Ataurus Kalahar, the Dragonborn, recieved several bows of respect as he walked towards Castle Dour in Solitude. A guard whispered, " Dragonborn." Ataurus kept walking and went up the ramps leading to the Castle. There were a lot more Legion trainees out than usual, and they all glanced at the approaching Dragonborn before being told to stay focused by Captain Aldis. Ataurus nodded to him before entering the Castle. He walked into the War Room of the Castle, receiving salutes from the city guards and Imperial Legion soldiers.

" General, your message said it was urgent. What's going on?" the Dragonborn said when he stood opposite General Tullius.

Tullius looked up, and said, " Thank the Nine you're here."

" The Nine?" Ataurus asked.

" Yes. We might as well consider Talos a Divine again now," Tullius responded, looking back down at his map.

" The Dominion is allowing worship of Talos?" Ataurus responded, unaware of what was going on.

" Look, Dragonborn, I'm going to just say it. The Thalmor have invaded again. Southern Cyrodiil is under their control, and the Emperor is dead. We need to rally the Army and fight back," Tullius solemnly revealed.

The Dragonborn looked at the ground, then pulled down the mask part of his Nightingale hood. " What?!" he asked.

" This is no joke. We have reports coming in from all over the Empire. And, since you saved Tamriel from Alduin, I'd say it'd be natural I come to you for help," Tullius said.

" What of the other provinces of Tamriel?" the Dragonborn asked.

" Legate Rikke?" Tullius turned to the woman standing to the Dragonborn's right. She saluted, then laid out a map of Tamriel.

" Hammerfell has offered to rejoin the Empire. We have no word from Morrowind or Black Marsh," she said, pointing to the respective territories. " We have also received a message from someone named Delphine, saying that she wants to meet you at Sky Haven Temple," Tullius added.

" She's a Blade, General," Ataurus explained.

" A Blade, you say? We could use them. We shall go to this Temple and attempt to work something out," Tullius nodded, heading towards the door. Six Legion soldiers followed him.

...

As the eight rode towards Sky Haven Temple, the Dragonborn took note of the massive military presence moving throughout Skyrim. He must have seen hundreds of formations moving south or going to the different cities. He and Tullius got many salutes from the soldiers.

It was late when they got to the Temple. In the chamber preceding the indoors, there were six Blades, three on each side of the eight, standing guard. After the eight went inside, the Blades followed suit.

" Hello, Dragonborn," Delphine said, shaking the Dragonborn's hand.

" General Tullius, I presume?" she looked at Tullius.

" Yes, ma'am," he responded.

" Why are we here, Delphine? You know the Thalmor are back?! The Emperor is dead!" the Dragonborn asked quickly.

" That is why I summoned you here. Esbern and I think it would be good for the line of Dragonblood emperors to begin again," she responded, sitting down at the large table in the middle of Sky Haven Temple. She motioned for everyone to sit down. Esbern was already sitting.

" You're wanting the Dragonblood line to start again?" Tullius asked. " Yes," she responded.

" But there's only one Dragonborn. You're saying you want.." Tullius began, before being interrupted by Delphine.

" If the Dragonborn becomes Emperor, it will become a sign of power for the Empire, and will inspire hope for the peoples of the Empire during this dark time," she explained. Everyone turned to face the Dragonborn, who had his hands clasped together.

He sat silent for a moment or two, then said, " I will accept. The Empire needs me."