Author's Note: Next chapter, I must say this is almost as fun as playing the game itself. Oh and before I forget! Any criticism, as long as it is polite, is appreciated. As a human being, sometimes I may miss one or two little misspelled words or grammar mistakes after I proof read. Pointing these out to me in a review or a private message would be very helpful and as stated before appreciated. On a side note, I may tinker with quest line plots in this story because sometimes certain characters die so the player may take their role. I am aiming for a realistic as I can get character, so I can't have her leading all the factions even if it is possible in the game. I hope you understand. Now, onwards!

Also, thank you to all who took the time to either add this story to your favorites or you story alert!

Chapter One: Tomb of Mournful Secrets

It had been a normal journey for her, if by normal you meant attacked by at least two bears, seven wolves, one thief and a small band of bandits. Selena sighed as she sheathed her favorite weapon, an ebony sword she had made herself and enchanted with a lightning spell. She had ended up naming it Stormblade for lack of a better one, much to her friend Ralof's amusement.

So far she hadn't been having much luck until the ground gave way under her one foot. At first she had thought it was a sinkhole, you happened across them near water but as she withdrew her leg she found it completely dry. Her heart leapt into her throat as she dug into her pack for a pickaxe. She would need something to work with if this is what she thought it was.

Selena hooked the pick under the false ground a pulled, giving a cry of triumph when it pulled free with a groan. She tore up old logs and pushed aside roots until she saw it, the steps leading down to a door in the slope.

"This has to be it." She whispered to herself, putting her pickaxe back she slowly went down the stairs. Looking at the door, it was so plain that she was slightly thrown off. A champion would have received a bit more wouldn't she?

Carefully pushing the door open, she crept inside and took a good look around. Everything was off about this place but then again she was used to Draugr dungeons and crypts so a place not riddled with traps and undead would be unsettling. It was well lit too and not nearly as much of a mess, though some of the stone work was crumbling thanks to the roots of the trees above. She reassured herself that it was because this tomb was more recent, that's why it was different.

As a precaution she still drew her sword and moved along slowly, keeping her eyes open in case something jumped out at her. Things had a habit of doing that be it Draugr, dragons or that one jester on the side of the road that one time. She still shuttered at the memory.

The more she moved into the tomb, the more unnerved she got. It was like this energy pulsed in the air, bidding her to come in farther. Something told her she was supposed to be here, that some great answer laid just before her.

Well, the only thing that laid before her now was a damn wall. Selena looked left then right, but could spy no handles or levers of any sort. This was it? "Just my luck." She huffed, placing her left hand against the wall as she leaned forward. "This place has been ransacked already. Bastards even took the body!" She hissed and then fell forward ungracefully as the wall shimmered and disappeared.

Rubbing her nose, she pushed herself back onto her feet as she looked around. A fine layer of dust and a few spider webs attested to the fact that no one had gotten this far, that this part had been undisturbed since probably the day of her ancestor's burial. Her hand stung and she looked down, a small cut bled sluggishly at the base of her thumb. She didn't remember doing that. Her brow wrinkled in confusion as she cast a basic healing spell before continuing on.

The long hall reminded her of the Halls of Stories she had seen in the ancient crypts except it was more narrow. Instead of writing there were several scenes carved into the very rock, the first depicting some sort of prison followed by what looked to be a city in ruins. Touching the one of the city, she mumbled to herself, "This must have been Kvatch."

She continued on, seeing scenes of battle and triumph. Her favorites so far were the fight in the skies above the Imperial City and an island with a strange door. That was the last carving before she reached a grand door, this one worthy of a champion.

The energy seemed to increase as she reached for the handle, quickly throwing the door open she jumped back expecting some sort of trap that never came. Cautiously, she entered her ancestor's final resting place.

In the center of the room was a stone sarcophagus on top of which laid an old sword and a dusty book. Around the room were a couple of armor stands with pieces made from materials she wasn't familiar with. One was an odd golden color like tree sap and another looked liked mythril, which hadn't been used for armor in a very long time.

If this had been any other tomb, she probably would have taken it all. This place, though, screamed sacred and she wouldn't treat it like any other dungeon dive. Selena walked over to the sarcophagus a drew a finger over the rusted blade that rested there. Now she knew her treasure and she could tell this was one of the rare Akaviri katanas, confirming the one story that her ancestor had in fact been a member of the Blades.

Another thing Selena knew was that most books left in such a place usually had valuable information in them, be it skills or a location of treasure. Picking up the book, she blew some of the dust off then brushed the rest away with her hand. It was then she got a good look at it and realized this wasn't just any book but a journal! Her ancestor's journal to be exact.

Selena gripped the journal tightly as she broke out into a cold sweat. She held in her hands the very thing that her father had been searching for, she was sure of it! Whatever was inside was important but that was obvious. This was the journal of the Champion of Cyrodiil, a very record of the Hero of Kvatch in her own writing. Looking around, she found a fallen pillar that could serve as a chair.

Crossing the room, she sat down and turned the book over in her hands a couple times before opening. She started when she heard something fall free and land on the stone at her feet. Curiously, she shifted the journal aside to look at what had been so carefully stored inside the book. It was a gold amulet, one that had clearly seen better days. The backing was bent and the center jewel appeared to be missing, though the other gems that were to surround it were still in place. It was a beautiful piece, even mangled as it was. Selena balanced it on her thigh as she turned back to the journal. Maybe within its pages there would be some reference to the battered amulet.

5th of First Seed, 3E 433

This new journal will serve as witness to the sudden chaos my life, the life of one Aurora Swiftsword, has been thrown into as this is the first break I have received. A few days ago, I awoke in the Imperial Prison of all places without a clue as to how I had gotten there. It was there I met the Emperor as he fled with his Blades, apparently there had been an assassination attempt that had already succeeded in taking his sons. I followed him for a time until the assassins finally claimed him but before he died he asked me to help "close shut the jaws of Oblivion". He gave me his amulet, the very Amulet of Kings, and told me to find his last son. Easier said then done.

I traveled to find this retired Blade named Jauffre and learned of Martin, who I know sit across from as we travel to meet with Jauffre to discuss the next motion of this plan. This priest surprises me, I see great pain and sadness hidden in his eyes. He is following only on the principal that I have saved Kvatch, which is a blessing. I was unsure how I would convince him otherwise but I do suspect he holds many doubts. It matters not, I shall take him to Jauffre and wash my hands of this whole matter.

Selena wasn't sure if she should be surprised at the almost cold tone her ancestor used, she was a reluctant hero herself. She turned to the next entry.

8th of First Seed, 3E 433

It seems I shall be involved in this mess a bit longer. No sooner then we returned to the Priory did we find it under attack. Martin's skill during the fight was impressive and spoke more of the mystery of the man. Words cannot relate how angry I am at the moment, Jauffre has managed to loose the Amulet! Anyone with any sense would have kept it on their person, how better to have defend it! But no, put it in a secret room he did and one that appeared wasn't so secret after all!

I suppose there is some relief to be had, Martin still breathes and has been safely moved to Cloud Ruler Temple where I have been inducted into the Blades as well. I am unsure of this, I just wish to be free of this great problem and live my life. Is that so hard to ask? But then, I look at Martin and see the confusion on his face. He is having a hard time adjusting to his new role. I shall remain a little longer, if only to be his friend. One I suspect he needs greatly at this time.

That was interesting. The thing that nagged at her though was the continued mentioning of the Amulet of Kings. Her eyes wandered to the mangled piece on her thigh. "No, it couldn't be…" She turned back to the journal, breezing through the entries until another jumped out at her.

6th of Rain's Hand, 3E433

It seems now I have no choice but to remain involved as one of the few who know how to close down an Oblivion Gate. That feels like that had all I have been doing aside from tracking down this Mythic Dawn with Baurus. I was so close to recovering the Amulet but that madman escaped into some kind of portal. When I brought Martin the book he left behind though he nearly lost his temper. He apologized and told me I had unwittingly gotten my hands onto the Mysterium Xarxes. Martin continues to study it and as his friend, I continue to bring him what he needs. Be in Daedric artifact or whatever else he needs.

Late this night though he came to talk to me after the others had retired to bed, something I thought he should be doing. He doesn't think I haven't noticed how little he is sleeping. He confessed more of his concerns and how little he thinks of his chance of being a good emperor. I reassured him as best I could, my heart going out to him in understanding. The roles we had been handed are great burdens. And because of this, I am afraid we may have gone too far.

"Gone too far?" Selena asked aloud, her brow wrinkling in confusion. It was touching in a way, to see that two had become friends but this threw her off. "What went too far?" She flipped through more entries of quests until she found another mentioning of Martin Septim.

22nd of Second Seed, 3E433

Martin has discovered another item we need, the last one, and this time he is becoming impossible over it. I have brought him not only the Daedric artifact he needed but the armor of Tiber Septim himself and the Great Welkynd Stone. I am capable, this he knows, but I fear I know the true cause. This cannot get out, if the others knew….

The cold sweat returned, her own mind starting to place the pieces of the puzzle before her together. If only she would just come out and say it! Well, write it actually. She began flipping through more and more pages until she found the next little puzzle piece.

30th of Second Seed, 3E433

It took time, but eventually the Count of Bruma relented and allowed us to use our plan. When the attack started and the Great Gate opened I will admit to feeling fear. I remember racing through the twisted halls of Dagon's realm, praying for Martin's safety and the survival of our friends. My goal was the Sigil Stone holding this monstrosity open. When I finally had it, a Daedroth took one final swing at me.

I woke back at Cloud Ruler Temple to Martin's concerned face. He had healed the horrid wound to my back and was barely keeping himself together. I reassured him that I was fine now but he was still upset, reminded me that I had come very close to dying that day. It was this day we both knew there was no going back now.

Her hands trembled as she moved through more passages, looking for that final piece that could either disprove or confirm the growing suspicion in her heart as to what Aurora had been hinting at. She finally found it after what looked like a very large gap of time that had not been written.

15th of Sun's Height, 3E433

It has been a month now, a month since the end. This is the first time I could look at this journal and not shed tears. I have tried to keep myself as busy as possible. I have even succeeded at restoring the Knights of the Nine and exploring the Shivering Isles. But that does not change the truth. A month ago, the battle finally ended. We closed the jaws of Oblivion but at what cost? Certainly it was not worth Martin. Even now my heart clenches in pain at his name and thinking back to the day he sacrificed himself for all of us nearly brings me to my knees. Looking at the shattered Amulet of Kings is even more painful. But it is not all I have left of him.

My old friend Marcus has agreed to marry me to avoid scandal and we shall return to Skyrim to live quietly. I will keep what little of the Amulet I have left and will tell the tale to our child. I wonder if the babe will have your eyes Martin?

Her entire world fractured with those words. The family papers she had stated clearly that she was descended from the Champion of Cyrodiil, who had only had one child. The son she had named Martin, but clearly after the child's father when she had thought it was a tribute to a friend. She was ready to toss the journal aside but something compelled her to continue reading.

16th of Sun's Height, 3E433

Today I received the fright of my life. I had been sitting alone in my house in Skingrad when suddenly I found myself in the sky over the Imperial City, the very place I had fought Umaril the Unfeathered. Across from me stood what appeared at first to be a man until I noticed that he had the head of a dragon. He spoke to me, telling me not to fear for he came with a message.

It was Akatosh himself and I can scarcely believe it myself. He spoke of a threat greater then the Ayleids forming in the Isles and the return of the World-Eater. After which he told me that the Septim line, of which the only survivor was the child I was carrying, would be bound to the point it was like they didn't exist. He said only then that the prophecies would unfold, after which the line would be released to bring peace once more. I asked him what he meant and such kindness radiated from him I nearly cried.

"From your line will come a Dovahkiin, or in your tongue Dragonborn, and only they will restore that which has been broken. Only they will have the power to break the seal that has been placed on the line." Those words still ring in my head, long after he has returned me to the safety of my study. I pray that they will succeed, even now as I plan out how to leave any form of guidance I can for them to find.

Her life really was a cosmic joke, this couldn't be possible! Quickly flinging the journal aside she clutched the now discovered Amulet of Kings in her palm and paced the tomb. It was hard enough being the Dragonborn without any more burdens being dropped onto her shoulders and now she was supposed to "restore that which has been broken'! That could only mean the whole empire because she seriously doubted it meant the Amulet.

If this was all true then she was going to need some sage advice. She was going to have to talk to Paarthurnax. Ulfric wouldn't be happy with her delayed return but this was by far more important. Selena grabbed the journal and placed it along with the remains of the Amulet of Kings into her pack. Shouldering it, she swiftly turned on her heel and began her return to High Hrothgar.

Author's Note: And that's it for this chapter. As a request to anyone reading this, if you can spare a minute or two would you kindly review? It is nice to receive favorites and story alerts but to me reviews are even better as they tell me how I'm doing. I don't care if you simply tell me you like the story, that is encouragement that will help my writing.

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The dragon looked at her. "I believe you already know the answer to that." Selena squirmed a little on her seat on the rock, uncertainty still racing through her.

"That's a bit much though, I mean I'm one person! And last time I checked I wasn't Tiber Septim!"

"No, you are just his descendant." Paarthurnax said, his voice the epitome of calm. It still made her wince.

"Maybe I am but I also doubt that the Thalmor and the current Emperor will just accept that and let me take my birthright. I also lack an army in my pocket." Selena huffed. "I mean, there is no positive way to look at this."

"War is never easy, Dovahkiin. Remember that."