Chapter two - Imperial City
Turdas, Evening Star 7, 4E 202 - Midday
It had taken more than a few days to walk our journey on foot to Cyrodiil. Along the road we would encounter bandits and mugglers trying to rob us, but with the skill both Serana and I had in magic, the bandits were all good as dead.
Serana seemed content, walked with a smile through the road and trees throughout the entire time. Maybe suggesting we would ride with no horses, really does make it much more better.
She had been happy, so I had been happy. I could travel with her anywhere, and still never become bored and unhappy. We were now located in Cyrodiil going down the road that leads to the Imperial City.
We stopped in a snow town called Bruma, found plenty of Nords, and other races that lived in the cold town, but no colder than the towns in Skyrim. To us, the cold did not affect us, it didn't even feel very cold at all, just a little chilly.
Growing up there, the cold had never bothered me considering my high tolerance for the snow and blizzard weather. Every step we took, we neared closer to Imperial City, Serana had been excited as it is, especially since we are in a new province and we had just visited a new town we both had never been before.
After another hour or two, we had been crossing a long bridge that leads towards the Imperial City, as the large city of stone had been surrounded by a lake. A few citizens walked behind us going into the city, some passing us and leaving.
"Before we go in, let's make something clear, love. It probably will be wise for us to lay low and keep a low profile on ourselves. We wouldn't want too much attention on ourselves, especially since we are visiting." I told Serana.
"Well, why not? We are not just some bandits or thieves coming here to cause misery to others, sweetie, this is our honeymoon. We're here to enjoy the most out of it all. I'm tired of having to pull up a hood over my head and keep myself hidden and unnoticed. We've went so long without relaxing, I just want to relax now, hon. Please?" She begged.
I couldn't resist her, especially when she begged like that and really wanted something. I had to grant her wish no matter what, no matter how much I didn't like it, because her wishes are my command.
"Okay then, let's just.. be careful, OK? Sure, we can talk to a few people, but let's not get too comfortable here. We don't know how these people are, and how they would react seeing us Nord's from Skyrim entering their city." I suggested.
"Sometimes you need to put a little faith in the citizens, whether it's Skyrim's citizens, or Cyrodiil's. No matter what, we will still be together, OK dear?" Serana said, I held her hand and locked my fingers with hers.
"Okay, love. I'll trust you." I gave in.
"Don't be so cautious and paranoid, we are who we are, but we're not here to harm anyone." She reminded.
"I know, but let's just hope no one here is willing to harm us."
We reached the end of the bridge, and walked up the path that led to the large door into the city. Next to it, a horse stables resided where plenty of horses stood in it's confined gates.
A couple guards beside the door opened it as we neared it, and stepped inside. Serana and I gazed upon the gigantic city, full of buildings that seemed to clutter in, and in the center of it stood pillars that connected in a circle.
In the middle of that, stood a stone dragon-like statue with gardens and bushes around it. Serana nor I have ever seen such a big city, much more historic than the stone cities of Solitude or Windhelm.
We continued forward, looking all around and sightseeing. A man that had been next to the dragon monument walked near us.
"Welcome, new visitors! I am Imperial City's Tour Guide, I welcome all newcomers and visitors with open arms. Would you like a tour of the Imperial City, the hearth city and capital of Tamriel, for a mere 20 septims?"
"Well, actually, we-" I began to say.
"Yes! We would love that!" Serana interrupted me, and handed him 20 septims.
"Well you are most welcome here. I am Azareth, and today I will be guiding you through the entire city. First is first, as you can see from behind me high above, the white-gold tower is the centre of Tamrielic cultures and the beacon of the Empire, being the seat of the Imperial government and home to the Emperor. The Imperial City has led Tamriel in culture, fashion, economics and politics for centuries. It was once the center of the Ayleid civilization, noticeable in the gleaming white architecture and magnificent statues which are a noticeable part of the city. The architecture is ornate and grand, reflecting the wealth and importance of the city. If you also have noticed, the city is walled in a circular shape around the White-Gold Tower so as to afford it as much defense as possible from would-be attackers." Azareth said.
"Oh my, I cannot imagine anyone would want to attack this beautiful city." Serana said.
"We've had our times, such as the Oblivion Crisis or the Great war. The Imperial City is still severely damaged by the Great War which was in 4E 174, we are still continuing on with reconstruction after losing so much. In the city, there are in total seven districts: Green Emperor Way, also referred to as the Palace District, the Market District, the Arena District, the Arboretum, Talos Plaza District, the Elven Gardens District, and the Temple District. Here, the Talos Plaza District is the main gateway to the Imperial City. The district is supported economically by the The Tiber Septim Hotel, an exclusive hotel used regularly by the nobility of Tamriel during visits to the capital city. It is an expensive hotel for the use of prosperous and important visitors to the Imperial City. In the center of the Talos Plaza district stands a statue of Akatosh, as you can see, the Dragon God of Time, in his Dragon aspect, which is a famous location around which the people of the Imperial City gather to meet and converse. If you both will follow me, I'd love to show you around." He had began walking and leading us down a path to a gigantic door. The Imperial Watch guard's had stood at each side of the door, and opened it for us as we stepped through into another district.
"This is the Temple District, it is the location of the magnificent and ancient Temple of the One. This temple is nearly as old as the White-Gold Tower and was constructed in the First Era following the establishment of the Alessian Empire from the runes of the Ayleid Hegemonies by Queen Alessia. Within the Tempe of the One was where the Dragonfires burned before the Oblivion Crisis. As you can see, a large stoned dragon stands, and it is the dragon aspect of Akatosh as he raises his head up and gives a last roar in victory after defeating the Daedra Lord Mehrunes Dagon which ended the Oblivion Crisis. Also in the Temple District is the All-Saints Inn, which opens it's doors to visitors and pilgrims alike, this might be a good place to stay the night." Azareth led us onto the next district as he talked. We went through a door that brought us outside the Imperial City, and into a shipyard resided.
"Here is the Waterfront, it is the harbor and docks of the Imperial City, this is the region where ships from throughout Tamriel come to trade, pick up and drop off goods, and conduct other economical business. In the Waterfront district, the inhabitants mostly consist of lower classes of Imperial society; beggars and ruffians are often residing here. Also, we have another inn where citizens may come, sit down to have a drink, and rent a room for the night, it is a ship called the Bloated Float Inn. Very nice inside, but let's head back into the city though."
We followed him back into the Temple District, and he led us past the Temple of the One, and into the next district. As we passed, a man passed us and eyed me, we linked eyes and did not break off our eye contact.
He had been an Imperial man, strange, but after our eye contact, he had seemed furious with rage, almost as if he hated me. I looked away, brushed it off, and continued following Azareth with Serana.
'Maybe some citizens just don't like newcomers,' I thought, but I remembered Serana's wish to put away my paranoia, so I tried to let it go.
"This is the Arboretum, it is the garden district of the Imperial City. In this district stands the statues of the Nine Divines: Akatosh, Arkay, Dibella, Julianos, Kynareth, Mara, Stendarr, Talos, and Zenithar." He spoke the names of each statue as we passed each one in the Arboretum, speaking out of habit.
"The statue of Talos, or Tiber Septim, is located in the middle of the Arboretum, encircled by the statues of the other Gods. The gateway to the southeast of the Arboretum leads to the Arcane University, a school for the Mages Guild where the most advanced train and reside. I would love to lead you inside, but unfortunately, the mages of the Arcane University allow only it's members and contains gates that stop you from going further in." Azareth said.
"Wow, an Arcane University? Sounds a lot like another form of the College of Winterhold." Serana added in.
"Excuse me, college of what?" Azareth asked.
"We are from the land of Skyrim, and we also have a similar Arcane University within Skyrim's borders. It resides in the town of Winterhold." I explained.
"Ah, sounds very quaint." He responded.
"It is." Serana said with a smile. Azareth led us to the next district.
"Next is the Arena District, where the Imperial City Arena is located. This is the site where all of gladiators and skilled combatants come to test their strength with a weapon, or magic, against another. Two groups of gladiators fight at carefully scheduled times: the Blue Team and the Yellow Team. Before they are allowed to enter the Arena and enjoy the spectacle of gladiator combat, all visitors are required to bet on a match or join one of the two teams as a combatant. The management and training of both gladiator teams is handled professionally in the basement of the Arena, known as the Bloodworks by the Imperial City's citizenry. Two statues mark the district: the statue of Queen Alessia in the southern region of the district and the statue of Morihaus in the northern region of the district. Queen Alessia was the first ruler of the Alessian Empire, the first of the Imperial Empires of Tamriel, and the founder of the Nine Divines religion. Morihaus was a pit fighter who led Alessia's armies in the taking of White-Gold Tower and brought about the end of the Ayleid Hegemonies." Both Serana and I looked at the statues as we passed both, after circling around the big arena." Azareth said.
We went into a new district where, many citizens had stood around chatting and walking. So many people, it put me at edge and at high caution.
"The Market District is the busiest district of the Imperial City. All kinds of people and races from throughout Tamriel are seen here. All kinds of items change hands here, from weapons and armor to alchemy ingredients and books. The merchants who set up shop in the Market District are officially regulated by the Office of Imperial Commerce. Aside from the official regulator, the merchants in the Market District created their own organization to control the prices of items and the economic balance within the Market District. The organization is named the Society of Concerned Merchants. A Septim Empire-sponsored publicity and news office is also located there. The Black Horse Courier is run by a group of Khajiit who hunt for news and deliver newspapers to various cities across Cyrodiil. There are two statues in the Market District: the statue of Uriel Septim III located near the gateway to the Elven Gardens, and the statue of Pelagius Septim, the son of Tiber Septim, located near the gateway to the Arena District. The gateway in the northeast region of the Market District leads to the Imperial Legion Compound. The Imperial Legion Compound, separate from the main thoroughfares of the Imperial City, is located to the northeast of the city proper. It is headquarters of the Imperial Legion as well as its armory and the Imperial Prison. The troublemakers and other various prisoners were kept locked up in that prison. The prison is also connected to an ancient labyrinth of Ayleid ruins, a fact not known to the general populace of the Imperial City. However, the Imperial Legion is aware of that fact and keeps the ruins sealed."
"Wow that's truly amazing, I cannot get over the fact neither that this city has an Arena. This city is enormous and beautiful. Full of history." Serana said.
"Yes, it is, ma'am. Full of history. I've spent years studying it before I became Imperial City's official Tour Guide." Azareth said.
"You must be truly fond of it's history." I said.
"Yes, I am. Now, two more places left, and both of you may be free. This way please." He said.
'Finally.' I thought. We entered another district, it seemed much similar to the very first district city we seen when we entered the city.
"This is the Elven Gardens District, it is a pleasant residential area, supported economically by two well-known inns: Luther Broad's Boarding House, and the The King and Queen Tavern. Many visitor's come to stay here, might I suggest you a night in one of them? Alright, next and last district. The Green Emperor Way is the central district of the Imperial City and the location of the White-Gold Tower, also known as the Imperial Palace, or the Palace District. The various Emperors of the Empires of Tamriel, along with the Elder Council, rule the provinces of Tamriel from the Imperial Palace. The Elder Scrolls, powerful tools of prophecy and divination, are also located within the confines of the White-Gold Tower, and are guarded with fanatical devotion by the blind priests of the Cult of the Ancestor Moth and the Imperial Legion. A cemetery used for the burial of the nobility of Cyrodiil and other important persons surrounds the Imperial Palace. Six gates lead to the other districts of the Imperial City from Green Emperor Way."
As Azareth had mentioned the elder scrolls, Serana and I gave each other a quick look, considering before we had held them in our hands as we had previously used them to be deciphered and aided us in destroying her father, Harkon.
"I have shown you and described to you in full detail of all I know of this city's history and legacy. Unfortunately, I must give you the bad news and give you both a goodbye. It was very pleasant to have met you both and showed you around the Imperial City."
"Thank you, Azareth. We appreciate your service." Serana said.
"As do I." I added in.
"I'll be off now. Feel free anytime to come and see me in the Talos Plaza District whenever you have any more questions."
"We'll be sure to do that when the time comes. Thank you."
"Thank you. Good day." Then he walked on.
After a few moments of us standing and gazing up at the large and heightened tower, we finally decided walking.
"Such a beautiful city, isn't it?" Serana said.
"It is, I just wish Azareth hadn't spoke so much. I can't even remember how long we've been here, but feels like a long time."
"He was quite meticulous, but I can respect his intentions of giving someone a warm welcome to the city."
"I can too. Let's find ourselves room for the night, blending in would be good than to stay up all night wandering the streets."
"Yes, you're right. We've got to make ourselves seem human." Serana agreed.
Nightfall
We had rented room together in the Tiber Septim Hotel, and stayed indoors for the night to not raise suspicion. We didn't sleep very much, we are immortal, and vampires, we don't need to sleep.
But we wanted to seem normal as much as possible and blend in, but not too much. We stayed up half the night in our rented room, and laid down on the bed.
Our intention was just to relax for awhile and wait until it would be a righteous time to stand up again and explore the city more, but sleep had taken both of us as we waited. My dreams always seemed to be nightmares, but tonight, it was pleasant and of both Serana and I in an outcasted home, a small shack, of us living together in forest, separated from society.
I woke up to intense burning around my wrists, both Serana and I had cried out in pain. I opened my eyes to see a few strange figures in shapes of men, and binds tied around our wrists and legs while our wrist binds were lit on fire.
One decided to freeze the fire out then one held up his hands ready to fire up more flame.
"Now that I've got your attention, why are you here, vampires? You here to kill our beloved citizens and cause a massacre to our city?" A man spoke, I recognized him to be the same man I had passed earlier in the Temple District, the one that had seemed furious with my presence.
"No, we are just newcomers, immigrants, from Skyrim. If you do not release us now, we will be forced to use lethal action." I responded.
"Leo!" Serana said my name to remind me of not to cause any trouble, to remind me of the reason why we're here.
"If you even dare get up, I will set you both on fire before you're able to move. I suggest you to remain still, vampire." He said.
"How do you know if we are vampires?"
"I am not dumb, I can see it in your eyes of what you are and who you are. I knew it from the first moment I laid eyes on you two, what you are." He said.
"We are not here to cause any trouble, nor do we ask of it." Serana said.
"Too bad, you both are vampires. We do not accept them into our city. Take them both back to the Sanctuary!" He said to his men. His men grabbed us and pulled us to our feet.
"If you even think of trying anything, we will put you down. I have a few more men downstairs waiting to set you on fire, in public, if we have to."
"No you will not-!"
"Leo! Let them. We're not here for violence." Serana interrupted me.
"Take them." He said.
We were led out of the Tiber Septim Hotel, and did not know where we were headed to until we entered a house in the Temple District. We were led inside and down to the basement where a strange room with a lot of red colors and banners were decorated.
We were sat down on chairs and four men were ready to blast fire at us if we even made a move.
"What are you going to do with us?" Serana asked the man.
"Welcome to the Order of the Virtuous Blood. We are vampire hunters, and tonight, the ashes of your bodies will be laid out on the ground as we burn you both of you savages." He said.
Serana and I exchanged looks, she had been afraid, and scared, and to be quite honest, so was I.