Roman culture is different in comparison to ours. They kiss everyone for almost every reason. Sealing a business deal, celebrating birthdays, etc. Anyways, enjoy!
Elenwen woke up in a strange place. The last she remembered was two Imperial soldiers kicking her. They had lost the battle for Fort Silorn. The fort was built near the ancient Ayleid ruin of Silorn. She lied on a cot, and when she looked around, she saw that she was in a tent. Judging the colors, it was an Imperial tent, and a big one. There was a small study, the desk was filled with documents and letters and next to a pot of ink was a laurel wreath. The laurel wreath felt familiar, like she had seen it before. There lied a few pieces of armor in the tent, that seemed strangely enough familiar. On a weapon rack was a sword, and the Sanguine rose stored. Wait, the Sanguine rose? A Daedric Artifact? Strange.
A man entered, looking familiar, but she didn't knew his name. He had keen, black eyes, and was quite tall for an Imperial. The stranger was slightly balding, his hair carefully combed forward in an attempt to hide it. His face was on the full side, and he was cleanly shaved, unlike those Nords. Elenwen guessed that he was begin fifties. He looked like General Tullius, but Tullius wasn't that tall, and the stranger's hair was graying, but not that gray as Tullius.
Julius entered, and found Elenwen awake. He smiled broadly and greeted her in Altmeris. His voice sounded still a bit hoarse from yelling the whole day orders. She looked quite surprised that he spoke Altmeris. He came sitting next to her, and apologized: "I have to apologize for the behavior of my soldiers, but be sure that they will be punished. I didn't knew you were stationed here. I thought you were somewhere else."
Altmeris? He spoke it so fluently, without hesitating or searching for the right words that Elenwen wondered if he was raised by Altmer. No, that wasn't possible. She remembered vaguely that he once said that he wasn't from here, but when did he say that? The man was one of the few Imperials – The others were Quintus Hortensius Flaccus, the popular advocate in the Imperial city, and that Cicero guy that had messed up their plans with Hammerfell that spoke Altmeris. But was he actually an Imperial? She shivered slightly, not being used to the cold nights in Cyrodiil. The climate in Alinor was much better. In Skyrim, she avoided going outside entirely, but this was a tent. The man noticed that she had it cold and stood up.
Julius stood up, grabbing his purple cloak from a chair and handed it over. She wrapped the cloak around her body, having it already a bit warmer. Julius was immune to the cold, after years of campaigns in Gallia. He had the endurance of a Nord. He smiled again and asked: "How are you feeling? I hope Sabinus did his job good."
"Yes, I'm feeling alright. The mage did his job good", Elenwen replied. She met his confident gaze. Instead of looking away like every human was supposed to do, he kept staring.
"I could watch you the whole day if I had the time. You're so beautiful. I really have you missed", Julius said, before kissing her gently.
By the Eight! A human tried to kiss her. Such impertinence! Before almost pushing him away, Elenwen realized that he had kissed her more than one time, but her mind was foggy, like one had cast an amnesia spell. After a few seconds, memories returned suddenly, like waves crashing on the shores.
"Julius", she whispered.
"You can say Gaius if you want," Julius mentioned, "My first name is for close friends and those who I love." He pressed his lips hungrily against hers. Julius wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. With his other hand, he played a bit with her hair.
"I love you," Elenwen said, "But what are we going to do now?"
He grinned mischievously and replied: "Make up for lost time." The next day, he woke her up with a kiss and said: "You have to wake up. We need to depart."
"Depart? To where?" Elenwen asked with a frown. "To the Imperial city. You can't stay here", Julius replied.
When she was ready too, they walked outside and Julius informed Lucius: "Lucius, I'm going to the Imperial City. Send a messenger to Arenthia and inform the Bosmer that I want to talk. I hope to be back tomorrow." "The Imperial City?" Lucius echoed, "That is impossible!"
"Ever heard of Caesar speed? It is a saying in Rome."
Julius mounted his horse, and said to Elenwen: "I believe your horse is there. All the horses we found are there." She nodded and mounted hers. They drove nearly a hundred miles, exhausting their horses. In the evening, they arrived. Julius led her to his house at the Septim Plaza District. He entered, and said: "Make yourself at home. If there is a problem, ask Cicero, he lives just over there." She nodded and Julius went to Cicero's house. The orator opened the door and greeted Julius surprised.
"Gaius, what are you doing here? I taught you were away with the 14th."
"I was indeed away, Marcus, but I have to ask you a favor. I've got someone special, what you know, and she is currently in my house, but I have to go back to the camp. Would you want to keep an eye on her. Just so I know she is safe."
"Sure. May I ask how old she is? Twenty?"
"Heh, Twohundred and fourty-five or fourty-six. I don't know her birthday."
"Well, that is exceptional. Do you think I'll like her or is it someone like Cleopatra?"
"I hope you'll like her."
"That doesn't sound good."
They laughed and went to Julius' house, where he presented Cicero to Elenwen.
"I've seen you already before," Cicero said, "You were on the Katariah! Aren't you a Thalmor Justiciar?"
"Hmm... Yes, I do remember you," Elenwen replied, "And yes, I was a Thalmor Justiciar."
Julius asked: "Before I depart, anything you can tell me about the Bosmer's culture. I have soon a meeting with them." "No, I'm sorry," Cicero replied, "I am currently studying the Khajiiti culture and I have soon a trial. I've been asked to defend a man who is accused of murder."
Julius nodded, but Elenwen sniffed: "Bosmer are naive and unruly fellows. Many in the forests follow the Green Pact. The rules are simple but shocking: Do not harm the forests of Valenwood. Do not eat anything made from plant life. Eat only meat. When enemies are conquered, their meat must be eaten, not left to rot. Do not kill wastefully. Do not take on the shape of beasts. Many follow only partially the Green Pact. Most don't eat anymore their enemies."
Julius nodded interested and said: "Hmm... Do not harm the forest. Interesting. Wood and fire don't go well together."
He kissed both of them goodbye and left to the camp near Fort Silorn. Hours later, he arrived tired. Lucius greeted him warmly and said: "The Silvenar wants to speak you tomorrow at the border with Cyrodiil and Valenwood."
Julius nodded and went to sleep. The next day, he summoned his soldiers and said: "Comrades, when we Romans, negotiate with another faction, we make our entrance impressive. Every General does it. I want my Centurions and Cavalry surrounding me on horseback, and the rest of the Legion following me. Clean your equipment and place your crests on your helmet."
The soldiers nodded and began to clean their stuff and equipment. Then, they packed up and demolished the camp before departing. The prisoners, among them Corelas, followed them, having their hands handcuffed with ropes and being guarded by soldiers.
The Bosmer had survived at the battle for Fort Silorn, having tried to snipe the Imperials from the fort. Julius was in a clement mood and had let them return to Valenwood. They met the Silvenar near the border, being accompanied by the Green Lady and a few Bosmeri soldiers.
He jumped off his horse, greeting the Silvenar with a kiss. Julius began the opening demand: "I want free access through all of Valenwood and the military support of the Bosmer. It is the only way we can defeat the Thalmor."
"Give me one reason why I should agree." the Silvenar replied.
"Because your position in the Dominion is not equal to the Thalmor's position. They consider themselves higher. I've been invited to a few parties in Skyrim, at the Thalmor embassy, and all the servants were Bosmer. Besides, you get in return the protection of a stronger Empire. My soldiers defeated an army of the Dominion at Fort Silorn. I let your fellow Bosmer alive and sent them together with my messenger to you, as you know. Also, being sided with the Empire makes sure we won't attack you in the future. It is a mutually beneficial agreement. The most important persons in Valenwood get automatically the membership of the Elder Council. I wonder if you have to say something in the Dominion's politics."
The Silvenar nodded and asked: "What if I refuse?"
"Then I fear I have to order my soldiers to attack Valenwood," Julius replied coldly, "Perhaps a bit of the forests could be burned, because we use fire, but I hope that doesn't matter."
The Green Lady gasped shocked and the Silvenar said: "It does matter. The Great Forest is sacred. I know we are treated unfair by the Thalmor and that won't change. The Empire has been good to us in the past, saving the Great Forest, by sacrificing Martin Septim. We will grant you free access through Valenwood. However, you have to promise that you won't damage the forests. Any Bosmer who is willing to join the Legion may join it, but we won't force them to do so. I will give you later a map with any Thalmor outposts here."
Julius kissed the Silvenar and the Green Lady. He scratched his head and searched his mind for a possible plan. He finally said: "We're going to Falinesti. The fleet can't attack the city or this alliance is over."
His subordinates nodded and they marched a few miles, before setting up camp near Arenthia. Julius bought there a few local artifacts. They replenished their supplies and marched the next days to Falinesti. When they were almost in Falinesti, only one day marching, they set up camp and Julius looked at the map that the Silvenar gave him. There were camps near Silvenar, Woodhearth, Greenheart, Southpoint and Haven. When he finished thinking about possible routes, he wrote letters to Elenwen and Cicero.
"Gaius greets Elenwen. Currently, I am near Falinesti. This typical Bosmer work of art I bought in Arenthia, a few days ago. I hope you like it. How is it in Cyrodiil? The Bosmer are joining the Empire, but there are still a few Thalmor forts out there. I'll try to send a letter whenever I can. I like to think that you miss me and find relief sort of consolation. I hope we see each other soon."
"Gaius greets Marcus. I bought this piece of Bosmer art in Arenthia, a few days ago. I taught it was something for you. Don't forget to inform me of anything special that happens in Cyrodiil and send me a copy of the speech that you have written for that person who is accused of murder. How is it with Elenwen? Do you like her?"
Julius sealed the letters and sent them to the Imperial city, together with a report for Emperor Titus Mede II. The runner would arrive over two days there, switching horses in Arenthia and Skingrad.
The next day, they arrived in Falinesti and prevented the fleet from attacking the city. Julius ordered the fleet: "There are a few Thalmor camps out there, so I want you to stay here in Falinesti, until I order you to go to Southpoint or Haven. Good?" The sailors nodded and moored their ships in Falinesti's harbor. Julius stayed two days in the city, replenishing his supplies and allowing the soldiers to rest a bit.
Elenwen was talking with Cicero when a courier knocked on the door. She opened the door and the courier handed them two packages over, one for Cicero and one for herself. She quite liked conversing with the orator. He was smart and made often funny remarks. They often conversed the whole evening. Elenwen opened interested the package and found a Bosmer mask and a letter. When she opened the letter, she read a sweet letter from Julius. Cicero was reading his letter too and asked her when the courier was gone: "How did you meet each other?"
"Well, he was an Imperial Tribune in the Legion, and I invited him to a party in the Thalmor embassy, curious to met him."
Cicero seemed still curious and asked: "Who did seduce the other?"
She stifled a chuckle and replied: "He, of course. I was a Thalmor Justiciar."
Cicero nodded interested and asked a last question: "Do you want to marry him?"
She was for a few moments silent, until she replied: "I hope I can be a long time together with Gaius. Marriage is not necessary, but I would say yes if he did a proposal."
"Okay," Cicero concluded, "You want to marry him, but what is a proposal?"
Elenwen blushed and Cicero continued with a triumphant smile on his face: "Don't try to deceive uncle Cicero, because that isn't going to work."
She finally replied: "Erm... A proposal is where you kneel, show a ring and ask the other to marry you."
"Marcus greets Gaius. Thank you for the present. Nothing special happens here in Cyrodiil. The prices of grain and wheat are increased, but that is normal, there is war going on. I won the case, convincing the judges that the man was innocent. It was a bit like one of my first cases, pro Roscio Amerio. I believe that my client is innocent and that he was tricked into it by others. Being an advocate here is different as in Rome. The cliens – patronus system doesn't exist here, but they actually pay you here. I earned a nice sum of money with defending the man. His name was Razelan, if I'm right. A drunkard though. Every time we met, you could smell the stench of beer or wine. He says he is a high ranking officer in the East Empire Company, but I doubt it. In annex the speech and a copy of my latest book, de Legibus. I started to write it when you crossed the Rubicon, but I wasn't finished when you brought me to Rome. I began writing a new version while you were training your legion. Elenwen is much nicer and smarter than Cleopatra. She acts still a bit haughtily against others, but that is the nature of a Thalmor Justiciar after all. Elenwen confessed that she wouldn't say no against a proposal. It's something where you kneel, offer a ring and ask if the other wants to marry you."
He sealed the letter and trusted it to one of the couriers.
After two days, Julius and his men departed to the fort near Silvenar. They crushed the Thalmor army again, losing a few, but not many men. After replenishing supplies, they continued to Woodhearth, avoiding Elden Root. Elden Root was a sacred place for the Bosmer, and Julius wanted to avoid damaging the place. Besides, the Silvenar had promised them to contact the Valenwood Aldmeri Dominion resistance, and remove the Thalmor presence there. After a few days of marching, they arrived in Woodhearth, again replenishing supplies and began with the siege of the Woodhearth Thalmor camp.
The classic preparation was made, digging a ditch around the Thalmor camp and building walls. Luckily for Julius, there was a port nearby so they could use imported wood for the walls. There were more Thalmor in the Woodhearth camp, and Julius knew it would be this time much harder. He hoped the Thalmor would still underestimate his legion. The artillery was prepared, and now Julius knew Elenwen was safe, he ordered the following: "Get every ballista and scorpio ready! I want that this camp is ash at the end of the siege! Build the siege towers! Cavalry, protect the legionnaires and the engineers! Archers, kill every Thalmor that leaves the fort! Undermine the walls of the forts." The soldiers carried Julius' orders out, knowing what they had to do.
"Lucius," Julius said, "These are the orders for the guards: Let deserters in. I need information. Give them some wine and food, but not too much. I don't want to attack right now, patience will be the key. We have supplies from Woodhearth, and they don't."
Lucius nodded and the next days, the siege continued patiently. Every day, the Thalmor's supplies decreased more and more.
The next week, the siege continued, the mages trying to destroy the walls or healing the wounded. The cavalry protected the soldiers and the mages, while the engineers were continuously firing projectiles to the fort, arrows, stones, everything that could do some damage.
Julius opened a few letters. One was from the Emperor, in Elsweyr was everything going okay, but not great. The Legion under command of Decanius had already conquered Riverhold, Dune, Orcrest and Rimmen. General Sergius, who had attacked Elsweyr from Leyawiin had some problems with conquering the other part, but there were more Thalmor in that part. They had lost men, but they had already conquered a part of the land and were besieging Corinthe now.
Another one was from Cicero. It seemed that he had sent a book or something with it. Julius opened curiously the letter, reading interested what Cicero wrote. The new book was about the laws. Cicero had begun with writing the book when Julius had crossed the Rubicon. He recalled the day in January, missing Rome a bit.
10 January, 49 B.C. Italy, the Rubicon:
Caesar paced forth and back. This was it. Would he start a Civil War? Would he cross the Rubicon? He discussed his actions one last with his friends before he took a decision. Caesar turned to those who were standing behind him, waiting for orders and exclaimed: "We can still retreat, but when we pass this little bridge, we have to solve the whole issue with the sword."
A man was somewhere playing on a flute. Apparently, some shepherds were listening to the man, and the soldiers approached the man too. Julius watched the whole occurrence interested. The man stopped playing and snatched one of the trumpeters' horns. The flute player sounded the horn, the sign for advancing, and crossed the river himself. Julius did now know what he had to do.
"Let us go where the omens of the gods and the crimes of our enemies summon us!" Caesar yelled, "ALEA IACTA EST!"
4th Era 202, Valenwood, camp of the 14th Legion, tent of Gaius Julius Caesar:
Lucius entered Caesar's tent, finding his commander plunged in taught. He cleared his throat, and Julius looked up. "I'm sorry if I have disturbed you, sir, but we have new information" Lucius said.
Julius put his papers away, not reading the last part of Cicero's letter and listened to Lucius' information. He then ordered the engineers to move the ballistae and scorpiones a bit, before sending Lucius away and continuing to read Cicero's letter. His eyes widened slightly before he began to laugh loudly. Julius took a bottle of wine and sipped from it. The faster this war was over, the better. He longed to see Elenwen again and kiss her everywhere. He continued to daydream a bit, until Olaf entered: "Good day, sir. They're out of supplies. They can't escape, neither can they harm us, but they don't want to surrender." Julius nodded and replied: "Good. I estimate that it will take only four or five days before they die of hunger or try to escape. Be on your guard."
Five days later, the Thalmor indeed tried to escape. The cavalry forced them to openly attack the walls and Julius marched outside with his men, ready for the battle. He stood next to Nils, impressing the Nord with his courage: "Sir, aren't you going to overlook the battle from a safer point? It's about to begin." "No," Julius replied, "I'm going to fight with you."
"Don't you fear death?" Nils asked worried.
"I love the name of honor more than I fear death," Julius said, "I fight with my men, I bleed with my men. My men in Rome, they were the bravest warriors of the whole world. In the battle for Massila, one of my soldiers, Acilius had his right hand struck of with a sword, only having a buckler in his left hand. He struck the enemies with it and made himself master of the vessel.
"Another one, Cassius Scaeva had one of his eyes shot out with an arrow, his shoulder and thigh pierced by javelins and 120 arrows on his shield. He called the enemy over, like he would surrender himself. Two of them approached and then, he cut the shoulder of the one off and forced the other by a blow in the face to retreat. Then his friends aided him with escaping.
"Another time, in Brittania, an officer had accidentally got into a morass full of water and was assaulted by the barbarians there. A common soldier threw himself in the midst of them and drove the enemy off. I and my officers saw it and admired his valor, and when we came to meet him with acclamation and joy, he threw himself down in tears at my feet, and begged his pardon because he had lost his shield. I promoted him to Centurion."
Nils smiled and they began fighting, charging forward.
"For the Empire! For the Emperor! For Caesar!" the soldiers yelled while charging forward.
They marched to Greenheart, where they defeated the Thalmor army in a few days. Julius sent a few messengers to Falinesti, that the fleet had to go to Southpoint, to assist them in the battle for Southpoint. The Thalmor had taken that city and Haven. It was important that they had access to Elsweyr.
Twenty days later, Julius stood victorious in Haven. They had crushed the Thalmor in Valenwood. A report was sent to Emperor Titus Mede II that all of Valenwood was pacified.
After four days, a runner returned with a message from Titus II. There was a problem. General Sergius was dead, together with his men at the battle for Corinthe. Luckily enough, there was still Tullius' legion, the fleet from Skyrim and Hammerfell, Decanius' legion, and another legion guarding the borders with Morrowind and Black Marsh. In Hammerfell was another legion, tasked with keeping the Thalmor away from Hammerfell.
Tullius would leave Skyrim with the 4th and keep an eye on Valenwood while Julius had to clean the mess in Elsweyr up. Another legion in High Rock would then take command over Skyrim and High Rock. It would at least take a week before Tullius would arrive in Haven, so Julius returned to Arenthia, leaving his legion in Haven, making contact with the Emperor easier. He arrived three days later, eager for news.
Tullius received a letter from Emperor Titus Mede II. His task was to collect his men, depart to Valenwood and try to prevent the Thalmor from invading the place. He smiled. Finally away from Skyrim. He had grown to respect the Nords, but the cold was still horrible. He turned to Rikke and said: "We're going to Valenwood. General Sergius is dead. General Hortalus, who is stationed in High Rock will take over command here and General Caesar will attack Elsweyr via Valenwood."