Just a collection of mini one-shots and drabbles. Nothing to see here, no rhyme or reason to the lengths or styles, one is a bit longer than the rest. There are several stories being told in an out-of-order way. Some I focus on way more than others.
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He was an assistant hired to help him 'understand Nord culture' named Andor. Elenwen truly was some sort of idiot, thinking that this would make things less tense between the Thalmor and the locals. It was an empty gesture and everyone knew it, only around for plausible deniability on her part. The human only managed to preserve his reputation by claiming the elves were wasting their gold on him. Which they were. Ondolemar had no intention of relying on the man for anything beyond errands to the main market.
The justiciar was very aware of his disgust for everything he stood for, and frankly, the feeling was mutual. Nothing productive could come of this.
"And she wonders why we lack funding in this part of Tamriel..." he muttered, reading over the report.
...
Excerpt from: Incident Report
By Lieutenant Vereca
Four bodies found, two currently missing (assumed to be) incinerated. First body found curled behind barrel, face burned away and heart ripped out. Second was a torso identified as R- through the remnants of a tattoo. Other remains were carried off by local predators. Third was fused to a roof, identified as L-. Fourth was partially consumed by (suspect). Suspect is unresponsive to interrogation, does not sleep or move. Eight soldiers tasked with guarding.
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Sword and steel rattled at the thundering of the horses and several Altmeri soldiers cried out in alarm. The Alikr. They hadn't counted on the damn Alikr showing up. Aeron, exhausted as she was, felt a surge of energy. Vilaro hadn't lied, they were here as he said they would. Every grain of sand seemed to shift at their arrival.
For the first time, she had lost her faith in fate. It was exhilarating.
...
"They called my family traitorous," she sipped the tea, sighing in relief.
"And was it true?"
"I... I don't know."
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The walls seemed to shudder when the Argonian barged into the tower. Erandur clutched his amulet, but smiled. "So it's true then? I've heard many things about you, but I wouldn't believe it unless you told me yourself. Presumably you're here to gloat."
Remaining quiet, but with an intense energy, he took the priest's hand and pressed a golden amulet into it, "It's been a few years, but I think I've found a way to repay you." The trinket, as simple as it was, glowed with energy – reflecting shock and disbelief in red eyes. Erandur's hands trembled like the object would disappear in any moment.
"Where in the world did you-"
His composure failing, he interrupted with excitement that bordered on childlike, "Apparently there's more of them."
...
"So what is it that you are implying?" the elf asked icily. Andor remained utterly silent, not knowing whether he should leave the room or remain part of the 'conversation'. If Ondolemar was severe this one was... relentlessly intense. The man's stare practically turned his blood cold, and the scars upon his face hinted that he was no stranger to combat.
"Nothing. I just hope you haven't gotten too comfortable in your position. Even the best of us can falter," every word dripped with accusations. A curt nod and a close examination of Andor's face ended the meeting. He left, shoulders back and face unreadable.
...