Author's Note: Hey guys, this is my first story on this new account. Some of you may be wondering why this is a crossover, and why it isn't in the crossover section. I placed it here only because I feel it will get more recognition this way. Regardless, I think they both have very similar traits to them, and fit well together (thus why I made this story). Anyway, I hope you enjoy the read, and my writing. Please leave a review and tell me what you think!
This is a tale like no other. Where myths and legends are a reality. In the land known as Skyrim, a great plague has fallen unto the people. On the break of war between two distinct sides, Skyrim grows more conflicted by the minute. But, there is more to this story than meets the eye. A great danger awakens from it's slumber, keen on reaping it's revenge on those that had sealed it away. In desperate times like these, the people of Skyrim look to the heavens for a sign of hope, for a savior to save them all. That savior, is the Dragonborn.
-Chapter 1: The Start of an Adventure-
The Drunken Huntsman ~ Whiterun
"I'll have another ale over here!"
"Same with me! Fill me up another!"
"It's so good! I think I'll take two more!" The bartender, a young, blonde haired boy with green eyes, smiled.
"That's four ales coming right up!" Quick as a flash, he disappeared behind the wooden counter, and popped back up, holding four tankards filled to the brim with ale. The foam gently seeped over the edges of the tankards as he bustled about, dispatching the drinks to his customers. Once the orders were completed, he returned to his place behind the counter.
*Pitooh!* "Blech, this food is terrible! Still, at least the ale's good!" Once again, the bartender smiled.
"Hawk, we got a clean up at table four!" Bursting through a closed set of doors, a pig appeared, trotting happily towards the up-chucked meal.
"As captain of the scraps disposal, it is my duty to cleanse this floor of this delicious meal!" The pig announced.
Captain of Scraps Disposal ~ Hawk
Whether it was the booze running through their system, or just their acceptance of the speaking animal, the men laughed giddily. Once Hawk finished up the scraps, he returned behind the counter, with the bartender. "Mission accomplished, Meliodas. The scraps have been disposed of." He raised one of his four legs in mock salute.
The bartender turned towards the pig, and grinned, returning his salute with a thumbs up.
Bartender and Owner of the Drunken Huntsman ~ Meliodas
Meliodas had no sooner given Hawk a thumbs up when the tavern door was thrown open. A soldier from the Imperial Legion stumbled in before falling against a table for support. His armor was charred, burnt black at the edges, and torn apart. Fear was evident in his eyes.
"The legends are true, Dragons have returned to Skyrim!" He announced hysterically. The room fell silent for a moment. Then, one of the drunken men stood,
"S-shuddup! There's no such th-thing as draguns!"
"Yeah!" The rest of the drunkards chimed in. The guard pushed against the table to stand once more.
"Don't you see! This isn't a joke! Does this," he pointed to his armor, "look like a joke to you?!" The men murmured amongst themselves, talking it over. Could it be true? Could the dragons have truly returned to skyrim? Meliodas had to know. Taking a deep breath, the guard continued his announcement,
"Helgen… It's been destroyed… by a dragon…! I barely made it out alive!" More murmurs reverberated throughout the room. The Imperial soldier paused for a moment before continuing,
"Jarl Balgruuf is looking for anyone brave enough to dispose of it. He says any man willing to assist his soldiers kill the beast will earn a reward." This piqued Meliodas' attention.
"What kind of reward?" One of the men questioned.
"Their weight in gold septims." The room suddenly became abuzz with activity.
"Wow! I could be rich!"
"Is it really worth it?"
"I'm out. It's certain death!"
As the guard settled down into the chair to regain his strength, Meliodas popped up next to him.
"Hey there!" His chirpy attitude and sudden appearance startled the injured guard, causing him to fall over. Meliodas helped him back up into a sitting position, "Whoopsie-daisy. There we go, all better."
"Th-Thank you…" he muttered. His voice had become quieter, no doubt from the exhaustion.
"Hey, what's your name?" Meliodas asked.
"Hadvar… " The soldier replied proudly. Meliodas smiled,
"Now, about that reward…" Hadvar looked up curiously,
"Yes…?"
"Where do we sign up!" Meliodas and Hawk questioned excitedly.
The Jarl's Estate ~ Dragonsreach
Meliodas, followed by Hawk, wandered into the great halls of Dragonsreach. On either side of them, stood several large wooden columns, each engraved with ancient Nordic carvings. Above them, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their candlelight illuminating the great hall. At the end of the hall, sat Jarl Balgruuf.
Jarl of Whiterun ~ Balgruuf the Greater
Meliodas walked cautiously towards the end of the hall, towards the Jarl. A great fire sat in the center of the hall, surrounded by two long tables with sets of silver plates and chalices.
Imagine eating scraps off of those! Awwee! Hawk looked on in awe.
"Hey, Meliodas, do you think the Drunken Huntsman will be ok while we're gone?" Hawk asked worriedly. Meliodas let out a humph and fished something out of his pants.
"As long as I've got the keys, nothing will happen. Don't worry Hawk, it's under control." Meliodas dismissed the issue and continued walking.
"... What would you have me do then? Nothing?" Evidently, Meliodas had walked right into the middle of an argument between the two figures standing next to the Jarl. One, was a feeble looking elderly man, while the other, was a fierce looking female with bluish skin.
"My lord, please. This is no time for rash action. I just think we need more information before we act. I just…"
"My Jarl, we have a visitor." The woman spoke cautiously, resting her hand on the hilt of her sword.
"Who's this then?" Balgruuf asked irritably.
"My name is Sir. Meliodas, my Jarl. I heard you are offering a reward to anyone to kill the dragon. I have come to offer my services." Meliodas answered curtly. Balgruuf stroked his blonde beard before standing up. Remaining completely silent, the man circled Meliodas, sizing him up. When he finished his inspection, he sat back down.
"You don't look much like the fighting type." He said bluntly. Meliodas merely smiled.
"How about I prove you wrong?" Meliodas challenged. Balgruuf grinned and chuckled.
"Well, I supposed I do have a task suitable for someone of your… particular talents… perhaps." Balgruuf stood up again, this time striding off to the right side of the hall, "Come, let's go find my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons and… rumors of dragons." Meliodas followed Balgruuf as they entered the right wing of the hall. A large doorway opened into an adjacent room, considerably smaller but still large nonetheless.
Inside was a mess; books and other items lay strewn here and there, seemingly in no particular order whatsoever. Potions and other mysterious bottles sat on shelves and tables, with labels and markings inscribed on the parchment wrapped around them.
"King? King are you asleep again?" Balgruuf began looking about the room.
"Who's this King?" Meliodas asked.
"He's my court wizard. He can be a bit… difficult. Mages. You know." From behind them, one of the closet doors opened, revealing a short, cloaked figure in blue robes. His face was mostly hidden behind the shadow of the robe's hood. The figure then pulled off the hood, revealing a surprisingly young face, with almost childish features.
"It's just a kid!" Hawk whispered in astonishment.
"Ah! There you are. Meliodas, my court wizard, King. King, I think I've found someone who can help you with your dragon project. Go ahead and fill him in with all the details."
Balgruuf's Court Wizard ~ King
King looked towards Meliodas, the fatigue still evident in his eyes. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he looked Meliodas and Hawk over.
"Hm… so the Jarl thinks you can be of some use to me? Well, I would appreciate an extra sword on my side while I search for the tablet…"
"Oh not this again. King I told you, I need you here!" Balgruuf interrupted, slightly agitated.
"Jarl, please, I need to be there. There could be traps or… or secrets that only I have the knowledge of. Besides, with him as my bodyguard, I doubt we'll have much trouble. Please Balgruuf, I simply must go." King begged. Meliodas internally scoffed.
What could this young kid do in a fight? Looks like I'll have to be playing babysitter while we get this tablet thingy.
Balgruuf groaned and rubbed his temple, "Alright, I suppose so. But listen here, you are not expendable. I need everyone at my side right now. And you," Balgruuf suddenly turned to Meliodas, his tone seemingly condescending and full of authority, "Keep him out of trouble please?" In an instant, his tone had changed from authoritative to pleading, almost worriedly so.
"Uh, yeah of course. Gotcha." Meliodas replied happily.
"Alright then. You two be off, and try to get back here as soon as possible. I'll be here when you get back." Balgruuf walked out of the room, back to his throne where the man and woman waited for him. King looked back at Meliodas.
"Well, it seems it's settled then. Let me just gather a few things, and we'll be off."
~ 2 hours later ~
After quite a bit of scavenging for supplies, King finally bade farewell to the Jarl, and the two began their journey to Bleak Falls Barrow.
"You call that a few things? What do you even have in there anyway?" Meliodas plucked the cumbersome bag from King's hands, and peered inside curiously.
"If we're going on a journey we should be prepared." King attempted to grab back the bag, but Meliodas held him at bay with his free hand.
"Have any booze?"
"No! Of course not!" Meliodas carelessly dumped the bag back into King's hands, causing him to topple over instantly.
"Well it's a good thing I brought mine!" King sat up irritably, and picked up his bag. The two continued in silence for a bit. It was getting later in the day, and the sun was beginning to set, leaving a bright orange color in the sky. The light glossed over the fields of grass that surrounded them. King's arms were getting tired. And his arms. And his back. Quite frankly, King was exhausted. He decided to speak up,
"We should rest for a bit… "
"Are you kidding? We're not even at Riverwood yet. We'll rest when we get there." Meliodas kept walking forward, ignoring the groans and moans of poor King behind him.
"C-C'mon… at least… at least let me take a break for a minute… " Against Meliodas' wishes, King sat against a nearby rock. Noticing the absence of his childish friend, Meliodas sighed and walked over to where King was sitting.
"You don't have much strength do you?" He commented. King responded with angry look,
"It's not what I specialize in, no." Looking over to his bag, Meliodas sighed again.
It looks like I'll have to help him out.
Walking over to King's bag, he quickly began shuffling through the contents, tossing out items here and there.
"H-Hey! What are you doing! That's my stuff!"
"C'mon Meliodas give the kid back his stuff." Hawk submitted. Meliodas shook his head,
"I'm doing him a favor. Honestly, I don't think we need all of these books. And a pot? Why did you even bring this?" Meliodas continued to toss items over his head, much to King's dismay.
"T-Those are spell books! I need those! I don't have any other copies! Wait, no! I need that too! Stop!" When he had finished his handiwork, Meliodas stood up confidently.
"Here!" He tossed the bag back to King. Unexpecting the sudden toss, King braced for impact and shut his eyes. He was overwhelmingly surprised when the bag hit him.
It's so light!
"You're welcome." Meliodas grinned before turning around and continuing down the cobblestone road.
"Thanks… " King jogged after him.
Riverwood
The trio walked through the main gate at the town of Riverwood. It was nighttime, and most of the townsfolk had gone to sleep. Only the crickets and the flitting of bugs could be heard. A few guards walked about, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. Meliodas walked down the street, surrounded by two rows of wooden cottages.
"Ah! There we go. The Sleeping Giant Inn." Meliodas pointed to a sign hanging from a wooden post just past the main gate.
"Sleeping Giant Inn? Curious name…" King wondered.
"Maybe there was a Giant here some time long ago? Maybe that's how it got it's name?" Hawk guessed. The two followed Meliodas up a small set of wooden steps and through the door.
Sleeping Giant Inn ~ Riverwood
Inside the tavern, it was surprisingly quiet; only the soft plucking of a lute could be heard. A few strangers sat at tables, either drunk, or sitting quietly to themselves.
"Not bad." Meliodas commented, admiring the tavern. Hawk scoffed,
"Yeah, maybe. Still, it's nothing compared to the Drunken Huntsman!" Letting out a snort, the pig trotted forward with pride.
"You guys own that place?" King asked.
"Sure do." Both Hawk and Meliodas replied in unison.
"It's got a terrible reputation for drunkards, at least, that's what the guards say." King commented. Meliodas merely smiled,
"Then what they say is true!" King was taken aback,
"And you're proud of that?!" Meliodas chuckled,
"Sure am. We've got the best ale in Whiterun, and once our customers are drunk, they just keeping coming back for more!"
He's a scheming con-artist! King thought in astonishment.
The trio made their way over to the counter, where a burly man with long brown hair and thick muscles stood.
"Need a room?" He asked before any of them could say something, "Talk to Elizabeth."
"And who might that be?" King asked. The man pointed behind them to a young woman. She had beautiful long white hair which fell to the small of her back, and wore a simple blue and green dress, and a pair of boots.
"Oh, well, thank you," The bartender nodded and went back to wiping the countertop. King turned to Meliodas, "Hey Meliodas, we need… Meliodas? Hey, where'd he go?" King had turned to speak to Meliodas, only to find he had disappeared.
"I think he already beat you to the punch! Look!" Hawk pointed a stubby leg towards the other end of the Inn. There was Meliodas, speaking to the Inn keeper, Elizabeth. His eyes were glossy, like a man in a dream. KIng could've been imagining it, but he thought he saw some drool fall from the corner of Meliodas's goofy smile.
"Well hello there lady Elizabeth. I hear you're the proprietor of this fine establishment, no?" Meliodas stood rather close for Elizabeth's liking, making her slightly nervous.
"Why, uh… yes. Who are you?" She asked. Meliodas grinned,
"Why, I'm Meliodas, pleased to meet you." Meliodas gently took her hand, and kissed it. Elizabeth stood still, unsure how to respond, a red blush coming onto her cheeks.
"Oh! Uh, p-pleased to meet you too!" She let out a nervous laugh, trying to cover her blush, "D-Do you need a room? We've got one available if you need it." Meliodas smiled,
"Why thank you! Yes, I'd like a room for me, my pig Hawk, and my friend King here!" Meliodas wrapped his arm around King's shoulder, bringing him to his side. Elizabeth nodded happily,
"Of course! That'd be ten septims." Meliodas fished in his pocket for money, but found only the bottoms of his pockets. He looked to Hawk,
"Don't look at me, we left it all at home." Elizabeth gasped upon hearing Hawk speak.
"Is… is that a talking pig?"
"Hey King, you got ten septims?" Meliodas, ignoring Elizabeth's new discovery, looked towards King. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he fished out ten septims from his pocket. Meliodas happily swiped the money from his palm and bestowed it to Elizabeth.
"Here you go! Ten septims." Elizabeth gratefully accepted the coin and pocketed it.
"I'll lead you to your room then! Follow me." Meliodas followed closely behind Elizabeth, with King and Hawk trailing somewhat behind. Elizabeth led the trio the room closest to the bar. "Here we are!" Elizabeth gently threw the door open, presenting the room to them. It was a simple room, with a wooden chest at the foot of the bed, and several cupboards here and there.
Wait. Just one bed?
"Uh, excuse me, Miss Elizabeth? Is there any chance… a second room available?" King asked hopefully. He wasn't keen on sharing the bed with Meliodas, or sleeping in the same room as him for that matter. Elizabeth twirled her finger in her hair shyly,
"Hehe, um, no sorry this is the last room available right now. Unless you plan on staying tomorrow as well?" Meliodas turned away, a serious look on his face, as though he were mulling the thought over.
"Hmm… I wouldn't mind staying an extra night-"
"Haha, I'm afraid we've got to get going tomorrow. Thank you anyway for your hospitality." The last thing King wanted was to spend more time with Meliodas than he needed to. He was only a mercenary after all.
"You're welcome! Just call me if you need anything, I'll be just across the hall." King thanked her again as she walked out the door.
"All right Meliodas, I guess we're sharing-"
"Oh sweet Elizabeth… do you need any help? Did you know I run a tavern too? We have so much in common! Hehehe… " King looked on in disgust as Meliodas lay on the bed, kissing up to the pillow.
"Nevermind… I'll pass… "
Nighttime ~ Several hours later
Rustle… Rustle… THUD
King stirred in his sleep. Slowly, he popped an eye open. The room was almost completely dark. Only the faint glow of the moon illuminated the room. Hawk snored quietly off the side of Meliodas's bed. King looked at the bed. It was empty! He knew it. He knew Meliodas would try sneaking into Elizabeth's room at night! Throwing the small fur blanket he had found off his body, he quickly stood up from his pitiful bed.
I'll clobber him if he's doing what I think he's doing!
King quietly slipped on his boots and walked over to the door. He had almost pulled it open when he heard faint whispering on the other side. Curious, he pushed the door open a crack and peered into the hall.
"I say we gut him, here and now! It's not worth dragging him all the way back!"
"No, we'll get more if we keep him alive!"
"He never promised that! You don't know for sure!"
Inside the tavern, stood three men, all dressed in light chained armor. One of them, presumably the leader, held Meliodas at knifepoint, a gag covered his mouth.
Meliodas! Who are these guys?
King panicked. What was he to do? He quickly thought of Chastiefol. Without a second thought, he rushed over to his bag and pulled the spear out, wielding the light weapon with ease. Quickly and quietly, he rushed back over to his peeping hole.
"We don't have time for this! Let's take this outside!"
"Stop right there!" Before he could leap out and make his attack, another voice entered the scene. Looking over to behind the counter, King spotted Elizabeth, wielding a frying pan. Although her eyes stood firm, posture quaked like a leaf in the wind.
"Great, now look, we've been spotted!"
"Guess we'll have to take care of her too. You two, take him outside, I'll take care of her." The leader handed Meliodas off to the other two bandits. Meliodas yelled into his gag, his muffled screams unintelligible. King watched as Meliodas was carried outside, leaving Elizabeth and the bandit leader.
"I said stop! Where are you taking him!" Elizabeth demanded. The bandit frowned, his composure relaxed.
"We're here to teach him a lesson. Please don't interfere." Slowly, he began approaching Elizabeth.
"Stay back!" Elizabeth began to back off, keeping the frying pan tight in her arms.
"Sorry lassie. Didn't want it to be this way."
"Hold it!" Deciding it was now or never, King sprang from his hiding spot. Holding Chastiefol tightly in his hands, he pointed the spear towards the bandit. "Leave her alone, and tell me where your friends took Meliodas!" The bandit seemed unaffected by King's threat.
"Oh, another one? This is turning out to be quite a mess. Alright then, you first. Then I'll take care of you." Brandishing a two sided steel axe, the bandit assumed fighting position. "Come on then! I'll let you have the first move." Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, the door opened.
"What's all the commotion?" One of the town guards questioned oblivious to the situation at hand. Without warning, the bandit quickly swung his axe down and under, bringing it upwards and into the guard's chest. The blade sunk deep into his chest, killing him almost instantly. He let out a surprised gurgle before falling silent for good. Elizabeth and King watched in horror as he kicked off the corpse from his axe.
"All right then. My turn!"
"But that wasn't-" King didn't get to finish. The bandit was on him in an instant. Bringing his axe down with a violent scream, King swiftly dodged his attack. The axe sliced through a nearby table, embedding itself in the wooden floor. Elizabeth squeaked in fright, hiding behind the counter with only her eyes above its surface so she could see.
King turned around, raising his hands chest-high. Chastiefol rose into the air, as if picked up by the wind, and hovered next to King midair.
"I won't ask you again, where did they take Meliodas?!" The bandit grunted, and pulled his axe out of the floor.
"A mage then? No matter, my next hit will end you!" With a fierce battle cry, the bandit charged King once more. With a swift motion of the hand, King sent Chastiefol flying towards the bandit's chest. Within seconds, Chastiefol pierced through the bandit's steel armor, into his skin, and out the other end. Blood dripped from the spear's tip, staining the floor.
"Looks like it's game over." King pulled Chastiefol out of the bandit's body, allowing it to fall and hit the floor. Elizabeth slowly rose from her hiding spot.
"You killed him… " She said quietly. King looked down in shame.
"I had no choice. He would've killed you and Meliodas." Then King remembered, "Meliodas! We have to go after him!" Without a second thought, King darted out the door.
"Wait! Sir King!" Elizabeth watched helplessly as King dashed after his friend.
"What's all the ruckus about? Can't a pig catch some z's?" Hawk appeared at the foot of Meliodas's room. He looked at Elizabeth, then asked, "What's the matter?"
Outside Riverwood
"This is far enough, let's get this over with already!"
"Alright, set him down." Meliodas hit the dirt with a thump.
"Sorry pal, it's just good business." The second bandit muttered, pulling out his knife. Meliodas watched carefully as his captor approached, holding the instrument of his death. Just then, a voice called out,
"Sir Meliodas! NO!" It was Elizabeth! This was his chance! The bandit, who was distracted by her voice, turned his eyes away from Meliodas. Using this opening, Meliodas quickly spun around, pulling his bound arms around the bandit's neck. With all his might, he pulled, choking him. The second bandit turned immediately, and screamed in anger,
"You! I knew we should've killed you sooner! AHHHHH!" The bandit screamed in rage, pulled out his sword, and charged. Using his comrade as a shield, Meliodas threw him upon the other bandit's sword, causing the two to topple over. Quickly, while he was still down, Meliodas picked up the bandit's knife, and began cutting at his binds.
"You bastard! I'll kill you!"
Snap!
Meliodas's binds fell to the floor. Pulling the gag out of his mouth, he scoffed.
"You really should've killed me when you had the chance…" Before the bandit could even comprehend the words leaving his mouth, Meliodas spun around and stuck the knife in his neck. He stood for a moment, gurgling on his own blood which began pouring from the wound, before finally succumbing to the blow.
"Wow…" King appeared from behind Meliodas, "You know… for a while there… I almost thought you were just a bartender… " Meliodas didn't respond for a moment. King wondered what he was thinking about. He then turned around, with that notorious smile on his face.
"Well, I'm a bit of both you could say!"
"Sir Meliodas!" Elizabeth stood next to King. She still wore her undergarments, and carried a worried expression on her face. "Are you alright? Who were those men?" Meliodas shook his hand in dismissal,
"Nobody important. Just a few hired hands from somebody who wanted to kill me. Not sure why though… " He began walking back towards Riverwood, leaving the two corpses behind. "C'mon, we should get back. Wouldn't want to run into another group of bandits. Who knows what they'd do to Elizabeth if they saw her wearing only her underwear… " Elizabeth looked down at her half-naked body and froze.
"AH!" She screamed suddenly, a red blush appearing on her cheeks. In a futile attempt to hide her body from Meliodas and King, she dashed behind a nearby tree. Meliodas couldn't contain himself.
"What's the matter? More bandits? Don't worry I'll protect you! Just stay close to me!"
"No! Please, you can't see me like this!"
"Ugh can we please just go back to bed… " King yawned loudly, "I'm so tired…"