Hey everybody this is my first fanfiction based on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and I have produced and planned a main story with certain subplots and what not. Alduin has been defeated and the civil war has ended in favour of the Stormcloaks, the story starts from the end of the Dawnguard quest line. The Dragonborn is the leader of all the guilds etc. and for now I have excluded the Dragonborn DLC, I may be including it later on however.
I do not own any characters used from the game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. All characters and game related material, save for original content is property of their respectful owners and no money is being made from this fiction. Unauthorised duplication of this work is prohibited.
Chapter I: Fresh Soil
Skyrim has entered a new golden age. With Alduin defeated and the civil war over, will peace remain or will political tension rise again?
Morndas, 2nd of Sun's Dusk, 4E 201
The constant deep breathing and crunch of gravel filled Magnus' ears, that along with the howls and cries, which had been growing in volume ever since he had stumbled upon a rare occurrence; what seemed to be an organised group of bandits.
They had entrenched themselves on either side of a road just west of Whiterun Hold and had ambushed the Nord on his travels. In these parts it wasn't uncommon for bandits and highwaymen to prey upon unwitting traders and the occasional adventurer.
This particular incident was strange, for Magnus was no ordinary wanderer. He wore armour of the highest grade, dragon plate in fact, the only set seen in Skyrim. Matching with his protective apparel was a dragon bone sword crafted with his own hands to be the perfect weapon, just the right weight with jagged saw-like teeth a few inches down from the tip. His sword alone should have been enough to scare them; it would've scared him.
He also owned a shield made using the same materials as his armour, which unfortunately had been ripped from his grasp when a bandit had attempted a suicidal attack throwing himself right into the serrated edges of the shield. Only seconds into the ambush and things had become very bad.
Now In broad daylight running through the empty plains that surrounded Whiterun it wasn't surprising the Dragonborn hadn't had much luck in escaping from the determined marauders. His heavy armour wasn't much help either, it sure had its benefits during combat, but now it was beginning to feel like a disadvantage. Magnus made a metal note to swap to something lighter when he got the chance.
Things may have gone differently if he had brought someone with him to cover his blinds spots through the grasslands, but that hardly seemed necessary considering the purpose of this "outing". At first some quick cash and recognition from the Jarl seemed good enough payment to take the head of a Sabretooth, now like his unfailing shield, Magnus had left the beast's brutalised head in his tracks. He only hoped Jarl Vignar trusted his word that the cat had been slain.
The Dragonborn could see Whiterun's walls ahead in distance now. While admiring the tall fortifications he also noticed he was rapidly approaching a large dip in the land barely visible hidden behind a mass of small boulders. Instantly an idea struck him and he sped up using what little stamina and energy he had left.
When he finally arrived at his objective, he quickly vaulted over the rocks and landed with a hard thud and crunch of gravel. Obscured from the view of the bandits and taking up a grounded position Magnus listened and timed his moment perfectly.
"FUS RO DAH!" At once and not a moment too soon he let out the thundering shout, blasting the heavy boulders in the direction of his enemies.
Almost instantaneously two of the outlaws let out deafening cries as their bones were crunched under the weight. Those who didn't leap away from the carnage were also crushed, producing similar screams and yelps as their bodies were dismembered and mashed into chunks of flying flesh.
Momentarily shocked and put off balance, the remaining survivors were not prepared for the Dragonborn's next moves. Leaping from his cover Magnus rushed past the mangled bodies laying on the floor, drawing his sword in the process and lunging at the nearest enemy.
Identifying his target as an orc, Magnus simply sliced straight through the hilt of the axe the green mass had attempted to shield itself with.
Unsurprisingly, the severe Dragonbone of Magnus' sword smoothly cut deep into the orc's torso, shattering his collarbone and continuing a further twenty centimeters between two ribs that had woven around the blade. Drawing the weapon from the orc's chest Magnus spun, parrying a blow that had unexpectedly significant strength, to his surprise he found it was a rouge Imperial women who had landed the strike.
The female had two parallel scars across her cheek just below her blue eyes, which were cut short by a steel-horned helmet. She was also wearing matching armour which looked polished and well kept, most likely she was the leader of this reckless group of brigands.
Without another moment to think, the Imperial heaved back her sluggish war hammer and swung viciously at the Dragonborn's head. Magnus immediately ducked away from the killer swing, attempting to gain his balance. The hammer was held stationary for a moment reflecting a dull golden sheen indicating the weapon was most likely of Dwarven make and a heavy object. The women again held it above her head revealing a crazed look, which had moulded to her face as she prepared for another swipe. This was all he needed however, an instant of anger and rash movement that would allow him to find his moment, also it helped that the women had much of her skin exposed. Her entire midriff, thigh and neck area were not protected, leaving many places prone for him to strike.
At that moment she howled and sprinted attempting another killer swing at his skull. With ease Magnus simply glided underneath the elongated stroke, skidding along the hard dirt and applying a deep slice to her left thigh muscle. As expected, this produced a bellowing groan from the belligerent imperial woman who naturally started waving her weapon in a wild rage to hit anything close by.
After a few meager seconds of furious screams and circular swings the women finally slumped her shoulders dazed as she to keep her stability. Still holding his sword actively, Magnus wasn't about to take a risk as the imperial continued to grasp the gleaming war hammer between her hands. Instead he stepped in an anticlockwise direction opposite to the way she had just spun.
Watching as the attacker removed her helmet, Magnus remarked the sweat streaming from her face, travelling down her neck and angling toward her breasts. The jaw structure on the women reminded Magnus of Serana and if not for the circumstances, Magnus may have admitted that this women was actually quite beautiful in a cold, brutal sort of way.
Her hair had now unfolded from being trapped inside the helmet and further reminded Magnus of his vampire friend. The imperial was naturally raven-haired and had quite a big bust from what her plated body revealed.
Now the Dragonborn was distracted, taking a slow step forward sword still raised. All of a sudden the sweating beauty standing in front of him jerked an arm to the top of her hammer and swung aimlessly toward him. It was a less then powerful strike, but she had tried. When the Dwemer weapon came back around a second time, Magnus managed to catch it in his right hand, pulling it from the women's grasp and throwing in behind him and out of reach. Then grabbing her wrist he twisted her arm behind her back, locking it into position as he pushed her onto her knees.
Magnus considered letting her go for a moment as she whined against her restrained arm, however she had been too much trouble already and killing her seemed like the safest option.
Lowering the blade of his sword onto her shoulder, he heard her whimper again as the brunette realised what was the come. She spoke, pleading, "Please, please I'll do anything you ask, just please – I don't want to die." At that moment he instantly made his decision, whether she was trying to play him or was genuinely afraid for her life the Imperial didn't deserve to live.
Gently releasing her arm, Magnus slowly reached up to her hair and lay his hand on top of her head, ever so slightly tilting her head back as he placed his blade on her throat. She jumped at the touch of the sword, but it was too late. Magnus ran his blade along her throat slitting it in one swift stroke.
Wasting little time he turned, surveying the area for any more signs of his previous ambushers. Sprawled on the floor were the mutilated bodies of his foes, their crushed disfigured corpses covered in blood and sinew, seeping from collections of wounds caused by the large stones that had been flung at them. Continuing to turn, Magnus stopped when he sighted a Nord who was seemingly staring wide-eyed at him.
The boy must have been no more that eighteen, wearing leather armour which covered most of his lanky structure from the neck down. He had short brown hair with blue eyes and a soft looking face with a nervous expression plastered across it. He began mumbling pleas whilst hesitantly stepping backward away from the Dragonborn, retreating from the warrior who had just murdered his entire party.
He was an embarrassment to the Nord race, which was built upon the very foundations of bravery and courage on the battlefield. Dropping his sword the coward was becoming increasingly desperate fearing what the Dragonborn would do next.
"You're an embarrassment to the Nord race. Who taught you to be this weak-willed?" Magnus spoke deeply as he assessed what to say next. "Go, and if I see your face again… let us hope you have the courage to prove yourself."
The boy reading Magnus' face knew instantly what the consequences would be if they did meet a second time. Stumbling back the Nord tripped, frantically picking himself up and sprinting in the opposite direction.
Magnus let out the large breath he had been holding in for past minute, sighing as he rotated his sword arm. He hadn't been injured, but he was drained of all energy. He had relied on adrenaline ever since he had stopped running and now his muscular body was trying to regain itself.
Walking over to the Imperial women who now lay in a pool of her own blood, Magnus reached down to her waist detaching a small pouch of gold that he stuffed into an empty slot in his armour. Looking up, he again sighted Whiterun in the distance, inspecting once more the high walls that protected the hold. Hopefully the rest of his walk there would be less… eventful.
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When the Dragonborn finally arrived at the entrance of the city the guards fixed their posture almost instantaneously, straightening their postures as they noticed their superior officer approach the gates.
Simultaneously both guards acknowledged Magnus, "Stormblade", the guard on the left hand side reached for the handle on the sizeable wooden doors. He was a lanky figure, but held his form well, no doubt battle-hardened. Recognising the man as one of the Stormcloaks from the original Whiterun siege he had fought. Magnus gave a slight nod before proceeding onto the paved road beyond the gate.
The street was busy with merchants, pilgrims and adventurers, all trying to make their way in the newly revered land of Skyrim. Ever since the defeat of the Alduin and end of the civil war, Skyrim had once more become a land of fortune and prosperity, causing a large influx in citizens as well as trade.
Wanting to avoid the crowds, Magnus strolled to the left passing The Drunken Huntsmen on his right and heading towards the Wind District. Even with his speed and careful maneuvering, members among the crowd still noticed him, their jaws dropping and eyes widening as they realised who Magnus was.
He was still unsure of how to react to the masses that had praised him as their savior after he had slayed Alduin. Magnus had been thrown into his destiny with little choice. Being the 'Dragonborn' felt like more of a burden then a blessing from the divines, now more then ever he was regularly put in harms way, never seeming to get time for himself. He understood people were appreciative and wanted to show their recognition, but maybe they could be empathetic enough to leave him in peace as well.
He was always being approached and advanced upon by numerous females from all sorts of races. In most cases they had declared their "love" publically, practically giving themselves to him and straight out signalling they wanted him for themselves.
Magnus however, was not as interested and had only ever bed women who he thought had true feelings for him. This was getting difficult to tell though, only before killing Alduin and rising to fame and glory did he know who exactly wanted him for their own desires or because they held genuine feelings for him. There was only one on his mind however.
By this time Magnus had reached the top of the small staircase leading from the northwest of the Plains District, almost stopping in his tracks as he spotted Olfina Gray-mane and comprehended what was about to happen.
The Nord women didn't waste a moment as she leapt into his arms, rubbing her voluptuous body against his. "Magnus!" she squealed as she held him in a forceful hug virtually squeezing the air out of his lungs under the pressure. Pulling away, Olfina stood at a distance where her breasts where in full view of the Dragonborn's eyes practically flaunting her curves for him.
"Olfina… how are you?" Magnus said, trying to sound genuine in his greeting.
"I'm fantastic now that you're here! Where have you been, I haven't seen you in a whole week?"
Olfina must have thought Magnus was the most interesting thing to have ever entered her life and she showed it when she spoke to him. Magnus however, hated these confrontations. Olfina had become overwhelmingly attached in the past few months, displaying her jubilant obsession over him every time she asked for his life's story. He had hoped to evade her eye whenever he was in Whiterun, but that had deemed difficult since he had a longstanding friendship with the Gray-Mane clan, in particular her family.
"I've just been doing a job for the Jarl, in fact I'm heading to the Cloud District now." Magnus stated, pausing for Olfina's next comment.
"My uncle has been working you hard again I suppose, I hope he's not putting you in danger."
"Nothing I can't handle." The Dragonborn spoke in a conclusive tone, slowly taking hastened steps around the young maiden. Before he could escape however, Olfina spoke abruptly.
"You must come for dinner tonight at my mother and father's estate, they would be more then welcome to have you dine with us!"
Tilting he head and forcing a smile, Magnus departed with a "maybe" turning toward the great Gildergleam tree. This time the Dragonborn was meticulous in his care not to look anybody in the eye, wary not to begin any more exchanges.
Luckily he arrived at Dragonreach in little time without any more interruptions, only having to nod to various Stormcloak guards who halted in their tracks to salute as he strode up the steps.
After being admitted entry and marching up towards the Jarl, Magnus noticed Brill in a heated argument with what looked to be a Dragonguard officer. Dragonguards, the bodyguard unit of Jarl Ulfric himself, were handpicked from the Stormcloak elite and had a fearsome reputation for killing those who got in their way, a fact that didn't seem to bother the Jarl's steward.
This particular officer was lean-muscled like Magnus and possessed a large scar across one of his blue eyes. He was bald and cleanly shaven and wore silver chainmail armour finished with blue leather straps and the Stormcloak insignia on his steel shoulder plate.
When Vignar spotted Magnus approaching he stood up. Interrupting the angry chatter he spoke over the top of the a Dragonguard, "Ulfric will not get what we cannot give him. Take your men and leave Bjørn."
The soldier surprised at the outburst spoke back in a threatening manner. "Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak will hear of this and we will return to take who we want by force if need be." Locking eyes with Vignar, the pompous soldier then turned and marched away with disgust, his men quickly following shooting cold glances to Magnus as they departed.
Vignar watched them for a moment before turning to face the Dragonborn, producing a wide smile and opening his arms. "Magnus my friend! How are you? I hope you bring better news then those cold bastards", crinkling his brow in the direction in which Bjørn and the other Dragonguard had left.
"I do, but what was that all about?"
"Oh just Ulfric being too greedy for his own good. He wants what's left of my best guards to join his army in Windhelm, he believes it is 'essential in the protection of Skyrim.' That Dragonguard Bjørn also stated that we are not in need of them, as we are nowhere near Skyrim's borders and are not the ones protecting it against the other 'untrustworthy races'." Vignar articulated his last two words in clear mockery of the Dragonguard.
"Ulfric has always held a grudge against the other races, I don't know whether he dislikes them for personal reasons or whether he is just paranoid they may try something." Magnus knew it was the former, but he wasn't about to reveal his true feelings. He had always known Ulfric had cared only for the Nords and while it didn't have any effect on Magnus he knew despite being Elves, Khajiit or even the Bretons, they all suffered under Ulfric's rule.
"Well let's not concern ourselves with that right now, you said you had good news for me?" Rubbing the grey stubble under his chin, Vignar gave an interested look.
"Yes, I killed the Sabre cat which had been panicking the villagers just outside Rorikstead. I did have the head with me, but sadly I had to abandon it when I was jumped by some bandits."
"Oh?"
"I had to flee from the initial ambush site, but I dealt with them soon after. There were six of them, being led by a female Imperial by what I saw." Magnus was careful not to count the Nord boy which he had let escape, if a patrol unit found the bodies they would be sure to report that there were only six.
"An Imperial you say, did she have dark hair with large scars beneath her cheek?"
"She did, quite a fighter as well, unfortunately she let her anger get the best of her."
"Well in that case you are entitled to a second reward, that women has been frustrating me for weeks now, hijacking trade caravans and robbing nobles. I was going to send out a large unit of men to deal with her, now I can transfer them elsewhere. I thank you Dragonborn." Without another word Vignar turned his head to Brill giving him a knowing nod. The steward hastily made his way over to a chest pulling out a sizeable coin purse, which jingled as he carried it over and placed it in Magnus' solid hands. "I think you'll find that is more than adequate." the Jarl said again breaking into a large grin.
"Thank you Jarl." Magnus bowed his head before exiting.
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The streets were quieter now, it was late in the evening, the sky had a pinkish yellow tinge surrounding the horizon as Magnus strode down the steps towards The Bannered Mare. As he made his way he took in the sound of the water, which was pleasantly trickling down the canals on either side of the staircase.
The various stall owners were packing up and beginning to leave when one vendor caught Magnus' attention with their voice.
"Magnus." The women spoke while taking the Dragonborn's hands into a light grip underneath her own wrinkling ones.
"Fralia, how have you been? Is life treating you well?"
"I am quite alright, what about you? Have you been fairing well yourself?"
Magnus hesitated for a moment, not entirely sure of the best answer. He had been healthy, but that's not what she was asking. "I ah… I've been travelling a lot, in fact I will be leaving for Riften tomorrow, I have some business in the area."
Fralia however was not easily fooled and she saw through his attempt to mask his true feelings. Not wanting him to feel uncomfortable mercifully she decided ignore it and instead change the subject. "So you are staying in Whiterun for the night I presume? Olfina said you were having dinner with us tonight and that myself and Eorlund were to be extra nice." Fralia gave him a knowing look, indicating Olfina's real interests. "But to me it certainly looks like you were planning on spending your night drowning yourself in wine and mead."
"Did she now? Well I didn't make any promises but I think the tavern is fine with me."
"Tut tut tut, I will not allow you to stuff your face on stale bread and old fruit." Grabbing him by the arm the elderly women turned him in the direction her house pulling him at a surprisingly brisk pace.
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The night had gone remarkably well. Magnus persuaded Fralia to allow him to return home to change out of his armour and into warmer, more comfortable clothes. They had all shared stories about their own day with one another, Magnus telling them about the bandit attack earlier that day and exchanging jokes keeping the night lively. The four sat sharing a small feast Olfina had prepared earlier in the evening.
Eorland and Magnus sat side-by-side facing the front door opposite to Fralia and Olfina. As more and more alcohol was drunk, throughout the night Olfina had slowly begun to rub and caress the inside of Magnus' legs with her own ankles. Struggling to keep his composure Magnus became unsettled and wasn't sure how to react to the young Gray-Mane's advances. After identifying the Dragonborn's obvious discomfort Olfina had ceased to try to seduce him, also trying to avoid eye contact when she could.
Lapsing into a silence for a few uncomfortable seconds, Fralia took the moment to bring up Magnus' trip early the next morning. "So Magnus, you said something about leaving for Riften tomorrow. What are your plans there?"
"I am to meet with the Jarl there. There have been some disturbing rumors of skooma trade nearby and I am guess they want me to follow up on it."
"You're going so soon, but I thought you were going to stay in Whiterun for a while?" Olfina said with a note of unhappiness in her voice.
"I was but I only recently got a message two days ago, it's amazing how some couriers can track me. I mean the places I go… they're ridiculously good trackers. I will return just not for some time."
"I think Olfina was hoping you could escort her to Riverwood on business. The roads aren't as dangerous then they used to be but you never know" Eorland spoke in an allusive manner, nodding to Fralia who simply gave an approving smile at the other two.
"I'm sure when I get back, I will have all the time in the world take Olfina out to Riverwood." Magnus gave Olfina a kind smile trying to hide the fact he had no desire to her take out.
Olfina obviously excited by it, shot an eager look to Magnus, who was rolling his eyes internally.
"Well it's quite late and I'm feeling tiresome. Magnus after your busy day I'm sure you're keen on some sleep as well, so maybe it's time we end dinner here?" Fralia covered her mouth as she yawned.
"I think you're quite right. Thank you for having me, it was lovely talking with you." Magnus shifted in his seat before pushing it back and standing up.
"Olfina, I think it would be polite if you were to walk Magnus home." Eorland said looking toward her.
Now Magnus spoke. "No that's not necessary, I'm only a short stroll from here and I'm sure Olfina wouldn't want to walk out in the freezing air just to walk several yards."
"Well if you say s-"
Olfina cut her father off eagerly "No, no I would be more then happy for the walk." Olfina spoke while standing and picking up a coat from a wooden table near to her.
As she put it over herself, Magnus realised there was no way around the situation so he simply shrugged to Fralia and Eorland before thanking them and turning to exit through the door which Olfina had opened for him.
The late night air was cold, straightaway finding its way onto the exposed skin on Magnus' body. He was wearing a navy blue and white hooded jacket, which he had had handcrafted from Radiant Raiment and sent from Solitude. Olfina had clearly felt the chill as well, folding her arms across her chest in an attempt to keep her breasts and forearms warm.
Magnus, detaching the gloves off his hip, proceeded to place them over his hands and rub them together to heat his palms, watching Olfina's eyes wander into sky to observe the Aurora Borealis.
"It's beautiful isn't it" Olfina said momentarily distracted.
The sky was a mixture of turquoise surrounded by shades of greens and blues, a hypnotic blend in the dark starry sky.
"It is…" Magnus whispered becoming distracted for several seconds. "But I don't really fancy sticking around here in this breeze"
"You're quite right. Lets go."
The next five minutes were more or less excruciatingly dull. Olfina was a master at what seemed to be endless small talk and somehow managed to convince the Dragonborn to take the long way back to his home. The route involved a prolonged circle around the Gildergleam down into to the Plains District, passed the lonely market stalls and eventually to his front door.
"Well this has been… nice" Magnus tried to fake genuine smile.
"Yes it has. I hope we can do this again sometime." Olfina spoke finishing her sentence with a wide enthusiastic smile.
Magnus nodded before clenching his jaw. "Olfina I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but…" pausing for a few seconds he spoke again. "You're a lovely girl and I think you have really strong morals and beliefs which everyone should look up to, but I'm not the one for you."
"I don't understand, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'm not the one for you. I want us to be friends, but anything more than that and I would be lying about my feelings to you."
"You're saying you don't like me?" A saddened expression spread across Olfina's face.
"No, not that I don't like you. I just don't want our friendship to go any further then what it already is. I'm sorry."
"I- I thought so. Thankyou for telling me Magnus." Olfina fought back the tears, which began swelling up in her eyes. "I have to get back home… I'll, see you later." Forcing a smile onto her face she turned away.
Magnus watched her as she left, then turning to his door sighed poignantly and as he entered his house.
The downstairs area was warm having been heated by the fire, which was still flickering in the centre of the room. Proceeding to the staircase Magnus climbed the wooden steps heading to his room. As he arrived at the top of the of the next floor, Magnus noticed Lydia's door was shut indicating his housecarl was likely to be asleep.
Wandering into his room, Magnus pulled off his clothes, letting them loosely fall to the ground he then flopped onto his bed and fell into a deep sleep… Which he would need.
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