Hello everyone! I want to apologize for the delay. I got what every writer fear… writer block. And I have bad news… I just found a new full time job for the next month. So I don't know if I will have the time to write any more.
27 fav and 34 followers? Really, thank you for liking this story. I hope you will like this chapter, even if I'm not really happy with it. Well leave me a review to let me know of your opinion and/or if you have a suggestion. Thank you.
I read you all, and I will now put the translation beside the sentence in dovahzul.
Enjoy.
I do not own Familiar of Zero nor The Elder Scrolls, they both belong to their respective owners.
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Manor Schnurbart
The manor of count Schnurbart was the kind that every count and countess of any names should possess. It was big, luxury and on the top of a little hill, giving an imposing feeling to the rest of the landscape, particularly for the little villages here and there. There were no forests for miles. The land surrounding the manor was filled with fields of different kind of crops. And in the middle of all of this was a river, very large, twisting and turning in a random pattern, thus earning the name of The Schlange. It was the main source of water for the fields and the domestic use. The air was sometimes filled by little concentration of smoke where the houses and others residences were.
One of the many windows of the manor had light shining weakly through it. The inside of the room was a very large study room, with the walls covered in shelves that were filled with books, from the little literature to the very old and thick tomes from another time. In the middle of the room, on a very expensive red carpet was an oak desk where laid yellow papers containing old notes that were scribbled with black ink. Multiple candles were lighten and were the only things that gave light to this darken room. Currently, a hunched figure was writing something at that desk. This person, a man around his late thirties, had the air of nobility not found in many. All of his demeanor screamed proper noble with combed black hair and a fine mustache that was taken care of. His eyes very of a deep brown, showing a calm façade that hid a very sharp intelligence. A little pair of glasses were perched on his nose. His brown orbs kept following his feather as it lay down letters upon letters on the paper. Once in a while, he would look up and stare at a particular stone. It was more like a crystal than a vulgar rock. The surface was smooth and of a dark purple color. But there was something strange about it. It could have been seen as a little trick of light, but the man, known as Hans Schnurbart, 'The Golem', knew better. He knew that what he saw was a power, untapped and untouched by mankind that could have a lot of potential uses.
Taking the crystal in his hand, he rotated the thing to see it in all angles. Once again, a shimmering light was seen coming from it, and then a sort of mist moved inside the crystal. He put it back in its place and went back to taking notes. Fifteen minutes later, while he was still focused on his notes, a soft and polite knock came from the other side of the large double door. "Come in." Was all Schnurbart said before one of the door was open and an elder man, neatly dressed as a butler, entered the room with a tray in his hand. Approaching the hunched figure of the count, the butler politely asked "Does my lord would like to have a refreshment?" A simple wave of the hand was the answer and the butler immediately laid down a sliver goblet and poured wine. As soon as the cup was filled, the older man walked away, leaving alone his master. However, he was quickly stopped. "Before you leave, do we have any news regarding the little 'expedition' I created?" Stopping in his track, the butler thought a little about it and finally answered. "No my lord. Nothing came up nor was brought up by any messengers." A hmm escaped the count's lips. With another wave of his hand, he dismissed his servant and soon the sound of a door being shut was heard and he was once again left alone with his thoughts.
But then, the whispers came. The voices of thousands were heard by his ears. They whispered that his little experiment was a success. That power was soon to be his. A power that was not seen nor heard of. A power that could, would even surpass the one's of his god and founder Brimir. They had appeared one day, after he had experimented something he had found in a very old tome that he had to translate the language. It had been really difficult but after months he finally managed to do it. And what a surprise it was! This book had knowledge unknown to him and probably to the rest of the world, elfkind included. It was then they arrived. He thought, at the time, that his mind was beginning to dive into the land of darkness known as madness. But they told him secrets, knowledge that no one knew. And more importantly, they had told him in their voices from beyond the grave, that he could have one of the more powerful servant he could dream of. As any power hungry noble would react, he followed their advices and here he was.
He tried to suppress a yawn in vain and decided to get some rest. He had been working on that crystal for quite a long time. On that final thought, he got up from his desk and left the room. But before he did that, his eyes looked through the window. His mind flew into the near future, as he had a nagging feeling that things were going to change. For the best or the worst, he didn't know. Only the future would tell.
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Hassendorf
Cries of pain filled the little shack that was called a house as a woman was going through the process of giving birth. Beside her, sitting on a stool, was a man that was gripping her hand to try and give her some sort of comfort. A gentle yellow glow was lighting the couple and show the worried face of the man, as a lot of blood was leaking. This was not normal.
The origin of this light was the gloved hands of Ysmir. And her current predicament was something she hasn't done often. Sure she had before, back on Nirn, helped a few birth but none of them were this bloody. And painful if the cries were of any indication. She would have said "push" but the eardrums of the soon to be newborn would explode. Well the husband was already doing it, so she only had to concentrate on the healing spell. He hands glowed the familiar golden soothing light and did its job appeasing and helping the recovery from the blood loss. Even if her magic soothed a part of the pain, it didn't make it disappear. Her 'patient' took a deep breath and pushed once more with a clenched face covered in sweat, as the pain, albeit being diminished, was still unbearable. Then she saw it. A little something poked its little head outside. Well more like the top of it. With a movement of the head towards the young couple, she 'told' them that she saw their child. Seeing this and understanding the sign, the husband told his wife to keep pushing. And pushing she did. With a final cry filled with pain, the baby was out. As soon as its, her little body came into contact with the cold air of the world, she cried, making her first sound into this world. Of course Ysmir had her in her hands, firmly secured. Taking the nearest sharp object, which was Dragonbane, she was going to cut the umbilical cordon but refrained herself from doing so. With one look to the new father, she presented him her sword. Understanding the message, he took the blade with a tentative and trembling hand. With the other he grasped the cordon and took a deep breath. Even if he didn't give any force in the movement, it was cut clean. No harm from the enchantment was done to either the mother or the newborn.
She saw his eyes watering at the sight of his new baby girl. His wife spoke, probably wanting to see her too as Ysmir didn't understand what they were saying and that was a problem she needed to take care of, not now however. As the new mother was holding her baby and was clearly very tired from the birth, she spoke some more, saying things along the lines 'My baby girl, my daughter' or something like that. But then she heard something, more precisely a name she hadn't heard in a long, long time. It was "Rolande". The woman had decided to name her daughter Rolande and from the expression of happiness that the man had, he too agreed that it was a beautiful name. If she wasn't wearing her mask, they would have probably seen a smile. However not the kind that showed happiness, no, it was the kind that held a deep nostalgia.
The man gave back her sword and soon it was back into its sheath. However, as the happy couple was looking with fondness at their newborn child, Ysmir went back to work and use one more time her healing spell, just to make sure that everything was fine. However, the spell in itself only closed the wound and didn't make up for the blood loss. Her patient would have to rest in order to recover. Getting up, she produced a little potion of health that will help for the creation of blood and offered it to the couple. Looking up from their baby, both of them saw the vial and accepted it, understanding the message. Taking her staff that was leaning against a wall, the last Dragonborn left the new parents to their joy and got out. It was only after she closed the door she saw that in front of the little house was a grand part of the folks of the village. All were looking at her with a mixture of wonder and fear with a little bit of uncertainty. When they saw that she was looking at them, a lot looked at their feet, not wanting to look her into the 'eyes' of her rather intimidating mask. And probably the blood that was on her gauntlets didn't help.
Behind her she heard the door being opened and the eyes of the mass looked at the newcomer before they started to calm down and their bodies relaxed. Turning her head, she saw that it was the man who had against his chest, in a warm embrace, his new daughter. The villager eyes softened a bit upon seeing the scene. Ysmir saw that his eyes were red, and that little tears still fell from his face. He talk, in a shaky voice, to the villagers and of course she didn't understand one bit. She might have found this little speech touching, if she, of course, could understand any of it. But as the language was lost to her, it wasn't the case. Well, now that she had helped them, nothing was stopping her to leave here and now. And that was precisely what she was going to do, if it wasn't for a sudden shout that was addressed to her. Turning around with a sigh, that was hidden by her mask, she saw the new father that had a face that she knew all too well. It was a face that no only held a deep gratitude for what she have done, but it was also a face that was normally seen on zealot, religious zealot. Of someone who had their eye open and discovered faith. And that was exactly why she didn't stick around when she had accomplished something or helped someone. And it was also one of the many reason why she decided to stay inside the academy of Winterhold. Of course it didn't stop her from going out living adventures but mostly kept hidden from the masses.
Knowing what was coming, she help her hand up, stopping him from advancing or talking. Before doing what she had in mind, she made sign to him to cover his daughters fragile ears. Taking a deep breath, she shouted "ODAVHIING!" Yes, her friend and wings had flew off who know where when she was busy helping bringing a child into this world. And he could have help by being a translator… well, seeing a dragon that could burn everyone to a crisp would be a little...intimidating to say the least. And she didn't think that he would like being stuck doing that. Even if he was under her service, he still had his pride.
A roar could be heard in the distance, answering her call. And soon, a form approached by the air. Behind her, she heard people gasped and some shouting in a mix of awe and fear. Then the earth shook as something massive landed in front of her. "Fos los hi praag, Dovakhiin?" (What is you need, Dovakhiin?). When Odavhiing spoke to ask this question, people gasped again, children were huddled against their parents and the villagers took more distance between themselves and Ysmir. Without a word, she approached Odavhiing, making clear of her intention. The dragon lowered his head so that she could mount it. Once seated, Ysmir looked one last time at the crowd that formed while she helped the woman to give birth before he took off, making dust flying around and people shielding their eyes from the wind.
The village and its inhabitants were becoming just little pecks as the distance between herself and them grew. At first, they flew in silence until Odavhiing spoke. "Kolos dreh hi laan wah bo?" (Where do you want to fly?) Thinking for a bit, she felt something inside tiered up. Something awoke. It was subtle enough for her not to worry about it, but still strong enough to have a little influence. Raising her staff, she pointed it on her left. Odavhiing followed the direction and flew there.
She didn't knew why, but she felt as she needed to go in that direction. The sound of the wind rushing past her head was heard, the gentle up and down movement of Odavhiing's head calmed her and helped her think. This sudden urge to go into that direction seemed strange, but something in her head quickly told her that she shouldn't worry about it and just keep going. But then, something occurred to her, she, after being awake for hours, hadn't even been hungry or thirsty. That was something concerning. And if she was right, which she was a lot, that means that her little "snack" hadn't been enough to recover her statue as a living being. But from what she absorbed, her vigor would last for a while, a few days. But then she would need to absorb more vitality.
Well, she would dealt with the problem once it would occur.
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Manor Schnurbart
While the count was resting, his estate was having a medium scale panic attack. The villages close to the manor saw a looming figure approaching and when they saw it was a dragon, they all acted in accordance to the situation: their inhabitants all locked themselves inside their houses, hoping that the threat would just pass and leave them alone. Which it did. They all watch as the flying and fire-breathing lizard flew towards the manor. Seeing as it wouldn't concern them, they went back to their own business. But still threw a look at the manor, just to be sure.
And so that's what woke up Hans, as a commotion was heard even inside his private quarter. Yawning, he was going to call for a servant, or his personal butler to know what was going on but he was beaten to it when the very same person he thought about entered, knocking before entering of course, to let him known of the current situation. "Sir, we have an uninvited guest that landed in the court." This was said with the most utter calm, as if that kind of things were a common occurrence. Sighing as something interrupt his rest, the count made sign to the butler who immediately went to retrieve his coat before helping him to put it on. Taking his wand on the nearby table, the count was ready to greet whoever just entered his manor without any invitation. Walking with confidence steps and being closely followed by his butler, he arrived in the court to be greeted by a spectacle he haven't seen before. In front of him, with shaky legs and a sloppy grip on their halberds were his commoners guards that were facing a dragon that wasn't like the others. It only had two legs and a pair of wings it used to maintain itself. Even if it was the most eye catching, it wasn't the dragon that caught the attention of count Hans. No. It was the figure that was beside the beast's head that caught his eye. And he knew that figure well. It, well she now that he looked more carefully, was wearing dark robes with golden trims, spiky gauntlets and a mask reminiscent of a sort of sea creatures, like a squid of an octopus.
Once again, the voices were right. Before things could escalate, he made sign and call for his guards to lower their weapons. The action seemed to have surprised the robe woman if he could judge from her subtle body language. In response to the guards stopping pointing their ridicule sticks, the figure made sign to what seemed to be her familiar to stop glaring at them. Seeing as everyone was relatively calm, Schnurbart decided that greetings were of order. "I welcome you stranger to my estate. I hope that you haven't been bothered by my guards, they were only doing what they are paid for. Please, come in to talk like the civilized beings were are." This was accompanied with a gesture to invite her to follow him. He turned around, not even looking at her, knowing that she was following him, if the sound of her staff hitting the ground was of any indication. As always, his butler was right behind them before closing the doors that leaded to his master's office, letting the two alone to talk.
Seeing as his 'guest' was standing still, Schnurbart told her to take a seat. "Take a seat." She made no sign of moving. That surprised him a little but he quickly understood that there was a pretty inconvenient wall, language. And that was confirmed by her head leaning o the side as if she didn't understood a word he said. Sighing, he took out his wand and before pointing it at her, he made sure to 'tell' her that no harm will happen to her and it would only mean that they could speak after he used the spell. The masked woman nodded and stood still, letting him use the spell. Wording the necessary incantation, the count's wand glowed for a fraction of second before that light flew and went through his guest. Beside that, nothing seemed to have changed. "Can you understand me now?" He asked her politely and received a nod as an answer. "Good. So, please, take a seat." He showed a nearby chair and she complied, still gripping her staff. Once both of them had a seat, he took a deep breath before finally beginning the discussion that she surely expected.
"Before we start, I must say that it isn't really polite to not reveal one's face when you are invited with a noble such as myself. If you would please." With a little of hesitation, his guest brought her gloved hands to her mask, after putting her staff against a nearby chair and gripped the edges before slowly taking it off. He didn't saw at first her face as she leaned it forward so that she could do it more easily. It was then laid on her lap before leaned her head back, revealing her face. The first thing that shocked him was the pale skin. But then was her features. At the place of those hollow cheeks would have been what he could imagine be round cheeks. A the place of those blue lips would have been pink ones. Her hair were short, unkempt and of a pale gray. However here and there, a few had some red in it, as if it was supposed to be their natural color. But the thing that was truly unsettling were her eyes. Even if they were the most colored features of her face, their green was without life, pale and dull. From the bottom of her left jaw to her right cheekbone were two lines. Most likely old scars she obtained in battle. However they weren't clean straight lines, so it wasn't a blade wound. It must have been something big and sharp enough to leave such scars.
She left an impression of a weary traveler who had seen everything and done everything. And her face, albeit pale and hollow looking, surely held a certain beauty if it was healthy. But now it remained to put a name on that face. "I am count Hans Schnurbart, lord of these lands. And what might be the name of such a refined lady?" Flattery wasn't really necessary but it wouldn't hurt anyone, particularly himself, to try to be in her good grace. His guest didn't say anything and was just looking at him, without blinking. He raised an eyebrow at that. Well he would have to be a little more insistent then. "if you would please present yourself" When he said those words, she seemed to struggle a bit before opening her mouth. "Ysmir" This was said in a whisper that shook the room and even the terrain around the manor. Some books even fell from their shelves and he thought that the chandelier was even going to fall but luckily it didn't. Well they didn't lie to him when they said power they meant it. He smiled at that inside.
Now he had a name, but it wasn't enough. He needed to know more about the now-named Ysmir before he did anything too drastic.
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The gates of the manor
The guards that were employed by the count knew full well that the only reason why they were engaged was for appearances. The count could defend himself and was a powerful mage in his own right. So when that dragon landed inside the court, all of them were thrown in a state of panic rarely seen. Of course they tried to act professionally, key word tried. And then this person just mounted off the beast and their already fear stricken mind suddenly went into downright madness at the sight of the newcomer wrapped into those robes. If it wasn't for sudden appearance of the count, they would have left their post and ran for their live.
After the count invited the intruder inside, all of the guards went back to their posts, after taking a little 'tonic' to recover from their little overdrive of emotion. The two posted at the gates had took more of the 'tonic' than the other and it was seen, as their cheeks were a little red. And that they were throwing at each other jokes of a certain… taste. They didn't really think about the dragon much as the beast just flew away. Then, as one was going to tell his favorite naughty story, the manor and the ground suddenly shook. Thinking that the beast somehow landed again without them noticing, both of them turned around to see nothing. Looking at each other, they shrugged, thinking it was probably just their imagination. So they continued with their little competition of jokes.
Until suddenly the west side of the manor exploded into flames.
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And done. So what did you think about it? Please leave a review to let me know. I do not know when will be next chapter, so until then see you!
Littleswiss.