Before you begin to read my story, there are a few things I'd like to cover.
1. No, I did not steal this story. Both authors are me. Yes, I know that they have different names. I'm well aware of that. (if you're that worried about it, go look at the comments on chapter six.)
2. Yes, everything is just copied and pasted from AO3.
3. If you leave a review that's just you yelling at me for either of the things that I just mentioned, I'm not going to be very happy.
4. Please enjoy!
The titles I had gained meant little now, trussed up and tossed into the back of a wagon as I was. Even were I to say that I was the Champion of Cyrodiil, they would not believe it. Half the tales told of me were untrue, and the other half were greatly exaggerated. As well, they all thought the vaunted Champion was long dead, as I had preferred. Fifty years after Martin's passing, Arquen had assisted me in faking my own death. I had then travelled Tamriel, but returned to Cyrodiil to fight the Thalmor. While I understood the Emperor's plight I could not agree with what he was doing, and thus went to Hammerfell to assist the Redguards in their continued fight against the Thalmor. There had been nothing that I could do to help my brothers and sisters in the Brotherhood without exposing myself, and to my shame, I fled. I have heard Mother's voice, now and again, and done what I could to carry out her will. It was, in fact, part of the reason that I had decided to travel to Skyrim. There were a number of contracts that needed to be carried out. It was while I was crossing the border that I had been discovered by Imperial troops. Even with my additional vampiric strength they overpowered me. I had resorted to feeding from animals while I crossed the Jerall Mountains and they had not been enough to properly sustain me. Thus weakened by hunger and daylight, I was captured. My wounds had been tended and I was then tossed into a wagon with three human men. Nords all, they appeared to be. Two wore armor and the third wore rags. The man in the finest armor was gagged as well as bound, not like the rest of us. There was another wagon of men and women wearing similar armor, all bound. The Imperials had taken my physical weaponry, but I was also a talented mage.
"Do you know where we are headed?" I asked the man across from me.
"We're still in southern Skyrim. There's only a handful of villages this far south. The closest Holds are Falkreath and Whiterun." I shook my head and turned away from him, facing the gagged man beside me. The man gave me an odd look, which I returned, and then I ignored him. "You got caught trying to cross the border, right?" The man across from me was speaking again. "You and the horse-thief, here."
"Damn you Stormcloaks." The man in rags spat. "Skyrim was fine until you came along… Empire was nice and lazy." I felt my ears twitch despite myself at the mention of Stormcloaks. "I could have stolen that horse and been halfway to Hammerfell by now."
"At which point the horse would have fallen over dead." I commented, not looking at either of them. The men were quiet for a time after this. A short time.
"What's the matter with him, huh?" The second man spoke. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye to see that he was gesturing towards the gagged man.
"Watch your tongue!" The first man snapped. "You're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King!" I raised a brow and looked back at the gagged man. He wore heavy armor with large pauldrons, and a blue tabard draped beneath them across his chest. He had a scar across his right cheek, but it was partially hidden by the gag. He had shoulder-length blonde hair, with a braid running from each temple. His stormy grey eyes bore into my red ones.
"The very man I wished to meet." I smirked, and he narrowed his eyes at me. "I have bled for the Empire for nearly as long as I have lived, but grew weary of it after the War. Should we live through this, I wish to fight for you."
"You're all crazy, every damn one of you!" The horse-thief spat.
"This is not the first time I have been made a prisoner. I do not think my final hours are upon me." The two men conversed between themselves, and I ignored it in favor of plotting an escape. I could summon a Bound Dagger to cut my bonds, but that would do little. Were I to leap from the wagon I would merely be shot down. It might be little more than an inconvenience, if the archer was a poor shot, but there could be one or two that might be better.
"General Tullius, sir! The headsman is waiting!" I could not recall why, but that name sounded familiar. I turned about on my seat to see that we were approaching a village.
"Good. Let's get this over with." The horse-thief began to pray and I turned my lip up at him. Men like him were good for little more than feeding.
"Look at him. General Tullius, the military governor." The other man spoke. I followed his gaze and saw an older Imperial man sitting astride a horse, and as I saw him I knew why his name was familiar. I had fought with him during the War. I had not 'joined' the Legion, as it were. I had simply arrived, unannounced, and told someone to put me to work. I had been on numerous assignments with this man, once upon a time. His horse was surrounded by a handful of others, all bearing Altmer passengers in black Thalmor robes. "Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this." I raised a brow, looking over at the man. "High elves. Not all you others." He affirmed.
"Do you know where we are now?" I asked. He looked around.
"This… is Helgen. Falkreath Hold." He informed me. "I used to be sweet on a girl from here. I wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries mixed in… you know, when I was a boy, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe." The carts trundled through the village until we arrived at some sort of square.
"Get these prisoners out of the carts! Move it!"
"Why are we stopping?" The horse-thief squeaked.
"Why do you think? End of the line." The other man replied. The horses stopped and a pair of Imperial soldiers moved to the end of the cart to 'encourage' us out. I scoffed and rolled my eyes, rising to my feet quickly.
"No! Wait! This is a mistake!" The horse-thief cried out.
"Face your death with some courage, thief." The other man disparaged. Ulfric led the way out of the cart.
"You've got to tell them, we weren't with you! This is a mistake!"
"Step towards the block when we call your name. One at a time!" It was a woman who spoke, I saw, wearing officer's armor.
"Empire loves their damned lists." The first man scoffed, and I shot him a smirk.
"Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm." Ulfric broke from the crowd, staring down the legionnaire who had called his name.
"It has been an honour, Jarl Ulfric." The first man called out.
"Ralof of Riverwood." This was the first man who had rode in the cart with me, and he calmly followed his Jarl.
"Lokir of Rorikstead." The horse-thief took a step forth.
"I'm not a rebel! You can't do this!" He took off running.
"Halt!" The woman shouted after him.
"You're not gonna kill me!" He shouted back, almost desperately.
"Archers!" Two arrows thudded into his back, and he fell to the ground. "Anyone else feel like running?"
"Wait… you there, wood elf! Step forward!" After taking a quick glance around, I surmised that I was the only Bosmer there, so I advanced. "Who are you?"
"I am Lycoris." I stated. He looked back down at his list.
"Captain, she's not on the list."
"Forget the list. She goes to the block." She gestured towards said block.
"By your orders, Captain." He turned back to face me. "I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Valenwood."
"My corpse would be no good once it traveled there. Simply burn what is left." I stated, then followed the others. There might not even be anything to burn. I have been a vampire for the better part of two centuries – I know not what happens to the corpses of the older of my species.
"Ulfric Stormcloak. Some here in Helgen call you a hero, but a hero doesn't use a power like the Voice to murder his King and usurp his throne." Ulfric tried to speak, but the gag muffled him. "You started this war… plunged Skyrim into chaos, and now the Empire is going to put you down and restore the peace." An odd sound reverberated through the village, almost like the cry of some beast.
"What was that?" One of the soldiers asked.
"It's nothing. Carry on." Tullius ordered, then walked away.
"Yes, General Tullius!" The Captain saluted before waving towards a priest. "Give them their last rites."
"As we commend your souls to Aetherius, blessing of the Eight Divines upon you –"
"For the love of Talos, shut up, and let's get this over with." One of the Stormcloaks interrupted her, walking towards the block.
"As you wish." The priest sniffed at him.
"Come on! I haven't got all morning." He knelt down and laid his head upon the block. The headsman raised his axe and swung it down, splitting the man's head from his shoulders in one smooth blow.
"I pity the man who goes last." I murmured, shooting a glance at Ulfric. His stormy eyes met mine once more, and I felt that he knew – the Imperials would not grant him an early death. He would be forced to watch each and every one of his men and women die before they killed him.
"As fearless in death as he was in life." Ralof commented.
"Next, the wood elf!" The Captain shouted, pointing at me. The same sound echoed through the village once more, only louder.
"There it is again… did you hear that?" The same soldier asked.
"I said, next prisoner." Someone nudged my arm and I pulled away from them. The man's body was unceremoniously shoved aside as I walked forwards. As I knelt and rested my head on the block, I bit my lip to keep myself from licking the blood from it as I waited. My last moments would not shame me, I refused it. I closed my eyes.
"What in Oblivion is that?" Someone cried out, and my eyes snapped open. I must have missed what they had seen.
"Sentries! What do you see?" The Captain shouted.
"It's in the clouds…" A great black creature flew through the sky, landing atop the tower behind the headsman. He stumbled and the axe fell from his grasp, bouncing off the block.
"Dragon!" I heard a woman shout. The creature did… something, and the sky turned dark and everyone was thrown from their feet. I was knocked away from the block and my head bounced off the paving stones.
"Come on, little elf, get to your feet." Someone hauled me upright as I clutched my head and shot Restoration magick into it. As my vision returned I recognized Ralof standing before me. "Come on, we won't have another chance! We have to run!"
"You need not tell me twice." I replied, and followed him into another tower. The remained Stormcloaks were gathered there, untying one other's bonds. I quickly summoned a Bound Dagger and cut away my own.
"Jarl Ulfric, what is that thing? Could the legends be true?" One of them asked.
"Legends don't burn down villages." Ulfric replied. I was surprised at how pleasant his voice was. "We need to move, now!"
"Up through the tower, let's go!" Ralof agreed. He and I led the way up the stairs. Just as we reached the first landing the wall exploded inwards, crushing the man waiting there. The… dragon spewed fire into the resulting hole, and I pushed Ralof against the wall beside me. The beast flew away and I walked approached the hole.
"Be wary of the stone. It may be hot in places for some time." I cautioned. "I will leap into that building there. The rest of you may wish to take a running jump to follow." I pointed to the nearest building that was burning the least amount before turning action into words. I launched myself towards the building and fell through the roof, grunting as I hit the floor. I tried to put weight on my foot and discovered that I had injured it. I quickly healed it before looking upwards. "One at a time!" I shouted. As each one landed near me I quickly looked them over to ensure that there were no injuries. Three of them sprained their ankles, as I had, but the others landed well. I sent them on their way afterwards. Ralof was almost last, and Ulfric was the very last to join me.
"Where are the others?" Ulfric demanded.
"They should not be too far ahead. They mentioned an old fort." I informed him, and he nodded.
"It's as good a place as any. Let's get going." We made our way through the village. The Legion was too occupied with the dragon to harass us, so we quickly made it to the old fort. The three of us entered an empty room.
"The others must have gone on ahead." Ralof ventured.
"So it would seem." I looked over myself. My armor would need to be repaired, if not outright replaced, and I had no idea where my physical weaponry was. I found myself longing for my bow.
"Do you have weapons?" Ulfric asked, and it was a moment before I realized he spoke to me.
"I have magick." I replied.
"Magick doesn't last forever. We'll have to try and find you something – and see if there isn't any better armor around here."
"It will suffice, for now." I answered. "We need to get out of here. Either the Legion will kill the dragon – which I do not expect – or it will grow tired of sporting with them. Or, better yet, it will simply kill them all." I advanced through the room.
"Is it too much to hope that it might kill Tullius while it's here?" Ulfric chuckled. The question seemed rhetoric, so I did not answer. I found an axe and a sword, and offered them to Ralof and Ulfric.
"I care not who takes which one. At the moment I am likely better armed than either of you, taking into account the Nordic distrust of magick." Ulfric took the axe, and Ralof the sword. I summoned a Bound Bow and let the men lead the way. The first door we encountered was locked, and the second opened on a chain from the other side.
"They must have barred the doors behind them to keep the Legion from following." Ulfric surmised.
"Come on, soldiers! Keep moving!" I recognized the Captain's voice.
"Get away from the door. When they open it, I will throw a Fireball." I readied the spell in my right hand, holding my incorporeal Bow in my left. The two men listened to me, and arranged themselves so that they stood on either side of me. They three Imperials saw us, and eagerly opened the door. Before it was half way open I launched my spell, throwing two to either side and lighting the third on fire. I raised my Bow and fired arrow after arrow before the men attacked. I timed my shots carefully, not wishing to harm either of them. The scent of blood in the air caused my vampiric teeth to descend, and I felt myself begin to salivate. Ulfric rummaged through the Captain's pockets, locating a key. Said key unlocked the other door, and we were no longer trapped. "I will be along presently. I must answer a call of nature." I told them, and once I was alone I dragged one of the bodies into the room they had entered in and swiftly drained it dry. My hunger sated, I used the water pouch my meal had been carrying to wash my face before following after Ulfric and Ralof.
We caught up with the other Stormcloaks, and I healed any injuries they had taken. There were now eight of us, fighting through the underbelly of the old fort. When we exited the manmade structure, we encountered no more Imperials. Instead we fought against Frostbite Spiders and a bear.
"I have always disliked spiders." I commented, but I scrounged through their nests for eggs. I simply cut the paws off the she-bear so that I could remove the claws at a later time. We exited the cave and we all looked towards the sky.
"There it is! Get down!" One of them shouted. We all dove for some form of cover, but the dragon either ignored us or did not see us, for it continued on its way.
"That is one less thing to fret over, for the time being." I commented, rising to my feet.
"Now we just have to worry about the Legionnaires that it didn't kill." Ulfric ground out.
"The dragon has only just left. It will take some time before they are ready to pursue us." I replied. I squared my shoulders and turned to face Ulfric. "I meant what I said in the wagon. I am willing to fight for you."
"Why would you bleed for us? For Skyrim? You can't have been here long." Ulfric looked wary.
"Because this is about far more than the squabble for the crown. This is about far more than snubbing the Empire. This is about warring upon the Thalmor. If you succeed here, you will have allies in Hammerfell; that I promise. I will fight for you here… and beyond, against the Aldmeri Dominion."
"What if I decided that after winning here that it was enough? That I didn't need to fight against the Thalmor?" Ulfric countered.
"I do not see you simply sitting upon your hands once all is said and done, but if that were the case I would simply leave. I would find others willing to wage war upon them."
"What did the Thalmor do to you that makes you want to fight them so badly?" He queried.
"They have deeply offended me, in more ways than only one." I narrowed my eyes upwards at him. "Do you press for so many details from all of your followers, or merely the ones who are not human?"
"That is part of my reason, yes. You're a wood elf, and it's well known that there are more than a few of your kind within the Thalmor's ranks."
"If that is truly the case, then I understand your caution. If that is not the case then we must take care of it another time. We must depart this place." I turned to walk away, but Ulfric placed a hand on my shoulder. I shook it off before turning to face him.
"I have one more question for you." I gestured for him to continue. "If you are a mage, then why didn't you try to escape earlier? Did you know the dragon was coming?"
"And get myself shot full of arrows like the horse-thief for my troubles?" I barked out a laugh. "I think not. I would rather go to my death with my head held high than be shot in the back."
"And the dragon?" He pressed.
"It was just as much a surprise to me as it was to you. I knew nothing of its arrival."
"Very well. Come to Windhelm, and I'll see you fight with us." Ulfric nodded.
"Do you wish me to travel with you, or shall I meet you there at another time?"
"That depends on where we are." Ulfric looked around, and one of his men stepped forward.
"My Jarl, we are very near to Riverwood, in Whiterun Hold." He stated. I recognized him… Ralof, that was his name. "I have kin here. They may be able to provide a few things for us before we make our way to Windhelm."
"I don't want to take food from their mouths. I still have some coin with me. Is there an inn?" Ulfric turned to look at Ralof.
"Yes, and a small store as well. It's better off than some villages." Ralof remarked.
"Then we will stay at the inn. We cannot let these people come to harm because of us, so none of you may address me as 'Jarl' or 'Ulfric'. I will be Trygve." I smirked. "Is something funny, little elf?"
"My name is Lycoris." I told him. "I would be appreciative were you to use it."
"Is something funny, Lycoris?" He repeated.
"The name you chose. Do you know what it means?" I asked.
"It is an old Nordic name. A good one." He stated.
"The meaning is 'worthy of trust'." I informed him as I walked away. "Let us hope that you live up to it." I added quietly. Ulfric quickly gathered his men and we made our way down the road. Ralof decided to walk with me. I suspected that Ulfric may have set him to spy upon me, so I kept my pace swift.
"How does a tiny creature like you walk so quickly?" Ralof asked, panting.
"Many years' experience. I traveled back and forth all across Cyrodiil at one time."
"Were you a courier?" He asked, and I smiled slightly.
"One might call it that. I performed errands and delivered news, among other things."
"Performed errands? I can't see you doing such things." Ralof remarked.
"Not as you might think. I was tasked with collecting specific items, typically from ruins. Ayleid crystals, old family armor…" I shrugged. "Such errands that involved danger. Not menial tasks."
"So you've seen your share of fighting, then." Ralof ventured.
"I have fought for many years. Not all of it on a battlefield, hearing war shouts and the cries of the injured. I fought in the Great War, and traveled to Hammerfell to help them fight the Thalmor. I have seen far more than simply my share of fighting." We walked in silence for a time. "I take it you grew up near here, yes? It is how you recognized the area?"
"Aye. My parents are no longer with us, but my sister and her family run the mill here." He shuddered. "I don't know how she can stand it."
"Stand what, pray tell?" I asked. He raised a hand to point at the mountain across the river I could see glistening in the sunlight.
"You see that ruin up there? Bleak Falls Barrow. Filled with draugr and Talos only knows what else."
"I have never heard of these… draugr. What are they?" I asked as I studied the mountain.
"No one really knows, beyond that they're supposed to be dead and that they're dangerous. They haunt all the old Nordic crypts around Skyrim, from what I've heard."
"I see." Looked over my shoulder to where Ulfric and the others were following us. They were a fair distance behind us, so I slowed my pace somewhat. As we traveled along the road we grew closer to the riverbed. I paid close attention to the nearby plants and scooped up the alchemical flowers I saw, thrilled to see so many of them.
"We're closer than I thought we were. We're already at the Standing Stones." Ralof commented, gesturing towards a trio of oddly marked stones just off the road.
"Standing Stones? Similar to Doom Stones?" I queried, stepping forward to investigate the stones.
"I don't know what those are, so I wouldn't be able to tell you." Ralof confessed.
"What do they do?"
"They grant a blessing, like the ones gained from shrines. You can only have the blessing of one Stone at a time, and they don't end over periods of time like the shrine blessings do. Go and see for yourself." He gestured towards them once more and I carefully approached them. The three stones were all taller than I was, and they had a perfectly circular gap near the top. They each had a different constellation – the Warrior, the Mage, and the Thief. I approached the Thief stone and laid my hand upon it.
"Today the Thief shall guide your steps on the road to destiny." Those were his words, when I had told him which sign I had been born beneath.
"The Thief, eh?" Ralof commented. "It's never too late to take charge of your own fate, you know."
"This is the sign under which I was born. These stars shall always guide me." The stone lit up, mimicking the stars in the sky momentarily before fading. "You need not be a thief to make use of their skills. What use is it to charge recklessly into battle, perhaps gaining injury, when one could sneak in and destroy their enemies without notice?"
"I suppose that makes sense." He replied.
"Everyone has their own way of going about their business. They need not all be the same, and simply because it is different does not make it wrong." Ralof chose not to answer, taking a drink from his water pouch while we waited for the others to join us. Ulfric glanced at me, and the Stone nearest to me, and he narrowed his eyes. He did not seem too pleased with me.
"We should carry on." Was all he said, which rather surprised me. I led the way down the road once more, calling my Bound Bow into existence. Bandits tended to run rampant in areas such as the one we were in, and I did not intend to be caught unawares. I need not have worried about the bandits, however, as we saw none. We saw only a triad of wolves which attacked once they saw us. I quickly fired arrows at them, and we were able to continue on our way.
"You're a good shot." Ralof remarked.
"I am a Bosmer. We have far better sight than other races. As well, I have been training with a bow since childhood." Nearly for as long as I had been walking, in all honesty. We came upon the village shortly after encountering the wolves. I was surprised to see that there were no guards, and stated as much to Ralof.
"Riverwood is a bit out of the way for regular patrols. Hopefully that will change in the future, with all this dragon nonsense."
"I quite agree. Any troop of bandits could come down upon the village as it currently stands." I cared little for most people, true enough, but there could be any number of children in a village of this size. Children deserved to be protected. Ralof guided us to the inn before looking for his sister. Ulfric procured the three rooms for the night. The seven of us – Ralof would be sharing lodging with his sister – the rest of us would need to share. At first none of the men would share with Ulfric, but he quietly stressed the need to ensure that he seemed the same as the rest of us.
"We should also have some sort of watch set up." Ulfric suggested. "This is one of the closest villages to Helgen, and it will also be the first place any Legionnaires look for us."
"I will take midwatch." I stated, brooking no arguments. It was unlikely that I would sleep through the night as it were, and I also knew that it was the most disliked of all watch shifts.
"They will all be taken in pairs. I want four watch shifts set up, and I will be on one of them." I nodded my agreement, as did the others. Ralof and his partner would be on first watch, so as to not overly disturb his family. Ulfric and I were set to the third watch – by no accident, I suspected. He likely wished to continue his interrogation of me. I visited the general store to purchase a set of clothes to wear while repairing my armor and happened upon an argument.
"Well one of us has to do something!" A young woman spoke. From her accent, I surmised that she was an Imperial.
"I said no! No theatrics, and no thief chasing!" The man countered. He was most likely either her husband or a close relation to the young woman. It was then that they noticed my presence. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes. I need to purchase a second set of clothes so that I can repair my armor, as well as a travel bag." I looked at the young woman, who huffed as she stirred a pot hanging over the fire. "Might I inquire as to what your argument was about?"
"We had a bit of a… break-in a while back. We still have other things to sell, however. The thieves were only after one thing – an ornament, in solid gold, in the shape of a dragon's claw. My sister thinks we should go after them, but I think not."
"I may be able to go in your – or her – stead. Do you know where they are laired?" I asked.
"I would be grateful if you were able to return it. It's a family heirloom, you know. We were upstairs when the break-in happened, so we heard the whole conversation. They went to Bleak Falls Barrow. Divines only know what they went to that place for." He shuddered. "I have some extra coin coming in with my next shipment. It's yours if you bring that claw back."
"We have an accord, then." He offered his hand and I shook it firmly. "I will need to repair my armor swiftly, then."
"Oh, yes, I'm sorry. All the clothes we have are in the chest over there. Go ahead, look through it." He gestured towards a chest on my right. The soldiers had taken my travel bag with my large coin purse, but they had not found the spare coin that I kept within a pouch inside my armor, so I was not entirely destitute. If all else failed, I could simply send a courier to Cyrodiil and have coin delivered to me. It would not be the first time that I had done so. However, with the border apparently closed for the nonce, any courier would likely be turned away.
"So this is your plan, Lucan?" The young woman demanded. "Hiring someone to do our work for us?"
"You've spent too much time hanging around all these Nords, Camilla. This keeps the both of us safe, and this woman looks like she knows how to take care of herself." I found a likely looking tunic and a pair of trousers and showed them to Lucan. "Here's your bag. Five septims, please." I placed the coins on the counter.
"Wait! Don't you need directions?" Camilla asked as I opened the door.
"One of the men I traveled here with pointed out the ruins. I shall find my way." I replied, shutting the door behind me. I walked back to the inn and inquired after which room I would be sleeping in.
"You will have that room." Ulfric pointed towards the northeast room, to the barman's left. "The men insisted that it be yours alone."
"How gallant." I deadpanned. I changed and left the inn, my armor in hand. We had passed a smithy on our way into town, and it was there that I paid my next visit.
"Is there something you need?" The smith queried.
"I would ask that I be allowed the use of your equipment. I need to make repairs to my armor, if not craft a new set." I showed him my armor. "I will also look over any weaponry that you have."
"You made this yourself?" He asked, raising his brows.
"I prefer armor made by my own hand." I admitted. "I have yet to find a set of armor crafted by another that meets my standards."
"If this is the quality you make, then be my guest." He waved expansively towards the forge.
"I have no materials, and may need to purchase from you." I informed him.
"Just pick up whatever you need. You seem honest enough. You can pay me when it's completed."
"You are very trusting of a woman you just met." I commented, moving toward the work bench.
"See that you live up to it, then." I smiled to myself and set to work. I disliked the traditional 'elven-style' of armor, and thus had created mine own. It had the same shoulder, on one side, with the traditional neck guard, skirt and greaves in darker colour laid over a set of leathers. The left shoulder was uncovered, to allow for further draw on my bow, and I wore wrist guards to my elbows on both hands. The neck guard hung over my back and shoulder blades to provide extra protection. The hood of my armor was armored as well, with the 'teeth' of the elven-style helmet protruding outwards. The greaves strapped over the leathers, allowing me to tread softly. Instead of the pink-green-gold colour pattern of the traditional style, my set was styled in dark colours to enable me to better slip into the shadows. I had owned a set of shrouded armor. Seeing as my own set was so distinctive, I had never worn it to complete a contract. It, however, had been in the travel bag the Legionnaires had confiscated. I would need to craft another set, but now was not the time. Some of the straps on my set of armor would need to be replaced, and there was a small hole where an arrow had pierced it. I sighed and set to work. It took less than two hours, and the sun was setting when I had finished. I paid the smith for what I had used, and also purchased a dagger before I headed back to the inn.
"Greetings, sister elf." I heard a voice call out. I was surprised, to say the least, to encounter another Bosmer in Riverwood.
"To you as well, brother." I replied, a smile upon my lips. He shifted into the natural Bosmeri tongue as we spoke.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing kin in this place?" He queried.
"I traveled to this land on business, and am passing through here." I told him truthfully.
"Is this your first time in Skyrim?" We had no word for this province in our own tongue, so it was necessary to borrow the Common word for it.
"I did not expect it to be so… different." I answered. "Far colder thus far than I anticipated." He laughed.
"That is very true." He paused a moment, looking uncomfortable. "I would ask a favour of you."
"Ask, and we shall see." It was the traditional reply, and his expression brightened.
"Another man and I, we both vie for the affections of a young woman. I would ask that you deliver a letter to Camilla Valerius, claiming that it is from him." He handed me a letter, and I took it. I could read it later, if I wished.
"This is the sister of the man who runs the store, yes?"
"That is correct. I am Faendal, and the other man is called Sven. If you would do this, I would be very grateful." He bowed slightly, in the traditional manner.
"I will deliver the letter." I promised. Not directly, perhaps, and not without further investigation. I returned the bow and he smiled broadly.
"I await the news eagerly." He responded. He took two paces back before continuing on his way. I was gladdened to see that our traditions still lived outside of Valenwood. I returned to the inn and pondered over the letter.
My Dearest Camilla,
I yearn to have you as my own,
Washing my linens,
And my fine blond hair,
To cook my dinner from my stove,
And tend to my house while I wander.
Yours Truly,
Sven
If it was meant to offend the young woman towards Sven, then it would likely accomplish its goal. I shook my head and approached the barman.
"I am searching for a man named Sven." I stated. He pointed out a young man bearing a lute at the back of the inn and I nodded my thanks. I waited until he completed his current song before approaching him.
"Hello! Is there a song you'd like to request?" I shook my head.
"A Bosmer named Faendal approached me and asked that I deliver a letter to Camilla Valerius in your name."
"Ha! As if he could actually succeed, wooing an honourable woman like her. You know what? Here. Give her this letter and tell her it's from him instead." He handed me a parchment and I sighed inwardly as I accepted it. These men had no imagination. I left the inn and read Sven's letter in the light of the lantern outside the inn's door.
Dear Camilla,
I know I have called upon you at your house many times, and while we may be growing close, I need you to put any desires you have for me aside. I am a true-born son of Valenwood, and I could never befoul my bloodline by courting an Imperial. I hope we can remain true friends, provided you understand your people's place in the Aldmeri Dominion, and respect me as such.
Sincerely, Faendal.
My brows rose as I read the letter.
"Is this truly what these barbarians think of our people?" I murmured. "These men are fools." I stormed toward the store and knocked upon the door. Camilla was the one who answered it, clad in a shift.
"The store's closed for the night." She informed me.
"I have a pair of letters for you." I replied. "This one was written by Faendal, and the other by Sven. They both wished to trick you into believing that theirs was written by the other." Her brows furrowed as I handed her the letters.
"I… I can't believe this! Why would they do this?" She asked, reading the letters.
"They both wish to lay claim to your heart. I think I need not tell you that neither of them are worth your consideration."
"Thank you for bringing these to me. Hold on just a moment." She retreated into the store, leaving it slightly ajar. I could hear her rummaging through something, and she returned with a necklace clutched in her hand.
"I need no reward for this." I demurred, frowning.
"There must be something I can do for you." She argued. I looked her up and down. She was a beautiful woman… I took a step closer to her, and she swallowed. My gaze dropped to her throat, where I could hear her pulse quicken.
"Come have a drink or two with me at the inn." I lifted my eyes back to hers.
"Just a moment. I'll change into something more appropriate."
"You'll not be needing it long." I murmured as she walked away. It took but a few minutes for her to return, wearing a different dress than she had been that afternoon. This dress scooped low across her breasts, baring an expanse of honey-coloured skin. I stepped back from the door and she locked it behind her. We returned to the inn, and Sven's face lit up as he saw her.
"Camilla! I didn't expect to see you here tonight –"
"I'm not here to see you." She growled, not stopping. She chose the furthest table from him, where I joined her after ordering us drinks. Alcohol no longer affected me – I had no need to consume anything beyond blood, in truth, but I did not wish my conquest-to-be to drink alone. I sat astride the bench, facing her.
"Are you looking for someone?" She asked, taking her drink.
"I am admiring the view before me." I replied, and she flushed prettily. I reached out a hand and danced my fingers along her shoulder and the base of her throat. She took a drink, but did not shake off my hand. "I have but a few hours. I will be off in the morn, and will not return swiftly." I traced a finger along her pulse and felt it skitter. She cleared her throat before speaking.
"But you will, won't you? For the claw, at least."
"I will return if I am able." I promised. She glanced over at me, and I darted out my tongue to wet my lip.
"Camilla, is something the matter?" Sven had approached us, and I internally rolled my eyes.
"Yes, something is the matter. Two people I thought I could trust tried to lie to me, and it's only because of – I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."
"Lycoris." I supplied, and she nodded.
"Thank you. It's only because of Lycoris that I even found out about it. I want nothing to do with you."
"Camilla, please –"
"Did you mishear her?" I interrupted. "Be off with you."
"If you had only delivered the letter –"
"I did deliver the letter. The one from Faendal, as well. I merely told her the truth." I shrugged, my fingers still drawing patterns along her neck and shoulder. "Now, the lady has asked that you leave. Remove yourself, lest I do it for you." I looked around meaningfully at the rest of the inn, and he followed my gaze. The other patrons had heard our conversation, and looked none too impressed with the young bard.
"This isn't over." Sven spat before turning on his heels.
"I apologize for his behaviour." I said, looking over Camilla.
"It's not your fault." She shook her head. "I will never understand men." I smirked.
"I have little use for men." I agreed. "But we shall not let him ruin our night, yes?" I dropped my hand from her throat and traced along her ribs, the backs of my fingers brushing the side of her breast. She drew in a gasp of air and my smile widened. "I cannot say as I blame them for trying. You are a beautiful creature."
"Th-thank you." She stammered, taking another drink.
"You should be cautious. I would not wish for these men to think I took advantage of you." Her flush deepened. I leaned forward and pressed my lips against her throat, splaying my hand across her back.
"Are you seducing me?" She whispered.
"That depends. Is it working?" I responded, my mouth at her ear. I felt her shiver.
"You shouldn't do this in public." She shot back.
"Does this mean you wish to come to my room?" I closed my teeth around her ear lobe, pressing gently.
"I-I've never been with a woman. I don't know…" She began, sounding nervous.
"If you would like for me to desist, then I shall. I'll not force you." I sat back as she shook her head.
"I only meant that I don't know… what to do, or how it would work." She confessed.
"Would you like to learn?"
"I think so." She still seemed nervous.
"Allow me to test." I leaned toward her once more and laid claim to her lips. Her lips were soft, and gentle. I waiting for her to open her mouth before deepening the kiss. I brushed my tongue against hers, and she responded, still cautious. She still had the taste of the mead I had bought on her tongue. I did not invade her mouth, as most men would. I did not wish to scare her off. Rather, I toyed with her. I defy any person who claims that a kiss cannot be seductive. I nibbled her lip and she drew in a breath. I placed my hand on her back once more and drew us closer together. Camilla raised a hand to cup the back of my head and I smiled against her mouth. She darted her tongue into my mouth. Pleased with her newfound courage, I allowed her control of our kiss. She drew us closer together still and I put pressure on her back with my nails. Not too hard, but enough to get her attention. I raised my other hand to cup her breast, but a sound from another table startled Camilla, causing her to draw back. She was breathing heavily, and I levelled a glare in the direction the sound had come from. It had been a drunken man – a local, from the look of him. He had knocked an empty glass from his table.
"I liked that." Camilla admitted, quite breathily. A smile once more upon my lips, I turned to face her.
"As did I." I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Would you care for more?"
"Yes." She no longer sounded nervous, I was pleased to hear. I rose from our table and offered her my hand. She accepted it, and I assisted her in rising to her feet. I led her to my room, locking the door behind me.
What she lacked in experience, Camilla more than made up for in enthusiasm. We fucked thrice before she succumbed to sleep. Before I followed, I cast a quick spell to ensure her sleep was deep and sank my teeth into her throat. The dead man I had drunk from earlier had helped to slake my thirst, it had not entirely sated me. Nor would she, lest I drained her dry. I had no desire to, not when nearly half the backwater village had seen her leave with me. Once I withdrew I healed the mark, as well as the others I had left upon her during our bouts. I unlocked the door to allow whichever of Ulfric's men entry without waking her before I laid down beside Camilla and slept. While it felt like only moments later that a hand shook me awake, I felt refreshed and ready. Feeding before slumber always enabled me to get a better day's or night's rest. I identified Ulfric as the man who woke me from the scent. The other men smelled of sweat and dirt, and while Ulfric did as well, there was also a hint of juniper berry under it all. Nearly before he closed the door I climbed out of the bed I shared with Camilla to dress. I cast another sleep spell upon her before I left. I did not wish for her to wake to an empty space beside her. Clad in my armor, I followed Ulfric out of the inn. We traveled a ways up the road toward Helgen before climbing a hill and sitting atop it.
"That girl you… bedded." Ulfric began, breaking the silence.
"Camilla." I supplied.
"Does this mean I have to watch out for you, as well? Chasing after merchant's wives and daughters?"
"Or the merchants themselves, as well as their sons. I have no particular preference. However, I tend to avoid those with… entanglements. When a spouse returns to find another in their wedding bed events have a tendency to go sour."
"'Have a tendency'?" He turned to look at me.
"More than once the other spouse has fallen in with myself and their spouse." I raised a brow at him before I recalled that he could not see it. "Do you press so into the carnal activities of your other soldiers? Or is this supposed to be an attempt to see if I am here only to spy upon you?" He did not answer. "If I were a spy, or sent here to kill you, do you not think that I would have been inserted into your company in a different manner than at the executioner's block?"
"You have a point." He admitted.
"Then might we not abandon the interrogation?"
"I do note that you didn't specifically deny being an assassin." Ulfric commented.
"Y'ffre's bones! What do you wish for me to swear by before you feel you can place your trust with me? Any one of your men could be hired to slay you, yet simply because they are Nords you keep your faith in them!" I snapped. "That is not logical, nor is it practical. A man is not worthy of trust or mistrust simply because of the skin he wears."
"I have difficulty trusting elves."
"I fought in the Great War, against the Thalmor!"
"Anyone could claim that. You don't even look old enough to have fought." He countered.
"Do you know nothing about elves? We have far longer lifespans than men and Betmer. I am far older than you are. I was born in the Third Era, and lived through the Oblivion Crisis. I saw Martin Septim before he…" I trailed off, shaking my head. "The fact of the matter is that you are incorrect."
"You saw Martin Septim." He stated, disbelief colouring his voice.
"He was a priest of Auri-El, once. The God you call Akatosh. He served at the Chapel in Kvatch."
"Everyone knows that." He argued.
"If I told you something that you did not know, you would say that I invented it." I countered. "If you are set on disbelieving me, there is naught I can say to change your mind."
"If nothing else, it would explain your odd speech." Ulfric admitted.
"Should I be grateful that you agreed to the obvious?" I growled. "If you do not trust me then I shall take my leave of you. I came to Skyrim for more than your war."
"Such as?" He queried.
"Business that is not yours. Personal, private business." He was silent for a time.
"You are right about the spy and assassin. If you follow our laws, I see no reason to turn you away." Ulfric finally conceded.
"I am ever so grateful that you condescended to allowing me to fight for you." I snarked. "I do well in positions of command, particularly over archers, reconnaissance forces or saboteurs; but I am best on my own or in as small a group as possible. I do not do well when I am put under the authority of others, particularly if I hold no respect for them. I will not follow foolish or suicidal orders, and will usurp command if I find it necessary. I prefer archery, but can hold my own in melee combat. I know nearly every spell in every school of magick there is to know. In Destruction I focused primarily on the fire and lightning branches, and I know a handful of ice spells. That is my combative and military self, to be succinct."
"I don't know if I should put you with scouts or keep you with the healers." Ulfric told me.
"I would prefer to be beyond the front line, as I believe I mentioned. I am an accomplished spy, if you have need of such, and may be able to eliminate certain people before they raise issue."
"So you are an assassin." He surmised.
"I have previous experience in the trade. If you wish, I could look over your guard circuit to ensure that an assassin cannot gain secret entrance."
"Make sure that it stays previous." He ordered.
"I cannot promise such. If I see an immediate threat, I will take motions to eliminate it." Or if I received further orders from the Night Mother, but he had no need of that knowledge. "I will need time to complete my own business, as well. I would not wish to have to scurry off to complete it."
"You will be given time. And you may travel with us as far as you need to." Ulfric offered, and I looked at him askance.
"That would be… well. It has been some time since I traveled with more than one or two others."
"It has been some time since any of those louts have travelled with a lady." He commented, and I barked a laugh.
"A lady! Not I. You must be speaking of another." I folded my legs and drew the dagger I'd purchased from the smith and tossed it into the air. I caught it and tossed it once more. Again and again, while Ulfric and I spoke inanities to one another. When our watch was completed, we headed back into the village. One of the men for the final watch was in his room, while the other was in the third. I woke the man in the third room and then returned to the one I shared with Camilla. I cut off the sleep spell before undressing, and she woke as I climbed back into the bed.
"Is it morning?" She mumbled, drawing me close. "You're cold."
"It is not yet dawn. I just returned from out of doors. You need not wake just yet."
"My brother will be getting up soon, and wondering where I am." She yawned and sat up. "Thank you for last night. That was… amazing."
"I am pleased that you enjoyed yourself." I smirked in the darkness.
"You're leaving today?" She asked.
"Yes. I have business I must attend to, as well as the errand given me by your brother."
"When will you be back?" I could see her, dark as it was, and she had turned to face me.
"I cannot tell you, for I do not know."
"Well then," she huffed, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt my brother to worry a little bit…" She cupped my cheeks and pressed her lips to mine.
"You do know that I can grant you no more than this, yes?" I asked when she pulled back. "Do not set your heart on me. You will only be hurt."
"Faendal told me once about elven lifespans." She replied. "I do understand. But that doesn't mean that we can't have fun while you're here." She raised herself up so that she was over me on all fours.
"If 'fun' is all that you desire, that is something I may grant you."
I knew the moment the sun rose. Vampirism made the knowledge instinctual. I brought Camilla to climax once more before climbing out of bed again. I dressed, as did she.
"Wait." She put her hand in the crook of my arm, and I stopped. "I… I want you to mark me. I want Sven and Faendal to know they have no chance."
"I do not wish for our liaison to cause trouble for you." I demurred, shaking my head. "What would your brother think?"
"The way the men in this town gossip, I wouldn't be surprised if he knew already." Camilla scoffed. "I don't care what he thinks."
"If you are certain…" She leaned down, granting me better access to her throat. "This may hurt." I cautioned her. I put my arms round her shoulders and brought her lower still before bringing my mouth to her throat. I fought against the instinct for my vampiric teeth to descend, and lost. They did not fully extend as I suckled against her pulse, yet I heard her gasp as my teeth grazed against her skin, but thankfully did not break it. Her hand slithered downwards and squeezed my breast tightly. I moved one arm from her shoulders and hiked up her dress so I could place my leg between her thighs.
"Lycoris…" She moaned, rubbing herself on my thigh. She squeezed my breast harder. I was glad that I had not yet put on my full armor as I pressed her against the wall to free my hands. I removed my mouth from her throat and swiftly loosened the laces that held her dress closed, freeing her breasts. I drew one of her dark nipples into my mouth, pinching and tugging at the other. I watched her face as she rode my thigh, her caramel eyes half-open. I lightly bit at her nipple and she let out a small cry. I moved my mouth to the other one and drew my dagger with my now-free hand, cutting away her smalls to gain access to her clit. I tossed the weapon aside and focused a small amount of lightning magick, releasing it as I pressed my thumb to her. Camilla nearly shrieked as she threw her head back, as she had every other time I had used that trick. I left another love bite, this one upon her breast, before looking up at her.
"Look at me." I demanded, and she lowered her lidded gaze to mine. "I want you looking at me when you finish. I want to see the look in your eyes when you lose complete control."
"Lycoris – I –" Her breath came faster, and a deep flush spread across her cheeks as I rubbed her clit. As she came she gave a sharp cry and stiffened before relaxing into my arms. I chuckled as I rearranged her dress as best I could. "What about you?" She asked, and I pressed my lips to hers before I answered.
"I am, like as not, late. As much as I wish to tear off your dress and drag you back to bed, I cannot." She laced herself back into her dress as I finished putting my armor on. Once we were both dressed we left the room.
"The other men said that they were going to wait on the Whiterun road for you." The blond innkeeper informed me, glaring at us in what I assumed was a disapproving fashion. I nodded my thanks and escorted Camilla to her brother's store.
"I will see you again, Camilla." I promised. She gave me one final kiss before I headed up the north road.