This chapter is to celebrate my first 2 followers, Josh and Durzonator. Thank you both! This one is for you!
Things start to move towards good stuff at the end. Sorry if it's taking so long to merit the "M" rating, but I do not want to rush the character development and the storytelling.
I hope you enjoy!
"I'm not kidding. It is a restoration spell. I can do it until my Magicka runs out. Then, I have to wait until it replenishes. It's just magic. There are other types of spells also for all kinds of purposes. There is even one that turns iron into silver and silver into gold. It's so fun."
"You'll have to show me that one dear, I would love to see that."
"The only problem is I can only do a small quantity at the time. If you have questions on magic though, I think you should talk to Serana. She is much more knowledgeable in that domain. Something to do with practicing over many millennia."
"She really is that old? I mean, you're not making it up?"
"No, no, no! I don't know her exact age and she never told me, but she really is that old. I don't want to delve into the stereotypes of women not wanting to tell their age, but I think she does not want me to know. Maybe she forgot too, I know I forgot my own birthday once, so I guess that could be an explanation."
"Hey, I've come to think of it, how can you speak English?"
"What is English?"
"The language we are speaking now!? English."
"Oh, we just call it the common language. Yeah, uh, I don't know how we have the same language either. Where I'm from, everyone knows it and communicates with it even if we have other languages. Personally, I also speak Dragon."
"Dragon? As in the thing that spits fire and sleeps on golden treasures?"
"Yeah! You know dragons too! That's awesome! I have a special relationship with dragons. I'll explain it to you one day."
"Okay then, oh one thing I forgot to mention, I'll need to make you pass a complete medical exam tomorrow. To you and Serana, to make sure everything is alright."
"I don't mind, you know, in Skyrim, we just drink a Cure Disease potion from time to time and everything is alright."
"I would still like to run my tests."
"No problem."
The duo was approaching the bar which was right next to the cafeteria. Mercy released the Dragonborn's hand. She did not want the boys to mock her for arriving with someone dressed like he was attending a wedding. And neither did she want to put him in an uncomfortable situation where he would have to explain all night why they had arrived together holding hands like a cute couple.
"Good luck in there Mahjad!"
"Aren't you coming too?"
"Yes, but I'm not the one who's gonna be harassed with questions for the entire evening. I hope you hold alcohol well."
"I hadn't thought about that. Don't worry for me though, I have a strong drinking game. And Serana is sure to attract more attention than me if men are anything like in Skyrim."
"And don't forget about Tracer too," she replied with a laugh.
Mercy was not too worried about him. He seemed like a smooth talker and she was sure he could handle himself. His first instinct also seemed to be to resolve conflicts by peace and not by force which could come in handy when people started to get drunk. Morrison also must have told everyone to keep calm around them. The Dragonborn held the door for Mercy, "Smooth" by Carlos Santana was playing. Tracer was moving along on the stage singing along with a microphone. As soon as the Dragonborn entered, she stopped the music.
"My champion has arrived! A big round of applause please." she said in her traditional cheerful voice.
There were approximately twenty people in the bar, most of them sitting on tables with beer glasses. Half of them clapped slowly at the arrival of the Dragonborn. The ones who were not implicated in the earlier altercation from what the Dragonborn could see from the entrance. Morrison was standing behind the bar.
Tracer continued, "Go get something to drink, you will have the honor of opening the night by singing a song for us."
The crowd seemed amused and some laughs were heard. The Dragonborn was not very scared by the prospect of singing in front of people, he was part of the Bard's college after all. His training would come in handy for the first time. He just hoped they would like his style of music as it sounded nothing like what he just heard. Morrison handed him a pint of blonde beer. The Dragonborn drank in in one huge gulp, then he walked to the stage. He smiled, his little act had made an impression. Tracer handed him the microphone, be he refused it.
"Hello everyone. First of all, I would like to thank you for your hospitality. We had a rough start earlier today, but I am sure we will become friends once we get to know each other. I would like to sing a song from my homeland, Skyrim. I hope you will enjoy. Before I start, I would like to know if you would like Serana to come join me so we can perform a duet."
Cheers erupted from the crowd while Serana started to shake her head to signify she would not comply with the demand. The Dragonborn gestured the crowd to reduce their volume.
"What are you going to sing anyway?" she asked.
"The Age of Aggression."
"I don't even know it you idiot! I was stuck in a cave in the last few thousand years remember?"
"It's true, I forgot about that."
He had not forgotten, he just wanted to pump up the crowd a little bit before starting.
"Hey everyone, did I tell you Serana here is much older than me? Yeah, it might not look like it, but she's more than four thousand years old! And that's not a joke by the way. Also, a little word of advice before I start. Don't flirt with her too much. And if she starts to give you hints to leave her alone, take them. You don't want an angry Serana in front of you. She will kick your ass. In fact, she's going to kick my ass after I get out of the stage… so it was nice knowing you all for almost half a day."
A few laughs were heard in the crowd.
"I will sing you a song which can be heard in Skyrim. A tale that tells the story of our civil war which has now ended. I hope you enjoy it. I just might get a little bit choked up at the end."
We drink to our youth, to days come and gone.
For the age of aggression is just about done.
We'll drive out the Stormcloaks and restore what we own.
With our blood and our steel, we will take back our home.
Down with Ulfric! The killer of kings!
On the day of your death we will drink and we'll sing.
We're the children of Skyrim, and we fight all our lives.
And when Sovngarde beckons, every one of us dies!
But this land is ours and we'll see it wiped clean.
Of the scourge that has sullied our hopes and our dreams!
Down with Ulfric! The killer of kings!
On the day of your death we drank to ease the sting.
As the children of Skyrim had to take out their own.
And for Sovngarde is now Ulfric's new home!
We drink to our youth, to the people that were.
Do not worry, for Skyrim will remember.
It is now time to fly, the Imperial banner
For the age of aggression is finally over.
The Dragonborn was very touched as he sang the last stanza. Killing Ulfric was a bad memory for him. He had agreed to his last request and killed him on his throne inside the Palace of the Kings, but this had been a terrible moment for him. There was no other way, Ulfric would have been ashamed of himself for eternity in Sovngarde if he had been killed by an Imperial general. When he plunged his sword through Ulfric's heart, he murmured in Ulfric's ear, "Talos be with you." He almost seemed relieved as he exhaled his last breath. Rikke also uttered the forbidden words as a tribute to her old friend. Tullius acted as if he did not ear it. After the victory speech, Rikke and the Dragonborn took care of the funeral for Ulfric. They were enemies, but he was a true Son of Skyrim and he had to be honored as a valiant warrior who did what he thought was right for his country. They brought his body to the Talos shrine North of Whiterun so his body could rest under the watchful eyes of the God he revered. The battle for Windhelm was the last campaign of the Dragonborn for the Legion. He had only joined to put an end to this horrible war and he could not bear the thought of killing another Son or Daughter of Skyrim.
As soon as he finished his last sentence, the crowd started clapping their hands, but no one cheered. They were soldiers, they understood what it meant to take a life. Even if they knew nothing about that conflict, they could feel the weight of his actions. It reminded them of the Omnic crisis. A war never cared for the innocents that died. It was always a bloody mess. Mercy could understand his struggle more than the others perhaps. Her pacifist views did clash with the Overwatch organisation and she despised a lot of the decisions taken by its leaders. However, she had to stay to maintain her ability to research new biotic technologies to help heal people and to save her comrades on the battlefield.
At the end of the song, Tracer shyly said, "Wow, that was a touching story love. Does anyone want to sing the next song?"
Serana then proposed herself, "I'll do it," as she headed for the small stage.
She hugged the Dragonborn as he was coming down and heading for the bar.
"Will you be alright?"
"Yeah, it's just so emotional every time I sing it."
Serana then climbed on the stage while the Dragonborn went to sit at the bar where Morrison had prepared a few pints for him. Mercy went to sit with him and asked for a glass of red wine.
"I know it is hard after such a downer song to bring your spirits up, but I will try to do it anyway! The song I will sing to you is about my friend sitting there at the bar drinking ale like he was in Sovngarde. It's the song he should have been singing if he was not too modest to take credit for his incredible actions in Skyrim. Before I start, I just want to say it is a true story."
Serana then casted a bound lute, a few cries of surprise pierced from the crowd. She smiled before playing the first notes.
Alduin's wings, they did darken the sky,
His roar fury's fire, and his scales sharpened scythes.
Men ran and they cowered, and they fought and they died.
They burned and they bled as they issued their cries.
We need saviors to free us from Alduin's rage,
Heroes on the field of this new war to wage.
And if Alduin wins, man is gone from this world,
Lost in the shadow of his black wings unfurled.
But then came that guy sitting right behind you.
And in all of Skyrim everyone knew.
No time anymore for any disarray.
Courageous and strong, he would save the day.
And so, he freed us from Alduin's rage,
With the gift of the Voice, ushered in a new Age!
And if Alduin's eternal, then eternity's done,
For his story is over and the dragons are gone.
Serana beautiful voice was ringing through the bar. A huge round of applause rose from the crowd as she ended the song and let her lute disappear. The song's message resonated profoundly with the members of Overwatch. The Dragons attacking, unstoppable and frightening reminded them of the Omnic crisis and the incredibly strong enemy they had to destroy.
They were all heroes for their respective worlds.
"Well, thank you Serana for this incredible and touching performance," said Tracer as she approached her to give her a hug, "Now we will continue with a favourite of mine to start tonight's contest, in a slightly different style, Are You Gonna Be My Girl!"
The crowd erupted in anticipation as she started the music. Tracer knew how to appeal to the crowd and she had a winner with this song, especially with Serana fitting the description quite accurately.
As Serana made her way back to the bar, she saw the Dragonborn talking with Mercy, not wanting to disturb them, she went to sit alone at a table on the side of the stage. Tracer had warned her about Mercy's seduction abilities, was she flirting with the Dragonborn? Or was Serana overthinking it and they were just getting to know each other?
While she was wandering in her thoughts, a pink haired girl arrived next to her. She was enormous, almost as big as a Frost Troll.
"Do you mind if I sit next to you?"
"No, no problem."
"My name is Aleksandra, but you can call me Zarya like everyone else if you want, or Alex."
"Hi, I'm Serana. What is it with everyone having two different names here?" she asked with a small laugh.
"Oh, it's just a call sign, it's how we refer to ourselves in battle, but it often stays even after we left the battlefield."
"I see, it's different, but I like it."
"If you don't mind me asking, huh… You said it was a true story, huh, did you really fight Dragons like that," as she showed Serana pictures on her phone of traditional Dragon depictions from different cultures.
"Yeah, we did, he did most of the work by himself before I met him though. I would have helped if I had been there though. But since we've been together, we have fought a few of them together."
"Wow, that is great! And what was that thing you played on, it like appeared out of nowhere."
"That was just a bound instrument," she replied while casting another one before giving it to Zarya, "It will last for approximately an hour, then it disappears and I can create another one."
"I love it, this is so cool. Hey why don't you come at my table there, I'm with a few friends, we will have fun you'll see!"
"Yeah, why not."
Serana was glad for the invitation, she did not want to spend her whole night imagining scenarios involving what was going on between Mercy and the Dragonborn. And that Zarya girl did seem nice. They both got up and Zarya told Serana which table to go to, while she would go at the bar to get a few things to drink.
Meanwhile, between Mercy and the Dragonborn.
After listening to Serana's song, Mercy had some questions for the Dragonborn and she wanted to be able to talk quietly with him. She was intrigued by him and they could not have a discussion with the music blaring here.
"Would you accompany me outside? I would like to speak with you," she whispered in his ear.
"Yes of course, I would love that."
Mercy grabbed her glass of wine before stepping down the bar stool. The Dragonborn followed her and heard Morrison talk to him before leaving.
"You better not hurt her okay."
"I think she can take care of herself from what I've seen," he replied before following the Swiss doctor outside.
Mercy brought him to the balcony. It was a comfortable night outside, a little cold for Mercy maybe. The moon was almost full, which meant very few stars were visible. Mercy sat down on a leather sofa and drop her high heels on the ground before bringing her legs on the sofa. After staring at the moon for a few seconds, the Dragonborn sat next to her.
"It is not Skyrim's sky," he said with a sad voice, realising he was somewhere entirely foreign to him. It was the ultimate confirmation.
"How is the sky in Skyrim?"
"It is beautiful, we have two moons, the smallest one Secunda, revolves and the larger one Masser, revolves around the planet. Secunda looks a lot like your moon, while Masser is more red and way bigger. And there are auroras and millions of stars in the sky. It is a magnificent show I watch every time I can."
"That seems gorgeous, we also have auroras, but only in the North, not in this region."
"What did you want to talk about?"
"The songs Serana and you sang. I have a few questions I would like to ask you if you don't mind."
"I guess there are things you need to know," he sighed, "I don't want to… huh… Just ask I'm ready."
"Are you sure that you're okay? You don't need to answer if you don't want. We'll do something, if you feel uncomfortable, you just don't answer me okay."
"I'll be alright."
"Promise you won't answer a question you are not comfortable with!"
"I promise."
"Okay," she was unsure about asking her question, "You did kill Ulfric right?"
The Dragonborn felt a rush of emotions through his body. He had never talked about it with anyone, not even Serana.
"Yes I did," he sighed heavily and looked at the floor. He could not withstand Mercy's gaze as tears formed in his eyes.
Mercy then shifted her weight to reach him and comfort him. She hugged him tightly.
"I… I had to, I had to put an end to the war… It… It… There was no other way."
"It's alright, everything is fine now, I'm not judging you, I just needed to know. I shouldn't have asked. I'm sorry."
The Dragonborn was crying in Mercy's arms. He needed to get it out of his chest.
"I had to. He asked me to kill him. If I hadn't killed him, he would have lost to an Imperial, to an invader. He would have lived his entire afterlife in shame."
"Shhhhhh, it's alright okay, you did the right thing, don't worry."
"No, I haven't. I killed good Nords, true Sons of Skyrim. It wasn't just Ulfric. I killed countless other people in my quest to put an end to the war. How can I face them in Sovngarde when I die? How can I live with myself after murdering my own kind?"
Mercy was overwhelmed by the revelations. She could not fathom the horror of a civil war. Killing mindless waves of rebelling Omnics was one thing, but fighting against your own people must have been horrible. She was surprised by the contrast between his stoic performance on stage and his current loss of composure.
"Listen to me okay, we lived through a similar type of war here on Earth recently okay. And we had to destroy many Omnics to prevent our own extinction. And now we all live together. There are tensions and it is not everyone that accepts each other. But the ones that do on both sides are happy to pardon and forget the bad things that happened in the past to focus on the good we can make and the cooperation we can create. Most people just want to create a good future together you know; I am sure it is the same in Skyrim for you."
"I hope so, because for now, I still feel horrible."
The Dragonborn had stopped crying. He had a thought for his fellow Nords. How long would he be gone from Skyrim? Would a new threat arise while he was on Earth? He was thorn between the joy of discovering this amazing new world and his love for his own people. He had to hope for the best. He clearly needed to be here if Meridia had sent him here. She was a Daedra, but he trusted her. She had never lead him astray before.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, it was nice to talk about it. Not even Serana knows about this so could you keep it a secret please?"
"Of course I can dear!"
She released her hug and brought her soft hand to his jaw. She guided his head towards her.
"I am certain you are a good person."
What was she doing? He had just revealed one of his deepest secrets to her, and she was charming him. That was so unethical. She had trouble resisting the urge to rush to his mouth and kiss his lips. He twitched when she moved her hand slowly down his neck. She shivered partly due to the temperature, partly due to the intimate nature of what she was doing. Seeing she had shivered, the Dragonborn leaned and reached around her to give her more warmth, closing the gap between their mouths. Mercy then reached for his neck with her hand to guide his mouth to hers and softly grabbed the back of his head through his hair as they started to kiss.
The feeling was amazing. Mercy felt warm tingles all over her face. It had been so long since her last kiss. This was crazy, it could never work, but the moment was too intense, too good. The Dragonborn was not complaining. He thought Mercy was beautiful. She was possibly the prettiest woman he had ever seen. She had perfume on her neck, a sweet floral smell. It made her irresistible. This was a mistake however. As he backed out a little to breathe, Mercy guided his hand to her breast.
"Hold me tight," she whispered.
The Dragonborn's other hand slowly went down Mercy' back to reach her right hip and bring her closer. Mercy smiled and continued the kiss. She shifted her position to stand on her knees over the Dragonborn's lap, but her pencil skirt was too tight. She rolled it up to free her legs and grabbed the Dragonborn's head to keep it against her.
"This is so wrong, we shouldn't…"
Mercy broke the kiss and looked to her right in shame.
"Shhh, it's perfect,"
The Dragonborn reached for her head and they resumed the kiss.
Tracer then saw a black shape through the window.
Finally, I've been searching everywhere for him. I hope he is with Mercy, it's her turn to sing.
"I searched everywhere, it's your turn to sing…"
She recalled back as soon as she realised what was going on in front of her eyes, but it was too late. They had been caught.
"Shit, shit, shit," she thought, "I fucked up big time."
Mercy immediately broke the kiss as tears appeared in her eyes and set out after Tracer, dropping the black vest on the ground. The Dragonborn picked it up as well as her shoes and followed right after.
"LEINA! STOP RIGHT NOW!"
Tracer stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned around. Mercy did not seem angry, she was crying.
"Oh no," she thought.
She then blinked to reach her friend and comfort her. She took her in her arms and Mercy dropped her head on her shoulder.
"You can't tell anyone okay. Promise me!"
"Don't worry love, I promise. It's alright."
She lifted her gaze to see the Dragonborn approaching. He was apologetic, wondering if he had done something wrong to cause such an emotional response. Tracer gave him a thumbs up to reassure him.
"I will leave you two together. Don't worry love, I won't tell anyone. Do you still want to sing or I tell people you prefer not to come?"
"No, no. I'm coming."
"Alright, still, take a few minutes together to talk it out. You have time okay! I'll sing another one to give you time. I'm so sorry for what happened love!"
Tracer then stood on the tip of her toes to kiss Mercy's forehead.
"Everything is alright okay. Oh! I'm so happy for you!"
She then blinked away to return to the bar. Mercy turned to face the Dragonborn. He was still unsure of the course of actions he should take.
"Huh, are you alright? If I did anything to offend you, I'm sorry I just…"
"Shhh!"
Mercy interrupted him and cupped herself in his arms. The Dragonborn was in an awkward position as he still had the vest and her shoes in his right arm, but her hugged her back.
"I'm sorry for my reaction. It's just that I didn't want Leina to find me like that. And I just, you, you come from another world and we've met a few hours ago. I just… I don't know. I felt overwhelmed by… We shouldn't have been doing that. It's not right. I…"
"Calm down okay, calm down. Everything is alright. If this is not want you want, I respect you. I won't tell. I just want you to know it was amazing. I never felt anything like that."
"It felt amazing for me too, but, but what about Serana, and everyone, what are they going to think?
"What about them, I don't care what they think about. And Serana, she is my friend and my travel companion. We are not a couple, and there has never been a romance between us."
"You should have seen her when Leina asked if you were a couple. She was puzzled and she completely phased out. It's… It's like I'm stealing you from her."
"That doesn't mean anything, she was probably just thinking about our adventures together."
The Dragonborn was shocked by this revelation, but he did not let it transpire. He did not think Serana could be puzzled by such a question. He would have to talk with her.
"I still feel horrible."
Mercy was starting to cry again.
"Don't worry okay, I will talk to her to clarify this if you want okay. But I'm sure it was nothing."
"You have to! I…"
The Dragonborn lifted her head to kiss her again. She returned the kiss, but stopped after a few seconds.
"I can't. Not now, I have to know how she feels about you."
Mercy was torn between her heart feeling warm and happy with the Dragonborn and her conscience yelling at her to stop thinking about him and run away. She fixed her skirt and put on her shoes before reaching for the Dragonborn's head to kiss him again. He returned the kiss and grabbed her hips to bring her closer to him.
"Oh God!" she thought. The calm and rational Mercy was very far away tonight.
"Let's go before someone figures out something's up. Has my makeup run all over my face?"
"No, you are beautiful, a little bit red, but it just adds to your charm."
"Praise the waterproof makeup!" she thought.
He took her by the hand as they started to walk towards their destination. He was smiling. She was too, even if she knew she should not be.
I'm aiming to finish the karaoke night and start with some action sequences in the next chapter.
And maybe some WidowTracer too.