AN: Nylia is the type of werewolf seen in blood moon in the Morrowind expansion pack. If you do not know what they look like I have a link on my profile.
Disclaimer: Oblivion, the blood moon werewolves, and plot, some concepts, and some characters belong to Bethesda studios
Nylia and other unrecognizable characters, and their personalities are my creation using the concepts of course in the game.
Pacing around absentmindedly in my small musty cell. The chains on my arms, legs, and neck rustled constantly. So much that in fact that I think that I might have gone insane already. That might as well be true considering that I have been here since I was a pup. So, naturally, it has become a habit of mine as there was nothing else to do.
How exactly did I come to be imprisoned here again? I wondered. All I know is was just a puppy. I had been loved by the Maythans, who were the people that found me. The ones that I had come to call family. However, sometimes I wondered. Did they miss me? Did they just not bother to go looking for me or did they not know where I am. They would not be the first people in my life that I lost.
I lost my mother when I just an infant. I could only remember vague bits of my birth mother, but even that was not much. I don't know whatever happened to her or what caused her to disappear. The only thing that I have of her to go by is the memory of scent and even that is hard for me to remember at times. All I know that I also vaguely remember, one day I woke up hungry and when I couldn't smell her. I cried out for her for a while. I was then found and taken in by the Maythans at some point. Who must have been nearby and heard my cries. Where I was loved and was treated well.
Huffing, I inspected my tiny cell for what felt like millionth time. My eyes moving to the other side of the room. Which was where that familiar plain metal door was where the rare guard would come through. Usually just to make sure I was behaving. After I would be howling and scratching on the walls and door. Though, this would happen more often on one night a month, where it felt like my instincts were in charge. This was usually when one or both moons were full. I could hear howling in the distance those nights as well, and I longed to join them. I would claw at them to try to escape. Soon there would be a point when a guard would come in to shut me up. Though sometimes a guard would wound me with their weapons. It would also happen even when I was not doing anything. Because of that I did not trust them any of them
How it usually went is that even before the guard would come in. The chains attached to the metal collar on my neck as well as cuffs on my limbs would retract into the wall that the chains were located in. Even as had grown accustomed to it over the years, it had still frightened me, and I would struggle to get free. Afterward, a guard would then come in, either to yell at me to shut up before taking away the remains of my meal from when they fed my last, or they would come in and hurt me a bit more. Trying to protect myself I would try to snap at them and bite him. Sometimes I was successful in doing so. And they would end up with a serious wound themselves. The guards would then leave shutting the door behind them, muttering that they needed to do something about me soon. At that point, the chains would slacken again, and I was able to move again freely around the cell.
Starting to feel drowsy I yawned. a good nap would be perfect right now. I turned toward my straw and cloth makeshift "bed" and ambled my way over to it. lying down and shutting my eyes to rest. Not long after the hatch in the wall opened next to above my bed. My ears perked up and I got up again unconsciously wagging my tail slightly. Salivating in anticipation of what happened around this time. I knew all too well what this meant. it meant that my food was here. Hearing and smelling the human on the other. I Waited eagerly as half a dead deer dropped through, and water was poured into a trough from a pipe in the wall closer to the ground. The water was usually clean. however, there were times that it was not. I had a feeling that these guards did it on purpose.
It would make sense If it were an act of retaliation by the guards. Trotting over to the meat, I began to ravenously and mindlessly I ate in peace as the hatch closed once more. Savoring its taste as I ripped into the carcass apart. Once I was done with my prey. I moved on to the water and began to lap up the water. After I began the necessary task of licking clean the areas that had bloody black and tan fur. Feeling full now in addition being tired I returned my bed to sleep off my meal. Gradually my eyes felt heavier by the second until I fell into peaceful sleep.
Sometime later I was awoken by the sudden familiar pull of my chains. At first, I was confused as to what was going on, while in my groggy state, then with a start I quickly realized what was happening. Growling and snarling as I struggled again against them helplessly. While wondering why this was even happening, as I was just sleeping. Once again, I prepared to defend myself. I continued growling as I watched to door
What was going on! I asked myself that as I was fully pulled up against the wall once more. It was a moment later when the door finally opened, but I Continued growling and I also heard two voices speaking to each other. But neither of them was not the voice of one of the guards that usually came in.
"My sons are dead, aren't they?" a wise old sounding voice said gravely.
I immediately stopped growling to listen as I was curious about the voice, but was ready just in case
"We don't know that, Sire. The messenger only said they were attacked." answering a woman, who sounded like she was trying to reassure him. Though something told me it might have been a lie to help the wise voice have some semblance of hope
"No. they're dead. I know it" the man said as though he did not believe her.
"My job right now is to get you to safety." replied the woman's voice determinately. Two guards finally came in (and I started growling once more). The first one was the woman who looked to be a Breton. When then followed by a Redguard male. By the look of their unique armor, they were not the normal guard that came in here. The armor looked more elite than the regular guards. It looked a bit more elegant than the normal guard. By they still looked like guards and I fear that they were going to hurt me as well. They trained their eyes on me and we glared at each other
Following behind the both was the owner of the wise-sounding voice, and I stopped growling but kept an eye on the guards. He was an elderly imperial man, with near shoulder-length grey hair and kind blue-grey eyes. He wore an exquisite purple robe with white fur lining the collar and soft red material. A large glowing red gem surrounded by gold and smaller gems hung from his neck by a gold chain. He seem like he was a kind man. Right after him, coming through the door was another male guard who then shut the door behind him locking it
My eyes move to the woman once more. I gave a short growl. Rising my muzzle fully exposing my teeth.
If you Try anything, I will hurt you. She and the others flinched, and she continued to glare at me. Her flying hands to her sword. she then turned to the first male. "Is this Monster secured down enough" she snapped at him. Well they acted like regular guards.
"Yes, Captain. She's secured down very well. Those chains are real strong silver, she will not be able to get out if she tried" he replied confidently. Though by the look on his face I could tell that he was also wary of me.
"You... I've seen you..." said the elderly man catching my attention again as he came closer me. Meeting his blue-gray eyes, lowering my muzzle covering my teeth back up and tilted my head to the side in confusion. Wondering who he was and why was he here.
"Let me see your face..." he said studying my face for a few seconds, his blue eyes gazing into my brown ones." You are the one from my dreams. Then the stars were right, and this is the day. Gods give me strength"
"What's going on?" I wondered to myself, while letting out a bark while immediately wishing I was able to speak my question out loud to him, but it was useless because I knew I was incapable of speech. Which was really annoying in this situation as I could not explain myself and have appeared to be nothing more than a chained wild animal to them. The man looked like he was deep in thought for a moment. To my confusion, He then smiled through his eyes looked very encouraging and understanding before asking "Has there been a time where you thought of something and another person seemed to react to your thought?". I was not the only one though, the guards also gave a questioning looks towards the old man while the female guard's eyes were still trained on me.
Now that he brought it up, there were a few instances that I found odd at the time but thought nothing of it. One time was when was still a puppy and I was playing with the children of my family. I remember thinking I was hungry. Oddly enough Mary, one of the kids looked at me surprised before going to the house and coming back with a slice of bread or some meat for me to eat.
This had happened a few more times after I was taken away and thrown in this dungeon. There were also a couple of times that the guard that made sure I was behaving, would seem to react to my thoughts when I was focusing on them. When I occasionally made remarks as though they could hear me. And then there was the captain's reaction just minutes ago. This confused me a bit more, so I decided to test whether he heard me.
"Did you hear my question just now" asking him hesitantly not sure it would work. And frankly, I sounded silly. Well, a least if it did not work only I could hear what I was saying.
"Yes, I heard your question, it seems you are gifted with the ability to speak through your thoughts though you did not know it; only what you chose to voice out loud and who you chose to focus on, and as for your earlier question. Assassins have attacked and killed my sons, and I am next".
Both I and his guards were shocked that he answered my question. The man spoke again after few seconds "My Blades are leading me out of the city along a secret escape route. By chance, the entrance to that escape route leads through your cell."
"what is going on and, who are you?" I asked curiously after the shock wore off. Still trying to figure out who he was. If he must be important if someone is trying to kill him it.
"I am your Emperor Uriel Septim. By the grace of the Gods, I serve Tamriel, and you, too, shall serve her in your own way" He answered. So, he was the emperor then I suddenly remembered hearing about him when I was a pup when my human father came home. However, that brought up the question of who exactly was trying to kill him. There was not anyone that I ever heard of.
"Why am I even here in the first place," I asked.
It seemed appropriate to ask. After all, I have been asking myself for years now. And now that I knew I could ask people question. I could finally ask why I was imprisoned and tortured by these prison guards.
However, now I was beginning to wonder if this was the reason I was here in the first place. Was I here to meet this man in front of me? I was now starting to become surer as we talked "While I do not know why you're here in the first place. I believed the Nine have placed you in here so that we may meet" he said as I took in the information he gave me. Still wondering what the purpose was our meeting here.
"As for what you are... it does not matter. That is not what you will be remembered for" he said finishing. Though I have no clue what he had meant by when he said that.
"What should I do," I asked though I knew I was going to most likely stay here in this grungy prison cell until I die. There was no doubt about that especially if you're a six-foot wolf when standing on two feet. And the guards hated you.
"You will find your own path. Take care... there will be blood and death before the end" he said answering my question. After he finished the captain began walking over toward north-east wall pressed a brick in, causing a passageway revealed itself.
"Better not close this one. There is no way to open it from the other side" she said once the passageway was open, drawing the Emperor's attention. Before they left the Emperor turned back to me but spoke to his Blades who were keeping watch. What he said next surprised all of us. "Maybe we should bring her with us."
"Sire" questioned one of the male Blades shocked. He was not the only one that was shocked, at the statement. The rest of us were as well. Though I am guessing I was probably the most shocked though. Why would the Emperor suggest me? A highly dangerous werewolf (from the Blades point of view) to come with them? Theses Blades already think that I will attack any second if it weren't for these chains hold me back.
"sire, I with all due respect. That thing is dangerous. The second we try to let it free out it will attack us" said the captain.
I rolled my eyes. while It is true I hated guards. I somehow trusted this old man and did not want to attack him or his Blades. Plus, I may be defensive around these blades. but am willing to not attack them for the emperor sake. That is if they don't attack me first.
"She would be able to provide more protection for me against the assassins" He reasoned trying to convince them Before adding. "Somehow I don't think she has any intention of attacking". The captain nodded hesitantly not agreeing with the situation but would not disobey her emperor.
"Baurus unlock the wolf but keep an eye on it anyway," she commanded the other male Blade. He nodded grimacing as he promptly comes over and I held still as he unlocked my restraints. As soon as the chains were off. I began rubbing my wrist, ankles, and neck. Shaking out and stretching before dropping down on all fours and followed them silently as they started down the newly formed passageway.
The route that they took was a twisting tunnel that led down to a large white stone substructure. We walked in silence, as the guards kept an eye me always glancing back at me constantly, as we descended the stairs and into a hallway that had a bunch of turns. We soon got to a large room with pillars and stairs leading down to a door. That was where it looked we were headed towards.
Not even a few steps into the room four men wearing red and metallic armor jumped down out of two higher up concealed ledges and attacked. Instantaneously the Blades responded drawing their swords from their sheaths, while the emperor drew out a small knife from his robe. The blades charged in while Emperor stayed behind. The other male Blade yelling out "protect the emperor" as he met one of the assassin's head on. Meanwhile, I stood back up my hind legs and readied my black claws to join them in on the fray. I bounded and leaped toward the fight with my claw poised landing close to a nearby Assassin. Before he could react, I raked my claws across his chest breaking off his armor with ease and delivering a few more powerful blows. He slightly recovered from the blow and swung his sword at me. I quickly dodged and with another powerful swipe of my claws to his neck. Blood spattering everywhere as he went down
As he died, his armor instantaneously disintegrated leaving the man in a slashed red hooded robe in its place. I looked around and saw the Blades had taken care of the other two. Though regrettably, the captain was also a casualty in the fight. As much as she was rude to me, and I did not like her. She still was trying to do her duty and protect the emperor.
"Are you alright, Sire? We're clear for now" asked Baurus as the rest of us searched for more Assassins just in case.
"Captain Renault?" asked the Emperor concerned. As he neared the captain's body crouching down with a grievous look on his face.
"She's dead...I'm sorry, Sire, but we have to keep moving" replied Baurus sorrowfully holding out his hand to the emperor. The emperor took it and he helps the emperor back up and we started to head to the stairs
As we headed towards a door that was located at the bottom of the stairs, the Blades were wondering how these assassins managed to find them. As soon we got there Baurus turned toward the Emperor "Perhaps we should leave the wolf here, we really don't know if it will attack us " he suggested. The other Blade unlocked the door as the Emperor turn toward me "Here you must find your own path. But we will cross paths before the end, I am sure of it" he said before turning and heading through the door with Baurus following promptly and locking the door behind them making sure I would stay here.
I huffed in disappointment. Despite what the Emperor had been saying, I knew I would stay here, well at least I have more room to roam around. I turned to scope out my surroundings when I heard a squeak coming from the nearby wall and decided to investigate. As I neared the wall that noise was coming from it crumbled and two rats sprang forth. They seemed to be temporarily dazed. but soon regained focus and attacked. I quickly took out both. Slashing at them as they flew towards me. Knocking them out of the air. After making sure they were dead. I looked at their dead little rat bodies. I started to wonder if I would get hungry later. I grabbed one to eat later before heading through the crumbled wall.
Through the wall was a dark wide cavern, which my eyes quickly adjusted to once more. Scattered around the place were a few chests. As I investigated the large room further, a nearby rat quickly found me but was dispatched with ease. In a nearby corner, I saw worn brown satchel that I liked and some gold coins. I though the bag would be useful as well as being interesting. So, I walked right over there, and picked up the satchel and put it on putting the dead rat as well as the gold in it as well. Before continuing my way exploring the area. So far what I have seen were some bones of humans and beast folk. As well as scattered broken wooden creates, weapons, and armor.
The back of the cavern was not that big as the front but had the same things as the front. Around a corner, near a door leading elsewhere, was a well with a bucket hanging over it. As I headed towards the door I passed a bow and some arrows that peaked my interest. I figured that I might as well. I may need to learn archery in case I ever encountered a foe that I need to keep my distance or can't reach a foe. Plus, I remember Marl being excellent at archery as I watched him practice and he would talk to me for an hour after. Explaining it to me thinking I could not understand him. I picked them up and placing the quiver full of arrows over shoulders along with the bag. Strapping them on my back. Once it was secure, I pulled an arrow from the quiver to test them out.
At first, I had trouble aligning the arrowing with the bow. But once it was I fired it at a bucket above a well.
As expected it soared through the air only to miss bucket the first time. However, I kept practicing for bit longer. Which involved a lot more missing, and there were times that I could not even fire the arrow at all. I continued at it until I was decent at it. To the point that I fired one more shot at the bucket hitting its mark.
Satisfied, I retrieved the arrows putting them in the quiver and attaching the bow to a place on the quiver my back. Once that was done, I went to a nearby door and detected a rancid smell coming from its direction. In front of the door, there was a dead strange looking creature, which explained the bad smell. The creature was short and green with pointed ears. It was wearing rags of some sort and had an iron key clenched in its hand. What really puzzled me was how the creature died in the first place I pried the key from its stiff hand, the hand cracking and breaking as the key came free. Key now in hand I unlocked the door before walking through.
The beginning of the next were an area set of tunnels were like the last. Along the way, I came across more rats which were easy to defeat. As I approached a hallway like structure in these caverns I heard a strange noise. Stopping, I perked my ears up to get a better listen. Getting nearer it turned into a low guttural moaning.
Accompanying it was a similar putrid stench to that other thing. As it rounded the corner I saw the source of the noise and smell, an undead creature and it was coming toward me in a ravenous manner. The thing, while appearing human, was a pale green with its flesh seemed to be rotting. Adding to that was its missing arm and exposed rotten meat and ribs. Even though it might not pose a threat. I still did not want it to even reach me. My instincts telling me that something was even more off about it ten appear
Reacting I grabbed my bow and an arrow from the quiver and fired the arrow at it. The arrow hit it but, the thing kept on coming closer. Only staggering back slightly it was now only a few feet away, mentally I sighed. It looked I would have to fight with my claws. Putting the bow away, I readied my claws. Waiting for it to come within striking distance. Once it was that close, it opened its jaws letting long moan before giving a swipe at me. It's only hand did met my fur. However, all it did was graze it. The nails only barely scratched me before lunging at me with its mouth. Dodging out of the way before retaliating. Lifting my right paw above my head claws poised to strike. and with a powerful swipe to its head and the whole thing was taken completely off. It staggered for a second and then dropped. Killing the thing hopefully for good. But I did not want to find out, so I moved on.
At the end of the tunnel-hallway. it had transformed into a small cavern again, on the other side of it was a door which strolled toward and I made my way through it. The next area consisted of more caverns. The only difference was that had more of those little odd green creatures and their traps. The first one I encountered stood behind a trip wire minding its own business, however, once it saw me it stupidly charged without thought tripping his own trap sending three spiked logs on chains swinging from the ceiling down smashing into and killing it instantly. Stupid little thing I thought to myself.
Continuing along the winding tunnel I came up to a pile of logs and the sound of non-distinguishable noises below. Quietly I peeked down around the side of the logs. Below were two more of those short creatures who appeared to be communicating with each other. Squeaking and grunting at they just stood there, I looked at the stack of timber and gave them a shove rolling them down the hill killing the two unsuspecting green creatures below in the process.
Moving on, I proceeded on until I entered a way larger spacious cavern. Scattered around the area were three more those creatures. Who unfortunately had been alerted to my presence when I came in. That may or may not have been avoidable. But that was in the past now. Because now they were charging. I crouched down on all fours. My muscles bunched ready to spring. I released them sending me soaring toward to two nearby creatures. Landing right in front them I leaped right at one. Crushing it to death with my weight as I landed right on it with a crunch.
Before I could do anything else. I was by hit searing shocking pain all over my body followed by another slashing pain across my back. I howled in pain at the double assault before collapsing. I was seeing red now and felt the urge to rip throats out with my teeth. Lifting my head up, I bared them snarling. Wrinkling my muzzle back to reveal them and pressing my ears against my head. Showing my fury, not that they seemed to understand. Picking myself back up and getting back on two feet. I Immediately slashed my claws a creature with an ax. They raked across it with force. I screamed in agony before dropping to the ground. Now turning to the source of the lighting. The said source was creature wearing a robe and carrying a staff. A staff that promptly fired another round electricity at me. It is hitting me once again causing me to stagger back slightly as it surged painfully throughout my body. Shaking it off momentarily before leaping behind a large rock for cover.
Glancing out from behind the rock momentarily. Only to duck back behind it in time just as another bolt of lightning passed. I reached behind me and pulled my bow from off my back. Gripping it with one hand as I also use my other hand to grab an arrow from the quiver. Knocking it place as I moved out from behind the rock aim upward, swiftly firing an arrow at the thing. With a whistled the arrow soared through the air hitting it squarely in the arm. However, I sent another arrow into its head I gave shriek as it fell backward from the force.
With the annoying creatures' dead, the cavern was quiet except for the crackling of the fires. Searching around I found a crispy sweet smelling blue bottle. Picking it up I used my claws to uncork to the lid. The sweet smell wafted upward. Closing my eyes, I tilted my head back and drank the substance. The effect was immediate. A cool soothing sensation rushed throughout my body settling particularly around the wounded areas. Feeling much better I grabbed a few more that was lying around and placed it in my bag I continued my search. Eventually finding a second door and going through. On the other side was a hole that led back into the open familiar substructure again.
I headed to a nearby ledge, getting nearer, I heard familiar voices. Picking my ears to get a better listen and focused on the voices. After a moment I recognize the voices those of the Emperor and his Blades conversing with each other. Now once again, I was puzzled and a bit confused. I did not think that would manage to catch up to them again ever. Moving closer the ledge quietly. I stayed in the shadows as they move into view still chatting. However, the Blades were still on guard surrounding the emperor. Seemly to be on the lookout for the red-robed ones.
"I think that was all of them. Let me look around" said Baurus. They looked to be heading towards a door in front of them. And so far, the assassin group that attacked us earlier were seemingly nowhere in sight.
"Have you seen the werewolf?" asked the Emperor suddenly.
"Do you think it followed us? How could it? "Baurus answered sounding taken back by the question. Looking behind them at the way they came in from. As If I would appear right there behind them and attack.
"Don't be ridiculous, of course, it did not follow us. We had locked that door" snapped the other guard. clearly, they did not count on a crumbling wall. I thought smugly to myself.
"I know she did," said the Emperor.
With my attention focus on them. I did not register on the footsteps coming up behind me in time before sharp pain erupted from my back. Reacting I gave a sharp yelp before spinning around growling, facing my target, and claws poised to killing. The assassin was backing up from what I assume was stabbing me. As evidenced by the dagger clutched in their hand, that was coated in my own blood.
In the same moment, behind me, there was the sound of weapons being drawn. Followed by the two remaining blades crying out "For the emperor!"
Following that was the sound of weapons clashing against each other. Accompanied by yelling as they did.
Glaring back at the assassin in front of me. I pounced on him promptly, knocking him to the floor. He struggled underneath me. Gasping both in pain and for oxygen as I pressed into him with one paw snarling. Ending him quickly, slashed my other set of claws across their neck. Ending their life instantly.
Before spinning around to the where the fighting below was going on. Both the blades worked tirelessly to protect the emperor. The emperor himself, also joined a little bit. But was usually was pushed out of the fight by the Blades before he could get hurt.
Not wanting anything to happen to the Emperor and his remaining Blades. I took my bow from off my back and strung an arrow, and promptly fired it at one of the battling Assassins. The arrow struck him in the shoulder allowing a nearby blade to strike him down. I jumped down snarling and pounced on one crushing them before one of the Blades finished that off too. Meanwhile, Baurus fought another one while guarding the emperor still.
Another Assassin came at us swinging his ax at me. I tried dodging the ax struck me in the shoulder hard, and I howled in pain. I snarled at him angrier than ever. I snarled before leaping at him catching him off guard. Claws poised, and teeth bared ready to kill. I landed and pinned him down to the ground. He tried fighting to freeing himself from under me, but his attempts were feeble against my combined strength and size. The combination of my own fury and his struggling caused me to slip into my oddly peaceful instinctual state.
No longer in control of myself, I bit down on my prey's neck hungrily. The tastes of its savory flesh drove me in further into completely forgetting myself, as I started tearing into it as it went limp. It's blood coating my muzzle as I ate. Vaguely nearby, I distantly heard a voice of a male speak in shock.
"Dang it, it's that wolf. I knew it was dangerous. Kill it, before it turns on us" he shouted urgently and there was a sing of metal, but I did not care now. Their sounds had no meaning to me right now, because I just wanted to enjoy my meal.
"No. she can help us. She must help us" a wise old sounding voice said, and someone stepped toward me. My head snapped up looking him in the eye. I saw it as a threat as he stared calmly at me. however, it made me angrier as he continued to. I snarled at him, teeth bared, and ears flattened, warning to stay away from my kill in case he wanted to take it from me. This kill was mine, and I will kill anything that tried to that it away from. I then returned to eating after a moment it was clear he was not going to do anything yet. However, I kept a tab on him just in case he tried something.
"Sire!" two male voices exclaimed at the same time.
"Trust me," the elderly voice said to them.
"I never asked, but what is your name child," he said probably speaking to me directly and placed his hand on my enormous shoulder. His hand moving through my fur rhythmically as he asked. I felt calmer as he did so.
That as soon as he asked that question followed by him continue to gingerly touch my shoulder. I snapped my head up to look at him for a few seconds. My mind trying to make sense of his words as my rationality started to return. The first thing on my mind was a pure shock. The shock that he had been brave enough to even approach me in that feral state. The next thing that came to mind was the shame. The Shame that the emperor and blades and seen me at my worst. Shame that a side of me was capable of that. The shame that I could have attacked them and not have cared if I did so. Which was much different to the times in my cell I pulled my ears back against my head, tucked my tail between my legs, and let out sad whimper showing my regret at what I just did.
I realized that he somehow either knew or figured out that asking me a question combined with a gentle touch would snap me out of my other side. I would have to remember that for later to someone else just in case this happens again. I stepped away from the badly mauled red robed dead Assassin and the Emperor and his Blades, who were wary but ready just in case I attacked. For once, I did not blame them after seeing what I just did.
"My name is Nylia, I told them remorsefully, ears still pulled back. Then suddenly a question popped into my mind. One that confused me greatly and made me alarmed of what might have happened if it ended up not working. And the more horrible outcome of what just happened.
"Why did you approach me, even though your blades are extremely on edge?" I asked glancing at said blades who were still in a defensive position. Their weapons drawn poised to attack if I made any threatening move toward the emperor first. before returning my attention back the emperor.
"They cannot understand why I trust you. They're not seen what I've seen. How can I explain? Listen. Do you know the Nine Divines? How they guide our fates with an invisible hand?" he explained to me. Though I got the sense that there was something that he was not telling me. However, I decided to let it slide for now.
"I'm not on good terms with the Nine," I said answering his question instead. After all werewolves and other were-creatures were made by the Daedric Prince Hircine as I have heard in tales, and I was something I instinctively knew as well to an extent. I knew of the Daedric Prince since birth but not the name. So, I was not exactly born to serve to the Nine, however, my human family was worshippers of Akatosh and the other divines.
"I've served the Nine all my days, and I chart my course by the cycles of the heavens. The skies are marked with numberless sparks, each a fire, and everyone a sign. I know these stars well, and I wonder... which sign marked your birth?" he asked
"I believe I am born under the Thief sign, as my human family found me when I was a pup and they said I was good at sneak up on them, so they would joke about it" I answered smiling a little at the memory.
"The signs I read show the end of my path. My death, a necessary end, will come when it will come" he explained. Wait what? I thought.
"What about me?" I asked genuinely curious about what was going to happen to me. But still alarmed that he was talking about his death so casually.
"Your stars are not mine. Today the Thief shall guide your steps on the road to destiny," he answered.
"Aren't you afraid to die?" I asked. Curious as to how he can accept his fate so easily. Not that these assassins will get to him ever. The blades and I are sure to not let that happen.
"No trophies of my triumphs precede me. But I have lived well, and my ghost shall rest easy. Men are but flesh and blood. They know their doom, but not the hour. In this, I am blessed to see the hour of my death... To face my apportioned fate, then fall" he answered with a soft smile as if trying to reassure me it was going to be okay. Which continued to confuse me greatly at how calm he was about this. Wanting not to think about that I changed the subject.
"Can you see my fate?" I asked.
"My dreams grant me no opinions of success. Their compass ventures not beyond the doors of death. But in your face, I behold the sun's companion. The dawn of Akatosh's bright glory may banish the coming darkness. With such hope, and with the promise of your aid, my heart must be satisfied" he answered, and I returned the soft smile he gave me earlier and perked my ears up.
"Where are we going?" I asked standing back on two legs.
"I go to my grave. A tongue shriller than all the music calls me. You shall follow me yet for a while, then we must part." He said gravely before turning around, following the other Blade through the door.
Baurus walked over to me, and I could tell he was still unsure of me after seeing my feral side. Though I did not blame him, even I disliked that identified part me. Which is why I am regretful that it happened the way it did. He started at me with a scowl on his face
He then turned a followed the others through the door. Before following them, I looked down at my shoulder which had healed up a little during the conversation leaving a minor wound. I also looked over at the mutilated Assassin and felt slightly guilty once again. Sure, he was trying to kill the Emperor and that was now going to happen, but he didn't deserve to the die so brutally and viciously as he did. I spared one more glance at him before catching up to the others
The next room had a ledge overlooking some stairs leading downward at the north-east wall. The Emperor and his Blades took the stair while I moved to the ledge to keep a lookout for more assassins. As the Emperor and the Blades appeared at the bottom. What caught my attention is that I detected heart beats coming from the opposite ledges from me. I alert I also sniff the air and smell to unfamiliar humans in that direction. So, took my bow from off my back, and drew an arrow aimed for any Assassin that would appear. Sure, the two Assassins leaped from the other ledges and a third came through the hallway we were heading to. While the Blades charged and met them head-on, while I remained firing arrows at the assassins not wanting to repeat what happened earlier. Especially this soon afterward, and while it felt oddly nice. it was dangerous for the Emperor and his blades and feared I would try to kill them in that state.
As soon as they were dead I leaped down and followed the Emperor and his Blades. As we got into the next room we were attacked yet again by three more Assassins, which the Blades and I fought and won quickly with a little help from the Emperor. This time though, I made sure I was in better control of myself. After they were dead we proceeded on to a door at the end. Once we were in the room the other blade that was leading stopped holding up his hand as we got the stairs
"Hold up. I don't like this. Let me take a look" he said walking down the stairs as I went to a nearby ledge to keep a lookout. Ready to help if needed. He looked around for a few seconds before giving the okay. the rest of us followed him to a gated entrance at the other side of the room. When we got there the other Blade tried to open it. Only to realize the key was not working and that the gated was bared with wood on the other side.
"Dang it! The gate is barred from the other side. A trap!" he said drawing his sword, as I readied my claws to attack scanning for more assassins
"Let me try. Move out of the way!" I demanded as he stepped aside with their weapons still drawn.
I launched myself at the gate. Throwing my body weight again on it hoping would break the gate down. The gate still stood strong, so I tried a few more times, but to no luck. The gate was however only slightly broken in a few areas where I hit. so, each time I was stabbed with the metal. However, it must have been made of a rusted silver, because not only did it not do much as I was crashing against the gate my right arm started burning. I looked down and realized the I got cut in a few times in the process.
"I can't break it down," I told them starting to feel a little, dizzy while my shoulder and side felt like it was on fire, I whimpered in pain and held my right shoulder. "I can't touch it, it has to be made of silver," I told them.
"What about that side passage back there," Baurus asked as I ignored the pain in my arm momentarily, (However the pain was still present at the back of my mind) and turned my head to see the passage he pointed to.
"Worth a try. Let's go" the other Blade answered, and I bounded to the passage entrance before them. When I got there, I looked around only to find it was empty. A dead end. I let out a short howl to alert the others of what I found. A Few seconds after I finished they came in to see what I howled about looking around.
"It's a dead end. What your call, sir?" asked Baurus, but before the Emperor could answer him the other Blade shouted as he looked stared out the door.
"They're behind us! Wait here Sire," he said as he charged back into the other room.
Then Baurus turned to me "Wait here with the Emperor. Guard him with your life" he said sternly. I nodded raising my hands, baring my teeth and claws as he ran through the door to help his fellow Blades in killing the assassins.
"Nylia," the Emperor said catching my attention.
"I can go no further. You alone must stand against the Prince of Destruction and his mortal servants. He must not have the Amulet of Kings! Take the Amulet. Give it to Jauffre. He alone knows where to find my last son. Find him, and close shut the jaws of Oblivion. "As he finished he took off the Amulet of Kings and placing it in my satchel. I looked at the satchel for a moment then looked back at him. I was a bit confused at the fact that the emperor had a secret son, but it also gave me a bit of hope.
"You're Amulet? Then this where we say Goodbye'?" I asked flattening my ears against my head in sorrow "This is where my journey ends," then he pointed at me "For you though, the road is long and dangerous. Now, give me your paw." he answered taking one of my large paws with both hands.
"This is ... farewell..." I said as a low whimper escaped my throat.
"Stand true, my friend. May your heart be your guide and the gods grant you strength." he finished letting go of my paw, He raised his right hand up which, it started emitting a whitish blue mist, place it on my injured shoulder. Once he did that a cooling sensation, like that potion I drank earlier. It traveled down my arm chasing away the burning pain. When he was done the glow ceased and my arm and side felt much better. I looked down at it and flexed it then looked back at the Emperor.
"Thank you," I said very sincerely yet sad about what was said to come
"Stay strong, my friend, your destiny will be revealed to you soon" He gave a soft smile before it happened.
Suddenly the wall behind him opened and an Assassin jumped out and grabbed hold of the Emperor in one quick fatal slice to his throat. Before letting him go leaving him to crumble. After the Emperor went down I was stunned for a few seconds. I recovered quickly as the assassin lunged at me slightly nicking me on the chest with his blade. Enraged I let out terrifying snarl at the Assassin and leaped at him knocking him back through the hole and gave very powerful swipes of my claws to his body while snarling ferociously, ripping through his armor and skin until he was dead after we landed. His blood having spattered everywhere in the process. I got off the dead Assassin and come back into the room where the Emperor laid. Looking at his body, I could no longer hear the beating of his heart. I realized that he had died during the fight.
I let out an agonized howl as Baurus came in followed by the other blade and checked Emperor Uriel's body. Kneeling in respect to the fallen emperor, while the other looked at me with resentment before kneeling also.
"No... Talos save us..." Baurus said when he was finished inspecting the emperor's body.
"We've failed. I've failed … The Blades are sworn to protect the Emperor, and now he and all his heirs are dead." he said gravely, then with one quick look and the emperor's body he jolted in alarm and fear. "The Amulet. Where's the Amulet of kings? It is not on the Emperor's body" he said urgently.
"The Emperor gave it to me," I said pulling it out of the satchel and showing him, then quickly put it back just in case the assassins were still around.
"Strange. He saw something in you trusted you. They say it's the dragon blood, which flows through the veins of every Septim. They see more than lesser men. He must have seen that there is more to you than meets the eye. The Amulet of kings is a sacred symbol of the Empire. Most people think of the Red Dragon Crown, but that's just jewelry. The Amulet has power. Only a true heir of the Blood can wear it, they say. He must have given it to you for a reason. Did he say why?" he asked promptly after finishing his explanation
"I have to take it to someone named Jauffre immediately" I answered quickly.
"Jauffre? Did he say that? Why? He asked looking very puzzled at what I told him.
"He said that there is another heir," I said still bit surprised myself at the fact the emperor last son that apparently no one knows about.
"Nothing I ever heard about. But Jauffre would be the one to know. He's the Grandmaster of my Order. Although you may not think so to meet him. He lives quietly as a monk at Weynon Priory. Near the city of Chorrol." he replied.
"How do I get there?" I asked.
"First you need to get out of here. Through that door must be the entrance to the sewers, past the locked gate. That's where we were heading." he answered before looking at the other Blade and back to me, then continued "It's a secret way out of the Imperial City. Or it was supposed to be secret." he finished.
"Here," he said handing me a small silver key. I took it with my claws, careful not to touch it "You'll need this key for the last door into the sewers."
"The sewers?" I asked frowning, not liking the prospect of going into the smelly sewers. Especially with my keen sense of smell. That is just asking for trouble
"There are rats and goblins down there. But from what I've seen of you. You are one experienced…. wolf, I guess." he said at a loss for words. Looking not too sure on what to say there.
"Yes," I said inclining my head also not knowing what to say to that as well.
"I figured. I don't think you'll have any trouble with rats and goblins," he said.
"After the sewers, then what?" I asked.
"You must get the Amulet to Jauffre. Take no chances but proceed to Weynon priory immediately. Got it?" he said sternly. Though I could understand his worry, even though I doubted that anybody is able to kill me or would be willing to try, there was the matter of the amulet somehow getting you know lost or stolen if I am not careful If I had failed to deliver it immediately.
"Yes, I understand," I replied giving small nod of my head
"Good. The Emperor's trust was well-placed." He said.
"What about you? What will you guys do?" I asked. Still wondering if there were more assassins nearby. I readied myself just in case.
"we'll stay here to guard the Emperor's body until back up comes and make sure no one follows you. You'd better get moving. May Talos guide you." he answered. And I nodded before going through the hole the assassin came through.
Going back beyond the hole in the wall, was more of the substructure until I found the door Baurus had talked about, and used the key, touching it gently as it tingles a little, to open it. Once the door was open and went in. In the middle of the small room was the round trap door that must have led to the sewers.
I shuddered at the thought before going to open the lid and climbed down inside. The smell hit at full force. Once down I cover my nose with my paw and looked around the damp sewers. Seeing some tunnels and started walking down the stairs head into one of them. Searching for the find the exit. Along the way, I found a few of those green creatures. I remembered that Baurus said they were called goblins. I quickly took care of them. But, not before getting another ax to the shoulder in the process. Seriously what was with them hitting me in the shoulder. Though it would heal quickly as the other one had already had. Afterward, I continued to look for the exit. After a little bit of navigating and getting lost a few times, though I blame the stench for not being able to smell property. I finally found the gate out of the sewer I sighed in relief as I started to catch a whiff of fresh air as I got closer. Once I opened the gate, I headed toward the sunlight.
Once I stepped out into the sun from the cave entrance I breathed the fresher air in deeply and exhaled taking in my surroundings. I front of me was a small dock. by the looks it I assumed they were going to use the boat at the dock to get the emperor to safety. Shifting my eyes slightly upward. I noticed across the lake, there were strange white ruins. I smiled as acknowledged my new-found freedom, that I have not had since I was a pup. Once again, I focused on what I had to. I had to go to Weynon Priory to find Jauffre and answer the Emperor's last request. To give the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre and, find the emperor's last son.
But before I did. I went to the edge of the lake to clean off my blood-stained paws and muzzle. I promptly washed my paws clean before scrubbing my muzzle clean. Once I was done with that, I turned slightly to the left and got down on all fours. Taking off and sprinted east to Weynon priory hoping I would be able to deliver it safely.