think I have a plan to finally make you High King. Wait awhile and we'll see if it works out." "Psh! We'll see. Old man!" He said, but I pulled him close and kissed him again. Of course, we had sex on the throne. And on the platform. And then we went to his bedchamber. After about 4 times, he told me he was feeling very tired so I brought him food and water from his table, and let him know I didn't need to sleep as long as I fed. My powers of charisma must've grown, because then I asked him if I could taste his blood, and he said yes without hesitation. I could feel the power. I already guessed he might be a blue blood. He went to sleep and I laid there for a while. But I was wide awake after the invigorating drink. When I heard him snoring, I got up silently and crept out, throwing on some old dark robes. I walked down the hall and looked in a couple rooms. One of them was one of Ulfric's trusted warriors. Another - Galmar, who was fast asleep. I smiled. I went to the next room and sure enough, Fenrir was there. He looked over at me as I opened the door. "Oh, sorry, kid. I figured you'd be asleep," I said. "Mom! Come over," he replied, "We got back about an hour ago." I laid next to my boy and we snuggled. He was still a boy, but he was definitely a big boy now. "Aren't you tired?" I asked. "Yeah. We hunted bears. But I can't sleep," he said. "Look at you. You've become brave," I said. "You've become a vampire," he said, giggling. "Yep," I shrugged, and we got up and went over to the table next to his bed with two chairs, "I don't need to eat or sleep." He grabbed an apple and ate while I explained it to him. He seemed okay with the idea. For the first time since I'd let him stay here, I took a good look at him. He definitely looked stronger. His hair was braided. His skin had darkened even more than mine because he was outside all the time. He'd laid down in his armor - the new Stormcloak armor, and he looked good in it. "Honey, you shouldn't sleep in your armor. Causes aches and pains," I said. "Yeah. I figured I'd go straight to sleep, was too tired to take it off," he replied, "But here we are. Mom, are you going to stay? Or are we going back home?" It'd been a while since I'd been to the house. "Nah, I just wanted to check on you," I said, "You keep working on your sword arm and I'll be back for you in a bit." "I use an axe now," he smiled, showing it off next to his Stormcloak round shield. "Looks good on you," I said back. I laid with him until he went to sleep, and by the time it was almost sunrise (ugh, sun). I left and finally went back to Volkihar castle. I approached Garan and immediately said, "Two of your vampire buds tried to kill me. They're dead now." "Good. Welcome to court politics," he said back, "Return the chalice to Lord Harkon." I walked into his private room where he was sitting across from the fireplace, brooding. He looked up from his pursuit to say, "Good. You're here." I sat down beside him, "You wanted to see me?" "Yes. When I told you I was grateful for returning my daughter, I didn't tell you everything. I wasn't sure I could trust you yet." "I suspected as much. Only a fool reveals everything upfront," I replied. "Your cunning serves you well," he said, back, "As you know, vampires are powerful but we have limits. The sun." "Yeah, I do kinda hate the sun these days," I said back. "A great enemy. For centuries I searched for a way to deal with it. I found an old prophecy written by a moth priest about Elder Scrolls. It tells of a time when vampires will have dominion over the sun. I believe the answer lies in Serana's Elder Scroll. I'm assembling the court. I have a task for you. Come. Hear my proclamation." He stepped out onto the platform in the main room while I joined the court. "Scions of the night! Hear my words! The time has finally come! A new age of darkness begins!" I narrowed my eyes. Age of darkness, eh? I do dislike the sun. But, a lot of things depend on it. I would not only say this plan is selfish, but also stupid. If there's no sun, there will be no plants, so no animals. If there are no plants and animals, there will be no humans. And thus, no vampires. I decided I was going to go along with this plan until Harkon tipped his hand and sabotage it. "I have spread false rumors of an Elder Scroll here to draw a moth priest to Skyrim," Harkon continued. Not exactly false, we actually have a scroll, but ok... "Go forth, and find him," Harkon finished. I walked up next to the platform and noticed Serana'd come out of her hiding places. She turned toward me, "You going to look for him?" "Yeah," I said. "Want company?" She asked. "From you... yes," I replied. She smiled, "Any ideas?" "Nope. What about you?" "How about the College of WInterhold?" She asked. "Yeah, they do have a pretty big library there," I said back. And I could visit my other boy. We traveled across Skyrim on Shadowmere. On the bridge to Winterhold I asked, "You alright? Happy to be back with your family?" "The reception was pretty cold, even for vampires," she said back, "I can't believe the first thing he asked was if I had the Elder Scroll." "Yeah. Sorry," I said. Why was I apologizing? I walked through the doors and realized it was nighttime. I went towards the librarian's bunkroom. I asked Serana to stay outside, then I stealthily walked into his room and stole the big sack of coins on his nightstand. Then I woke him up with, "Hey, do you know where to find a moth priest?" "Moth... priest?" He rubbed his eyes, "Usually in Cyrodiil. But there was one here recently. Think he left for Dragon Bridge." "You taking any of your master tests soon?" He asked. "I dunno. I kinda got distracted from my studies," I nodded, "Thanks." I walked back out, and cruised over to Damien's room. But he was just sitting in the common room by a stack of books a mile high. "Hey kid, what you doing up at 4 am?" I asked. "Mom!" He shouted, then ran up and hugged me, "I'm studying. I've learned a lot of destruction spells. Wanna see?" "Can't stay long. On the hunt for a moth priest." "Aww," he groaned, "But there's no classes today." I pursed my lips, "Wanna come with us for a while?" "Sure! Who's this?" He asked. "I'm Serana. Nice to meet you," she said. Of all the things he could've said, I assumed it would be along the lines of 'spooky girl,' but he said, "You're pretty." She blushed. I laughed, "He's right. This is my son, Damien." "Son, huh? He's aware we're vampires, right?" She asked. "Of course I am!" Damien smiled, "I think I have you beat! I'm half daedra!" "Well, I guess you do, kid," Serana smiled. We all three cruised on over to Dragon Bridge. I was in the middle, with Serana behind and Damien in front. While we were riding, I noticed he'd changed a little bit too. He was definitely starting to show his father's angular chin. But he looked handsome, especially with the hair out of his face. "Nice haircut," I said to him over the wind. "Thanks. Figured the old one was a kids' haircut. Nice eyes, by the way," he smirked. He looked back at me, "So is this your new girlfriend?" Serana didn't hear him or didn't react. I replied, "Your dad and I aren't technically broken up." "Mom, I know how you operate. Nonexclusive," Damien said, "I'm not blind. Not that there's anything wrong with that." I smiled, "I'm just helping her and her dad out. What about you? Met any girls?" "I may be aging a little faster than a normal boy, but I still think girls are icky," Damien replied. I laughed. I accosted the first guard I saw, "Seen a moth priest?" "They rode south a while ago, over the bridge," he replied. So we took off on foot after the group. Not too far there was a toppled-over carriage, three dead and blood smeared all over the road. The vampire's bags held a note written by Malkus, another court vampire, "Prepare an ambush at Dragon Bridge. Take the Priest to the Forebears' Hideout until I can come break him." Another court squabble? By this point I was starting to get a little pissed at these bickering children that call themselves vampires. We ran off in search of the hideout. This time I transformed right off the bat (that's a pun), to which Serana commented, "Beautiful," when she saw my naked form. I would beg to differ, but, it does get the job done. I cut down the Dawnguard there that were struggling with the vampires, then I killed the vampires as well. Damien seemed to freeze during the battle, unable to cast even a single spell to help me. I picked him up when it was over and told him I'd take him back to the college where he'd be safe. I released the Moth priest and used my vampiric powers of seduction to make him a thrall. I decided to take Damien back first - I stopped off to visit the Archmage during the night and sneak feed him. I had assumed he was a blue blood too, and I was right. Then I returned the moth priest to Volkihar Castle. I was sorry Damien didn't get to show off his new destruction spells, but really, this was some heavy stuff we were dealing with. "Somehow I knew it would be you who found him," Harkon said. "More of your court's boys just getting in the way," I said. "Whatever. Just command your thrall to read the scroll," Harkon replied. "Well, go on," I said to the priest. He opened it. "A bow. This is Auriel's Bow. Among the night's children, a dread lord will arise. In an age of strife, when dragons return to the realm of men, darkness will mingle with light and day and night will become one," he continued, "I think there is more to this. Written on other Elder Scrolls. One that speaks of ancient blood. One of dragons." "Bah," I scoffed, "After all that you mean to say I need to find another TWO Elder Scrolls?" Harkon folded his arms, "It seems so. Not as useful as I might have liked. Even so, good job." "Any clue where I can find them?" I asked. "One was stolen away by my traitor wife. The other is locked away in some dwemer ruin somewhere," he replied. I walked outside. A moment later Serana appeared next to me, "I might have an idea where to get the Blood scroll." "Why didn't you say something?" I asked. "Less chance of getting ambushed again," she smiled at me, then she eyed me for a moment, "And I think we both know the path this line of jobs is going down." She studied me for a moment, "Would you consider yourself... a good person?" "Not really. But if you're wondering if I'm on board with the 'night conquering the day,' then no. It's idiotic." "So you're just working with him until you can steal away what you need here and keep him from fulfilling his goal?" Serana smiled her devilish smile at me. "What started out as curiosity and want to explore these new powers, turned into that, yes. What is between you and your father anyway that you'd turn against him too?" "The prophecy is his life. I don't even think he sees me as his daughter anymore. Just a means to an end," she replied. "So where's the scroll?" I asked. "Like he said, my mother has it. We just need to find my mother." "That's not really a lead." "She said she would be hiding somewhere he would never search," Serana said. "Sounds unhelpful." "Yeah, I can't think of a single place he hasn't looked already." "How about..." I started, "How about in the castle?" Her red eyes flashed a bit of hope, "You're a genius. I bet it has something to do with her Alchemy garden. My father hates going there." "How do we get there?" "Well, in order not to rouse suspicion... we should go in the secret entrance. C'mon!" She said, leading me around the side of the castle. We swam around the outside of the island and let me just say I'm glad I'm a vampire right now, because the freezing waters didn't kill me. We fought our way into and through the undercroft (I transformed again to make short work of the things there). Then we reached a courtyard with a sundial puzzle. I reverted to my natural form to work on the puzzle. "This looks much more desolate than last time I was here," Serana said, "She used to have so many plants growing here. Now it's just weeds. I bet my father wrecked the place and walled it off when she left." "Look," I pointed up, to what looked like a vampire lord or gargoyle perching on the rafters silently. "It doesn't seem to be reacting to our presence," Serana said, "I think... the Night Matron is her name?" I pulled out my bow. Because why not? Realizing the Vampire Lord form would not stand up to another monster that was pure muscle, I decided I would use my traditional approach. I pulled out a fire arrow and shot her in the head. She roared and flew right for me. One claw swipe and I was hurting. I chugged a potion and dodged around the moon dial. I decided I would use some tactics here. I charged up and cast Pride of Hirstaang, summoning a bear to take the hits for me. Then I chugged a magicka potion and cast Summon Inigo and Summon Sofia. He appeared ready to go, but she appeared completely naked (but with a sword in her hand - thank the gods!) The bear went down and the Night Matron went for Serana, who was holding her own for a bit with her drain power. I peppered the thing with Elemental Bolts and then more Fire Arrows when I ran out of Magicka again. The creature went for Inigo now, who'd drawn its attention with a great deal of shots with the bow. Sofia supported with Ice Shards, then sword strikes when it came close to them. I laid one final shot into the thing and it died as I ran out of Fire Arrows. "Thanks, guys," I said, and I handed them each a sack of coins. "Yeah, well, you keep calling me when I'm naked," Sofia said, "I'm outta here." "Sure I can't interest you guys in a dungeon crawl?" I asked, "It's a vampire castle." "I'm leaving too. This place gives me the creeps," Inigo said. "Just go that way out, back the way we came in," I said. Then I started on the puzzle. "My fellow... traveling companion," Serana said awkwardly. "Yes?" I fiddled with the dial. "This garden used to be very serene. But it hasn't aged well," she said, "I mean... I wasn't..." Wow, hundreds of years old and she still gets tongue-tied. It was that moment I could tell she was starting to get interested in me. "You trying to flirt with me or something?" "That's... entirely possible," she said. I proceeded to solve the moon dial puzzle and a spiral stairway opened up. "Wow," Serana said. "You wouldn't believe how many puzzles I've solved since I got to Skyrim," I said. We continued on. "I've never even been to this part of the castle," she said. And we walked in on a group of skeletons sitting down at a table. They arose. After that last fight, they were pretty easy. I used my transformed state again. In the next room was a gargoyle, but I let him hit me while I drained and he couldn't even keep up with the damage! In a moment, he collapsed into a pile of rocks. We piledrove our way through the rest of them - me gaining power as a Vampire Lord all the while. Until we finally reached the alchemical lab. A large open room with a spiral on the floor and lots of still-preserved alchemical components strewn about. Serana walked around a few minutes, talking about the contents of the laboratory. I found an alcove with books in it. Some good picks, and her journal, which I gave to Serana. She cracked it open. After a minute she said, "Ah, yes. She told me about her theories about the Soul Cairn." "What's that?" "Well, when you soul capture, you don't actually use the soul as fuel. You trade the soul for an eternity of servitude to... whatever is in there, and they grant you the power to enchant your stuff," she explained, "If she's made it there, we should figure out how. The circle in the center of the room is definitely a portal." "Let's see..." she listed off the ingredients in the book, "Damn it." "Hmm?" "We're also going to need a sample of her blood," Serana said. "Well, you're half her. Maybe your blood would work?" I shrugged. "Hopefully," she shrugged. I ran around and just gathered up all the ingredients and sorted them out in front of the activation brazier. Then I dumped the correct ones in. "The rest is up to me," she said, "Might want to stand back. I'm not sure what's going to happen (if anything) when I do this." "Before we go in, what do you plan do say to your mother if we find her?" I asked. "I've been asking that question since we started going through the undercroft," she folded her arms, "She was so sure about what she was doing." "Sounds like she did it to protect you," I replied. "Maybe. A vampire mother is still a mother, I guess," she replied. "So how did you become a vampire?" I asked. "Is this the time?" She asked. "We've been going nonstop since we met. If not now to take a break, when?" I asked. "Alright. Well, do you know where vampirism came from?" "I would guess a daedric lord," I replied. "Molag Bal. He is powerful, and his will is made manifest. The first vampire wasn't a willing subject, I'm told. My whole family took part in the same ritual. It was... degrading." "Ah... Old Molag Balls," I said, "Anything to do with the Daedric Lord of Rape sounds ungood." "Please, let's not talk about this anymore," she looked away. I grabbed her and held her close. "What... are you doing?" She asked. "I'm giving you a hug," I replied, "Has it really been that long since somebody touched you lovingly?" "Maybe..." She said. I pulled her close and kissed her. "What... was that?" She asked. "You know, I've faced death a hundred times at this point. And still I'm here," I said, "I just met you, but now we're traveling to another dimension of beings that trap souls." "What are you saying?" She asked. "I feel like this might be my last chance to do this. We might die in there. Or something much worse," I said. "Do what?" I kissed her again, "You know what I want." She could feel it too. The inevitable pull of death. The weight of regret. We undressed each other. And then we made love.

Hey, it's Runa, one more time. Last time Jura, Calleius and I rescued Rigmor from the Roscrea prison, during an unexpected attack by Akiviri. We traversed the frozen Tundra and found the southern, alpine portion. Rigmor got sick from the Akiviri's disease called the Living Death, and an old woman in the woods cured her, with my help. I woke up in the chair. As I was rubbing the sleep from my eyes, Rigmor, up and about, was saying, "So you spent how many years as a slave? How did you make it through?" "If somebody got me, I'd kick em in the cobblers!" The woman laughed. Rigmor laughed back, "Being tortured by the Thalmor was pretty bad." I remember that now. That splinter group called the New Order (more deranged than the Thalmor), torturing her because she was 'special.' Maybe it was the early form of what the Thalmor would eventually do to my mom. "Don't feel sorry for yourself. Keep your head held high. Don't let them see weakness. It only adds flames to the fire. You dominate them through your confidence," the woman said. "You sound like my dad," Rigmor said back. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said. Then she looked over to me, "As you can see, she's made a full recovery and my word... some of the things she has to say about you. Remember how I made the concoction and you'll be fine if this happens to any of you." "I don't suppose you have a recipe to make my hair regrow overnight..." Rigmor said dejectedly. "Sure I do. But it'll take the blood of a werewolf, as they have natural regenerative properties," the woman said, "And a lock of your hair." "Well, that sucks!" Rigmor said. "Ahem, actually, weirdo Morag Sethius dropped a lock of your hair into the labyrinth, before Jura tried to blast her. Think she wanted to antagonize me," I said. "And you kept it?" "Yeah, I actually forgot I had it," I said, "I'm kind of a packrat. Though not as bad as my mom." Rigmor furrowed her brow, "Well, this seems pretty frivolous. Probably too dangerous to take a chance killing a werewolf for me. We've wasted enough time as it is." "Eh, I'll do it. Two birds with one stone: I'm going to make sure it's not a danger to any of the southern villages," I said. The woman marked the location on my map. I got on Shadowmere again and rode northwest, reaching it in about an hour. When I reached the cave, there was a fire, a few boxes of supplies, a tanning rack and a fishing net there. The werewolf walked out of the cave and I drew my greatsword, on edge. We stared at each other for a few, pregnant moments. Then he said, "Did that old crone send you to kill me?" "Huh," I said, "You're in control? That's pretty rare. Usually have to be taught." "Who said I wasn't?" He spat, "Tell the crone to mind her own business. I'm not hurtin' nobody. What do you need from me, anyway?" "I came to get your blood to make a hair tonic for my friend," I replied. "You came all the way out here... to kill me... for a hair tonic?" "I mean, it's kinda stupid when I say it out loud," I said. "So you wanna fight or not? You look pretty tough, but I'm no slouch. A worthy opponent." "Have you been hurting anybody? Humans?" I asked. "Look at all the bones. They're animal bones," he said, "Tell you what. If you sit and talk to me for a while, I'll give you some of my blood." I shrugged, "Got anything to drink?" "Here, have a beer," he grabbed a drink in his clawed hand and tossed it to me. I sat on one of the crates, "I'm Runa." "Davinius. My friends call me Dave. Though I don't have any anymore. I grew up in Chorrol. Got bitten in Skyrim. After I turned a few times, I knew I had to get away from civilization. I had no control at the time. I stole a boat from Solitude and ran aground here," he pointed to the maidenhead of the ship sticking out of the water, "This island has a lot of free space. Been out here for years. Plenty of game. Ships run aground from time to time and I salvage." "So the old woman said you never change back?" I asked, taking a long drink. "Yeah, I fought some Akaviri a while back and got sick. When I woke up (werewolf healing, I guess) I was better, but I was like this. Don't ask me to explain why, but I have easy full control and can't change back," Dave shrugged, taking a drink, "But just as well. I love it here. Your friend must be pretty special for you to tangle with the likes of me." "My mom was a werewolf for a while," I replied. "What? There's a cure back in Skyrim?" "Well, becoming a vampire," I smirked, "And yeah, Rigmor is a pain in the ass, but I like her." "Hang on," Dave walked back into the cave and produced a vial. He slashed his wrist with one of his claws, filling the vial, then he licked his wound, closing it instantly. "Thanks," I said. "Could you do me a favor?" He asked. "No prob," I replied. "If you go to the village to the south, could you put in a good word? I'd like to trade with them. Maybe they could send a guy every now and then. Also - come back and visit sometime," Dave handed me the vial. "Done. And I'll bring some good drink too," I replied. "Gods be with you," he said as I rode off on Shadowmere. All in all, didn't take very long. The old lady made the potion and Rigmor drank it. "By the next moon, you'll wake up with a full head of hair," the woman said, "Now, haven't you got someplace else to be?" I nodded. We all got on the road, when I heard a voice from the shack. A different voice. "Dragonchild," she said, and I turned. "What the heck?" The woman was wearing a gossamer white dress, basically glowing. "I TOLD YOU!" Jura shouted. I ran back into the house to find... it was covered in cobwebs. All accoutrements were gone save a table with a note on it. It read, "I'm sorry." I backed outside, slowly. Then I said, "Time for us to go." "Yeah," Jura said, "Let's get the fuck outta here." "What's wrong?" Rigmor asked. I guess she didn't see the woman or the interior. "No more questions," I said. We passed into the woods and eventually ran into the coast. Then we followed it a few miles until we found the village. The Inn was the first building, and a small mass of people'd gathered outside. "What's going on?" I asked. "You must be the group he was talking about. You better sort your friend out before we hang his sorry ass," one of the men said. "Hmm... friend?" I asked, puzzled, "Oh hey, before I do, have you ever seen a werewolf, north along the coast?" "Yeah, the beast doesn't come down here though. Thank the gods." "I've met him, face to face. Talked to him," I said. "I find that hard to believe, considering you're still alive." "His name is Davinius. He's in control in his wolf form. He wanted me to bring you a message. He means you no harm. He'd be willing to trade goods." "Shoo-wee! I doubt anyone will take him up on that offer. But I'll let everybody know. Maybe we'll have some brave souls," the man said, "Now go sort out your stinky friend." Jura said, "C'mon Calleius. Let's go see if the trading boat is here." "Stinky?" Rigmor asked, then she walked in. I followed. When I caught up she said, "Sethri." "Greetings Runa. Rigmor. I knew you'd be coming here. Waited since yesterday to give you information from Azura, though I can't recommend the service. It stinks!" Sethri chuckled. As we sat around the table with him, I realized he was completely naked. "You stink Sethri," I retorted, "You cleared out the whole bar!" "Good beans, m'lady. Good beans." Rigmor said, "You're unbelievable. Please stop so these poor people can come back to their Inn." "Also, might have some sort of gastrointestinal problem," I murmured. "I'll behave," he replied. Then he asked, "Ever heard of Table Mountain? It's just over the border with Hammerfell, North of the Brena River. This is the place Morag Sethius goes to gain power. She uses a living soul gem with the souls of children. On a plinth below the mountain in the catacombs. Called the 'Bridge of Sighs.' Those vampires at Bloodlet Throne were harvesting for this. Azura herself informed me Molag Bal intends to use this location once it reaches full power to bridge the gap to the mortal world. Once Alessia's curse is lifted, Morag Sethius plans on using this event to take the mantle of the 'Chosen Queen,' perverting the prophecy. She got you to kill the last Minotaur, didn't she?" "Hmm... I thought she wanted him to kill me. I guess she thought only me and Jura could actually kill one of the strongest minotaurs. But he just offered himself to me. She played me... again!" I banged the table. "What do you mean usurp?" Rigmor asked, "I thought she was the chosen queen." Sethri turned to me, "She's really quite innocent, isn't she?" I blew out a breath, flapping my lips, "Pbbbtt....who here has a royal bloodline?" "Ugh..." Rigmor winced, running out of the room, "I think I'm going to puke." "Can we destroy it?" I asked. "Yes. The rift created might still let Molag Bag through. But Malesam has a backup plan," Sethri said. "Seems like he always does," I smiled. Rigmor sat back down, "Let's talk about something else besides me." "That's what I keep saying!" I laughed. Suddenly somebody shouted from outside, "The village is under attack!" The three of us rushed outside in the sunset to find Jura, Calleius and a bunch of the locals fighting more Akaviri. Project 17_03-22-2022_13-47-41-435.mp4 This was again, a small strike group. I guess they underestimated how much the locals were itching for some action. We rushed around fighting their scattered forces for a bit. Dave jumped out of the woods and I nearly attacked him. He helped in the defense and spoke with the villagers directly. When it was over, Jura held up a note written in Akaviri and read, "Kill the girl or die trying. M.S." Sethri folded his arms (now wearing robes), "There are many of these guys at Table Mountain. Tsaesci and vampiric thralls. I advise you to get to Bruma right away and speak with Malesam. One more thing. The soulgem can only be destroyed with the bow Xenia's Wrath, and by a child tainted by the calling." "We've got Sorella," Rigmor said, "Destana and Runa saved her from being a victim of the vampires years ago. But she's still just a child. Must be about twelve by now?" "Yngol is her adopted father now. Married her mother Angi, who is a crack shot with the bow," Sethri said, "Yngol'll want to come along and crack some skulls, I'm sure. Check in the Falkreath area." "I remember him. He's a Stormcloak commander," I said. Jura nodded, "Our trader waited for us. I guess he's pretty impressed with the amount of wealth you throw around. Let's get outta here." Sethri called out to us as we boarded the boat, "I'm going to clean up this mess then head to Table Mountain. See you there! Azura be with you." "It's been fun!" I shouted to the shore as we pulled away. I immediately turned to the boys, "You guys do whatever you want. I'm going to go to sleep while we sail." "Me too," Rigmor said. "We didn't contribute much today," Calleius smiled back at me, "We'll take the watches." Rigmor laid down on the only bed, "Runa, I'm having a hard time taking all this prophecy stuff in." "You're the chosen of Azura. I'm the chosen of Sithis. Gods like to play favorites. It's a lot more shitty than it sounds, you know?" I stated. "I'm so stupid not to realize it earlier. What if I don't want to go along with this? I want to tell the gods where they can stick their master plan," Rigmor sat up. "You're not stupid. And for now, it's their rules. Their way," I said. "I love you, Runa," she said. About that time, Jura walked in and laid down in the bed behind her. She ignored him, but I gave him the angry eye. "What? Calleius has first watch. Man's gotta sleep," he smiled, closing his eyes. So when Rigmor laid down, and the two barely fit, I leaned back in the chair and we all fell asleep. When we awoke, Jura was opening the door. End of his watch and daylight. "There's a pirate vessel out here," he said, and I walked out with him. Floki was out on deck staring at it, "At least it's not another Akaviri ship. It was hell getting away from that thing. But Roscrea has a lot of shallows." "What's that symbol?" Calleius had stepped out too. "East Empire Trading Company, but blacked out," Jura said. "Best thing you guys can do is hide in the cabin. No way we can outrun them on the open ocean. I'll try and parley. Once they realize I sold most my stock in Roscrea, they might leave us be and go on their way. Not the first time I've had dealings with them. Not as cutthroat as some of the pirates I've seen," Floki said. So we waited quietly. What else could we do? About an hour of them slowly gaining, and Floki walked in, "They know you're here. They asked for you by name. They promised safe passage to the mainland. Oh and better hurry, they say an Imperial War Galley is tailing them." "This should be interesting," Rigmor said. We stepped out on deck and a man said, "Well if it isn't the VIP's. Come on, this way." We walked over the gangplank and the man shouted, "Hey, Zan! Got some buddies for ya. You ain't the only girl on this ship anymore." "Up yours Karles!" A woman yelled back. "Just you two," Karles said to us, motioning for Jura and Calleius to stay outside. Rigmor and I followed Zan into the captain's cabin. "Casius!" Rigmor yelled. She ran up and hugged him. "Aventus?" I asked, "What are you doing here?" "I got worried. You have been on a far off island for at least a week," Aventus said. "The boy told us about your predicament, wanting to hire us, and I recognized you two from the description," Casius smirked, "I'm captain of this ship, so naturally, I was happy to oblige. Good for him too. He couldn't have afforded us." Aventus threw up his hands. "And look at the two of you!" Casius shouted, "I remember when you showed up in my camp. We were across the Pale Pass from Yngol's camp in a stalemate while the Civil War was just starting and this Redguard woman, and two Nord girls come strolling in asking for help. Little did I know you were going to become Queen and Princess of Skyrim and Countess of Bruma! By the gods, you're taller than me now, Runa!" "It's so good to see you, Casius," Rigmor said, "What are you doing here, are you a pirate now?" He sat down at the table, "Sit. Drink. We'll catch up." We both sat, Aventus standing behind him. "After I retired, I took odd jobs. Tried fishing, then trading. Finally got good enough the East Empire Trading Company offered me a job. Shipping goods from Solitude around the coast all the way to Torval," Casius explained. "Wow, Elsweyr. Bet you made a killing while the time split was happening," I said. "Yep. We and a few other lucky ships knew just the right path to traverse between Skyrim's time and regular time. We were so good I told the EE to give me a bigger ship and pay me enough gold to have my own company of marines on board. We stopped company ships from being attacked overnight. I got promoted fast. Then one night we got hit by a bad storm. We blew off course a hundred miles. Took us weeks to get back. We got reported missing. When we tried to dock at Solitude, I was accused of piracy and we were made outlaws." "Well that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of," Rigmor commented. "It's actually common for ships to go AWOL. You can make a lot of money if you go black flag. They probably assumed we'd outgrown our partnership. Baa'Ren-Dar is helping us clear our name. He's been keeping us up to date on current events. Seems you showed the Thalmor what for. I only wish I could've been there. Apparently there's a large resistance mounting in Elsweyr as well" "Good to know. Guessing he's how you got access to Torval," I said. "We checked with the locals on Roscrea once we got there and they told us where you were going." "I need to go look at this ship," Rigmor smiled, "Pleeeese?" "Don't get in the way and keep away from the sides," Casius said. She charged off, giggling. "I'd better make sure she doesn't fall off," I shrugged, getting up to follow her. We were already underway, making good time toward Skyrim. She was already on the bow of the ship, "Ahh, breathe in that sea air. This is something I could get used to. I wonder if we sail far enough, would we call off the edge?" "Yeah. It's all flat," I replied, smirking. "No way!" "Some say it's mudcrabs stacked on top of mudcrabs all the way down," I laughed. "Har har. Very funny." "Hey, let's go talk to Zan. I bet she could use some girlfriends," I grabbed Rigmor's hand. As we approached, Karles said, "Hey Zan, looks like the kid wants to get girly on your ass." "Up yours Karles," Zan said. "Don't be fooled kid, Zan's got a bigger set of balls than the Captain!" He shouted, then laughed raucously. "Fuck off Karles. Have some respect!" Zan said back, "Come on girls, let's go talk in private, away from these assholes." I walked past Jura and Calleius doing some sort of squat competition, back up to the bow. "So you know the Captain, huh?" Zan asked. "Yeah. Haven't seen him in years," Rigmor replied. "He doesn't talk about his past. I figured he doesn't mix business with personal matters. Most the men are very loyal to him, including the marines." "Were you one of Casius' veterans?" Rigmor asked. "Nah, I was in Solitude training to be a Royal bodyguard. Served the queen for a couple years. I figured it'd be a change of pace working for the East Empire Company, guarding their shit. That's where I met Karles," Zan said. "Are you and Karles... y'know?" "Fucking?" Rigmor giggled and I think I blushed a little. Still not completely open with the subject, I guess... "Hell no. Karles isn't my type. Such an asshole," Zan continued, "I only tolerate him because he's good with the ropes and the bow. And he's had my back many times. What about you? The Captain says you're a countess. You don't look much like one." Rigmor chuckled, "I'm still new to the whole countess thing. And I'd just grown my hair back when they got it again." Zan smiled, "You look fine. Kinda cool and sweet at the same time." "I'd never make it without this woman," Rigmor put her hand on me. "Steady like a ship, eh? Always finds her way home," Zan said. "I don't know if we're gonna make it home," Rigmor shrugged, "I live a life of uncertainties." "Rigmor, you make anywhere you're standing, at any time, your home. You'll never be homeless," Zan said. "Dang," I said. I walked back toward the captain's cabin, realizing I didn't have much to add to the conversation. I passed Calleius, eating with the crew. Aventus and Casius were sitting across from each other. "See, one of the best things you can do, even as a legitimate trader, is get better with that sword of yours," Casius said, "That way the pirates won't mess with you. And your men will respect you more. When you get men." "Aventus, how have you been moving goods around? Have you done any business so far?" I asked. "I've made a good deal of money," he replied, "I've mostly just been using big shipments and buying passage. But the duty fees are killing me." "Wanna buy a trading boat?" I asked. "Uhh... sure? How much?" He asked. I thought about it for a second, "For a friend, eight thousand." "Hmm... I can manage that. When I get back to Solitude I can work out the details." "Sure. I think he's been running along behind us for protection. You can probably hitch a ride back to Dawnstar. I'm kinda blown to the winds right now. If I'm not there soon, just feel free to manage the product. Floki is the man's name. He seems to have good business sense," I replied. "Hold on," Jura said. He'd been laying in the bed. Not sure how I didn't notice him. He said, "This woman is trying to ... what's the opposite of fleece? Give you a handout...?" "Grandpa. Don't worry about it. I don't need the money." "I just don't want you to make bad decisions because you're sweet on some boy," he said. "How much did you pay for the ship?" Aventus asked. "... Ten thousand," I replied, "But I don't want to break your legs over it. Call the two thousand... opportunity cost." Aventus grinned, then said, "I'll just have to take two thousand out of our future interactions. I'm going to change over to the trading boat and go to Dawnstar, like you said. Now that I know you're safe, I will see youall later." Then he walked out. "Now that was a good exit," I blinked, "I wonder what that means." "You know what that means," Jura groaned, "I told you. Do not mix business with pleasure." "Who're you, by the way?" Casius asked. "I'm General Jura of Hammerfell," he said as they shook hands, "I never met you personally, but I heard you were involved in the war. Me too." He nodded, "Good to meet another veteran of that sham." "I see I'm not the only one disillusioned by the Concordat. General Sialius is probably still stewing." "I heard the man took his whole legion to Skyrim. Guess rumors were true," Casius said. "They helped us out a lot against the Thalmor invasion," I replied, "But, hey. I need your help." "Say no more. Well, except what you need," Casius chuckled. "I need to bring Sorella with me to Table Mountain. I need to get into Hammerfell unnoticed," I said. "Once I drop you off, I can sail to Anvil and speak with Quintus. Most of his legion are my old veterans. I'll wait for you near Chorrol to guide you over the mountain pass into Hammerfell. We can follow the Brena River. Cut across the Orange Road from Bruma." Rigmor rushed in, "A ship!" Casius, Rigmor, Jura and I walked out and I noted the trading boat had already taken its leave in light of what was on the horizon. "It's that Imperial War Galley. The Colovia. Been following us since Solitude," Karles reported to Casius. "Can we outrun them?" Rigmor asked. Casius licked his lips, "Oh, I have no intention of running." Jura slapped the man on the back, "My man!" I could feel myself smiling a bit too. I was itching for some action after all this sailing. "Battlestations!" Casius shouted, "Maintain 10 knots, bearing ahead!" "You heard the Captain!" Zan shouted, "Archers! Form up on the starboard palisade! Marines on the main deck! Move! Move! Move!" Casius walked into his cabin, beginning to strip off his light armor and started putting on plate. "You mean to fight them? That ship is huge. How many of them are there?" Rigmor asked. "Not enough to take on a company of Imperial Marines, and of course, us!" Casius chuckled expectantly as he strapped on his shield. We charged out as the gangplanks were being laid. Marines and New Imperial Troops clashed between decks. While the two forces were swarming, I blasted the back half of the plank with a, "FUS - RO!" allowing our boys to push on through and get the upperhand. We swept through them, just like Casius thought we would. Project 18_03-25-2022_11-51-30-526.mp4 After a few moments we swept up the archers and I searched the bodies for the key to the cabins. In short order, we were bursting into the captain's cabin. "You'll hang for this, Casius Varon! You and your filthy criminal scum will swing from jibbets until the ravens pick your bones clean, traitor! You dare defy your Emperor?" "He's not my Emperor," Casius said. Karles took out a bow. Casius nodded, and he shot the man. "I was ready for him to shut up," Karles chuckled, "Lookie here..." While the others were rifling through the various goods, I opened the chest in the corner. "Ohhh baby!" I pulled out a black greatsword, some black armor and some gold. "Bah," I said, "This is very nice armor, but it's plate and it's fitted for a bulky man. Put it in the ship's sell pile. Not as good as Jura's but better than mine. If it fit." "But this," I looked over it and read the inscription, "Eternal Abyss. Even has a badass name." Giggling with glee, I threw it in my pack for later examination. "Look at this," Casius said, "A map of Nirn with shipping routes to Akavir and our island chains. He's marked points of interest along the coast of High Rock and Black Marsh." "Landing sites?" Jura asked, "Invasion points?" "It's suspicious. Akavir is steeped in mystery. No contact since the disastrous 3rd era invasion by Uriel Septim V. Lost an Emperor and a whole Legion. They all became undead. Or regular dead." Zan said, "Captain. These are some kind of official letters. One in a language I've never seen before." Casius grabbed the one in our language, "M.S. to Captain Drusus of the Colovia. Under no circumstances must you dock at the prison. Wait in Solitude. Deliver the cargo and inform Oxi-Amura to eliminate the targets at all costs. Leave no witnesses. Bring the girl dead or alive with you to the rendezvous point." "Must have been heading there," I said. "So Morag had the Akaviri make a detour from reconnaissance of the island chains to attempt to kill you at the prison." Jura grabbed the note written in Akaviri, "So... they're planning a full scale invasion. She's mad that it's taking so long to build a fleet. Apparently their shipbuilding is not on par with Skyrim's." "How long did they say?" I asked. "A couple years," Jura replied. "So she's been colluding with an outside enemy," I folded my arms. "Yeah! And then you came along and wrecked their plans," Casius said. "I'm going to see what their 'cargo' was," I said, "Gold, riches, artifacts, who knows." Casius, Jura and I walked down to the hold. "Well, it's not gold," Jura said as we walked past rows and rows of empty cages, dried blood suffusing them. I sighed, "The cargo was people. So the Empire is in on this then." Casius said to Zan as she walked in, "Take the helm of our ship. Retrieve the boarding ramp and set sail for the rendezvous point." "My thoughts exactly," I said, "But what to do with this ship?" "I say we burn it," Casius said, "Wretched. I don't want the Empire's memory attached to this foul business. They won't suspect us in our ship - it's just a large trader." "Fine by me," I said. I approached Rigmor on the bow of the ship. "What's going on?" She asked. "The cargo is people. Morag is selling us out to the damned Akaviri for food," I growled. "These bastards have been trading people?" Rigmor said, "Well, are we going after them?" "Hell yeah we are!" I said back, "And I'm gonna take a nap while we head there. Wanna cuddle?" "You know it. I could use some rest to be honest," Rigmor replied. I saw Jura on deck, getting ready to set the ship ablaze. "How do you know Akaviri, anyway, old man?" I asked. He sighed, "There was a secret raid in High Rock about twenty years ago. They struck at Anticlere. I think they were looking for some artifact deep in one of the labyrinths. Swept through the town like a wildfire. I came up with the bright idea of burning their ships while they were in the labyrinth. Of course we looted the ships before we did. Then I walked into the labyrinth and forced a procedural re-generation. There's an obscure a long way to do it, if you're a mage. I'm not a master, but I can read a procedure. They were mostly killed by the creatures as they spent nearly a week down there. We picked off the remnants when they surfaced." "You're full of surprises," I replied, "Guessing you learned the language from their books." "Yeah. Apparently they've been doing small secret raids for years, stealing precious artifacts. I figured I'd learn how to read their plans so I could inform the kings of Hammerfell and High Rock, which is where they'd been focusing their efforts. From then on we knew where they were going to hit and the kings could plan accordingly. Guess this is their latest scheme. The king made me an honorary knight of Anticlere, said I single-handedly stopped the raid. Of course, I trained with the knights for a while and earned my place. I'd already been a knight in Hammerfell for many years." "Well that's a hell of a story. We're going to get some sleep," I said. I watched the moons from the bow for a few minutes while we changed course, then I went and laid down. One thing I could get used to was the beauty of the ocean and the night sky at sea. Rigmor and I woke up the next morning and I went out to find deep blue waters. Casius and another man were watching the Galleon on the horizon. He said, "Get the marines out of sight. We want to appear a normal trading vessel. Pull down the flag and fly the EE. The one that's not blacked out." He looked over at me, "You and your strike team wait in the cabin. When I call, we'll storm them like the gates of Oblivion." He called to Zan," Maintain full speed ahead on the helm!" I walked back into the cabin. Calleius, Jura and Rigmor were getting their equipment together. "Ready for a fight?" I asked. "You know it!" Rigmor said. "I have your back, Runa," Calleius said. I kissed Rigmor, then I pulled Calleius' helm up and kissed him. "You're so confusing," Rigmor said. "Friends kiss, don't they?" I asked. "Not really. Not like that," Calleius replied, "But I'm not complaining." Jura looked at me. "You don't get one," I said. "I'd take a hug," he smiled. So I hugged him. About this time, Casius shouted, "Attack!" We flew upon them, Calleius and Jura leading the charge. Jura roared, ready to give these bastards what for, and plowed his way through the Akaviri on the gangplank. I swung the Moonlight Greatsword, sending a bladebeam across the gap and slashing their men. While Jura went straight for the archers, and Rigmor and the marines were fighting the mass to our left, Calleius and I punched through their lines. We got pinned behind five of the Tsaesci. Calleius acted as my shield as I swung my new sword around him. When Calleius was beaten down and fell to one knee, I put my hand on him, picking him up. "We fit together pretty well," I said to him as we continued to fight more Akaviri swarming to meet us. "I'll remember that later," Calleius grinned. "Finally coming out of your shell, I see?" I laughed, slashing over his head. "It's your fault!" Calleius slammed his shield into another. Jura was blown back off the helm platform and I turned, finding their leader. Casius and I rushed from different corners of the ship. I swapped to Eternal Abyss. "How do you challenge them to single combat?" I shouted as I walked up the stairs, deflecting his blows. "They know!" Jura healed himself, standing. The Tsaesci and Marines gave us a wide berth as I matched blades with Oxi-Amura. We clashed, moving around the helm deck. He came down in a downward strike and I sidestepped. It was almost like everything around me was in slow motion for a tick while I swung for his head. He just narrowly avoided. "Aka!" He said as he swung. "My response: KRII!" I shouted, marking him for death. He steeled himself, making three strong swings, then disarming me of the Eternal Abyss. I pulled out the Moonlight Greatsword again. We circled each other for moments while the two forces continued to clash around us. Taking a page from my book, Jura stepped up behind him and stabbed him in the back. Oxi-Amura collapsed. Jura grinned, "I owe you one from earlier!" We rushed down the remaining Akaviri in fairly short order. I snagged a key from Oxi and the group ventured into the cargo hold. Before us were prisoners in filthy cages and rags. They cowered as we entered. Casius shouted, "You have been rescued! Please be patient as my crew brings food and fresh water. You will be administered an antidote and the cages opened." I was unlocking as he was talking. "You must stay here in this holding space. Please try to remain calm. We will be traveling to Torval and safety shortly," Casius continued, "Karles, take the helm of this ship. I'll meet up with you later." Rigmor administered the antidote. I looted the Akaviri, and we retired to the cabin on Casius' ship. A couple days later, we arrived off the coast of Dawnstar. They gave us a small rowboat to make our way to shore. When we made it, I asked, "Hey, wanna check and see if the tonic worked?" Rigmor pulled off the hat she'd been wearing since we picked her up, and long brown hair spilled out. "Wow. Well I guess that's magic for you. How does it look?" She asked. "Looks great!" I replied. While we were there, I left the group at the Inn and visited the brotherhood. "Hey, Listener," she said, "Intel we have about Robere is he's leading the siege at Bruma. Someone was sent from the Falkreath Sanctuary earlier this week." "Good. We're going to be down there shortly," I replied, "It's good to see you." "You know, I never got to tell you this, but, it always made me feel bad that you had things figured out and you were only fifteen. Now I don't feel as bad since you caught up with me a little bit. And I have actual direction in life." I chuckled, "You're doing great." Then I walked by the docks and found Floki and Aventus talking about the business arrangement. "Yeah, he's with me," I said, "He's quite the gifted trader. I just wanted a ride and have more money than I know what to do with." Floki shrugged, "I'm still getting paid, so, whatever floats yer boat! Literally!" He chuckled to himself. "Speaking of money. This is 4000. I can get the rest when I get to Solitude," Aventus handed me a large sack of coins, "Care to settle up.... that 2000 now? I could grab that cabin again." I blinked. "What are you asking?" "I think you know what 'm asking," Aventus put his hand on my shoulder. When I didn't argue, he put his arm around me. I stared at him for long moments. I was considering what he was saying. Then I shook my head, "I seriously doubt you could provide 2000 septims worth of gratification. You're awfully full of yourself." Aventus turned to Calleius as he was walking by, "Well, I bet both of us together could do that much work." I blinked again, my eyes getting wide. I stared at Aventus for what seemed like an eternity. "I'm not hearing you say no," Aventus said, "I was just being flirty... but if you want, I'm sure we could make all your dreams come true." "Well...I...uh..." I stammered. Was I actually considering this? Jura and Mom made it look so easy to just fling themselves into these things. Calleius looked confused, "Just what service are we providing, sir?" Aventus took a step and whispered something into his ear. "My gods. How crass could you be?" Calleius rebuffed. "C'mon, man," Aventus said, "Look at her. She's into it. She's heavily considering throwing caution to the wind. Have you and her...?" Aventus looked at me, then at Calleius, and he had his answer with our silence. "I mean... I wouldn't be... opposed to the idea," I said meekly. "What about Bruma?" Calleius asked. "You could send Jura and Rigmor on their way on horses. Then you and Calleius follow on Shadowmere," Aventus grinned, thinking himself a godsdamned genius, "C'mon, you know you want to try this out." I smirked, saying nothing, as if me not saying yes wouldn't implicate me in any wrongdoing I was about to commit. "You know, you don't have to do this," Calleius said. "Do... you want to?" I asked. "If it makes you happy," Calleius replied. "You're a treasure," I said. Then I looked at Aventus, who'd been looking at me expectantly, "FINE! Book the cabin." I told Rigmor and Jura some BS thing about doing jobs for the Dark Brotherhood and told them the plan for us to catch up with them. I think Jura was onto me, but he didn't say anything. They got horses and rode south for Falkreath. We got the cabin and stayed there all day and all night, until the next morning. I went in first and got down to my bare armor. Calleius walked in in full armor and started to undress. Being the giving lover that he was, he tenderly helped me get undressed, then went down on me until I was very into it. Aventus had snuck his way in at about this time. Me being awkward and inexperienced wasn't sure what to do, I let Aventus direct me. Apparently, he'd been making a lot of friends in his travels as of late, sometimes a couple at once. I knelt between them, alternating sucking both of them. From there they traded me sucking one and being taken by another until I'd had many orgasms and they both had their first. We slept for a while, then went again, similar things happening. Then a third time. Then a fourth, but this time through badgering Aventus convinced me to try DP. And let me tell you... it's intense. When I realized we'd been napping, eating and having sex for about 20 hours when the sun came up. Calleius and I got up and left. I awkwardly thanked Aventus for introducing me to the debauchery my family is known for. As we were riding on Shadowmere, Calleius and I were pretty quiet most the way. Finally, he asked, "Did you enjoy yourself?" "Ahhh...." I sighed satisfied, "Yes. Let's just... have normal sex for a while." "You would like to... continue having sex with me?" "Yeah, I'd like that," I said. We reached Falkreath only a few hours after Rigmor and Jura did. They'd gotten there during the night, taken a nap and were sitting down to breakfast in the Dead Man's Drink when we walked in. "Hey!" Rigmor shouted. "Good of you to join us," Jura said, "Did you get all of your stabbing in?" Rigmor tilted her head, "I wonder what that means..." "Don't look into it," I said, sitting down, "Do you know where Yngol is?" "Not really. He used to have a camp on the southern border," Jura replied, "Believe it or not, I know him from the Great War. Bastard didn't even come see me when I was interim Jarl." "Interim Jarl?" Rigmor asked. "Yeah, the Thalmor executed the Jarls of Riften and Falkreath. We were able to get Markarth's out safely, and Morthal's didn't get killed during the war," I explained, "Speaking of which, did they ever appoint a new one?" "You know as much as I do," Jura replied, "I've been on the road with you. If there is though, he'd probably know where Yngol was hanging out." We finished up and walked up to the Jarl's Longhouse high on the hill above (except Calleius, who knew he wasn't going to be much help here). As we approached the Jarl's throne... "Where the hell did those boys put my damned chair? Another prank," the man shook his head, "Such is peace-time." "Hey, we're wondering..." Rigmor started. He turned around. "Yngol?!" Jura exclaimed, "What're you doing messing around in the Jarl's Longhouse?" "Jura?" Yngol asked, "Haven't seen you since..." "The Great War." "Right. And to answer your question, I AM the Jarl now!" Yngol replied, "King Ulfric and Queen Destana handed me the decree a couple weeks ago. It'll be official at the next moot." "They let you sit on that throne, you fat fuck!?" Jura grabbed his arm and they shook hands like they were arm wrestling. "Still tougher than you, old man!" "Who's old? You're almost as old as me!" Jura said. "Yeah, but I wear it so much better," Yngol spat back. "Didn't see you fighting to take Falkreath back when the Thalmor held it," Jura said. "No shit! I was there, you old codger! I was on the Stormcloak assault team! You're so blind you couldn't see me!" Yngol said, "Figured you were ignoring me on purpose. And that's why I didn't pay you a visit when you were keeping this chair warm." "This chair? What chair?" Jura smirked, "You seem to have lost your throne, you big idiot!" Rigmor and I exchanged glances. "Are they... arguing... reminiscing...?" I trailed off. Rigmor shrugged, "I dunno." Yngol peered over to us, ignoring Jura's remark, "Rigmor and Runa. Gods, you two have grown up a lot. What news of Bruma?" "Well, it's under siege," I said dejectedly. "Hmm," he was looking around the immediate area, "I take it you've come for my help. If you'll follow me, I'm going to look for my throne while we talk business." We followed him, walking to the Jarl's chambers, then outside to the plaza. "Where're Angi and Sorella? How have they been?" Rigmor asked, "We heard you two got married." "Right you are. Right now - hunting in the mountains. Sorella's gotten really good with the bow." "Got any more children?" Rigmor asked, "Oh, I'm sorry. That was probably really personal." "Oh, no. But we're trying. Who knows? Maybe someday," Yngol smiled, "Ah, those assholes!" He pointed to his throne, sitting on top of the blacksmith hut. He chuckled, "They're going to get half rations for this one." Yngol smirked, "Anyway, what can I help you with?" "We're going to sneak back into the city, but the garrison needs reinforcement," I said. "Remember what I said," Jura said, "Skyrim shouldn't get involved directly." "To hell with that!" Yngol spat, "This is personal. A lot of my men have family in Bruma. And they're sick as hell of not being able to see them because of the time... barrier whatever bullshit. This siege will send them raring to go." "Besides," I said, "I feel like Ariel Sethius is turning out to be not the Emperor Cyrodiil wants." "Suit yourselves. Either way I'll help fight," Jura said. I continued, "Once the siege is lifted, we're going to travel with Casius to Hammerfell." "That old goat is still alive?" Yngol chuckled. "There's more. We need to take Sorella with us," I said. His face immediately turned from jovial and joking to stern, "This I cannot do. You'll have my men. I'll even lead them personally if I have to. But Angi would never allow it." Rigmor said, "We need to destroy a soul gem that gives Morag Sethius her power. Only Sorella can destroy it with Xenia's Wrath, her bow." "Enough!" Yngol replied angrily, "I have welcomed you into my house and now you've crossed the line." "I'm sorry," Rigmor said. "It figures," Yngol sighed, "She's been having dreams again. She's stubborn and hasn't been wearing the protective ring. In her dreams she fires an arrow to save many children." Rigmor continued, "She will be protected. Casius with his marines and Quintus' Legion will be waiting. That gem holds the souls of hundreds of children that disappeared throughout Cyrodiil and Hammerfell. It must be destroyed." "I don't know..." Yngol said. "She'll be protected," Jura put his hand on his friends' shoulder, "By the best Tamriel has to offer." "Oh, Queen Destana? The Ebony Warrior? And I'm surprised you got the Nerevarine," Yngol smirked and Jura laughed. "You ass," Jura shook his head. Yngol stroked his beard for a moment, "Angi will take some convincing. I'll talk to Sorella and let her know what's going on. She'll meet up with you when the siege is broken. Make no mistake, even if we do break it for now, they're going to bring another, bigger army." "Hmm... one thing," I added, "How do we get over the border now? They closed off the Snake Cave Trail and there's no way we can go through the gates." "I think there's an Ayelid Tunnel," Yngol said, "I don't know where it is though. I did hear there was a scholar staying at the Inn here. Maybe he can help you." I shrugged. We went to the Inn and found Calleius. I searched amidst the other patrons, and found a spindly looking man on the patio, reading a book. "Excuse me," I said, "You an imperial?" "Oh gods, they've finally come to drag me out of the city and beat me to death with my own books!" the man said back. I looked behind me and found Jura, Calleius and Rigmor following. We definitely looked like a rough-and-tumble crew. "Take a walk guys," I said, and they sat at a table around the corner. I continued, "I wanted to ask if you're a scholar. The Jarl said you might be able to help us." "Ah yes, I asked him for information when I arrived only a few days ago. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lucien Flavius. I'm a scientist, philosopher, amateur wizard, and something of a musician. Though I suppose that's more of a hobby. What do you need my expertise with?" He asked. "Well, we're trying to get back to Bruma, but we're not exactly on the right side of the Empire right now," I replied. "I was definitely pondering whether you were... well acquainted with the less savory side of things," Lucien said. "Jarl Yngol said you might know where an Ayelid tunnel is that could lead us there," I said, "What would you charge for your expertise?" "As a matter of fact, I believe I know the location. And I would take payment in the form of an adventure." "How do you mean?" I asked. "Simple. I'm here on an academic expedition. I'm fascinated by Skyrim: the flora, fauna, ruins - dwemer and nordic, the architecture... but I'm not much of a fighter. So I ask when you return to Skyrim, you take me on one of your adventures." I shrugged, "Done. Could you also inform the Jarl of where the tunnel is?" Lucien nodded, "I shall go do so immediately, then we can set off." He walked away, and I immediately heard a nearby scream. I turned a corner and two mages were running into town with some form of horrifying red eye-beast. "What the hell is that thing?" Rigmor asked. "Skyrim's got some strange creatures these days," Jura replied. "Stay weird, Skyrim," I sighed as my group and I drew our weapons.

Hey there. Runa again. Last time was a whirlwind of emotion (but not really action). Rigmor signed the Noble Decree, then they branded her with treason, cut her hair and set her prison on fire. Turns out it was all a ruse to get me and Jura. We braved the labyrinth, spoke with and ended the ancient minotaur's suffering by his request, then got to a boat to take us to Roscrea. Morag told me Rigmor was already on her way to Roscrea when the fire broke out, so no suspense there. When we reached Dawnstar, I stepped off the small trading boat and thanked Aventus, "Good thing we have friends. I don't imagine you want to come with us to the frozen north to save this person you barely know." Aventus looked like he felt compelled to say yes, "Well..." "I'm joking. Please, don't come. You have an empire to build. And those fine clothes won't stand up against the cold very well," I smirked. Aventus smiled back. Jura stepped off the boat and walked over the ridge, "And your armor will? Doesn't look very padded." "Huh," I said, "I bought a couple coats at the docks before we cast off. I never thought of just putting fur under my armor. Thought I was ahead of the game this time. Again, it goes to you." I took out an armful of coats, "Want a coat, Calleius?" He smirked, "I have a liner I'm going to throw in." "Dang," I sighed, "I'm going to be the only one who doesn't wear their armor. What a knob." "I will take this cap though," Jura snagged an armored helm with fur over it. "Any idea how long the resupply for Roscrea will be?" I asked Aventus. "The supply ship guy said about four days," he replied. "Best get a room at the Inn, then," I said, "They're going to treat her like an Imperial Princess, they said. Let's hope they weren't lying about that too." We walked over to the Windpeak Inn. "Sorry, we're remodeling," the Innkeeper said. I looked over to the bed, out in the common area, and the doors being off to the Inn rooms, "We have a functional eatery, and we do have cabins for a bit more gold. There's one with three beds." "Hmm... I was hoping I could stay for a night," Aventus said, "Before I head out." I nodded to him, whispering, "No problem. I was going to sleep in the sanctuary anyway." Aventus and Calleius looked at each other as I was handing over the gold. Both of them had feelings about sleeping with me, or sleeping in the same room as me, but neither one of them was sure how to handle this situation. Jura put his arms around both of them, "Well, I'm not giving up my bed." Tensions were starting to get high, but that deflated things a little. About that time a large party walked in the door. "I think we should sample local cuisine. They completely rebuilt this town after the dragon attacks. Maybe even a couple times since your day," a woman was explaining to another woman. "Please, my apologies, your grace..." The Innkeeper started. "It's alright. I just want some food. Not that I need it, I just like your mudcrab jambalaya." "Mom?" I asked. "Runa?" "Destana?" Jura asked. It was my mom. I walked over and hugged her. "This isn't Cyrodiil," she smirked. Her usual wit. "Rigmor got banished to Roscrea. We're going to get her. This has been awful," I replied. "Yeah, well. It is Rigmor. What could you expect?" Mom threw up her arms, smiling, "Girl's cursed." "We're working through it," Jura said, "I'll keep you posted." "What are you doing here?" I asked. "Just checking on the ships for the invasion. They seem to be coming along. Also, checking out houses." "Houses? Who is this with you?" I asked. "Runa, it's me," the man said. I blinked, "Damien?" I hugged him and pinched his cheek, "What the heck, it's been like... three weeks. Your hair grew out like it's been months. What have you been doing, messing with time?" He shrugged, "Yeah, well. You know me." "Don't downplay it. My boy here is the HERO OF DAGGERFALL!!" Mom shouted it over the Inn crowd. "Uh... what?" I think Jura and I both asked. "Someday if I meet the Hero of Kvatch, then I'll have one degree of separation with all Tamriel's legendary heroes. Eternal Champion, Hero of Daggerfall, the Nerevarine, Ysgramor... and I guess, myself," Mom said. She got out her journal, flipped to the back page and checked off two boxes, then stowed it again. "So is Ocato the Eternal Champion?" I asked, "I had my theories." "Yeah, the Emperor admitted it," Damien replied. "Emperor Uriel Septim VII. Damn, he's a legend," I said, "I feel like I've come up short in my journey." "Well I was gone for about ten months, and I came back only a few days later," Damien said. "So you're older than me now?" I asked flatly, "I remember when you were a little boy and I was fifteen. It's not a race, Damien!" "I think we're about the same age," Damien responded, "I do have a baby now though. You should meet him. He's with Grandpa right now." "Grandpa? Like... the daedric prince or the King?" I asked. "Ulfric," Damien chuckled. "Have you considered that you're now a~" Jura started. But Mom cut him off, "Save it." "Damn. A kid?" I said out loud, thinking I didn't even know what I wanted to do with my life and here my little brother was starting a family. But then...who was the mother? I peered over to their group. "Tis all true," the woman standing next to Damien said. Must be her. "Hi. We haven't met. I'm Runa, Damien's sister," I said. We looked at each other for a moment. I squinted at her, and she stared right back. She was sizing me up. I felt like we two warrior women were about to arm wrestle. She grabbed my hand and shook it with a strong grip, "Lady Brisienna Magnessen. Originally a noble of Bruma, but I'm sure the present-day family has no idea who I am." "We don't do that here," I pulled her in for a hug, "Welcome to the family. This is Tyroni Calleius, my.... friend. And Aventus Aretino." "Hey Aventus," Mom said, "I haven't seen you in years. You really grew up!" He smiled, "Thanks, ma'am." Mom looked at me, then at Aventus and Calleius. Then she looked at Jura. She crept over to him while Damien, Brisienna and I gabbed about Daggerfall. Jura shrugged a little, then gave her a face, whispering, "I'm letting them figure it out." She stood on her toes and whispered in his ear, "They should just all figure it out together. You know what I mean." "Well, that proves you're the broth of my shillelagh," he whispered back, "You seem a lot like me. A lot like me. Because I would've said the same thing. But they're all pretty confused about what they want. Runa and Calleius are pretty timid about such things, and Aventus is a little standoffish." We sat down for an amazing lunch and mom paid handsomely. The innkeeper was very thankful for all the business. Later that evening, mom left. I walked over to the Dawnstar Sanctuary and checked in. "Vala, you're running things so smoothly you might run me out of a job," I said. "Thanks, Listener. Want to get some contracts for me while you're here? I could use a day off," She asked. I approached the Night Mother and gave her about a dozen contracts, most of them in Cyrodiil. Later in the evening I commented, "Seems like underneath the apparent prosperity, a lot of people are unhappy down there. Sorry I keep dumping this work on you." "She loves it," Azuk chuckled, sharpening his blade. "It's okay. Sometimes I think you're meant for even more than being the chosen of Sithis," Vala said. I slept the night there, waking up extremely early for some reason. I found the cabin the boys were staying at. Jura was outside in the cold morning air, practicing with his greataxe. It was a heavy, jagged ordeal. "You still practice, after fifty years?" I asked. "Yeah. Gotta stay sharp," he took a big drink of water and sat, "I'm not going to make any suggestions to you right now. All I'm going to say is Calleius left about an hour ago to go on a long walk. Aventus is still asleep in the cabin. I'm going to go get breakfast in the Inn proper. Do what you will with that information." He walked away, then I walked over to the door. I put my hand on the knob. Hmm.... I put my hand down. Then back on it. Then back down. Fuck it. I opened the door, closing silently it behind me. Aventus was laying there on the bed at the far side of the room, asleep. What should I do? It was like a game of chicken with my hormones. Every time I would take a step, I would doubt myself. But somehow after a moment, I was sitting on the bed with my boots, gloves, cape and backpack off. The change in weight from me sitting didn't wake him. He just turned over, throwing the covers off him and exposing his nakedness. I calmly took a breath and put my hand on his thigh. Aventus opened his eyes groggily and gave a lazy smile. "What's happening?" He whispered. "Shhh. I don't know," I said back, "I'm just listening to my body." I leaned over and kissed him, running my hand up and down his thin but defined body. He reached up to me and started to undo clasps, my armor slipping off. He started to touch me, but I pushed him down so he fell on his back, resting his head on the footboard gently. I wanted to be in control of where this went. I took him into my mouth. He let out little moans as I worked, and I found I was enjoying it. Both the challenge of manipulation and the manual skill of fitting it into my throat. After a minute I got up and kneeled before him as I continued. Maybe I was naturally skilled at this, or maybe I'd been at it too long, but he took a hint and grabbed the back of my head, thrusting only a few times. Then he emptied his load down my throat. I blinked, swallowing. I looked up at him, "Huh. I was thinking this would progress to sex, but that's fine. Do you eat a lot of fruit?" "Oh, sorry," Aventus said, chuckling, "You were just doing that for... I dunno, twenty minutes? You're very good. Are you saying you want me to stay here longer?" I sighed, "Maybe I don't know what I want. You should go do what is good for you." He was unsure of how to react, but he helped me up. After a minute I said, "Don't worry. There's always next time." I threw on my armor quickly and walked over to the Inn. I ordered a drink to wash the taste out of my mouth, and found Calleius sitting at one of the small tables, looking at me. The place was jam packed for the breakfast rush, and I took the only available seat, across from him at the table. "I wanted to thank you for being here," I said, taking a long drink, "I appreciate you." "Sorry I wasn't there in the labyrinth," he replied. "Don't worry about it," I took another drink, "I feel like you know a lot about me, but there's not much to know beyond who I am now and who adopted me. I want to know more about you. Got any family?" "My father was a Captain in the Imperial Navy. Now he's retired, living the good life outside Kvatch as a farmer. I have three brothers. I'm the oldest." "Like me. Maybe?" I smiled. "My mother, Akatosh bless her, died a few years back. Nothing special. Died in her sleep. She was almost seventy," Calleius took a drink, digging in to the plate of food the wench gave him. "Like anything, ma'am?" He asked. "I'll have the same," I said. Then I turned to Calleius, "Sorry about your mom." "Don't be. She lived a quiet, happy life." "Gods, sometimes I wish I could just have a life away from all this intrigue and death and war. In the country," I said, "I'd get some sheep." "Sometimes," Calleius looked in my eyes, "Some people are called for more." "Do you think you were called to protect me?" I asked. "Perhaps." I smirked, slapping him on the shoulder, "Ooooh, now you're the mysterious one!" Calleius chuckled, "Maybe I'm considering taking a page from Aventus' book in being daring. Or from Jura's book in being direct and decisive. Considering, mind you. I've still not worked up the courage necessary." Not entirely sure what he meant, but having my guesses, I smiled, "Let me know when that happens." We ate together. It was nice. Aventus left later that day. We slept through the next couple days when finally it looked like our ship was coming in. "This the re-supply run to Roscrea?" I asked. "Welp, they never paid me for the last one, so, I'm starting to rethink it," the man said, "Bunch of cheapskates. I could make my money back selling these goods in Haafstad. Maybe even make a small profit in Kirkmore. The Empire did offer an outrageous premium, but I haven't seen one red Septim of that since the original payout." "What's wrong?" Calleius approached. "He's not going to Roscrea," I said. "Now see here, sir. We've waited four days to board your boat to Roscrea," Calleius said. "Wait, sir," the man said, "We haven't even discussed you being passengers. Why would you want to go to that frozen shithole of a fort? Practically Atmora." "How much is the boat worth?" Jura asked. I blinked. The balls on this man. "Ten thousand septims," the man replied. "Done," I said, taking out a huge sack of coin and dropping it at his feet. "Girly, I was highballin'. Figured you'd haggle!" The boatman said. Jura messed with his beard as he talked, "How about this - you stay on as the operator and take the extra as your wages for the next few months. After all, none of us know how to handle a boat. When we get to Roscrea we'll decide whether the Empire's going to pay or you should take a trip and try to make your money back." "Shor's beard, that is a lot of gold you have just lying around," the boatman said. "I'd like to see somebody try and take my gold," I grinned. "Ohh! Just got a chill," the boatman said, "You do have a deal though. I'll peddle the perishables at the towns on the southern part of the island if needed. We can work out the details of our partnership while we sail. Hop on! Name's Floki, by the way." We sailed for a few days, finding a galley blocking our path as we approached the north side of the island. The three of us took a small rowboat to the jetty, weaving between icebergs to be stealthy. We tied the boat up to the dock. The place was deserted. And when we ventured toward the fort, we figured out why. "Everybody's dead," I said. Civilian workers, women, children, Imperial soldiers. "Whose ship is that?" I asked. "They're not flying colors," Calleius put his hand over his forehead to try and see, "Not even pirate." Jura pointed, "I hear fighting in the distance." We pulled out our weapons and charged up the bank. We found Imperial soldiers, losing badly to some other Humans and Argonians? Large Argonians? But wearing armor that I'd never seen before. "What the hell are these guys doing here?" Jura growled. "Who are they?" I asked. "Akaviri!" He yelled as he charged into battle. He and Calleius aided the Imperials, and at once a cadre of the creatures charged in from behind us, swarming me as I lagged behind. Four of them used a vampire drain on me, but I blasted them with, "FUS - RO!" Some of them shouted, "Aka-ko!" And then they all turned their attention towards me, even leaving Calleius and Jura, who now joined the melee I was in. We were the victors, but they were skilled opponents. Inside the fort we found another fight in which the Imperial soldiers were being finished off as we arrived. We fought our way through the room. Then we fought our way up the stairs, Jura and Calleius pressing shields against the Akaviri. Calleius gave a mighty roar and pushed past them, flanking them between himself and us. We widdled down their turtle tactics, getting the best of them. Jura and I packed on the heals and we continued pushing our way in. I feared the worst for Rigmor, but also didn't know why these guys were here. In the next room I took point and got the drop on the first of the group, immediately decapitating him. We pushed our way to the last room. This was the big prison cell and a man was working on getting the bars open. The red-armored man turned, pulling out a two-handed Akaviri Katana. He was one of the lizard-guys, tall and broad. He was alone, but he pointed at Jura. "He's mine!" Jura pulled out a greatsword. "We don't have time for this," I spat. "This is personal," he said, "I remember you." Jura charged forward and fought him blow for blow for a few minutes. But he was fast. He dodged expertly several times while Jura's work with the greatsword, though fast, seemed slow in comparison. Jura deflected a few blows that would've killed a normal man. I shouldered the Moonlight Greatsword. If this went south, I would be ready with the crescent blade beam and an Unrelenting Force. But it came too fast. The red man's stab toward Jura's neck from above came nearly faster than I could see. "NO!" I shouted. *CLANG* Calleius rebuffed the Akaviri with his shield. "Do not touch him, sir." The Akaviri shouted something in his language, swinging his sword with monstrous speed. Calleius parried the attack, then he parried another. "I shall become a wall for you, my friends," Calleius said. He parried again and again as the Akaviri struck from different angles with blinding speed. He parried another and with great speed he got behind the redman, making his first attack. The Akaviri whipped around and batted the attack away with his katana, disarming Calleius. I pursed my lips, taking a step forward. As the Akaviri made another attack, I rammed my greatsword through his back. Calleius stepped aside as I pinned the man to the wall. He shouted something in his language, but I was done waiting through this heroic honor crap. I pulled out the Langourwine Blade and stabbed him in the throat, killing him. Usually a sleep dagger, it is still a dagger. I turned to Calleius, my face bloody from the spray. "Impressive," he said. "I wanted to win," I smiled. Jura got to his feet as his restoration spells brought him back up, "Damn son! That was some amazing shield work! Needed Runa to close the deal, but I can't say much better for myself." I found the key amongst the guards' bodies, then I said, "How's this for honor? If anybody asks, I'll tell them you beat him in single combat." Jura and Calleius chuckled. Rigmor ran over from behind a changing visor and hugged me as soon as the door was open. "Oh thank the gods you guys are here," she said, "Who the hell are those guys? What's going on?" Jura said, "They're from Akavir. The men are vampiric thralls. The lizards are Tsaesci. I've fought these guys before. Though I have no idea why they're here now." I handed Rigmor a set of fur clothes and said, "Guess what I brought. I've been holding onto it." I handed her her greatsword, and she shouted "Azura's Bane!" "We'd better get back to the boat," Jura said. We ran outside to find the galleon had gone, but so had our supply boat. "Maybe they're chasing them down the coast. Gods, I hope not," I said. "Uhh..." Rigmor said, "Where's this boat you speak of?" We all looked down to find there was no rowboat. "What the... fuck?" I asked. "Great! Just great!" Rigmor shouted, "How the hell are we supposed to get out of here? Did you remember to tie it up?" "Usually it's the lowest ranked person who ties up the boat," Jura looked at Calleius. Calleius kneeled down and lifted up a rope that'd been cut. Then he pointed about ten feet into the harbor, "I see it, but it's underwater." Jura sighed, "Looks like they cut the line and knocked a hole in it." "So our only transport off this damn island has just vaporized. That's fucking great!" Rigmor shouted, "Can't you do anything right?" "Lay off. We just killed an army of Akaviri to get to you," Jura said, "You'd be dead or captured if not for us." "Captured, but also warm and with a way off the island!" Rigmor shouted back. "This isn't helping and you know it," I said, "Anybody know how big this island is?" "What, you want to hike through this tundra?" Rigmor asked. "Floki said there were fishing villages on the south end of the island," I said. "Never been here. But I think... three days journey?" Jura said noncommittally. Calleius nodded, "I bet the fort has supplies." "Yeah!" I pounded my fist into my hand, "We're all skilled in wilderness survival. Let's fuckin' do this!" "You're kidding, right?" Rigmor followed along to the fort, saying flatly, "We're going to freeze to death." "Do I look like I'm kidding?" I replied, "Have I ever let you down?" "Well, there was the time when I got imprisoned at an..." "Shhhh...." I put my finger on her lips, shushing her. When we got inside, we split up to get everything we could. I checked the Governor's rooms. He'd barricaded himself inside, him and his wife committing suicide when it was clear they weren't going to make it. "Long live the Empire, indeed," I said, rifling through their things. I found a new black pair of boots (Drakul Boots) that was actually an upgrade. And...! I lifted an enchanted one-handed sword with extremely good craftsmanship. When the boys came in, I asked, "Who wants this? I'm more of a big and thick weapons fighter myself." Calleius smirked, "Phrasing. General Jura?" He put down the fragments of the Bolgar sword he'd been using, "I will accept this. I keep destroying swords. Been needing a new magic one for ages." "If it's any consolation there's also an enchanted Imperial sword in here too. Calleius grabbed it. "Look what I found," Rigmor said. She'd put her armor over the furs I'd provided and since it was chainmail it fit just fine. She threw on the black fur cloak I'd provided to complete the ensemble. She said, "They must've shipped my stuff from Cyrodiil along with me." "I found rations," Jura said. "I found some firewood," Calleius added. "You ready for this?" I asked Rigmor. "As I'll ever be," she replied, "Hey, sorry I yelled back there. I would follow you into hell itself if I needed to." I smiled, somehow doubting she would be able to handle Oblivion. But, I could appreciate the sentiment. The boys and Rigmor fastened down their fur lined armor and helms and I looked at my sad coats. I would be glad when I could get back in my real body armor. We looked out onto the wintery expanse. Even trees were scarce up here. From the map in the governor's office there were a couple base camps on the way to the southern part of the island. And when we crossed the mountains it became much more habitable. Jura handed out cold resistance potions. "Do these actually work for this?" I asked. "Yes, but they only last a couple minutes. Save them until you feel like you can't bear it anymore." We charged off into the icy infinity, wind whipping to our very bones. I took point, keeping up a healthy jog. It was hours till we reached the first landmark, but I kept the sun on my right. The blizzard got denser and it got harder to tell. "I hope you know where you're going! It's so cold!" Rigmor shouted over the winds. We crested a ridge, and were attacked by a horde of Frostbite spiders. "Finally, something to warm my bones!" I shouted. We made quick work of them, then looked out over the tundra again. We could finally see the mountains to the south. "I'm freezing my ass off out here! How much farther is the first camp?" Rigmor asked. I took out the map section I'd torn off, "Just over the next ridge!" "We're lost aren't we?" She shouted back, "Honestly, you don't plan anything do you?" "Trust me!" I shouted, ignoring her comments. And as it started to get dark, we found the base camp. We made sure the tent was secure and lined it with our furs, then got inside, getting the first going. Jura immediately laid on the floor of the tent and passed out, snoring in seconds. Rigmor claimed a bedroll to herself. "So what happened back there in Cyrodiil?" SHe asked. "It was a trap. They started a fire at the prison. We thought you were still there. So I ran in to save you," I said, sitting and stoking the fire. "My hero. But who would do that?" "Bobby. He's in on this shit. The whole thing," I said, nearly growling when I said his name. "Bobby? For real?" She asked in disbelief. "He just wanted Bruma. He's just a very good actor. And you know, I was really starting to warm up to him too," I jabbed at the sticks like I was stabbing someone, "Had me fooled too." Rigmor sidled up to me and I told her about the Minotaur. "Don't you ever get tired of saving me?" She asked, laying her head on my shoulder. "Meh. I'm fine with it," I smiled. "You must think I'm a real pain in the ass," Rigmor said. "Kinda," I smiled again. "You with the jokes again," Rigmor said. As she closed her eyes, she said, "Bleeding is she... forgotten is he... deeds long past. The gratitude of the people no longer lasts. Blood drips from the guilt, innocents paying the price of what wrongs built...." She trailed off as she fell under the pull of sleep. I helped her lay her head down, laying with her a minute. Then I crawled over, sitting on the bedroll Calleius was laying on. "You should go to sleep," he whispered. "You too," I said. "I've always had trouble falling asleep in cold weather," Calleius whispered back. "Not me. But this colder than I've ever been," I shivered, "Freezing my tits off out here. Could I... snuggle with you for warmth?" "I'd like that..." Calleius said. He took off the outer layer of armor (and his helm) quietly so we could gather our fur against each other. I got comfortable, but we just laid there for what seemed like a very long time. I sat up again, facing him. We stared at each other for long moments. I looked over at Rigmor, and Jura, both fast asleep. Maintaining eye contact with Calleius, I slowly unbuttoned my parka. Then I silently pulled it off. Calleius blinked, "I thought you wanted to get warm. Do you have hypothermia? Is this paradoxical undressing?" "No, I'm still f-f-freezing," I said, "You'd better find a way to keep me warm." He opened his full body fur, rendering him naked, and let it lay on the bedroll under him. "Is this what you want?" He asked. "Maybe," I replied. I played with him a little bit. I'm sure my fingers were like icicles, because he gasped when I touched him. "Shh!" I looked at our friends, who were still asleep. "Your hands are freezing," he whispered. "How to do this without my hands..." I said. I enveloped it in my mouth with my hands mostly off, stroking it for a bit. Then I moved on top of him and let him position himself so I could slide on. I rode him, silently (though it was getting difficult to stay quiet after a few minutes). Then I moved off him. I lay beside him. "What's wrong?" He whispered. "Getting cold. You should lay on top of me. Trap the heat against my body." He smiled and slid on. For a while, he held my hands down and I was into it. But I started to whimper when I was really feeling it. He put a hand over my mouth to keep me quiet. We finished nearly at the same time. We wrapped up in our furs and went to sleep in each other's arms. The next day as we were getting ready, Rigmor said she'd had a vivid dream, or a vision. "A nightmare?" I asked. "Not really. We were looking at a strange mountain, kind of square. There were many children playing. A little girl left the others and came towards me. She pointed towards the mountain." "Strange," I said, "Well, we'd better get going if we want to make the next camp before nightfall." We jogged through the snow for several more hours. "Y'know this must be what Atmora is like," Rigmor said, "Did you know men originated from there? Freathof said that it used to have green fields." After most of another day, we crested a large hill and found a large pine forest. On the other side were the mountains. Rigmor cupped her hands and howled like a wolf. Wolves howled back. "Hear that? We don't want to continue at night. Wasn't the second base camp a cave?" She asked. Calleius pointed down, "It's under this ridge." "Damn. Good eye," Jura said. We found a small fire and a small cave entrance we had to crawl into. "We ran out of wood at the last camp. Why not chop some?" Jura asked. We all looked at each other. "I nominate Runa!" Rigmor said. "Psh. Fine. But you get to gather twigs," I said back. I hacked off a large tree branch, then set to chopping. Calleius was putting the logs on and I was hacking them up with a woodcutter's axe, making this an assembly line affair. "Hee hee. Choppity chop," Rigmor said, "Make sure you use your legs and shoulders and not all your back." "Go find some twigs for kindling!" I said, getting sweaty. "Ok! Keep your hair on!" Rigmor said. "For what it's worth," I paused to chop a log, "I liked.... *CHOP* your long hair. *CHOP* It'll grow back." "That bitch. First chance I get I'm gonna ram my sword right up her ass," Rigmor growled. I laughed out loud, then she wandered off to gather. "Guys! Would you look at this!" Rigmor said. Jura and Calleius were setting up a tent outside and told me to go ahead. I crawled into the cave that had bedrolls set up, fire already going from Rigmor. The light flickered against walls covered in ancient cave paintings. "These are wonderful!" I smiled at her. "Amazing," I said. "Giants. Hope we don't run into any," Rigmor said. "How long do you think it'll take them to figure out I'm gone?" She asked, continuing to walk around. "No idea. Depends on how long it takes them to figure out everybody is dead," I replied, "But they'll try to take Bruma." "Think they can hold out?" Rigmor asked. "Probably long enough until we figure out what we're going to do," I replied. "We never did figure that out did we?" "Malesam said he had a plan. Hopefully he wasn't just leading me on," I said. "Speaking of which..." Rigmor turned to me, our faces flickering in the torchlight, "It's been nice." "What's that?" "Being out here with you. For the first time in a long time, I feel free." I sat down, "Better than being in Cyrodiil?" "Bruma is nice. The rest - I don't think I ever want to go back there," she replied, "I don't ever want to see Morag Sethius again. Peak weirdness. You know when she cut my hair she tore off my dress and just... stared at me." "I think she felt a kinship with you as someone who has suffered," I said. "No way! You starting to feel sympathetic for her?" "Absolutely not," I replied. "You know when I was in that cell in that state... it was almost like ... being home. Like I knew my cursed life was headed back there. The question was just when. Like it's my destiny for my life to be shit," she said. "That minotaur seemed to think both of us had some kind of destiny," I said back. "How do you mean?" "Al-Esh, his mother, told him to wait for one with the ancient blood of kings to set him free. And then some prophecy would be fulfilled, releasing the curse of Al'Esh. The chosen Queen of Tamriel. I don't know about any of this." "Who? Morag? The Chosen Queen? Fuck'n bitch. You can't be serious," Rigmor said. "I've never heard of Al'Esh." "She's the Minotaur name for Alessia. Her lover was Morihaus, the bull-headed son of Kyraneth. She's said to be the mother of minotaurs. She's not a divine, but she became the first human saint upon death." "Freathof taught you history and myth well I see," I said. She smiled, "No way she's the chosen queen. I'd rather a thousand years of war than let her sit her ancient ass on the throne." "We're not going to let that happen," I said, "In fact, when you give her your ass-sword treatment, better move over. See if we can fit two up in there. And mine is wide!" Rigmor burst out in laughter. She tripped on... something? And fell into my lap, still laughing. She put her arms around my neck, "But thinking of you kept me just a little bit sane." I smiled. "Everything I've been through I would do again just to be here with you... in this moment," Rigmor said, "Our moment." She leaned in and kissed me, and I returned it. "I'm yours to do with whatever you want," Rigmor said. I sighed, "Right now that sounds... really nice." We undressed, not even under the pretense of keeping warm, a whirlwind of kissing and touching. After a moment she got on top of me and took control, rubbing herself against me until we both finished. It was short, but sweet. We laid there for the night. When I woke up she was sitting in one of the chairs outside. "Another vision," she said, "A huge minotaur sitting on a throne. In one hand was a mace, the other had a soul gem. Below on the dais a Dragon was locked in battle with a serpent." "I have no idea," I shook my head, "Listen... about last night.." "Hey, it's ok. Just forget it. People need each other sometimes, that's all," she said back. She motioned with her eyes towards Calleius as the boys were packing up their tent. I tilted my head. She whispered back, "You're not as quiet as you think." Then she giggled. "Were you watching?" I whispered, louder. "You're beautiful. How could I not?" Rigmor asked, then she grabbed my hand, "I've always loved you, you know. It wasn't always this way. But... I can share, y'know? Like your mom does." I pursed my lips, not sure if that was a jab or just a statement of fact. I took a water skin from next to the fire where it'd been thawing, and took a long drink. "I'd rather take it slow if there is anything real between us," Rigmor said, then she patted me on the head as she was getting up, "You did ok for your first time." She whispered, "I can tell you've never been with a woman before." I coughed on my water. "Be right back! Gotta pee!" Rigmor shouted as she ran off over the next ridge. I looked over to Calleius and Jura, who seemed to be having their own conversation. Rigmor came sprinting back a moment later, "Help! I found some locals!" A horde of frost trolls and giants were charging over the hill after her. We all unsheathed our weapons and flung ourselves into the fray. But after a moment it was clear there were way too many of them. Rigmor and I charged up the ridge, being separated from the guys. We led them onto a frozen lake on the hopes some of them would fall into the water. I turned as she escaped across the lake. "FUS!" I shouted, blasting a bunch of the ice apart, sending a bunch of them into the depths. It slowed them down a bit. Up the hill from the lake, the rest swarmed straight toward us. Jura and Calleius, who'd gone around the lake, rejoined us. "Oh no! They got your cape!" I yelled to him. "Had to sacrifice it to the greater good," Calleius shouted back, "Let's run! There're too many of them!" Then we heard the howls of wolves in the forest beyond. "Gods!" I swore. "Our best hope is to make it to the cave and use the bottleneck!" Jura said. We ran past the huge pack of wolves into the mouth of the cave that'd been marked on our map as the tunnel to the south portion of the island. A huge bear popped out, flattening the wolves. He seemed to hold the line for us while we fled. "Do you think that's Mr Bear?" Rigmor asked. "Your bear friend from Skyrim? How do you think he would've gotten here from the mainland?" I asked, "Floated on an iceberg?" "Hey, it could happen!" Rigmor said. We reached the other end of the cave before the boys and I found her admiring the view to the valley below. "That's quite a view," she said. "Yeah!" I said back, "Now to find a way down." "I know a way down," Rigmor smirked as she turned toward me, "Beats you jumping out of a tree." She leaned back and fell toward the waterfall. "Wait! You don't have a..." I sighed, then I leapt forward, following her. I reached her on the shore of the surprisingly warm lagoon below. Rigmor was already stripping off the underneath fur layers and wringing them out. I was forced to just pull my clothes off and do the same. She was giggling at me. "What?" "Where's your sense of adventure?" she asked. "After what we've been through, cold and defeated," I took a deep breath as the cool air hit my skin, "It is pretty warm here though. Doubt it'll be so warm down south." I started putting my armor on. Jura and Calleius emerged from the forest. "Wait.. how'd you..?" I started. "A simple Alteration spell called Slow Fall. Drop Zone also would've worked," Jura replied, "Might want to stop princess from taking unnecessary risks." "I have a cape," I replied. "The other princess," Jura pointed at Rigmor. "You're a wet blanket," she stuck her tongue out at him. "We can follow this river to the logging camp and then to the villages. Maybe our supply ship is still in port down here," I said. "Hopefully he's ok," Calleius said. Rigmor and I walked out in front, following the river. After a while, she said, "I haven't had this much fun since I was a kid. What did you do... y'know, when you were a kid?" I shrugged, "I don't remember." "What do you mean you don't remember?" She asked, "There must be something you keep with you from back then." "The first thing I remember was the orphanage. I don't remember anything before I was 8 or 9." "Runa..." "I'm not avoiding the subject. I really don't know," I replied, "Though, I really don't want to talk about it." "Ok. Well, I have enough bad memories for two people!" Rigmor said loudly. She started telling me about her old house in Bruma, her dad, her best friend... trips to Anvil... how they got in trouble for throwing snowballs one time. "Loona's dad got a job in Morrowind. Doubt I'll ever see her again," Rigmor said. "We could always go someday," I said, "Have Sethri show us around." She laughed, "I'd like that." We passed the sea after a while as we passed down off the valley. "Hmm... what's that?" She asked. "Looks like an Imperial War Galley," Calleius replied. "Maybe looking for us. Who knows," I said. "Keep moving. Need to get out of here," Jura said. We passed over a downed tree, then found the old logging camp. "We can take a short break here, but best not delay," Jura said. Rigmor sat. She asked, "So, thought of what we're going to do when we get back?" "Go back to Bruma through Skyrim over the Jerall Mountains. See if we can get some support while we're passing through," I replied. "Best not involve Skyrim directly. Might be seen as a sign of aggression," Jura replied. "We'll see who we can find. I have a few friends," I said. Jura and Calleius were leaning on a fallen tree, eating rations. Jura reached out his hand to me, "Shh.. I hear something." He took out his bow, and shot into the brush. An Akaviri yelled, and they sprang from the forest. It was a strike group, and they were dealt with without too much trouble. Still, tenacious fighters. The lead had a note on him, written in Akaviri. Jura grabbed it and read out loud, "Kill all. Leave no witnesses. Bring girl to Table Mountain. Dead or alive. Then M.S., written in our tongue." He crumpled it, "We'd better go." We as jogged down the road, I asked, "How do you know Akaviri, old man?" "I'll tell you later. Long story." "Ugh," Rigmor slowed down. "What's wrong?" I asked. "I'm really.. tired." "Catch vampirism from their drains?" I asked. Jura shook his head, "That doesn't make you tired. But the Akaviri have another version of the disease called the Living Death. If you become a vampire, you're immune, but you can still be a carrier. Unfortunately, our Cure Disease spell doesn't know the Living Death. It can't cure it." We continued on, hoping to find civilization and the correct tools to cure Rigmor. We came upon a shack in the woods. "C'mon!" Rigmor walked into the open door. Nobody was within. She laid down upon the stranger's bed, "I feel like I could sleep for a hundred years." Calleius followed me in. I looked outside to find Jura on the porch. "What's the matter? We can pay and apologize to whoever lives here," I said. "Getting those bad vibes again. I'm going to stay out here," Jura folded his arms. When I turned, there was an old woman there. "Bah!" I jumped, "Oh, sorry about this. My friend is feeling very sick." "I know you mean no harm," she replied. She looked at Rigmor for a moment, then said, "She's afflicted. Did you do battle with the undead?" "Well, now they're dead," I replied. "She is afflicted with the Living Death. It puts you into a sleep so deep you never wake. The rest of you are lucky you weren't affected," the woman walked past me, going over to her alchemy table. Speaking of which, I was now acutely aware of the sun going down. I drank a Cure Disease potion to cure Sanguinare Vampiris in the early stages and offered more to the boys. Jura put up his hand in a stop signal, and casted the Cure Disease spell on both of them. "It's good to know you were prepared this time, though," he smiled, "I do love me some Alchemy." The old woman said from her table, "I have a recipe that will save her, but you must act quickly and gather ingredients." She gave me a list and a location, and I walked out into the night. Shadowmere was waiting on the road for me. I squinted, "How... did you get here?" He gave me a look like he was as confused as I was. I mounted him and took off alone. It only took me an hour or so to get there, get the materials and get back. I handed them over. "Good job. The fever is taking hold and her temperature is rising. Once I administer the potion we should start seeing results." She ground it and mixed it for several minutes. She gave Rigmor some of it, then she gave the remainder to me in a bottle, "It's a cure for men and mer, but poison to the undead. Here. Take the rest." I sat down and watched Rigmor. I said to the woman, "How can we thank you?" "No need. I like helping people. Especially heroes," she smiled a big, toothy smile, "I'm a soothsayer. I have had many dreams and visions of possible permutations of the future for this world. Some are good. Most are not. The path has always been hard, but it is worth working for." I leaned back, nodding. I said to Jura, "Still not coming in?" "Nope." "My partner and I came to this land many times in the old days. You know there is a werewolf who lives nearby. I followed him and watched him once, wondering if he preyed on the nearby village. I mostly saw animal bones in his cave, and he never returned to human form after he hunted. Very peculiar," she said. She sat down next to Rigmor, watching her fever begin to lessen. She yelled some things, still a bit hysterical, but then she calmed. "That's a good girl," she said, then she offered me the seat again. She sat down across the room in an old rocking chair. "Thank you again..." I said, "Wait, what is your name?" "All in good time, Dragonchild," the woman murmured, and I drifted off to sleep.