Indiana Jones and the Tomb of Tamriel
Sweden, 1932. In the vast northern part of the country a massive snow storm was charging across the open, flat, cold tundra as night set in. The plains were barren except for a small camp crudely set up around an archaeological dig. Most of the dig crew had turned in with the storm rolling in. One canvas tent had a light still burning inside. A man was sitting at the table pouring over books and notes.
"These records are proof the Vikings made it farther south than the Arabian peninsula. This is amazing, it reopens Professor Harrison's theory on the ancient Vikings' trade routes." As the man jotted down notes a loud crash was heard outside. He quickly jumped up and ran over to his tent flap. Lifting it revealed the snow storm had collapsed a tent and was carrying it across the site and out into the dark tundra. He dropped the tent flap quickly and pulled on his leather jacket. He pulled a brown fedora off it's hook and started out into the storm. "Hey! Hey! The tent's blowing away. Get out here!" He yelled to the other tents as he fastened his gun belt on in his steady jog. No other tents stirred, then a light appeared from one.
"Let it go Indy. There are plenty of other tents here." came a hefty voice from the light.
"That had all our equipment in it Jimmy!" Indiana Jones replied as he ran after the flailing tent. The storm carried the tent farther and farther from the camp and Indy kept chasing it. After awhile the plains turned to a snowy forest. A tree finally caught the tent and Indy could hear some of the equipment smash against the bark. Looking through the mess Indy realized that most the equipment was destroyed. There were a few shovels and picks still intact, but most the gear was trashed. He picked up a shovel, pulled his fedora down, and started back from the tent. With all the digging equipment lost excavating the rest of the site would be much slower, and harder. It wasn't till several minutes of trudging through the snow that Indy realized he was lost. The blinding wall of snow made visibility scarce.
"Starting to think chasing that tent wasn't worth it." Indy muttered to himself as he tried to pick a direction to walk in. The storm picked up and the snow burned cold against his skin. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a scarf to wrap around his face. The snow was getting deeper and Indy's steps were becoming labored. Still no sight of his camp. Indy tripped in one of the snow banks and landed face first in 3 ft of cold snow, but his face was long numbed from the cold. Slowly pulling himself out of the snow Indy grabbed his hat before it blew away and started a slow stagger onward. It wasn't five steps before Indy fell into the snow again. He sat there, too tired to get up anymore, the storm had sapped his strength. The snow continued to blow, covering Indy in the snowy bank.
The world went black.
Indy woke up still laying in the snow. He leaned up to a sitting position and brushed the snow off his back. The scene around him hadn't changed much, still in a snowy forest. Visibility had returned and Indy could see a high stone wall of in the distance.
"Don't remember passing any stonework near our site. Could be another old castle." Indy pondered out loud as he pushed his hat up his brow. As he started towards the stone wall another human appeared from behind another tree headed towards Indy. "Jimmy! That you?". No response, "Hey. Who are you?". The figure didn't answer his question causing Indy to worry. As it grew closer Indiana had to do a double take. It looked like a giant cat was walking towards him. "I must be dead, or that's one hairy Swed." Indy raised his hand and spoke again, "Do you speak English?" The cat figure unsheathed a sword from his waist and charged toward Indy. Indy's eyes widened, "Ah Hell." Indy pulled his Smith & Wesson out from his holster. A shot rang out and the bullet caught the cat in the chest. It fell with a graceful thud. After a few seconds Indy approached the downed animal, sure it was not getting back up. He inspected the creature; it was a humanoid cat wearing a dark hood over some simple armor. "Hmm. This sword looks early 12th Century and judging from the armor I'd say it's of Holy Roman design. But I've never seen this exact design before, especially not this far north. And there's the fact this is a giant cat." Not to count out the obvious, something was definitely a miss here. Before Indy could put any more clues together he heard footsteps crunching behind him. He turned to see another figure jogging at him from across the forest. The slender figure was moving much more fluidly across the snow. Indy raised his revolver again and took a shot. The figure seemed to simply vanish and appear with a puff of smoke, running in between trees. Indy fired off another shot, but the figure moved too fast. Before Indy could aim another shot the shadow was upon him. It was revealed to be a sleek woman, the tails of her black coat swept the against the snow. Her hood hid her caramel skin and curvy black hair. She attacked Indy, knocking the gun from his hand. Before Indy could react she had his shirt collar in one hand and a dagger to his throat.
"You best hand over all your loot now. Pray I don't slit your throat since you killed my partner." the woman spoke through gritted teeth.
"Hey honey. Sorry I broke up your little Renaissance Fair. You're guard.. cat, came at me." Indy cracked his famous half smile with that sentence. The thief silently took notice of Indy. She realized he was dressed in a most unusual fashion. She jumped back from the professor and pointed the dagger at him.
"What are you? You look like no man I've seen. Are you Daedra?" her hood could not hide the fear in her face. Indy was unfamiliar with a "Daedra", that term never came up in his studies of Sweden. He raised his hands and his voice consoled,
"Listen, I think we got off on the wrong foot. So why don't you put that little knife down and answer my questions." The thief didn't budge. "My name is Indiana Jones. I'm just an archaeologist on a dig for Barnett College. I'm not here to fight anyone. Now then, you have a name?" The thief answered Indy's request but she didn't lower the dagger.
"They call me Tava, it's a religious name." Indy's face twisted in confusion,
"Tava? I've studied plenty of religions and that name doesn't come up."
"You insult me now? Tava, the old Yokudan goddess of the wind. Surely even an Imperial who claims to be as studied as you know of her." The look of confusion on his face didn't fade.
"Sweetheart, I didn't understand any of that. New question, what is this? And why is it dressed like a Medieval fighter?" Indy motioned to the dead man cat in the snow. The thief, Tava, lowered her dagger.
"You've never seen a Khajiit either, Imperial? That was my partner, Dar Quinto. He was always too bold to be a good thief."
"That thing was your partner, don't you mean pet? I've seen strange things in my travels, but nothing like that."
"You are quite dumb, even for an Imperial."
"Why do you keep calling me that? What the Hell is an Imperial?" Indy's patience was dwindling at this point. He didn't know what was going on, but he started to get a sinking feeling he wouldn't be returning to camp anytime soon. Tava inquired further,
"Are you a Nord then? Awful short for one." There was a term Indiana recognized.
"No. I'm not a Nord. I'm an American." Now the puzzled look shifted from Indy to the thief.
"American? There is no such persons. Do all of you dress like that in this land of the Americans?" Before Indy added to the confusion he stopped and realized that he may be getting taking for a fool by some dedicated reenactor. Course that would mean he just killed an innocent man.
"Oh, I get it. That's cute sister, but you can drop your act. I'm sorry about your friend, but I need to get back to the dig and I assume you need to get to the fair." Indy started to reach for his gun, but as his hand neared the handle Tava flung a throwing knife that stopped his movement. Indy looked up angrily, "I don't know what your problem is, but I'm done playing pretend. I've got real work to get done." Tava replied with matched ferocity.
"I'm playing no games Indiana Jones of the Americans. This is no fair." Indy was getting more nervous with each passing moment. He was either dealing with a crazy person or he had unearthed some mythical Swedish deity, wouldn't be his first time angering a god.
"Alright, where are we?"
"You are in southern Skyrim, Jones. Home to the Nords, and easy pickings."
Indy was thrown by that answer. Throughout it's history Sweden never flew a banner under the name 'Skyrim', but he continued his questioning,
"Okay, this may sound crazy, but when are we?" This warranted the expected chuckle from the thief.
"Last I checked it was still 4E 200." Indy wasn't sure, but he didn't think he was in Sweden anymore.
"Okay, so I'm in the year 200 in a place called Skyrim and you've never heard of America." trying to connect the dots, "I don't think I'm supposed to be here?"
"I'd say not. These woods are dangerous. Bears, wolves, and don't forget the trolls, and the thieves of course. Your money?"
"You say trolls? I am really lost." Indy pushed his hat back and scratched his forehead. He realized he needed to do some research, find out what happened that night to make him end up here. He needed help too, and he was stuck with a thief. "I'm going to need your help. I need out of this land." Tava could see that this strange man was indeed lost and she pitied him.
"I'll help you, but you must help me first. Gold, now." she waved her fingers to Indy. Indy had no gold, he cracked a laugh through his smile, but before he could answer a voice rang out across the forest.
"There is the sneak thief! Get her, and her accomplice." Indy turned to see guards racing across the field carrying an assortment of sharp weapons.
"Damn it to Oblivion. Come, follow me." Tava started a brisk run through the snow banks. Indy quickly grabbed his revolver and chased after her. She seemed to glide on top of the snow while Indy trudged through the knee high banks. An arrow landed into a tree near Indy causing him to duck his head. Tava turned around to see the tired archaeologist struggling through the snow. She ran back and threw a knife at the guards. It clanged against one of the steel helmets, the guard stumbled down. She then raised her hand and what Indy saw next was, magical. Lightning shot from her fingertips cracking violently into the snow and trees causing the guards to slow their pursuit. Indy sat in the snow staring at her dumbfounded. She sighed as she grabbed Indy by the arm and hurtled through the snow. They ran some more, the sound of the guards shouts still close behind.
"Did you just shoot lightning from your fingers?" Indy asked in between his deep breaths.
"Yeah," Tava took a breath, "one of the few things my father taught me before he left." Another arrow whizzed in between the two. Indy jerked away, Tava was unphased. She spotted a cave hidden on the side of a mountain and started towards it. Indy stumbled in behind her. The cave was covered thick in ice and rock. Indy ducked in behind a large rock, with the snap of her fingers Tava disappeared.
"Hey! Did you just leave me?!" Indy yelled as he looked around the cave, "Sonnuva bitch." "Shh! Do you want them to find us?" her voice echoed from nothingness. Indy perked up in surprise.
"Father teach you that too?" Indy said as he exhaustedly caught his breath.
"Nope, a simple tool of any good thief."
"Well get back out here. It's unsettling. What did you steal from those guys any way?"
"Oh, just the Jarl's prized goblet. And I may have slept with her husband." Indy's face was of smug impress. The two quieted as the guards rushed past the open cave. Indy peeked his head out to see the guards head west away from the mountain, back into the woods.
"Alright, you can... reappear." Indy's tone noted some disbelief. From deeper in the cave came the sound of heavy breathing. "Tava. Tell me that's you." The thief appeared near Indy's left shoulder causing him to jump a little. The breathing still erupted from the cave's interior. Indy looked around the cave to see blood splatters and animal remains. Whatever that was in there was a meat eater. Suddenly a large, hairy creature charged into the opening. It was a large, snow white, apelike beast. It's three eyes focused in on the duo.
"That would be one of the trolls I mentioned." Tava informed. "I'm no warrior, you want to take this one?" Tava joked. Indy pulled out his revolver but realized it was too snow logged to fire properly. He gave a nervous laugh at the giant beast. It's heavy hands swung down at the two. They rolled out of the way, missing being crushed. Tava fired off some more lightning to stagger the troll. Indy unhitched his bull whip and cracked it, causing the troll to stay staggered. A second swing and the whip caught the troll across the chest, gashing a cut. The troll roared in pain. Indy kept the whip cracking, keeping the troll on the defensive and cutting deeper into it's wide chest. Then the troll caught Indy's whip in his massive hand. Indy's eyes widened. With one great heave, the troll sent Indy across the cave and against a rock wall. Indy let out a loud grunt of pain. As the troll started towards the archaeologist, Tava jumped up into the air with dagger above her head. The dagger cut deep into the troll's back causing the animal to frenzy. Indy pulled himself off the floor, holding his ribs in pain. He grabbed a nearby mammoth bone and swung it hard at the troll's shins. The beast fell down on it's knees. Indy caught the troll's head on his back swing. It fell with a heavy thud to the ground. Indy dropped the bone and used his jacket sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Raising his arm that high hurt his ribs causing him to wince.
"That," Indy coughed in pain, "Er, that was some beast. I've met yetis softer than that."
"Here," Tava reached inside her cloak and handed Indy a small vial, "This will get you feeling better." Indy hesitantly grabbed it. "It's a little potion I'm borrowing from an apothecary." While he popped the cork, Tava pulled her hood down, releasing her curvy hair and green eyes. Indy shot down the liquid. It tasted unexpectedly sweet, and his ribs felt better. "What is that item you carry on your hip?" Tava asked with curious eyes. Indy was coiling up his whip when he answered.
"That, that is my revolver. Smith & Wesson Model 1917." Indy realized he was probably speaking Greek to her, "but you don't know what that is." Tava shook her head clueless. "It's good for killing things, but I only have 3 shots left. Unless you have any spare ammo." Tava wasn't familiar with the term of 'ammo'.
"And this strange hat?" Tava asked as she pulled the fedora from Indy's head to inspect it.
"There's a long story behind that. And I prefer you didn't touch it." Indy grabbed the hat from her head and fitted it snuggly on his.
"You really aren't from around here, are you?"
"Nope. And I'd like to get out of here. If you could help me with that." Tava thought for a second.
"I know someone that might be able to help you, but we've got a lot of distance to find him. He's from my hometown in Hammerfell. We're close to the border, but it will be tough going all the way."
"No thanks to your famous reputation." Indy wise cracked.
"Please, these fools don't know my name. That's the mark of a great thief, not a famous one."
"Well, I know your name now. What's that say about me?"
"I didn't plan on you still being alive this long." A sly smile played across Tava face.
"So," trying to keep the mood lighter, "how do we get into Hammerfell?"
"Through the front gate of course. But first we'll need horses." the smile still on her face communicated to Indy that he was about to commit thievery. The two carefully left the cave, checking that no guards were still lingering. After making through the forest, they came upon a road. "This road leads right to the Hammerfell border." The sun finally peeked out as the two pounded down the dirt road.
"So, that lightning thing. That something passed down from your family?" The strangeness of this land surpassed even Indy's world wise.
"No, my father was a mage, learned at the Cyrodill Mage's Guild. Taught me that trick when I was young. Then he went off; chasing women, spreading the word, just wanting to get away, not sure why he left." A small camp near the road could be seen up ahead, "Look up there," Tava pointed as she slunk down, "Legionnaire's camp. The Empire has the means to keep horses in good health." Indy rested his hand on the handle of his gun.
"I'll stay here. Leave you to your work." While Indy leaned against a nearby wall Tava sneaked over to the camp, snapping invisible in the process. She shifted in between tents avoiding the soldiers moving about. There were several small personnel tents and larger ones dedicated to medical care, supplies, mess hall, and commander's tent. She spotted the horses corralled near a large timber. Her footsteps were light as she walked the outer edge of the camp towards the horses. She was almost to the tree, when a supply wagon pulled in with great ruckus. Distracted by the new variable, Tava didn't notice the root at her feet, she tripped causing her invisibility to fail. The soldiers looked over towards the now visible woman with angry faces and clenched hands.
"THIEF! Get the Redguard!" The crowd roared out. Tava quickly leaped to her feet as the armed soldiers charged her way. She ran right back at them. A soldier raised his shield giving Tava the chance to launch herself off of it and fly over the angry mob. She landed gracefully in the fresh snow and gasps of surprise filled the soldiers at this feat. Before they could react she made her way to the seat of the supply wagon. With a swing of the reins the pull horses started off. Indy, hearing the commotion, had appeared on the scene.
"Sounds like you..." Indy had to jump out of the way of the speeding wagon barreling down at him. Tava raced past the professor without slowing, driving the horses faster. "Hey, hey!" Indy yelled in desperation as he climbed to his feet and started to run after the wagon, keeping one hand planted on his head so to avoid losing his hat.
As he stopped for a breath he turned to see the soldiers had mounted and were riding after the wagon. Indy turned towards the column of horses with whip in hand. As the hustling steeds approach the whip cracked the air, startling the horses. One bucked it's rider. Indy ran towards the horse and started to saddle up on it until a sword caused him to duck. Another mounted soldier had Indy in swinging distance. A second swing came close to a shave, Indy grabbed the extended arm and used the leverage to toss the soldier from his horse. The soldier fell with clank and Indy stepped over him to steal his horse. Spurring the horse hard, Indy caught up to the wagon. Arrows started to whiz by in great numbers. Indy kept his head down, but a stray arrow hit his horse in the leg, causing it to falter in pain. Indy had to jump from his saddle and grab the supply wagon railing, pulling himself into the bed and letting the wounded horse run free. Once down in the wagon he looked to Tava, "You could've told me there would be a loud exit."
"I didn't plan on it, just thinking on my feet. That's the mark..."
"of a good thief. I know, I know." Indy was starting to think anything is considered the 'mark of a good thief'. The Legion horses were still in pursuit and closing. Two soldiers rode up and sandwiched the wagon between them. Indy stood up in the back, jumping around to dodge their swords. He sucked in his gut as one blade got too close. Indy pulled out his whip again and snapped it around the wrist of the soldier, with a quick tug the soldier lost balance and fell under the wagon, the wooden wheels bumping over him. The soldier on the other side used this time to leap on the wagon. His face held a devilish grin, knowing that Indy was cornered. Indy know the confines of the small wagon made his whip useless. "You have a," Indy ducked a sword swing, "blade I can borrow?" he yelled to his driver.
"No, check one of the supply chests!" Tava recommended. Indy stood back up and connected his fist with the soldier's jaw, stumbling him back. Indy opened the nearest chest. It was packed with gold bars. Grabbing one, Indy tossed it at the soldier's
"Here! Catch." The soldier instinctively grabbed the ingot and it's heavy momentum toppled him off the back of the wagon. Indy turned back to the thief. "Okay. I got them all."
"Not quite. Border's up ahead. It'll be guarded."
"And we don't have the proper papers." Indy was familiar with that dilemma dealing with Nazis.
"I'm not sure what that means, but basically we aren't going to ask politely." Indy climbed over and took a seat on the bench next to Tava. Up head the road was blocked with wooden barricades and soldiers. The wagon was still moving at a high rate, "Hold on to something American." Tava joyfully ordered. Soldiers in the road saw the wagon and positioned themselves in the road. The point guard raised his hand with an order,
"You have reached the border. Slow your wagon!" Tava disregarded the commands and drove the horses faster. The soldiers stood there in the road, participating in a game of chicken. The wagon didn't slow. Finally the soldiers blinked and dispersed from the road as the wagon roared by and crashed through the wooden barricades. The horses kept running without missing a beat.
